And I very much appreciate that doing so puts a message telling you how to unlock it again on screen!

Very important. There should be a toggle on computers if you have or don't have a cat. Barkley has adjusted my browser display.

Thank you, Nilly. Shir is in my heart and thoughts. May her father's memory be a blessing.

Had a two hour chat with my coworker whose last day will be next Friday. I should really update my resume. So much to do, so little executive function

Also, in my determination to remember to bring my breakfast to eat in during my commute this morning, I forgot to bring my lunch, so I had to go pick something up. On my way out I noticed 4 Teslas, all grey and very anonymous looking, no cybertrucks. They only caught my eye because one was parked in the reserved spot next to the owner's spot and I'm always curious about those cars, and then the rest of them looked so much like that one it snagged my attention

Huh. The consultant who has been handling our budgeting & planning module of the new ERP is not with the consulting group any more. So that's exciting. Very curious what the story is behind that, I doubt I will ever find out

I keep checking the website for Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. They're known for their DEI programs (they've got a lot of really interesting stuff going on), and they also get NEA funding. So far, nothing on the website has changed at all, as far as I can see.

Timelies all!

I'm sorry for your loss, Shir.

On the upside, we have been told we are not required to answer the stupid email, and will not get fired for not replying. On the downside, one of my co-workers took early retirement and her last day is Friday. Sigh...

i How long ago did you sign the contract, quester? Each stat has some period of time where you can back out. I just bought my car and here it was 5 days but other states are longer. Was the salesperson nice? They may be able to help.

It was the 1st of February. I don't think the salesman can help me. It was the Finance guy who told me when I called later that I was bound by the contract i'd signed.

I'm going to check with the State Driver's rules.

I keep checking the website for Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. They're known for their DEI programs (they've got a lot of really interesting stuff going on), and they also get NEA funding. So far, nothing on the website has changed at all, as far as I can see.

I’m at this program at the Chicago Symphony right now [link] (and it is actually fucking great).

I’m at this program at the Chicago Symphony right now [link] (and it is actually fucking great).

Neat!

Cincinnati Symphony has a diversity fellowship, where each year they pick I think four or five musicians from underrepresented groups, and they get a scholarship to get a master's degree at the university while also playing with the orchestra. They also have programs with local public schools. Plus, a youth orchestra program for local kids from underrepresented groups, where kids who get accepted (they have to audition, after taking private lessons for a year, so that's already a bar to a lot of kids) are part of a youth orchestra, and also get individual coaching and workshops and things like that.

They've got a long-running program where the orchestra partners with Black church choirs from around the city -- the orchestra plays at the churches a couple times a year, but the big event from that is when the choirs, plus dance groups and other things like that, all come together to perform with the orchestra at the Music Hall.

During the summer, they have neighborhood block parties -- free parties in low-income neighborhoods around the city, with food and face-painting and all that stuff, where the full orchestra performs a mix of classical and pop music. They also bring instruments for kids to try out and learn about, and distribute all the info about all the different kids' programs they have. They also have certain performances designated as pay-what-you-can.

They've got a Harlem Renaissance program this week. Last month, they had Beethoven x Beyonce.

At the reception afterwards. The President of the CSO just said “we are all champions for diversity in the arts”. It is very heartening to hear fullthroated statements these days.