Reflections on films, politics, and everything else.

Our state’s stay-at-home order, that was put in place back in mid-March, will expire on Friday. In essence, the governor has extended it, with some staggered loosening to begin. I both understand why, but also feel some tugs of frustration, wanting this to all be over. I’m certainly thankful our Republican governor doesn’t subscribe to the “Party of Stupid” mentality so many others, especially in the south, proclaim as the American way. I think it’s the loss of control over what we’re able to do that hit so many people so hard. There have been articles in The New Yorker and podcasts that have talked about how China was able to so quickly, after initial denials, get the virus under control (even if their published numbers may never be accurate). I can’t imagine Americans willingly doing what their citizens did to stop the spread; we are clearly not sacrificers. Here in Ohio, Governor DeWine first announced this past Monday that when retail operations opened back up in a few...

I’ve always had allergies and fairly sensitive skin, including occasional rashes and hives, but for the most part (except during my teenage years) my skin has been fair, clear, and smooth. When I look back at my diet and other habits over the years, I know I didn’t always deserve that clearness and smoothness, which probably made me very unprepared for what has happened – Rosacea. Over the last several years I’d noticed some flushing in my cheeks, along with some exposed capillaries on one side. I kept putting off for a long time seeing a dermatologist. These symptoms went away early last year when I was being treated for a GI disorder that required antibiotics, but then slowly came back as the medication left my system. Finally, late last year I made an appointment with the dermatologist. Before the appointment, I’d developed what I thought was an allergic reaction that caused a rash around my eyes, which I didn’t bring up, and he didn’t note. I did mention the cheeks,...