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!

today and tomorrow/July 12

Class Act

The pandemic forced Wimbledon to cancel its tournament for the first time since WWII. In an extraordinary move, the All England Club will pay some amount of money to all of the players who were eligible to compete in the 2020 tournament.  Amounts vary for top seeded players to wheelchair participants.  

Serena, Rafa and Roger don’t need the money. There are more than 10,000 other professional players who certainly can use the help.

In addition, the Club donated strawberries, towels and balls that would have been part of the tournament to a virus relief fund.

I hope some of those strawberries made it to the nurses and patients in the UK.

today and tomorrow/July 11

Waiting

Back when I was watching a lot of cable news, the nightly message designed to calm down our Trump induced panic was: "Wait for the Mueller Report.  Wait for the Mueller Report.  He knows what he is doing.  He has the right people.  Wait."  Robert Mueller, the all American superhero was surely going to pounce on Trump and save us all.  Just wait.

Now that I am watching very little cable news, the current message is still getting through.  "Wait for the November election.  Wait for Joe Biden.  He will return us to normal.  Wait until November."  Joe Biden is the all American likeable fellow.  He surely is going to trounce Trump and save us all.  Just wait.

And while we wait?

Thanks Carole for sending me the article about the Mueller Report in the New Yorker.  I'm passing it on.  Definitely worth reading.

today and tomorrow/July 10

Jackson and the Jews
When, DeSean Jackson, the Eagles football player, repeated familiar anti-jewish material, he was immediately criticized.  Citing lack of education, his coach suggested a trip to the Holocaust Museum in  D.C. followed by a trip to the Museum of African American History.  Good idea!

I hope Jackson will also learn about how the Jewish community stepped up during the Civil Rights Movement.  Why has this crucial alliance been allowed to fade from our history?  Personally, I am remembering my great friend Chuck Markels, who died much too young.  He was an attorney who went south to help with the voting rights effort.  And, working with the ACLU, won a landmark case in Chicago breaking up ghetto public housing. 

I didn't have any trouble finding highlights of this history on the internet.  I'm glad I looked.

Happy Birthday Diego!

My grandson is 15 today.  Tall, handsome, creative.  Special.

today and tomorrow/July 9

Unorthodox
My emotional state is so fragile these days that halfway through watching this excellent Netflix show I called my friend Lori.  "If she gets killed or commits suicide, I want to stop watching right now."  I won't reveal the end.  I'll just say that I highly recommend this film.

The Atlantic. . .
discusses opening schools and continues to recommend interesting content from all media.  It's one of my favorite sources. I'm emailing.

today and tomorrow/July 8

Victory
It's so important to celebrate victories when they occur.  The shutdown of the Dakota Access Pipeline ordered by a judge is not the end of the struggle but certainly something to celebrate.  Melinda, working with the National Lawyers Guild deserves another huge round of applause for all of her work!

Music Everywhere
I'm emailing the latest notices I've received about all of the music we can enjoy.
WDCB -- the jazz scene
Grant Park Music
Old Town School of Folk Music

today and tomorrow/July 7

Acorn TV
Elaine reminded me of how much I miss Balthazar. I binge watched seasons 1 and 2 and can't wait for season 3 to keep the story going.  She also recommended A Place to Call Home and Seachange.
Acorn has a lot of British, Australian and European shows. 

Norway
One of my favorite travel experiences was a trip to Norway.  I'm emailing the latest articles from The Discoverer to keep us thinking of the world beyond our front door.

When it hits home
I'm profoundly sad today over the loss of a friendship.  A man who I truly enjoyed decided to cut himself off from me because of conflicting political opinions.  We had decided a long time ago to put politics aside.  Not possible now?

today and tomorrow/July 6

Reading is Keeping us Going

Carole sent a beautiful message from Isabel Allende about her thoughts during life with the virus.  I'm emailing.  Melinda recommends Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead.  I just started reading The Biggest Bluff by Mari Konnikova.  It's about how poker can teach us how to make better decisions.
I'm also emailing the latest article from the New York Review of Books.

