Useful Diversions for Challenging Times

While it’s important to stay up-to-date on the news of the world, 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 music to recipes and book suggestions. 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 readers, please email us!

There is no “I” in “cello”

For those seeking a brief and entertaining musical interlude, check out Stringfever’s version of “Bolero,” featuring eight hands and one cello.

Puzzles

Puzzles are a great way to completely zone out and still feel that sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from the finished product. Artist Sarah Jane Lapp presents jigsaw puzzle experiences both online and off.

Staying in touch

The US Postal Service stamp releases for 2022 include tributes to the centennial of the birth of Charles M. Schulz, featuring his beloved “Peanuts” characters; the abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems in the National Marine Sanctuaries; the James Webb Space Telescope now orbiting the sun; and various new winter holiday stamps. See the current releases 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 

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

Today is…

Did you know May 13th is National Frog Jumping Day? And if your garden was productive, August 8 is National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day. Find these and other days to celebrate on this National Day calendar.

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

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.

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! The clever folks at Joseph’s Machines and Sprice Machines present “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:

• Chicken and Fruit Salad – new!
• Simple Chicken or Shrimp Curry – new!
• Coffee Cake – new!
• Banana Bread – new!
• Easy Summer Salad
• Simple Cheese Soufflé
• Salmon Chowder
• Snicker Doodles Cookies
• Gold Rush Brownies
• Honey Bread

Books

Reading suggestions

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.

Book reviews

• 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

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).

Some musical favorites: American country folk singer-songwriter John Prine; choral music composer Morten Lauridsen; and jazz artist Wynton Marsalis.