Fermenteria opens taproom in San Antonio

Fermenteria, a unique new alcoholic beverage, introduces hard water kefir to the San Antonio market. Photo: Giant Noise Partners, used with permission.

San Antonio’s newest taproom — Fermenteria — is now open for business at 2243 East Commerce. Fermenteria is a hard water kefir beverage that is naturally fermented and alive with hundreds of strains of probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Kefir grains are used to balance the fermentation environment, then flavored with botanicals and natural extracts for a lightly sweet and effervescent finish. The alcohol is created from a wild yeast culture that occurs within the fermentation process. (Fermenteria, 2024)

Fermenteria is owned by entrepreneur Jade Sheppard, who studied at the University of Texas in Austin. The team at Fermenteria learned how to make hard water kefir after first trying it in Nicaragua and spent the last two years working with brew masters in central Texas to build a formula and method that would allow her to brew it commercially.

“When I first tried hard water kefir, I was astonished at how light and bubbly it was because it gave me a great little buzz with no hangover. I couldn’t be more excited to share this great drink with the Central Texas community. Now that we’ve opened our doors, Fermenteria will be a fantastic, healthy alcoholic alternative.” – owner Jade Sheppard.

Every ingredient used at Fermenteria is curated for quality and flavor profile. Water kefir beverages contain 100% naturally occurring enzymes, probiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support  the gut’s biome, aiding in metabolism and strengthens the immune system. Fermenteria’s alcoholic beverages contain 5% alcohol, zero sugar, and are only 100 calories. Flavors include Pineapple Lemongrass, Brut, Hibiscus Sangria, Paloma, Thai Lime Coconut, and Orange Elderflower. The taproom will also be serving several non-alcoholic options including nitro cold brew coffee and espresso beverages in addition to some water kefir flavors. Non-alcoholic flavors include Pineapple Coconut, Butterfly Pea Tea Lemonade, and Strawberry Lime Tulsi.

The taproom is open Wednesday through Sunday. Operating hours are 4p.m. to 10p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4p.m. to midnight on Fridays, 11a.m. to midnight on Saturdays, and 11a.m. to 9p.m. on Sundays. In addition to enjoying Fermenteria in the taproom, guests can also purchase growlers to-go or bring in their own container. Fermenteria will soon be bottling its product to be available at local grocery and convenience stores; more information to be announced at a later date. Local bars and restaurants interested in carrying Fermenteria on tap can contact the taproom for more information.

With a commitment to work alongside the small business community, Fermenteria will host a free monthly community event for San Antonio residents to look forward to. Each event will give back proceeds being donated to a local nonprofit. The first community event at Fermenteria will be held from 6p.m. to midnight on Saturday, April 13. The event will benefit the Thrive Youth Center, a shelter for LGBTQ+ youth.

Fermenteria
2243 East Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78203

Book review: ‘Digest on Genetics’ by Ansh Verma

‘Digest on Genetics’ is a deep study of genes and heredity. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher, author, and philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavior, engineering, investments, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking and making sense of the world. His new book “Digest on Genetics”  is an enlightening journey into the captivating realm of genetics and a deep study of genes, heredity, and the diversity within living organisms.

“Digest on Genetics” – Genetics is the study of genes and heredity and understanding how they replicate, recombine, and mutate. It provides insight into how organisms evolve and adapt to their environment. In turn, this information proves valuable in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and evolutionary biology.

To help readers understand genetics, the author begins with Introduction To Genetics where he discusses Gregor Mendel, the Austrian monk who is considered the patriarch of modern genetics, and his contributions. In DNA Structure and Replication, readers can learn all about DNA replication, cell division, and inheritance. The material starts to get more interesting but complicated in Genes and Chromosomes where he discusses genes and alleles but he manages to make it easy to follow and understand. The rest of the book consists of chapters like Genetic Variations and Mutations (the consequences of mutations on gene function), Genetic Disorders, and Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, which brings up the “possibility of creating designer babies or enhancing human traits through genetic manipulation…” I found The Philosophy of Genetic Studies particularly interesting because it addresses the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic engineering, such as genetic privacy.

