Below are the latest additions to “Stuck at Home Doesn’t Have to Mean Bored at Home.”
The purpose of the original post and these updates was to provide ideas for maintaining some quality of life while on lock down. The original post has been updated continually to contain all of the suggestions, whereas the separate update posts are intended to provide an easy way to know what’s new.
However, because people are now venturing out more, there is no ongoing need for regular updates to the list of things to do. Accordingly, additional updates be on an ad hoc basis – and, you can always (even when things return to normal) go back to the original post, which has the full range of things to do.
In the meantime, here are a few updates to enjoy . . .
Friends and Family
MIT Technology review discusses a new technology called Minglr in “Remote workers want to re-create those watercooler moments, virtually.” Minglr is “open-source software that anyone can download and use to meet with people who indicate they’re free to chat. The interface is like AIM and Zoom rolled into one . . . .”
Home Not Alone (with Kids)
With the new school year just getting underway, KidsOutAndAbout.com put together a portal of over 1,000 resources and ideas: “The Ultimate Parent Survival Guide to 2020 – 2021.” This one happens to be for Boston, but there are others. Start at their home page here (entertainment calendar), and look for what’s closest to you. Check it out! And, for the adults in the family, check out the companion site: BeyondtheNest.com.
Aquariums, Zoos, Museums & More
Thank you to David Cusick of UpgradedPoints for identifying “The 75 Best Virtual Museum Tours Around the World [Art, History, Science, and Technology].”
Broadway (and Other) Shows
Don’t miss David Blaine “redefine magic once again for an unprecedented live event at a time when the world could use a positive distraction” on August 31 at 6:00 AM EDT on YouTube.
Cooking, Cookies, and Other Food Options
epicurious has what looks like a terrific list of “17 Recipes That Feel Like Vacation (Even if You’re Not Going Anywhere).”
If you’re a little more adventurous, Thrillist’s weekend project is to Make Your Own Ceviche.
While you’re at it, try pairing whatever you’re making with some wine. To get started, the Commonwealth Wine School is offering “Wine Tasting 101: It Tastes Good – What Else Should I Know?” on Tuesday, August 24.
With all the (extra) ice cream eating during the pandemic, “This Time-Tested Ben & Jerry’s Tip Will Save Your Ice Cream From Freezer Burn.”
And, if you want some milk with your non-freezer burned ice cream or other dessert, Thrillist provides directions on “How to Make Your Own Plant Milks At Home.”
Podcasts
The New York Times has identified five podcasts that let you “Travel The World With Your Ears,” including “Rough Translation” from NPR, which addresses the question, “How are the things we’re talking about being talked about somewhere else in the world?” Enjoy!
Personal Grooming
Wired (US) says, “Let us help you avoid a DIY disaster,” with their “How to Cut Your Hair at Home” guide, complete with updated links.
More recently, I received an inquiry from Mike at WiseBarber in San Diego, who told me that he put together “a detailed ultimate hair guide about How to Cut Your Own Hair for Men in 7 Easy Steps packed full of useful tips and tricks from my own experiences as a barber.” He’s right! If you are primarily using trimmers, it’s a very helpful guide. And, even if you are not, there are still some useful tips.
Travel (Virtually … or Not!)
I was approached by NerdBear in connection with their list of “25 Video Games That Allow You to Travel and Cure Wanderlust.” It’s not quite true virtual travel, but it does look like a terrific “collection of games for different ages where you can explore the U.S., Nepal, Peru, the U.K., Greece, Japan, and many more.”
Random / Other Lists
Real Simple is right that “COVID-19 doesn’t have to stop you from savoring autumn safely.” In that spirit, they offer “33 Fun Things You Can Still Do This Fall (Even During a Pandemic).”
Finally,
Thanks to The Download for identifying @michaelfrost6’s tweet, “2020 – the year poor spelling turned deadly.”
And, last but not least: “Watch – Funny Short Clips that Will Make you Smile.”