Latest news with #Owl
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Boston Globe
A mouthful of history: Tracing the origins of iconic New Mexican dishes
But there was a Before. New Mexicans seem to agree that the green chile cheeseburger first appeared at the Get Winter Soup Club A six-week series featuring soup recipes and cozy vibes, plus side dishes and toppings, to get us all through the winter. Enter Email Sign Up The story goes that Frank added a grill so that he could serve the hamburgers that his regulars craved. That burger was often accompanied by a side bowl of spicy green chile. One day, the dishwasher didn't show up. When Frank ran low on dishes, he simply plopped the green chile on top of the burgers. And the rest is history. Advertisement The Owl Bar & Cafe is a small desert roadside eatery in San Antonio, N.M. David Lyon Apart from the fresh paint job, the squat adobe-colored roadside joint looks like it hasn't changed since the days of the Manhattan Project. Once our eyes adjusted to the chill darkness inside, we walked past the bar, settled into a booth, and didn't even have to look at the menu. We did ask our waitress what makes the famous Owl burger so good. 'We have a good cook,' she shrugged. The beef in the patty is hand-ground and the green chile is prepared daily from a 'secret″ recipe. 'They say it's just salt and pepper,' she confided, advising us to also order a plate of green chile fries — a heaping meal in itself, as it turned out. Our waitress left a big pile of napkins on our table and we needed every one. The bun could barely contain the beef patty that escaped over the side or the cheese and green chile that oozed from the edges. As if that weren't enough, the burger was also topped with onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo. (In a moment of ordering exuberance, one of us also added bacon.) Both versions were two-fisted tastes of history. Diners from across the country and around the world make a point of stopping at the Owl. They eat a burger, write a few laudatory lines on a slip of paper, and tack it to the wooden walls along with a few dollars for charity. Recent diners at our booth had come from Maine, Costa Rica, and Oklahoma, as well as points in the Four Corners. Despite its culinary fame, the Owl remains a down-to-earth neighborhood place where at least two of the waitresses had worked for more than 40 years. We overheard an Owl regular order his burger with 'no mayo, extra mustard.' So we decided to ask him what makes him keep coming back for more. 'The chile and the grill,' he told us. 'It's been in use since 1945, so it's well seasoned.' Advertisement He paused for a bite and then continued. 'I've eaten everywhere. This is the best green chile cheeseburger in the universe. I'd be back here on Sunday — except they're closed.' Tia Sophia's has been a staple of the Santa Fe restaurant scene since 1975. David Lyon Because we were spending a month in a casita in Santa Fe, it was much easier to stroll into town to enjoy the breakfast burritos at Tia Sophia's. The breakfast and lunch joint stands at one corner of the main plaza across the street from the Art Deco Lensic theater. When the restaurant opened in 1975, Santa Fe was still a slightly sleepy Hispanic city favored by painters, photographers, and folks seeking mountain air. Ann and Jim Maryol's casual diner flourished by serving good regional New Mexican dishes at good prices. With son Nick Maryol at the helm since 2004, Tia Sophia's remains a go-to place for local comfort food. Widely lauded by Santa Feans for its sopapillas drizzled with honey, Tia Sophia's true fame in wider culinary circles derives from its breakfast burrito. But Nick is quick to set the record straight. Jim Maryol didn't invent the breakfast burrito. 'It was my father who put that name on the menu,″ he says. 'But he always said New Mexican people have been putting breakfast food on tortillas forever and wrapping them up. He was just the first to call it a breakfast burrito.' Advertisement Beautiful plates arrive at the table for breakfast at Tia Sophia's. David Lyon In fact, his father was modest about his role in American culinary history. 'Back in the '90s, when Taco Bell put a breakfast burrito on its menu, the family joked that Dad should have trademarked the name. But he was a humble man and didn't want to take credit for tradition.' One Saturday morning, we arrived early before the usual line formed down the sidewalk and scored one of the last small tables at the front. The menu offered several tempting choices, but, again, we were on a mission to go to the source. So we ordered the famous breakfast burrito. Adhering to tradition, we chose bacon for the meat in the filling (as opposed to sausage or bologna). All that was left was to decide if we wanted red or green chile. The diner's homemade red and green chile sauces are celebrated, and the menu warns 'Not responsible for too hot chile.' It was September and the smell of roasting green chiles filled the air. So we went with our noses and chose green. The burrito was filled with a generous mass of scrambled eggs, nicely crisped fresh hash browns, and delicious strips of sweet and smoky bacon. On top was a fiery helping of green chile sauce and the inescapable melted orange cheese. Breakfast was born. And the green chile? 