The Queer Agenda
Have you ever wished for a version of Apples to Apples or Cards Against Humanity that was a bit more gay?
January 2022
Frog Idioms Used in Language
As much as we love frogs, we need to acknowledge how frequently they are used as negative images or idiomatic expressions. There was the whole ugly Pepe the frog thing, which is just not cool. Frogs don't want to be Pepe. Stop using them. Then there's the fact that we say there is a frog in our throat when we are hoarse, which is just silly. Frogs aren't hoarse and sound magnificent. Dust in the throat is a much more accurate description.
Maya Angelou to Appear on U.S. Quarter
After the controversy over putting Harriet Tubman on U.S. money, it's hard to decide whether or not it's an honor. Yes, we need more representation across the board, but on the symbol of capitalism that harms everyone--Black folks in particular--it may not seem as much of a place of reverence as, say, a statue or naming a school after someone. What are you thoughts regarding whether or not being placed on money is really an honor or not?
Craving Soup Dumplings in Seattle
Is it ever a bad day to get soup dumplings? Their hot, savory goodness is especially good during the winter months, and they offer a belly full of comfort as well as a mouth full of flavor. Sure, you can make your own in the microwave thanks to Trader Joe's, but there are plenty of restaurants to get carry out from if you want to get them hot and fresh, too.
Family Guy Socks
Character socks are such a fun way to celebrate a favorite fandom, and so many fandoms offer everything from a variety of socks to countdowns featuring favorite characters these days. Family Guy is no different, and they have plenty of various socks to choose from for fans who enjoy shoving Brian, Peter and Stewie into their socks!
John Mayer Tests Positive
Unfortunately for fans of Dead and Company, the band had to cancel playing in the Sand Festival. John Mayer recently tested positive and had to bow out of the festival, but apparently, several other artists and staff also tested positive prior to the performance.
Arts And Crafts for Anxiety Management
When it comes to arts and crafts, many of us make just because we feel like we're not ourselves unless we're making something. It's like Elizabeth Gilbert says in Big Magic--if we're not creating, we're destroying. Making things helps keep us happy and fulfilled.
Big Anti-Choice Protest Planned for Next Week
Of course the folks who claim they are "pro-life" by fighting for fetuses rather than the people who carry them--or on behalf of the millions of impoverished kids who could use their help--would think that holding a super spreader event like a giant anti-choice march during a pandemic is a great idea. Next week anti-choicers are planning to do just that even as we face the biggest numbers we've seen and hospitals ask folks to please stay home.
Gardening in Bags
Gardening does not have to be complex. Any weed thriving in the middle of a sidewalk will tell you that. There are finicky plants that demand more attention here and there, but overall you can grow beans in Ziploc bags and be successful. Most of us can attest to that after elementary year experiments doing just that!
Which YA Book Are You Excited About?
If you're a fan of YA lit, 2022 is going to have some major hot reads in store for you. Goodreads has compiled several lists of the most anticipated YA books in various genres and all of them look incredible. First there's the general list of most-anticipated YA novels. There are over sixty of them!
Great Dessert Teas for National Tea Month
It's National Tea Month, which means it's time to try out all the dessert teas! There may not be time to try them all, but there are certainly many flavors to try out. Folks who don't even like tea are often surprised by how much they love an Arnold Palmer, or tea mixed with lemonade. Southern Breeze teas make tea lovers out of many non-tea drinkers, too.
It's National Hot Tea Month!
January is National Hot Tea Month, and for good reason. Is there ever a better time to just stay inside and sip a nice, hot cuppa while you avoid the cold weather outside? It's also just nice to drink tea and chat with a loved one, warm up from time outdoors or enjoy a good book. Cookies or pastries don't hurt, either!
Happy National Hot Tea Day!
National Hot Tea Day is here, and it's time to celebrate the lovely warming drink that inspires conversations, helps us enjoy hygge and generally creates a cozy sensation in the body. Hot tea is my way of winding down after a long day and there are so many ways to celebrate! Here are just a few ideas.
Brew up your favorite tea and enjoy it! For a twist, try adding in a dash of flavor syrup, making it a latte, sprinkling in an herb for some kick--maybe cinnamon, ginger or even some cayenne?
2022 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference
Next week, the virtual 2022 AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference will be held on YouTube. The theme this year is Honoring Our Past and Protecting Our Future as the organization focuses on racial justice and economic justice within the labor movement.
National Wildlife Federation Photo Contest Open For Submissions
The National Wildlife Federation is hosting its annual Wildlife Photo Contest, which has several different categories that are sure to interest people of all interests and most age groups. The idea is not just to help increase conservation awareness, but to connect folks--both photographers and viewers--with nature and wildlife. Categories include Birds, Landscapes, Baby Animals, Mammals, Young Photographers, Mobile and more!
This "Cat Dog" Is So Cute
Hopefully, by now people know cat-dog hybrids don't really exist, but if they did they would probably look like Dúi, the adorable Hmong dog that folks across the Internet are dubbing a "cat-dog." Dúi is unique since he's actually a mixed breed between a Hmong and a different short-legged breed, but the dog, who was bought from a mountainous area in Vietnam, may also have a gene mutation that makes him even shorter, cuter and more catlike.
Caterpillars Eat Poison (And So Do We)
While many of us are growing monarch butterfly gardens trying to help the population recover, most of us probably don't stop to think about how poisonous that milkweed we plant for their larvae to consume a la The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It's all very beautiful and moving, but it's also dangerous to most other critters.
Canada Still Allows the Import of Domestic Cat Fur
It's horrifying to think of someone wearing cat or dog fur or using it for products, but there are countries all over the world who do it--Canada included. The nation allows the import of both domestic cat and dog fur, and for the fur to be sold as pelts alongside those of seals. The Canadian government heavily relies on the sale of baby seal fur, and they don't want anything to jeopardize that--including restrictions on dog and cat fur.
Cozy Cup Recipes
Cooking in a mug is popular these days, and it makes plenty of sense. So many folks are at home working, and mug recipes are designed to be quick and easy. If you can't go out for lunch, why not microwave a mug? The kinds of mug recipes that I'm used to making are usually of the dessert variety, but I have made eggs in a mug before. They're much easier and less messy on the stove, but some people really like making them in mugs instead.
Finding and Giving Binders
Wearing a binder--carefully and properly--can be very affirming and healthy for a trans person who wishes for a flatter chest. It can help lessen dysphoria and provide life-saving mental health benefits, but the cost can be prohibitive for many folks who might want to wear one.