Despite its small size, this book contains so much information about genes, genetics, and the pros and cons of genetic engineering in general. Whether you want information about the science of genetics or how it can be used to personalize a patient’s healthcare by targeting specific genes, the information is easy to process and understand. It is recommended for readers interested in all things related to genetics.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book to series adaptation: ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ by Amor Towles

The series adaptation of ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ will be available on Showtime/Paramount +. Photo: Amazon

Amor Towles is an American novelist who graduated from Yale College and received an M.A. from Stanford University. He is the author of New York Times bestsellers “Rules of Civility,” “A Gentleman in Moscow,” and “The Lincoln Highway,” as well as the short story collection “Table for Two.” His books have collectively sold more than six million copies and have been translated into more than thirty languages. His 2016 novel “A Gentleman in Moscow” was adapted into an 8 episode series and will be available on Showtime/Paramount + starting on March 31, 2024. It stars Ewan McGregor as Count Alexander Rostov. (Amazon, 2024)

“A Gentleman in Moscow” is a beautifully transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel.

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.

How to care for your dog the eco-friendly way

From eco-friendly dog treats to sustainable dog accessories, The Puppy Gazette has all the information you need to care for your dog while caring for the planet. Photo: Google/Bliss Planet

Earth Day is an annual event held globally on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection and promote environmental protection and climate action. The theme for this year’s Earth Day is Planet vs. Plastics. In the spirit of Earth Day, I’d like to shine the spotlight on a recent article from The Puppy Gazette about the importance of eco-friendly dog food when it comes to reducing our beloved dogs’ environmental footprint. It emphasizes various earth friendly ways to care for them including natural dog grooming products and eco-friendly dog housing and bedding.

Earlier this month I introduced you to Allen Kimble’s website The Puppy Gazette. His goal is to be your new source for dog related information. If you are one of a growing number of global citizens concerned about your carbon footprint as well as a dog parent, there are ways to ensure that how we care for them is also eco-friendly. In the recent article, “Eco-friendly Dog Food for a Reduced Environmental Footprint,” he breaks down everything you need to know regarding dog care to make sure it is as environmentally friendly as possible.

I was impressed by the number of ways we can help reduce environmental damage while also caring for our dogs. Some of them I have heard of before, but I admit, some of these ideas are new to me. I will summarize them below but check out the article for more details.

Eco-friendly Dog Treats
   Yora Pet Foods – insect protein
   Jiminy’s – crickets
   Wild Earth – high quality plant proteins
   Chippin – planet-friendly proteins
   Yarrah – organic, healthy, and sustainable dog food
   Beco – grain-free dog food
   Pezzy – pet treats made exclusively from invasive fish found around Mexico
Pet Biodegradable Waste Management
   ATIFBOP dog poop bags
   MUAMUA Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags
   Walker Good Boy Poop Bags
   Doggy Do Good Compostable Waste Bags
Natural Dog Grooming Products
   Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo and Conditioner Set
   Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Grooming Wipes
Eco-friendly Dog Housing and Bedding
   New Age Pet Pet Crate
   West Paw’s eco-friendly beds
Sustainable Dog Toys and Accessories
   West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone Chew Toy
   Beco Pets Hemp Rope Jungle Ring Toy

These products come from companies that are committed to producing quality pet products that minimize environmental impact. This is excellent news for pet lovers who also care about the planet. From dog food to dog toys, nowadays there are more options available so we can rest assured that we are doing all we can to care for the planet and reduce our carbon footprint. What I found most interesting is the biodegradable dog poop bags, as opposed to plastic ones that can take hundreds of years to decompose. So take a few minutes to peruse the information in the article and while you are there, check out all the other outstanding articles. It has so much useful information.

Sponsored Post

Photo: The Puppy Gazette

Upcoming new movie release: Strictly Confidential

Elizabeth Hurley stars in the new thriller Strictly Confidential. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In movie news today, releasing next month is the new thriller Strictly Confidential starring Elizabeth Hurley and Georgia Lock.

