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Hump Day History

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  Born on this day in 1939, the Prince of Soul, Marvin Gaye. But there's also some horror to this story - the day before his 45th birthday, he was shot by his own father. Tensions had long existed between father and son - Senior was a strict Christian minister, who openly cross-dressed in the neighborhood, something Junior would be ridiculed for.  Dad disagreed with Marvin's career choice, and grew jealous as he became the breadwinner of the family. During a stay at his parent's house in 1983, caring for his mother as she recovered from kidney surgery, his father called the police to remove him from the property.  For Christmas that year, Marvin gave his father a .38 Special. Alberta Gaye would attest that her husband charged into her son's bedroom to verbally attack her when Marvin shoved his father out and started kicking and punching him.  She would explain that her husband had made it very clear that if any of his children dared strike him, he would murder them. ...
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Book Club - April

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  Othello I'm not sure if I'll be able to start today, but tomorrow for sure. And my sister will be reading along with me as well this time! Online Source Summary and Analysis The play has recently been revived on Broadway, with Denzel Washington in the lead role. Playbill So we'll check in mid-month to touch base around Act III.
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Best Dressed - Week of March 31

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  Cynthia Erivo Paulina Chavez Sofia Carson Jenna Ortega Naomi Watts Catherine O'Hara Sasheer Zamata Viola Davis Emmett Scanlan Doechii
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Science is Concerned

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  There are numerous articles, from Nature  to The Economist, about scientists being driven out of the United States with Trump's anti-science rhetoric and actions. This is a form of anti-intellectualism which we've seen in pretty recent history, used in totalitarian governments to repress political dissent. Research funding has been slashed, but there is one thing moving forward - a federal study of immunizations and autism.  It's already terrifying that RFK Jr. is the Secretary of Health and Human Services, but he's tapped David Geier, an antivaxxer and once disciplined for practicing medicine without a license, to lead the study. So yeah. This in the midst of measles outbreaks across the country. SUPPORT SCIENCE!
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Music Tasting 53

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It is National Acoustic Soul Day, which is a celebration of India Arie's album but also the warmth and authenticity that acoustic music embodies. The day stands as an invitation to explore music that brings calmness, emotional richness, and a touch of spirituality to our lives. Soul singing is often rooted in African American gospel and blues traditions. The album was released 24 years ago today.
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Hump Day Horror

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  Last night I learned about Ebenezer Creek, north of Savannah, Georgia. It looks to be a lovely place to canoe, but it may be haunted as well. It was December 1864 during the Civil War.  General William T. Sherman's "March to the Sea" campaign was in full effect, and General Jefferson C. Davis was advancing towards Savannah.  They had gained a following of freed slaves, what some considered "a growing encumbrance." A pontoon bridge had been assembled for crossing Ebenezer Creek, and as his men made it over, General Davis ordered the ropes cut. Over 600 freed men panicked in the waters, many drowned, and others were reached by Confederate soldiers who shot and trampled them.  Some of Davis' men did try to help and some trees were felled which allowed for some of the freedmen to create a crude raft.  Those who survived, however, were returned to slavery. There was public outcry at the time, and in January 1865 President Lincoln approved 400,000 acres of coast...
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Cherry Blossom Festival

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 Celebrated from March 20 through April 13 in Washington D.C. As you may know, the trees were gifts from Japan received in 1912. They line the tidal basin of the Potomac River leading to the Jefferson Memorial. Peak bloom is anticipated for this weekend. My photo is here in town though.  There are gardens on the UNR campus and San Rafael Park. There is a festival in San Francisco as well, April 12-13 and 19-20. Being on the west coast, where many Japanese Americans were interned, the purpose is more about a commitment to peace - in D.C. they symbolize friendship and cultural exchange.  Of course, being in Japantown, you will be celebrating culture in SF as well. Called sakura, it is the national flower of Japan.  They have been referenced for centuries in poetry and literature, with their fragility seen as a symbol of life, death, and rebirth.
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