We’re now about two-thirds of the way through summer, according to my elementary school mentality. I learned at a young age that no matter what the astronomical and meteorological arrangements are, summer consists of June, July and August.
The actual last day of summer, the autumnal equinox, is Sept. 21. But having never let a small thing like physics interfere with my perception of reality, one day last week I thought, we’re almost there. Only a few more weeks of heat left to survive.
The truth is, that while I’ve often found the humidity of summer to be emotionally oppressive, and our global temperature continues to rise, it’s not been so bad in Winston-Salem this year. I’ve self-prescribed walks on greenway trails, used the a/c as needed to maintain comfort at home and applied copious amounts of ice cream and smoothies, with more on the way. In the fine tradition of summer fantasy films, I went to see “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” — or, as I called it, “What Will Happen If Trump Wins” — twice, escaping to an exciting world of adventure and heroic feats. It was reminiscent of the summer matinees I attended as a kid, low-budget sci-fi films enriched by popcorn and Milk Duds, but with much better special effects.
I noted a few weeks ago that I’d allowed news, presented via various apps and subscriptions that inhabit my phone, to invade quiet times. These included my mornings, when, upon waking, I turned first to Heather Cox Richardson. Sure, she’s essential, but first thing in the morning? And at Fox-a-Lago, the field near Washington Park where wild things reign, I’d started to feel as if my time with the foxes was interrupting the news when it was actually the other way around.
This is no way to spend my summer, I thought.
Having some kitty visitors — they’ve all gone on to better places with better people now — helped break the cycle. There’s nothing more urgent in the morning than feeding those poor, starving kitties, as the “childless cat ladies” reviled by veep hopeful and confirmed weirdo J.D. Vance could attest.
Then we’d turn to the open kitchen window, me with my coffee, waiting for the cardinals and a cute little chipmunk to find the peanuts spread by the water bowl. We’d watch them eat and run, then Mama Cat would trill at me, as if to ask, did you see that?
“I know,” I’d agree.
In the evening, my attention returned to Lookit, Seekit and Thumbelina, three healthy, energetic red foxes, seemingly more comfortable each day with the presence of strange furless things who bring chicken and eggs. The field is usually cooler than, say, downtown sidewalks, and breezy. Some days I linger even after the foxes are gone.
A study recently conducted in Denmark concluded that limiting children’s screen time to just three hours per week can result in significant improvements to their mental health. This accompanies last month’s announcement from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy that he intends to ask Congress to put warning labels on social media apps because of the harm they do to children’s mental health. A study referred to by Murthy concluded that 46% of adolescents aged 13-17 said social media makes them feel worse about their body image and 32% said social media negatively affected their grades in school.
This seems like something we’ve known, doesn’t it?
Back in March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis followed several other states in signing legislation that prohibits children 13 and younger from creating social media profiles, and for once, I have little criticism to offer (though I suspect he’s a little more worried about children finding The Gays than their depression and anxiety).
I have no doubt that too much screentime is harmful to grown-ups, too. It can distort reality and create a false sense of urgency. Join the wrong conversation and you feel like everyone is crazy, not just the two or three asserting their warped views.
So I’m trying to be a little more mindful in my internet usage. It’s necessary to know what’s going on in the world, but there’s little utility in repetition.
I realize the irony of delivering this message to you via the internet, so I’ll mention now that there are also studies that claim screentime can be beneficial. Online communication can help create a sense of community and connection.
Like anything else, it’s a matter of moderation, of creating balance. Effortlessness requires a little effort. Like eating ice cream for dessert, not dinner.
Last week, I realized that I’d not yet built a sandwich with a homegrown summer tomato. I’m happy to report that that situation has been resolved.
This week I plan to spend a few days out of town on this thing we call vacation. The road is calling my name.
“Miiiick. Miiiick.”
There’s so much turmoil in the world, in the country, even with recent hopeful developments. But the mind requires nourishment and rest, fresh sights and visions. I’m eager to find the right amount of engagement after one more tomato sandwich.
…..
Overflow:
Warning labels for social media apps:
Gov. Ron DeSantis bans social media profiles for children under 13:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/25/ron-desantis-florida-social-media-ban-children/
Parents set the example:
But the internet can be good for you, depending on your goals and practices:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/15/health/internet-greater-well-being-study-wellness/index.html
The summertime blues are real and, thus, can be treated:
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Trump tells his Christian nationalist followers that they only need vote one more time — after that, they “won’t have to vote anymore.” But no, he doesn’t plan to be a dictator:
There’s some ambiguity to his phrasing; maybe he just means that after four more years, everything will be fixed and not as many voters will be required to keep things smooth.
But here’s the thing: If someone accuses you of shoplifting from the 7-11, if you’re a normal person, and innocent, you’d say, “No, I would never do such a thing. I don’t even like 7-11, I never go there.” And you stay away from the 7-11. If your partner says, “Honey, would you stop by the 7-11 on your way home to pick up some straws?” you’d drive miles out of your way to stop by the Teeter instead.
Trump is accused of desiring to be an authoritarian dictator, and rather than adjust his rhetoric to mitigate such accusations, he leans into it. “I’ll only be a dictator on Day One.” “President Xi is strong like granite.” “Putin is a genius for invading a foreign country.” “Vote for me and you’ll never have to vote again.” He’s either too stupid to avoid the accusations or he’s signaling his supporters that of course it’s true. Quite a few of them have responded, “We need a dictator.”
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A thorough catalog of Trump’s violent rhetoric, because it’s important to acknowledge the major source of American political violence:
Violent rhetoric is in Trump’s DNA:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-incite-violence-gop_n_5ffa6f71c5b63642b6fc7826
We need a candidate, not a cult leader. I’ve found the wise Tom Nichols is usually right.
If you’re wondering what’s happening at the Southern border, and what role Vice President Kamala Harris has played there, the excellent analyst Jim Bob Moore will explain it:
It’s you and me in the summertime, baby.
Thanks for being here today, and let me make sure you’re aware of the upcoming road trip organized by my friend Kevin Watson and me. I hope you’ll consider joining us for some cool rural scenery and supreme ice cream.
I’ll have copies of my book, which is also available from my friends at Bookmarks, the Book Ferret, the Central Library or directly from the publisher, Press 53. A free scoop of ice cream with every purchase!
If you’re not yet a subscriber, you can have my essays delivered to your inbox on Sundays (and occasionally other times) and you can do so for free or for a small fee; your choice and I’m not taking names.
Thanks, and have a great day.
I'm having a great summer. Kamala came to our little town yesterday! I've eaten pretty m7ch my fill of fried class and black raspberry ice cream.