TGIF!
Check out John Krasinski’s “Some Good News” for a smile and maybe even some much needed happy tears. I’m not crying. You’re crying.
In preparation for another stay-at-home weekend, we thought we’d share some of Team MAA’s music, book, and streaming recommendations. We’ve also included a couple of ways to give back to the community during this time!
Books
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin - Explores the line between destiny and choice through intersecting stories of four siblings who are each told the exact date they will die by a fortune teller.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara - A must read for anyone interested in true crime. This book follows journalist Michelle McNamara's search to identify one of the most notorious criminals, the Golden State Killer. McNamara passed away before the book was published, but many credit her work as playing an extremely important role in identifying the killer.
The Hobbit (BBC Radio Performance Audiobook) - Actors from across the UK took part in an adaptation of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien in vocal performance. Highly recommend for any Fantasy or Lord of the Ring fans.
Podcasts
Who? Weekly - A entertaining listen for when you need a break from the news. Breaks down Hollywood into the “Thems” vs. “Whos” and explores all the celebrities you don’t know.
Music
3.15.20, Album by Childish Gambino - Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino) released a surprise album.
Have a Great Day, playlist on Spotify - The perfect soundtrack for teleworking.
TV/Movie
Check out these binge-worthy shows and movies that feature some of our clients’ districts:
Big Little Lies - Set in Monterey, California (Jimmy Panetta, CA-20)
Grace and Frankie - Set in San Diego, California (Scott Peters, CA-52)
10 Things I Hate About You - Filmed at Stadium High School in Takoma, Washington (Derek Kilmer, WA-6)
Almost Famous - Set in San Diego, California (Scott Peters, CA-52)
HOW TO HELP
Here are two ways to support local bookstores without having to go outside!
Many lives have been turned upside down by the COVID-19 crisis, and if you’re like me, you’ve been trying to figure out the best way to help our community here in the DMV. Should you want to take action beyond practicing social distancing, here are some local organizations doing amazing work right now on behalf of those the coronavirus outbreak is hitting hardest:
Nonprofit Martha’s Table has pledged more than $300,000 to assist local families and is distributing $15-per-day grocery-store gift cards. In addition, the organization is delivering online educational material so kids can keep learning from home. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.marthastable.org.
DC’s Virtual Tip Jar - Reproductive rights advocate and organizer Ana Owens and her girlfriend Katie Gentsch, a bartender at Franklin Hall and King Street Oyster Bar, have set up a “virtual tip jar” so that people can directly Venmo or PayPal bartenders and servers at their favorite DC establishments. A public spreadsheet lists the names of workers, where they are (or were) employed, and how to send them some extra cash.
Hook Hall is distributing care kits and family meals daily from 6-9 PM for industry workers in the DC area. They also created a Worker’s Relief Fund to support restaurant and food service industry workers who need assistance during this time.
A group of third-year medical students at Georgetown University organized a movement called MedSupplyDrive, which is dedicated to getting PPE to healthcare workers and first responders. They have set up a website with information about how to donate masks and other in-demand items like bleach, non-latex gloves, and even rain ponchos and bandanas.
EATS
Imperfect Foods Grocery Delivery Service - Helps to eliminate food waste by delivering groceries and produce that would otherwise be thrown out due to surplus, and because of this, it is much cheaper than food sold at grocery stores! Use this link here.
And of course, continue to try to support your local restaurants and local businesses with donations and gift cards. See if they have an online retail presence where you can purchase the same or similar goods. Buy gift cards for your favorite restaurants and order take-out if that option remains available. And if you get things delivered, consider tipping a little extra. :)
KIDSSS……
J.K. Rowling launched “Harry Potter at Home” a new website that has free access to the first audiobook and plenty of articles and reading to explore more about the Harry Potter Universe. You can test your knowledge with a quiz or watch a video to learn how to draw a Niffler. Check it out here!
And finally, Molly’s kids would be OVER THE MOON if you’d click on their YouTube video with their new puppet series. It will make their weekend!!
Have a good one - be safe and be well!
- Team MAA