So I finally completed a life goal: to visit every Disney theme park on the planet. I got to spend two fun filled days at Hong Kong Disneyland! Honestly I had only one MUST do at Hong Kong Disney, the Mystic Manor ride. For Disney park nerds, this is touted as the best version of…
Author:
Mole Negro: September 3, 2005 – February 28, 2025
Today I said goodbye to my sweet boy, Mole Negro. He was such an awesome companion for nearly 20 years. I still remember heading to the Long Island shelter where I first met Mole on a cold November day in 2005. He was barely two months old. Just a scrap of black fur, meowing pathetically….
A Balanced Diet for My Media “Feed”
How healthy is your social media diet? I’ve been trying to be more intentional about what I put into my media “feed” as it’s called. About what I decide to spend my precious attention on. Since I (1) work for a news organization and (2) teach media literacy, this feels particularly important to try and…
Two Years on Flexitarian Diet
I realized yesterday that I’ve been a “flexitarian” for more than two years. For me, that means that I eat vegetarian during the week (with the occasional fish), and only consume meat on the weekends. Honestly, It’s been super easy and enjoyable. I have a set of go-to vegetarian meals I make all the time…
A History of the Jazz Split
I’ve been wanting to put together this compilation for awhile now, and finally found some time to edit and produce. Enjoy a brief history of one of my favorite dance moves, the Jazz Split. Dancers Featured (in order of appearance):
Amazing Skating Photos from Savoy Ballroom, Chicago, 1941
These photos of Black folks skating at the Savoy Ballroom in Chicago from 1941 are just priceless. Look at how dressed up folks are! And love how joyful and silly everyone is. Oh and apparently photobombing was always a thing? Photographer: Russell Lee, 1903-1986 Source: Library of Congress
Self-knowledge and the Thrilling Unknown
I’m not sure where this insight or thought experiment came from. Possibly a professor in undergrad or a weird book I happened to pick up. It pertains to the continual quest for self-knowledge. It goes like this: Imagine everything that is true about you as a box full of facts, beliefs, ideals, fears, and other…
The Joy of Breathing Freely
After weeks of labored breathing, to go any entire day without having to use my rescue inhaler is just heavenly.
“This is the true joy in life…” George Bernard Shaw
This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life…
Meandering through Mexico with Amy
The year was 1992. I was 23 years old, an aimless college grad on my own. I had just spent a year volunteering at a legal aid society in El Paso, Texas, helping refugees apply for political asylum in the United States. It was an eye-opening experience for me, living in a border town, learning…