Hi All! I’m Shannan. I’m the Cohost and Contributor for Team MMD. I’m bringing you today’s Links. If these links are all over the place, it’s because this summer I’ve been all over the place, mentally and emotionally. I can’t watch the news (feels too depressing) and there is no rhythm to my days with the Buddy Man out-of-school and my trying to keep him busy. I currently find myself in a reading slump and have been spending more time clearing my TBW (To Be Watched) rather than by TBR (To Be Read) list; anyone else enjoying Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? I’m hoping the upcoming MMD Book Club Readers’ Weekend will assist with getting me back into my reading groove. Will I see (virtually) you there?
My favorite finds from around the web:
Rebecca K. Kuang: ‘Who has the right to tell a story? It’s the wrong question to ask’. (The Guardian) We are wrapping up a Community Read of Yellowface by R. F. Kuang in MMD Book Club. This article was shared by a Book Club member. If you haven’t yet read this page-turning, literary thriller, with an inside look into publishing, what have you been doing with your life? Get thee to the nearest bookstore be it physical or virtual, or library and pick-up a copy!
Understanding and Embracing Radical Acceptance. (Psychology Today) The past few weeks, ok, the past few years, have been a doozy for us all. A couple of months ago, my therapist suggested that perhaps I needed to consider radical acceptance. I didn’t know what that was. This explained it and the concept has been helpful as I try to cope with everything.
Zaria Ware on the Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art. (LitHub) Today’s Patreon bonus episode is by me (thanks Anne!) and is in the style of One Great Book. BLK ART: The Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art is the book my 10-year-old self needed growing up. I’m so glad it’s out in the world now.
Have you all been dealing with inflation in your house? I have. So this video about Christina Mychas’s Low Buy Project piqued my interest. I went down the rabbit hole and now, I have subscribed to her channel about decluttering, minimalism, and fashion.
But low buys are hard! And I do need a good lip gloss for everyday but want something more special than my current go-to: Smith’s Rosebud Salve. I’m considering this Hourglass Lip Treatment Oil but don’t know if it’s any good. Do any of you have experience with this make-up brand? Tell me in the comments.
Elizabeth Gilbert halts release of a new book after outcry over its Russian setting. (NPR) I have some thoughts and a lot of feelings about Liz Gilbert’s decision not to release her forthcoming book, Snow Forest, set in Russia in the middle of the last century. The book was set to be released in February 2024 and after its announced release date, accrued over 500 negative reviews on Goodreads. However, Mary Rasenberg’s comments regarding the matter gave me a perspective to consider: “Authors should never be required to withdraw books but must have the right to speak or not speak when they wish.”
Why Is Everyone Watching TV With the Subtitles On? (The Atlantic) I started when the Buddy Man was a baby and would be crying or sleeping while I was trying to watch something. Now, it’s hard to watch anything without them, including the aforementioned Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Does this count as reading?
I recently discovered Dr. Becky Kennedy’s podcast, Good Inside. Dr. Becky is a clinical psychologist and mom of three who takes on the parenting questions no one wants to talk about and gives actionable advice. This particular episode hit home for me recently but you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Don’t miss these posts:
13 novels featuring female characters in STEM. Let’s hear it for the increasing number of stories centering women working in STEM fields!
The things that seem to work for everyone else. This is a good reminder.
20 travel memoirs to take you around the world (from the comfort of your couch). Are you in need of some armchair travel? This list will tide you over while you dream about your next vacation.
Have a great weekend!
About the author
Shannan Malone is the MMD Cohost and Contributor. Her go-to genre depends on her mood! You can find Shannan on Instagram @shannanenjoyslife.
59 comments
Shannan, please think twice about Hourglass! Beautiful colors and prompt delivery, but what a mess! I have tried three of their various formulas and I found all to be messy with a lot of “slip” meaning blurry lips smearing all over my face. Would probably recommend Bobby Brown for the same product, with great color and price point
I agree about Hourglass. I have one of their serums and it leaks all over the place. I LOVE Ami Cole’s lip treatment oil. It’s a brand focused on melanin rich skin, which I do not have, but their lip oils are amazing for any skin tone. The tube does get a little sticky in my bag but it’s worth it.
