Plus: Muppets, Dungeons & Dragons, and descendants of kings

View this email online by Linda Holmes Welcome! It was the week when Gwyneth Paltrow totally dominated legal news, right? It was the week when a hotly anticipated film moved a step closer to our eyeballs. And it was the week when we were reminded, yet again, that no movie franchise is really over until it stops bringing in money. Let's get to it. The routine that arrives right on time I've been thinking a lot about habits — mine, and everyone else's.  One of the things that made broadcast television work when I was growing up was the power of habit. My first memory of negotiating my bedtime with my parents was that once a week, they would let me stay up until 8:30 PM instead of going to bed at 8:00, and I could decide which night to do it. I used my precious extra half-hour once a week on Tuesdays, to stay up to watch Happy Days. Back then, you couldn’t stream Happy Days later, and you couldn't record it at home. You watched it or you missed it, and that inflexibility built habits, and those habits helped build audiences, and those audiences could be very faithful.  This brings me to coffee. I struggle with a lot of routines I try to develop, but I am quite faithful to my morning coffee. I've had drip coffee machines large and small, I've had pour-over rigs, and I've had pod gizmos that removed the most obnoxious part of making coffee, which is dealing with coffee grounds. But recently, I've settled on a blue stainless-steel French press (I don't want to handle glass before 8:00 AM).  Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and Kieran Culkin in Succession/HBO MAX So the morning goes like this: Come downstairs. Put the water in the kettle, press the button to heat it. While it's heating, let the dog out. Grind the coffee. Put the coffee in the French press. When the water is hot, pour it into the press. It has to brew for four minutes. Set my watch with a four-minute timer. During those four minutes, I get my meds, and I set up the dog's meds on his spoon — mine go down with water, the dog's go down with bacon-flavored (and dog-specific) spray cheese. Usually, I have time to empty the dishwasher. Then I bring in and feed and give "cheese spoon" to the dog, and usually by then, the coffee is ready. I get two cups out of the press, which I often enjoy while watching YouTube, and then it's time to start the rest of the day.  And then a few weeks ago, I found that through some terrible neglect of my own basic needs, I had run out of coffee beans. I felt my eyes widen like I was a cartoon character. People think it's the caffeine, but really it's the routine. I had disrupted one of the few constants I had been good about maintaining. What to do? And then I remembered that in my pantry, I had a jar of instant Café Bustelo. Nothing seemed more different from my fussy morning plan than instant coffee, but hey -- you make do.  So I did something different, and the Café Bustelo mornings went like this: Boil water, add coffee. Intriguingly simple during a stressful time! And honestly, still coffee, still totally fine, tastes solid, still got the morning off to the correct start. There was only one problem: all the other pieces. When to give the dog his pills! When to empty the dishwasher! What order was anything supposed to go in? I stuck with the instant coffee until it was gone, just because it was so easy, and by then, I had to train myself to do the other thing all over again.  It made me think about the fragility of viewing and listening habits. There's a reason HBO has tried so hard to maintain Sunday nights as its home. You can't really build a Succession habit, for instance, because it's not on enough of the time. But you can build an HBO Sunday habit. Podcasts and radio work this way, too, where it's challenging to build and benefit from habits in an increasingly choose-your-own-adventure entertainment and culture climate. Want to watch Happy Days? Watch it with breakfast! Or watch it on Saturday! Or save it all and watch it at the end of the season! It's chaos, my friends, it's chaos.  Don't get me wrong; this can be a very good thing. I am not nostalgic for the limited options of my youth. I already told you I top off this routine-bound morning watching people listing the 20 Greatest Movie Twists on YouTube or whatever; you can bet your sweet bazoo I didn't have access to that as a 12-year-old.  