Ezine Edition: March 26, 2023
# 1599

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COVER:

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Commentary
“Over the last year, higher interest rates have hit the housing industry and the tech sector, but not much else. That may be changing, especially if the events of the last several days cause banks nationwide to tighten their lending standards…it could reshape banks' behavior and make them more cautious in the loans they make and the customer deposits they accept.”

This is a cautionary quote from a newswire that caters to the rich.

To which I say, “Boo hoo!”
I find that so moving. “Boo hoo!”

Cry, my friends, that our super-rich banks might have to adjust the way they do business. For myself, I applaud any changes which don’t begin with the clause, “Let’s put working Americans on the dole.” For example, making it more difficult for individuals to borrow money is something I can live with. Without throwing working Americans out of work, without reducing working Americans’ take home pay, hundreds of tweaks to our economy are available to us to calm inflation.

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Kat’s Gen Z Corner   

One of my favorite discoveries of adulthood has been ballet. (It helps that I've learned how to secure $30 balcony seats for performances at Lincoln Center, home to the best ballet dancers in the world and a mere 10-minute walk from my apartment.) 

The entire night surrounding the ballet is a blast. Dressing up, walking into one of the most magnificent theaters in the city, and watching the most beautiful expressions of the human body brings me immense joy. It makes me feel like a princess! 

I've gone often enough where I even have opinions about the kind of ballets I prefer. While the theatrical productions of NYC Ballet like The Nutcracker or Sleeping Beauty are always a spectacle, I think I enjoy the more contemporary and stripped-down performances by the American Ballet Theater. They prioritize artistry over glamor. 

You can keep track of what I'm reading on my Goodreads page.
For the non Gen Z readers, Goodreads is a social media platform for readers where you can share what's currently on your bookshelf, as well as respond to what your friends are reading. 

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Tucker’s Corner
The theaters are a little quiet this week but there’s nothing to fear! Hulu has served up a really terrific film. Boston Strangler is my favorite type of crime thriller - one that focuses on the research and ground work required to catch evil doers. It won’t win awards and the ground it covers is familiar but the cast is top notch and the filmmaking is terrific. I didn’t want to let this one disappear into the annals of the internet like so many others.

 We live in a strange time when it comes to the population’s cinematic diet. Series like Law and Order have been on television for decades because people always love easily digestible police procedurals. When the podcast boom began in 2005 it didn’t take long for true crime series to become some of the most streamed content out there. Streaming services like Netflix cashed in with season long series like Making a Murderer and at the time you couldn’t swing a dead cat without running into someone who wanted to talk about that show. What’s ironic is that even as our interest in long running, exhaustively researched crime stories increased, our desire to see those stories told at feature film length completely waned. What’s important to know though is that there are still terrific 2-hour crime stories being told. Boston Strangler is one of them.

Giving a beautifully understated performance, Keira Knightley disappears into the role of the real-life Boston newspaper reporter Loretta McLaughlin, a doggedly determined journalist who teamed up with the more experienced, world-weary Jean Cole (the magnificent Carrie Coon) to break story after story as they investigated the case of the Boston Strangler, the killer who murdered at least 11 women in the Boston area in the early 1960s.

The story structure here is familiar territory but it works. Pairing a hungry rookie with a seasoned veteran is the backbone of All the President’s Men and it seems likely writer-director Matt Ruskin was influenced by Alan J. Pakula’s 1976 classic. But there is arguably more of a comparison to be drawn to David Fincher’s 2007 masterpiece Zodiac. As was the case with the Zodiac murders, questions still remain about the number of victims and the identity of the killer or killers in the Strangler case. And as was the case with Fincher’s film, Boston Strangler tells the story almost exclusively from the points of view of the investigators. (As opposed to the 1968 film The Boston Strangler, a very loose interpretation of events that focused on Henry Fonda’s chief detective and Tony Curtis’ Albert DeSalvo, who confessed to the murders but whose guilt remains in question to this day.)

Cinematographer Ben Kutchins (“Ozark,” “The White Lotus”) lenses the film in effectively unsettling, saturated and almost sickly tones of green and brown and gray. Coupled with a soundtrack with period-piece tunes like Martha Reeves & The Vandellas’ “Nowhere to Run,” 1960’s Boston comes alive right from the jump. Knightley’s Loretta is a reporter for the Boston Record American, working in the Lifestyle department and handling assignments such as reviewing the new Sunbeam toaster hitting the market. The only woman working the hard news beat is Coon’s Jean, who strides into the newsroom one day wearing a nurse’s uniform and starts cranking out a story about patient abuse. Jean’s the real deal; she’s doing the kind of work Loretta aspires to be doing.

