Dear Community,
“The Only Constant in Life Is Change.”— Heraclitus (500 BCE)
The last 20 months have been a tour of this truth, and an illumination that adaptability is one of our greatest strengths as humans.
Our work at Let it Ripple Studio (501c3)—our films, series, newsletters, and live and virtual experiences—explores this idea from many different directions. We're able to share it widely, gratis, thanks to donations from foundations and individuals like you.
We only ask annually for donations because we hate asking but it’s the reality of a small nonprofit, especially during a pandemic. ("Money" will definitely be the subject of a short film at some point.) As the saying attributed to both Hello Dolly and Francis Bacon goes: "Money is like manure, it's only good if you spread it around."
We appreciate all the support we receive from you through emails, donations, or love!
Donate here to Let it Ripple 501c3:)
| |
Below, an inspiring dose of things happening locally and globally, films, books, art shows, and more.
I asked my brother Dr. Jordan Shlain to write a new dispatch to let us know where we are in these pandemic times. His dispatch is below and it filled me with hope. It gives a clear strong perspective about where we are now, what we should be doing and what we should be thinking about going forward.
| |
*This newsletter is published with love by me from California, Sawyer from Maine, and Jenny in Michigan:)
| |
Omicron (70x), Winter Waves and Real Hope | Dispatch #20 | by Jordan L. Shlain MD | Dec, 2021 | Tincture
| |
"It’s been a while since I’ve been compelled to write a dispatch, as I was feeling, like most of you, that we had this under control. However, with the Omicron news, new vaccines, and treatments, I thought it was time for a succinct update on what’s up right now.
First, let’s face the music. Omicron will spread worldwide and so far is highly likely to become the dominant variant in the US. Early reports indicate that current vaccines will hold up against Omicron, albeit it may take more doses. This, in addition to newer treatments coming online, may be the death knell for pandemic hysteria. The big hope is that SARS-CoV-2 will become the fifth circulating coronavirus that circumnavigates the globe as a common cold each year. The sheer number of people who have gotten Delta, in addition to the vaccines, are surely training our immune systems to get better at responding naturally. Once we stop getting our knickers twisted in a knot with each new “news drop”, it’s worth acknowledging that nature is talking to us — and we owe it to ourselves to ask what message it is attempting to deliver (more on this in my closing). In this dispatch I will discuss what we know ‘now’ about it’s contagiousness, severity, vaccines, treatments and the value of testing.
This virus will weaken over time if history is any guide.
Bottom line, we are in for another winter surge and it’s going to be messy for the healthcare system and those with multiple medical problems; specifically the obese with metabolic syndrome who are unvaccinated. So get your masks and have plenty of tests on hand. Breaking today, some good news out of South Africa for the vaccinated and real hope about the new Pfizer pill.
| |
"The Future of Work: Creating a Thriving Hybrid/ Remote Workplace" Free 30-min Overview of New Program
| |
Join us for a 30-minute free Zoom overview of the new 4-week program we're offering to companies and organizations to create a thriving hybrid/remote workplace.
We are starting 2022 off with some terrific companies doing this program, and are excited to bring our work with neuroscience, character development, productivity, creativity, adaptability, and the importance of the separation of work and rest to current work environments.
Join us Thursday, Jan 20 @ 10:00am PT / 1pm ET to find out more. We've done these Zoom overviews a few times now and they've been great.
| |
Give the Gift of Time for the Holidays with 24/6
| |
It was very fun to read Catherine Hong's hilarious article in the December print issue of Real Simple about giving Tech Shabbats a try with her family.
| |
Vintage Boutique Tours with Sammy D
| |
I auspiciously met Sammy D in New York and we became fast friends. She gives thrifting tours in NYC. She is amazing. My family and I love to thrift and she is the dream guide. It's a great gift to give for the holidays too. You can follow her on IG and FB. Learn more here.
| |
| Green Sabbath Online Talk This Friday, Dec. 17 9am PT/Noon ET
| |
I'll be in conversation online with Jonathan Schorsch of Green Sabbath on Dec. 17 at 9 am PT/12:00 pm ET exploring the relationship between Shabbat and the environment. Join us! Learn more and register here.
| |
Ken and the girls and I just saw this off-Broadway and it's fantastic. It's about the Nigerian film industry and very funny and brilliantly acted. Learn more and get tickets here.
| |
| Alex Edelman's Just for Us, Extended Through January 8
| |
Alex Edelman is insanely funny; cannot wait to see his new show about anti-Semitism (it's a comedy!) in NYC. Learn more and get tickets here.