It's just a different arrangement of attention. If your routine was to sit with your partner or your parent at the same time, get the same snack, get under the same blanket, watch the same show, and have the same conversations, then it's nice to have the flexibility of doing it any time you want. It's easier; it's the instant coffee of TV. But just like you have to figure out when to give the dog the cheese spoon if not while the French press is brewing, you have to figure out how to keep the person, the blanket, the snack, and the conversations if you're not being pressed into the habit.  It's not easy. As I write this, I think the dog needs his pill.  Newsletter continues after sponsor message We Recommend If you read this week about the dispute between Disney and Florida over a clause in a document that referred to the descendants of King Charles, you might enjoy my effort to search my brain for the details of the Rule Against Perpetuities, an effort that was only partly successful. (This explainer is for entertainment purposes only.)  It's never the wrong time to talk about Allison Jones.  If you enjoy the very funny Alexandra Petri, I can wholeheartedly endorse preordering her upcoming book, US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up). As someone who grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in D.C., I very much appreciated her withering reference to the Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1787, and how the May-September period includes "the most fun months to be in Philadelphia wearing layers."  A little bit of news we want to share: The recent layoffs at NPR are affecting our show. Going forward, we’ll be in your feed four days a week. We promise it’s the same show you know and hopefully love, and we plan to make those four shows ones that you absolutely will not want to miss.   What We Did This Week Hong Chau in The Night Agent/Netflix Stephen talked to our wonderful producer Candice Lim (yaaaaaaay, Candice!) about some of the books about show business from NPR's Books We Love. I am always extra, extra happy when you get to hear the voices of some of the PCHH team that usually works on the other side of the microphone.  Aisha and I talked about the "we have to protect the president!" spy show The Night Agent.  It was our pleasure to encore our episode in which Stephen, Glen, Aisha and I all talked about our very favorite Muppets, as well as the episode in which we shared the top Muppets as voted on by our listeners. More Muppet discourse! Aisha reviewed the delightful romcom Rye Lane. It’s streaming on Hulu, and we'll be having a conversation about it on the show next week.  Aisha also talked about the show Swarm on All Things Considered.  And Glen reviewed the inventive series The Big Door Prize, featuring the always charming Chris O'Dowd.  The difference between song and record of the year at the Grammys can be confusing. Stephen explained why on All Things Considered.  Glen reviewed the new adaptation of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.  Finally, Stephen and Glen talked about Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves with Planet Money's Wailin Wong and Sam Yellowhorse Kesler. (I try not to play favorites among episodes on which I do not appear, but I have to tell you, this episode is particularly wonderful and full of the joy I so very much needed. Thank you to these talkers, as well as producer Hafsa and editor Jessica.) What's Making Us Happy Every week on the show, we talk about some other things out in the world that have been giving us joy lately. Here they are: Wailin Wong: Studio Ghibli Fest Sam Yellowhorse Kesler: Succession and the associated Planet Money episode Glen Weldon: Marvel Snap Stephen Thompson: Tournament of Champions Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour+. Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free episodes. What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: pchh@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Music, Books, Daily News and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Pop Culture Happy Hour emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy

