Welcome to Friday,
We had such a wonderful time on our drive through the countryside last week we decided to go again this weekend! Here’s to exploring more historic city squares and cathedrals, practicing our German language skills, and hydrating with gelato along the way.
Here is the what I’d like to share this week:
“Could be better;” in deciding something could be better, you have the opportunity to show it can be done.
“No one knows how well homework works.” Mr. Alexander is definitely onto something here, with regards to being able to measure the amount of homework assigned, time spent on it, and the corresponding results. In my own current language studying, I find that the amount of exercises in a given block will take a varying amount of time, depending on what is more familiar or what I pick up faster or slower. Just because someone spends more or less time on an exercise doesn’t necessarily predict their knowledge of the material – those are very different questions.
The Diderot Effect: We want new things, which triggers a wave of new purchases. How do we stop this in its tracks? Limit (not prevent) exposure to new things and set limits.
“People Hate Car-Free Cities Until They Live in One.” There are car-free towns near us (we actually visited over the weekend) and yes, walking is still the best way to see a city, in my opinion. Our town isn’t car-free, but we only drive our car when we leave town, and let me tell you – being able to walk everywhere we want or need to is so relaxing and enjoyable and healthy! It lifts such a mental weight not having to deal with traffic, other drivers, or the stress of being a motorist. People are resistant because they think it will be inconvenient (and because we resist change out of habit), but the benefits of walking, getting fresh air, fewer accidents and less pollution are unmistakably wins. Cities are for people, and should prioritize people getting around easily, not cars.
The U.S. simply allows too much nonsense in our food, cosmetics, and yes, skincare. This piece from The Atlantic surveys how the active ingredients in U.S. sunscreens are outdated by decades, leaving the nation in a lurch when it comes to protecting our skin from sun damage. Rashguards and hats, anyone? Relatedly, European and Asian standards are more up to date with technology and their skincare, including sunscreens, are generally of higher quality. Buy the best quality you can afford, and take care of your skin.
Currently reading: Letters to a Young Poet by Rainier Maria Rilke
Have a creative weekend.
Photo by Francesco Gallarotti on Unsplash
