The Date with Zac Efron
Around the world from your favorite couch
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The Date with Zac Efron
All I can say is. God bless antibiotics.
Abdominal pain had me in the fetal position on Tuesday, and, thanks to modern medicine, I was voluntarily sprinting up some stairs by Saturday.
Science is really something.
That Actor/Science Guy
Guess who else is into science? Zac Efron. Heard of him? I had to think about where I was in 2006 when the movie High School Musical propelled Zac to stardom.
Ah, yes. I was being a too-cool twenty-something who couldn’t be bothered with silly little kiddie movies.
Consequently, my introduction to Zac is solely through his Netflix series Down to Earth. Along with his co-star, superfoods expert and author Darin Olien, he travels the globe to learn what goes into good health, a long life, and a higher level of eco-consciousness.
This show tricks viewers into learning by talking about complicated subjects in beautiful settings. And it does it well. Zac and Darin have an affectionate and heartwarming friendship. To my delight, my teens seem to enjoy this show as much as I do - remarkable!
Here are three of my favorite episodes so far.
Sardinia
This episode was set in one of the world’s Blue Zones, where high per-capita numbers of centenarians reside. If you’ve been a protein-diet junkie for any part of your life, you’ll want to watch this one.
Zac is berated by an Italian local for his poor bread-kneading skills and is stunned to hear that most of what he’s been taught about nutrition is incompatible with longevity.
The best part may have been watching a 100-year-old man take one of his three daily walks among the hills in town. With a smile on his face, the man shares what has helped him maintain such a positive attitude in his ripe old age.
France
In this episode, Zac and Darin learn how the city of Paris sanitizes and distributes its drinking water for the public. Even more interesting is when they take part in a water tasting and discover not all water is created equal.
This episode reminded me of when I teased the head chef at a restaurant where I worked for drinking an expensive glass bottle of Aqua Panna water with his lunch every day.
Chef insisted it tasted better, and one day convinced me to try some (I had to buy my own bottle!). I was humbled to find the water did indeed taste different - it was pure and delicious.
Iceland
The first episode I ever watched of Down to Earth was about Iceland… while I vacationed in Iceland. Thanks, Coral, for introducing me!
This episode talks about the fascinating geothermal-energy work that helps power the country. And no, I didn’t know a thing about geothermal energy until I watched it.
Man. There’s so much to know about this space rock on which we’re living. And who would’ve guessed some guy from High School Musical would be the one to teach us?
Recreate This Date
How: Two seasons of Down to Earth are available on Netflix
Travel Time: It’s another no-travel date, friend!
Date: Your next sick day, or anytime.
Cost: Free with your Netflix subscription.
Look Ma, She Made It
I have to thank Paola for sharing a clip that thrilled me to no end. In it, Ms. Oprah Winfrey, THE Oprah Winfrey, falls all over a Mom Date-favorite, comedian and actress Leanne Morgan.
Click this reel and have a look at Leanne’s face as she tries to process the fact that Oprah is a big fan of Leanne’s…
I don’t know. Do you think someone should tell Oprah that I “discovered” Leanne in 2023?
And that Oprah should subscribe for free to Mom Date to be in the know on the whos and the whats about enjoyable things?
I definitely think someone should.
I discovered Zac Ephron when he was singing and dancing with Hugh Jackman in the Greatest Showman. In 2006 I was 30 and a Mom of two boys, no High School Musical for me! I didn’t know about this new show. I’ll have to watch with the kiddos. Thanks for the suggestion!