The Earth at Midnight

 

I recently saw the movie Midnight Sky.  It reminded me of a blog I wrote a few years ago and leads my collection: Joan Chandler Today. Here it is again on the last day of this very difficult year.

Message to the Universe

Voyager 1, launched by NASA in 1977, is the first man-made object to enter the dark region beyond our solar system.  If there is a message stored inside, I hope it goes something like this.

Greetings from planet Earth.

We have human beings here who are smart enough to have invented this device which has just broken free of our solar system.  But, even though we possess so much intelligence, we are in deep trouble. We have not been able to figure out how to live peacefully with each other.  Our whole existence has been one of killing and destruction.

We also have not been wise enough to respect our natural habitat.  Our lifestyle is destroying our planet to the point where we can actually envision our own extinction.  Yet, no one has the will to turn things around.  If you are more advanced we could surely use your help.

Sincerely,

All of us.

Seeing or Imagining

 

I was listening to a discussion on the value of adding illustrations to works of literature.  I decided to ask some of my favorite writers and readers what they thought.

How do you feel about having illustrations in novels?  I know that graphic novels are very popular.  I’m talking about novels that depend on the written word. Would adding a few illustrations enhance your experience?

I’m inclined to think that I want to imagine the characters and scenes in my own mind relying on the author’s descriptions to spark my imagination.  Is this just old thinking?

Carole is decisive.

One of the most satisfying aspects of reading is the ability of an author to create an atmosphere and characters that allow the reader to imagine a world outside her/his own.  Of course you can imagine that I do not like movies made from books. Why would I want to see someone else’s vision of that which I saw and felt, especially when the decisions for productions are made based on capitalistic greed for profit?   Just give me the written word, please! 

Natalie added the picture to her note.

I think for younger audiences having pictures dispersed through longer chapter books would be helpful so that they can have visual aids. But for teens/adults I tend to agree with you that having illustrations would probably be at conflict with readers’ own imagination of the visuals- especially what the characters look like! I hate when there’s a movie remake of a book I like and the characters all look so different from how I pictured them hahaha!

Rex is a novelist.

I loved illustrated novels as a kid -- Treasure Island, the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Alice in Wonderland. I associate my first libidinal stirrings w/ looking at illustrations of Alice being set upon.

 

Today I still think of illustrations as being right for young readers. In novels for adults, maybe not. Adult readers might find illustrations interrupt the pleasure of immersion in language

 

In some stories tho, a map helps, doncha think?  : -) / Rex

What do you think? I'm really interested in your opinion.

 

Holidays 2020

 

Carole said this popped up on her Facebook page.  Thanks! 

I'm sending it along with my very best wishes for all the holidays we love to celebrate.  I know you are all coping and hoping.

T'was 3 weeks before Christmas, and all through the town,

people wore masks, that covered their frown.  

The frown had begun way back in the spring when a global pandemic changed everything.  

They called it corona, but unlike the beer, It didn’t bring good times, it didn’t bring cheer.  Airplanes were grounded, travel was banned. Borders were closed across air, sea, and land.

 As the world entered lockdown to flatten the curve, the economy halted, and folks lost their nerve.  

From March to July we rode the first wave, people stayed home, they tried to behave.  

When summer emerged the lockdown was lifted, but away from caution, many folks drifted.  

Now it’s December and cases are spiking, wave two has arrived, much to our disliking.  It’s true that this year has had sadness a-plenty, we’ll never forget the year 2020.

 And just ‘round the corner - The holiday season, but why be merry? 

Is there even one reason?  

To decorate the house and put up the tree, who will see it, no one but me.  

But outside my window, the snow gently falls, and I think to myself, let’s deck the halls!  

So, I gather the ribbon, The garland, and bows, as I play those old carols, my happiness grows.  

Christmas is not canceled and neither is hope. If we lean on each other, I know we can cope.

Edge of Sports Interview

 

Dave Zirin is a sportswriter and Sports Editor at the Nation magazine.  I met him a few years ago at a book signing with John Carlos.  His book about John Carlos and his "raised fist" is so powerful.

Dave is such a regular guy and so accessible that I asked him if he would be interested in interviewing Bill to talk about The Queen's Gambit.  He was excited to do it.

Of course the question came up: Is chess a game or a sport? 

