What the Pandemic Christmas of 1918 Looked Like

On December 21, 1918, the Ohio State Journal published a warning about the lingering flu pandemic from the state’s acting health commissioner: “Beware the mistletoe.” Not only should readers resist the temptation of a holiday kiss, but they shouldn’t even be at a social gathering where it might come up. Read more: Smithsonian

17 Brand New Experiences For Your 2021 Bucket List

The arrival of a new year is always joyfully anticipated, but 2021 is even more keenly awaited than usual, as we hope it'll be the year we put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us. Here are some places, attractions, and new experiences that will enhance the worldwide travel scene in 2021, all waiting to be enjoyed when travel restrictions lifted. Read More: Lonely Planet

Singer Akon is Spending $6 Billion to Build a “Real-Life Wakanda” in Senegal

Recording artist Akon has big plans for his upcoming smart city in Senegal. The new $6 billion development is called Akon City and will fulfill the star’s wish to provide a refuge for members of the African Diaspora both near and far. In addition to the 2,000-acre resort, condos, and stadium, the metropolis is also planned to run on renewable energy and mainly use Akoin—the singer’s own cryptocurrency. After two years of planning and development, Akon has announced that they were breaking ground in 2021.
Read more: Modern Met

The Weird Story of the FBI and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

An unnamed FBI agent who watched the film as part of a more extensive FBI program aimed at detecting and neutralizing Commie influences in Hollywood (fathered by, yes, J. Edgar Hoover) said it was “very entertaining.” However, scholar John A. Noakes, the agent, “also identified what they considered a malignant undercurrent in the film.” As a result of this report, the film underwent further industry probes that uncovered that “those responsible for making It’s a Wonderful employed two common tricks used by Communists to inject propaganda into the film.” Read More: Smithsonian Mag

Here’s What You Need to Know About Kwanzaa

Every year Kwanzaa comes around, and you swear you’ll learn a thing or two about it. Read these quick cliff notes, and you’ll be the cool kid at the dinner party this year with facts about Kwanzaa. When your white co-workers inevitably try to seem “woke” and ask you how your Kwanzaa was, you can hit Susan with a “Well, actually…” Read More: The Grio

Listen

Jack Dilusso playlists. This is Volume 1 from last week. It’s the story of Frank and Ava’s love. He saw her years before they connected and said, “I’m gonna marry that woman.” They both shared a similar flaw: insecure and dreaded being alone.

ICYMI

What’s the Big Deal with CrossFit? Featuring CrossFit Games Athlete, Dan Bailey

The Legendary Poker Scene in Casino Royale was as Elaborate as any James Bond Stunt