Mid-Week Update 2.19

Vacation has gotten me a bit off schedule, so I'm sorry if you didn't have anything to talk about over the past week!

Here are some of the big news items that almost feel like old news so I'm curious, Christina-- do you know about them?

Such as Michael Sams?  He came out a little over a week ago, which has been a huge step towards progress for gay rights and the world of sports.  It was actually a bit refreshing to see this Texas newscasters reaction. 

And have you been paying attention to the Michael Dunn trial?  I'm having trouble finding anything now because all the new news is about Juror #4.  But he was found guilty of attempted murder, not the killing itself.   I know I usually try to show both sides here but I don't have the heart for that with this one, sorry.  I mean, did you see what he wrote to his grandma?  I haven't watched Jon Stewart's take yet but I'm guessing I'll agree with my buddy there.  (Um, did you miss the whole thing?  Backstory just in case!)

I'm including this because I know we should be keeping Syria on our minds and am guilty of not paying it enough attention!

Brooklyn represents in the mayor's office (just in case the only thing you've heard about DB these days is regarding snow days).

Closing out by saying, I think I was meant for a warm climate. I hate to brag, but I'm just sayin'--

Week of February 8th

It seems I may have gone overboard making up for the missed week, and so getting through last week's issue was a daunting task.  Who did it?

Today will be shorter and sweeter.  Several submissions.  Not too much newsworthy-ness.  I watched Scandal instead of the Daily Show this week so I don't know what to look into.

Are you wondering what celebrity you may bump into in the neighborhood?  Christina submitted this map for your reference.

History of the selfie, for X, from Marni.

Also from Marni, this submission needed to be put in verbatim: 

Today, Christina asked me "Are Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon different people?"  So maybe she also needs something about the new host of the Tonight Show?  It's this week's cover of NY mag.

An interesting moral dilemma we haven't discussed. 

Science backed ways to be happy- I am pretty thrilled with number 3, and feel a bit unsure of number 8- I figure it just means I should start planning my vacations WAY in advance, which is good news given upcoming life events.  Who wants to go somewhere amazing two years from now?

Are you watching the Olympics?  (You know they are on, right?  And in Russia?)  Honestly, I kind of love some of the uniforms dubbed fashion faux pas! 

And in related news- Which is your favorite Russian sign? 

Two Week Update

Please excuse my negligence.  I will try to be extra informative this week to make up for it.

3 Categories of News-- coming your way-- starting with...

Celebrity News
 Sad news today about Phillip Seymore Hoffman.

I felt terrible reading this open letter from Dylan Farrow.   Woody Allen has always been one of my favorites-- now this may be over for me.  And, just to stay well rounded, another look at the story. 

Did you need this information re: Bruno Mars and the Superbowl?  Don't admit it if you did- as it says he is HOTT with the youngs but nobody knows him over 35.  I'm 34, so clearly out of the woods. 

Beyonce.  The college course.  Just because.  If your life was a college course, what would the syllabus include?  Response requested. 

Actual News

The State of the Union.  Did you watch it?
Responses.  The public. A range from the GOP.  Also, a little bit of Paul Ryan. 
(Also- don't threaten reporters while in front of a camera.  If you are a congressman.  Or even if you aren't?)

Interesting article about the urbanization of China.

In paying attention to the crazy cold in the midwest and here, I missed this-- huge drought in California.  

Voters in Thailand have had disruptions, protests, and sites closed.  Makes you feel a little grateful for American democracy....unless life really does mimic Scandal.  Possible, right?  I'd never know, for sure.

Check out the arts and finance battle in Detroit right now.  Can you imagine New York ever getting to this? 

Have you seen this feature on BBC?  You can use it to find all the other news stories that I didn't, if you are dying to read about Bieber or the Ukraine.

And your newest dinner table conversation starter:  the richest 85 people have the same amount of wealth as the 3.5 billion poorest.   

Not Really News News
The most ridiculous attempt at being in tune to and aware of race.  And one of the many much better written responses. 

Don't show Bindi- she'd be jealous. 

It snowed 2 inches in Atlanta.  The city shut down and kids slept in their schools.  

These people paid a minimum of $2000 for their seats today. Looks fun?  And there was love and hate for the halftime show-- I kind of liked it, personally.

By the way- are you watching the Super Bowl right now?  Glad I didn't have my heart set on Denver.