today and tomorrow/May 31

I'm feeling too jumpy today to do much good with my blog.

The powerful have had their boot on the neck of Americans for too long.  Now we are a country out of work, hungry, and fighting a virus that those in charge have no will to control.

My well being comes from a time of social generosity that younger generations can't imagine.

There was a gorgeous sunrise over the lake this morning.  The earth doesn't pay attention to our craziness.

today and tomorrow/May 30

Streetwalking

There is a Shared Streets Program in my neighborhood.  Bikers, pedestrians, are welcome.  The open streets near me are: Glenwood from Devon to Carmen.  Leland from Lincoln to Sheridan.  Enjoy!

Leadership

This is why we love him.

"In 2017 Trump called kneeling NFL players who peacefully protested police brutality ‘sons of bitches.’ Last night he called Minneapolis protesters ‘thugs.’ This is why racists shouldn’t be allowed to be president." - Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr

North Shore Senior Center

The Lifelong Learning Center has an interesting lineup for June.  I am emailing.

today and tomorrow/May 29

Listening
Do you enjoy audiobooks?  Here's an opportunity to listen for free.  Thanks Jean for sending the link.

https://www.komando.com/downloads/best-sites-to-download-free-audiobooks/502344/

ESP

If you are still fascinated by connections, the new episode of Closer to Truth -- Does ESP Make Sense? --may interest you. I am sending the email.

We Need This 

With society falling apart, I remembered today that Soo sent us this care package for our spirit.  Thanks again Soo.

https://onbeing.org/starting-points/a-care-package-for-uncertain-times/

Or, How About Some Gospel Music?
You can find it at Millenium Park at Home

youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE.

today and tomorrow/May 28

Leadership
Ben Joravsky has a intriguing column contemplating: "What if Michael Jordan, not Obama,  was head of the Democratic Party?"  Some more ripple effects from "The Last Dance." 
https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/jordan-obama-biden-trump/Content?oid=80196710


Gerry sent a delightful video
You don't have to be an oldster to appreciate this.  But we do.  I'm sending the email.

Haircut
Since my hair person operates in Skokie, I called first thing Tuesday morning.  So good to hear her voice! She doesn't open the shop until Friday, but she let me come in yesterday.  I stopped at Panera on the way, like I always did.  You can place your order from your car by phone and they will bring it out. Or go in to the restaurant.  I went in for coffee and a muffin.

Life returns a snip and a bite at a time.

today and tomorrow/May 27

The Way Forward
So much attention is being directed now to what will happen "when it's over."  Lessons learned?  Dreams of a better future?  The Washington Post is sponsoring a digital series starting today.  I'm emailing.

A Favorite Voice
I discovered David Faris when he was a guest on Ben Joravsky’s podcast.  He is a professor at Roosevelt University and author of several books including It’s Time to Fight Dirty and the upcoming The Kids are all Left.

Faris speaks clearly for those of us who are frustrated with the Democratic Party for wanting to “win over” reluctant voters instead of cheering on policies that are popular and would excite voters to go to the polls.

Frustrated?  Too mild a word for me!  Another election where I am forced to settle for a lame candidate and then not even allowed to moan about it.  Vote Blue No Matter Who.  It’s the “No Matter Who” that cheats us every time.

Birds Everywhere

As cities quiet down, people are hearing their feathered friends who have been there all along.  Some are actually becoming “bird nerds” who add studying the species to their locked down lives. Have you discovered a hidden nest?  Phyllis is enjoying the wrens in her yard.

today and tomorrow/May 26

Sports Talk and Thoughts

I was listening to my favorite sports talkers.  They agreed that if Wrigley Field opened for a game with no restrictions it would fill up.  One caller boasted:  "I'm not afraid of any virus!" I thought:  "Then why don't you go work at a hospital or a nursing home?"  Then I thought: "What if all of the “essential” workers that keep these fans propped up went on strike?"  “We’re not going to put our lives in danger anymore!”  

We have a choice: develop a sense of community or die from selfishness.

