Weekend Reading: The Getting Back to Work Edition

So, we're back from vacation. I'm revitalized by the time off, but also struggling to catch up and to convince myself that yes, I really should be working and not out hiking in the Sierras or something. This morning, Petunia had a meltdown right before it was time to go to camp. I think she may be missing vacation, too. She really likes her camp this week, but sleeping in and eating ice cream is more fun than just about anything, really.

Anyhow, I've been pretty productive this week, but not so good about reading things and finding links for you, so this will probably be a short post. Also, Petunia's camp has a final performance and I need to wrap up early to go see that and then go for my rollerblade because nothing motivates me to make sure I get my exercise like seeing the pictures of me from vacation.

First a little promo: right before vacation, I dropped the ebook price for Love and Other Happy Endings. You can now try out one of my anthologies of classic short stories for just $0.99.

On to the links:

Alexandra Petri on Donald Trump, Jr., is spot on.

A great, thoughtful post about Appalachia and poverty, from someone who grew up there.

This is an interesting op-ed about the current state of politics in the US.

California has really cut its maternal death rate and North Carolina has cur the racial disparities in its maternal death rate. If only we were talking about how to expand and build on these programs, instead of facing the possibility that Medicaid will be gutted and those of us with pre-existing conditions will be facing uncertain access to insurance.

The Cook Islands have just created one of the world's largest marine preserves.

Hee Hee

The Scottish Plumber: "The Pipes are Calling." pic.twitter.com/jR88KTf49N

— David M. Perry (@Lollardfish) July 14, 2017

Bunnies!

pic.twitter.com/J88AlhBJCp

— うさぎ島の写真bot (@rabbit_isle_bot) July 10, 2017

Happy weekend, everyone!