Bookshelves continue to be the background of choice for the TV talkers.  Would love your reviews or recommendations.

today and tomorrow/July 5

Jaqueline Susann

The Atlantic Lists

I always like to see what the folks at the Atlantic magazine are recommending we read, see, and think about while we're locked up.  Their latest list was of books suggested by their reporters.  I chuckled when I saw that Valley of the Dolls was on the list.  The gal that nominated it said it was good enough for her grandmother and her mother so she was curious.  I say: "Well, okay, why not?"  I'm emailing the list.

Gerry's blog this week deals with depression and some hopeful therapy choices.  I'm emailing.

Natalie and Bill spent a month working on their 1,000 piece puzzle only to discover at the end that there were only 999 pieces!  I'm sure the philosophers among us can comment.  How high on the frustration scale would you register?

today and tomorrow/July 4

2020

Nancy suggested that I post the July 4 speech of Frederick Douglass "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July."  Great idea. I didn't learn enough about him when I was in school.  I am going to have to catch up.

https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/what-slave-fourth-july-frederick-douglass/

Grant Park Music Festival

Saturday, July 4, 6:30 on You Tube

It’s one of the most popular concerts in Millennium Park each year—the Grant Park Music Festival’s Independence Day Salute.  Captured one year ago on a spectacular summer’s evening, this Fourth of July favorite is back by popular demand, now as a webcast in the Festival’s 2020 virtual season.

today and tomorrow/July 3

Andersonville Comes Back to Life
Good news! Notices arrived that Women and Children First Bookstore is launching a limited opening.  The Edgewater Historical Society is also coming back. Not so good news: two many people are crowded next to sidewalk diners along Clark Street.  I'm going to limit my outdoor breakfasts or lunches to off-hours and stay away from busy streets.

Julia wants us to notice that minimum wage workers got raises. Remember when fast food giants were able to pay so little by claiming that most of the jobs went to teenagers?  (Like getting an allowance?)  I still can't wrap my mind around having to fight for $15 an hour.

Bill sent an article (I'm emailing) about what Natalie's peers are up to now.  She still doesn't know if school will open this fall for her senior year. 

Are you going to watch Hamilton?

today and tomorrow/July 2

Cranbrook/Kingswood
I'm passing along a notice I received of the re-opening of the educational community where I attended high school.  It is world famous because of its architect Eero Saarinen, and was the home of the "mid-centrury modern" school of design.  Kingswood had a great influence on my idea of style and beauty.

John sends this article from the Washington Post.  The movie Idiocracy came and went in 2006, but is perfect for today. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/30/welcome-united-states-idiocracy/

Daily Stoic

Stoicism seems as good a stance as any in living today.  I get a daily reminder via email.  I'm sending a sample.

today and tomorrow/July 1

Bonnie, Molly and I sat for hours in the shade at the Athena Restaurant in Greektown.  What a treat to get out, sample the delicious food and listen to Bonnie give me her spin on all things political.  And what a spin she delivers!  I'm emailing her latest "Mom, I'm a little Poignant" blog so you can find out for yourself.

Bill’s movie Burnt Orange Heresy was supposed to open in Chicago the weekend that the theaters closed as part of the March lockdown.  When he told me that they’re going to try again in August, I thought: “Okay.  Good luck.  I’ll tell all my friends.  But, we’ll see.”

Bill just sent an article written by his old colleague Tom Brueggmann: What if Moviegoing is No Longer Fun?  Will it be fun to wear a mask for two hours? (How do you eat your popcorn?)  Can they keep the theaters clean enough?  The whole thing is very iffy.

Sony Classics, the distributors, are clinging to the idea of a theatrical release.  Like I said, “We’ll see.”

https://www.indiewire.com/2020/06/moviegoing-realities-covid-19-1234569115/