Lionsgate’s new thriller Strictly Confidential is the new feature film directorial debut of writer/director Damian Hurley. It stars Elizabeth Hurley, Georgia Lock, Lauren McQueen, Freddie Thorp, and Genevieve Gaunt and will be released in theaters and digital/on demand on April 5, 2024. (Lionsgate, 2024)

Strictly Confidential – A haunted young woman is lured into a seductive world of infidelity, betrayal and murder as she desperately tries to unravel the mystery surrounding her best friend’s sudden death.

Elizabeth Hurley and Georgia Lock star in a sensual thriller with a devilish twist. On the anniversary of Rebecca’s (Lauren McQueen) death, Mia (Lock) returns to the Caribbean paradise where she and her best friend shared her final days. As Mia and sets out to unravel the mysterious events of her passing, old passions rise, new secrets are uncovered and Mia is pulled into a seductive world of sex, betrayal and murder.

RATING: R
GENRE: Thriller
RUNTIME: 89 min.

Strictly Confidential still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Solar eclipse viewing events in Texas

William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Texas is hosting an eclipse viewing event on April 8, 2024. Photo: William Chris Vineyards, used with permission.

Central Texas is in the prime location for watching the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th. This total solar eclipse will be the last one to go over the United States for two decades, making it a must-see event. There will be several events in San Antonio and the surrounding area for people who want to take in this celestial event. Here are a couple of them.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection is excited to announce its Solar Eclipse viewing event open to the public and hotel guests on Monday, April 8. The hotel will host FREE yoga on the lawn, a tea ceremony, astrology speaker, and Anaqua Party. Guests must RSVP through Eventbrite link HERE and show confirmation upon arrival. Limited spots are available and can only be reserved in groups of no more than two. Parking is not included, but valet is open to anyone for $15 for 3 hours. (Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, 2024)

The eclipse schedule for the day is included below:

  • 8a.m. – Yoga/Meditation on the Lawn – Zen out and relax on Plaza San Antonio’s lawn for a restorative yoga session. Guests who attend Yoga and RSVP through the Eventbrite link will receive a Pool Day Pass.
  • 9a.m. – Tea Ceremony under Anaqua Tree – Relish in the eclipse with some tranquil tea under the property’s 50+ year old Anaqua tree. Standing 42 feet tall and recognized as a champion in the American Forestry Association’s National Register of Big Trees, the Anaqua tree symbolizes the property’s past and future.
  • 11a.m. – Astrology Speaker – Take this opportunity to join the conversation and learn about the astrological phenomenon that occurred and what it could mean.
  • 11:30a.m. – 1:30p.m. – Anaqua Party – End the global phenomenon with live music in Anaqua Garden Bar and a specialty menu available for purchase, including unique eclipse themed cocktails and passed apps (this is in addition to the regular menu).

Monday, April 8, 2024 8a.m. – 1:30p.m.

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
555 S Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

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What better place to view the eclipse than from the wide open skies of the Texas Hill Country? William Chris Wine Company has two vineyards, William Chris Vineyards and Uplift Vineyard, that will be hosting over-the-top events for those looking for a place to enjoy the eclipse on Monday April 8, 2024. (William Chris Wine Company, 2024)

William Chris Vineyards

Known as one of the World’s Best Vineyard’s, William Chris Vineyards, located in Hye, Texas, will host an unforgettable celestial celebration in honor of the eclipse. Bringing together Texas wine and Texas skies, the vineyard will have the ultimate viewing party complete with astronomer-led lessons, wine barrel tastings, a country music concert with KJ97 and iHeart Radio and more. Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased online for $400. In addition to the above, the ticket price includes a welcome glass of wine, parking on site, William Chris Vineyards picnic blanket, solar eclipse glasses, event poster, swag bag with two bottles of the exclusive eclipse wine and breakfast and lunch by esteemed Austin Chef Michael Fojatasek of Olamaie

10352 U.S. Highway 290
Hye, Texas 78635

Uplift Vineyard

Uplift Vineyard will celebrate the occasion with an intimate all-day event featuring some of the greatest talents in the world of food and wine. The vineyard is perfectly situated along the path of totality and will experience nearly 4 and a half minutes of total eclipse. The exclusive event will feature brunch and dinner cooked live fire throughout the day by James Beard Award Winner, Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due, a master blending session with Multi-100-point Winemaker, Jean Hoefliger and Uplift Winemaker, Claire Richardson, two bottles of Uplift Eclipse Red Wine (a limited production bottle made special for the occasion), an astronomer on site for eclipse talks and commentary throughout event, special surprises and gifts from Uplift and of course wine. Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased online for $925.

