News of the Week: Snowstorms, Smart Cows, and Something Hot for Breakfast

Fern

I’m still recovering from last weekend’s snowstorm. Twenty-seven inches in my town, a new record for such a short time period. Lots of shoveling was done, a lot of rock salt was distributed, and several curses were heard.

As of this writing there might be another big storm coming this weekend. It’s name is Gianna. Yes, they (and by “they” I mean The Weather Channel) give names to winter storms now. Last weekend’s storm was named Fern.

If they really want to go all the way with this, they should also give names to good weather. Hurricanes and snowstorms are always seen as negative, disruptive things, so why not celebrate something people actually like?

Sunny Day Jimmy will be making it’s way up the east coast this weekend. It’s too early to tell, but depending on how things go, the eastern seaboard from North Carolina to Maine could see sun and possibly even light breezes, with nothing else happening at all. Temperatures should be in the high 60s, though some areas could see 70. Residents are advised to buy the usual amount of groceries they always buy. Please download our weather app to keep track of this non-storm.

Can You Actually “Read” an Audiobook?

I’ve never listened to an audiobook, but I’ve heard rumblings that there is some disagreement on whether or not listening to an audiobook means that you’ve actually “read” the book. And to this I say rubbish! And also: fiddlesticks!

Of course listening to an audiobook is reading. You mean to tell me that people who have vision problems and can’t see a book aren’t “reading” when they listen to an audiobook?

Having said that, there are two exceptions. And they’re important exceptions.

1. The book has to be unabridged. If you’re listening to an abridged audiobook, then you’re not really reading the book (see also: CliffsNotes). You’re just getting a summary and missing out on a lot. Luckily, this isn’t really a problem anymore because I don’t think most books are abridged now.
2. You can’t be doing anything else. You can’t be driving, organizing your closet, or doing other work (I don’t even think you can do it in the shower). Reading is not something where you can multi-task. I know a couple of people who, believe it or not, listen to audiobooks while they’re on their computer working at their job, typing, sending emails, corresponding with coworkers and clients. Sorry, that’s not “reading,” that’s “consuming content.”

Try this: the next time you’re driving or in the shower or working at your job, hold a regular book in your hand and try to read. Then come back here and let me know how successful you were.

The only way to “read” an audiobook is to sit in a chair or lie down on a couch and really listen to it, without any other distractions or tasks. Just like you would with a print book or something on a Kindle. (Opposing views will be considered but then quickly disregarded.)

Holy Cow

So many people are talking about how “cute” this video is, but to me it just means that soon the cows will rule us all.

Uploaded to YouTube by CBS Sunday Mornings

Headline of the Week

“Empire State Building Lights Up in Patriots Colors After They Reach Super Bowl 2026 – and New Yorkers Are Furious”

RIP Bruce Bilson, Floyd Vivino, William Foege, Pete Napolitano, Yvonne Lime, Guy Hovis, and Eddie Doyle

Bruce Bilson directed such classic TV shows as Get Smart, Hogan’s Heroes, The Doris Day Show, Barney Miller, and The Odd Couple, and was assistant director for several episodes of The Andy Griffith Show and Route 66. He died last week at the age of 97.

Floyd Vivino – also known as Uncle Floyd – was a beloved New Jersey comedian and TV show host. He died last week at the age of 74.

William Foege is one of the people we have to thank for the eradication of smallpox. He died Saturday at the age of 89.

Pete Napolitano – also known as Produce Pete – was a cook and TV personality on WNBC for over 30 years, advising people on how to buy food. He died Monday at the age of 80.

Yvonne Lime starred in the cult classic horror film I Was a Teenage Werewolf. She also appeared on many TV shows, including several episodes of Father Knows Best as Betty’s friend Dottie, and co-founded a children’s charity. She died last week at the age of 90.

Guy Hovis – with his wife Ralna English – was a singer on The Lawrence Welk Show for many years. He died last week at the age of 84.

Eddie Doyle was the iconic Boston bartender who inspired Cheers and the character of Sam Malone. He died last week at the age of 85.

This Week in History

Michael Jackson’s Hair Catches Fire (January 27, 1984)

The footage from the set of the Pepsi commercial Jackson was filming might be a little hard to watch, but it’s a fascinating piece of 1980s pop culture.

FDR Born (January 30, 1882)

Here’s Jonathan Darman on the making of our only four-term president (well, three full terms and a couple of months of a fourth term).

This Week in Saturday Evening Post History: Armour Sausage Breakfasts (January 29, 1949)

You know what? Meat really does make breakfast better!

February Is National Hot Breakfast Month

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this time I don’t mean “they” as in the Weather Channel. I mean some nutritionists and the makers of TV commercials.

I don’t usually eat breakfast. In the morning I don’t want to take the time, so I usually just have a couple of cups of tea. Though every single time I do make or go out for breakfast, which is rare, I think to myself, why don’t I do this every day? And with this winter being the way it has been, a hot breakfast sounds good right about now.

Tasting Table has a recipe for a Meat Lover’s Omelette, while Curtis Stone has an Easy Asparagus Omelet (the world really needs to come to a decision on how to spell omelette/omelet). The Pioneer Woman has The Best Scrambled Eggs Ever. Taste of Home has Chocolate French Toast, Flora & Vino has Blueberry Pie Oatmeal, and Serious Eats has Waffle Iron Hash Browns.

By the way, since National Hot Breakfast Month is for February and there’s still a few days left in January, you can’t eat breakfast until Monday. Unless it’s a cold breakfast.

Next Week’s Holidays and Events

Backward Day (January 31)

?day the celebrate to going you are How

Groundhog Day (February 2)

Have you joined the official Punxsutawney Groundhog Club?

Winter Olympic Games (February 6)

After the storm I don’t really want to see any more snow this season, but if you don’t mind it, here’s a complete guide.