| |
| Sundance Film Festival, Jan. 20-30
| |
Sundance Film Festival has been such a strong creative community for me. Whether premiering films there are attending other people's films, art projects and lectures, it's always inspiring. Check out their new 2022 line up here!
| |
I just saw this incredibly powerful film directed by my friend Lucy Walker at the beloved indie theater The Roxy in SF. The NYTImes just listed it as one of their top 10 films of 2021. I live in CA wildfire country and it inspired me to finally take action to protect my house more in a way that only a searing documentary can do. It's a must-see. Learn more here.
| |
| Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America
| |
In this powerful documentary, former ACLU Deputy Legal Director Jeffery Robinson provides a groundbreaking talk on the history of U.S. anti-Black racism, interwoven with archival footage, interviews, and Robinson's own story, exploring the enduring legacy of white supremacy and our collective responsibility to overcome it. Great work by my friends Vanessa Hope and Ted Hope, who served as producer/executive producer. Learn more here.
| |
| Laurie Anderson: The Weather at the Hirshhorn in DC
| |
Laurie Anderson is one of my favorite artists. I have to figure out a way to get to DC to see this show. Any of you on this list in DC, it's one not to be missed. Learn more here.
| |
| Casey Curran: Orchids of Delphi at Heron Arts in SF, Through Jan. 8
| |
Casey Curran's work is moving and beautiful. Learn more about the SF show here.
| |
| Pipilotti Rist: Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor at MOCA Through June 6
| |
This show at MOCA in LA is amazing. Learn more here.
| |
| Los Angeles Art Association Open Show with Nellie King Solomon at Gallery 825, Through January 7
| |
LA people, be sure to check out my friend Nellie King Solomon's amazing work at the LAAA open show at Gallery 825, 825 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles. The show runs December 11, 2021 – January 7, 2022 with a full-day opening reception on December 11 from 10am - 5pm. Gallery 825 will be open by appointment for in-person viewing, proof of vaccination and mask required as per Los Angeles Health guidelines.The 2021 OPEN SHOW will also be featured online.
| |
| Altman Siegel Gallery in SF
| |
Altman Siegel Gallery is currently exhibiting Chorus by Sarah VanDerBeek. The Roof Is on Fire by Troy Lamarr Chew II opens Jan. 6. Going there tonight. Can't wait to see the artwork live. Learn more here.
| |
| Jessica Silverman Gallery in SF
| |
Sadie Barnette's vivid Inheritance is on exhibit now at Jessica Silverman Gallery. Learn more here.
| |
| Machiavelli for Women by Stacey Vanek Smith
| |
Women claiming their power in the workplace. Yes to that. Check out Stacey Vanek Smith's new book. Learn more here.
| |
| 52 Shabbats by Faith Kramer
| |
I love Jewish food. It was a blast to discuss Faith Kramer's new cookbook 52 Shabbats with her at Book Passage recently. I have filled my copy with tons of Post It notes for recipes I want to try! It's a fantastic gift (you'll want one for yourself too). Learn more here.
| |
| The Awesome Human Podcast and Book
| |
Had a lively conversation with Nataly Kogan on The Awesome Human Podcast. Listen here. Be sure to preorder Nataly's new book, The Awesome Human Project here.
| |
20 Women Authors Share Their Secrets for Leading an Inspired Life
| |
I'm always looking for new strategies to keep the creative juices flowing. It was great to read Amanda Montell's (author of the fantastic books Wordslut and Cultish) roundup of what different authors do for inspiration (and I was so happy to see author Leigh Stein (author of new poetry book What To Miss When) mention Tech Shabbats and my book 24/6). Read more here.
| |
| Hard Truths About the Writing Profession
| |
Author Lou Cove shares some hard truths about making a living as a writer and how few books are actually sold at readings. Note: if you go to an author's reading, definitely get the book. Get three! Read the full piece on Medium here.
| |
Parents' Smartphone Use Could Be the New Secondhand Smoke
| |
As a former smoker in my 20s who was addicted to nicotine (nothing I am proud of), I think a lot about the metaphor of smoking and secondhand smoke in relation to screens. I have a whole chapter on it in my book 24/6. Loved seeing this article in USA Today that focuses on the secondhand smoke nature of kids watching their parents scrolling on their phones. Read here.
| |
|
Did a friend forward you this email? You can sign up yourself here.
| |
| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL TO STAY CONNECTED
| |
|
|
|
|
