#5SmartReads - September 7, 2022

US Women’s Employment Nears Level Not Seen Since February 2020 (Bloomberg)

Here’s some positive news in the recent jobs numbers - the participation rate for women of prime working age (25-54) is the highest it’s been in 22 years. And this increase also grew the participation rate for all prime age folks to 82.8%.

The last time we were at that level? February 2020.

Now I wish I knew how many of these people are also parents, as the pandemic has been disastrous for moms both in and out of the workforce. It also signals that while we’ve made some gains after these setbacks, we also need to step up the care infrastructure so people can participate in the workforce with the wages they need and the dignity they deserve.

Want to know how to make that happen? I devoted the most recent weekly newsletter to that very subject.

What Ever Happened To Brendan Fraser? (GQ)

Brendan Fraser is, in my opinion, a pure gift to humanity.

Blast From The Past? Endearing. George Of The Jungle? Hilarious without being absurd. The Mummy? PERFECTION.

So where exactly has this talented, generous, wonderful actor and human been?

If you were on the Internet this weekend, you likely have seen the 6 minute long standing ovation given to Brendan for his new film, The Whale.

I’ve cried every single time I see this clip. Every time.

To answer my question, Brendan Fraser has been with his family. He mourned the death of his mother, has been caring for his 3 sons, and has been healing from his own trauma of being assaulted by Philip Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (and the fallout when Fraser privately asked for an apology, which was never given).

You’re going to need a fresh box of tissues before you read this extensive interview Fraser gave to GQ four years ago. And to see Fraser back - in front of the camera, and being applauded for his incredible work and character - is a small thing that brings me so much joy.

No longer a 1970s relic, price controls are back (Axios)

Well if low-rise jeans and pop punk are back, it was only a matter of time before the same happened for economic policy as well.

And while today’s price controls are nowhere like what was done in the 70s, they are very much taking effect in nonrenewable energy - and hopefully, with some effect on the consumers’ wallets (especially in Europe, which has been most affected by energy prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine).

This is a quick and helpful read on the history of price controls and what we can expect to happen in the near future, which greatly contrasts the post-WWII price control policy.

Sophia Nomvete On The 'Empowering' Experience Of Filming 'The Rings of Power' While Raising A Newborn Daughter (ESSENCE)

I’m choosing to ignore a lot of the nonsensical (and entertaining) off-screen drama that’s happening in the film world right now, and focus on the bright lights.

Sophia Nomvete, you shine like Venus in the winter sky. And The Rings of Power is so lucky to have you be a part of the series.

While I’ll wait until I’ve seen the first season to make a full opinion of the show, I was immediately drawn to Princess Disa and her warmth, humor, and her care for dwarves and all who live in Middle Earth alike.

All of these can be said of Nomvete herself, who had relocated to New Zealand to film the first season with her 8 week old and her family.

A third Covid autumn is upon us. Here’s a look at where we stand (STAT)

This is one of the best ‘state-of-the-virus’ articles I’ve read, and it’s very worthy of your time, attention, and to factor into your own risk calculus when it comes to our third autumn with COVID.

We all are going to make the choices when it comes to what’s best for our families (and I will say that having gotten COVID over the summer and scheduling my bivalent booster has relaxed my own precautions a bit), so I’m here to offer this information and also encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider about your questions on pediatric vaccines (Rho has received 3 doses of Pfizer, Rhaki has two doses of Moderna and is fully recovered from his own bout with COVID) and the bivalent booster (I’ll be getting mine as soon as they arrive at our local pharmacy - I’ve received three doses of the Pfizer vaccine so far).