Captivations is a monthly feature with links, stories, and news that captivated me. I save interesting stories throughout the month to create these monthly Captivations posts, and there’s a lot of sharing today! My hope is that a story will inspire you to think differently, to act, or at least, to smile. 🙂
Making Things for Fun
When’s the last time you made something for fun? This month, I decided to bake a cake. Yes, the first motive was to use up some ripe bananas and to mark a recipe off my cookbook challenge, but decorating and photographing the cake was for pure fun. I think creativity is sparked when you work with your hands, and you know the benefits of creativity. This was a good reminder to do more things I love for the sake of enjoying what I was doing. Are you having fun? (Cake photo above!)
Black Panther
Did you see the newest Marvel superhero movie? I loved it! Predictable? Yes. Entertaining and beautiful? Yes! This thought-provoking article about the movie and Africa has spoilers and it’s a great analysis about the depth of the messages in the movie. There are plenty more articles out there. Many people have said it and I agree: it’s a movie you’ll want to watch over and over to catch all the symbolism.
Up the Ladder
There’s a strong attitude of “women helping women” these days. Whether it’s with businesses, kids, or general life encouragement, women have gone out of their way to show support because “the rising tide raises all ships.” It’s an energetic environment. This blog post echoes that sentiment and is a reminder of all the ways we can lift each other up, especially when you’re at the top of the ladder.
Photo Contest
These submissions for a photojournalism contest goes beyond the saying “a photo is worth a thousand words” to invoke many questions. Powerful!
#NeverAgain
I go back and forth of feeling sad that students have no choice but to take it upon themselves to fight for change and proud that they have the initiative that they would do so. I guess that’s what happens your friends are killed and by chance, you aren’t. I’m hopeful for the future of our country because of these teens. As with so many issues, there isn’t a clear solution that will magically fix everything but I think it’s important to keep talking.
45 Children’s Books
Going to a baby shower or a kid’s birthday party soon? Here are 45 favorite children’s books you should consider gifting.
When You Meet Your Idol
May we all have a moment like actress Tiffany Haddish did when she met her idol, Oprah.
Smart House Spy
This writer hooked up as many smart devices in her home as possible for two months and had someone monitor the data being sent for privacy reasons. He was able to get info like what was watched on TV to when someone brushed her teeth. Basically, this data is sold to advertisers for targeting. And this doesn’t put into account what hackers might do with the encrypted information. Smart devices provide an easier life? Maybe. Creepy? Definitely. Like when you look something up on a desktop computer and start getting ads for it on your phone? Yep.
Books to Movies
These books are being made into movies and TV shows this year. I need to read A Wrinkle in Time!
Best Smart Romance Novels
I very vaguely remember reading a handful of young adult fiction in junior high that involved people falling in love but then torn apart by a disease. (I did some searching and it might have been the books by Lurlene McDaniel.) This is probably the closest thing to smut I’ve read. With the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey in the past few years, I’m curious about what draws readers to these heartsick love stories. This list of smart romance novels sounds like some good options to try.
Reusable Food Wrap
We use reusable glass containers that came with their own hard plastic covers for leftovers, but I grew up using cling wrap. Did you know you can make your own reusable food wrap with cloth and beeswax?
Winter Olympics
Did you watch the games every night? The athletes are incredible! I follow food blogger Half Baked Harvest and it was fun following along the journey of her 17-year-old brother Red Gerard who won the first U.S. gold medal at the games. She wrote this fun recap of the experience. Also, a tweet about an American Olympian sparked intense dialogue around “perpetual foreigners” and here’s the read.
Three Minutes
This short film is an iPhone ad, showing the capabilities of the camera, but that didn’t stop me from tearing up at the great storytelling.
Detox
How long have you spent away from your phone while you were awake? Researchers have found the average adult checks his phone 50 to 300 times a day. (Yes, I think that’s a strangely large range too.) But there’s no denying that we are tied to our phones and it has effects. See what NPR has to say.
Is Skincare a Scam?
This article will get you thinking. In the digital world of filtered perfection, it’s easy to sell women on products to achieve the perfect face.
Jack Pearson
(Do you watch This Is Us? If so, you’re probably attached to this character.) They created the ideal man. He’s the one you want to be your spouse, friend, or father. He had his flaws but he owns up to them. I know, it’s television and the show is his highlight reel, but from what we’ve seen and the rest of the story we’ve created around him, he’s the ideal man. I think it’s his vulnerability we’re drawn to. His willingness to open up to his wife, kids, and friends and his ambition to make other people’s lives better are characteristics we can learn. We knew we had to say goodbye to him.
Flower Attack
New York City (and any big city, really) has its benefits, like the ability to share random, surprise flower “installations.” Below is an example of what New Yorkers saw on Valentine’s Day and here’s a link to more from the same project.
Bragging vs. Celebrating
There’s a line between bragging and celebrating when it comes to posting on social media. Here’s an article about the difference.
Sex Education
This New York Times article details how teenagers learn about sex and the results of a Porn Literacy course that was part of a teen leadership program in Boston. The course discusses terminology, the porn industry, and anatomy. It’s meant to take the taboo out of sex and be an open and judgment-free forum. It also tries to drive home the fact that porn is not what happens in real life. While it may make teens a little more curious, I think it’s safer and healthier to be knowledgeable. It also helps to discuss the stereotypes, like the dominant male, to help shift our culture to more respectful interactions. On one end of the spectrum, it could prevent rape. Maybe this course should be an option for adults. In fact, O.school is one option. It would create healthier relationships and help people set realistic expectations.
What’s in the shopping cart?
With the news that the government is considering meal boxes, it’s interesting to read what Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households actually buy and how they are reporting the information.
Read your SO’s Social Content
Does your significant other like and comment on every one of your social posts? This article says it’s a new relationship requirement. I admit, I’ve said, “didn’t you see my latest Instagram post?” and “didn’t you read my blog post?” before but have learned it’s not a priority for him as it is for me.
What’s captivating you lately?
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