'Not too hot,″ one of us said bravely as tears rolled down our cheeks. If you go... For information on the New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, see Owl Bar & Cafe 77 US Highway 380, San Antonio, N.M. 575-835-9946, Advertisement Open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Green chile cheeseburger $6. Tia Sophia's 210 West San Francisco St., Santa Fe. 505-983-9880, Open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Breakfast burrito $14. David Lyon can be reached at
Hi Dubai
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
New Releases, Big Returns: Your May 2025 Movie & TV Roundup
Get ready to mark your calendars, because May is bringing a thrilling lineup of movies and TV shows you won't want to miss! Whether you're into edge-of-your-seat action, heartwarming dramas or epic sci-fi adventures, this month has something for every screen lover. From blockbuster hits to hidden gems, the entertainment world is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Grab your popcorn, settle in and dive into the hottest new releases you'll be binge-watching and talking about all month long! Best Movies Releases This May Popeye The Slayer Man 📆 May 1 | 🎬 In Theatres A group of thrill-seeking friends break into an eerie, long-abandoned spinach factory to uncover the truth behind a local ghost story; the terrifying legend of the 'Sailor Man.' Armed with cameras and curiosity, they think they're chasing shadows. But something in the darkness is watching… waiting. As the night unravels, so does their grip on what's real. This chilling descent into madness will leave you questioning what's myth, what's memory, and what's lurking just out of sight. Heart Eyes 📆 May 8 | 🎬 In Theatres Every Valentine's Day, love turns deadly as a masked killer leaves a bloody trail behind smitten couples. Dubbed the 'Heart Eyes Killer,' this psychopath has a chilling pattern and this year, the hunt is more twisted than ever. As the clock ticks toward February 14th, fear grips the city and no couple is safe. Packed with suspense, brutal twists, and a haunting mystery, this thriller will make you think twice before planning a romantic night out. Fox & Hare 📆 May 8 | 🎬 In Theatres When Owl mysteriously vanishes, best friends Fox and Hare set off on a heartwarming quest through enchanted forests and quirky villages, determined to bring him home. Along the way, they're joined by a lovable cast of oddballs who prove that family isn't just who you're born with, it's who shows up for the journey. Full of charm, laughter, and gentle adventure, this tale reminds us that even the smallest creatures can go on the biggest adventures. The Legend of Ochi 📆 May 8 | 🎬 In Theatres In a forgotten village where fear keeps everyone in line, a quiet girl dares to defy it all. When she finds a wounded creature everyone believes is dangerous, she chooses compassion over fear: risking exile, discovery, and the unknown. Her journey to return the baby ochi will test her courage, unravel secrets, and challenge everything she's ever been told. A breathtaking adventure where the wild isn't what it seems and neither is bravery. The Martial Artist 📆 May 8 | 🎬 In Theatres A rising MMA fighter tastes fame, fortune, and the fast life until it all starts to crumble. As his career spirals and family ties fray, a buried secret about his father's death forces him on a soul-searching journey from the cage to the streets of Pakistan. What he finds there could break him or set him free. A raw, gripping story about identity, legacy, and the fight that matters most: the one within. Rosario 📆 May 8 | 🎬 In Theatres When Rosario returns to her late grandmother's apartment, grief turns to terror as she stumbles upon a hidden chamber tucked behind a false wall: packed with eerie relics and symbols of forbidden rituals. What begins as a simple farewell spirals into a chilling descent through her family's darkest secrets. As the line between reality and nightmare blurs, Rosario must confront a legacy soaked in shadows… and decide if she's the next to carry it on. Bambi: A Tale of Life in the Woods 📆 May 8 | 🎬 In Theatres In a world where nature whispers secrets and danger hides behind every tree, a young fawn takes his first steps into life's wild beauty. Guided by his gentle mother and forest friends, he learns, plays, and