I’ve become obsessed with the OpenAI ChatGPT. Have you tried it yet? It’s very easy to use — you just ask a question or provide a prompt — and it gives you access to an Artificial Intelligence program that is so smart it’s scary. …

50 days until inauguration —

50 words of flash fiction? prose poetry?

#1 —

The first half of the first night of the 2020 Republican Convention — My plan was to watch the Republican Convention every night and then do snarky (but reasonably accurate) recaps. But last night, I only got as far as watching the first hour and a half, and then I couldn’t bear any more. I was going to take a break and get…

Journal — Thursday, August 6, 2020 — day (whatever) after NYC reopening — I’ve lost track — one day is the same as the next — I think it’s day 60-something — I haven’t been out in a few days. Finally got out this evening and saw that the damage from Tuesday’s storm still hasn’t been all cleaned up. A tree crashed right on top of a car on Austin Street, and it was still there this evening. Across the street were…

Journal — Tuesday, June 30, 2020 — Day 23 of NYC reopening — I’m taking shorter walks now that it’s gotten hotter and more humid. I didn’t go outside at all yesterday (except to pace on the terrace), so I was overdue today. The sunset was spectacular again: The painted stone in this pretty garden says “Be Kind”:

Journal, Monday, June 29, 2020 — NYC reopening day 22 — The sky was dramatic after the late afternoon thunderstorm:

NYC Reopening Day 13 (Saturday in the wee hours of the morning) — In the Gardens, kids and adults paint rocks with hopeful words and leave them out for all to see. On Monday, the city will start Phase 2, which allows outdoor dining, haircuts, and office work — though I’m still too skittish to do any of those right away. Meanwhile, I’m…