Thanks to Crapple, my wish to get in touch with Joher Coleman came true. I have talked to him, and he agreed to answer questions that I'm going to post on "The Story on Jory" site.

So any questions you have, please post them! Any ones he answers will be posted on my site!

Originally posted by realchic1999
Thanks to Crapple, my wish to get in touch with Joher Coleman came true. I have talked to him, and he agreed to answer questions that I'm going to post on "The Story on Jory" site.

So any questions you have, please post them! Any ones he answers will be posted on my site!

I'm still so happpy for you Dee ( I dunno if you got my email lol)

Maybe you can ask if he and the others on the show hung out a lot. And what he thought about Brian Robbins hahah That one I just had to say:rolleyes:

Oh a good one would be "Did you watch the show after you left?"

Oh wow, that is so awesome.:rock: I'm happy for you too!:D

Originally posted by realchic1999
Thanks to Crapple, my wish to get in touch with Joher Coleman came true. I have talked to him, and he agreed to answer questions that I'm going to post on "The Story on Jory" site.

So any questions you have, please post them! Any ones he answers will be posted on my site! Thats great news. Maybe you can ask him if he's still in contact with any of the HOTC cast.

I'm still so happpy for you Dee ( I dunno if you got my email lol)

I did get it...and thank you so much. I almost cried in my alma mater's library (that would've been embarrassing) when I got the first response, because I was taken aback by shock. The guy who I watch on TV is now talking to an "Average Jill" like myself?! Incredible!

A lot of you guys want to know how his relationships were with the other castmates...I too am curious. We hear about how close the others were...so his response about friendships would be interesting. If he answers that question and is willing to let me use it, I will post it!

Keep the questions coming!

Originally posted by realchic1999
I did get it...and thank you so much. I almost cried in my alma mater's library (that would've been embarrassing) when I got the first response, because I was taken aback by shock. The guy who I watch on TV is now talking to an "Average Jill" like myself?! Incredible!

A lot of you guys want to know how his relationships were with the other castmates...I too am curious. We hear about how close the others were...so his response about friendships would be interesting. If he answers that question and is willing to let me use it, I will post it!

Keep the questions coming!


awww your so welcome. Out of all the poeple here Im glad you got to talk to him, cause I know how much you love him:) :(

Originally posted by realchic1999
I did get it...and thank you so much. I almost cried in my alma mater's library (that would've been embarrassing) when I got the first response, because I was taken aback by shock. The guy who I watch on TV is now talking to an "Average Jill" like myself?! Incredible!

A lot of you guys want to know how his relationships were with the other castmates...I too am curious. We hear about how close the others were...so his response about friendships would be interesting. If he answers that question and is willing to let me use it, I will post it!

Keep the questions coming!


Aww that was so nice of Crapple to set you two up for communication like that. I hope you have fun talking to Joher. Tell him hi for us!:D

As for a question, hmmm.......... is he still recognized as Jawarhalal when out in public and how does he enjoy that?

Here's a question from me:

If I send the questions like this:

"(Name) asks the following:"

Should I say "Screen Name" from SitcomsOnline or "Real First Name" from "City, State"?

(It doesn't have to be uniform...just depends on each individual's preference.)

Originally posted by realchic1999
Here's a question from me:

If I send the questions like this:

"(Name) asks the following:"

Should I say "Screen Name" from SitcomsOnline or "Real First Name" from "City, State"?

(It doesn't have to be uniform...just depends on each individual's preference.)

Hmm I think whatever you like better:D But it would be nice to see "Raye asks..." lol:p

Oh Dee I have a good question, I think lol: Would he ever do a HOTC Reunion movie???

Originally posted by realchic1999
Here's a question from me:

If I send the questions like this:

"(Name) asks the following:"

Should I say "Screen Name" from SitcomsOnline or "Real First Name" from "City, State"?

(It doesn't have to be uniform...just depends on each individual's preference.)

Carrie's fine.:)

Originally posted by Charmedsclub


Oh Dee I have a good question, I think lol: Would he ever do a HOTC Reunion movie???

That's a great question!:D

You got in touch with Jory? Cool! I'll try to think of some questions.

