Skip to Content
Opinion

For This Week’s Open Thread, Tell Us About New Things You Learned to Do as an Adult

As we do every Friday, we're turning Racket over to you, the readers.

10:28 AM CDT on March 13, 2026

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Yesterday we published a very funny essay (if we do say so ourselves) by Ian Power-Luetscher about (thinking about) learning how to cross-country ski (and ultimately deciding not to).

As someone who has frequently considered learning how to do new things in adulthood, only to remember that I'm lazy and hate learning, I could identify. I want positive reinforcement. I don't like doing things I'm bad at until I am good at them. I like doing things I'm already good at until I'm better at them. I am not saying this is a virtue!

But perhaps some of you are more motivated than Ian and I and have actually followed through. What learning adventures have you embarked on as an adult? Would you recommend others try them too?

As always, feel free to ignore today's prompt and talk about what you want. This is your Open Thread, after all.

More Stories

‘Pro-Choice’ Michele Tafoya Thinks Minnesota Should Limit Abortion Rights

Plus another council-mayor clash in Mpls, local rocker needs brain surgery, and we're doomed in today's Flyover news roundup.

October 14, 2026

Ex-NYC Mayor Eric Adams Promised to Pitch a Wisconsin Data Center With ‘Rigor.’ His Failure Was Spectacular.

New York City-based media outlet Hell Gate went to Wisconsin Rapids to trace the footsteps of Adams, whose 'sneaky' plan to build community trust imploded in spectacular fashion.

Do Twin Cities Food Content Creators Have a ‘Disclosure Issue’?

The law requires influencers to disclose when they receive money or free meals from restaurants. As for whether they do…

October 14, 2026

Hero Clams Keep Minnesota’s Drinking Water Safe

Plus an Iron Range elementary school goes on a book banning spree, award-winning young adult novel 'Hatchet' get's a movie deal, and more about that fire on Franklin in today's Flyover news roundup.

Easily the Most Marsalises I’ve Ever Listed in Your Complete Concert Calendar: October 13-19

Pretty much all the music you can catch in the Twin Cities this week.

October 13, 2026

Was Love Waiting for Me at Dave & Buster’s Singles Night?

It would take me nearly a year to find out. Let me explain...