1411 Co Rd 119
Burnet, TX 78611

 

How to prepare for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse

10 ways to prepare for the upcoming eclipse. Photo: Almanac

I am totally excited about the eclipse next month and plan to be in the totality path. If this is a big event in your to do list, Total Eclipse DFW has put together a checklist to help you prepare. Regardless of where you are in the totality path, whether in Dallas-Forth Worth area or not, this is extremely helpful information.

With the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 fast approaching, Dallas-Fort Worth residents have only a few weeks left to prepare for the extremely rare celestial event happening in the region for the first time in over a century. (Total Eclipse DFW, 2024)

Total Eclipse DFW shares this checklist of the top 10 things all DFW residents need to do now to get ready:

  1. Clear schedules – Take the day off work and avoid scheduling any appointments on Eclipse day. Remember, this is likely a once-in-a-lifetime event for DFW, with totality not returning for 300 years. With over 1.5 million visitors expected, residents and visitors don’t want anything interfering with experiencing this spectacular phenomenon.
  2. Get certified Eclipse glasses – Don’t risk permanent eye damage by viewing the partial Eclipse phases without proper eyewear. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant glasses are required for direct solar viewing. Because there are many fraudulent Eclipse viewer sellers, participants should only purchase Eclipse glasses from a reseller listed on the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Suppliers of Safe Solar Filters & Viewers list to avoid potential harm and legal liabilities. Total Eclipse DFW is the only AAS-approved reseller from DFW. Total Eclipse DFW’s glasses are $3 each and can be purchased online here. Residents are encouraged to order their glasses soon as experts expect a shortage.
  3. Choose an ideal viewing spot – Carefully research prime locations along the path of totality in DFW and have a viewing plan for April 8. Massive crowds are expected, so participants should arrive several hours early to secure a spot. Have backup options in mind, too, due to expected traffic and accidents. Total Eclipse DFW has compiled over 300 DFW cities and totality times here. Those viewing in areas with as much as 99% will not experience totality, so plan to arrive in an area that will experience totality at least two hours in advance to make sure you have a good spot
  4. Book accommodations – If traveling to DFW or have family and friends coming in for the Total Eclipse, secure lodging immediately before rooms disappear. Hotels are filling up fast, so lock in reservations now. Consider vacation rentals, too, for the full Eclipse weekend.
  5. Monitor weather forecasts – Be ready to change locations even the day before if meteorologists predict clouds. Have a flexible backup option to drive to if needed. Thankfully, DFW has some of the best historical weather conditions for April 8. However, should overcast skies prevail during totality, thinner translucent clouds can still reveal glimpses of the moon-obscured sun; regardless, attendees can still experience the Eclipse’s striking impact on ambient surroundings like light levels, animals’ reactions and temperature changes.
  6. Brace for heavy traffic – Local authorities are expecting gridlock before and after totality. Fill up car tanks by April 7, map alternate routes and pack provisions in case you are stuck in traffic. Plan ahead for traffic jams as a million of your friends and neighbors are trying to head home after totality, as well.
  7. Pack provisions – For residents planning on going to a viewing location or event, bring food, water, chairs, picnic blankets, layers of clothes, sun protection and other necessities to be self-sufficient on Eclipse day. Treat this like an outdoor event or camping trip. Come prepared.
  8. Test photo gear – Experiment with cameras and lenses ahead of time if capturing images. Confirm settings and equipment functioning, including any special solar filters. No smartphone is built to withstand the intense solar rays emitted by the sun.
  9. Check school schedules – Many districts are closing on April 8 so families can witness the eclipse together. For schools holding classes, parents should inquire about safe viewing policies and ISO-compliant glasses for students.
  10. Secure eclipse merch- Capture this rare celestial event’s excitement by picking up solar Eclipse merchandise like apparel, glasses, posters and pins from DFW vendors before stores sell out. Eclipse swag makes ideal gifts for Total Eclipse parties happening in the DFW metroplex on April 8!

