Top 10 tips to save your vacation

To help you get the most out of your next trip, take these travel tested tips. Continue reading…
I run this joint. Don’t know where to start? Let me show you around:

To help you get the most out of your next trip, take these travel tested tips. Continue reading…

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Here’s what’s left on my domestic bucket list: Maine, Vermont, Minnesota, Kentucky, Arkansas, Rhode Island, North Dakota, Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, Iowa, Delaware. Land that I love—can’t wait to claim all 50.
SEE ALSO: I’ve visited these 54 countries so far

More specifically, ChatGPT (and less useful AI apps) can scan all 50 billion web pages and answer our detailed, specific, labor-intensive requests and questions in seconds—as opposed to just links.
Granted, we’re not Post-Google in the way we’re Post-MySpace or Post-BlackBerry. But we are clearly past Peak-Google as the default digital brain. And in tech, that’s often how real change begins.
What an exciting, unpredictable, and wonderful world we live in!
From Wikipedia: “Cherry-picking is often used in science denial such as climate change denial. For example, by deliberately cherry picking appropriate time periods, here 1998–2012, an artificial “pause” can be created, even when there is an ongoing warming trend.[1] The same problem could occur with the zoomed-out portion of the graph; if the data from before 1880 went in an unpredicted direction, that would cause another (unintentional) cherry picking fallacy. Furthermore, the temperature average was taken from 1951 to 1980, a relatively short span of time, so perhaps the true average temperature could be far different.”

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Uruguay—a country with fewer than 3.5 million people. Smaller than San Diego. Yet it’s a colossal winner in World Cup soccer. How does that happen? How does something so small produce such big results?
Here are five game-changing factors that turn this “tiny” South American nation into a global soccer titan. Continue reading…

I don’t like marshmallows. I don’t care for crispy rice cereal. Both are baby foods. Put either in front of me, and I’ll politely decline. But mix the two together—along with a dab of fat, a touch of salt, and a little stovetop wizardry—and suddenly I’m 8 years old again, cradling one of the most texturally fun and glorious desserts ever invented. Homemade or store-bought (shiny blue wrappers, anyone?), Rice Krispie Treats are pure joy. They snap, they crackle, they pop in a delightfully chewy, pull-apart way. No other dessert resists your teeth while simultaneously giving in with such sweet, gooey drama. And that’s the magic: Rice Krispies are a texture thing. Light crunch on the outside. Soft marshmallow in the middle. So much fun to chew. I’ve been eating these bad boys since the ’80s, and I plan on doing so well into my ’80s—for as long as my teeth will allow. You don’t need flour, eggs, or a degree in baking. Just melt, mix, press, and try not to eat half the pan before it cools. This is childhood distilled into three inch squares. A humble, four-ingredient miracle. Forget crème brûlée or fancy soufflés. If dessert was a sport, Rice Krispie Treats are my MVP. ★★★★★

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Despite their grime, I love American gas stations. A popular gathering place, they are an everyday window into the soul of a country that has an estimated 5-10 times the number of road miles per capita than any other nation. Here are five surprising facts about these real-world internet portals. Continue reading…

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As written by Brad Bird for Ratatouille, the best Pixar movie ever
“In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little, yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so.
But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends.
Last night, I experienced something new: an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core.
In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau’s famous motto, ‘Anyone can cook.’ But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist; but a great artist can come from anywhere.
It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now cooking at Gusteau’s, who is, in this critic’s opinion, nothing less than the finest chef in France.
I will be returning to Gusteau’s soon, hungry for more.”

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Money worries are a universal experience. But they don’t have to ruin your life. The following six strategies aren’t just theory—they’re backed by experience, research, and common sense. Use them to take back control and give your brain the peace it needs. Continue reading…

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Anyone who says “false” are ignorant, insecure, and intolerant extremists. For a healthier and more compassionate republic, will you please join me in this belief?
P.S.—Independents who knowingly “threw away their vote” by casting ballots for neither love democracy too. I beg you: let people vote how they choose without vilifying them.
SEE ALSO: Why is every four years “the most important election ever”?

