Current events have highlighted that we can all benefit from some self-reflection and education during these extraordinary times.

After a period when it seemed that theatre might return after a relatively short break, we now know that the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's 2020 season will not resume, and we wait to see when other, smaller companies (including orchestras and choirs which have also been forced to cancel performances) will be able to entertain us once more.

American journalism started out weak in 1690 when the first newspaper, Publick Occurrences, was shut down by the British government just 4 days after its first publication.

We live in interesting times … pandemic, economic disaster, civil unrest, extreme partisanship.

Back when we were unmasked and innocent, we had our worries and fears. But they seem so petty now. It’s hard to remember what scared us back then: gluten? tweets? breaking a hip? Seems so insignificant compared to what fresh hell we wake up to each day.

As calls for racial justice ring out across the country, a number of voices from the public radio community have emerged to provide perspective on the pain experienced by Black people in America.

It is my deep hope that before too long it will once again be possible to travel the world. Paradoxically, travel off the beaten track may lead us back to an unremembered home. What is most strange often strikes a resonant chord deep within ourselves. Nowhere on earth have I experienced this shock of recognition more strongly than New Guinea—the wildest of islands.

I’m writing this article on March 17, 2020 St Patrick’s Day, and I am wearing green—but I’ll not be going to a pub today to celebrate.

Remember the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly referred to as HIPAA?

It’s April 2020. Writing this is like writing a letter to be mailed across the country in the 19th century. I sincerely hope it finds you in good health.