Hobbies

They talk about Millennial kids, awkward incidents with naked bananas and torn stockings. The greater Akron-based podcasting team and sisters Jean Mader and Laura Bettinger Spelich have hit a sweet spot, podcast-wise, with their friendly, freewheeling, pleasantly rambling “OK Boomer” podcast.  ...

Book clubs are a good way to meet people (virtually or in-person), explore topics you might not be familiar with and engage in lively discussions with people who like to read as much as you do. Whether you start with a safe, social distancing experience or go entirely online with video conferencing, a book club may be just the cure for the not-enough-fun-things-to-do blues.  ...

The house is like a portal to another dimension, where boxes of memories and stuff you really thought you’d need end up on the curb. We’re not turning into minimalists but when you find Eagle Stamp Savings Books, Instamatic cameras, VHS tapes and on and on, you wonder, “Why did we keep this stuff?” ...

I think many people have had substandard meals out of their slow cooker because they dump everything in and turn it on. But you have to develop flavor,  and that is done by searing. Season the meat first and then brown it in a pan over high heat. When the meat is nicely browned, place it in the crockpot and then return your pan to the stove and add any vegetables that you want to use. ...

With rules changing what feels like daily, you may be wondering which of your favorite Northeast Ohio museums are open, what new hours and procedures are safely in place and, of course, if there are any new exhibits you should know about. Don’t worry, we did the digging for you. Keep reading to learn how to get reacquainted with your old favorites or give that NEO staple an overdue visit.  ...

A great way to escape is through a good book. That's especially true today. Public libraries have put a lot of work into making sure their patrons can safely use their services, either in person, curbside or online. ...

Why can't a rose just be a rose? Wouldn’t it be easier to just call a petunia a petunia or a purple salvia a purple salvia? Why add all those unpronounceable Latin appendages to every plant? There’s a good reason why, and a fairly simple way to decipher those complicated add-ons. Read on... ...

“So much of everyday life seems to be on pause,” says Medina County Park District Interpretive Services Manager Shelley Tender. “We can take solace in the fact that nature’s seasonal wonders continue and beckon us to get outside and enjoy the colors and cooler temperatures of fall.” ...