Culture Watch

Ferida Wolff writes: It’s hard to ignore the changes that are taking place across the world. The atmosphere is heating up, causing glaciers to melt, oceans to rise, more floods, and fires in drier lands. And yet, we can still have snow at the beginning of Spring. It reminds me not to take anything for granted. Trees are so strong and impressive yet they, too, are part of the progression of life. Even as we plan for the future we can live moment to moment along the way. Which is good to remember because another rain/snow storm is expected tomorrow. more »

“Consumers are fed up with illegal robocalls that disturb their privacy and often pitch scams,” said Acting FTC Chairman Ohlhausen. “We’re going to expand our fight against this scourge through initiatives like the upcoming Technology Expo and Policy Forum, which amplify our impact through close coordination with the FCC and other partners.” “Scam robocalls and deceptive spoofing are real threats to American consumers, and they are the number one consumer complaint at the FCC,” said FCC Chairman Pai. “We’re committed to confronting this problem using every tool we have. I’m pleased to announce these efforts in our continued work with the FTC to protect consumers.” more »

Websites you may not have discovered: Historic American newspapers; Discussing concepts including the wisdom of crowds and the law of large numbers; the four songs that accompanied that song in the Billboard's top five; history of computer dating is much older than many people realize; 'Black Broadway,' a city within a city;" discussions of concepts of the wisdom of crowds and the law of large numbers; enriching the experience of visiting a museum or gallery; keeping current with updates from all over the web can present a challenge and Conscientious Photography Magazine; the Academic Family Tree and 37 "lessons, activities, exhibitions, videos and tools that can be used to teach students about women's history in America" more »

Sonya Zalubowski writes: I go into the bedroom, to check on Joey. He’s curled in a ball in his little bed. He only half-raises his head. Weaker than just a day ago. His nose is dry, hot. Sharp in my chest when I try to draw a deep breath. It hits me. The foolishness that I could even try to outrace both our maladies. That they won’t catch up with us before we reach the county line. That Joey would die in even more pain. That I will experience even more myself of the burning grind of my bone on bone hip. more »