The interview goes far beyond the Gambit phenomenon.  Bill and Dave meditate on art, society, and our current predicament.  They both end up celebrating the power of a great story well told.

You can find the interview at Apple Podcasts.  Go to Edge of Sports.

Bill and Ben

 

My favorite podcaster, Ben Joravsky, is going to interview Bill on Saturday.  Bill says they spent a few minutes talking about The Queen's Gambit, and the rest of the time talking about Bill's time starting out in Chicago, then going to Hollywood and beyond.

Ben is a local gem.  A long time columnist for the Chicago Reader, he is a political savant.  I love it when he gets deep into the weeds and stays there.

You can find the podcast here:  www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/ben-joravsky-show...

Or, it's on Apple Podcasts, and the Chicago Reader site on You Tube.

Another R.I.P.

 

My cousin died.  Yes, it was from Covid-19.  I haven't seen him in many years but I remember him as a fun loving guy who was happy.  Yesterday, I received an invitation to his funeral via zoom.  It's a ceremony I would not have been able to attend even in different times because he lived in Toledo, Ohio.

What a strange, unnerving world it is where I can attend a "virtual" funeral while locked down behind my familiar walls.

My loving memories of my cousin never depended on our seeing each other often, so maybe it's not so strange after all.

Most Popular Ever!

 

THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT IS THE MOST POPULAR 

LIMITED SERIES EVER ON NETFLIX

SEEN BY MORE THAN 62 MILLION VIEWERS.

Interview on NYC Radio

Here's an interview with Bill about the show.  I think you'll enjoy how he brings so many strands of the story, and the production, together.  

 http://www.wnyc.org/story/all-of-it-2020-11-19/

The Answer Man

 

I started watching Jeopardy again during the lockdown.  I wasn't paying attention for many years.  Bill told me that his friend Tim Joyce had won $20,000.  I missed the showdown between Watson and Ken Jennings.  In fact, I missed Ken's relentless march to his millions.  When I was a young housewife, I watched all of the popular quiz shows.  I knew lots of the answers.  Now, there are whole categories that have passed me by.

This summer I got to watch the match between Jennings and a recent Champion, James Holzhauer.  I was glad when Ken won. I like his personality.

We all knew that Alex Trebek was fighting pancreatic cancer.  He looked great and carried on with his special command of every answer.  He had a unique dignity that made Jeopardy the favorite that it is.

Thanks Alex for keeping me company.  Here he is in his own words:

“Don’t ask me who’s going to replace me because I have no say whatsoever." "But I’m sure that if you give them the same love and attention and respect that you have shown me … then they will be a success and the show will continue being a success. And until we meet again, God bless you and goodbye.”

I Can Breathe

 

Biden certainly wasn't my first choice.  Or Harris.  But I, along with the rest of you I imagine, broke into a huge grin when the announcement came.  Yes, it may all end up in gridlock.  And certainly continuing death.  But today, just now, let's all sit back and imagine a news cycle without Trump enraging us at every turn.

2020 was so difficult.  And lonely.  And frightening.  And then, The Queen's Gambit came along to add so much to my family story.  Now, I get to stick around long enough to smile about the exit of Trump.

It's a winding road indeed.

The Counting Continues

 

I poked my head out of my sublime Queen's Gambit bubble only to find the hideous election going on and on and on.  I'd much rather spend my time counting the articles applauding the series than watch the TV pundits watch the ballot counting and try to explain why they got it so wrong.

And the virus doesn't care.

More about the Queen

 

Since I am still excited about Bill's show, I thought I would share some fun facts.

The Queen's Gambit is the No. 1 program on U.S. Netflix

The girl who plays Beth in the orphanage has never acted before.

Beth's black friend is a student at Yale Drama School.  This is her first part.

If you look closely in Episode 6, you will find Bill at the piano wearing hat and sunglasses.  And, he wrote the song!

Stephen King, yes that Stephen King, tweeted that it is the best show he has seen all year.  He has millions of followers.

Hope you enjoy The Queen's Gambit.

Get Me Rewrite!

 My first clue that this film was going to be "off" was the title.  No one in Chicago called it the Trial of the Chicago 7.  It was always the Conspiracy 7.  A small point.  But it lets you know what kind of mood I'm in about this.

When I was in a movie discussion group, I was the one who stood up for artistic license when my colleagues would complain about inaccuracies in films about real events.  And now here I am.

