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Oversized winter scarf

I sent this UGG oversize sherpa scarf to a friend in the Rocky Mountains, and their enthusiastic response convinced me it was the perfect gift. The dimensions (77″ L x 11″ W – think wearable blanket) proved ideal for high-altitude living, where temperatures swing dramatically throughout the day. What makes it special besides the size is the material—it’s exceptionally plush and warm without being heavy or bulky. — MF

Japan historical series

The series Shogun streaming on Hulu/Disney+ deserves the many awards it won for great entertainment. It’s one version of a Japanese “game of thrones” What really captivated me was the impeccable historical realism and sense of immersion into ancient Edo period Japan. For instance, the show climaxes with poetry competitions. It is loosely based on historical people and events. The cast is Japanese speaking Japanese with English subtitles. The first season has 10 episodes with two more seasons in development. Well done! — KK

Convert music streaming song links

I Don’t Have Spotify is a simple tool that quickly converts song links from Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Deezer, or SoundCloud to another preferred streaming service. This is particularly useful for sharing music with friends who have strong preferences against certain platforms. — CD

Old time radio stories

One of the best American storytellers of all time was the radio host Jean Shepherd who appeared on a New York City AM station (WOR) for 3 decades, during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Every weekday night he did a humorist monologue of stories from his boyhood in a steel-mill town, rants about city life, and tall tales about everyday life – and nothing was pre-scripted! A tireless raconteur, Shep wrote the classic movie Christmas Story, about a kid getting a BB gun for Christmas. Many of his shows were taped over the static airways by listeners, and about 500 are now available online at The Jean Shepherd Show archive. Jerry Seinfeld claims he learned how to do his comedy about little things listening to Jean Shepherd stories. — KK

Follow a water drop’s path

River Runner is a website that lets you track a virtual raindrop’s journey from any point on Earth to its final destination in the ocean. The 3D visualization is fluid, showing your water droplet flowing through rivers and streams, based on real geographic data. I spent too much time dropping rain on mountaintops and watching it wind through valleys all the way to the ocean. It’s especially spectacular when starting from places like Yellowstone National Park, where you can watch the dramatic elevation changes unfold. It’s a perfect companion to John McPhee’s Basin and Range. — MF

50 ideas for building a better life

This collection of advice is compiled as the most powerful life hacks, and while I’ve heard a lot of it before, reading it all together is particularly impactful. It serves as a great reminder of the building blocks that make a life well lived. Here are my top five favorites from the longer list:

• If you’re about to take an emotion-induced action, wait 24 hours. Many relationships have been broken by actions taken in the heat of the moment. Don’t fall into the trap.
• Never avoid hard conversations. When you avoid a hard conversation, you’re taking on a debt that has to be repaid with interest at a date in the future…
• Make a rule to never think twice about investments in yourself. Books, quality food, fitness, and personal development all fit into this bucket. These investments pay dividends for a long time. Think about material purchases instead—wait 24 hours to complete an order to see if you still want it.
• When someone is going through hell, just saying “I’m with you” is the most powerful thing you can do. Advice, perspectives, or offers to help are minimally impactful. The notion that someone is with you is 10x more powerful. Be the “darkest hour friend” to those you love.
• John D. Rockefeller would take regular breaks from his notoriously demanding schedule to mill about in his garden—it was his personal escape. Find your “garden” and go there often. Practice stillness, flex the solitude muscle. Be bored for at least 15 minutes per day. It’s an unlock for creativity and mindfulness.

— CD

02/9/25