Donna Does It!

Photo: Jason Kelce/Instagram

Donna Kelce did it!

She was able to watch both her sons, Travis and Jason, play at their respective NFL games on Sunday. The 96 mile trip from Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field to MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands wasn’t quite the longest “Mama Kelce” has traveled in one day to attend both her sons’ same day games.

Earlier in the day, Jason Kelce was winning in overtime over the Washington Commanders while little bro Travis was “warming up” for his Sunday Night Football game in New Jersey. We use the term loosely since it was reported that Travis was “warming up” at Taylor Swift’s New York pad until 11 am.

At the Philly game, Donna was snapped sitting next to “Jake..from State Farm” (real life actor Kevin Miles) who was wearing his State Farm jacket. Donna was wearing Jason’s Eagles jersey.  Later Sunday night, Donna was hugging Taylor Swift in a sky box at MetLife, making a quick change into Travis’ K.C. Jersey for the event.

If you think yesterday was an “all-in” day for Mama Kelce, she’d tell you to “hold her beer.”  December 2021, Donna traveled from Tampa Bay where Jason and the Eagles were defeated by Tom Brady and the Bucs to Kansas City where Travis and the Chiefs played The Pittsburgh Steelers.  She boarded planes, trains, monorails and even a rickshaw to make the 1300 mile trek.

All in a day’s work for the only Mom in NFL history to witness both sons play against each other in a Super Bowl, where she eagerly showed off her split jersey.

Donna is also the star of a TV commercial featuring both sons, in which Donna sides with Jason, stating it’s his turn (The Kansas City Chiefs defeated Jason’s Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII).

And you thought getting both kids to soccer practice every week was a challenge.

To-do List Conundrum

You know that to-do list you’ve got scribbled on the corner of your desk or maybe tucked away in your phone? It turns out, a lot of us have a little secret when it comes to our to-do lists.

Someone polled 10,000 Americans about their to-do list habits, and guess what? A whopping 43% admitted they’ve added things they’ve already done, just for the sheer joy of crossing them off.

You may be saying, “Wait, what? I’ve never done that!” Well, don’t worry; you’re not alone. About 47% of folks claim they’ve never indulged in this delightful to-do list trick, and around 10% aren’t sure or can’t remember. (And hey, not remembering if you’ve ever done it? Well, that’s a to-do list item itself!)

The survey didn’t dive deep into the “why” of it all, but maybe it’s just procrastination, trying to make us feel like we’ve accomplished more than we really have. Or maybe we’ve achieved something significant but didn’t add it to the list, and why deny ourselves the sweet satisfaction of ticking it off?

Over half of those 45 and under confessed to this list-crossing caper, while only 26% of the wise and experienced 65 and up folks said they’ve dabbled in it.

The to-do list conundrum: to add or not to add, that is the question! And if you do add, just remember, it’s all in the name of feeling that sweet, sweet accomplishment.

Social Media Did Very Little to Improve Mental Health During Lockdowns

Photo by Kev Costello from Unsplash

We all know that during the lockdowns, social media became our lifeline to the outside world. But did it really help our mental well-being? Well, it turns out, not as much as we thought.

A recent study from the University of Hong Kong took a deep dive into this issue. They looked at data from over 16,000 people in the UK during various phases of the pandemic. And guess what? The results might make you raise an eyebrow.

Despite all those Zoom calls, WhatsApp chats, and Facebook messages, anxiety and depression levels didn’t show much of a difference between heavy users and those who avoided these platforms. Yep, you heard that right. Our virtual hangouts didn’t quite fill the void left by the lack of in-person socializing.

And young adults who amped up their social media game during the pandemic actually saw their mental health take a hit. Those 20-year-olds who rarely touched social media before suddenly found themselves feeling 10 percent more anxious and depressed when they went all-in on the online social scene.

And it’s not just about the digital world. Financial strain during lockdowns also played a big role in people’s mental well-being. Those who felt the financial pinch had anxiety and depression levels a whopping 25 percent higher than those who didn’t.

Social media helped us stay connected, but it didn’t magically cure our pandemic blues. And for some young adults, it even made things worse. It’s a reminder that while technology can be a lifeline, it’s no substitute for real, in-person connections.

Tinder for the Rich

Photo credit: Tinder

We’ve got some spicy news for you in the world of online dating. Tinder has just unleashed its inner VIP with the all-new “Tinder Select” membership. Now, before you get too excited, you might want to check your bank account because this exclusive club doesn’t come cheap at a whopping $499 per month. Yep, you heard that right, it’s not for the faint of heart or the light of wallet.

So, what’s all the buzz about? Well, it’s not just about the features, it’s about the exclusivity! Tinder is playing hard to get, allowing only the chosen few, less than 1% of users, to join this high-end dating party. And if you make the cut, you get to flaunt it with an exclusive “SELECT” badge on your profile. 

So what do you actually get for that hard-earned cash? Well, you can slide into someone’s DMs without the need for a match, but only twice a week, and sorry, no Super Likes included. Plus, not everyone wants your messages, so some folks can opt out. On the bright side, your profile will be unblurred in the Like You grid for up to seven days. 

The real mystery is how Tinder determines these “most sought after profiles.” Maybe it’s the folks who got lucky in the Select club? Who knows! But if you’re in, you also get a sneak peek at new Tinder features before the masses, ad-free swiping, and a peek at your recent Likes. Stack it with Plus, Gold, or Platinum if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Before you rush off to apply, remember, there’s a checklist. You need four photos, five interests, a bio that’s at least 15 characters long, and you have to be photo-verified. Oh, and you should have a hefty dating budget because this ain’t for the penny pinchers.

There you have it, Tinder’s new high-roller club, Tinder Select. Will it find love in the hearts of Gen Z? We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, swipe right on fun and swipe left on empty wallets!

If I Could Save Time in a Bottle

It’s 1940, a stormy Armistice Day in the Great Lakes. In the midst of howling winds and crashing waves, George Keller, the fearless lightkeeper of White Shoal, and his trusty partner had a wild idea. They decided to toss a message in a bottle into the tempestuous waters, just in case they didn’t make it through the night.

That very message, once adrift in the storm, was plucked from the waters by an unsuspecting fisherman near Gros Cap, Mich. It’s like something out of a Hollywood movie, right?

George Keller and his comrade did survive the blizzard. And their bottle message became a symbol of resilience and connection. It’s a testament to the incredible stories hidden within the folds of history.

To celebrate the 113th anniversary of the White Shoal Light, the White Shoal Light Historical Preservation Society has launched a “message in a bottle contest.”  And you have a chance to create your own piece of history.

Four bottles were tossed into the Mackinac Straits on Labor Day, each containing a message from descendants of George Keller. They’re offering free stays at the iconic lighthouse for the lucky finders, whether you’re a lone adventurer or a group of up to five.

Keep your eyes peeled for those bottles, because not only will you uncover a remarkable piece of history, but you might also score yourself a free stay at this historic lighthouse.