Originally posted by Doug'n'Carrie
That's a great question!:D

Thank you Carrie:D

Thank you guys so much. I want to try to have a list of questions ready for the end of this upcoming week. I have a ton of my own I want to ask, also, which has to deal with race, culture, and his views on the crafts of theater, film, and TV.

I am getting so excited!:rotflmao:

Hmm I'm not sure if this is too personal to ask but I'm curious as to reason for the name change? If you don't feel comfortable asking that then just skip it. It's not that important really. Just a curiousity of mine.:)

I am curious about that myself, and even my friend (who doesn't even watch the show!) was wondering why he changed his name when I told him the whole deal. I'll ask him...but if he feels it's too personal, I gave him the option of not answering or keeping the answer "off the record."

Originally posted by Doug'n'Carrie
Hmm I'm not sure if this is too personal to ask but I'm curious as to reason for the name change? If you don't feel comfortable asking that then just skip it. It's not that important really. Just a curiousity of mine.:)

Ive been thinking the same thing! I love that :confused: lol

That is so cool that you could ask him questions. I would like to know if anyone else (besides Leslie Bega, Tannis Vallely and Jory) wanted to leave the show? How did the rest of the cast feel when the three original cast members left and new ones were added? and in season 5 when Howard Hesseman left? Was any cast member ever in danger of losing their role on HOTC? One there's so much more I want to know, but I guess that's good for now.

enough with all these questions for him, you gonna try puttin the moves on him? see if you can get that big dream date of yours with him. i'd bet you got a decent chance, i'm sure he's just a normal guy now, not a hotshot celebrity with girls falling all over him. this is your chance, you gotta go for it.

Originally posted by mudshark82
enough with all these questions for him, you gonna try puttin the moves on him? see if you can get that big dream date of yours with him. i'd bet you got a decent chance, i'm sure he's just a normal guy now, not a hotshot celebrity with girls falling all over him. this is your chance, you gotta go for it.

What is this Marcia Brady asking Davy Jones to the prom? lol:lol:

Originally posted by mudshark82
enough with all these questions for him, you gonna try puttin the moves on him? see if you can get that big dream date of yours with him. i'd bet you got a decent chance, i'm sure he's just a normal guy now, not a hotshot celebrity with girls falling all over him. this is your chance, you gotta go for it.

Joher and me together?! Naw...ain't gonna happen. I think he lives in Cali (and I have no intentions of moving there till next year), and is 13 years older than myself. He's probably married and settled.

I know I said I wanted the ?s by the end of the week, but I really feel like sending them out sooner (as in right now), since I have a long busy week ahead of me. Anything I get after today, e-mail me and I'll forward it.

Originally posted by realchic1999
Joher and me together?! Naw...ain't gonna happen. I think he lives in Cali (and I have no intentions of moving there till next year), and is 13 years older than myself. He's probably married and settled.




Good thinking, Dee. Even if you did really want to give it a try, over the internet it would have to be such a slow gradual thing working up to amorous intent over a period of time. You can't just be like ":grineyes:Hey baby:grineyes:" LoL!;)

You know it!:lol:

Questions sent.peacesign:

Originally posted by realchic1999
Questions sent.peacesign:


Yay!!! I cant wait to see whats gonna happen next! lol:talk:

Neither can I, Raye...neither can I.:) ;)

You guys:

I just heard from Joher...he said he loved all the questions, but is only going to pick a few to answer.

So hopefully, whatever ones you had he'll answer...I'll keep you all posted on that.

Originally posted by realchic1999
You guys:

I just heard from Joher...he said he loved all the questions, but is only going to pick a few to answer.

So hopefully, whatever ones you had he'll answer...I'll keep you all posted on that.

OMG OMG:eek: :happyface :lol:

Originally posted by realchic1999
Neither can I, Raye...neither can I.:) ;)

Aww the wait is almost over Dee. YAY:D

Originally posted by Charmedsclub
Aww the wait is almost over Dee. YAY:D

Just heard from him today about this, and you're right about that. I asked him questions about war and politics, which I was sketchy about posting on my site, but he said he definitely wants the answers to those to be posted, too, since he's very socially and politically active in things.

