THU 07 JAN 2021 to SUN 31 JAN 2021
THU 07 JAN 2021
From last night's LIVE television program with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert:
Hey, Republicans Who Supported This President: Are We Great Again Yet? - LIVE MONOLOGUE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=JpUxQyLCBbk&feature=youtu.be
https://youtu.be/JpUxQyLCBbk
"Journalist who works in Washington D.C. talks about life after attack on Capitol"
https://youtu.be/_glGQQylcgc
Awoke about 08.00 today, worked on my daily/end-of week list, worked on content for a presentation for which I have a meeting FRI. Made a medium-large loaf of sweet-egg bread to share. After ablutions, headed to D and M's to do some light editing on yesterday's post, to do language lessons (moved up from 12 to 9 places, to the promotion zone), and then to start this post. I will work on the electronic portion of the presentation now, before a Frick Museum talk. Heard today from SLS, a friend from grad school days who told me some people from her research group had passed away. Sad for their families.
On a happy note, we also we had a surprise! Zoom party for MM, hosted by WA. After singing and greetings (not necessarily in that order), and introductions to doggies, we played some Jackbox games with the "kids," and generally had fun. Most folks were from the greater Chicago area. D walked me home.
FRI 08 JAN 2021
After morning ablutions, and then breakfast chez D and M, did some language online lessons this morning (climbed from 12 to 6 places, to within the promotion zone), and will work on a presentation (which I will share with N later today). Had lunch of the spaghetti with meat sauce I made for D and M. Moved the computer onto the dining table to accommodate others. Great meeting with N. After hearing my interactive talk for STEAM teachers, we agreed the talk could be more personal, and self-reflective. Afterwards worked on administrative work for the talk, had dinner of salmon and rice, (after having had a squirt of onion juice in my eye), and watched part of yesterday's Jeopardy! episode. Watched NBC Nightly News (whilst hearing folks be unhappy about the news reportage and the elected Joe Biden's family--??) I was more than happy to sit in another room to watch tonight's---the last new episode recorded with Alex Trebek as the host. I take a look at the book club online presence, and climbed further from 6 to 4 place in my online language lessons, before heading home. Chatted by phone with JM after D walked me to the building. Quoted Piet Hein (though I thought it was Ogden Nash, at the time) to JM: "Freedom means you're free to do / Just whatever pleases you;/ If, of course, that is to say/ What you please is what you may." (edited Sunday 10 JAN 2021 to include the URL:
https://quotes.yourdictionary.com/author/piet-hein/)
SAT 09 JAN 2021
"Dan Rather Explains How President Trump Incited a Coup" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/Cp1JTpuzwXA
"Trump Could Face Impeachment…Again | The Tonight Show" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/-aIFqFpzeYY
"Must-See New Video Shows Capitol Riot Was Way Worse Than We Thought | All In | MSNBC" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/lhjRXO72v1s"For Republican Senators, Impeaching Trump May Be As Simple As Not Showing Up | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/BDQeei8q4ek
"Members of Trump’s cabinet discuss invoking 25th Amendment" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/GaF0Y4LntF8"Mary Trump Predicts A “Dangerous” Next Two Weeks Under the Trump Administration" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/_-xKMwZbEBg
"Twitter Permanently Suspends Trump Over Security Concerns | NBC New York" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/UjIOLNM-Dp0
Slept in, listened to music. Chatted with DR. Bicycled 25 minutes. Worked on interactive language lessons online. Worked to revamp my presentation. Worked out a time (to drop off and) to pick up library materials. D and I picked up take out Chinese food at Bloomfield, which we enjoyed with M at their home. After watching NBC Nightly News, I updated these blog posts. No Jeopardy! episode tonight; it was preempted for the Bus's show (The Jerome Bettis Show). Will chat with MVK soon this evening.