Abbie, I will check them out. Appreciate you.
Thanks for the info Deborah. That’s why I asked.
Agree about Hourglass ….way over priced as well for an average lip gloss.
I love the realness and the sense of humour you bring to the article descriptions Shannan!
Thank you Janice. Thanks for reading.
Thank you for the recommendation.
Shannan, I always appreciate your honesty. Thank you for this post. Watching TV w subtitles is such an interesting change. We now watch all of our streaming and movies w subtitles. Our teenage kids started doing that and now we are too. Funny to think of it as reading, possibly.
I was just wondering if it could count as reading because I haven’t been doing very much this summer. Thank you for commenting.
Yes, I use the cc option regularly, but selectively. My DH doesn’t like it, so when I watch with him, I turn it off. When watching by myself, I turn it on for streaming services – movies/films, TV episodes. Just chilling with live TV? Usually off, unless I need to keep the volume off or way down. My condo has thin walls, and I don’t like to disturb the neighbours too early or late. CC to the rescue!
Holding off on S2 of Star Trek: SNW until all episodes are available. Then I will binge 🙂 I’ve watched/rewatched everything Star Trek over the last 5 years or so. SNW ranks right up there with the best, IMHO. I also really enjoyed S3 of Star Trek: Picard. Like old home week!
Pat,
I tend to watch everything with subtitles when possible. I listen as well but subtitles really help me when I cannot understand what is being said. Also, it helps as my hearing is going.
Hi Shannon. We are Star Trek nerds in our house, and we are loving Strange New Worlds.
Me too! It is SOOOO good! 🙂
I’m late to the party. Besides the movies starring Chris Pine, I hadn’t watched any Star Trek. I have been watching DISCOVERY but love Strange New Worlds so much. It’s a great entry point for us latecomers. Thank you for commenting.
Shannan, Seriously?? When you said you were loving SNW, I just assumed you were a longtime Trekkie—Oh my goodness, I just can’t even—. But you are young, right? and I’m old. I was a kid when the ORIGINAL Trek aired, and I was a teen in the 70s when the Star Trek reruns made it a classic. We watched them every day after school. I started catching TNG in the late 80s, maybe 3 seasons in, and never stopped. But I had not seen SNW until about a month ago when I found out it was free on amazon prime! Still getting used to the characters, but I love Pike, and Spock is good. The James Kirk character toward the end of Season 1 is AWFUL!!!!! I beg you, please watch the Original Star Trek with the real Captain Kirk. The effects are worse than cheesy, but the characters and stories more than make up for it. (and the rest is history…)
Loved the first season of SNWs but am waiting for more episodes to drop before I start season 2.
On good scifi shows – Is anyone else hooked on Silo? The ending sure got me hooked to see season 2.
Ooh I haven’t seen Silo yet but it looks interesting. Glad to have another data point in its favor.
I’m also looking forward to season 2 of Foundation on Apple+ because season 1 was just so preeeeetty.
Looking forward to watching Silo. Currently listening to the series on audiobook, and will watch the TV series afterward. Love a good sci fi adaptation!
We are Trek nerds in our house too! Strange New Worlds has been such a delight, and I appreciate that it’s a great entry point for people who are new to Trek. It doesn’t require a lot of knowledge about previous iterations of Star Trek, but it’s got fun Easter eggs for people who know and love the franchise. To me, the welcoming entry point plus thought-provoking stories and excellent characters really is a perfect blend.
Alisha,
Haven’t seen any of the Star Trek series for years. But I intend to try SNW since everyone gives it great reviews. Thank you all!
Try RMS Liplights — I just discovered them and LOVE them!
I grew up watching tv/movies with subtitles on because my mom is hard of hearing and that was the only way she could fully understand what was happening. By the time I got married I thought nothing of it as it was my normal, my husband however had never used them. I insisted as it also made it easier for me (turns out my hearing isn’t all that great either). Here we are 20 years later and he uses them now even when watching on his own!!
I can’t really watch anything without them. And I kind of miss them in the theatre now. 😂
I think this in the movie theater too!
My sister and I started using subtitles while living with a close friend who is Korean. And now my whole family uses captions all the time. And as for it counting as reading, I think it definitely contributed to both of our kiddos becoming strong early readers. Daniel Tiger and Octonauts subtitles for the win!