dreams until one autumn day shatters it all. Left alone, he must face the wilderness, heartbreak, and the call of destiny. A breathtaking journey of growth, loss, and courage, this story will stir your soul and stay with you long after the credits roll. Dakar: Race Against The Desert 📆 May 8 | 🎬 In Theatres Strap in for the ultimate test of endurance, grit, and guts. This raw, edge-of-your-seat documentary takes you deep into the brutal world of the Dakar Rally where machines roar, sandstorms strike, and only the toughest survive. With rare behind-the-scenes access, it's more than just a race; it's a battle against the desert, the mind, and fate itself. Meet the legends, feel the danger, and discover what drives someone to chase glory through chaos. Shadow Force 📆 May 9 | 🎬 In Theatres They were elite soldiers, trained to disappear but love made them a target. Now, hunted by the very force they once led, Isaac and Kyrah must protect their son while outrunning a brutal team that knows all their moves. Explosive, emotional, and relentless, this high-stakes thriller follows a family pushed to the edge, where survival means breaking every rule. When the hunters become the hunted, it's not just a mission; it's personal. Final Destination: Bloodlines 📆 May 9 | 🎬 In Theatres Haunted by a nightmare she can't escape and convinced it's more than just a dream, Stefanie races home to uncover a dark family secret. As reality begins to blur and time slips through her fingers, she must confront the only person who holds the key to stopping the blood-soaked fate stalking her loved ones. But some truths aren't meant to be unearthed. What she finds could save them… or doom them all. Hurry Up Tomorrow 📆 May 15 | 🎬 In Theatres A sleepless musician stumbles into a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger, one who seems to know more about his life than he does. As reality bends and secrets unravel, he's forced to question everything he thought was true. Each haunting note he plays pulls him deeper into a gripping psychological maze where identity, memory, and fate collide. This is not just a journey, it's a descent into the unknown. And once it begins, there's no turning back. Rob1n 📆 May 15 | 🎬 In Theatres A grieving father builds a lifelike robot to cope with the loss of his son but what begins as a touching tribute spirals into a chilling nightmare. As the bond between creator and creation deepens, eerie incidents escalate, revealing the robot's twisted desire to replace the boy he was modeled after. Obsession turns deadly in this heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat thriller where love, loss, and artificial intelligence collide in the most terrifying way. Pet Investigators 📆 May 15 | 🎬 In Theatres Pets are vanishing without a trace, and no one knows why. But three curious kids, Olivia, Gabe, and Jayden, refuse to sit back and watch. Armed with a few wild theories, a lot of courage, and one very clever dog named Chopper, they dive headfirst into a mystery bigger than they ever imagined. With every clue, the danger grows… and so does the adventure. Get ready for a thrilling, heartwarming ride packed with twists, teamwork, and tail-wagging suspense. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning 📆 May 21 | 🎬 In Theatres Every decision has a price and his are catching up fast. As the world teeters on the edge of chaos, one man must outwit enemies, defy gravity, and race against time to stop a threat born from his own past. Packed with jaw-dropping stunts, relentless tension, and twists you won't see coming, this is more than a mission, it's a reckoning. Strap in for the most explosive, emotional ride of the franchise yet. Karate Kid: Legends 📆 May 29 | 🎬 In Theatres A young kung fu prodigy, a legendary rivalry, and the ultimate test of skill when Li Fong moves to New York, he hopes for a fresh start. But after crossing paths with a fierce karate champion, he's thrust into a world of intense battles and high-stakes competition. With guidance from two martial arts icons, he must master a new fighting style to prove himself in the arena. The question is does he have what it takes to win? Best TV Shows Releases This May The Four Seasons 📆 May 1 | 🎬 Netflix Four friends. Four vacations. One rollercoaster of laughs, love, and life lessons. From sun-soaked beaches to cozy winter cabins, this heartwarming comedy dives deep into what happens when longtime bonds are tested by change, secrets, and a whole lot of chaos. With a powerhouse cast and razor-sharp wit from the minds behind 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt , it's a hilarious, honest look at friendship through every season. You'll laugh, cringe and maybe call your best friend after. Forever 📆 May 8 | 🎬 Netflix Set in sun-soaked Los Angeles in 2018, this electrifying love story follows two