🌱 Bringing nature into your space

Plus, helping kids process scary news

View this email online Becky Harlan/NPR Hey, y’all, If your home is anything like mine, the end of March signals one thing: Garden planning. As I write this, outside my window, tiny pink blooms are bursting across my azalea bush. My houseplants are pushing out new leaves, craning toward the returning spring light. And the container garden on my patio is… sitting there, bleak and empty, begging for attention. Whether you’re a brand new plant parent or a master gardener, now is an excellent time to prepare your plants for summer — indoors and out. For your houseplants, start by seeing who might need some TLC right now. Winter can be hard on them, too. A few factors to look out for: 🌵 Repotting: Do any plants need a new container? See if any roots are peeking out of drainage holes. If so, your plant could be rootbound, meaning the roots are outgrowing the container. This usually isn’t a problem unless the roots are severely overgrown — like if there’s more root than soil in the pot (like our poor friend in this photo). Even if it’s not time to size up, your plant might benefit from adding fresh soil. 💧 Watering: If you cut back on watering over the winter, you’ll want to resume a more regular schedule now. But don’t overdo it: Overwatering is one of the most common ways people kill plants. To know if your plant is ready for a drink, stick your finger into the soil and feel if it’s still moist. If the top two inches of soil are dry, it’s typically a good time to water. You can also buy a moisture meter. 🐛 Pests: Make sure no pests have taken hold over the winter — like cottony white mealybugs, or tiny spider mites that leave fine webbing under the leaves. If you do notice any pests, isolate that plant from the others. Rinse it off in the shower or with a hose outside. You can then treat the plant by spraying it with a diluted mix of water and either basic, unscented dish soap or neem oil. For more tips on keeping your houseplants happier, check out our full story. If you have specific questions we didn’t address, the U.S. Botanic Garden has a super helpful plant hotline online. It’s also available over the phone at 202-226-4785.   And remember: No one is born with a green thumb. Behind every gardener is an undisclosed number of dead plants that we’re just not gonna talk about right now.   ⬇️ Keep scrolling for more tips from Life Kit. Newsletter continues after sponsor message Becky Harlan/NPR If outdoor gardening is more your speed, we have an episode for that, too! For me, writing out a plan in a Google doc helps. I start with my area’s last frost date, the plants I want, and when they need to be planted. Start by creating a vision based on your space. Are you working in a yard? On a windowsill? A fire escape? How much sunlight does it have? Before you get your heart set on any plants, check your USDA hardiness zone and make sure they’ll survive outside in your climate. (Moment of silence for the passionflower I put on my patio last fall.) Decide if you’ll be starting with seeds or seedlings. If you’re newer to gardening or plan to use fussier plants, seedlings are probably easier. Do you have any containers or raised beds? There are many options out there — including DIY projects with helpful walkthroughs, for those of us cursed with the “I bet I could build that myself” gene. Just about anything can be a container for your plant: wooden wine boxes, milk crates, dresser drawers — so long as you drill holes in the bottom and don't let any paint touch the soil. When things feel relentless or overwhelming, it’s nice to have our plants as a living reminder of persistence. That no matter the conditions, something will always grow. It might just need a little time or help. Happy planting! Danielle Nett (she/her) — engagement editor, NPR   Access Sponsor-Free Episodes Want to support our show? Try a subscription to Life Kit+ and get all the tips and tricks you love sponsor-free! Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit.  Learn More More tips from Life Kit on enjoying nature Becky Harlan/NPR 🌿 There's no right way to connect with nature. Find what works for you. No matter how you access nature, a growing body of research shows that it comes with enormous emotional and cognitive benefits for us humans. Whether you're gearing up for a backpacking trip or doing a virtual aquarium tour, here are five small steps to get closer to nature. 💐 Potted plants aren’t your thing? Try arranging your own flowers. This guide will walk you through how to pick out flowers from the store, prep the stems, and make a beautiful, custom bouquet for any occasion. Give it a try! 🕊 The birds are returning for spring. Consider lending them a hand. Across North America, we've seen a staggering loss of native birds. Preserving their habitat by choosing native plants for your garden — and skipping the harsh pesticides — is a great way to make a difference. We have six other tips to inspire you. 🍂 Composting is easier than you think. And it's a great way to keep decomposing food out of landfills, which can contribute to climate change. This guide walks you through how to turn your food waste into beautiful earthy compost in five simple steps. 🌸 We want to hear your advice! Do you have tips for living more sustainably while also saving money? Maybe you mend your own clothes, or participate in buy-nothing groups online. Email your response to lifekit@npr.org with subject line “Sustainable” by Friday, April 14, and include your full name and location. We may feature your response in a story on NPR.org or in an upcoming episode. News of mass shootings and other tragedies can be scary, especially for kids. Attacks like the one in Nashville on Monday can be incomprehensible for adults — let alone children. We asked child development experts what you can say to help kids process the news in an age-appropriate way. Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: LifeKit@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Life Kit emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy

💸 Psst! The deadline to file taxes is April 18

Plus, happy spring equinox!

