Interesting Maps: #1 

States (shown in dark gray – nothing to do with their politics) That Have Collectively a Smaller Population Than Los Angeles County 

You may have heard that Elon Musk is now the richest man in the world, bypassing Jeff Bezos. But you may be thinking, “He’s the Tesla guy. What else has he done?”

Here’s a good, brief video that covers one of his most notable achievements: Space X…

The Guggenheim is a great museum. And their performing arts program, which has been going on for years, is a very cool part of it.  But it’s almost invisible. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s because the venue, a small auditorium in the basement, was not able to accommodate more than a limited number of patrons. It deserved its reputation as New York’s best kept secret.

This short documentary explains how the program changed as a result of the lockdown and might make you want to check it out next time you are in New York (if you can get tickets).

Billie Eilish is clearly a very clever, calculating, and self-conscious artist. But watching her react to fan covers of her songs makes me think she’s genuine, too. Do you agree?

Every time I hear Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow,” I wonder: Is this the best song ever sung?

When I listen to Mozart, I believe in god. When I listen to “IZ,” I believe in angels.

Here’s the official version…

And here’s proof that I’m not the only person that feels about it as I do…

In case you thought that impeachment might have been a passing phase….

Here’s an entertaining and persuasive video on the efficacy of wearing masks…

CORRECTION: The “Blue-eyed Soul Singers” in Friday’s video are the Righteous Brothers, not the Chambers Brothers. If you missed it, here’s that video again…

This “abuelo” is 72 years old!

I don’t know if you’ve seen these videos. Most are classically trained musicians responding in real time to accomplished popular music they are unfamiliar with. This one is a bit different, but just as much fun: black people reacting to “Blue-eyed Soul Singers” – in this case, the Chambers Brothers.

Every Friday, Merriam-Webster posts the words that, for one reason or another, defined the week. The list was especially interesting last week. Click here to read it.