Articles written by Ret Talbot

While not inexpensive, this small deepwater anthias species is one of the most beautiful fishes the marine aquarist can keep with relative ease in a saltwater aquarium.

Dec 17, 2009 - Ret Talbot

These beautiful reef animals are easy enough for the beginning reef aquarist yet beautiful and interesting enough for the expert reef keeper and serious collector.

Dec 17, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Mushrooms, sometimes called mushroom corals, belong to the order corallimorpharia, and they make ideal reef animals for marine aquarists entering the reef-keeping hobby.

Dec 17, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Mark Martin knows clams, and his knowledge will help intermediate aquarists decide if keeping clams in a reef tank is right for them.

Oct 30, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Given their personable dispositions, large eyes and fascinating behavior, pufferfishes from the genus Arothron are heartily recommended tropical saltwater aquarium fish.

Oct 30, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Team Earth helps musician Sting deliver important message about rainforest destruction in a YouTube video produced by the Prince's Rainforest Project.

Oct 1, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Designer pets fetch a big price, but, in the saltwater aquarium hobby, the popularity of designer fishes may have unintended consequences that can do more harm than good.

Sep 30, 2009 - Ret Talbot

While many anthias species should be kept by only advanced aquarists, the intermediate aquarist may want to attempt keeping a small shoal of beautiful Bartlett's anthias.

Sep 29, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Designer clownfishes have become very popular in the saltwater aquarium hobby, and misbar clownfishes are the least controversial of these aquacultured fishes.

Sep 28, 2009 - Ret Talbot

This article looks at one of the best wrasses for the tropical saltwater aquarium. Learn about the natural history and husbandry of the Scott's fairy wrasse.

Sep 27, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Understanding how aquarium filtration works on a saltwater fish tank makes choosing the right methods and equipment easier.

Sep 26, 2009 - Ret Talbot

The California Wild Trout Policy designates various rivers and lakes in an effort to conserve wild trout species and provide recreational angling opportunities.

Sep 25, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Long Beach, CA's Aquarium of the Pacific is the recipient of numerous awards recognizing their sustainable business model, including the prestigious Super Nova Star Award

Sep 24, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Understanding how online seafood companies operate can assist the chef in purchasing the freshest seafood for the best price when using the Internet to shop.

Sep 23, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Santa Ana winds are known for their destructive power when they blow across across Southern California, but they are also a very interesting weather event.

Sep 22, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Team Earth is an unprecedented public-private partnership committed to sustainability while, at the same time, maintaining global economic growth.

Sep 21, 2009 - Ret Talbot

California is home to at least ten different native species, subspecies and distinct forms of trout, and many of them are at risk due to habitat degradation.

Sep 20, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Sharks are misunderstood animals often portrayed as instinct-driven hunting machines. Some aquarists see the aquarium as opportunity to educate the public about sharks.

Sep 19, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Tangs, also called surgeonfishes, are favorite fishes for the tropical marine aquarium. While a few are well known, author Mark Martin shares some surprising favorites.

Sep 18, 2009 - Ret Talbot

One of nine AVAs in Monterey County, the Carmel Valley is a less well-know wine region, but well worth the trip for anyone travelling California's Central Coast.

Sep 17, 2009 - Ret Talbot

While no staph bacteria were found on Southern California beaches during a 2008 study, investigators do not think the risk in California is any less than in other areas.

Sep 15, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Staph infections pose a real threat to children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, but, generally speaking, staph bacteria are common and harmless.

Sep 14, 2009 - Ret Talbot

An increase in staph bacteria found at public beaches has led some to worry about the risks of swimming in the ocean. Recent studies raise concerns.

Sep 14, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Wood-burning fireplaces in every room are but one of the charms that make this historic Cannery Row hotel the ideal jumping-off point to explore Monterey, California.

Sep 13, 2009 - Ret Talbot

The Henry Miller Library on Highway One in Big Sur is a place to discover or re-discover one of America's most important writers of the twentieth century.

