Back in the day when I was a working librarian, I produced a biweekly newsletter for my faculty. I actually called it a newsieletter, a word that I came up with to encompass the array of information (think events, recommendations and articles of interest) I shared to inspire and entertain colleagues during the pandemic as a means of bolstering morale by highlighting the world at large.
The missive was well received and I continued to publish editions far beyond the shutdown. It was even mentioned at my retirement party when colleagues asked me to consider continuing the newsletter on the platform of my choosing.
Apologies, folks. I’m probably not going to do that.
But, I do have few things that I want to be certain that you are aware of during this increasingly unstable time. Just in case you need a getaway, be it virtual, figurative or actual.
And – unlike the present government of this country, I won’t leave you hanging without a means of escape. You know, like those Americans stuck in the Middle East and Eastern Europe because of DJT’s Epstein files prompted war with Iran, et al.
Preamble done. Here you go – 5 ways to temporarily escape the approach of WWIII
1. DTF St. Louis. Honestly, I wasn’t sure about this new series. I appreciate Jason Bateman, but have mixed feelings about David Harbour.* I also had the false impression that there would be a lot of uncomfortable and awkward sexual innuendo. There wasn’t. There was, however, a surprising number of really funny lines. Smart, ridiculous and definitely twisted. One episode in and I like it.
*Chicks before dicks, Lily Allen. I got you.
2. How to Get to Heaven From Belfast This is one of those shows that benefits from closed captions. The dialogue is quick and accented by brogues and the plot can be a challenge to decipher, but I did enjoy binging this smart, mystery of sorts. There were times when reality was replaced with fantastical excess, but just give in and go along for the ride. Little in life is what it seems.
3. Episode 7 of The Pitt I watched this particular episode twice and watching it for a third time is not out of the question. The performances (brava, Katherine LaNasa and Tina Ivlev) are simply remarkable and the writing is superb. Never have I considered the further assault a rape victim would suffer in the collecting and processing of sexual assault evidence. Holy shit. It was heart stopping to witness.
4. Wine Down Wednesdays at Nicole’s If I wasn’t already there 4 nights a week working the door, I’d be at Nicole’s at least every other Wednesday evening to take advantage of the weekly bottled wine special. Each Wednesday, 4 or 5 options of limited availability wines are offered at a significant savings – 50%! This week one of the red options was a $120 bottle of my favorite Italian red (Amarone, baby) specially priced at $60. That is a dolce deal, my friends.
5. A great sauna sesh. There seems to be a rise in the availability of public saunas in our area and I’m here for it. Give me that dry heat and essential oil scented air – I’ll take it, especially as winter winds down and my body craves warmth. Head north to KOS in Saratoga or south (through the end of March, at least) to Chatham’s PS21 hosting of HUHT’s portable saunas.
In a world that feels out of control, try to find a moment’s respite from the chaos to laugh, cry or get loose. This is your one precious life. Get it.
DelSo 