Well this is unusual. I have three honest to God days off in a row. Today is my second.
Yesterday I took the morning off and sat around and read. Met with my boss in the afternoon then practiced, went grocery shopping, then home to treadmill. Today I want to do some planning of music at church for Holy Week and beyond. But I do feel an absence of pressure that should help me relax.
I notice that I haven’t been putting up many links. So here are some.
Detainees Sentenced in Seconds in ‘Streamline’ Justice on Border – NYTimes.com
Although this is apparently legal I am mortified that my country is behaving in this way. The lawyers shake the hands of the people being tried and then immediately use hand disinfectant. It’s kept in the courtroom for that purpose. I find that a sad detail that is telling.
Holder Urges States to Lift Bans on Felons’ Voting – NYTimes.com
Attorney General Holder is doing some good work. This article points out that his proposals have little political danger for the White House. Also interesting to see Rand Paul joining in the conversation.
Moral March on Raleigh: How the Moral Mondays movement is redefining the left.
This is a bit under the radar in many news organizations. It makes me have a tiny bit of hope. I am keeping my eyes open to see if there is any change in the public discourse that reflects insights of Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow and The Miner’s Canary: Enlisting Race, Resisting Power, Transforming Democracy by Guinier and Torres.
Interpreting Robert Frost – NYTimes.com
Letters to the editor about Frost.
Florida Man’s Fiancée Contradicts Parts of His Testimony in Killing of Teenager – NY
The legal system has gone haywire and left an odd impression in the public’s mind that it can turn gunfire on people who frighten them.
China and Taiwan Hold First Direct Talks Since ’49 – NYTimes.com
Window of opportunity before the leader of Taiwan is replaced. 1949 …. let’s see. 65 years?
Camels Had No Business in Genesis – NYTimes.com
I love it when I learn stuff like this. Oh and Jesus’s camels were okay.
Wikipedia vs. the Small Screen – NYTimes.com
If people begin to access in depth information with their phones I fear this will have a deleterious effect. But maybe I’m just an old guy stuck on his laptop, eh?
A Bluesman Looks Back, Through a Few Old Songs – NYTimes.com
I saw Johnny Winter’s brother Edgar with Rick Derringer in the 70s. Amazing people.
Judge Temporarily Bars Removal of Picasso Tapestry From Four Seasons – NYTime
Interesting to see the arrogance of planners… I hope they are able to preserve this work.
After War, a Failure of the Imagination – NYTimes.com
Good take on how we are connected to each other and need to listen.