Useful Diversions for Challenging Times
While it’s important to stay up-to-date on the pandemic news, it’s also mentally important to take some time away. Here we offer some interesting and amusing diversions for all ages, from videos and podcasts to recipes and book suggestions. And we invite you to join us in spreading joy: if you have a link to a diversion that you’d like us to consider sharing with our community, please email us!
Good News
Uplifting podcasts
Some Good News by John Krasinski is “a news show dedicated entirely to good news.” Besides reporting on good news worldwide, various podcasts have featured John bringing prom to sheltering high school seniors; officiating a Zoom wedding; and this performance by the original cast of “Hamilton.” (The video starts with the back story, and the four-minute performance starts at the 11:33 mark.)
Editorial stories
Reasons to be Cheerful, a website founded by musician David Byrne, shares inspiring stories that remind us, “Hey, there’s actually some positive stuff going on!”
Kids
Zoo Penguin walks
At the Oregon Zoo, watch as Nacho the Penguin Meets Marine Mammals (1:48)
A spontaneous penguin walk through the grounds of the St. Louis Zoo in December 2018, back when hanging out in large groups was okay. (1:46)
Storytime
Storyline Online streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations.
Science Demonstrations and videos
Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s website for science videos and demonstrations that can be done at home
Our Planet
With a Netflix subscription, you can enjoy British documentary nature series, “Our Planet”
Grandparents
Staying in touch with the family
If you have an iPhone or other Apple device, you can read stories, show pictures to, or just talk with your grandchildren by using FaceTime. Just click on the FaceTime icon (shown) or have them call you and click “accept.” Other low-cost or no-cost ways to connect via video-chat include Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangout.
Sharing stories
To make your own audiobooks for your grandchildren to listen to anytime, record yourself reading their favorite stories with these LifeHacker tips.
Humor
Everyday life as sporting events
With sporting events cancelled, rugby sportscaster Nick Heath narrates real life.
For kids and kids at heart
Rube Goldberg fans, unite! “How to Pass the Salt While Maintaining Proper Social Distance” (4:26)
Recipes
What have you been stirring up in the kitchen during this quarantine? Here are some of the editors’ favorite comfort food recipes:
- Easy Summer Salad
- Simple Cheese Soufflé
- Salmon Chowder
- Snicker Doodles Cookies
- Gold Rush Brownies
- Honey Bread
Book Reviews
Recent Publications
- Tightrope, by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
- Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, by Matthew Walker, PhD.
John LeCarré
A review of select LeCarré novels as non-bedtime stories.
Old Favorites
Some of our favorite “comfort food” mystery books and shows.
Music
Some musical favorites: American country folk singer-songwriter John Prine; choral music composer Morten Lauridsen; and jazz artist Wynton Marsalis.
Comments, thoughts or questions? Email us now!