I took a little break from this over the past week. My brain felt overloaded with information, so I wasnât in the mood to take in more of it via this.
Most of the people reading this will now be at least a month into this weird new state of existence. For me, some things are easier a month in and some are harder. Iâm adjusting to working at home. I feel less panicked about general supplies running out. But the isolation only becomes more prolonged; for me, that part hasnât gotten easier. However youâre all finding this, I hope youâre healthy and doing okay.
But enough about pandemics! The rest of this is focused on non-pandemic things to consume.
Interesting Stuff to Read and Hear
I did not know that denim is used to solve crimes and I now wonder why there was never an episode of CSI where a crime was solved via a victimâs faux-distressed Ed Hardy jeans. Apparently, it would have been as realistic as some of their other techniques.
If you want something new to listen to right now, the Secret Life of Canada podcast is reliably interesting and recently launched a new season.
âPatrick and I tease one another about our flaws because itâs a way we show love: we see each other, every eyelash.â
I am late to the game, but Youâre Wrong About is both fascinating and deals with true crime (among other topics) in a way that does not feel gross or exploitative, unlike many other popular podcasts. The three-parter on the D.C. sniper shootings is a good starting point.
Did you get a regrettable fingerstache tattoo in the aughts? If so, I am sorry.
High-Minded Artistic Pursuits
I donât know that youâre going to become a great artist in this period, but Bob Ross remains calming to watch.
I enjoyed this charming long read on the surprising endurance of Weird Al Yankovic â âa garish bright patch in the middle of Americaâs pop-cultural wallpaper, a completely ridiculous national treasure, an absurd living legend.â Thereâs also a podcast version of the article in the link if you prefer.
I havenât watched Frozen 2 yet, but apparently the movie is playing a role (hee) in reviving Indigenous language in Finland.
Iâm not yet tired of Parasite content, which is why I am sharing this call to revisit the movieâs thoughts on class and this look at how the homes in the movie were built.
Earlier this month, singer-songwriter John Prine died of COVID-19 complications. There are many ways you could revisit or discover his work, but this Tiny Desk Concert is a good place to start.
Getting Through It
Anybody else miss their therapist? Just me? Here is some advice from a variety of therapists, just for a hit of that support and validation.
Unless you happen to currently in Japan, you cannot go forest bathing in Japan. But right now is a good time for either an isolated walk in your own local woods or a virtual one in non-local woods.
DidâŚdid Tom Nook write this?
Speaking of Tom Nook, I continue to play and enjoy Animal Crossing. Planting flowers and catching fish and visiting the butterfly room in my aquarium are welcome distractions during this weird time. I canât remember the last time I wore real pants, but my Animal Crossing islander is wearing a Gucci dress today. Fortunately, that dress did not cost me any money (or bells) and that means I do not have to invite turnip speculators onto my peaceful island paradise.
If you are looking for different (or additional) video game distractions, these other simulator games may be appealing. And if you enjoy Animal Crossing, or the idea of it, but want something that is a bit more challenging and in-depth, I suggest giving Stardew Valley a try.
All that said, I am considering devoting some of my free time to pretending to be an ant.
Perhaps it is also time for me to take up puzzles! I have noticed that they are appearing for sale on youth-adjacent websites. My stepfatherâs mother, a noted puzzle enthusiast, is apparently having a moment. Good for her.
These ancient sourdough starters LAUGH at your pathetic newbie starter. (All pandemic sourdough stories make me think of Charles Boyle on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.)
Depending on where you live, spring is coming either literally or figuratively! That means itâs a great time to decide how you like to consume cold brew coffee and to learn why it is not the same as iced coffee.
Animal Shenanigans
Unpopular opinion: maybe the pandas donât want us to save them. We are doing a lot, and they are doing very little â so little that we fall all over ourselves with congratulations when they manage to get it on. They could at least help!
Gerbils also need distractions in these difficult times.