Sports Starved

In the absence of sports, there's still a lot of writing.  Carole sent this article about Gehrig and Ruth from the New Yorker.  I was glad to learn more about Gehrig.  His heroic departure from the game (and life itself) has overwhelmed important memories of the man.
I am emailing the article.

Proposal

Sophie stopped by to visit, bring me some of her delicious baking,  and . . . to show me her engagement ring!  After she left I sat quietly for a long time.  I wanted to keep thinking about her happiness. 

today and tomorrow/May 25

Your silent tents of green We deck with fragrant flowers Yours has the suffering been, The memory shall be ours.

For my Uncle Elwood Duncan.
Joined the Army at 18.  Was in the Pacific when Pearl Harbor came.  Survived years in a Japanese Prison Camp.  Returned to live a troubled and shortened life.   Remembered and loved as handsome and young.

2020
. . . a historic event that buries our individual, personal histories.  How unimaginable that our deaths could go unremarked on . . .

today and tomorrow/May 24

From a cartoon in The New Yorker.  Thanks, Carole.

“Other than the constant looming threat of danger, it’s a beautiful day.”

Baffled

First we ignored the mass shootings.  Then we ignored the mass shootings AND the school shootings.  Then the opioids. And now the corona.  What is there about us? Why do we value our lives so little?

Gerry

This time, he turns to the classic story of the Odyssey for answers.  I'm emailing.

Antiquity

Since we're going waaaaay back today, here's a story about the raising of a 1,000 year old viking ship.  Thanks, Jean for your wide range of interests!

This is the interesting site

https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/buried-viking-ship-0013720

The World of Work

Here are several articles from Linkedin Editors about the interruption of work as we know it and what may or may not emerge.  I'm emailing.

today and tomorrow/May 23

You do the math
Lori is back with her crazy stuff.  (We love it!) I wasn't going to try this one but then I did.  I am impressed.  See what you think.  And guess which one I landed on. I'm emailing it along to you.


BookBub
This is where I find those old favorites or enticing new titles for $1.99 or $2.99.  I'm emailing a notice from them that might be interesting.

The Nation
The magazine needs our help.  They are hosting a series of conversations with important people who don't make it often onto cable news.  I'm sending the notice.

Thanks Nancy
For your Third Coast Review.  Here is a glimpse of entertainment for the weekend.  I'm emailing.

Today and tomorrow/May 22

Andy in 1000 pieces
My puzzle came from MOMA.  Remember?  Andy Warhol portraits.  I haven't had the nerve yet to dump it all out on my table.   I know, I asked for this.  When -- or if -- I finish it, I'll post a picture.

From Nancy 

 "Say Nothing was one of my favorite books last year. I also recommend Milkman by Anna Burns, a novel that won the Man Booker Award last year. It’s sort of an experimental novel about the Troubles so it’s different but really engrossing."

Irish history and literature is an important topic for me. Last year I wrote an essay about those two books plus a related play and film. Here’s a link. 

https://thirdcoastreview.com/2019/07/17/art-and-politics-tangle-around-the-irish-troubles/

More from Lori

Some very interesting old photos of people we know. I am emailing.

today and tomorrow/May 21

Meditation
Dan Harris, the TV news journalist, wrote the book 10% Happier to describe how he successfully brought meditation into his life.  I liked his approach:  curious, secular, pragmatic, approachable.  He now has a podcast, app, and You Tube show. (See what I mean?)  I heard him on Fresh Air.  Terry Gross thought he would be a good person to talk to about corona anxiety.  She was right.  I’m going to check him out again.

Collective vs. Individual Action

Axios summed it up:  "If the U.S. can't muster anything like a unified response to the clear and present danger of a pandemic, how will we manage a long-term global threat like climate change or the wrenching economic transformation from automation?"

The countries that have successfully wrestled with the virus have done so with the collective approach.  They will move on without us. 

Melinda is reading Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe, the author who is featured with the Chicago Humanities Festival.  She says it is riveting.

today and tomorrow/May 20

McEnroe vs. Borg in a classic tie breaker

Tennis

Now that The Last Dance has waltzed off with enormous ratings, we sports starved fans are speculating about what's next.  MLB and the NBA are trying to figure something out.  So far, nothing plausible.