Hi :)

It's Jôher. I came across this string about a week ago. I hope that all of you are well and that television - and particularly sitcoms - have continued to earn your viewership! Some of it is quite good and some of it doesn't attract me but I am very excited by the breadth, depth, and number of programs for actors to be cast in.

Even though it was such a long time ago, I thank you for making "Head of the Class" a part of your lives. The honor was and continues to be mine.

Peace,

- Jôher

Hi :)

It's Jôher. I came across this string about a week ago. I hope that all of you are well and that television - and particularly sitcoms - have continued to earn your viewership! Some of it is quite good and some of it doesn't attract me but I am very excited by the breadth, depth, and number of programs for actors to be cast in.

Even though it was such a long time ago, I thank you for making "Head of the Class" a part of your lives. The honor was and continues to be mine.

Peace,

- Jôher


Welcome to the site, Jôher. I was a fan of HOTC and yourself back in the day. I hope you have fun here and don't be afraid to post more.

HF

Hi :)

It's Jôher. I came across this string about a week ago. I hope that all of you are well and that television - and particularly sitcoms - have continued to earn your viewership! Some of it is quite good and some of it doesn't attract me but I am very excited by the breadth, depth, and number of programs for actors to be cast in.

Even though it was such a long time ago, I thank you for making "Head of the Class" a part of your lives. The honor was and continues to be mine.

Peace,

- Jôher

Welcome to Sitcoms Online. :)

Welcome to the site, Jôher. I was a fan of HOTC and yourself back in the day. I hope you have fun here and don't be afraid to post more.

HF

Hi HF!

Nice to be here. I'm glad you enjoyed "Head of the Class". Of course, I'm even more glad that you enjoyed Jawaharlal. ;)

As much as I enjoy acting, I find that I don't watch a lot of television. As such, I may not have much to offer other forums. But I am happy to keep my eyes peeled on this one, in case there is a useful contribution I can make.

I will say that there is a distinct contrast between what the hypothetical students of Fillmore High wrestled with, versus the reality of modern high school students. Sexting? Opiods? School shootings? I am reminded of how blessed I am to have graduated in 1985. Not nostalgia. Fact.

All the best!

- Jôher

Welcome to Sitcoms Online. :)

Thank you, Janine.

I once saw actress Janine Turner in the Beverly Center parking lot in Los Angeles. She was chatting with someone and not dolled up in any way. Even so, she struck me as very pretty.

That's my superficial story about Janine Tuner. ;)

Best,

- Jôher

Welcome, Joher! We're glad to have you here.

When Head of the Class ended, did you take anything from the set, as a souvenir?

Welcome, Joher! We're glad to have you here.

When Head of the Class ended, did you take anything from the set, as a souvenir?

Hi RetroGuy :)

That is an excellent question!

One episode included a scene or two in a bookstore. The books they used as props to populate the shelves were all ages old. Among them was a detective-type pulp novel from the 40's or 50's with an interesting cover. I couldn't resist. I kept it!

A favorite possession, I later gave it to a friend as a gift. I don't know if he ever read it, but I can report that he is now a happy ex-pat who lives in Thailand with a woman he fell in love with there.

All the best,

- Jôher

Hi RetroGuy :)

That is an excellent question!

One episode included a scene or two in a bookstore. The books they used as props to populate the shelves were all ages old. Among them was a detective-type pulp novel from the 40's or 50's with an interesting cover. I couldn't resist. I kept it!

A favorite possession, I later gave it to a friend as a gift. I don't know if he ever read it, but I can report that he is now a happy ex-pat who lives in Thailand with a woman he fell in love with there.

All the best,

- Jôher

Thanks for the answer, Joher!
And what an interesting answer. :lol:
Someone in Thailand now has a small piece of US TV history, thanks to you! Hope your friend enjoyed it.

We enjoyed watching you and the other students on HotC. It was a very progressive show, for the era.

Welcome to the site! I hope every day that it can get an official DVD release someday. Any idea why we haven't been able to get one? It seems hard to believe it hasn't been released in any format yet.

Hi, Jôher. Not sure if you answered the questions from some 16 years ago (oy lol). So, yourself, Leslie and Tannis all wanted to leave "Head of the Class" after the third season? The show wasn't the same/as enjoyable after the exits.