I'm here because when facts are discarded as "fake news" and fake conspiracy theories are fed into the mainstream to the point that well meaning people start to believe, I see deliberate distortions of history from an alarmed perspective.

I'm not going to give away the plot.  I hope you will watch the film on Netflix.  I hope you will let me know what you think.

I heard Sergio Mims of the Black Harvest Film Festival tell this story about that time in history.  Abby Hoffman appeared on the Merv Griffin late night talk show.  He was wearing his trademark American flag shirt under his jacket.  When he revealed the shirt for Merv, CBS actually blacked out the TV screen to cut off Abby.  

If only the movie had captured more of that. 

Another Kind of Orange

 

Carole watched Burnt Orange Heresy and sent this enthusiastic note. I'm emailing it.

Gerry's blog this week talks about what happens in a relationship when one person changes.  We can always learn from Gerry's insights.  I'm emailing the blog.

You know one of my favorite sites is The Discoverer.  It satisfies my urge to travel from my couch.  This time it introduces Valparaiso, Chile.  I'm emailing so you can enjoy.

Today I am taking a zoom class with Phil Zawa.  He finds articles that make for very interesting discussions.  The one I'm anxious to talk about is titled: How to Live Without Irony.

New on Netflix

 

Here is an editorial from the New York Times about The Queen's Gambit, produced by Bill, and opening on Netflix on October 23.  The editorial gives you a glimpse of how much goes into a production and the twists and turns that often happen before a production reaches its destination: us.  The series sounds really intriguing.  I can't wait!

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/16/arts/television/queens-gambit-chess-netflix.html

Another Netflix production that I'm excited about opens today.  It's The Trial of the Chicago 7.  I wasn't in Grant Park but I was close to the action, working for the ACLU.  The other day as I was watching the Judicial Committee hearings, I was longing for Abby Hoffman.  I bet you know what I mean.

Virus Free

 

Basketball fans, and for that matter all of us, owe the NBA a huge vote of support and "thank you" for successfully conducting their playoffs and championship in pandemic time.  Players, coaches, staff, hotel employees, and many, many more gave up their "freedom" and "liberty" to enter a tightly controlled bubble for months.  The players adjusted to playing with no fans and no civic fanfare.  They even managed to impress upon the country their devotion to social justice.

Of course, there were surprises.  That's what makes sports the ultimate reality show and accounts for my devotion.  The Clippers disappointed and the Heat turned it up way beyond our expectations.

Can we emulate the NBA and finally lock ourselves down with masks, distancing and a devotion to getting this right?  I'm certainly a fan of that approach.

Another Worthwhile Voice

 

My favorite public intellectual right now is Anand Giridharadas.  I hope he'll be okay with me referring to him now as A.G.  I first came across A.G. when I read his book Winners Take All.  It's an intriguing look at philanthropy as practiced by the billionaire class.  He pops up on TV occasionally and I'm always glad I'm watching when he does.

A.G. is on the internet at The.Ink.  Here's an excerpt regarding today's crazy Trump news.

What is dying now is so much bigger than him. It is this fantasy, this masquerade, of strength. This old, empty, puffed-up way of being a man. This economic philosophy that murders human potential in the name of birthing it. This insistence on doing one’s thing, listening to no authority ordering you to cover your orifices, and preferring death on a genocidal scale to your own yielding. This clinging to the kind of freedom that kills you. 

Yesterday in art and lit

 

Bill Remembers Belmont and Broadway

Gerry's Blog

This time, Gerry talks about Peace of Mind.  I always feel better after reading his blogs.  I hope you do too.  I am emailing.

The Discoverer

La Pas, Bolivia is the destination.  Another place we may never get to, but enjoy finding out a little about it from home.  I am emailing.

Carole sent an article about Jane Austin.  She never goes out of style. (That's Carole, and Jane.) I am emailing.

The Desktop Explorer

 As I cling to the beautiful weather, I say more frequently:  "Yes, we have to eat out before it gets cold."

Yesterday I enjoyed a fun lunch with my friend Trudy.  Only one bee!  It left our table when we refused to pay attention to it.

So, in case you're feeling blue about being inside again, here's a few things that have landed in my inbox, which I happily pass along.