In the meantime, we're back to  a lineup of "classic" match ups from yesteryear.  I've been looking without success for tennis.  With the proper set up and context, I'm sure there would be an audience for the epic encounters the game provides.  The French Open was supposed to happen soon.  How about a replay of Raphael Nadal, the greatest "dancer" on clay?

The Virtual Universe

The Chicago Humanities Festival is carrying on.  I just received a notice, which I'm passing along, about upcoming events.  

The Earth

A gorgeous sunrise over the lake this morning.  Helps calm me down.

today and tomorrow/May 19

Virtual U. of C.
Jean sent notices of several lectures and learning opportunities.  I'm emailing one from the University of Chicago that's on tonight via Zoom.  You may want to check it out.  She also sent one featuring some favorite people talking about hope.  Here's the link.

https://time100talksfindinghopemay21.splashthat.com/?gz=c905e7b0f529f0f96244d51311d6f0c0&pp=1&guest-access-hash=NDU3NzQ3MTQ1fDMwMjY4NDQyOXwxNTg5ODQxMjM5Ozk5MDExYWVkYzc0YTAzNDVkNWQwYWQ4YTEwYjc2ODgxY2M5ZDU1YjdjNDg5YTc5N2MxYTYyZmY1NTZmM2Q2MmQ=

Also, Jean reminded me that a download is available of The Library Book at Axios 360.  It's free.  Thanks Jean!

The Atlantic Magazine
I continue to be impressed by the both the up to the minute and deep thoughtfulness of the content from The Atlantic.  The George Parker essay in the current issue will grab your attention.   I am going to explore the new podcast on conspiracy thinking: Shadowland.

today and tomorrow/May 18

Are You Podcasting?
I love listening to podcasts.  Lots of interviews.  Great commentary.  There are so many podcasts out there I have no idea how to sort out the good ones.  So, if you are podcasting, please send me your favorites.
Jill LePore fans will be happy to know about The Last Archive.  I haven't listened to it yet, so if you get there first, give me your opinion.

Bill recommends the book Hiding in Plain Sight by Sarah Kendzior and Andrea Chalupa.  He says it's not conspiracy, it's deep investigative journalism.  And of course, the authors have a podcast: Gaslit Nation.
I found these podcasts on itunes.

My hometown favorite podcaster is Ben Joravsky.  The name probably rings a bell because he has been writing for The Reader forever.  He knows everything, and I mean everything, about Chicago politics.  And he is obsessed with the Bulls.  While The Last Dance has been playing on ESPN and the whole country has been watching, Ben had wonderful interviews with Craig Hodges (blackballed ex-Bull) and Steve James (Hoop Dreams).
You can find Ben on You Tube, or The Reader or Sun-Times sites.

There's no one better at recommending great investigations than Mike Lynn.  I love reading the stuff he posts on Facebook.

today and tomorrow/May 17

The World Without Us
Carole sent some beautiful pictures of Mexico City.  I am conflicted in my response to them.  Interested?  For sure.  Impressed by the grandeur?  Yes. And sad.
I am emailing them.

Gerry's blog. .
. . .  discusses sensuality and sexuality.  He quotes James Baldwin.

Baldwin is talking about being in touch with all emotions and all five senses. A thing natural and unstudied.

I am emailing.

The Joy of Writing
It's evident that I turn to the written word for comfort and understanding.  Stuart sent an article about writing that may inspire you.
I am emailing.

today and tomorrow/May 16

Bonnie's Mom and Friend

Pink building in the background.

Lake Shore Drive

Bonnie and Gerry sent me two photos from yesteryear which remind me that I live on the grounds of what was the Edgewater Beach Hotel.  It was such a famous complex on the lakefront.  One you would think would be around forever.  I went to two weddings of my sorority sisters there.  A glorious  complex of restaurants and a playhouse.  

Now, only the pink building remains.  I see it everyday as I cherish my view of the lake and the gardens.  And, I’ve decided that the ghosts from all of the celebrations and special events that mark the history of the Edgewater Beach Hotel are keeping me company up here on the 26th floor.

