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November 2025
FROM ABCS TO EMPATHY How ‘Sesame Street’ Shaped a Generation Most children have beloved TV characters they watch and learn from. When I was a child, my favorites lived on “Sesame Street.”
Frog, or the “wocka wocka” sign-off of Fozzie Bear after telling one of his characteristically bad jokes. But the focus of
In recognition of Nov. 10 as National Sesame Street Day, I am recalling all of the happy memories of watching the show. Like so many of my childhood recollections, my sister Bunny was there too, cuddling up on the couch with me to watch those fuzzy creatures and the make-believe world they inhabited. We talk so much about the time children spend gazing at screens on mobile devices. I was delighted as a kid with the old-fashioned, heavy television screen that took two adults to move around. As a small child, I would wonder, “How does this thing work? Oh, these people must be in the television !” I thought all I needed to do was to get up close to the screen and look into the side of the picture, and I would see the characters there. Other familiar children’s characters of that era, like Shari Lewis’ Lamb Chop, were sock puppets closely identified with their creators. Although the Muppets were puppets too, they felt like people who just happened to be furry, orange, or blue. On both “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show,” I experienced every Muppet as having a unique identity, personality, and sensibility. Not everybody is going to have the exuberance of Grover, the thoughtfulness of Kermit the WORKSHOP Have you (or your clients) “been meaning” to get a plan in place? It’s easy to get started with our 7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan Workshop . This free workshop explains the key planning concepts, documents, and factors in selecting a plan that is right for you. Plus, workshop participants receive a complimentary consultation with no obligation to retain our services. The workshop is available on demand or in person, so stop thinking about a plan and create one. Register online at PromiseLaw.com/Estate-Planning-Workshop or call (757) 351-4017.
“Sesame Street” on kindness and acceptance made everyone feel as if they belonged. Even Oscar the Grouch gave us permission to not always feel excited about everything. “Sesame Street” also showed us some amazing artists getting down with those little furry creatures. I took dance lessons during my youth, and I remember watching two tapdancing legends, Maurice and Gregory Hines, perform on “Sesame Street.” Knowing how hard it was to make my own body comply with the routines I was being taught, I admired their artistry. Broadway star Ben Vereen also visited “Sesame Street” to do a little soft-shoe while singing “Mister Cellophane.” Although the show’s mission was education, I don’t ever remember feeling, “I’m learning something here!” Part of the art and magic of “Sesame Street” was that you didn’t feel like you were being taught something. Learning was not a thing separate from life. The point wasn’t to be evaluated or determine if you passed or failed. Learning was play. Bunny and I would sit for 30 minutes at a time, absorbing the show’s concept and ideas. Today, children have multiple screens and a million channels to watch. To me, that takes away some of the joy of watching TV together. As we approach the year-end holidays, it’s a good time to reflect on how a shared appreciation for cultural gems like
“Sesame Street” can enrich our lives. Meanwhile, I hope you and your loved ones have time to enjoy a little focused, high-quality TV yourselves! –Geneva N. Perry, Esq.
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Find Your Rhythm in Retirement BUILD A RETIREMENT ROUTINE THAT FEELS RIGHT
Retirement is a well-earned chapter in life, but transitioning to it can feel like stepping into the unknown. After decades of routines built around work, it’s easy to feel adrift. Fortunately, structure can go a long way in finding your freedom. Start With Purpose Waking up with something to look forward to is one of the simplest ways to infuse your day with purpose. Whether it’s reading the newspaper, taking a morning walk, or working toward a long-held dream, these purposeful starts add rhythm to your day. Set small goals that
appointments and errands can sit comfortably beside lunch dates, gardening time, or a
painting session. Mix the predictable with the spontaneous. After all, retirement is your time, so make it flexible and fun. Reimagine Your Routine Establishing new routines adds a sense of comfort and control. A consistent morning routine, complete with your favorite breakfast and a bit of movement, can kick-start your day with energy and
intention. End your day with a relaxing ritual to wind down, reflect, or connect with loved ones. Keep It Fresh Avoid falling into autopilot mode. Challenge yourself to try something new regularly, whether exploring a new walking path, attending a local workshop, or picking up a new skill. Your retirement life should be anything but dull. This is your time to thrive!
excite you: Learn a new hobby, volunteer in your community, or dive into a creative project you’ve always wanted to try. Learning and progress feel good at any age. Balance Planning With Play Planning isn’t about creating a rigid schedule; it’s about sprinkling your calendar with things you love. Doctor
The World’s Rarest Blood Type
The Only Match? Herself
You’ve heard of A, B, AB, and O, but have you heard of Gwada Negative? Odds are you haven’t, and for good reason: It belongs to just one person on the planet. After over a decade of research, scientists in France have
“Gwada” by locals. What followed was anything but routine. Researchers first spotted a strange antibody in 2011, so they knew it was unusual, but lacked the resources to investigate further. Years
Now dubbed Gwada Negative, this new type has captured the attention of scientists worldwide. It’s a medical unicorn, a reminder that plenty of mystery still runs through our veins. This discovery adds a new branch to the blood type family tree and highlights how critical diversity is in blood research. Who knows? A revolutionary find could be sitting quietly in someone’s bloodstream, waiting to be uncovered during a routine checkup. So, the next time you roll up your sleeves for a blood draw, remember that your body might be more unique than you think!
later, thanks to advances in DNA sequencing, they
officially classified this ultra- rare blood type as the 48th recognized blood group. The discovery started with a seemingly routine blood
finally traced it back to a unique genetic mutation passed down by both of the woman’s parents.
