Almost everyone knows what the word hack means. It can be a verb “to cut with heavy blows” or “to use a computer to gain access to someone else’s data”. As a noun it can mean “to cut or stroke” or informally it can be “the act of computer hacking.”
But now we are seeing hack to mean something else as well. A recent Buzzfeed article describes a new “thing” called a hack which appears to be different tricks or shortcuts or ideas found on Instagram, TikTok or Twitter. The hack we found on Buzzfeed combines two drugstore products: Johnson & Johnson Shea & Cocoa Butter Gel with Aveeno Eczema Nighttime Balm to produce a luscious body cream that makes skin glow. And it is the rage with every young person who dreams of having glowing skin like Beyonce.
Who knew right? But there are literally hundreds of ideas and tricks on these social media platforms that have tons of followers. Some are great ideas, things like how to get stains out of clothes, or how to make belts out of old ties, or how to cook five-minute eggs for lots of guests. Some of the cleaning tips are great. Admittedly there are some ridiculous ones. And the problem is that once you are into watching these, it is easy to get hooked. The overarching producers of these mini-hack ideas are from Generation Z. Buzzfeed is enthusiastic about hacks but we are pretty sure we can live without them:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/kagrawal/21-products-that-are-the-best-lifehacks
In our infinite wisdom as “grownups” we turn to the latest Vogue story online that features the best of high-waisted jeans. Let’s face it, low rise jeans are not for grownup women. It is just not a good look for 99% of us. And frankly it is not comfortable. High-rise waists work for us and there are a variety of styles that Vogue features. Jeans are a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade our wardrobe after a year of hibernation. What jeans work for us does depends on body type and shape and how and where we wear them. It is worth a quick look:
https://www.Vogue.com/article/best-high-waisted-jeans?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=vogue&utm_
Following up on our blog about the status of the Equal Rights Amendment, we heard from many who were surprised that it had not been passed . We reached out to Gloria Steinem for her opinion but have not heard back from her as of this date. However, last week, NPR hosted an interview with a professor of law at Yale University Law School, Akhil Reed Amar, who is an expert in Constitutional law. When asked what he would change in our Constitution, one of his key points was that the Equal Rights Amendment should be added immediately. His argument is that most states already have it included as state law. Professor Amar has a new podcast as well as a new book “The Words that Made Us” which presents a clear understanding of the import of the Constitution on America’s culture.
Have you ever thought that cosmetic facial surgery might be a Ponzi scheme? Actor, writer, producer, Justine Bateman, believes it is. Just out, her new book “Face: One Square Foot of Skin” is a delightful compilation of narratives about women’s experiences with the aging face, and how society reacts to women with older faces:
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/04/justine-bateman-doesnt-want-you-to-call-her-new-book-brave
Stay safe and well.
Ciao
Lucy and Claudia