View this email online Becky Harlan/NPR Hey, y'all,  Monday marked the first day of spring! With that, you may be thinking ahead to all the changes the season brings: warmer weather, more sunshine and fresh blooms. Or perhaps you're thinking about taxes. Much like spring, tax season comes every year, although without the anticipation or excitement, unless you're expecting a refund. (Which, even though it's fun to get a check in the mail, isn't always a good thing. If you're getting a big refund, that just means you gave the federal government an interest-free loan). The deadline to file your taxes is Tuesday, April 18. In a recent episode, we talked with a certified financial planner and a certified public accountant to help you navigate the spring joy that is filing your taxes. We’ll have to do an episode soon on another spring joy: seasonal allergies. If you're a tax pro and don't need the tips, consider passing them along to someone who does — maybe a first-time filer. Gather your documents. The IRS has a list of documents you might need. Tax preparers can give you one, too. Some common examples are W-2 forms, which should come in the mail from your employer and report your income; student loan interest forms, bank interest forms, and any receipts for things you plan to take as a tax credit or deduction, like medical expenses or charitable donations. You don't have to pay to file your taxes. You can always download your tax forms from the IRS website, read the instructions, fill everything out, and submit by mail or online. This could be a good option if you have a simple tax situation like one job in one state for the entire year.  Maybe you have a more complicated case (say you moved states, had a baby or started a business), or you'd like to avoid more life admin at all costs. If so, you might consider online software. If your adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less, you qualify for the IRS Free File program, which allows you to use several tax software programs for free. Find out more at the IRS website.  If you don't qualify for that program, some online tax software is pretty affordable, says Akeiva Ellis, a certified financial planner and co-founder at The Bemused. She uses Free Tax USA; it charges $15 per state, and the federal return is free. Look into tax credits and deductions. Both are benefits that save you money on taxes. A tax credit lowers your final tax bill; it comes off the top of what you owe. A tax deduction, on the other hand, "reduces the amount of income you have to pay tax on," Akeiva says. Look at the IRS website to determine which credits and deductions you're eligible for. If you use software, it'll prompt you with questions to help figure this out. So will tax preparers. You can file an extension — but you still have to pay. If you think you won't make the April 18 deadline this year, you can file an extension with the IRS online. Then you'll have until mid-October to file the forms. But if you owe money, you still need to estimate how much and pay it now, or you might get penalized later. More on filing your taxes Newsletter continues after sponsor message If you do get a refund, we have an episode that can help you think through what you want to do with it. Happy filing. -Clare Marie Schneider, Life Kit Producer ⬇️ Keep scrolling for more tips from Life Kit. Access Sponsor-Free Episodes Want to support our show? Try a subscription to Life Kit+ and get all the tips and tricks you love sponsor-free! Learn more at plus.npr.org/lifekit.  Learn More More Life Kit episodes you might like: Jo Zixuan Zhou for NPR 📨 How to manage the homework of adulthood, from paperwork to repairs. Life seems full of ever-increasing piles of paperwork — bills to pay, appointments to make, forms to sign and carpools to organize. Here's how to conquer the responsibilities on your to-do list so you can get back to your life. 🦸 6 tips for making a career change, from someone who has done it. Making a career switch can be daunting — but it's doable. Audio producer Keisha "TK" Dutes breaks down how she made her own switch, and how you can too.   💸 Side gigs are demanding. Here's how to make one work for you. Making money from a hobby takes a lot of work — and strategy. Independent business owners and financial experts offer some advice about how to make it work. 🧹 8 Life Kit episodes for spring cleaning your home (and life). Ah, spring. Time to declutter and deep clean. These episodes can help you get started — from your kitchen to your closet all the way to your photo albums. We (still) want to hear your advice! Do you have advice on finding community or making friends in a new place? Email your response to lifekit@npr.org with the subject line “Community” by Wednesday, March 29, 2023 and include your full name and location. We may feature your response in a story on NPR.org or in an upcoming episode. Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: LifeKit@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Code Switch, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Life Kit emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy