Links: Fun and serious and both at once

The Sweetweird Manifesto at HappyDancing by Charlie Jane Anders. "The core idea of sweetweird is: the world makes no sense, but we can be nurturing, frivolous and kind." Yes! These are the stories I want to read, and the life I want to live.

Pronouns as Linguistic Care Work by Kirby Conrod. A joyful post about why the author uses particular pronouns with beloved friends. "The way I like to show my love is by knowing my people closely, and knowing their needs and desires" via cosmolinguist.

Challenging the Art of a Diorama "What’s wrong with this diorama? It’s complicated." by the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. A nuanced, in-depth critique which is displayed in the museum with a diorama of a lion attacking a dromedary and rider. Calls out colonialist views. Does not include an image of the diorama in question, which I think is the right choice.

My Mother’s Abortion Saved My Life "And gave her own a much happier ending." by Jenn Lyons. Content note: Mentions domestic violence. And cancer.

Unique Japanese Vegetables and recipes to go with them at Just One Cookbook by Namiko Hirasawa Chen (Nami).

Links: El Cerrito history and activism

Historic El Cerrito Touring its commercial core.

Welcome to historic El Cerrito! Home to Native Americans for centuries, the area known today as El Cerrito (the “Little Hill,” referring to what is now called Albany Hill) was settled by Victor Ramon Castro in 1836. The city incorporated in 1917.

Our town was home to quarries, gambling and nightlife. Since the 1940s El Cerrito has been accurately known as a “City of Homes.” As you walk along San Pablo Avenue, notice the Historic-Cultural Pavers that dot the sidewalk, providing much historical information.

Walking Tour Brochure. Only noticed this while I was posting here!

Sidewalk Markers About City History, Culture. This is about installing the paver markers in 2011. Eleven years later, at least one of them is so faded I couldn't read it. The one about the city originally being named "Rust" is still legible!

Together We Will: Albany Berkeley. I saw these politically progressive folks tabling at the El Cerrito Farmers Market and I might eventually get involved. They remind me of "Nasty Women Get Shit Done" in Portland, now more sedately named "In Our America, Love Wins".