Hello!
It's officially Spring and while I don't think this is what any of us were picturing, the seasons keep moving on regardless. Mitra Jouhari, a great comedian and writer, recently posted about Nowruz, the Iranian new year, which took place on Thursday. She said, "Today is Nowruz, Iranian new year. It symbolizes growth, a new day, and most resonant to me right now, a reminder that winter doesn't last forever. Spring will come." I found that to be very moving and relevant to this moment in our lives. I hope you're all staying healthy and hopeful.
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All live shows are postponed until further notice. Since you can't buy tickets and see a show in person, consider supporting your favorite venue/restaurant by buying a gift card for when they reopen or giving to a local food bank.
This week’s list
GREAT:
Bess Kalb's new book No One Will Tell You This But Me is the story of her grandmother's life written in her grandmother's voice. It's a beautiful book about love and style and holding on to a person's memory even when they're no longer around. It's also very funny! But that's no surprise, Bess is an Emmy-nominated writer for The Oscars and Jimmy Kimmel Live. In a time like this, maybe we all need a sensible Jewish grandmother to give us advice on eating right, keeping a sense of humor, and to remind us that "if the earth is cracking behind you, you put one foot in front of the other." Nobody Will Tell You This But Me (and an excerpt in the New Yorker: Phone Calls with My Grandmother)
FUNNY:
Dana Jay Bein is a pillar of Boston's comedy scene. He's relentlessly optimistic and kind, hardworking, and passionate about even the most absurd jokes. This week, Dana took over the internet with his rewritten lyrics for Bohemian Rhapsody: Coronavirus Rhapsody
INTERESTING:
"In 1964, with 'Seven Up!' Michael Apted stumbled into making what has become the most profound documentary series in the history of cinema. Fifty-five years later, the project is reaching its conclusion." Apted's documentary series is fascinating, not only because of what he captures on film, but also the scope of the project. And I find it very comforting to think about how much happens over the course of a lifetime and how dramatic moments, even huge historical events, are only a part of what defines his subjects. It's a useful thing to keep in perspective, for me, right now. I loved reading this profile of Apted's work and process: Does Who You Are at 7 Define Who You Are at 63?
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Stay safe!
Chris