Between being sick, having the kiddo home more than usual, and general busyness, I did not do too much beyond the basics of living this week. This is going to be a short issue. 

In the spirit of expanding this petite Wrap, what was the best thing you read, listened to, or watched this week?

I listened to The 1619 Project podcast when it came out in 2020. It was one of the best pieces of history, analysis, and journalism I have ever encountered. (If you have not listened to it, I give it a 5-star recommendation.) Since then, I have paid closer attention to Nikole Hannah-Jones’ work. This week, my library request for the book based on the project was finally fulfilled. I began reading The 1619 Project: A New Origin story mid-week. It’s a mix of essays, poetry, fiction, and photographs. This is not going to be an easy read, but it is a great piece of analysis and art.

• The quilts that may have helped people on the Underground Railroad. Maybe? We’re not sure? But it’s an interesting idea. [Smithsonian]

• You can use salt for more than just seasoning food. [Lifehacker]

• What the solar system really looks like. [The Atlantic]

• Why is a good floor lamp so hard to find? [The Atlantic]

• I, personally, like merlot. [The Indicator]

• How we can save the chocolate. [Atlas Obscura]

• I was working on a research project with colleagues this week and we ended up discussing Mircrosoft's Encarta. I had to watch a throwback video of the opening and it was such a kick of nostalgia. [barbarianbros]

• I used to make rotini with chicken, asparagus, and tomatoes every two months. It fell off our radar for over a year. I made it again this week, and it was just as good as I remember. This one is stored firmly in my brain and I can make it without the recipe. I do recommend getting a decent goat cheese. I used store brand crumbles this time and it wasn't quite the same. Also, the amount of balsamic should be considered a guideline. I usually double or triple the amount called for. [Cooking Light]

One great thing about the Internet is the digitization of old stuff. Old Book Illustrations is a searchable database of illustrations, engravings, and art found in old books. Most of the images are out of copyright making them free for reuse.

I am looking forward to having a working nose again.