The world is coming together to get through this crisis. And as people unite, the natural tendency is to share. It's wonderful. Those with more are sharing with those with less. That's socialism, folks!
As more and more states declared that citizens should shelter in place, most of us are stuck at home for the foreseeable future. Everything is closed now, except for essential businesses and services. But here come the helpers!
Facebook groups whose mission is to share and swap spontaneously popped up in communities across the land. Here is our local group: Santa Barbara Quarantine Mutual Aid. Ask around your community for yours.
I was in New Mexico recently, and there was a lot of news about school systems throughout the state continuing to provide grab-and-go meals to school children, despite school being cancelled. A local bagel cafe in my hometown was offering, along with their scrumptious menu of bagel treats, a cache of toilet paper rolls, free to anyone who needed one. “We got you covered!” Thanks Ruby K’s!
Here's a sweet story from Edinburgh. What a lovely way for this store to help its elderly neighbors! They provided care packages to them, complete with "loo rolls" and hand sanitizer! Yessss!
I love when people help people!
Free Performing Arts
Now that we are stuck at home and not able to enjoy the arts in person, a bunch of organizations have made available their performances for free.
The Metropolitan Opera is streaming some of its performances for free. But not for long! Check it out today!
The Paris Opera is also offering many performances for free through the spring.
The Royal Opera House is offering free streaming of past operas and ballets.
Broadway HD has a 7-day free trial. You can stream several Broadway shows!
Free Books and Education
Socialism at its best! Public libraries! The New York Public Library is offering free downloads of thousands of books. You will need to download their e-reader app, but after that you can check out three at a time. Check out your own public library, too. They have lots of digital media to borrow.
If the libraries don't have what you're looking for, Audible has made many titles available for free as well! No account needed. Just go to Audible's page here and start listening!
The Great Courses Plus has a month-long free trial of learning modules. You do have to sign up with a credit card, so be careful to cancel once your month is up. I've enjoyed the courses in my car. You can learn something new!
And if you wanna be able to brag that you aced a class at Yale, enroll in this free class, The Science of Well-Being. It's Yale's most popular class in their 317-year history. We need more happiness and well-being. This course teaches you how to be happier! Go ahead! Enroll at Yale!
Free Information
Free access to information about the pandemic is offered from The Washington Post and The New York Times. There are no paywalls for any news related to the current coronavirus crisis. Stay informed!
Free Nature
The Monterey Bay aquarium has nearly a dozen animal webcams that you can enjoy. Enjoy the soothing jellies or the lively sea otters.
Here's a listing of links from CBS News to many other zoo and aquarium webcams.
Free Sports
And if you are missing your weekly dosage of sports ball, sign up for the NFL Game Pass. It's free through May 31. You can watch past NFL games from the last 10 years.
Mourning the loss of Spring Training? PBS is sharing Ken Burns's epic documentary Baseball for free. Go watch it. You have time!
Free All of the Above
Though it's not new, Open Culture is a rich resource for free cultural and educational materials. From language courses to rock concerts (The Grateful Dead is featured on their home page), to free books and movies, to free lectures and courses, there is much to explore. Dig in!
...And Free Money
And guess what? State-sponsored socialism is on the horizon, too! Right here, right now! From the Republican-led government, no less! Plans are being finalized to put about $1000 in the pockets of most Americans in the coming weeks, based on income. That's right! The gov'ment is gonna help us out of this bind with free money. Watch your mailbox!
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| Tom Toles |
And with all that being said, my neighbors should know that I can go shopping for you, deliver supplies, or share a virtual drink. Let me know. If I have it, I will share it.
And if you know any other streaming performances or accessible art or culture, post it in the comments!
In the meantime, be Baby Bear!
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| Phil Hands |
Be well, friends.
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