Lifestyle - The Boston Globe

Comfort Zone

In this together

During this unsettling time, we could all use some comfort and a sense of community. So we've temporarily revamped the Names page into Comfort Zone, a place to find ideas and tips for keeping ourselves, our kids, our minds entertained, or at least distracted.

COMFORT ZONE
This Netflix special will help summon your courage
Texas social work professor Brené Brown's tackles shame and vulnerability with her Netflix special.

A psychologist on healthy escapism and what we can learn from superheroes
Drea Letamendi, a clinical psychologist, joined Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein for a Q&A about self-care during COVID-19

A reader’s walking path: 5 books to inspire your next jaunt
Some books of note on walking, for escapes of the body and mind.

The Keatons and Camp Kikiwaka add up to 60 minutes of TV togetherness
Two sitcoms — one current, one from my generation — kept my whole family happy and off of their personal screens.

Six podcast picks for body, mind, and spirit
In a period of overwhelming everything, here are six wellness podcasts to help you escape through your headphones.

During lockdown, more celebrities are mirroring us — unshaven, unwashed, and not ashamed

Stars, it turns out, really are just like us: They get drunk and do stupid stuff, too.

Cheese advice from a pro

GETTING SALTY

Brian Treitman from B.T.’s Smokehouse has a bone to pick

Elevate that Easter basket with Fran’s chocolate

Seattle-based chocolatier Fran Bigelow has been crafting luscious chocolate bars and truffles for more than 30 years.

FROM THE PANTRY

Dishes you can make with what’s on hand

The Easter celebration and the Passover Seders that begin the eight-day holiday, have families scrambling to find traditional foods and some satisfaction from keeping customs in spite of social distancing.

When it’s their turn to cook at home, chefs are prepping comfort food

The pros may have more skills, but in their own kitchens, they’re turning to easy dishes that please everyone.

‘You don’t understand, Captain. He has a gun’: The hijacking of Flight 1320

The 12 most annoying co-workers you face on Zoom

Provincetown vs. Ogunquit: Differences more than marginal

Boston as a port city

MORE LIFESTYLE HEADLINES

BY THE GLASS

Gather (virtually) with 100 friends to taste wine

Even in a time of social distancing, you can still take a wine class — from the comfort of your own couch. 12:00 p.m.

COMFORT ZONE

Six podcast picks for body, mind, and spirit

In a period of overwhelming everything, here are six wellness podcasts to help you escape through your headphones. 5:13 p.m.

My boyfriend talks to his ‘friend’ every day

My experience has taught me that a guy and a girl can never stay just friends. Especially if they’re talking on the phone every day. 11:11 a.m.

NAMES

John Krasinski’s ‘Some Good News’ highlights Patriots’ mask delivery, reunites ‘Hamilton’ cast to perform over video chat

John Krasinski kept the good vibes going with another episode of his YouTube show “Some Good News,” featuring a shout-out to the Patriots and new weatherman Robert De Niro. 9:48 a.m.

HELP DESK

How to keep grandparents and grandchildren connected in new ways, from a distance

For a generation not raised on Zoom, there are challenges but simple joys, too. 9:17 a.m.

Jeneé Osterheldt

He’s essential to keeping the grocery store going — but as my dad, he’s essential to me

We haven’t seen each other in six months. Our schedules don’t allow for routine conversations. I miss him. 4:12 a.m.

COMFORT ZONE

Should you text your ex? A flow chart.

We at Love Letters made a handy chart you can save to your phone, share with friends, cut out and put on your fridge, or carry to bed with you so you don’t make a mistake at 2 a.m. 2:17 p.m.

NAMES

‘You are heroes’: Lizzo gives a shout out to Boston Medical Center, donates a meal to show support for hospital workers

“I just want to say thank you so, so much for everything you guys are doing,” the Grammy winner says in a video posted Friday. 6:14 p.m.

Taylor Swift sends $3,000 to Smith College student who lost two jobs amid coronavirus pandemic

Jess Buslewicz, a Connecticut native and Smith College sophomore, got a surprise message from the pop star on Wednesday night. 4:48 p.m.

My boyfriend is committed to helping his ex

I’m at my breaking point. It’s painfully obvious that she needs serious professional help. 2:42 p.m.

MUSIC

Handel and Haydn Society hires Reggie Mobley to diversify its season: ‘People are getting bored hearing the same composers’

The countertenor, who also directs H+H’s annual “Every Voice” series, is devoted to diversifying the orchestra’s repertoire. 12:00 p.m.

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this day in history

Today is Wednesday, April 8, the 99th day of 2020. There are 267 days left in the year.

Today is Tuesday, April 7, the 98th day of 2020. There are 268 days left in the year.

Today is Monday, April 6, the 97th day of 2020. There are 269 days left in the year.

Today is Sunday, April 5, the 96th day of 2020. There are 270 days left in the year.

Today is Saturday, April 4, the 95th day of 2020. There are 271 days left in the year.

COMFORT ZONEThis Netflix special will help summon your courageTexas social work professor Brené Brown's tackles shame and vulnerability with her Netflix special.

A psychologist on healthy escapism and what we can learn from superheroesDrea Letamendi, a clinical psychologist, joined Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein for a Q&A about self-care during COVID-19

A reader’s walking path: 5 books to inspire your next jauntSome books of note on walking, for escapes of the body and mind.

The Keatons and Camp Kikiwaka add up to 60 minutes of TV togetherness Two sitcoms — one current, one from my generation — kept my whole family happy and off of their personal screens.

Six podcast picks for body, mind, and spiritIn a period of overwhelming everything, here are six wellness podcasts to help you escape through your headphones.