Season 6 of Schitt's Creek will be on Netflix starting October 7.  If you haven't watched this delightful series, you have a great binge watch ahead.  Don't miss it.

Remember when we travelled all over Chicago in October to take advantage of the programs at the Chicago Humanities Festival?  Here's the schedule for 2020.  They are doing their best. . . as are we all.

My favorite travel site, The Discoverer, imagines visiting Taipei, Taiwan.  Not on the top of my list, but fun to read about.

Two Lives

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's and my life have spanned the same arc of history.  I faced the same discrimination as she did.  One of my classmates at Northwestern was able to quip: "Only ugly girls go to grad school."

I have so much admiration for the few of us who insisted on professional careers.  Teaching and social work were the most attainable.  But one became a chemist and another an M.D.  And, I think it's fun to remember that Playboy magazine did hire women for creative jobs.

It wasn't until much later that I was able to have a creative job too.  Most of it was me of course, but I was able to fall in with changing times.  Times that were secured for me by the work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Today and Tomorrow/September 17

 Out of Jail

Is this a John Grisham novel?  No.  It's real life.   Maya Moore, the WNBA star, left her career to work full time to secure the release of Jonathan Irons from prison.  It worked!  Maya says she has known Jonathan for 13 years.  That's an indication of how long it takes for an innocent person to finally be set free.  The delays are heartbreaking.  Yesterday, they announced their marriage.  Every good wish to them both.

In the latest issue of The Atlantic magazine there's a twisty tale of a woman who befriends a man in prison through a dog training program.  Eventually she helps him escape.  As you can image, this story has a different ending.  Great read.

If you're interested further, I just read a sobering but fascinating book by Jim McCloskey, When Truth is All You Have.  Jim has devoted his life to fighting for the incarcerated innocent.  Grisham credits Jim for inspiring his own writing on the subject.

Also, there's a remarkable program on Netflix:  Rectify.  I watched it a few years ago and it stays with me to this day.

today and tomorrow/September 14

My friend Nancy brings us everything cultural in and around Chicago in her Third Coast Review. 
She sent a review featuring racial injustice themes.  You can check it out here. Thanks Nancy!

https://thirdcoastreview.com/2020/09/04/essay-racial-injustice-themes-in-pop-culture-shine-a-light-on-the-change-we-must-demand/

Carole, another fabulous friend, sent a New Yorker article written by Salmon Rushtie in 1992.  He is one of her favorite authors.

One of my favorite sites, Closer to Truth, has a discussion about reality.  Very current, I'd say.

Thanks to everyone who sent me a note yesterday.  Please keep keepin' in touch.

today and tomorrow/September 13

So many interesting messages have come into my computer.  I'm passing along the ones that I think will interest you too.

Gerry's blog invites us to consider the buddhist approach to life's difficulties. I'll agree up to the point of acceptance.  But happiness?  I'm not there yet.

My favorite site for traveling in my dreams is the Discoverer.  They always come up with some places to put on my imaginary list.

If you're searching for some new learning experience, the Chicago Humanities Festival is a good place to visit.

Now that the weather is cooling off, the opportunities to meet in the park, or eat outside at a restaurant are going to fade away.  Please keep in touch.  It means the world to me to hear about what you are doing, reading, thinking or just being.

Today and Tomorrow/September 8

 

I discovered Chicago Public Square when it was featured on my favorite podcast -- The Ben Joravsky Show.  It's a roundup of local news that's a lot more appealing than the silly local TV shows and, I have to admit, I no longer subscribe to a daily paper.

It's easy to get the Square.  Just go to the site and hit "Subscribe."  It's free.

One item remarked on the passing of Bob Rohrman, the TV car pitchman.  I thought: 
"Oh no, I'm not going to be able to get that "roar" out of my head today."  You've got to admit, he was a local phenom. 

The Square invites tips.  I sent this one in. When I saw a list of Chicago restaurants that are closing permanently, I paused at two:  Ronny's Steak House (did you ever have one of their $2 steak dinners?), and Harold's Chicken Shack (Marguerite told me about the fabulous south side favorite).  A heartfelt R.I.P. to both.

Today and tomorrow/September 6

I've told this story before, but I have the urge to repeat it today -- Labor Day.