Sep 12, 2009 - Ret Talbot

The famous Nepenthe Restaurant, perched 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur, California, is not to be missed when traveling the Central Coast.

Sep 12, 2009 - Ret Talbot

The blue eye tang is a beautiful, reef-compatible marine fish that, with a little information, is not difficult to keep and will provide years of biological algae control

Sep 12, 2009 - Ret Talbot

There are many sights to see while driving Route 1 through Big Sur, California. This article offers tips on the best, must-see attractions between Cambria and Carmel, CA.

Sep 12, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Built in 1889, Carmel's Pine Inn is the place to stay for vistors who want to experience the rich history of this famous seaside town on California's Central Coast.

Sep 10, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Walking the grounds of Robinson Jeffers' Carmel, California home is one of the best ways to better appreciate one of the United States' most under-appreciated poets.

Sep 10, 2009 - Ret Talbot

This newly described species of fairy wrasse from the genus Cirrhilabrus is a beautiful and relatively hardy fish ideal for the peaceful community fish-only or reef tank.

May 24, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Chalice corals are very popular with reef aquarists. This article looks at some of the most popular chalice corals and provides the necessary husbandry information.

May 23, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Considered difficult-to-keep, anthias are some of the most beautiful fishes available to the marine aquarist. Understanding their needs makes it possible to have success.

May 5, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Looking at the quick facts provided when purchasing a tropical saltwater aquarium fish, coral or other invertebrate provides the aquarist with important information.

Apr 19, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Halibut is rightfully one of North Americans favorite fish. Mild, flavorful and flaky, it stands up to a variety of preparations and is easy to prepare well.

Apr 3, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Learn how to grill salmon to perfection on a cedar plank with this Asian-inspired easy-to-prepare recipe. All you need is salmon, soy, ginger, marin, honey, and a plank.

Apr 2, 2009 - Ret Talbot

A lemon caper butter sauce is the classic accompaniment to many mild-flavored white fishes. It is easy to make and produces a classy sauce that looks as good as it tastes

Apr 1, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Make Laguna Beach reservations for lodging and shows well in advance to take full advantage of this famous Orange County, California resort town full of culture and art.

Mar 30, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Many saltwater fishes that naturally live on reefs are not reef-compatible in a tropical marine aquarium. This is why a reef-associated fish may not be sold as reef-safe.

Mar 28, 2009 - Ret Talbot

This easy-to-make Asian fusion shrimp recipe can be served with rice and grilled vegetables for a casual family-style party. Pair it with an Pinot Gris from Alsace.

Mar 27, 2009 - Ret Talbot

This recipe evokes everything good about a cold winter's night. From the rich texture of the tender lamb to the creamy goodness of the risotto, this meal warms spirits.

Mar 25, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Helmets for skiing and boarding can protect the user against head trauma while on the slopes. With all the options and styles available, there is a helmet for everyone.

Mar 22, 2009 - Ret Talbot

While the palm oil industry is accurately blamed for much environmental degradation, supporting sustainable oil palm cultivation will be essential for numerous reasons.

Mar 18, 2009 - Ret Talbot

The implementation of country-of-origin labeling laws in the US is welcome news to home cooks who appreciate more information about the origin of the ingredients they use

Mar 16, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Mathis Canyon Trail connects West Ridge Trail to Wood Canyon in the Alison and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park providing a view into the human history of Southern California

Mar 15, 2009 - Ret Talbot

This 7.5 mile loop hike gains roughly 1700 feet as it climbs the ridges between these spectacular Southern California canyons with dramatic canyon and coastal scenery.

Mar 15, 2009 - Ret Talbot

While commonly available and very popular, the powder blue tang is not a fish for every marine aquarist. Know what it takes to have success with this aquarium species.

Mar 13, 2009 - Ret Talbot

This traditional West African stew from Ghana uses red palm oil to give it its namesake color. Served with fried plantains or dodo, it makes a delicious and hearty dinner

Mar 12, 2009 - Ret Talbot

This healthy vegetable oil traditionally used in African cuisine is gaining popularity in North America because of its excellent taste, cooking properties and nutrition.

