Coffee Break Reading List (December 15, 2020)

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Some of the things around the web that I've been reading or exploring during recent coffee breaks: 

• So much controversy swirling for most of this year about responses to the covid-19 virus. Masks, lockdowns, restrictions, vaccines . . . The worst of all of it, as I see it, is the way it's dividing people. Guess what? There are different opinions on whether it's helpful to wear masks and in which situations, and that's okay. Government should not be dictating that we must all wear them, nor should government be dictating which businesses may be open and how they may conduct their business. The Heritage Foundation article The Science Is Not Settled on COVID-19 Guidelines gives a good overview.
• An interesting article on the Catholic News Agency site points out that Only frequent church attendees avoiding downward mental health trend in 2020. Across all demographics, mental health was declining this year thanks to isolation and worry. The only exception was for those who regularly attended church services. 
• I found this fascinating - Comic Artist Maps the History of Languages With an Illustrated Linguistic Tree. It's a beautiful piece of art and visual representation of the development of different languages and how they're related. Find out more about it at My Modern Met.

• Assuming you speak the same language, how do you start conversations with people you've just met and are looking to build a connection with? Here are some suggestions that are a bit of the beaten path of small talk about the weather or the standard "What do you do?" - 8 Questions to Ask Someone Other Than "What Do You Do?" from Pocket
• Now let's talk Christmas! I absolutely love Christmas lights, and I really enjoyed the reminder of the meaning behind this holiday tradition in the article Christmas Lights on the blog Stray Thoughts.
• A few years ago I also wrote an article about Christmas lights. I focused on the history in A Christmas (Light) Story. 

• Finally, the wonderful folks at SchoolhouseTeachers.com have put together a collection of articles from writers around the world sharing tips and ideas for celebrating the holidays and reducing stress at the same time. Check out the 12 Days of Christmas Encouragement! If you're interested in some fun and educational ideas for your family and homeschool, check out the SchoolhouseTeachers Christmas Corner page, where you'll find all the lesson ideas and videos they have to offer. If you're not already a member, those resources and hundreds more are available on the website - everything you need for home education! Get a Fresh Start by purchasing a SchoolhouseTeachers.com membership! Use code: START139 to pay only $139/year or code: START16 to pay only $16/month. 

Some fun things I've found during coffee breaks: 

• I've shared this before but I was reminded of it because we're reading a Shakespeare comedy in the Literature class I teach.

• Slightly more serious - small businesses are in desperate need of support. If you want to offer support but don't have money to spend, here are some no cost ways that you can help out:

What I've been reading during longer coffee breaks: 

A Pretty Deceit by Anna Lee Huber

Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks by Diana Butler Bass

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman & Glynnis Whitwer

The Christmas Bargain by Shanna Hatfield

Find out more at my book blog Just A Second.

Found anything interesting on the web lately? Read any good books? Leave a comment and let me know!

 

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