I went to Florida with a girlfriend to visit her parents.  They lived in a trailer park near Kissimmee.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  The trailer itself  was spacious, modern and in a park with a club house, little putting green, swimming pool and lots of green space where the Florida birds were easy to spot.

My friend's father told me that most of the people who lived in the complex were retired auto workers from Detroit.  They had been able to secure this amazing retirement because of social security and the union wages they earned from working forty, even fifty years on the assembly line.

Now, Labor Day seems stripped of its meaning.  This year, it's even a reminder that colder weather is ahead with more lockdown time in store.

today and tomorrow/August 30

Profile in Courage
It's important to remember that Naomi Osaka, the tennis star, is 22 years old.  22.  She says:  "I feel more comfortable as a follower."  Yet, when the NBA players staged their protest, and other sports teams followed, she says:  "I looked around at the tennis world and decided it was up to me."

The U.S. Open opens tomorrow.  I'll be watching. Most of the big name male stars are missing.  Lots of room for some newcomers to make their mark.  The women's side is strong.  Unfortunately, Naomi has a bum leg, so we may not see her.  But, we won't forget her statement.  A statement we call can make.  "I decided it was up to me."

today and tomorrow/August 29

R.I.P.
Chadwick Boseman, famous for playing in Black Panther, also played Jackie Robinson.  He died at age 43 of cancer on baseball's Jackie Robinson day. (Jackie's number was 43.)

Travels from my Couch
Here are two more messages from my favorite -- The Discoverer. I'm emailing.

Get Off My Lawn
That's the best quip I heard about the crowd breaking the law at RNC finale.

today and tomorrow/August 27

Coming to Netflix in October

Early in his career Bill worked on the popular film Searching for Bobby Fisher.  After it's successful run in theaters, it was one of Netflix's favorites for years.  Now, he has produced an edgier chess story: The Queens Gambit.   Can't wait to see it.  Here's a first look . . .

https://www.vulture.com/2020/08/the-queens-gambit-trailer-anya-taylor-joy-netflix-chess.html

today and tomorrow/August 22

If you are in the mood to DO SOMETHING, please take a look at the message Gerry sent the other day.  There are so many ways to participate.  I'm emailing.

Save Up Now
The Discoverer wants us to know about the most expensive cities.  I love reading about these travel possibilities.

today and tomorrow/August 17

When Silence Makes You Cry
Yesterday, my White Sox hitters delivered four homers in a row!  Yes, four batters, four in the stands.  It's only been done 7 times in all of baseball history.  Can you imagine the fans going crazy?  The roar after roar?  I know, everyone has their own sense of loss.  This one hurt.

Wine and Jazz
Here's a great combo.  City Winery is featuring a collection of wines with Bill's drawings of jazz greats on the labels.  Take a look.

https://citywinery.com/hudsonvalley/wine-shop/signature-series.html?p=2

Carole Loves Opera

She sent along notice of some free performances.  I am sending the email so you can put the dates in your calendar.

today and tomorrow/August 12

Kidz in the Hood

Marguerite was the first to tell me: "They're tearing down our apartment on Belmont.  I saw the bulldozers today."  Another place gone.  Nothing new about that.  Orrington House and my Sorority House at Northwestern barely survived my graduation.  A few weeks ago I drove by 454 Belmont.  With barely a moment for the memories to subside, a gleaming new highrise had popped up to alter the landscape.

So, I'm especially touched to see that Bill has captured 454 perfectly in one of his latest paintings.

Stuart, the Discoverer

Today, one of the messages from my favorite travel site, The Discoverer, was about gorgeous places in Arizona that we may not know about.  I'm emailing it.  Of course, I immediately thought of my friend Stuart who, from his home in Sedona, has probably explored every inch of Arizona.  The last time I heard from him, he said he was tired from taking 22,000 steps that day.  We love his photos...and his stamina!

Today and tomorrow/August 10

I just finished reading John Grisham's recent novel, The Guardians. It's about a tiny operation, always scrambling for funds, committed to exonerating innocent prisoners. Grisham was inspired by the work of Jim McCloskey, a minister who found his calling in this daunting work.
McCloskey's group, Centurion Ministries, takes on the cases where there is no DNA.

There's a new book out about Jim McCloskey, When Truth is All You Have.  Here's an excerpt from the review:
When Truth is All You Have is a riveting and infuriating examination of criminal prosecutions, revealing how easy it is to convict the wrong person and how nearly impossible it is to undo the error.

