The Place de la Concorde
Sunday greetings!
It’s been a beautiful weekend. I hope everyone is getting outside!
PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT PEOPLE
The above photo is of the Place de la Concorde in Paris, sans people. This vast public square, which boasts an obelisk from the Temple of Luxor, stands between the end of the Champs-Elysees and the start of the Tulleries Gardens. It has been enjoyed by visitors the world over (well, maybe not so enjoyable for Louis XVI). Somehow some of its majesty is lost without the teeming cars and people. Hopefully they’ll be back soon.
CRANK UP THE MUSIC!
The pandemic has sparked considerable creativity from professional musical artists, student artists, and comedians with reworking the lyrics of famous songs. Here are three very different musical entertainments. The first is a clever song employing several Broadway show tunes to sing about the pandemic. The second is a repeat of the international rendition of “The Weight” (since it bears repeating, I’ve repeated it from yesterday, in case you’ve missed it). The third is the Bacharach/David classic “What the World Needs Now,” featuring singers and musicians from the Berkelee School of Music collaborating from their homes:
The silly Broadway song version of the Coronavirus: https://youtu.be/n1OCZRann8w
A wonderful version of The Weight, featuring Robbie Robinson and Ringo Starr, among a cast of singers and musicians from around the world https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robbie-robertson-the-weight-ringo-starr-video-885980/
MEET THE AUTHORS ON-LINE
Julie Robinson, who runs Literary Affairs, is offering “Books & Bathrobes,” literary gatherings with authors. As the name suggests, you can attend from your “bunker” on Zoom and meet the author for a book club event. One is tomorrow, Monday. There is a $5 fee to cover costs:
Join Lily King, author of Writers & Lovers tomorrow, Monday, March 30, at 10:30 am PDT:
Next up is Linda See, author of The Island of Sea Women, this Thursday, April 2, at 10:30 am PDT:
FINAL MUSINGS
It was suggested to me earlier this week that maintaining a safe distance from friends, family, and strangers not only is the most important way to keep ourselves safe, but it also is an act of kindness toward others. By keeping our distance from others, we are keeping them safe, should we be carrying this virus. I will try to show my gratitude when a younger person (whose likelihood of becoming horribly ill is not zero, but less likely) crosses the street to avoid me. The ultimate act of kindness will be when those who have been infected and may have immunity continue to practice safe distancing from those who remain vulnerable.
Have a great Sunday and coming week “in the bunker.” Later this week, I’ll share some musings on conspiracy theories, the changing street-scape, and the etiquette of video-conferencing, as well as several book and entertainment recommendations.
Glenn
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