young athletes as they tumble headfirst into the rush of first love. It's raw, tender, and unfiltered where every touch feels like lightning and every heartbreak cuts deep. With powerful direction and standout performances, this isn't just a romance, it's an emotional sprint through passion, identity, and growing up. Prepare to feel everything, all at once. The Royals 📆 May 9 | 🎬 Netflix A quick-witted CEO meets a charming, polo-playing prince in a deal that was all business—until sparks fly. Set in the fading grandeur of Morpur's royal estate, this delightful clash of ambition, tradition, and flirtation turns a crumbling haveli into the backdrop for wild schemes, royal drama, and unexpected romance. With a cast full of legends and fresh faces, this is your invitation to a shahi showdown where love might just rewrite the rulebook. Bet 📆 May 15 | 🎬 Netflix A mysterious transfer student from Japan flips a prestigious boarding school on its head with one thing: high-stakes gambling. Beneath her calm smile lies a master strategist playing for more than just chips; she's out for revenge. As she climbs the school's ruthless hierarchy, every bet draws her closer to a shocking truth that could bring the entire system crashing down. In this game, the stakes aren't just money, they're survival. Are you ready to play? Murderbot 📆 May 16 | 🎬 Apple TV+ What happens when a killer android gains free will and would rather binge soap operas than hurt anyone? This darkly funny, oddly heartfelt sci-fi tale follows a socially awkward security bot who's hacked its own programming and wants nothing more than to avoid humans… while still being forced to save them. With sharp comedy, explosive action, and a surprisingly relatable antihero, it's a brilliant twist on the AI narrative that'll have you laughing, cringing, and totally hooked. 📆 May 16 | 🎬 Prime Video In a small Pennsylvania town where engines roar louder than hearts, teenage romance collides with high-octane street racing. When a former NASCAR mechanic returns home, he finds a new generation of speed-obsessed teens risking it all; for love, pride, and the finish line. Sparks fly, tires burn, and emotions run hot in this gritty YA drama where the biggest wrecks don't always happen on the road. Who needs a stable relationship when you've got horsepower? Nine Perfect Strangers S2 📆 May 22 | 🎬 Prime Video Nine strangers arrive at a remote wellness retreat, hoping to reset their lives but what awaits them is far from your average spa treatment. Under the watchful eye of an enigmatic director with her own secrets, the line between healing and manipulation begins to blur. As personal truths unravel and tensions rise, the real question becomes: will they leave transformed, or completely shattered? This mind-bending retreat delivers suspense, mystery, and just the right dose of psychological chaos. Sirens 📆 May 22 | 🎬 Netflix When Devon crashes a lavish beach weekend to rescue her sister from the seductive grip of an enigmatic socialite, she thinks she's staging an intervention until the real game begins. What unfolds is a twisted power play of secrets, seduction, and status, where nothing is as it seems and no one is truly in control. Sharp, darkly funny, and dangerously addictive, this thriller peels back the layers of privilege with a smile that cuts deep. The Better Sister 📆 May 29 | 🎬 Prime Video A driven media exec, a struggling sister, and a brutal murder tear open the perfect life one woman thought she had. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried family secrets rise to the surface; twisting trust, loyalty, and everything they thought they knew about each other. With tension crackling and danger closing in, the sisters must face the past to survive the truth. A gripping blend of suspense, betrayal, and raw emotion you won't be able to look away from. Also Read: The Role of Hollywood Collaboration in Growing the UAE Film Industry Hollywood's collaboration with the UAE film industry boosts local talent and infrastructure, positioning the UAE as a major global film hub. Dubai's Top 20 Cinemas: The Ultimate Movie Theater Experiences Love to escape to the movies? Dubai offers a variety of top-notch cinema experiences, ranging from dine-in theatres and boutique cinemas to IMAX and 4D screens. Ready to watch a summer blockbuster in style? Here's where to head. Lights, camera, action. Imagining the Residences of our Favourite Superheroes in Dubai From the wall-crawling Spider-Man to the raging Hulk, let's explore the possibilities of where iconic superheroes might choose to live in the dazzling landscape of Dubai. Into the Multiverse of Arab Superheroes! Everyone loves to see themselves represented in their favorite heroes. Arab superheroes provide much-needed diversity in the world of comics. Discover the superheroes of our region!