From the Past to the Future

Happy Birthday to my lovely, talented Natalie.  As Louis would say: "What a wonderful world."

today and tomorrow/May 15

The Pandemic Broke America
Mike Allen, writing for Axios AM, sums it up.  This flag image got to me. 

First of all, Where Do You Find This Stuff?
Thanks Lori for another oddball gem.  Stick it out through the anthem.  All will be revealed.

Smart Museum
A new program about natural materials. 

This program brings together a dozen films that emerge from material interactions between moving images and natural processes.

Look for these in your email.

today and tomorrow/May 14

Not Lost in the Parade of Death
When I first saw that Little Richard had died, I thought of Phyllis and Carole rockin' and rollin' on the dance floor.  Thanks Carole for sending this remembrance from David Remnick at the New Yorker.  An American original. I'm emailing it.

Patience?  Patience?  Who’s Got Patience!

Colleen writes from Nebraska:

“In the grip of lockdown, I find I am relying on technology much more. Since I do not possess good typing skills, I often defer to using the dictation mode on my I phone while texting. Inevitably, in each couple of sentences, there are glaring mistakes in the dictation which infuriate me. I am always certain that I have enunciated the word quite clearly and I want to strangle the invisible entity doing the dictation. “No you imbecile! I said

‘lamp’ not ‘limp’.” Today I had a sudden insight into the situation. It is actually like having a deaf relative who hasn’t realized yet that they need a hearing aid. Wouldn’t you think I’d have more patience with Siri’s sister? ”

bookshop.org

If you're tired of Amazon big footing all over everything these days, you can order books from this site that supports independent book stores around the country.  I haven't tried it yet, but if you have, let us know how it went.

today and tomorrow/May 13

Closer and Closer
Closer to Truth is one of my favorite learning experiences.  I first discovered the TV program one Sunday afternoon on PBS.  These are interviews with scientists, religious leaders, and other people who study the perplexing questions which enrich our lives.  You can sign up for notices of new shows, and watch it on YouTube.  Now is a perfect time.

Gerry
This his latest blog, our thoughtful therapist is addressing the issue of anxiety in an anxious time.  I'm sending the email.

My Favorite Chef
"Hi Joan.  I just made beef short ribs, mashed potatoes and some spicy cabbage.  Would you like me to bring some over to you?"  I love this guy!  Here's your chance to love him too.

Virtual Cooking Class from My Private Chef

Cooking is such a satisfying way of getting creative at home.  Now, with a personalized class from My Private Chef, you get to expand your skills, or try new foods, or prepare old favorites. How about introducing a young family member to the world of cooking?

Here’s how it works: Chef Christopher Tong will create a recipe and demonstration based on your meal selection.  He will do all the shopping for ingredients and deliver them to your door.  You set up a date and time for Skype or Zoom.  Chef Chris wii lead you step by step to perfection!

today and tomorrow/May 12

The Earth Fights Back

Residents of Amsterdam are rejoicing that they have their city back.  They are no longer over run by tourists who treat the city like a temporary amusement.  The explosion of Air B and B's in residential neighborhoods made it even more unbearable.  I’m sure that natives of Barcelona, Venice and other “prime destinations” feel the same way.  What happens next remains to be seen.

The Great Realization is a bedtime story for our times.  It is lovely. Thanks again to Julia for her discerning eye on the internet.  I am emailing it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw5KQMXDiM4 

Choices

My friend Lail’s granddaughter has been living in Germany.  She came back to Los Angeles when Trump threatened travel.  Now?  She is going back.  She told Lail:  “The jobs are opening up, the cost of living is lower than in LA, and there is free health care.”

today and tomorrow/May 11

This Should Take Awhile
I treated myself to a jigsaw puzzle from MOMA.  Haven't put little pieces together since whenever.  It is a collage of Andy Warhol portraits !

R.E.M.
I didn't know who they are, but Julia does.  This take down is good.  Look for it in your email.

