The word and our nation is seized by a pandemic - so we've tried to summarize this challenge to all Americans, read the tea leaves where the Democratic primary fight stands, discussed how easy we wrongly make fun of and discriminate against the aged, and lift spirits with a reading by Seamus Heaney, and a few tall Irish tales by yours truly in anticipation of St. Patty's Day - John P. Flannery - @jonflan, [email protected]