This is a LONG article but it was written with love and is the source of the current movie starring Tom Hanks: "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" about Fred Rogers, the friend of all for many years. https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a27134/can-you-say-hero-esq1198/
If you’re above age X, you probably have no idea not to text “ok”
The conclusion -- that using "OK" is apt to be considered rude or dismissive by younger people was a total surprise to me. In fact, I thought this first article was a joke. So I'm including two articles. Maybe they're both kidding, but I doubt it. Of course I'm vastly amused by the "While I … Continue reading If you’re above age X, you probably have no idea not to text “ok”
When you want your cat to scratch what you give them
This is the most thorough review and testing I have ever seen of the variety of items a cat will be willing to scratch instead of your furniture or rugs. https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-cat-scratchers/?smid=nytcore-ios-share The Best Cat Scratchers Updated February 21, 2019 We’ve added long-term test notes from using our picks over the past year. We remain confident … Continue reading When you want your cat to scratch what you give them
Want to be green? Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!
This Great Depression era saying summarizes -- in memorable words -- almost everything you need to remember about how to keep as green a life as possible. (I might add -- plant trees.) This article is not new but its timeless words will keep the words fresh for generations. Use it Up, Wear It Out, … Continue reading Want to be green? Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without!
A heartfelt warning from Michelle Singletary (WA Post)
This essay was sent in the Washington Post Personal Finance email sent out by Michelle Singletary every Thursday. I personally believe it is absolutely on-point. If your revolving credit cards are not automatically paid in full each month, it's not prudent to shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. There are other ways to celebrate … Continue reading A heartfelt warning from Michelle Singletary (WA Post)
How to handle racism at family celebrations
Whether it's racism, misogny, or being homophobic, it's very difficult to avoid tension or even outright arguments in family gatherings where not everything thinks alike (and that's all of them, isn't it?) Just heard from a friend in Twitter who'd already had a blowout. These techniques won't solve everything but they could help. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/11/ibram-kendi-antiracist-talk-to-racist-family-friends-holidays/ A … Continue reading How to handle racism at family celebrations
How to make dotty Aunt Flo part of the holiday
Now that we're living so much longer, it can be normal to have a family member who's physically well but not quite there mentally. This article has excellent tips on how to engage with that person while maintaining peak enjoyment for everyone. https://www.nextavenue.org/family-member-dementia-engaged-gatherings/ Here are suggestions for engaging with him or her during family events … Continue reading How to make dotty Aunt Flo part of the holiday
As if publishers aren’t already raking in cash from ebook sales to libraries — read this
The approach of publishers (particularly MacMillan) to offering ebooks for distribution by libraries is utterly infuriating. Ebooks cost more at the beginning for libraries than books on paper and they have a finite shelf life after which they must be repurchased. MacMillan adds the wrinkle that they will only let a library have a single … Continue reading As if publishers aren’t already raking in cash from ebook sales to libraries — read this
Theatre is a lot more than just Broadway
The Broadway theatre district is astonishingly small. The world of theatre in the United States (or even New York City) is far bigger than that. What Small Theater Does for New York? A Lot, Study Finds Playhouses and troupes beyond Broadway generate $584 million in economic benefit. But dependence on volunteer labor is high. Heather … Continue reading Theatre is a lot more than just Broadway
3 books to look for in the new year
These look GOOD. You can reserve these now at the NY Public Library even tho they haven't yet received any copies. Could be worth checking your own local library. 3 BookBub Editors Predict Which Books Everyone Will Be Talking About This Winter By Zachary Benjamin•November 19, 2019•2 min read Winter is almost here, and you know what … Continue reading 3 books to look for in the new year
Humans use vowels to break language down into syllables
Language, and how we understand it, always intrigues me. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/11/20/780988618/the-loudness-of-vowels-helps-the-brain-break-down-speech-into-syl-la-bles -- video and audio omitted The Loudness Of Vowels Helps The Brain Break Down Speech Into Syl-La-Bles November 20, 20194:09 PM ET Heard on All Things Considered The brain analyzes changes in sound volume to detect syllables and make sense of speech. filo/Getty Images When … Continue reading Humans use vowels to break language down into syllables
If only other grocery stores would follow Aldi’s lead in going green
https://www.greenandgrowing.org/grocery-chain-aldi-goes-full-organic-pesticide-free-addition-major-changes/ Grocery Chain Aldi Goes Full Organic and Pesticide-Free In Addition To Other Major Changes In response to climate change and the need for healthier food options, grocery store chain ALDI is leading the way and is closing in on overtaking Whole Foods as the healthiest and most environmentally friendly in the world. The climate … Continue reading If only other grocery stores would follow Aldi’s lead in going green
Abycats' Thoughts 