More Thoughts on Bad Bunny's Halftime Show

I read a lot of comments on social media last night.

There wasn't any, "Well, it was okay."

People either loved it or hated it.

Not surprising, given the current division in our country. 

I think the people who wanted to hate it, did hate it.

They found things to complain about.

But I think that Bad Bunny could have given those people a lot more to bitch about, but chose not to.

Because his intention was to entertain, not to disgust or to shock.

There were rumors he might wear a dress.

He didn't. 

There were rumors he might kiss a man.

He didn't 

His female dancers were sexy and they certainly moved their bodies.

But there were no bikinis, no thongs showing, no boobs out. 

Others might argue with me.

But I thought it was tasteful.

There were two brief moments of men dancing together, but they were blink and you'll miss it encounters.

The only kissing was between a heterosexual couple, during an actual wedding ceremony!

And for all the people complaining about the Spanish - y'all, he threw you a bone. A big one - an uber-popular, immediately recognizable, straight, lovely, (occasionally blond) woman named Lady Gaga - who sang in English! 

So honestly, what was there to complain about? What was controversial? 

If you don't like his music, okay, fair enough.

But to say it was the worst halftime ever?

Please.

I remember when Justin popped Janet's boob out, everyone was screaming that the halftime show should be family friendly. That children are watching. 

How would you rate Bad Bunny's show on a family friendly scale?

I would rate it highly.

Again, no super suggestive clothing or gyrating.

There were scenes depicting family life, community, celebrations, inclusion, unity.

I think young children would be interested in the scenery, the men on the utility poles, the flags.

The show was colorful. 

There was a lot to take in.

I think about when you go to the opera (for those that do). Many operas are sung in a foreign language. So you dont know what the characters are saying. But the emotion in the music plus the movements on stage are what connects you to the performance. The feeling  tells the story. And that's what Bad Bunny's halftime show did for me.

If it didn't work for you. I feel bad for you.

You missed out on fifteen minutes of what this country desperately needs.

Joy.

Bad Bunny's Halftime Show: My Thoughts

I have been using Duolingo for over a year to learn Spanish.

I'm improving on reading and somewhat on comprehension, but I still can't speak the language. 

When it comes to Bad Bunny's performance at the Superbowl, my learning Spanish did not help me. I could not understand what he was saying.

But that didn't bother me. Because for me, his show was much more about FEELING than about knowing a language and song lyrics. 

This was a celebration of country, culture, people, history. This was about joy, pride, honor, respect. This was about family and generations. 

It was also about dance.

And it was about inclusion. His special guests were Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin - two worldwide superstars - one of them an LGBTQ+ ally and the other an out gay man.

At the end of the performance, Bad Bunny was reciting the countries that are part of the Americas. Again, it was about inclusion. America is about more than the 50 states and the District of Columbia. People born and raised in the US territories are Americans too. 

Focus on what unites us - the international language of music - not what divides us.

librarianintx 

Grammy's

I told myself I wasn't going to stay up to watch the whole show.

But I did.

Here were my favorite moments, in no particular order:

Trevor Noah killed it as always as host. I'm sad it was his last time to host.

Nikki Glaser and Teyana Taylor's presenter banter. Also, can we talk about Teyana's dress?! FIRE!!

Both of Bruno Mars' performances. He got everyone up and dancing. And he's FINE!!

Lady Gaga's performance. Mother Monster slayed yet again.

Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Billie Elish's acceptance speeches.

Quote of the night: "No one is illegal on stolen land" - Billie Eilish

Tribute to Roberta Flack - especially the Fugees part

Cher receiving a Lifetime Achievement award.

librarianintx 

A Few More Brain Gains and Drains

I discovered a third page to the list:

Brain Gains:

Music making: singing, playing

Art: color, paint, collage, pics

Visualization or vision board

Brain Drains:

Anxiety / PTSD

Epilepsy,  seizures, schizophrenia 

Taking meds that slow the brain

Trauma / stress in earlier life

3rd shift work / sleep issues

Balance issues

Family history of Parkinson's,  Alzheimer's, MS

librarianintx 

Brain Gains and Drains

Happy New Year!

New year, new you!

That's what many of us attempt to do.

In recognition of that, here is a list of activities / things that are helpful for your brain, and a list that can cause adverse effects on your brain.

Brain Gains:

exercise

healthy diet

healthy bowel / gut

meditation / yoga / tai chi

mental exercises

gratitude lists / journaling

learning new tasks

oral health

water intake

vitamin D

vitamin B and Magnesium

massage / acupuncture / vibration

intermittent fasting

healthy sleep hygiene

humor / laughter

low light therapy

hearing aids

social engagement

essential oils

volunteering

music

Brain drains:

regular exposure to molds

heavy metals

Lyme disease

stress

surgery with anesthesia

withdrawal / not being social

poor sense of smell

constipation

untreated hearing loss

hospitalizations

pesticides

rural / well water exposure

melanoma

head injury

alcohol / drugs

chemo

excess weight

smoking

diabetes

menopause

depression

high blood pressure

What do you think of this list? 

Do you agree with everything?

I think intermittent fasting can be beneficial, but for some people with certain chronic health issues it can cause problems. 

What brain gains have you incorporated into your life? 

Which ones can you add, or improve upon?

There are several that I need to do better with:

oral health

water intake

And I'd like to do more meditation. 

librarianintx

Survivor Finale - My Thoughts

 I didn't get to blog before the show, but if I had, I would have said Savannah deserved to win. 

Social game is only part of Survivor. 

Savannah didn't have close relationships with everyone; she had just enough allies to get her to the end. Allies, plus her multiple immunity wins, and her ability to make fire. 

Bottom line: She outplayed, outwitted, and out lasted her competition. 

Props to Soph though - She won when she needed to, and she also made a convincing case at the final tribal council. Her answers were a little better than Savannah's I thought. She worked for it, and she earned the two votes she received. I'm surprised that Alex did not vote for her; that would have made it even closer. 

And now - on to Season 50!!

It's just around the corner!

librarianintx

"Be on Time" Chronicles

It was one of THOSE days on Metro Access.

I was at work for 5 and 1/2 hours today.

I was in transit for 4 hours today.

Shortly before 9 am, we were on 12th street, about ONE MINUTE from the library.

But the other client on the bus was on the manifest to get dropped off before me.

He wasn't going to work.

He likely didn't have an appointment time.

I was.

And I did.

 

But all that didn't matter.

The driver was new.

New drivers follow the rules like their lives depend on it.

So he turned on the street before the library. 

He took the other client.

And I was thirty minutes late.

Other highlights of my day:

I had a bra malfunction. The straps suddenly decided that I was a much larger woman than I am. (the cups continued to tell the truth).

A scoop of almond butter refused to spread on the delicate slice of rye bread.

I fought with the stubborn closet door that attempted to hold my coat hostage.

Then I struggled with said coat that felt like a queen size weighted blanket.

How was your day?

librarianintx