SUN 10 JAN 2021
Amid recent Post-Gazette headlines:
Sen. Pat Toomey says President Trump committed 'impeachable offenses'
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/01/09/Democrats-Are-Determined-to-Pressure-Biden-to-Investigate-Trump/stories/202101090070?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=editors-picks-news-frontpage&utm_campaign=Headlines-Newsletter
The Toomey article mentions:
The outrage over the attack and Mr. Trump’s role in it capped a divisive, chaotic presidency like few others in the nation’s history. With less than two weeks until he’s gone, Democrats want him out — now — and he has few defenders speaking up for him in his own Republican Party.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that Mr. Trump simply “needs to get out.”
~~~~~
Now, this morning at ~10 AM, Fox News is claiming censorship and has interviewed someone from the firm P (meaning to speak in French), who claims that free speech is being infringed when their app/application is blocked from Apple and Google store. It's not preventing free speech---it's preventing incipient insurrection, violence, and general mayhem.
*sigh* Church Mass for Sunday will have to wait---we will attend by television Mass later today. (which we did, from St Mary "of the Point.") Did some online language lessons, while waiting for the noon Mass. Moved from 16 to 10 place this morning. Went for gasoline for the car and groceries at Shadyside (chez Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila). We ate chicken for lunch with rice. Did some online language lessons and practice: Moved from 12 to 6 place. Sunday afternoon naptime! Moved to 5th place post-nap. Prepared pasta (for leftover sauce) for dinner tonight, while watching the 18.00 ABC breaking news. Advanced to Am league; one of my highest XP days of all time. Upon advancing, ended up in 10 place. After a wee bit of work, I made it to 8 place before breaking for dinner, and fell to 9th after dinner, despite reading a story.
MON 11 JAN 2021
Spent the morning catching up with emails and with online headlines. Started a book for a webinar for next month. Had lunch of a tuna melt sandwich with milk for lunch at D and M's. Gave a gift for a retiring person at my building today. Today, between 15.00 and 18.10 I went from 16 to 8 place in the online language rankings. Only did ~3/4.5 of the work of yesterday. Got info and signatures for administrative issue at my building, today.
After dinner of linguine di bolognese and aubergines chinoises, topped off by Frango mints, I am preparing for a Zoom meeting tomorrow night for a volunteer committee. From 20.20 to 20.40 I went from 9 to 7 place....constantly changing placement did 3.6/4.5 of work since yesterday.
TUE 12 JAN 2021
At about 11.30 AM EST on Fox News I saw two reporters state (and agree with each other) that "They hate (Pres Trump)." Apparently, they missed the reason for actions and statements against the pres---that "they hate what he does," as I stated to D. They hate that he incited violence, just last week he incited people to march into the Capitol violently, they hate that right after that happened, he told those same people that "We love you." O no, we don't hate him, we hate what he does and what he says. And thus, major social media platforms have locked him out, and the House of Representatives is working to (at the least) impeach him.
Worked on online language lessons. Started today at 12 place. To 9 place by 12.17 PM.
Helped M with correspondences, had a meeting before 14.00. Helped D and M with more correspondences. Maintained 9 place at least until 19.00.
Now it's sinking in: Wednesday's Capitol Hill riot was even more violent than it first appeared
Updated 6:30 AM ET, Tue January 12, 2021
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/09/media/reliable-sources-january-8/index.html?utm_source=pocket-newtab
Time for a Zoom meeting with ~as, A and N et al.
WED 13 JAN 2021
Bible Study for D, M, and I via Zoom this morning. There were ~9-10 in addition to the Oratory staff (Fr Mike and Emily). Great meeting, we spent a time on God's calling Samuel.
Did some online language lessons, starting at 14 at about 10.40, going to 11 place by noon. After lunch of tuna melt sandwich, watched most of a recorded version of last night's Jeopardy! with M. Went to USPost office and bank with D to do car errands. Time to attend a webinar for the local Soils Symposium. Saw a couple of familiar faces there---a former colleague from PITT, and a current colleague from the museum. After dinner, I had 9 place in the online language lessons. Watched the bulk of Jeopardy! with Ken Jennings as the temporary host with M.
