6/13/2023

JRB,

            How ARE you? Those root canal procedures sound difficult. I hope your people had you doing some mindfulness meditation. The idea is to feel the pain but not to dwell on it. My latest trick in that regard is to tell myself I am “SENSATIONAL” because I have sensations. Any twinge, ache or niggle is a signal that I am alive. It’s all good. This mindset helps a lot! Give it a try.

I was surprised to hear that you had any real teeth. In 2019, the NY Post reported that you had trouble keeping your teeth in your mouth & suggested that you had “significant cosmetic surgery in recent decades” so I assumed your bright whites were dentures. In any case, I hope you are feeling better.

            It’s too bad that you had to miss College Athlete Day. It looks like the 1000+ young folx who showed up had a great time despite your absence & the light rain. The Transylvania Women’s Basketball team champions of Div 3 had the best media coverage of the teams. I hope you heard their coach’s quote that “sports brings people from all different backgrounds & proves you can unify.”

            How many diplomats are you expecting at the Chiefs of Mission event today? Will Francisco L. Palmieri, from the Colombian Embassy be there? If so, please quiz him on the peace treaty that the military made with the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas. The CSM says civilians participated in the process. They noted, “peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It also requires inclusion & respect of the interests of a wide section of society, & right now, the main interest of Colombians is a silencing of guns.”

            Their approach might work in Burma, so take notes. According to the Bangkok Post, the junta is trying to involve Aung San Suu Kyi in negotiations & so far, she is not amenable. At least the junta realizes that they need her participation. It’s a step in the right direction.

            When you talk with Jens Stoltenberg today, please remember WINTA.

            BYBS,