When my mother passed yesterday in the shared room at the assisted living center, the world did not stop. The hallway lights were still on, the aides still walked around helping people, and life moved on in its ordinary rhythm. Yet sitting beside her bed, holding a hand that had held mine through every season, I felt the weight of all the ordinary days I had taken for granted. The table by the window with ginger ale and toast when I was sick, her furrowed brow when I did something wrong (which was quite often), and the gentle sounds she made that had always meant she was still here.

As chronicled in last week's entry, "Claustrophobia" (https://www.gothamnetworking.com/node/15820), I recently bolted from a PETscan machine due to a fit of claustrophobia and, as consequence, I had to return and submit to the test.

I just finished a book. (It happened to be “The Einstein Conspiracy” by Steve Israel, the former Congressman from Long Island who opened a bookstore in Oyster Bay. It was a good read.)I always like to be in the middle of reading a book. When I finish a book, I get lonely and I quickly go to the pile of books on hand and find another to open and start.Just a page or two and the bookmark. The loneliness goes away and a new journey begins.

Last week I was on vacation in North Miami for Presidents week. These days the kids get the whole week off from school, not just Monday which is Presidents Day. I dont recall when I was in high school getting an entire week off in February. Are the teachers unions just that much better at negotiating or are the politicians that much worse and spend the tax dollar without any thought. While I was in Florida those kids had school Tuesday to Friday. 

I know I had it easy -- I had absolutely no responsibility for shoveling, I was able to work remotely, I did not have to worry about walking a dog and my house was toasty warm all day.  I know others were not as lucky as me.

Recently, while being with  my grandchildren, my two-year-old granddaughter, Taylor, spontaneously walked up to me, hugged me and kissed me and said, “I wuv you gandma.” I interpreted her words to mean, “I love you grandma.” Her very young and free expression of love caused me to take a moment and think about love. 

Yesterday’s blog by Gotham's webmaster covered how appeals to partisans polarization earns clicks and cash.  With a big speech coming up in two days, why not offer up some inspiration to encourage some appropriate reflection?  Avid reader know I enjoy creating playlists with a purpose or theme.  I immediately thought about three playlists that offer songs with messages.

IMHO, political polarization is profitable. That may sound strange, but it’s true. The more divided people become, the more money certain groups make. News companies know that anger keeps people watching. Social media platforms know that outrage gets clicks, shares, and comments. Politicians know that strong emotions bring donations and loyal voters. Calm, balanced conversations don’t spread as fast. But arguments do. The louder and more extreme the message, the more attention it gets. And attention means money.