Working on her own, Loretta discovers that three women have been strangled in the last two weeks. She brings the possible connection to her editor, Jack (Chris Cooper), who growls, “I don’t see the interest. These are nobodies.” Comes the response from Jean: “Who do you think our readers are?” Jack eventually relents and gives his blessing to Jean profiling the victims to see if there’s a bigger story here — with the caveat that she partner up with the veteran Loretta, who can show her the ropes. This is the beginning of a journalistic partnership, and of course a friendship.

On occasion, we see glimpses of a shadowy figure talking his way into a house or an apartment, and we hear the cries and muffled screams of the victim — and then we cut to the aftermath and the crime scene, with police and media swarming everywhere. Writer-director Ruskin and editor Anne McCabe do a superb job of keeping the story moving, even though much of Loretta’s work involves grinding it out by knocking on doors, researching news clippings, interviewing survivors and relatives, making calls from pay phones, etc., etc.

Every few scenes, we’re introduced to a key supporting player, with the first-rate cast including Alessandra Nivola as a detective who is sympathetic to Loretta; Bill Camp as the police commissioner, an obstinate, old-school type who tries to smother the press and deny there’s a serial killer(s) on the loose until it’s impossible to ignore the brutal reality of what’s transpiring in his city, and David Dastmalchian as Albert DeSalvo, the prime suspect.

Without ever getting too heavy-handed, Boston Strangler serves up constant reminders of the way the world worked in the early 1960s, with Loretta and Jean constantly battling sexism and stereotypes every step of the way. Plenty of that sexism is reminiscent of Silence of the Lambs, another definite influence on Ruskin.  Loretta’s husband, James, played by Morgan Spector, is admirably supportive of her career at first, but becomes understandably frustrated when Loretta becomes obsessed with the case and is rarely there for James and the children.

There’s a poignant moment late in the film when Loretta returns home after pursuing an out-of-state angle to the story, sees the light of the television emanating from the living room, indicating James is waiting up for her — and she drives away, unable or unwilling to re-enter a life so far removed from her work. It’s one of the many, many instances when Boston Strangler hits home emotionally and truthfully.

Boston Strangler is streaming now on Hulu.

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Local Bits

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Chris’ Corner  
pic: use for Chris corner

I’m back in Seattle after a smooth trip home and working on a Youtube overview video of the trip which I’ll share when it’s done.In the meantime, I’ve created an Instagram account where I’m posting 1 minute video highlights or a couple of photos each day.

If you’re on Instagram already, feel free to follow: https://www.instagram.com/flyfishingnewbie1/

Chris

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Reading
I am reading a Dick Francis mystery, Odds Against.

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Writing
I’m into the rewriting of my manuscript, Part II.
Hoping that a year from now a literary agent is saying to me, “This is thoroughly enjoyable.”

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Health Note:
I asked ChatGPT this:

“I'm 81. when i look back on my life i always focus on the things i did wrong. is that normal?”

The response? Pretty good.

“It is not uncommon for people to reflect on their past and focus on the things they perceive as mistakes or things they did wrong. This tendency is known as "negativity bias," which is the psychological phenomenon where people tend to give more weight to negative experiences or events than positive ones.

“As you age, it's natural to look back on your life and evaluate your actions and decisions. However, focusing solely on the negative aspects can lead to feelings of regret, guilt, or sadness. It's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and they are a natural part of life. These experiences often provide valuable lessons and contribute to personal growth.

“To cultivate a more balanced perspective, consider reflecting on your accomplishments, positive experiences, and the ways you've grown or contributed to others' lives. You can also practice gratitude for the good things in your life and focus on the present moment.

“If you find that these negative thoughts are significantly impacting your well-being or happiness, you may want to consider speaking with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can help you explore these feelings and develop strategies to foster a more positive outlook.”

Then I asked this:

“In 100 words define negativity bias to my 12-year-old.”

Negativity bias is when our brains pay more attention to bad things than good things. Imagine you have five experiences in a day: four are happy, and one is sad. If you keep thinking about the sad one and ignore the happy ones, that's negativity bias. It's a natural way our minds work because, in the past, it helped people stay safe from dangers. But today, it's essential to recognize and balance these thoughts so we don't get too focused on the negatives. Remember, it's okay to learn from mistakes, but don't forget to celebrate your achievements and happy moments, too.

Then I asked ChatGPT how I may overcome a negativity bias.
The response:

Overcoming negativity bias involves training your mind to focus on positive experiences and cultivating a more balanced perspective. Here are some strategies to help you manage negativity bias:

Practice mindfulness: Becoming aware of your thoughts and emotions can help you recognize when negativity bias is affecting you. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and being present in the moment can help.

Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things you're grateful for each day. This practice can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life.

Reframe negative thoughts: When you catch yourself dwelling on negative experiences, try to find a positive angle or lesson learned from the situation.

Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with positive people and engage in activities that make you happy. Limit exposure to negative news and social media content.

Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes, and treat yourself with the same understanding you would offer to a friend.

Celebrate your accomplishments: Acknowledge your achievements and positive experiences, no matter how small they may seem.

Set realistic goals: Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you focus on progress and increase your confidence.

Develop a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than failures.

Seek professional help: If negativity bias is significantly impacting your life, consider talking to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and support.

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Chuckles and Thoughts
"A bit of talcum
Is always walcum."

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Restaurants Worth Mentioning
Both restaurants in NYC:

A Korean restaurant, Kochi. The proud designee of a Guide Michelin star. The food was excellent and the service superb.
Here is a picture of one of their dessert offerings:

And next, a picture of Dom, Kat, and Will outside the restaurant.

The other restaurant is a Greek restaurant, Estiatorio Milos.
Milos is located on the 5th floor of 20 Hudson Yards in New York City. It’s an upscale Greek seafood restaurant known for its sophisticated ambiance and a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including grilled fish, seafood, and traditional Greek specialties.

The last culinary event of the weekend was a brunch with my son Mino who chose the newly opened Koloman’s, a contemporary French restaurant where Chef Markus Glocker blends Parisian creativity with Viennese tradition.

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Social Life
My social schedule has been very rich lately and will continue so through the first week of April. A good thing.

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Mail and other Conversation
We love getting mail, email, or texts, including links.

Send comments to domcapossela@hotmail.com
or text to 617.852.7192

This from long-time friend Peter C:

The power is in change and transition which is the only relevance to the goal, one being essential to the other 

Becoming Vegan was more important then being a Vegan because it gives me the opportunity to become something else, which is why I'm no longer Vegan lol

So the Tibetan Buddhist monk's may be incorrect if their saying only the transition being important and not the goal 😤  because one is essential to the other or wouldn't exist without the other or their blatantly disregarding the goal in order to prove a point of being in the moment 

Blog meister responds: Peter’s takes are always original. Delighted that he hasn’t changed.

This from long-time friend Tony C:

Great post.  I have been a fan of Elizabeth Warren for a long time for all the reasons you cite.  Thanks for sharing the posts.  I appreciate hearing from Kat, Tucker and Chris.  Not sure when your birthday was, but happy birthday.  Mike’s death is one of many reminders to the importance of living the life we care about every day. 

Best,
Tony

Blog meister responds: Thank you, my friend.

And from co-writer Sally C:

What a beautiful birthday “card” from your daughter Kat!  I would say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.  You are a blessed man!

RE: corned beef:  Phillip and I have had two such meals lately, one of which was very good, the other being so salty that we have been unable to finish the leftovers. (It was a corned beef round, not brisket.)  I must have sucked down two quarts of water that evening, after eating that!  I’ve cooked corned pork ribs, too, which we have enjoyed.  I picked up a chunk of fresh brisket last week (point cut) and braised it for about 4 hours at 250 the other day with onions and mushrooms: fall-apart tender.  Phillip decreed that it was better than the pot roast I usually serve (and that’s usually that lip-smacking, fall-apart, sticky good!).

Go well, my friend!

Sally

BRASS CASTLE ARTS
Sally M. Chetwynd
PO Box 1916, Wakefield, MA 01880
781-548-9519 c
brasscastlearts@gmail.com
https://www.brasscastlearts.com
[Please: No texting or messaging.
AUTHOR OF: Bead of Sand and The Sturgeon’s Dance

Blog meister responds: Always enjoy Sally’s thoughts.

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Short Essay*
Man, I never realized how fast sidewalks are.
On Monday past, one attacked.
Didn’t expect it.
Didn’t expect I wouldn’t raise my foot high enough to step on the curb instead of tripping over it.
Whoosh, the sidewalk attacked!

But as fast as sidewalks are, even at 81 my right pinky, right knee, and left hamstring worked as a team and softened the attack, deflected the smash.
They, my right pinky, right knee, and left hamstring, paid the price.
Heroic of them.
At great pain and a bit of damage to themselves, they protected the rest of my body.

In the event, I lay on the sidewalk, on my back, in the very cold, unable to smoothly stand up, the trauma, the backpack, and my heavy coat being impediments. A worker pushing a cart of coats came over to help. I asked him to slide my backpack off and to extend his hand. He did. I rose and walked home wondering how my three heroes, four, counting the Good Samaritan, would recover from the event.

Stepping feebly, an old age symptom.

Places

*The Blog Meister selects the topics for the Lead Picture and the Short Essay and then leans heavily on Wikipedia and ChatGPT  to provide the content. The Blog Meister usually edits the entries.

**Community Pictures with Captions are sent in by our followers. Feel free to send in yours to domcapossela@hotmail.com

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