THU 14 JAN 2021
Walked with SH to CLP. Dropped off 3 books. Picked up 3 books and a CD of a book by David Sedaris. It took us ~ 1.00 roundtrip. Had lunch. Worked a little on online language classes.
Sous chef prepared fresh lettuce vegetarian lumpia for dinner. Delicious!
Watched Tania Grubbs's online documentary, "I Am." Marvelous, with many musicians and artists collaborating. Will watch recorded Jeopardy! from earlier this evening tonight.
FRI 15 JAN 2021
Joanne Rogers, the widow of Mister Rogers (Fred Rogers) passed away yesterday. She was 92. WQED remembered her throughout the morning, with interviews of her. Here is something about her:
https://www.pittwire.pitt.edu/news/remembering-joanne-rogers
Did a little online language classes and stories. I prepared a shopping list for tomorrow, culling from M's list. Helped M with insurance and Rx issues after lunch. Chatted with a friend by phone. Had dinner with D and M: fresh vegetable lettuce lumpia and crab torta with rice for dinner. Toodling about on the computer after dinner.
SAT 16 JAN 2021
Right after awakening, I did an online language lesson. I then left from D and M's to go grocery shopping at Friendship/Shadyside (when it first opened) and at Shadyside (chez Palenkeng de Malaking Aguila). Quite the haul. It took all of two hours. I had a snack of challah bread, and went home to shampoo and condition, then to prepare my vitamins et al. for the coming weeks. Three hours later, I did a few online language lessons. Fun!
Family Zoom session, including US/ WRV. Chatted for awhile, then we played games online! (A version of Pictionary). Session went from 20.30 to 23.00!
SUN 17 JAN 2021
Did a little online language lesson. Attended the 10.00 televised Mass with D and M. Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass, Luke and the young acolyte served, Gregory Thomas was scheduled to read; there were 2 lectors reading today. Tom G and a woman served as Eucharistic Ministers. Linda O cantored, accompanied by the day's organist. I had a salad for lunch, helped M, then took inventory of dressiest dresses at home. Chatted with DR regarding organizing our homes, etc. Dinner was pepper steak chez D and M. Recorded some audio of M describing #04 of 4 photos that are quite old.
Photos #01 and #02 are Grandpa's parents; Photo #03 are Grandma's siblings around one of their aunts. Photo #04 is of Grandma and DRV, ORV, and Mom's Lolo, PR. THe recording was about Photo #04.
Did another online language lesson before heading home for the day. ~17 at the end of the day.
MON 18 JAN 2021
Listened to WQED's morning for Martin Luther King, Jr. Heard Marian Anderson sing "Let My People Go," which made me have goose pimples. Listened to Willie Stargell read/perform for "New Morning for the World." Also heard of Stravinsky's meeting the Kennedys at the White House, then his writing "Elegy for JFK," including a WH Auden poem. Searched for my previous work document. Need it for my presentation soon.
Did a little bit of online language lesson, etc. Did some admin work for old photos.
Had lunch, downloaded M stories from Br and Ne's post- New Year Party last year (2020). After more than an hour of fire alarm fun, we enjoyed dinner of green pepper steak, and then we watched Jeopardy. A little later we watched Shawshank Redemption, based on a book by Stephen King, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. One of our favorite movies of all time. I can't believe I've missed the good part of the first half of the movie prior to this viewing:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Also had a chance to remove some cloud files.
TUE 19 JAN 2021
Arose early to listen to BBC News on WQED radio. Today is the last full day for the outgoing US President to get something done. BBC News reported that he will most likely pardon people such as Snowden and others:
"Many of Trump’s recent pardons are for his close connections or allies who supported his presidency, even those who broke the law. Others reflect Trump’s view of himself as a political outsider." from an article with lots of visuals: https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/12/30/trump-pardons-controversial-patterns/4038315001/
also note that this president may pardon rioters: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/donald-trump-may-pardon-100-people-in-final-days-allies-warn-against-pardoning-rioters/ar-BB1cRIMa
Did a few online language lessons. Fun this morning! Moved from 28th place to the maintenance zone: 28 to 23 place! Enjoyed lunch, made a phone call re: an order for M, read some stories for online language learning. Watched Jeopardy! Went home and chatted with JM, mostly about movies.
