Friday Roundup: Men who don't read, Measles & BBC Dad

3 small things you can do, 5 stories you should read & some things to make your life better

Hi all -

I’m back in DC after a whirlwind 24 hours in New York City! Even though I lived there for 7 years I am always shocked when I return to the cacophony. I love seeing my friends and forging work connections, and usually try to hit a broadway show, but I’m always so happy to return to more subdued DC. I attended two events in NYC that were community events for creators. So many of the conversations we had were about how important it is to find time to be together with people who share your values at this time. How in that community we can find both solace and spirit for the fight.

I’m always so glad to be in community with you all and I hope this weekend you are able to reach out to someone in your life and share a moment together - even if it’s just on the phone or facetime. It really does lift spirits.

→ head to the comments to connect with folks in your geographic area!!

• Compliment at least two people. And I mean genuine compliments that are specific and personal. Tell your barista their latte is a work of art. Let a colleague know their idea in the meeting was smart and well-thought-out. Text a friend just to remind them they’re doing a great job at life. A well-placed compliment can turn someone’s whole day around, including yours.

• Start planning your Spring garden (even if it’s only in your head). Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a windowsill, start envisioning some green. What flowers do you want to see blooming? Would a little pot of fresh herbs make you feel like a domestic goddess this summer? Let the thought of it breathe some fresh air into your day.

• Peruse this website that government employees created to share their stories and the valuable work they do to debunk DOGE’s claims.

His Daughter Was America’s First Measles Death in a Decade (The Atlantic)

A gripping and devastating interview with a family in mourning and a town in the midst of an outbreak.

JD Vance is a Bad Father (Abortion, Everyday)

Jessica Valenti does a deep dive into how Vance and his Republican allies are failing to serve their daughters’ best interests.

E.P.A. Targets Dozens of Environmental Rules as It Reframes Its Purpose (The New York Times)

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin argues the Environmental Protection Agency’s purpose is energy dominance, not environmental protection as he rolls back dozens of important environmental regulations.

Feminism is Not to Blame For The Gender Divide, Men Who Don’t Read Are (The Mad Woman Substack)

An essay about why men need to start reading books by women.

AI Can Steal Your Voice, And There's Not Much You Can do About It (NBC News)

Voice cloning programs — most of which are free - have flimsy barriers to prevent non consensual impersonations, a new report finds.

Build your best pantry. Stock up on the right staples and never have to run to the store. Find out how here.

11 books to brighten your Spring. A list from the always wise Adam Grant. Get it here.

What to cook for a meal train. A practical guide for how to prep food for friends going through it. Read it here.

Could you take a sabbatical from your marriage? Can solo travel be beneficial for a marriage? And what if a little trip, turns into something longer? Read more here.

For a quick trip, I don’t think a wheelie bag is necessary and have been gravitating towards this Away tote. It’s great quality, has a laptop sleeve, and is big enough to stuff your winter coat when you get on the airplane.

I talked about these PJs on my IG, but I feel so cute and it makes traveling feel like a special occasion. Made with organic cotton at a fair trade factory.

There has been a viral post circulating about a woman who died on an airplane from a blood clot and I have recommitted myself to wearing my compression socks more often. I wear these ones made from recycled cotton.

If I have to sit for a few hours you will find me in sweatpants jeans. These things are expensive but I get so many compliments from people who think I found the perfect slouchy jean.

Puppy Love. Dalmatian puppies take their very first steps outside. Watch it here.

A Cozy And Comfortable Home Makeover. An 1830s duplex gets an adorable facelift. Look at pics here.

The Perfect Yellow Kitchen. The garden, the patterns, the cottage core dream. See it here.

BBC Dad’s Kids Are All Grown Up. It’s been eight years since these kids went viral for crashing their dad’s interview and we still feel his pain. See them now.

A Royal Playlist. King Charles (still strange to say) released a playlist that includes Beyonce, Bob Marley and Diana Ross. It’s pretty catchy. See it all here.