My husband is hearing impaired and I’ve gotten so used to having the subtitles on that like your husband, I sometimes find myself doing it even when I’m watching by myself! I find them particularly useful for shows where people have British accents, like “Ted Lasso” or “Slow Horses.”
Now when we go to the movies we try to go on nights when they promise subtitles!
They do that! How do you know?
For your lip treatment: Fresh Sugar Hydrating lip balm. Available in a wide range of colors. When I went to look for something to save my lips from a very dry NE winter several years ago, the women at Sephora looked at each other and pretty much in unison said “Fresh Sugar”!
Fresh Sugar is on my radar. Thanks. I will probably try that first thanks to your recommendation.
I loved the article on radical acceptance. I’ve been trying to practice something like this for myself, but especially in raising my son. I don’t want him to be bitter, I want him to be happy.
Glad it was helpful, Candy. I’m finding radical acceptance to be difficult but worth the effort. Thank you for reading.
I’m reading Yellowface and am LOVING it. In fact, I’m counting down the hours to bedtime so I can get back to it, lol. The whole Elizabeth Gilbert issue sounds straight from the book too – I did a double take on that.
Thanks for the YT recommendation, I’m intrigued!
Also, I always use captioning (am deaf) so am thrilled to see it becoming more mainstreamed.
Shannon,
I’m enjoying today’s post! Subtitles: I use them too! My husband & I started using them when we began Derry Girls on Netflix. We had a hard time with those Irish accents at first. Then, we just never took it off for other shows & I prefer watching everything with them now. Honestly, as I get older, it’s very helpful.
I think this is the first Friday list that was a 100% match for me! Every link had me like, “oh I need to read/watch/listen to that!”.
Thank you!
That’s kind, Kristen. I am glad it resonated. Have a lovely weekend.
Wow – so many great articles to read, thank you! I love subtitles when I need them (foreign films, a long-ago opera that I attended), but in general I get distracted by them … probably because I’d rather be reading than watching. I don’t watch Star Trek, but I do like Chris Pine, so maybe I should add that to my to-be-watched list. And I, too, have some initial thoughts on Gilbert pulling her book, and I am curious to explore more about the topic.
The Christina Mychas link seems to be broken. Just a fyi!
I’m sorry. It seems to work for us. But here it is again: https://youtu.be/NdEUJ4pQTvQ
Thank you for your words this morning and the article on radical acceptance. Just what I needed along with the link at the end of the article to find a therapist.
Oh, I’m so glad to hear this. I wish you well.
Shannan,
Thank you so much for the article on Radical Acceptance. This is a place I have come to over the last couple of years – one part due to covid and one part due to a conflict with a friend – and it is a beautiful place to be. I had no idea this line of thought had a name or a whole list of ways to help you get there. Appreciate you sharing! Have a great weekend!
Do subtitles count as reading? 😂 If so, I am very well read!
😂
Hi Shannan.
I love SNW! I got into Star Trek after watching Discovery when it first came out. Now, I am attempting to watch the whole canon. I have watched Discovery, Enterprise, and am working my way through TNG now.
Also, I am a huge fan of subtitles.
I LOVE the flowers at the top of the page. Those colors are yummy!!
Totally forgot about that Hourglass lip goop-and it’s goop! I had the clear one that I used at night, but it’s messy and as I recall sticky! Try SkinFix (Sephora) or Malin/Goetz (sp?) from Amazon, i think! Or in a stick form I love the Drunk Elephant lip balm. I’m a junkie of lip balms, can you tell? Oh, and don’t buy L’Anza either, really sticky and i think has an odd smell. I’m sure I’ve left out a lot of my favorites.
Thank you for the article on radical acceptance. I now have something to share with others that have been struggling with their relationships. I believe my marriage failed because we didn’t have: respect, acceptance, unity and unconditional love for one another. It ended up being quite toxic. Too bad I didn’t have this article 20 years ago. Thanks for today’s links & stay true to who are, beautiful human!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Mimi.
Shannan, This is a great list! So many links I’m excited to read!
Great links! I found it very interesting that Liz Gilbert pulled her book.
