Yeardley Smith, the voice behind Lisa Simpson on The Simpsons, has become synonymous with the beloved character she has voiced for 35 years. Not only has Lisa become a symbol of progressivism and feminist role model, but she has also touched the hearts of anyone who can relate to feeling misunderstood or angry at an unjust world. Fun fact: Smith’s unique voice, which has been described by vocal specialists as having “a lot of resonance in [her] nasal cavity,” was once teased by her peers but is now recognized as one of the most recognizable voices on earth. In the upcoming 34th season of The Simpsons, Smith’s legacy as the voice of Lisa Simpson is solidified. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