The result? A blood type so rare that the woman is only compatible with herself.
draw in 2011 from a woman originally from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, affectionately called
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TAKE A BREAK
Somatic Journaling Will Change How You Heal
Apples Basketball Black Friday Election Kindness Leaves Nap Parade Pie Scorpio Topaz Veteran
And How You Move Through the Day
You know that feeling when something’s off, but you can’t quite explain it? You’re not “sick,” but you’re not thriving. Maybe your shoulders are tense, your stomach is in knots, or your energy crashes every afternoon. That’s your body trying to get your attention. Fortunately, you already have the tools to listen. Welcome to somatic journaling , a practice that helps you connect the dots between what your body feels and what your soul needs. Feeling better starts with feeling. Unlike traditional journaling, which often lives in your head (think thoughts, plans, overthinking), somatic journaling takes you deeper. It allows you to tune in to your body, where your emotions, energy, and stress are stored. Those tight hips? That shallow breath? They’re clues. Somatic journaling is your chance to decode them. All you need is a bit of mindfulness, a notebook, and a few moments to breathe and ask your body, “What’s going on in there?” Let’s say you’re anxious before a meeting. Instead of spiraling into “Why am I always like this?” you pause and notice: Your chest is tight, your breath shallow, and you feel like you’re running on empty. Then comes the “aha” moment: “I’ve had no breaks all day. No wonder I feel this way.” That’s the body’s version of a breakthrough and a chance to reset. Try these easy somatic check-ins. The 3-2-1 Body Scan
PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE
• 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin • 1 (10 oz) can evaporated milk • 1 cup light brown sugar • 3 eggs • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice • 1 box yellow cake mix Ingredients Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, add pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Stir to combine and pour into the prepared pan. 4. Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix on top, followed by nuts or graham crackers and toffee bits. 5. Pour melted butter evenly on top. 6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is set and edges are lightly browned. 7. Serve warm or at room temperature. • 1 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers or pecans • 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional) • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
Start small and write down:
• 3 sensations (feet on floor, jaw tight, clammy hands) • 2 slow breaths • 1 question: “What does my body need right now?” Do it when you wake up, before a tough conversation, or anytime you feel “off.” A journal is your translator. Somatic journaling helps you shift from judgment to curiosity, from disconnection to trust. It’s a practice of tuning into the intelligence that lives under your skin. You don’t need to “fix” yourself. Just feel. Your body has the answers, and your somatic journal is where they begin.
Inspired by CookiesAndCups.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Cookies, Kindness, and Curiosity: Growing Up With ‘Sesame Street’ Reimagine a Retirement Routine That Works for You The Caribbean Woman With the World’s Rarest Blood Type
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3 Pumpkin Dump Cake The Journal Practice That Cultivates Your Mind-Body Connection The Match That Lit the Fuse: Inside the 100-Hour Soccer War The Soccer Match That Launched an Invasion 4
How a World Cup Qualifier Exploded Into a Real War On July 14, El Salvador used that World Cup qualification game to send troops across the border. Blackouts darkened
In the summer of 1969, what should’ve been a sweaty, rowdy World Cup qualifier turned into one of history’s strangest armed conflicts. El Salvador and Honduras, two Central American neighbors with a long history of simmering tension, found themselves lacing up not just for soccer but for war. The fuse? A three-game soccer series, drenched in passion, politics, and pent-up resentment. The first match in Honduras ended with riots. The second, in El Salvador, saw tensions combust into full-blown violence. The third, a tiebreaker in Mexico City, sent El Salvador to the World Cup and straight into a diplomatic meltdown. But let’s be clear: This wasn’t just about the games. Behind the brawls were deep-rooted land disputes, decades of migration, and resentment over Honduran land reforms that displaced many Salvadoran settlers. The soccer field was just the stage for long-simmering tensions.
both capitals as air strikes lit up the skies. For four days, just 100 hours, the conflict raged. The war ended almost as quickly as it began, thanks to pressure from the Organization of American States, but the damage lingered. Nearly 3,000 people were killed or injured. It shredded diplomatic ties — and it took 11 years for a peace treaty to be signed. To this day, many Salvadorans regard the “Football War” as a moment of national pride, proof that even a tiny nation can pack a serious punch when pushed too far. So, next time someone tells you sports aren’t political, remind them that in 1969, a soccer ball started a war.
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