Want to understand Florida — here’s a novel that may help

PLEASE NOTE: This is a book review not written by me about a book that he concedes is sharp, brilliant, mean, and exasperating. I'm posting it because it looks like a fun read that will undoubtedly produce many discussions. And how lovely to have a topic that is new. The Dark Soul of the Sunshine … Continue reading Want to understand Florida — here’s a novel that may help

Truly helpful — ranking 36 activities for COVID-19 risk

MLive asked four public health experts/doctors to rank the COVID-19 risk of engaging in 36 activities that are part of normal life. Once the list was produced, there were several graphic ways of showing it so I'm listing three articles showing a range of visuals with the hope that one or the other will talk … Continue reading Truly helpful — ranking 36 activities for COVID-19 risk

As a public service, Jimmy Kimmel’s Pasta Tina — video and recipe

You may or may not have been fortunate enough to catch the video of Jimmy Kimmel preparing a pasta/bean dish for his children. It suddenly appeared on my screen (who knows how I got there) and I was intrigued. First, it used an immersible blender INSIDE THE CAN of beans. Second, because he blended the … Continue reading As a public service, Jimmy Kimmel’s Pasta Tina — video and recipe

Is it safer to travel by plane or car?

5 opinions below about the mode of transportation to use if getting away for a summer trip. https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/is-it-safer-fly-or-drive-this-summer-health-experts-weigh/? Is it safer to fly or drive this summer? 5 health experts weigh in. (iStock/Washington Post illustration)By Natalie B. Compton andHannah SampsonJune 18 at 3:33 PM Add to list Although the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise, the nation … Continue reading Is it safer to travel by plane or car?

Shakespeare’s “to be or not to be” contains depths unknowns

Classic language can speak in all ages. A spectacular use of the soliloquy "To be or not to be" from Shakespeare's Hamlet -- well worth a listen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbEvpe9suGg&feature=emb_share

Vatican asks Catholics to stop investing in fossil fuels

I've always thought that anyone who believes that the planet is a gift from God should be an enthusiastic environmentalist. After all, shouldn't it be a duty to preserve what's been given you for future generations? https://www.ecowatch.com/vatican-fossil-fuels-divest-2646208168.html?rebelltitem=4#rebelltitem4 Vatican Asks Catholics to Ditch Fossil Fuel Investments Jordan Davidson Jun. 19, 2020 01:37PM EST Photo of St. … Continue reading Vatican asks Catholics to stop investing in fossil fuels

The rich can’t splurge right now on their usual pleasures — and that’s hurting the economy

There's a NYT article after this explaining the consequences to those who depend on spending by the rich to survive, but I'm focusing on just one point -- what is it that the rich have stopped buying? Turns out that it's quite simple: meals out, entertainment such going out to a Broadway play, traveling to … Continue reading The rich can’t splurge right now on their usual pleasures — and that’s hurting the economy

Racism is baked into common phrases

https://bestlifeonline.com/common-phrases-racist-origins/ 7 Common Phrases That You Didn't Know Have Racist Origins You should remove these expressions and words from your vocabulary. By Chelsea Bengier June 16, 2020 iStock It can be hard to keep track of every new slang word or trending term being used, seeing as language is constantly changing. But long-established expressions deserve … Continue reading Racism is baked into common phrases

Racist origin of (all things) the ice cream truck jingle

American culture is built far more thoroughly on racist tropes than I knew. Read on about the source of the jingle that most ice cream trucks play as they wander thru neighborhoods. Recall That Ice Cream Truck Song? We Have Unpleasant News For You May 11, 2014 1:48 PM ET Theodore R. Johnson, III Editor's … Continue reading Racist origin of (all things) the ice cream truck jingle

Queer books for Pride Month

12 Recent Queer Audiobooks That Will Fill Your Ears With Pride Laura Sackton Jun 16, 2020 Sourcebooks.As a publisher, Sourcebooks is committed to changing hearts, opening minds, and being advocates for equality and that is why we feel it’s important to publish a variety of books that include LGBTQIA+ characters and topics. Come celebrate Pride … Continue reading Queer books for Pride Month

Mourning the end of the daily Governor Cuomo press conference

Today is the last of Governor Cuomo's daily press conferences. Altho I understand the many reasons he's changing their frequency to as needed, I will miss his daily reality check. As a member of the vulnerable group tho, I'll be particularly sorry to lose his daily reminder that masks should be worn at all times. … Continue reading Mourning the end of the daily Governor Cuomo press conference

Get rid of your Stuff (in the U.S.)

It's just possible that you've thinned some of your Stuff while you've been home but feel uncomfortable about throwing whatever into the trash. If you think it's something someone will love, you don't need to match the owner to the item. Just find an empty box, fill it, and use this link:http://www.givebackbox.com/usps You can then … Continue reading Get rid of your Stuff (in the U.S.)