Welcome to the weekly newsletter, where I share my musings on world events. I’ll also use this to identify those deserving of our collective side-eye. I’ll share thought-provoking online gems or things that make me laugh (because we need both). And sometimes, I may include personal nonsense. I hope this brightens your week and makes you think.
Nonsense
Went on a hike to Buggytop Cave this weekend to celebrate the upcoming birthday of a friend. I haven’t hiked in FOR-EV-ER, so it was challenging despite the trail being one that I’ve traversed several times. Although I felt like I was dying, it was good to be outside and beside running water again. Best of all, I got to spend time with some great friends.
2024 Paralympic Games
Gold medalists, the Woodalls, are, perhaps, the cutest couple in the world.
Sixteen-year-old Arelle Middleton's silver medal in the women's shot put F64 crowned her the youngest American medalist.
Saysunee Jana of Thailand is the first female athlete to win gold in all three fencing disciplines—Sabre, Foil, and Epee—at a single Paralympic Games.
The U.S. Paralympic Women's Sitting Volleyball Team won gold for the third year in a row.
The U.S. Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team also won gold for the third year in a row.
U.S. swimming icon Jessica Long won gold in the 100m butterfly S8.
British archer Jodie Grihnam was the first pregnant Paralympics athlete to win a medal.
Lara Baars won a gold medal in the Women’s Shot Put F40.
Tayana Medeiros was crowned the champion in the women's 86kg Para powerlifting.
Ezra Frech won gold in the men’s 100m T63 by a close margin.
Morgan Stickney set a new Paralympic record.
U.S. athlete Tatyana Mcfadden matched the all-time record for the most medals in U.S. Paralympic track and field history, winning 21 medals.
What’s Goin’ On?
Another school shooting, this time at Apalachee High School in Georgia, left four people dead and many more injured. Mason Schermerhorn, 14, Christian Angulo, 14, Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Christina Irimie, 53 were murdered. Despite the shooter and his family being visited by the GBI and other government officials due to various threats made and troubling situations reported, the father of the gunman purchased the child an AR-15 for Christmas last year. The father has been arrested and charged with various crimes. (As he should be.)
Only Murders in the Building was renewed for Season 5 on Hulu.
Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei died days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her former boyfriend.
Alex Morgan has retired. And she’s pregnant with her second child. Remember her epic celebration after scoring a goal against England? And that time she got to meet her biggest fan?
Will Ferrell and his close friend, former head writer at SNL, Harper Steele embark on a cross-country road trip together after Harper comes out as a trans woman in the documentary film, WILL & HARPER. You can view it at select theaters this September and on Netflix September 27.
A $20M federal grant will help provide reliable electric power to Hopi homes in the southwest.
A salmonella outbreak made 65 people sick in 9 states from eggs labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms” or “Tony’s Fresh Market." If they’re in your fridge, throw them away.
Multiple people were shot, seven injured, along I-75 south of Lexington, Kentucky. The shooter, Joseph A. Couch, is still on the loose.
Kendrick Lamar will perform at the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime show.
Kate Winslet, the women’s body positive icon that she is. Her new historical film, Lee, will be released on September 27.
Olympic medalists Ilona Maher (women’s rugby) and Stephen Nedoroscik (men’s pommel horse) have joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars.
A 15-year-old was shot in a Maryland high school bathroom by a 16-year-old student. The victim was hospitalized in serious condition.
Nicole Kidman's mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, died.
Maori tribal leaders selected Nga Wai Hono i te Po as the new monarch after the death of her father last week.
Bless Their Hearts
Oh, Australia.
Hmmm.
Perhaps my new favorite Care Bear.
The only appropriate use of AI.
Kids are funny.
Proud to say that I voted for Kelly Clarkson about a million times.
A book dress! I wonder if it has pockets…
Dogs meeting their hero.
The Cliff Bar is a real place?
Random Cats
I Want to Go to There
What did you find interesting this past week? Tell me in the comments.