Up Next

Surprise!  After being number 400 and then number 200 the last time I looked, the new Ann Patchett book, The Dutch House, showed up ready for download.  Have you read it?

today and tomorrow/August 9

Travel
I'm sending along some upcoming lectures from Road Scholar.  And, one of the fascinating emails I get from the Discoverer.  I enjoy these.  Hope you do too.

Gerry's blog is about the view in our upside down world.  Check it out.

Message to Phyllis:  If you read this from your cabin in the forest, please end us a note.  Hope you catch a fish!

today and tomorrow/August 6

Let's Try Again...and Again

Bill's film noir, which got good reviews, was open for about one day in March when the lockdown began.  For those who crave a big screen experience, it is opening again tomorrow in Chicago.  It will also be available via streaming in September.

For those who crave a look at Mick Jagger as an actor (he got very good reviews), here's your chance.

Another Closing

Sorry to hear about the closing for good of the California Pizza Kitchen.  It was Diego's favorite spot in LA and he was so happy to go there the last time he was in Chicago.  Gerry and I enjoyed lunch at the Skokie location.

today and tomorrow/August 1

Thanks Nancy, for your Third Coast Review. The Fight, a documentary about how the ACLU has been on the front lines protecting us during Trump era abuses sounds like a "must see." 

https://thirdcoastreview.com/2020/07/31/film-review-the-fight

Lori is back with another astounding group of photos.  I'm emailing.

today and tomorrow/July 29

A Hero is a Hero is a Hero
Are you collecting any souvenirs from the 2020 pandemic year?  I chuckled when I saw that a new baseball card is selling like mad.  It's Dr. Fauci!  Throwing out his "crazy" first pitch in this "crazy" mini-season.  Why not.

The Discoverer
I'm continuing to send these charming travel posts.  I like their approach.

Gerry, our psychologist blogger, is a great fan of classical music.  I'm sending his post about upcoming concerts celebrating the Gramaphone Music Awards.

today and tomorrow/July 27

After passing along Gerry's blog with a rewarding discussion of the "right to say no", I am sending two other articles, both amazing in different ways.

Lori, our curator of the quirky reaches of the internet, has again sent some photos.

And Carole has solved just about all of our problems with the aid of the cucumber.

And to think, this is only Monday!

today and tomorrow/July 26

Bill sent his own "cartoon of the times."

today and tomorrow/July 25

Travel
I like dreaming of travel.  The Discoverer is so much fun.  I am passing along recent articles.  Also one from Road Scholar.

Lefties
Do you enjoy leftie talk as much as I do?  One of my favorites is Miles Kampf-Lassin.  He writes for Jacobin magazine and In These Times.  And he is a frequent guest on Ben Joravsky's podcast show.  If you google Ben you can find it easily.

today and tomorrow/July 24

I just finished reading The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova.  She is a psychologist, journalist, and New Yorker writer who decided to enter, and see how far she could go as a total beginner, in the world of big time poker. Her story begins to take shape when she convinces Erik Seidel, -- a star poker player -- to be her mentor, coach and cheerleader.

Poker is about taking action among strangers with limited amounts of information to guide your decisions.  What makes the book fascinating is Konnikova's  searingly honest account of her struggles and observations.

The book is about learning, determination, and acceptance of winning and losing -- both of equal weight.  And yes, there is room for luck -- the mysterious intruder into the endless rounds of calculations.

today and tomorrow/July 22

Jeopardy

I’ve been watching Jeopardy lately.  I was never in the habit like I was for some of the quiz shows in the ’60’s.  But last year I noticed that Ken Jennings was coming back for a G.O.A.T.  challenge.  I’d never seen him in action before so I watched.  I’m so glad Jennings beat that glum opponent James Holzhauer.  A likable winner is so satisfying.

Now, all the talk concerning Jeopardy is about Alex Trebek’s fight with cancer.  There is a huge outpouring of support and love for him.  I understand. I think you can get attached to people you meet on the TV screen.

Now that I’m watching him regularly, what I admire about Alex Trebek is his amazing ability to quickly read off the “answers” without ever stumbling, pausing,  or mispronouncing a word — even those in a foreign language.  What a treat! Since I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts and radio lately, I am so disappointed at how many people with interesting things to say, ruin it by all of their “you know” and “like” tics.  They just can’t get through a sentence without them.

