I’m sure we’re all glued to the television watching the LA fires right now. It’s awful and terrifying and completely unjust that so many people’s houses have burned down and yet the Reagan Library survives. The fires are close to but not too close to our LA apartment so everyone is ok but breathing terrible air. Even here in Arizona our AQI is over 380 from the fires, it’s also snowing and hailing today down here so I think it’s safe to assume the apocalypse is nigh.
If you want to help, here are a few good places to donate:
LA Public Library- The Pacific Palisades Library burned down!!!!
The Getty Fund- My worst nightmare is that the Getty or Getty Villa will burn down and we came waaayyyyy too close last night. The fire reached the grounds of the Villa although apparently the art and structures are safe, but they are going to have some work to do.
I miss LA every day and I am so sad I’m not there right now but we can all send money and good energy their way. Also, send bad energy to Caruso, maybe stop spreading rumors about firefighters running out of water because you’re planning your next run for mayor.
Choose the Bear
This week I am so excited to have Drs. Amy Diehl and Leanne Dzubinski, authors of the infuriating and illuminating Glass Walls on the pod. If you have ever been a woman at work or known a woman who works, this book is for you. And hey, men, maybe stop being complete and total dicks? Maybe? Idk. It’s a thought.
What to do with yourself
Watch
Before (Apply TV+)- Billy Crystal in a creepy serious show! And it’s good! This is my Peloton show so I haven’t finished it yet because I’m only allowed to watch one episode a day while I’m on my Peloton but it’s good enough that I had to recommend it. Crystal plays a child psychologist who encounters a kid who is clearly being haunted or possessed by… something. I am really enjoying it.
The Texas Cheerleader Murder Plot (Max)- Remember the Texas mom who attempted to murder a girl so her daughter could make the cheer squad? Well, like most cases concerning women from the 80s and 90s, there is a lot more to this story than you know.
Listen
Beethoven Blues, Jon Batiste- I have tried so hard and have never really been able to get into Batiste but that changed with his new album which features bluesy, jazzy takes on Beethoven’s classics. I have no patience for anyone who dismisses Beethoven but this, a modern, innovative take on the great composer’s masterpieces, this is exactly what we need.
The Epic, Kamasi Washington- My Spotify playlist led me from Batiste to Washington, whom I had never heard of and I am deeply sad about it. I started with his jazzy take on Clair de Lune and then stayed for the rest of his incredible works. Put this guy on while you’re reading, taking a bath, or forcing yourself to get up in the morning.
Suffs Original Broadway Cast Recording- I have been wildly productive since I got back to work on Monday and I am really excited and nervous and hopeful about all of the big plans that we have this year. I’ve been mainlining the Suffs soundtrack, even though stories about the Suffragettes always make me cry. That reminds me, if you haven’t seen Up The Women, grab a box of tissues, log in to BritBox, and get ready to laugh, cry, and feel so much gratitude for all of the women who fought for the right to vote.
Play
I just finished Red Dead Redemption 2 (yes, 100 years too late) and it was so incredibly fun and interesting and the story was unexpectedly emotional and I just cannot recommend it enough. Also, if I haven’t recommended Hogwarts Legacy and Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom you’ll want to extend your vacation for another week and get into all three ASAP.