When You Have the Time. . .
. . . and are so smart!  You'll be able to read the titles in the email I'm sending.

today and tomorrow/May 10

Shakespeare
He lived his whole life in the shadow of the bubonic plague.  What did he and others write about the threat?  Thank you Carole for sending an article that explores the bard's and other's writing.  Be sure to scroll down to the description of Macbeth.  It is stunning in its immediacy.

The Game is Gone?

I miss my weekly duplicate bridge game at the senior center.  Trudy sent me this sad story about a center in Colorado.  Early on, before anyone knew anything, a player had contracted the virus.  Now, four dead and more than 20 infected.

Duplicate —the way I liked it —may never come back.   No distancing. Everyone touches the same cards which are passed around the room in trays. Lots of snacks.  It was an oldsters game.

Maybe it will last online.  You can play with someone you know as your partner.  You can play with a stranger from any country.  You can play with a robot.  That costs a little more.

I was an okay player who was fortunate enough to have a really good partner who put up with me.  We’re friends away from the table.  I’ve made other good friends through bridge.  Also, I was banished forever from the life of a partner because I didn’t bid two spades.

Like I said, I miss it all very much.

today and tomorrow/May 9

Random Thoughts

Black teenagers who are gathering to honor and remember their gunned-down friends and family ignore being scolded by the Governor and the Mayor.  Blood in the streets vs. an invisible virus? We are only into a few weeks of being abandoned by our government in Washington.  How do we feel?

Will we end up tolerating a level of corona deaths that no other developed country would allow, the way we live with school shootings and random mass murders? It seems to be headed that way.

Happy Birthday Elsa Mora
Artist, woman, wife, mother.  You have enriched my life with your beautiful soul.

today and tomorrow/May 8

Frontier Women

As soon as they became necessary my great friend Trudy brought out her 100 year old sewing machine, gathered materials and started making masks.  She gives them away where needed. When I asked for another, she sent me this story.

Sorry I haven't done anything about your masks yet. I actually took my machine in for a repair over the weekend. I read about a 7th grade math teacher in Wilmette who repairs sewing machines as a hobby. 

Yes,  the machine weighs 50 pounds and I was only able to get it to her porch but she took it from there and did a beautiful job of repairing it in two days.

Lovely!

The Atlantic

I love the emails I get from my favorite magazine.  If you're looking for stuff to watch, scroll down to "20 undersung crime shows" and see which ones are new to you.  The list includes my all time favorite : Rectify.  I'm sending it along today.

today and tomorrow/May 7

This is from my friend Nancy who keeps up with cultural Chicago in her Third Coast Review.  Thanks!

Hi Joan — This would be wonderful to share, if you have not already seen this glorious 9 minutes of Juilliard talent. Many famous Juilliard alums are in this production plus lots of students dancing and playing instruments in their kitchens, bedrooms, hallways, stairs, balconies and back yards. It’s absolutely fabulous. i’m going to watch it again now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqzkn-jX-JU&fbclid=IwAR3XCGAtq8HuF-nI1USe2jw5vNXhtTd3rLvAtwjvxJvOWZjwT0j3Isim0hk

Yours in solitude // Nancy

Who’s Your Daddy?

Lori wants us to know that Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and Mitch McConnell were born nine months after the UFO sighting in Roswell, New Mexico.

today and tomorrow/May 6

Sophie

When Sophie told me that she was writing about the Hungry Monks as her latest free lance gig for the National Catholic Reporter, I said that sounded like a rock group.  The truth: It’s another great story about who shows up when needed.  Congratulations Sophie for tracking it all down and letting us know.

Here’s the story:

https://www.ncronline.org/news/parish/catholic-ministries-step-food-insecurity-skyrockets-across-us

-- 

Habits

I never saw my mother without makeup.  I carried it forward.  The nurses in the ICU laughed when they discovered that I came to the emergency room with a heart attack and a fully stocked makeup kit.  So yes.  Even alone in the lockdown and even with a mask for when I go beyond my door, I go through the day with my face paint in place.  I like it that way.

Just Asking

Am I supposed to accept death now as my civic duty?