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former USI player lands head coach position at FAU
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — Former Southern Indiana women's basketball player, LeAnn Freeland Curry, was named the new head women's basketball coach at Florida Atlantic University. In 29 seasons as a player, assistant coach and head coach, Freeland amassed a .727 win percentage and has only been a part of two losing seasons. She was also named the College Sports Magazine D-2 National Player of the Year in 1995. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Director of Athletics. Freeland signed a 5-year contract following her stint as the head coach at Nova Southeastern University. Freeland shared the following statement after the announcement was made: 'It's an exciting day to be an Owl. I am truly honored and fired up for the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program at Florida Atlantic. I want to thank President Adam Hasner, Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White and his search committee for believing in my vision for the program. Having lived and coached in this area for quite some time, I've seen first-hand the awesome things happening at Florida Atlantic. I know there is tremendous potential for the women's basketball program to be successful, and we will hit the court and recruiting trails as soon as possible to build a championship program. We will do that with players and coaches willing to work extremely hard to 'Win in Paradise!' That search starts today.' LeAnn Freeland Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
The best Winnie the Pooh toy
Which Winnie-the-Pooh toy is best? Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood are the lovable characters many grew up with. That 'silly old bear' is a symbol of childhood for many people and just having a Winnie-the-Pooh toy around can bring back memories. For a soft, cuddly Pooh that more closely resembles the original bear of the books rather than the bright-yellow animated version, the Classic Winnie-the-Pooh 9-inch stuffed toy is a top contender. What to consider before you buy a Winnie-the-Pooh toy Characters When selecting the right toy, consider the characters you want. Are you interested in one standard Winnie-the-Pooh plush or do you want a collection of all the main characters? If you want a full set, a bath-toy set or a pack of lovable puppets covers the bases. For each individual character, there are high-quality plushies of Eeyore, Piglet, Pooh, Kanga, Roo, Tigger, Rabbit and Owl sold directly by Disney. Recipient Consider who will be playing with the Winnie-the-Pooh toy before you purchase it. If you're wanting to introduce your toddler to the Hundred Acre Wood, consider a baby-friendly bath-toy set. If you're picking a toy for your grandmother who read the books to you as a kid, consider a classic Pooh plush. Stuffed toys vs. other toys When thinking of Winnie-the-Pooh toys, most people think of stuffed animals, and there are plenty of options for those. However, for kids prone to putting everything in their mouths, opt for an option without fabric. There are a variety of plastic and rubber toys on the market. Some kids want a cuddly stuffed bear, while others may prefer a small set. If you want your Winnie-the-Pooh toy as a decoration, opt for a glass or ceramic piece that lasts longer than a stuffed toy. How much you can expect to spend on a Winnie-the-Pooh toy Expect to spend between $10-$30 on a Winnie-the-Pooh toy. If you're looking for a classic plush, expect around $20 for the price tag. If you're looking for a set with multiple toys, you could spend between $15-$25. If you're in the market for a vintage Pooh toy, you likely will spend more. What's the best Winnie-the-Pooh toy to buy? Top Winnie-the-Pooh toy What you need to know: This classic plush is the perfect toy for Winnie-the-Pooh lovers. What you'll love: With super-soft stuffing, a fuzzy exterior and premium stitching, this cuddly stuffed toy is machine washable. What you should consider: This version does not look like the brightly colored Pooh of the Disney movies and TV series, which may be disappointing to some. Top Winnie-the-Pooh toy for the money Melissa & Doug Winnie-the-Pooh Hand Puppets What you need to know: This budget-friendly set is perfect for acting out scenarios with multiple characters. What you'll love: This four-pack of Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet hand puppets makes a great gift for kids. They're fuzzy, soft and machine-washable. What you should consider: As puppets, they don't stand up on their own. The mouths don't move, which makes them less functional than other puppets. Worth checking out Disney Winnie-the-Pooh and Pals Bath Set What you need to know: These lightweight, chunky toys are perfect for a baby's bath time. What you'll love: This rubber set comes with Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet and Roo bath toys that float, and includes a bucket with a pour spout and straining holes. What you should consider: It is pricier than a lot of bath toys. Disney Baby Classic Eeyore What you need to know: This plush stuffed animal is a perfect representation of the classic melancholy-yet-lovable character and has sturdy construction. What you'll love: The soft tones, durable stitching and ribbon make this stuffed Eeyore the perfect gift for children. It is squishy, huggable and machine washable. It is designed after the original illustrated version of Eeyore. What you should consider: At 9 inches tall, it is a bit small for some kids. Disney Piglet Plush What you need to know: This Piglet plush is soft, durable and well-made. What you'll love: Detailed embroidery creates the classic stripes and facial features that represent Piglet so well. With fuzzy fabric, floppy ears and beans at the bottom to keep him in place even on a blustery day, this Piglet plush is the perfect companion for your Pooh. What you should consider: It is not machine-washable. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Vox