WED 20 JAN 2021--Inaugurate-the-(newly elected)-President DAY!
Bible study was cancelled today. I hope to see the Inauguration program starting between 10.00 and before noon. There are 25,000 National Guard troops protecting the peace for the Inauguration. Started off by watching the Inauguration party leave St Michael's Cathedral morning Mass in DC.
~~More later~~
Called the phone company about phone issues.
Watched the Inauguration celebration at 20.30 on NBC. The program included, in order:
Bruce Springsteen, Tom Hanks, (both from the Lincoln Memorial,) essential workers, John Bon Jovi, our US Marine Corps troops overseas in Japan, Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake, MacKenzie Adams and Foo Fighters, Jose Andres of the World Central Kitchen, Lin Manuel-Miranda reciting "Make Hope and History Rhyme; The Cure of Troy," Sarah Fuller, KD Harris, John Legend, the first USA COVID vaccine recipient, Sandra Lindsay and Tyler Hubbard and Tim McGraw, Demi Lovato, and, finally, for the benefit of various people including the First Family and the VP and her hubby: Katy Perry singing "Firework" as bunches of fireworks were visible near the Washington Monument/reflecting pool/the Mall.
THU 21 JAN 2021
Started the morning at 25 place for the online language courses. Called the phone company and spoke with the insurance company, too. Electronic appointment until soon before lunch. Lunch with M; D spoke to A Connie, and Uncle Dino, and Auntie Rory over the phone. We three enjoyed strawberry Jell-O punctuated with peaches, too. Moved to 24 place for the online language courses, due to stories. Ran an errand (2 returns) at the library, another errand at the bank and was the recipient of erratic electrical behavior of the car. D stopped by, and after walking about, I invited him to get into the warm car. He had called AAA, who kindly jumped the car. And suggested that if we need a new one, that AAA could replace the car's. We drove to WA's neighborhood and back; D wanted to go to get a new watch battery installed, so called M and went on his way...place was closed. Then did some online language stories and lessons, thus, am at 23 place.
After dinner, watched Jeopardy! with D and M, and then looked over notes about phone.
FRI 22 JAN 2021
Spent the morning at D and M's preparing for phone issues. After lunch we worked on a Fbook post, which we posted. Worked with a tech support specialist to get most of the phone issues resolved, took copious notes. Munching on a golden delicious apple now!
After dinner and Jeopardy! (which has had Ken Jennings guest hosting since MON 11 JAN 2021), I went home to RE-lax. Read the book for a future webinar series. Today was one long day.
SAT 23 JAN 2021
I awoke ~02.00 and again at ~04.00 and did not go back to sleep until after setting up for a medium loaf of egg bread. At 06.00 I started laundry and completed 3 loads by the time the loaf was completed. The loaf had 3 eggs instead of 1 (as the usual sweet bread does), and 1/4 cup of sugar. For online language lessons I did a renewal of skills and read a story for online language learning: moved up from 26th to 24 place.
Wendy's for a drive-through meal today.
SUN 24 JAN 2021
Watched 10.00 am televised Mass with D and M. Fr John Odeyemi celebrated the Mass with Deacon Tom Berna. Lucas and also the usual young acolyte served. Christina McC sang as the cantor, accompanied by DKF? at the Beckerath console.
M and I made macaroni chicken pineapple salad. Delicious!
Listened to part of the recorded organ concert at Cathedral today.
Big Bird's palenke sometime today.