Jo Trizila, Total Eclipse DFW founder, emphasizes, “Don’t miss this incredible four-plus minute Total Solar Eclipse here in DFW. Start preparing today using our website’s convenient guides and resources!”

Total Eclipse DFW is a regional campaign dedicated to showcasing the April 8, Total Solar Eclipse and the awe-inspiring path of totality as the quintessential celestial spectacle in North America. Operating as the central nexus, Total Eclipse DFW is the go-to resource for all aspects of the once-in-a-lifetime event, including Eclipse-related information and events specific to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Their core mission is to ensure universal access to ISO-certified safe Solar Eclipse viewing glasses while simultaneously engaging and partnering with residents, visitors, governmental entities, businesses and media to orchestrate an unforgettable Eclipse encounter for all involved. Furthermore, they take pride in championing Dallas-Fort Worth as the premier location to witness this extraordinary astronomical phenomenon.

 

Upcoming new album release: All is Song – Misner & Smith

Misner & Smith’s new album, All is Song, will be released April 12. Photo: Misner & Smith

Misner & Smith treasure the unpredictability of their band. Technically precise songwriting mirrored with an improvisatory spirit and soaring harmonies have made the band—consisting of Sam Misner and Megan Smith—one of the most acclaimed acts in the Americana world. Blending elements of that genre with bluegrass, traditional folk ballads, and more pop-leaning ideas, Misner & Smith make music gloriously nonconforming. The duo first met at a Shakespeare festival as professional actors in California in 2002 but began working as a musical duo two years later when Sam and Megan discovered a mutual love of roots music, Woody Guthrie, and in particular, harmony singing. Leading up to the release of their sixth LP All is Song, the duo has released five critically acclaimed records. On their new one, All is Song, they build upon that momentum and turn in their finest work to date, an album of inspired declarations to the power of music, song, and, most importantly, collaboration. (Misner & Smith, 2024)

One thing that’s for sure / Though we never found a cure / We can ride out heartbreak like the weather,” sings Sam Misner on the group’s first single “Anthem.” Along with his longtime musical partner Megan Smith, Misner set about writing the tune that would eventually become the first single from Misner & Smith’s upcoming LP All is Song by dissecting the idea of anthemic music itself. All is Song is set for release on April 12 and can be pre-ordered or pre-saved right here.

The music—every single choice on the album, really—revolves around a single question: “What is this song about?” Every sound on All is Song is in service of the songs. The harmonies are often subtle but always pitch-perfect, a key to the album that took some time to harness. “Harmony is almost like a sculpting tool. I use it as a tool to draw out the stories and the songs and draw out the characters that we’re talking about,” explains Smith. “It’s a huge part of what we do.” Misner adds, “Serving the song became the credo, so we never included a certain line, part, or harmony for its own sake. It was always, ‘How can we best serve the song? That was our lighthouse.”

Catch Misner & Smith on tour:
May 2 – Freight & Salvage – Berkeley, CA
June 8 – McCloud River Mountain Music – McCloud, CA

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

All is Song track list:
Compose (2024)
Deep as the Water
Threadbare
Sadie’s Song
Interlude 1
Kerosene
Rising Of The Moon
Interlude 2
Tears and Ink
Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind
Silence Of The Sun
One Day (2024)
Anthem
Interlude 3
Little Light

1712929239

  days

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All is Song release date

Second annual International Space Art and Poetry Contest

Kids and educators are encouraged to enter for a chance to see their creations in space. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Are you a creative who loves to create art or poetry around the subject of space? If so, this is your chance to enter a contest to have your art showcased from the International Space Station. This contest is open for young artists/poets as well as educators. For the second year, Astronaut John Shoffner is hosting the International Space Art & Poetry Contest. The goal is to promote the ‘A’ in STEAM. See more information below.