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Vox
The weird, joyful book that's getting me through this winter
This story originally appeared in Kids Today , Vox's newsletter about kids, for everyone. Sign up here for future editions . I'm working on a longer piece, so I wanted to bring you something a little lighter for this week's newsletter. I've been reading Arnold Lobel's Owl at Home with my 2-year-old recently, and I find myself thinking about it long after he's asleep. Owl at Home is less famous than the Frog and Toad books for which Lobel is best known, but it's always been a favorite in my house. The book tells five very short stories about Owl, a fearful but ultimately loving bird with an unusual outlook on the world. Until very recently, my 6-year-old demanded a nightly reading of the second story, 'Strange Bumps,' in which Owl becomes so terrified of the sight of his own feet under a blanket that he destroys his bed and ends up sleeping in a chair. My 2-year-old, by contrast, is partial to 'Tear-water Tea,' a frankly bizarre tale in which Owl makes himself cry into a tea kettle by thinking of 'sad' subjects, like 'pencils that are too short to use.' At the end of the story, Owl boils his own tears and takes a sip. 'It tastes a little bit salty,' he says, 'but tear-water tea is always very good.' I like to think of this as Owl's own little meditation practice, in which he considers all the sorrows of his life, allows them to move through his body, and then reabsorbs them into himself, now transformed into a delicious (I guess) beverage. This particular dark and threatening February is not the worst time to remind one's children, or oneself, that we all have a creative power within ourselves, something no one else can take away. For fans of Frog and Toad, Owl at Home — published in 1975, after the first two Frog and Toad books — can feel like a bit of a left turn. The Frog and Toad stories are all about the deep friendship and love between the two main characters. Lobel never stated outright that they were meant to be a couple, but his daughter has pointed out that the two are 'of the same sex, and they love each other,' and has said that the stories were 'the beginning of him coming out' as a gay man. If Owl has a Frog in his life, however, we never see him — in fact, Owl does not interact with another sentient being in the entire book. There's a school of thought that Owl at Home is about loneliness, but Owl doesn't seem upset about his lot in life. Instead, he forms a variety of relationships, both friendly and contentious — with his feet, with the season of winter (he ends up having to kick it out of his house), and, in my favorite story, with the moon. 'Owl and the Moon,' the final section of the book, finds Owl gazing into the sky: 'If I am looking at you, moon, then you must be looking back at me. We must be very good friends.' The friendship hits a few snags — the moon tries to follow Owl home, and Owl is worried it won't fit through his door — but by the end, all is well. With the moon looking on from outside, Owl gets into bed and peacefully shuts his eyes. 'The moon was shining down through the window,' Lobel writes. 'Owl did not feel sad at all.' To me, this story — indeed, all of Owl at Home — is about the joy of an inner life, something that can flourish even with little input from the outside. All Owl needs is the moon, a kettle, some weird ideas about tea and sadness, and a cozy bed (which he must have rebuilt after 'Strange Bumps'), and he can create a whole world. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy people, and I do not advocate retreating from society to live in a fantasy world populated by seasons and celestial objects (or, like, do I?). But this particular dark and threatening February is not the worst time to remind one's children, or oneself, that we all have a creative power within ourselves, something no one else can take away. Read it today, and I'll see you next week. Some school districts are trying to figure out how to respond to President Donald Trump's executive order on 'Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,' which officials say appears to conflict with existing laws. Trump supporters are increasingly claiming that children's learning differences are exaggerated or not real, and the claim could have serious consequences for kids with disabilities. Kevin Stitt, the Republican governor of Oklahoma, says he will not approve a proposed plan to collect kids' immigration status when they register for school. In addition to Owl at Home , my little kid and I have been reading Before, Now , a beautifully illustrated story by Daniel Salmieri about growing up and connecting to both the future and the past. Last week I wrote about the rise of universal preschool policies around the country. This week, in lieu of reader emails, I'll leave you with this recent poll by the First Five Years Fund illustrating the bipartisan nature of the issue: 91 percent of Republicans (along with 97 percent of Democrats) believe the lack of affordable child care is a problem, and 55 percent of Republican voters say increasing access to quality child care is as important for families as border security. As always, if you have a question, a recommendation, or a topic you'd like me to cover in the future, get in touch at See More: Books Culture Family Life Parenting Relationships
