But I’m back in week four, and the amount of hopeful news is starting to accelerate and accumulate, which is hopeful unto itself. So, without further ado.

Crisis: Antibodies, vaccines, treatment

Crisis: Technology industry working to beat the virus

As I have been making clear to all the companies that I know or have communicated with throughout this crisis, they will be judged after this is over on what they did during the crisis. There is no “let’s get back to what it was” at this point. I am happy to say the tech industry has been stepping up for the most part throughout.
Here are some of the initiatives that are on the table recently.

Crisis: Other institutions there to help

I may be in technology, and thus that’s the focus I bring here, but there is so much good that is being done to aid those who are in the fight for their lives and to support the planet that it almost makes me cry tears of joy.

Crisis: People doing wonderful personal things

One of the hallmarks of the coronavirus crisis is that volumes are being written on how the human connection is more important than ever. Oddly, it’s not more important than ever; it’s always been the foundation of human civilization. We want to be recognized and cared for as part of the lives of others and return the same.
This hopeful news segment is highlighting not necessarily the people on the front lines but just human beings who are trying to cope with this crisis. When you see video after video and read post after post on what people are doing amid all this devastation – they aren’t just coping but often flourishing.
These are strangers to most of us. But they reflect what I know about people: They are remarkable, driven by love more often than by hatred, and infinitely creative in ordinary times, times of crisis, and when new norms are being created and mainstreamed. While it isn’t a moment to celebrate, we can always celebrate the power of the human spirit – it gets us through and makes us better. Some examples this week:

Crisis: Useful information

As always, some relatively random but helpful (close to hopeful…) stuff.

Musical hit of the week

There is a tie this week. The best of humanity just comes out in music, doesn’t it?  I’m going to continue the Sandy Lo theme of Broadway and classical. But I couldn’t decide between two, so here they are.

Broadway

This is from the March 31 James Corden Late Night show. James Corden speaks from his heart – though to be honest, the guy is normally so funny that I wondered if he was setting up a bit, but no. To help us through this, he had Ben Platt (star of Dear Evan Hansen and a really good Netflix series, The Politician) and the cast of Dear Evan Hansen sing “You Will Be Found.” Lovely.

Classical

This was one of the most moving and ethereal things I’ve ever seen. Andre Bocelli, the incredible operatic God-on-Earth, did a free 30-minute concert called Music for Hope, in the empty Duomo di Milano. But, even more amazing, he then walked outside of the Cathedral and did a rendition of Amazing Grace to an empty city of Milan. It’s worth watching the whole thing, but if you want to just listen to and see Amazing Grace, jump to 18:38 on the video. Watch and be wondrous no matter where you start.

Corona Cover of the week

There is no doubt that 2012 The Voice finalist Chris Mann is the most talented of all the Corona Cover artists out there. Great voice, brilliant lyrics, best produced, and the guy is funny. Not surprising. He’s already a well-known singer. He’s so good at these (my name for it, I think) Corona Covers that I’m doing two of these.
First up, My Corona. If you can’t guess what it’s a take-off on, shanda! (That means shame in Yiddish for the goyim out there). This is awesome. Next up, Madonna’s Vogue Corona style – “Stay Home Vogue.” This one dates some of you though it doesn’t date me. I’m way older.

John Krasinski SGN No. 3 (aka best humor of the week)

I was going to hunt for the funniest bit of the week, but when it boils down to it, John Krasinski is likely to win that category every week. So… I started my posting when he started his show. He is funnier than I am. He is also better connected than I am. But, to his detriment, he is a Red Sox fan. Once again (see Patriots reference last week), in the interests of species solidarity, I am going to put up John Krasinski’s show despite a gratuitous slap at the Yankees. Because as you will see, the Red Sox did something nice for some of our frontline workers, as did David Ortiz. And to John Krasinski, who is increasingly building something worth keeping around even after the crisis – not only a truly good show but a vehicle for a connection to people.
That’s it for this week. Always great to end with John Krasinski. 
But one more announcement.

CRM Playaz presents the Playaz Place Bar and Not Grill Happy Hour

If you are interested in joining the hit event The CRM Playaz Present: Playaz Place Bar and Not Grill Happy Hour any time in the next 38 weeks, here is a link to register. Warning: We are sold out (don’t worry its a free ticket) for April 15 and April 22 and for April 29. We have other weeks available, but there are some seats taken through July 20. Beyond this month, seats are remaining. If you are interested, the Happy Hour is 3:30pm ET every Wednesday. Bring a glass of a drinkable liquid with you. You will be asked about it.
We will be announcing some super cool stuff throughout the Happy Hour (called, by some of the attendees, the Magic Hour), though for those of you who are willing to date themselves, I’m not a big fan of that, because if you do remember, Magic Johnson had a TV show called the Magic Hour that lasted all of six episodes and was the only thing that I think he ever failed at. Thus, the Happy Hour it stays. Come join us. All are welcome.