Have you ever looked at the stars and wondered, “What would it look like if we lived in space?” For the second year, astronaut and contest visionary John Shoffner invites students and educators from across the world to submit a drawing, painting or written poetry showcasing what it would look like if we lived up there. (Axiom Space, 2024)

Participants from around the globe will have the chance to showcase vivid color and curiosity as they take us on a journey into space as they envision it. Eight category representatives will receive special recognition from the International Space Station (ISS) in addition to receiving physical prints of their creation sent down from space. 

Submissions for the 2024 International Space Art and Poetry Contest open are open now and close on April 5. Selected category representatives will receive prints of their creations sent down from space, gift packages provided by Crayola Experience, and more.

Entries will be categorized by age division (5-8, 9-13, 14-18, and a newly added educator category), as well as by genre (visual art and poetry).

Submissions will be scored by an esteemed panel of judges including: 

  • NASA Icon and Axiom Space Director of Human Space Flight Peggy Whitson, who holds more time in space than any American or woman in history
  • STEAM advocate, contest visionary and Axiom Mission (Ax-2) Pilot John Shoffner
  • Executive Director of Limitless Space Institute, Kaci Heins 
  • Visual Artist, poet and published author, Moniqe Lorden  

The contest is hosted by The Perseid Foundation in collaboration with Crayola Experience, Limitless Space Institute, International Space Station National Lab, and Axiom Space. 

The inaugural International Space Art and Poetry Contest received more than 930 entries from 26 countries including the U.S., Colombia, Ghana, Ireland, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and more. Surrounded by floating colorful artwork and written creations inside the Cupola, Shoffner announced the category representatives during the Ax-2 mission last May. 

“Your creativity has inspired my perspective on space in ways I never imagined,” said Shoffner from the ISS. “Your big ideas, bright colors, and thoughtful words have served as a gentle reminder to hold onto that wide-eyed curiosity that often escapes us over time.”

Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – the world’s first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit, which will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits back home. 

Axiom Space collaborates with The Perseid Foundation and Limitless Space Institute to boost STEAM education for the next generation of space explorers. Through this collaboration, these education partners aim to inspire curiosity in STEAM related careers. 

Last year’s winning submissions. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Book review: ‘The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Force’ by Ansh Verma

‘The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Force’ is the new book by Ansh Verma. Photo: Amazon

Ansh Verma is a researcher + author + philosopher based in Dhanbad, Jharkhand (India). He researches almost everything that can be observed, felt and/or read, including technology, politics, divine, war, behavioral, engineering, investing, military, finance, and mathematics. Post graduation, Verma has almost 20 years of experience in thinking/making sense of the world. His new book “The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Force” is an exploration of gravity and the universe in general.

“The Gravity Guide: Unveiling the Universe’s Hidden Force” – In this excellent guide about all matters related to gravity, the author starts by asking readers if they have ever wondered about the role that gravity plays in nature and everyday life. By first defining how gravity works in “the gentle descent of a leaf” to simply helping us get out of bed in the morning, he creates excitement about the topic, leaving readers wanting to learn more. So he goes back to the beginning, for some interesting back history on how some of the greatest scientists, like Sir Isaac Newton, became involved in studying about gravity. He gradually moves on to explain the role of gravity in terms of the universe and how it affects the tides and how it keeps the universe together, leading to a discussion on black holes.

To wrap it all up, Chapter 7 has a Q&A section with questions such as: How does gravity hold the solar system together? and What’s the difference between weight and mass? No science book is complete without a few experiments, so Chapter 8 has practical experiments to help students not only see but feel the principles of gravity in action. Such experiments include The Pendulum Swing and Water Drops on a coin and make science come alive.

In layman terms, the author skillfully explains gravity and science so that everyone, even if they are not science experts, can understand. So if you if always wanted to know more about gravity but were afraid the topic would be too complicated, or don’t know where to start, give this book a try. You will never look at gravity the same way again.

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.