MON 25 JAN 2021
Took care of some mailing issues via phone chez D and M phone during most of the morning. Then, in the late afternoon, attempted to take care of phone hardware issues, after receiving the wrong cord. Never got through to Technical Support: Never got past Customer Service. Shrwn R dropped off a care package for us---yummy Pinoy treats!
TUE 26 JAN 2021
Cleared up some--many--phone issues this morning, then had a video appointment. Took care of some things for M, moved in a kneeling chair for use on my computer. Moved from 25 to 16 place in online language lessons. Acted as sous chef for dinner. M made afritada for dinner; we shared some with Shrwn R. Watched Jeopardy! with guest host Ken Jennings this evening.
WED 27 JAN 2021
Headed to D and M, helped M send a thank you letter. Received 2/3 of an Amazon delivery. Will work on getting my tax documents in order for last year. Progressed in the online language lessons program/app from 25 to 19 place this morning. B helped me with 2/3 of my mailed order before lunch, Had a lunch of macaroni chicken salad. Sent some documents off in email. Picked up the last 1/3 of my mailed order. It all looks good. Spent some time on looking up COVID vaccine information. Time for the Reading and Conversation with the Author, Laila Lalami, c/o the WC Zoom meeting. My question was asked, too.
Watched "double champion" Jeopardy! with M before D made certain I got home safely.
THU 28 JAN 2021
D drove M and I to get our regular lab tests done in the morning. Attended a webinar entitled "Responsible Global Leadership and a Path to Rebuilding Global Institutions" primarily directed to Albright fellows and Wintersession students with Madeleine Albright ('59) and Susana Malcorra, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Argentine Republic (2015-2017).
After some delay, spoke with VDD from SC about my issues with my phone. Worked minimally on online language learning today. Headed home.
FRI 29 JAN 2021
This morning, I worked a little online language learning, etc. I scanned some documents this morning and this evening. I contacted work IT to install my work email on my phone. Macaroni chicken creamy soup for dinner. Still eating GS cookies, I've been invited to order More by BF!
SAT 30 JAN 2021
Today I wrote several emails re: the new phone and taxes. I did some online language lessons; moved from 25th to 24 place. Had lunch of creamy macaroni chicken soup for lunch. Took a nap, attended a Zoom informational meeting for the new union at work, worked on my presentation for February, went to my closet to use new hangers to hang my suits and blazers/jackets. Dinner with D and M, pancit palabok. Yum! Dried banana chips (Saba sweet plantain/Cardava banana) with mixed nuts for dessert. I did some online lessons, moved up further to 23 place.
Now, I'm waiting for J-O's Zoom family meeting. It will include the Burgh, mountain people, as well as J O's family. Moved up the ladder further to 21, then 19th place. Also worked on medical mission photos for my presentation. A wonderful snack of cheddar with a delicious apple was enjoyed while I waited for the new Zoom meeting time of 22.00 to arrive. Read a story to reach 16th place.
We talked about JMc's death, and 3 of M's friends and colleague's passing from COVID. We were all sad.
JO mentioned the movie The Next Three Days, filmed in Pittsburgh:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1458175/?ref_=vp_back
based on the French film, Pour Elle:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1217637/
SUN 31 JAN 2021
This morning I went from 25 to 23 place in online language practice and lessons learning. I moved further up the ladder to 17th place before dinner. This morning and this afternoon I worked to get my phone working.
This morning I accepted a chocolate cake from MM (who came over in the light, slick flurries with BF). I attended the 10.00 televised Sunday Mass with D and M. Fr Kris Stubna celebrated the Mass with Deacon Tom Berna. The usual acolyte and his very young acolyte served. Carole DiC lectored, and Alex DiC cantored with the organist at the Beckerath console in the loft. Fr Kris's Homily centered about "Choose Life." Quite a good delivery of a thoughtful message.
D and I went to retrieve Chinese food in Bloomfield, which we enjoyed with M for lunch.
Now, at 20.45, right after dinner, I'm at 3rd place with 15 points.
posted by Grace @ 1/07/2021 05:32:00 PM
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