This week at the library I stumbled across Asphalt Nation: How the Automobile Took Over American and How We Can Take it Back by Jane Holtz Kay. It looks interesting and I’m looking forward to browsing it, cuz you know…i love biking. 😉
Although it seems a bit alarmist at moments, this article takes a peek into how smartphones are affecting the next generation: “The allure of independence, so powerful to previous generations, holds less sway over today’s teens.” I do wonder what it’s like to grow up never knowing life without cellphones or smartphones. Recently I’ve been changing my relationship with social media and smartphones. Over the past two months I deleted almost all social media apps on my phone — Facebook was the main one — and I haven’t had data since July. It’s been nice to take a break and not be able to check social media until I’m connected to wifi back home. Try it out!
Speaking of social media, I feel like every article I saw on Facebook this week was about Charlottesville. Wondering what you can do? Here’s a really thorough guide from the Southern Poverty Law Center on how individuals and communities can respond to hate. Among things you can do: educate yourself, speak up, and pressure leaders to speak up. The St. Cloud Times had an article about hate crimes in Minnesota, so definitely be paying attention to what’s happening in your community.
I haven’t listened to this whole podcast yet, but I’m always interested to hear Ta-Nehisi Coates’ opinion, especially ever since reading his article Fear of a Black President (and no, I still haven’t read his book Between the World and Me yet!). The link also includes a collection of links to articles discussing Charlottesville, the Confederate flag, Trump, etc. Definitely interesting to browse through.
And finally, a TED talk by Elizabeth Gilbert on creativity that I really enjoyed watching:
Happy Sunday!
xo,
Sarah
Sarah the Adventurer 