Mar 11, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Few places elicit as much excitement in the traveling cook then the continent of Africa. From the westernmost point of that continent comes this traditional fish dish.

Mar 11, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Not feeding saltwater fishes, corals and other invertebrates enough can be equally as dangerous as feeding them too much. Find the balance between feeding and filtration.

Mar 10, 2009 - Ret Talbot

This gorgeous wildflower is, luckily, not at all uncommon and can be found throughout the deserts of California, Nevada and Arizona if one knows where to look for it.

Mar 9, 2009 - Ret Talbot

In the southeastern corner of California, only two hours from San Diego, is a large state park known for some of the best desert wildflower blooming in California.

Mar 9, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane. Despite this common origin, there are many variations based on region and process resulting in many styles.

Mar 6, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Bruichladdich Distillery, already respected for their single malt whiskey, is now producing some of the finest and most innovative rum available anywhere in the world.

Mar 2, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Many corals kept by tropical saltwater aquarium hobbyists can be cultured or farmed in both open (maricultre) and closed (aquaculture) systems but there are differences.

Feb 15, 2009 - Ret Talbot

John Smith may have been a lot of things, but he is usually not considered the father of the American literary canon. A closer look reveals that perhaps he should be,

Feb 5, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Blue Zoo Aquatics Director of Marine Ornamental Research discusses the husbandry and natural history of this very rare color variant of Gymnothorax favagineus.

Jan 28, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Coral Magazine disappeared from subscribers' mailboxes in December 2008, but it was re-launched in early 2009 to critical acclaim.

Jan 28, 2009 - Ret Talbot

The West Ridge Trail descends from Laguna Beach, California's Temple Hill (Top of the World) and provide spectacular canyon and ocean vistas in all directions.

Jan 27, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Captive-bred saltwater aquarium fishes are important to the hobby, but so are sustainably collected wild fishes.

Jan 22, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman, and Mark Twain each wrote American classics that firmly establish these writers as America's most important authors.

Jan 6, 2009 - Ret Talbot

Sometimes getting nitrate readings to zero requires revisiting the saltwater aquarium's filtration system and the way it is cared for.

Dec 17, 2008 - Ret Talbot

A hike is an affordable, environmentally-friendly Christmas gift the whole family can enjoy. With a little planning, this will be the gift your loved ones remember.

Dec 15, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Green star polyps could be on every beginning reef aquarist's list of first corals for the tropical marine aquarium. Here's what he or she needs to know.

Dec 15, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Small crustaceans called copepods can make the difference when it comes to success with hard to keep tropical aquarium species.

Dec 4, 2008 - Ret Talbot

There are many birds with yellow plumage in Southern California. Here are twelve of the most common ones that are seen during various seasons.

Nov 20, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Trail hiking in Laguna Beach is a smart way to get the most out of a budget vacation to this Southern California resort town while enjoying the best coast scenery.

Nov 20, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Giving the reader of an academic essay a reason why the essay is relevant to his or her life is one of the best ways to earn an A.

Nov 19, 2008 - Ret Talbot

While some argue that a plot outline is essential to writing a novel, too often that approach leads to plot-driven stories populated by flat characters.

Nov 19, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Whether it is a band-powered Cressi, Riffe, A.B. Biller, Omer, or JBL Speargun, the novice spearfisherman should expect a simple, powerful and accurate weapon.

Nov 18, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Once again, melamine was in the news in November 2008 when inspectors found dangerously high levels of the toxic chemical in fish feed.

Nov 15, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Choosing the right speargun for spearfishing is essential to the diving hunter's success. Both Pneumatic and band-powered spearguns offer pros and cons.

Nov 13, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Backpacking is more enjoyable with an internal frame pack that comfortably carries the load while hiking. Here are the essentials every hiking backpack should posses.

Nov 7, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Writing the introductory paragraph of a five-paragraph essay last can result in a highly effective opening line that sets both the reader and writer up for success.