Machines are getting scary good at sounding human.
Thanks to AI computers like ChatGPT, algorithms can now spit out convincing essays, clever headlines, decent jokes, and even empathetic replies. And while it’s easy to marvel at the progress—because let’s be honest, it’s impressive—many of us are left asking a bigger question: How can we still tell what’s written by a real person and what’s not?
The answer, thankfully, is still pretty clear—if you know where to look. Because while AI is quick, articulate, and increasingly stylish, it often lacks the thing that makes human communication so… well, human. That hard-to-pin-down blend of emotion, experience, imperfection, and intuition. AI is excellent at imitation.
But being human? That’s still our domain. Here’s how to spot the difference. Continue reading…

These are the biggest “Aha!” moments in human history—breakthroughs that completely changed how we live, think, and understand our place in the universe.

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I’m amazed by the number of times I’ve awoken from a good night’s sleep with a clear answer to a specific problem—no conscious thinking required. That could be the opening sentence to a writing assignment I didn’t know how to start, the best way to overcome a disagreement with a coworker, or how to approach a crucial conversation with a family member.
It might not make sense on paper. But then again, neither do dreams, gravity, or the first time someone put peanut butter and chocolate together. And yet, they work—beautifully.
The truth is, our subconscious mind can do a lot of heavy lifting (if not all of it) when it comes to solving problems. Some of the greatest thinkers of all time—Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, David Ogilvy—were loud champions of stepping away, slowing down, and letting the back of their brain chew on things. Not by grinding harder. But by sleeping longer, walking slower, birdwatching, vacationing, or just staring into the ether until the fog lifted.
So how does that actually work? And more importantly, how can you bottle a little of that magic for yourself? Continue reading…

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As backed by the latest science, research, and my own personal experience.
1. Be grateful everyday. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s already good in your life. This re-trains the brain to see abundance. To do this, write down 3–5 things you’re grateful for every day. Be specific (“I’m grateful for my friend Sarah calling me today” instead of “I’m grateful for friends”).
2. Surround yourself with abundant thinkers. Mindsets are contagious. Being around people who think big and generously will naturally expand your worldview. So seek out mentors, peer groups, or communities that focus on hope, generosity, and growth instead of fear and competition.
3. Reframe limiting beliefs. Scarcity thinking is often rooted in subconscious beliefs like “There’s never enough” or “Success for others means less for me.” Instead, reframe any scarce thoughts like such as “I’ll never have enough clients” into positive ones like, “There are more than enough clients looking for what I offer.”
4. Give time, value, and compliments freely. Giving reinforces the belief that there’s plenty to go around. It’s a practical way to “prove” abundance to your subconscious. So offer your help, share knowledge, and give honest appreciation—without expecting immediate returns.
5. Visualize abundant winning. World-class athletes regularly do this, since visualization helps rewire neural pathways for optimism and opportunity. When comfronted with a challenge, spend 5–10 minutes visualizing your goals as already achieved. Imagine the feelings, details, and outcomes. See yourself overcoming your obstacles and incredibly the brain will follow.

Welcome back, hungry humans! This is Part 2 of my definitive Provo eats list. After dozens of meals, untold calories, and a lot of enthusiastic fork-dropping, here are 14 more unforgettable bites from a city that keeps outdoing itself. Let’s dig in. Continue reading…

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Rich people treat money differently than the average American — not necessarily because they have fatter bank accounts, but because of their mindset, habits, and access to resources. Let us count the ways:

Lindsey and I are celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary this weekend. Outside of a bumpy first year, it’s been an amazing ride. Love you, Bella.

