A Conversation with Heather Cox Richardson
Courtesy The Boston Globe
Illustration courtesy of Ciaran Murphy
She's brilliant. There is no two ways about it. Heather Cox Richardson knows her history inside out. Boston College professor, prolific author, publisher of the nightly current events newsletter Letters from an American, she needs no notes, total date recall, no confusion about who did what and when—-not just recent history but way back too….I have said it before and will say it again. Heather Cox Richardson is a national treasure and as our country's history professor, is singlehandedly elevating our knowledge and consciousness of our American history. “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it”—Edmund Burke
And on the more hopeful side, a quote from Mahatma Ghandi: "Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always."
Her latest book Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America is out and she wrote it to read like short essays you can read in segments before bed. As part of her book tour, here is a conversation she had with fellow historian T.J. Stiles at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco at the beginning of November.
Carolyn Doelling on Aging
74 Year Old Model Proves Age is Just a Number
I've written about Carolyn Doelling before but she never ceases to amaze me so here she is again in an interview on The Grio.
After retiring from a career in corporate philanthropy and fundraising, as an older woman Carolyn felt invisible. She fell into modeling after voicing those feelings to a local clothing boutique owner, who asked her if she would be interested in modeling for them. Carolyn agreed and soon realized that this could become a platform for her to advocate for older women (and men too) to take on new challenges, to let go of the fear of aging, and the idea that it is never too late to reinvent and reboot oneself. She also started dressing differently, adding a lot more bold colors to her wardrobe, a reflection on an attitude change to counter the feeling of invisibility. It worked! Doelling shows us that adding years to our lives doesn't mean we are over the hill--leading by example that success can come to and in all shapes, sizes, and ages, and that it is never too late to seize the day.
Collard Greens for Thanksgiving
This simple collard green recipe is a nice addition to any heavy Thanksgiving meal and can serve as a healthy antidote and cleanse to all the traditional Turkey day fare.
STIR-FRIED COLLARDS
Recipe from Yung Chow
Adapted by Joan Nathan, courtesy of the New York Times Cooking app.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
3 bunches tender collard greens (2½ to 3 pounds total)
Salt
2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil
6 garlic cloves, chopped
A few grinds of black pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
½teaspoon granulated sugar
PREPARATION
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Have a bowl of ice water ready. Wash and trim the greens, and cut into 2-by-3-inch pieces. Blanch in batches in the boiling water for 1 minute (begin counting after the water returns to a boil), then immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water. Drain well. Lift the greens up by handfuls and squeeze out the excess water, then spread out on a kitchen towel and pat dry.
Step 2
Heat a wok or skillet over high heat (medium-high if you have a powerful stove), then season with salt and let it brown lightly. Add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir until lightly browned. Add the greens and pepper and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Stir in 2 tablespoons oyster sauce and the sugar, then taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately.
Painting of the Week
Charity of the Week:
Doctor's Without Borders
About The Author
New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.