RE: subtitles. Even before pandemic, I rarely went to movie theaters/watched recently made movies because soundtracks were just too loud for me to enjoy. I’d comment that if a film has explosions, it’s not for me. (First DOWNTON ABBEY film might be last movie I saw in theater.) Thinking about it, extreme noise in films or TV shows seem linked to a story’s focus–these tend to be violent, shallow, rapid paced to prevent dwelling on character development. Quote from ALICE IN WONDERLAND could apply: “And what use is a book, Alice thought, without pictures or conversation?” (substituting film or TV show for book).
Years ago, parents already looked for films not too stimulating for children with sensory issues (including sudden loud noises). Good luck with that now–to me, even Disney’s ENCANTO was too loud during the pounding music interludes. (BTW, sub-titles in Spanish on the DVD don’t seem transcribed from the spoken Spanish dialogue mostly recorded by the same adult actors, more like translation from the English. Interestingly, likeable lesser-known 1955 Disney movie THE LITTLEST OUTLAW featured famous Mexican actors who filmed movie twice, for versions with dialogue in Spanish and American-sounding English rather than sub-titles or dubbing.)
Noise pollution is an increasing problem. Hearing loss may be linking to exposture to high decibles. Another cause of hearing loss with age may be high blood pressure–which might be linked to anxiety from stress, including a noisy environment. I’ve been reading about people who even before portable electronic entertainment loved living in quiet wilderness areas. Recent guidebooks for hikers remind such to avoid playing loud music in consideration for others. Despite complaints & warnings, illegal fireworks have been set off for months prior to 4th of July by those who don’t get the message: not everyone loves loud, which can be dangerous for all.
Article “Why Is Everyone Watching TV With the Subtitles On?” can be found online without signing up for THE ATLANTIC subscription. In it Devin Gordon explains how inclusion of extremely loud sounds on soundtracks has led to sometimes hard-to-hear dialogue.
DH always brings those foamy earplugs with him when we go to the movies, to dampen the loud sound. Suffers from tinnitus, probably caused by his time in the infantry back in the 60s/70s. Nobody worried about ear protection back then. Truth be told, I sometimes use my own set, too. Why is the volume so loud at the movies?!?
When the new movie version of Stephen King’s It came out, my husband and best friend really wanted to go see it. I went with them, but at the time I was no fan of horror at all so I brought reinforcements: noise-cancelling headphones, and an oversized sweatshirt to hide under if I got overwhelmed, haha! It got me through the movie and actually, with the noise cancelling headphones on the volume level was perfect rather than my not being able to hear anything. I’ve since considered just bringing them to the movies every time, but I haven’t gone back much since. Movie theaters really are just WAY too loud.
ST:Strange New Worlds is soooo good. It felt like going back to the original because of the new adventure every week but better in some ways. I am going to try watching Picard next.
My mother always took us to foreign films, so we got used to subtitles. But more recently, and it was touched on, it’s the LOUD background music that is overpowering the dialogue! We can’t hear them! We notice it on PBS programs especially. And I’m usually good with accents, but lately, with the loud background swells, and really mumbled words in a strong accent, I need subtitles. Shouldn’t someone do something about it? Isn’t the dialogue the most important thing?? If I can’t hear what they’re saying, I might as well give up on the show (unless I can get subtitles, but it’s still frustrating.)
Regarding subtitles, I’m SO THANKFUL this is much more common now. I was diagnosed with a moderate-to-severe hearing disability when I was very young, and have worn hearing aids off and on since I was 10. I am now almost 35 and it is so nice to not have to feel weird about asking if it is okay for the subtitles to be turned on when I’m watching a movie or show with other people. And the fact that you can turn the setting on once on a streaming app and not have to mess with it again is also awesome.
I am a long time Trekkie and haven’t started Strange New Worlds yet, but I’ve consistently heard great things!
I love Smith’s Strawberry Rosebud Salve in a tube. I’m curious about the Hourglass you mentioned.
My husband grew up always watching TV/movies with subtitles because his sister is deaf. As a result, I’ve gotten used to it too, and now I feel like I’m missing something without them! It’s especially helpful when characters have an accent or there is a lot of background noise in a scene.