Jessie Voigts's Blog, page 69
December 29, 2021
History Comes Alive at The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas
It is rare that my husband and I return to a House of Worship in a foreign destination for a second visit. After selecting a cruise itinerary with a stop in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, we immediately placed The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas on our must-see list. Decades before digital images were in vogue, our young family trekked up the steep road to Synagogue Hill to visit this well-known synagogue with a sand floor, where we took a handful of pictur...
December 28, 2021
Sleep Deprivation in College Students: How to Cope?
Sleep deprivation is a prevalent condition amongst college students. Around 70% to 96% of students get less than 7-hours of sleep every night. That is about two hours less than the recommended sleep guidelines!
Lack of sleep poses serious hazards to both mental and physical health. A sleep-deprived individual experiences increased levels of depression, anxiety, and fatigue. For a college student, this can mean a decline in academic performance.
Well, if you ident...
December 23, 2021
Write This: Author Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström on Intercultural Life, Social Issues, and Including the World
We have long loved the creative artistry of Lọlá Ákínmádé Åkerström. She's a magnificent writer and photographer (check out our early interview with her here), a compelling speaker (listen to her TED talk!), and has a new book out that I absolutely DEVOURED.
We have much to learn about the world—and writing—from her.
In Every Mirror She's Black is a beautifully-written contemporary social novel that you won't want to put down (seriously: block out some time, arra...
December 21, 2021
Afghanistan Spotlight: The State of Human Rights Five Months after the Taliban Takeover
Five months on since the Taliban took over power in Afghanistan, on August 30th, 2021, women still continue to fear for their lives and basic human rights.
This article will focus on an overview of the Taliban’s actions during their takeover in Afghanistan. I will also highlight some of the brave women who continue to challenge the Taliban’s restrictions of their basic human rights.
The collapse of the Taliban...
December 20, 2021
Winter's Music for Connection and Celebration, Solitude and Reflection
Winter: it's a season connection and celebration, solitude and reflection.
It is also a time of stories, and of music.
Quite a few of those stories have to do with Advent, and Christmas. Whether those are within your faith or not, there is much to enjoy and learn in the stories. There are many stories of the season told with no words, as well.
One such is O Come O Come Emmanuel/Star of Wonder. Hanneke Cassel pairs the Advent hymn with which she opens the set wit...
December 17, 2021
Breathtaking Scenes on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Whether this is your first trip to Russia, or if you already know your way around the best of Eastern Europe, you must plan your Trans-Siberian railway trip! Not only will you experience traveling on the longest railway line, but you will also get to enjoy the spectacular nature of Russia at every stop. Now, let’s see what a few of them are...
A stunning city, surrounded by wooded hills and sitting right next to the Ural Mountains, is famous for ...
December 16, 2021
Love Italy? Read This: 103 Other Adventures In and Around Rome
Think you know Rome? Here's a fabulous book that will show you SO much more to do, explore, eat, and learn than you ever thought possible. 103 Other Adventures* In and Around Rome - *Beyond the biggies like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican is written by Bill Richards (whom you've met here before, with Family on the Loose columns and books!) and Silvia Prosperi.
Whether you're new to exploring Rome or an old hand, there is so much packed into this unass...
December 15, 2021
Artist Spotlight: Erica Bradshaw
I first discovered an extraordinary artist, Erica Bradshaw, in a local coffeeshop (you can't be surprised!), Great Grounds Coffee. Her use of colors was not only beautiful, but made me want to stop and look more closely. Little did I know that when I explored her socials (especially her gorgeous instagram!), I would fall into an Alice-like rabbit hole of delight.
Erica is a mixed media artist from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her colorful, whimsical illust...
December 7, 2021
5 Things to Know About Travel Across Europe
There are many countries in Europe that most travelers strive to visit at least once in their lives. France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and others are located relatively close to each other. However, each of these tourist magnets are completely different, and all are worth visiting. If you want to travel across Europe, you must know the essential rules and recommendations to help you enjoy your trip, save money, and avoid any possible problems.
December 6, 2021
12 Terrific Spots to Get the Best Breakfast in NYC
Love to eat breakfast out? We do, too. One city where breakfast really shines is New York City, which features almost too many unique restaurants. You only need to search for the best breakfast in NYC to find the greatest eateries in the city. Here are 12 terrific spots to get the best breakfast in NYC.
Best Bagel & Coffee
The Best Bagel & Coffee house creates delicious breakfast sandwiches and bagels, as well as traditional breakfast platters. The restaurant f...
