Greetings, friends!
Books
This month I finished the book The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara. This episode in history was new to me, and the book captured the time period and its complexities in a thrilling narrative. As Italy was in the throes of turmoil, slowly breaking from papal rule and coming under greater European influence (read: enlightenment), Jews living in the Catholic dominated society were facing various forms of brutality — including the forced separation of secretly baptized, Jewish children from their unsuspecting, Jewish parents.
What was striking was the way different newspapers reported the events, Catholic papers bearing witness to Edgardo’s spiritual conversion and acceptance of the Virgin Mary, while progressive papers decried the separation of a child from his birth parents as a crime against nature and morality. It mirrored our AI algorithms in an unnerving way and made me reflect on the simple fact that there is nothing new under the sun. Maybe we really are plugged into the Matrix. What do you think?
Beats
If you haven’t seen the movie The Last Unicorn starring Mia Farrow and Alan Arkin, I recommend it. America sings the soundtrack, and I am addicted.
Barbells
Unfortunately, several of my female friends have reported that they have osteoporosis, their bones are becoming weaker. While this disease can be partially mitigated with diet, I maintain that weight-bearing activity is the best way to maintain the integrity of bone health. As we age, it becomes even more important to do the hard things. This includes lifting weights and challenging ourselves to move in new ways. By progressively overloading our system, we will strengthen the muscles that assist with balance , thereby helping to prevent falls. And we will strengthen our bones so that, in the even of a fall, we are less likely to sustain a fracture. I challenge all my readers to lift those weights at least twice a weak, and each month add a few pounds to each of your lifts. Be strong!
Peace and love,
Kit
Find the balance. 