Dear Community,

How are you? It's a lot. All of it.

We have just entered a new stay-at-home order in California. So . . . more "slaying it at home" for many of us, like this brilliant New Yorker cover.

My brother Dr. Jordan Shlain has a new dispatch (read below) with his perspective on vaccines, timelines, and how to make it through this next period.

While being safe at home, my good friend Debbie Millman made a poignant short film, "Love Letter to Travel," which felt like a balm for the soul to watch. Link below.

Hanukkah is upon us on Thursday. I love many things about Hanukkah. Mostly that you can spell it 16 different ways and we eat lots of fried latkes.

We're having a Challah-day Zoom Challah Bake on Friday Dec 18th. We'll be inviting donations for Glide and SF Food Bank for the holidays. Sign up for the #ZoomChallahBake here.

I am loving seeing how many people are reading and gifting 24/6 during the pandemic and the holidays, as a way of thinking about health, well-being, and living in a more balanced way in our screen-filled world. I am creating personalized signature stickers that I can send to you before you give it to someone you care about. You can get that here.

At Let it Ripple we're also starting to offer a new program to companies and organizations that includes a customized #ZoomChallahBake and a highly-engaging digital wellness program. If you're interested, write to sawyer@letitripple.org.

Sending you love and comfort in this uncertain time. Lots more books, films, podcasts and articles to keep you going below. And don't forget, Georgia still needs attention.

Happy Chanukah/Hanukah/Hanukkah,

Tiffany

Dr. Jordan Shlain's Dispatch #15
The Final Wave? “Health vs Freedom” or “Health Is Freedom”

“In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties.” — Henri Frederic Amiel

This dispatch will be a deep dive into the world of vaccines and therapeutics with updates on the realities of testing, schools, exercise and more. Science is coming to the rescue. Long live science. Respect!

First, the good news: the scientific community’s efforts are finally bearing tangible fruit —treatments, vaccines and more effective tests—to rescue us, from ourselves. Now reality: we are entering winter with the worst set of numbers in almost every category and every geography.

I always love these video love letters by my dear friend Debbie Millman. She's made Love Letter to my Garden, Love Letter to New York, and now Love Letter to Travel, which really hits home right now. Watch here (go to 2:55 for Love Letter to Travel).

Challah-day ZoomChallahBake December 18

I've loved baking challah with you all this past year. Be sure to sign up for our next ZoomChallahBake on Friday December 18, 10 am PT/ 1 pm ET. It's a special holiday ChallahBake and we'll be making chocolate challah with acclaimed San Francisco challah baker Irving Greisman. For those who are able, we'll be inviting holiday donations to SF Food Bank and Glide.

Personalized Copies of 24/6

If you'd like to give my book 24/6: Giving Up Screens One Day a Week to Get More Time, Creativity, and Connection as a gift this holiday, you can fill out this Google form and I can do a personalized note on a sticker for you to put in the book.

ORDER BOOK

The Bigger Picture with Amazing Dyslexics Live Virtual Salon, December 17, 9am PT/12 pm ET

Gil Gershoni is a god parent to my kids and co-runs with his wife Amy an amazing creative agency in San Francisco. He's also dyslexic and he feels like it's one of his greatest creative gifts. He's hosting these amazing salons with other dyslexic creatives to explore reframing dyslexia as an asset instead of a disability. Learn more and RSVP here.

A Solstice Eve Sound Meditation with Laurie Anderson, December 20, 5 pm PT/8 pm ET

Laurie Anderson is one of my favorite artists. I'm really looking forward to this sound meditation exploring what we're learning about sound, communication, and empathy in the Covid era. Register here.

Our Pride Video Fest

This video competition is a wonderful opportunity for filmmakers ages 18-30 to make short films about LGBTQ+ issues today. Hosted by my good friend John Boswell. Learn more here.

Camp Cosmo

Love this hub for tons of cool activities online for kids. As we know, not all screen time is wasted time, and Camp Cosmo's super-creative clubs let kids explore interests, find inspiration, and make connections. Special 25% off code SPARKJOY. Learn more here.

Dear Parents (written by teens) Tech Guide

Moderating teens' screen use is challenging in the best of times. During the pandemic, it's even more difficult. The Children's Screen Time Action Network has come to the rescue with a very useful resource guide, written by and for teens. Check it out here.

CMCH Family Digital Wellness Guide

I'm proud to serve on the board of Harvard's Boston Children's Hospital Center for Media and Child Health led by the wise and wonderful Dr. Michael Rich.Their guide to family digital wellness for all ages is indispensible, especially now. Read guide here.

Today I Noticed

I love Deborah Huber's little reminders of the wonders in our everyday lives. Follow on Instagram here.

Podcasts to Listen to

I did two podcasts recently about what I've learned so far in life, and particularly life in the pandemic. Really enjoyed talking with both of them.

The Good Life with Sean Murray. Listen here.
Live Inspired with John O'Leary, Listen here.

Film to Watch: Athlete A

This documentary about the Larry Nasser scandal is important and powerful. It was directed by my friends Bonni Cohen and John Shenk and produced / executive produced by an amazing team, including many people who have supported our films: Geralyn Dreyfous, Barbara Dobkin, Ann Lovell, Julie Benello Parker, Dan Cogan, Jenny Raskin, Nion McEvoy, Regina K. Scully, and Jim and Susan Swartz. Watch here.

Augmented Reality by Mark Pesce

Mark Pesce is one of my oldest friends. We went to many Burning Mans together, he spoke at Ken's and my wedding, and he is one of my favorite people to talk to about technology. His new book is so strong and brilliant and 100% Pesce. Learn more and order here.

1918 Germany Has a Warning for America

This New York Times op-ed on the dangers of political lies is a must-read.

Zoom and Gloom

Lots of great ideas in this Aeon article on ways to humanize video conferencing. Read here.

Project BFF

What would we do without our friends? I was so happy to discuss the importance of best friends for this interview with Project BFF. Read here.

Donate to Let it Ripple (501c3)

We are so grateful for the donations we have received during this challenging fiscal period. Thank you. They allow us to continue to provide these newsletters, film, Zoom events, and more for free. All donations are tax deductible. You can donate to our efforts here.

Donate to Let it Ripple

To more light in these darker days.

Love,