Useful Diversions for Challenging Times

From the Editors

While it’s important to stay up-to-date on the pandemic news (and you can do so here), it’s also mentally important to take some time away. Here we offer some updated 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!

Summer Reading

Are you waiting impatiently to renew travel plans postponed due to the pandemic? This book list of ‘epic travel disasters’ may be just what you need.

On a calmer note, here is a lovely essay on the common swift, the mysterious birds “who never come down,” by Helen MacDonald.

For the Kids

Did you know there is an actual day devoted to having a Chocolate Milkshake (September 12) and one where you can tell your sibling to Be Nice (October 5)? Find these and other special occasions on this cultural calendar. (Be warned: November 20 is National Pay Back Your Parents Day.)

Working From Home

If you miss the background noises of a traditional office, visit the Sound of Colleagues, where you can select and combine ambient sounds such as the coffee machine, people talking, and even the office dog.

Just because no one can see your desk doesn’t mean you should let it get messy. Fold an origami box for your paper clips and rubber bands from a piece of paper! A letter size ( 8.5″ x 11″) sheet will make a 3-inch cube.

Music, Old and New

Meet Yogetsu Akasaka, a Japanese buddhist monk who combines traditional chanting with beat-boxing. His YouTube page features a Heart Sutra Live Looping Remix (or pick from one of his daily live streams, now numbering over 100).

Staying in touch

Recent postage stamps released by the US Postal Service feature artist Ruth Asawa, the 19th Amendment, Bugs Bunny, nature’s bounty, and Voices of the Harlem Renaissance. See them all at the USPS Postal Store. (The Postal Service receives NO tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.)

We now return you to our previous amusements:

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

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FaceTime Icon

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:

Book Reviews

Recent Publications

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!