The show is in reruns now. I hope that doesn’t mean that Alex has taken a turn for the worse.  He, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg, are the two we seem to be clinging to right now.

today and tomorrow/July 21

This is Happening

I just wrote my friend Bonnie, who lives downtown: "If you and Molly want to come here for the weekend, I will definitely make room for you."  The word is that the "storm troopers" are coming to Chicago.  What kind of reception will they receive?  Is "safety" an illusion?

Michelle Goldberg has a stunning article about this in the New York Times today.  I thank Elaine for posting important reading every day on Facebook.

Memo to Stuart:  I could sure use some of those gorgeous pix from Arizona right about now.

Keeping Sane

I am binge watching a high class soap called A Place to Call Home.  1950's Australia.  The plot involves the aftermath of the war in a small town down under and good old fashioned family drama.  It's on Acorn.

Two Stories

When I reluctantly gave up my subscription to the New Yorker, my friends offered to save their copies for me. And Carole said she would send me articles she thought I'd like to read.  Today, I received two pieces she thought would interest me . . . and you.  I absolutely agree.  I remember the Shirley Jackson short story was discussed several months ago when a book about her life came out.  The other story is about another remarkable person lost to the virus.  I am emailing them.

Carole also sent a poem by Charlie Chaplin. 

So thanks Carole for being my guest editor today.  What a wonderful contribution!

today and tomorrow/July 19

Washington Post
I'm passing along some articles.  One good one is about Dr. Fauci.  "At five foot seven, he was captain of his high school basketball team."

Gerry's blog this week deals with a situation we've all faced at one time or another. I'm emailing.

Road Scholar
I'm sending a notice of lectures from the travel group. 

Saturday in the Suburbs
It was too hot to sit in Jim and Phyllis' garden, but the cardinal came right to the window so we could admire the glorious bird.  Did I mention that Jim makes the absolute best marguerita?

today and tomorrow/July 18

These Days, Good News is Priceless

I had a lovely visit in the park with my friend Sophie.  She continues to write for the National Catholic Reporter, is about to start writing a book, and is moving to a newly restored two flat in Rogers Park.

Lisa called with a cornucopia of good news.  She is about to work on two new freelance advertising projects.  And, for her My Private Trainer career,  she is going to lead a group of women in physical fitness at Horner Park.

I am headed to the gorgeous garden of my friends Jim and Phyllis in Wilmette. 

today and tomorrow/July 15

The Toaster Story

Story No. 1

A few weeks ago, I went to remove some toast from my toaster oven and it burst into flames.  Startled, I immediate got a big glass of water and kept throwing it at the flames until the fire went out.  I unplugged everything.  Sat down for at least 20 minutes with my heart racing.  Whew!

Story No. 2

A few weeks ago, I went to remove some toast from my toaster oven and it burst into flames.  Startled, I said: “I am certainly going to do something about this in November.  And, I’m going to tell all my friends to help me put out the fire.”  It will feel so good in November when those flames go out.”

today and tomorrow/July 14

Ladies Who Lunch
I met my friend Trudy for lunch yesterday.  No, it wasn't at Sel Marie, our favorite restaurant in Lincoln Square.  It was on a bench in the park at Damen and Foster.  Trudy rode over on her bike.  She brought a gorgeous salad.  I drove and had a McDonald's burger in my bag.  Oh well.

The important thing is we had a great time visiting.  Catching up on our latest opinions and observations.  Pondering the present and the future. 

When Lisa was over the other day, we wondered what would stay changed in the virus afterlife.  I can see the bench/lunch as a welcome addition.  Not at all a burden. 

today and tomorrow/July 13

My Dinner with ?
Do you remember the movie My Dinner with Andre?    Two talented  friends taking the time to show genuine interest in sharing their lives.  Talking.  Listening.   I loved it.  In this week's blog, Gerry asks the question:  If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would you choose?  I'm emailing.


Finding Happiness
The Atlantic Magazine continues to deposit interesting posts in my in box.  This time they are addressing ways to be happy.  Definitely worth a look.  I'm emailing.










My Favorite Chef
He did it again!  Chef Chris of My Private Chef  brought over some wonderful food he took home from his bridal shower party.  He is back in business.  What a treat!