More About Zoom Author Events

In the past I have done a number of remote presentations to book groups through Skype or phone conference calls. All of these were with me on one end and a group of people on the other. Last week I gave my first Zoom presentation where everyone was online from different locations. Once I started, it felt natural to be talking to people, as I could see some of the faces on my screen. Since my presentation relies on humor, it was more difficult to get a reading on the audience’s reaction to my speech. With two more presentations scheduled in the near future, I’ll continue to monitor how this process works.

Humankind – A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

I want to recommend a book called Humankind – A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman. It presents an optimistic view that people tend to be good. This flies in the face of much common cynicism about human nature. It is well worth reading and ends with ten rules to live by: 1. When in doubt, assume the best. 2. Think in win-win scenarios. 3. Ask more questions. 4. Temper your empathy, train your compassion. 5. Try to understand the others, even if you don’t get where they’re coming from. 6. Love your own as others love their own. 7. Avoid the news. 8. Don’t punch Nazis. 9. Come out of the closet; don’t be ashamed to do good. 10. Be realistic. Some of these rules may seem idealistic or counter-intuitive, but their logic is laid out in the book.

Zoom Author Events

Although authors aren’t doing live events right now, there are opportunities to connect with readers through Zoom meetings. Service organizations and book groups continue to meet through Zoom, and, as a result, I’ve been invited to speak to two Rotary clubs and one book club over the next month. I will give a twenty minute presentation followed by questions and answers. While not as good as face-to-face presentations where readers can buy books that I bring, these types of events offer the opportunity to reach and connect with new readers. If you are interested in having me meet with one of your groups, send an email message to mikebef@aol.com

Exercise During Pandemic

I try to exercise every day. This goes back to when I was a kid and in college playing competitive tennis. As I got older I replaced tennis with platform tennis and then pickleball. I also had a hip and a knee replacement and went through physical therapy after these surgeries. I suffer from arthritis so it’s important for me to keep my joints moving. At the present time I’m not playing pickleball, but I’ve been suffering through golf once a week and doing daily stretches and exercises. What works for me is doing this in the morning right after breakfast. I have a number of stretches and exercises for back, hips and knees. Then I ride the stationary bike for twenty minutes. During week days I also get exercise with my 5-year-old grandson who keeps me moving. On weekends I take a walk for approximately 50 minutes. All of this keeps me mobile and definitely helps maintain a positive mental outlook.