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Happiness often has less to do with external circumstances and more to do with internal habits and choices. Here are 10 things consistently happy people tend to do differently than the rest of America:

Feeling bruised, battered, or beat down? That’s your brain and body waving a white flag. Chances are you’ve been pushing too hard for too long. Getting your groove back isn’t about cranking up the hustle—it’s about igniting your spark again in a way that actually lasts. Here’s what works, according to research and common sense: Continue reading…

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Hint: You have to do what the average person won’t.
Most people want to be “above average.” It sounds nice, doesn’t it? Better than middle grades. Faster than the herd. A little smarter, healthier, wealthier, and maybe even more likable.
But here’s the rub—very few people are actually willing to do what it takes. Why? Because standing out requires doing things the average person often skips. Not because they’re incapable, but because they’re distracted, tired, or content with just getting by.
The truth is… average is crowded. It’s busy hitting snooze, running late, winging it, avoiding hard conversations, scrolling aimlessly, and skipping the gym. If you want to rise above that—without burning out or becoming an unbearable overachiever—you’ll need to zig where most zag.
Here’s what above-average people consistently do to set themselves apart. Continue reading…

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As written by the world’s smartest computer: That’s a big question—and a fascinating one. After parsing millions of sources across virtually every domain, here are five profound things that emerge from the collective knowledge of the web:
It’s beautiful that we have computers capable of telling us so much about ourselves.
I have a theory: the simpler the food, the harder it is to get right. Case in point—pasta aglio e olio. No cream. No meatballs. No tomato sauce or artisan basil drizzle. Just pasta, garlic sautéed in oil, and if you’re feeling wild, a pinch of red pepper and parsley. That’s it. On paper, it sounds boring. A last-minute pantry meal. The dish you make when you’re broke or out of ideas.
But when made well, pasta aglio e olio is nothing short of fantastic.
I first had it years ago in Naples, the spiritual home of carb-driven joy, served by a grandmother who looked like she’d personally invented garlic. I expected nothing. And then—bam. Flavor bomb. The roasted garlic infused every strand of al dente spaghetti with a subtle nuttiness. The olive oil coated my tongue with a smooth, silky richness. The crushed red pepper delivered just enough kick to remind me I was alive. It was rustic, honest, and quietly brilliant. Continue reading…

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Let’s be real: money can buy happiness—you just have to know where to shop. While everyone’s values differ, these are widely recognized as five of the best, most rewarding, and enriching ways to spend your money. Continue reading…

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Based on the most recent (2024) global data from the UN, World Bank, Pew Research, and WHO:
By region
By religion
Living conditions
Education & tech
Race & ethnicity
Wealth

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Every human needs a little help sometimes. Here are seven, science-backed ways to improve your mental health this year:

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At what I hope to be a little less than halfway through mortality, I’ve definitely begun to feel the onset effects of aging. Shrinking family. Thinning hair. Achy body.
Perhaps the biggest, though, is how much quicker time flies. Decades pass like years. “Recent” memories aren’t so recent. They’re downright old.
Although no one can literally slow time, each of us can slow how we experience it. Here are 10 ways for doing just that: Continue reading…

Diners wait for the best Italian of their life at Di Napoli (courtesy Blake Snow)
In my capacity as a travel writer to all seven continents, I’ve eaten some of the finest food on Earth. Seven course meals on the tippy top of the Eiffel Tower. Michelin star restaurants in the Italian Alps. Amazing home-cooked meals in Latin America and Africa. Several “What delicious thing did I just eat?” in Asia. And some of the best food in all of America—in Wisconsin of all places.
Although biased, I can honestly say that my hometown of Provo, Utah lives up to its reputation as one of the best, most diverse, and original restaurant scenes in the western United States. This summer, my family has been on a mission to try the very best restaurants for a roundup guide I’m penning later this fall.
Until then, here’s an overview of some of my favorites so far: Continue reading…

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Let’s get this out of the way: F1 is not just one of the best sports movies of the year—it’s one of the best movies, period. From the moment the engines rev in the opening scene to the triumphant, throttle-wide finale, this 2.5-hour cinematic joyride never stalls, sputters, or slows. If you’ve ever wondered what Top Gun would be like with wheels and European accents, look no further. F1 is the high-octane answer.
Much like the sport it celebrates, F1 starts grounded—intimate, character-driven, mechanical. But with each featured race, the cinematography accelerates into something grander, bolder, and borderline operatic. Director Joseph Kosinski (who also made Top Gun: Maverick) knows how to build momentum. By the time we’re swooping through Las Vegas and barreling down Abu Dhabi at 200mph, the visuals are so immersive, it’s like you’re strapped into the cockpit, white-knuckled and grinning. Continue reading…

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Happy birthday, America!

