Sabina had a blast at The Grammys
 
February 3, 2026
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This Happened
 
Shot of a family of four cooking together in their kitchen at home
(PeopleImages/Getty Images)
'Kitchen processing' was a healthy (and obvious) concept
Why it matters: The recent release of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans caused a wee bit of a kerfuffle (for a variety of reasons). To cut through some of the confusion, this article looks at small steps you can take to lead a healthier lifestyle. And with so much focus on processed foods, a new concept is introduced: Kitchen processing.
Full Story: The Conversation (2/3)
 
China banned hidden car door handles over safety concerns
Why it matters: China has banned the use of hidden door handles on electric vehicles, a design popularized by Tesla. The new rules, set to take effect in 2027, mandate mechanical releases for car doors, aiming to enhance safety after incidents where power failures trapped passengers. This decision is likely to influence global automotive design standards, as China's market plays a significant role internationally.
Full Story: BBC (2/2)
 
There was tension between moral pursuits and personal authenticity
Why it matters: Amid endless chatter about 'cancel culture,' this study is very interesting. Psychology researchers are challenging the notion that morality is central to the true self, suggesting that artistic pursuits offer a unique path to personal authenticity. A recent study used Paul Gauguin's checkered life as an example to highlight the tension between moral obligations and artistic freedom. Participants in the study valued relationships and aesthetics alongside morality. This research implies that true self-expression may lie in balancing multiple values.
Full Story: Cornell Chronicle (Cornell University) (2/2)
 
Midlife was a new breaking point for Americans
Why it matters: Researchers have found a growing midlife crisis among Americans born in the 1960s and 1970s, marked by increased loneliness, depression, and cognitive decline. Unlike in Nordic Europe, where midlife health has improved, US trends are worsening due to weak family policies, high healthcare costs, and income inequality. The study suggests that stronger social safety nets and personal social engagement could mitigate these issues.
Full Story: ScienceDaily/Arizona State University (2/2)
 
 
 
 
Animal Kingdom
 
UPDATE: That coyote on Alcatraz is thriving
Why it matters: Remember that story from a couple weeks ago about the wily coyote that swam to Alcatraz Island? Well, it sounds like the coyote is doing quite well on The Rock. However, I'm not sure we can say the same thing about the bird population!
Full Story: The San Francisco Standard (1/27)
 
 
 
 
The Most Popular Story From Yesterday's WYWW Was...
 
 
Escaping an ice bowl required an understanding of physics
Wired (tiered subscription model) (2/1)
 
 
 
 
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Adventures in Parenting
 
UPDATE: Sabina had a blast at The Grammys
Why it matters: Another update... my daughter Sabina had a blast attending The Grammys on Sunday. Among Sabina's highlights were run-ins with celebrities like Bernie Taupin, HAIM, Marcello Hernandez and Zara Larsson. She also got to hear the rehearsal for the Ozzy Osborne tribute, which featured Post Malone, Slash, Chad Smith, Andrew Watt and Duff McKagan. Huge thanks to Sean Smith at The Recording Academy for hooking Sabina up with the tickets.
 
 
 
 
Happy Hour Fun
 
Post-pandemic queueing habits puzzled British pub owners
Why it matters: British pubs are experiencing a shift in customer behavior as patrons increasingly form single-file queues to order drinks, a practice that pub owners find perplexing and disruptive. This change, attributed to post-pandemic social norms, has led to longer wait times and frustration among staff who are accustomed to the traditional lateral bar crowding. Hmm ... I can see benefits to both approaches, but I'm curious what WYWWers think.
Full Story: The Guardian (London) (1/31)
 
How do you prefer to order drinks at a bar?
VoteThe old way: Finding an opening at the bar to order
VoteIn a single-file queue
 
 
 
 
WYWW Playlist
 
"Midnight Sun" by Zara Larsson
There is a WYWW playlist on Spotify to keep track of all the songs listed in this space. Enjoy!
 
 
 
 
Enjoy the View
 
Sabina at The Grammys
Sabina at The Grammys
My daughter popped this picture of herself in front of a photo of a Grammys ceremony from years ago.
 
 
 
 
About the Editors
 
Sean McMahon
 
Sean McMahon
Sabina was also seated quite close to the stage where Justin Bieber performed during The Grammys. It was a captivating performance on the audio front, but dude... put some clothes on!

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“

Because life is full of the dark and the light. You gotta look for the light.
Catherine O'Hara,
actor, comedian
1954-2026

“
 
 
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