What do you do when it’s over 40ºC outside? No idea, but I’ll tell you what you don’t do. You don’t go to the climbing gym like you planned, you don’t get your weekly shopping done until you absolutely have to (and then only because you can stand in front of the refrigerators in the cheese isle for far longer than it takes to select a good one) and drinks with friends don’t feel quite as fun as the would have on any other night.
I’m not sure if I’m complaining (it is what it is) but I’m definitely melting. Summer in Seville can be a nightmare. So if you’re stuck at home and looking for something to do while lounging in front of the air conditioning or hugging the fan, here’s my latest list of Friday Favourites.
The Square Peg Podcast
What do you know about Aspergers Syndrome or autism? From listening to this podcast I’ve discovered I knew very little until recently. It can manifest differently in women and men, the fact that it’s a spectrum means no two autistic people are alike and may each have different traits, needs or sensory profiles.
The main thing this podcast shows is that it’s far removed from the stereotypes the media portrays. TV series that may seem to be inclusive by adding an autistic character don’t always get it right, constructing in our minds a false or, at the very least partial, idea of what it means to be autistic.
This lack of awareness, even among professionals, can lead to many people, especially women, getting a late diagnosis. The best way to learn about autism is from autistic people themselves. This podcast shares their experiences and has taught me loads.
Things That Don’t Suck – Newsletter
Andrea Gibson is a poet who writes some pretty powerful stuff. I recently signed up to their newsletter Things That Don’t Suck and every time I receive one of their emails it brightens my day a little. Here’s a cool poem by them. Did it give you goosebumps?
The Janes – Documentary
There may be no better time than this to watch The Janes, a documentary on HBO Max about a group of women helping other women get abortions in the US, before it was legal to do so. Given the overturning of Roe v. Wade it feels rather timely.
El dios algoritmo – Article (Spanish)
So while I don’t follow this publication, I do follow Noa Alarcón on social media because she has some interesting insights on faith. This article was particularly interesting since my work in digital marketing has me fighting algorithms on a daily basis and some of what she describes pops up across multiple topics, not just faith.
Much like Alarcón’s work as a translator, I also spend my day Googling the most random topics. My work helps me understand the algorithms, use them to create successful campaigns for clients, but also be aware of the dangers they can pose.
The information shown in our social media feeds can become so attuned to our own opinions that we no longer have the capacity to process, or be open to, a different point of view. This can lead to polarised belief systems and increased fear that leads to radicalisation. This piece focuses on faith, but it’s true for politics and other beliefs, too. Critical thinking is more necessary than ever in this digital era.
Bed Zine – Article
I read this article about a publication that combines art and writing by people with disabilities exploring the complex relationships they have with their beds. Perhaps it’s not something you would contemplate on a daily basis, but it got me thinking. I find a lot of WePresent content interesting, as you may know if you’ve been following along for a while. Have a read!
That’s all I have for today, but if the heatwave goes on for much longer I may have new suggestions soon.
The Spanish Berry 