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Let’s be honest: most of us spend way too much time glued to our phones, tablets, and laptops. Whether it’s endless scrolling, binge-watching, or “just checking one thing,” screen time can creep into every corner of our day. Before we know it, we’re spending more time with our devices than with, well, real life.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Cutting down your screen time isn’t about going full hermit and living in the woods (though hey, if that’s your vibe, go for it). It’s about finding a better balance—and making room for the things that actually excite you. Here are five tried-and-true ways to break excessive screen habits and live a fuller life. Continue reading…

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Both to describe others and to shape more positive, meaningful interactions:
BONUS: Vibrant—suggests being lively, spry, and energetic.
When used sincerely, these adjectives can foster connection, encouragement, and a more intentional way of seeing and describing the world.

The average American is exposed to 12 hours’ worth of information a day, according to one estimate. For any nerds in the room, that’s 34 gigabytes every 24 hours. A lot.
The problem with this excess is that it tricks our brains to biasly assume the data on our screens is more important than it really is. Since many of us ingest too much information, we live heads down more than we should. We connect less with and literally see less of the family, friends, and communities we live in.
This summer, I hope each of us will make a concerted effort to reduce this harmful exposure by deleting our phone alerts, both visual and audible if you haven’t already. I hope each of sets the lofty but healthy goal of spending no more than 1-2 hours on our phones each day. I hope each of us rekindles or takes on new hobbies that excite us to replace “heads down” bad habits.
Lastly, I hope each of us only reaches for our phones when we decide—never when the 12 hours’s worth of daily information asks us to. I believe we can do and hope you do too.
My latest for Daily Herald (pdf). Thanks for reading.
While it’s true that the best things in life are free (i.e. love, family, friendship, deep conversations, the outdoors, gratitude, attitude, etc), for a few extra bucks, you can buy a lot of things that make you feel rich, even if your bank account says you’re not.
Here are 15 of those things: Continue reading…

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I do the following every time I book a hotel, which rarely takes more than a few extra minutes.
Happy travels!

This is a crazy story about a girl who was a household manager for an ultra rich American family from New England. So crazy they flew her halfway around the world while on vacation to bring them three small yogurts on ice, then didn’t even eat them!!
And here’s another fascinating story about a woman who makes a considerable income coaching people on decisions both big and small. (Spoiler alert: Less thinking, more doing generally results in better decision-making).
The way people make and spend their money is truly amazing.
You got this!
Over the last five years, I’ve written over 60 songs and have professionally recorded 45 of them across three albums and one extended play.
I’m biased, but with the help of my audio engineering brother-in-law (Hi, Adam!), the vast majority of those songs are radio-quality.
As my band is entering the recording studio this summer to record five more songs, here’s what each of my already released songs is about. Continue reading…
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Take care, gentlemen.
The more you know.

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Time flies if you’re one of the following: old, busy, or having fun. Here are two reasons why: Continue reading…

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Happy Cinco de Mayo! Here are five facts about North America’s second best country:
Viva, Mexico!

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Last year, a travel editor I’ve written for at a prominent newspaper informed me that his publication would no longer accept pitches or promote destinations that require air travel. “Since commercial airlines create the majority of harmful climate emissions, we will only cover destinations within a three hour drive or train radius from now on,” he told me.
While I respect the noble intentions and free will of this newspaper to “save the world” in the way it sees fit, I also believe that avoiding air travel is even more harmful to humans than the legitimate and still mysterious concerns of global warming.
Over the last 75 years, world travel has lifted millions out of poverty. It’s grown to 10% of total global GDP. One in 10 humans work in travel, which on a global scale is only possible though commercial airlines. Canceling these modern wonders would not only wreck the world economy, it would impoverish people worldwide and shrink borders. That’s not sustainable.
While travel undeniably causes negative impacts on local, regional, and even global emissions, denying air travel is a short-sighted and poorly thought-out answer.