November/December 2020

Digital literacy is not only about video calls or social media. Its ability to help us make emotional connections is one very important benefit for the social creatures that we are. ...

The single most important benefit of digital literacy is the communication options it provides for maintaining emotional connectedness despite physical distancing. ...

You know how the feeling when you stop at a different grocery store and you can’t find what you need? Your usual hunt-and-gather mission becomes more like a freewheeling scavenger hunt. That’s a good thing because your brain shifts off automatic pilot and gets a good workout. ...

Every kid who grew up in Cleveland in the mid-’50s and ‘60s remembers Captain Penny, who hosted a popular, locally produced children’s show. In his trademark railroad engineer uniform, Captain Penny introduced his young audience to classic comedy shows like The Three Stooges. Other regular features were an adoptable pet segment called “Pooch Parade,” Jungle Larry’s exotic animals, and conversations with Mister F.W. Nickelsworth. He encouraged picky eaters to join the Clean Plate Club. Mr. Jingeling stopped by at Christmastime. ...

We asked our favorite foodies — including our cover subject Chef Eric Wells — for book suggestions this time around. Food and the holidays go together like turkey and stuffing, mini-marshmallows and sweet potatoes, fruitcake and… nothing. You get the point. Enjoy! ...

The weekend before Labor Day, we were in one of those warehouse clubs and they were putting out Christmas trees and decorations. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen it, but it’s still rushing the season.  The holiday season used to start on Thanksgiving. Kids would see a new episode of Mr. Jingeling every day on WEWS in a thinly veiled commercial based on some new toy. ...

As much as many of us enjoy field-fresh fruits and veggies from summer farmers markets, there’s something to be said for the heartiness of winter market offerings. ...

Connect with other family and friends with a Zoom meeting before, during or after your meal. If some relatives are unable to join in, be sure to find a way to reach out to those who are close to you and the grandkids. ...