Banter Bites

Lights And Church Bells To Help Us Honor And Remember

It's possible the most poignant and bittersweet inauguration ceremony won't actually take place at the inauguration.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Black was surprised to discover that Red, a student of history who's been watching the news more often than she ever has before, wasn't aware that President-Elect Biden had announced that on the eve of his inauguration there will be a nationwide tribute to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19. (Black stays on top of the news thanks to Axios, and got the scoop on Red via this Axios post.) But once Red learned about it, she felt an unexpected mixture of gratitude and patriotism, and although she found it difficult to explain to Black exactly why, she knew that it was destined to be a poignant and powerful ceremony.

What better way to celebrate May Day than bringing back one of Black’s favorite posts? A little history (for Red), mixed with fertility and workers’ rights (no, we’re not kidding), and a reminder that sometimes "pole dancing" doesn’t only happen in clubs …

If you’ve never thought about May Day, don’t worry, most of us haven’t.

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: Red appreciates that some holidays have historical significance, some have ancient traditions, and some are opportunities for one of Black’s unexpected, but often amusing and clever, comments, but May Day checks all those boxes.

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When the news is challenging or life’s stressful, there’s something comforting about Girl Scout cookies. Always has been, which is why we’re rerunning this post from several years ago.

Girl Scouts, though, are about so much more than cookies, as year-round girls learn important life skills, gain confidence, and discover leadership skills. But buying cookies is such a sweet way (sorry, we couldn’t resist) to support the organization. Red’s favorite is the classic shortbread (now known as Trefoils), and Black buys a large assortment and gives them all away.

But hurry! Cookie season ends on March 23.

P.S. - If S’mores and Toast-Yay! are your favorites … make sure you stock up as this is the last year they’ll be available.

Let's play word association. If we say, "Girl Scouts," what's the first word that comes to mind? Ok, what's the second word?

BANTER BITE BACKSTORY: When Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout meeting – hoping to create an organization that redefined what was possible for girls everywhere – there was no way for her to know the difference it would make in the lives of millions of girls and their communities.

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Today’s turbulent times for Jews may overshadow the celebration of the Jewish New Year, one of the holiest of the Jewish holidays. Yet, ironically, we feel it should strengthen its significance, as the holiday is a time for reflection on the past and hope for the future.