Nov 7, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Guna Peak was donated to Orange County as open space for permanent public use. It also is the site of a five-million-gallon reservoir essential to wildfire protection.

Nov 6, 2008 - Ret Talbot

While good writing need only be defined as that which is effective, many secondary school teachers appreciate a formulaic thesis statement. Here's how to get it right.

Nov 6, 2008 - Ret Talbot

It's easy to teach this novel as an example of symbolism without dealing with the complexity of placing it within its historic context, but that doesn't do it justice.

Nov 4, 2008 - Ret Talbot

A peppery-flavored steak can dominate any meal and overpower everything else on the plate. Using the proper reduction will tone down the pepper and bring out the flavor.

Nov 3, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Pepper-crusted steaks are meant to have a bite to them, but for some with sensitive palates, that bite may be too much. Here's how to mellow the spice but not the taste.

Nov 3, 2008 - Ret Talbot

It is important to raise the calcium level in a new marine aquarium to a level that will support calcium-dependent organisms. Here is how to achieve optimal results.

Nov 3, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Calcium is one of the most important parameters to monitor in a tropical reef aquarium. The easy-to-use and very accurate Salifert test kit is the industry standard.

Nov 3, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Canyoneering is a demanding pursuit, and, not surprisingly, several companies have attempted to make an ideal shoe. Here's how to choose the best of the best.

Nov 3, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Above Laguna Beach, California is Temple Hill (aka Top of the World). While it's possible to drive there, hiking to the top is an experience not to be missed.

Nov 2, 2008 - Ret Talbot

A beautiful, healthy saltwater aquarium is all about balance, and Fiji Gold is the only all-natural supplement with immediate observable results.

Nov 2, 2008 - Ret Talbot

The only major United States sporting venue with a built-in marine aquarium, the Rays Tank at the Tampa Bay Ray's Tropicana Field is a big hit with fans and charity.

Oct 26, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Prickly pear cacti are a common sight when hiking in the Southern California chaparral above Laguna Beach. They have been used for centuries as food, medicine and dyes.

Oct 26, 2008 - Ret Talbot

This ridge hike in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in Laguna Beach, California boasts impressive ocean views.

Oct 26, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Laguna Beach, California is surrounded by public land full of excellent hiking trails. Laguna Bowl to the Big Bend Staging Area is a four mile hike with beautiful views.

Oct 18, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Naso lituratus, commonly called the naso tang, is an Indo-Pacific fish that can easily become the centerpiece of a home tropical marine aquarium.

Oct 15, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Whether called mandarinfishes, dragonets, gobies, or blennies, fish from the genus Synchiropus are not as hard to keep as once thought.

Sep 23, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Tropical marine fishes do not suffer from "ich," but they can become infested with a similar parasite called Cryptocaryon irritans.

Aug 31, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Hair algae in a tropical marine aquarium require two things: light and food. To get rid of the algae, the aquarist must remove one or both.

Aug 23, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Hiking in the Laguna Coastal Wilderness Park is an excellent way to experience what first drew artists to Laguna Beach, California. Here is one local trail to consider.

Aug 3, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Torch coral, frogspaw and anchor coral are among the most popular corals in the marine aquarium hobby. Here's what you need to know about the genus Euphyllia.

Aug 3, 2008 - Ret Talbot

With so many tropical marine aquarium fishes from which to choose, how do you choose the right first fish? Here are five species every beginning aquarist should consider.

Aug 2, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Horn coral is a boldly colored animal with dramatic growth forms that is relatively simple to keep in a tropical saltwater aquarium.

Aug 2, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Relatively new to North American aquarists, Rhizotrochus species of coral are both beautiful and easy to care for.

Jul 24, 2008 - Ret Talbot

Despite its appearance, fire coral (Millepora spp.) is not a "true" stony coral, but it is a hardy and beautiful animal appropriate for many tropical marine reef tanks.

Jul 24, 2008 - Ret Talbot

CITES is a voluntary agreement between nations to ensure the trade in both living and non-living wild animals does not threaten any species' survival.

Jul 24, 2008 - Ret Talbot