books
God Human Animal Machine, Meghan O'Gieblyn, subtitle: Technology, metaphor and the search for meaning. A challenging book for this moment in life and history. Reading requires concerted effort, offers great reward.
The boundless alien deity that technology critics have in mind is the God of Calvin and Luther—a thoroughly modern entity. The question is, how is it we still, all these years later, find him appealing? p. 212
AI began with a desire to forge a god. It is not coincidental that the deity we created resembles, uncannily, the one who got us into this problem in the first place. p. 216
Incredibly Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt A refreshing read. Somewhat predictable, but deeply enjoyable. The best part was Marcellus, the octopus. I wanted so much more of his life, insights, and story.
…humans can be wounded by their own oblivion, too. They do not see it, but I do. It happens all the time. Marcellus, page 185
(referring to grief) You don’t recover. Not all the way. But you do move on. You have to. Tova, page 346
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, Margareta Magnusson Things we habitually avoid, like death, and all that goes along with it.
Dirty Thirty, Janet Evanovich A decent diversion from my generally more intense reading.
music
Polaroid Lovers, Sarah Jarosz Jarosz has accomplished much in recent years, Polaroid Lovers is an effort to expand her art, and hopefully increase her audience.
Rumble Strip, John Leventhal Leventhal has been the genius behind so much great music, including the work of Rosanne Cash, his wife. Rumble Strip reminds us he too is a great artist.
Halfway to Houston, Susan Werner New SW album, my favorite is still her The Gospel Truth.
Hold on Hope, Glen Campbell (with Eric Church) For years I could take or leave Campbell, but his final act, in life and music is/was captivating. I look forward to the full album of duets coming in April.
viewing
I Am Everything Good golly… Little Richard, racism, rock and roll, queerness, the fifties and sixties, and Jesus. A beautiful and complicated life. I have memories of watching Little Richard talking with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show long ago.
You will always be the true king of Rock and Roll. Elvis, referring to Little Richard
Little Bird A story of adoption, indigenous life, religious culture, family, and a deep reckoning (especially episode 4).
Masters of the Air High hopes, slow start. I about gave up but episode 5 turned a corner and in episode 6 it hits full stride.
True Detective, Season Four At times I was more into the setting, far north and endless night, than the story. By the end the intensity of relationships, personalities, the leads carried the show.
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver New season, first episode, perfect.
The Holdovers Heartbreaking and heartwarming, struggles and hope, teacher and student, the people against the system, job status, superficiality and deep relationships.
pods
Big Ray's Garage Grind: Mental Health Edition Ray Roberts is a former NFL player who breaks stereotypes. His compassionate work with Special Olympics and Unified Sports is a life changer and an example for all. This episode, Lessons From Pete Carrol, goes far beyond football.
All There is with Anderson Cooper Stephen Colbert: Grateful for Grief. Beautiful, painful conversation on the fullness of living and learning with an ongoing awareness of the reality of death. I have long said we begin to understand life when we realize the reality and closeness of death.
The Black 14 America at it's best and worst. Large scale prejudice and racism. Individual and collective grit, commitment, grace and clarity of conviction.
The Phyllis Phenomenon, Emerged Phyllis Tickle changed my life. This podcast honors her life and hopefully, extends her loving work long into the future.
6 iconic foods from Oregon Offbeat Oregon offers a look into foods that originated in Oregon. We’re talking Marionberries, Pronto Pups (corn dogs, see photo below), and more!
random (f)acts
You too can ride the Pronto Pup in Rockaway Oregon!
Tried the new Raspberry Spiced Coca-Cola with some family members. Unanimous hard, “no thank you,” from all of us.
Worry No More A poem I wrote five years ago that, sadly, remains relevant.
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As always a great list. Would be interested in knowing more about how Phyllis Tickle changed your life.