Thanks for the answer, Joher!
And what an interesting answer. :lol:
Someone in Thailand now has a small piece of US TV history, thanks to you! Hope your friend enjoyed it.

We enjoyed watching you and the other students on HotC. It was a very progressive show, for the era.

RG,

Pardon the lengthy delay in responding. I don't think I received notice that a new comment had been added to this string. Thanks for your patience ;)

I'm glad you felt that it was progressive. There were times when serious issues were dealt with but in a very gentle, breezy way. The character of Alan Pinkard often had dialogue in which - despite Alan's being a Reagan enthusiast - wound up inadvertently roasting the president. I, myself, never thought of it in terms of the program being "anti-Republican" or "liberal".
However...

One evening after attending a polo match in Burbank (if I remember correctly) and waiting to be seated at Jerry's Deli, I was approached by two preppies in sport coats who complained that "Head of the Class" was just that! Initially, I struck a conciliatory stance and expressed that no offense was intended. But when they persisted in complaining and being mildly adversarial, I became irritated. After saying I had nothing to do with the writing, I finally said that I stuck by what the show did.

It was my first exposure to sharp partisan politics making its way into my life, rather than something one saw in the news...And only then, from time to time. And in a way that was far more contained, dignified, and courteous; at least on the surface.

Now, you may be wondering why I am talking about politics on a website dedicated and celebrating sitcoms. It could be argued that what we see on the national stage is now the greatest situation comedy of all time! Which candidate will flub their lines? How much airtime is each candidate getting? Who got in the best zinger of the evening? What in God's name will happen NEXT week?

Oh, the laughter from witnessing political hijinx and the mischievousness of the leading characters. And what characters they are!

Welcome to the site! I hope every day that it can get an official DVD release someday. Any idea why we haven't been able to get one? It seems hard to believe it hasn't been released in any format yet.

Dear TVQ,

Thank you! It's a little delight to be here. ;)

In response to your excellent question...I understand that few people formerly involved with "Head of the Class" know why it has not been released. I do not know this for a fact, but there may be legal or contractual disagreements at play.

Have a great 2020!

- Joher

RG,

Pardon the lengthy delay in responding. I don't think I received notice that a new comment had been added to this string. Thanks for your patience ;)

No problem! We are glad you are back!

Even though the show isn't on DVD, and isn't being broadcast anywhere in my area, I did a "HotC marathon" on Daily Motion/YouTube not long ago, and enjoyed the episodes very much. It felt like a blast from the past! :lol:


I'm glad you felt that it was progressive. There were times when serious issues were dealt with but in a very gentle, breezy way. The character of Alan Pinkard often had dialogue in which - despite Alan's being a Reagan enthusiast - wound up inadvertently roasting the president. I, myself, never thought of it in terms of the program being "anti-Republican" or "liberal".
However...

One evening after attending a polo match in Burbank (if I remember correctly) and waiting to be seated at Jerry's Deli, I was approached by two preppies in sport coats who complained that "Head of the Class" was just that! Initially, I struck a conciliatory stance and expressed that no offense was intended. But when they persisted in complaining and being mildly adversarial, I became irritated. After saying I had nothing to do with the writing, I finally said that I stuck by what the show did.

It was my first exposure to sharp partisan politics making its way into my life, rather than something one saw in the news...And only then, from time to time. And in a way that was far more contained, dignified, and courteous; at least on the surface.

Now, you may be wondering why I am talking about politics on a website dedicated and celebrating sitcoms. It could be argued that what we see on the national stage is now the greatest situation comedy of all time! Which candidate will flub their lines? How much airtime is each candidate getting? Who got in the best zinger of the evening? What in God's name will happen NEXT week?

Oh, the laughter from witnessing political hijinx and the mischievousness of the leading characters. And what characters they are!

Thanks for sharing the restaurant story, Joher. I agree that Alan, much like Alex P. Keaton, ended up skewering the Right, with his comments. They were somewhat similar characters.

Sorry to hear that you were accosted by conservative viewers that way. Glad it didn't turn more ugly. I've heard that Head of the Class was the first American show to be filmed in the Soviet Union. With American culture and values (including TV, music, etc.) infiltrating the Soviet sphere, the Eastern Bloc governments' control of their people gradually collapsed, with Western TV, film, and pop culture very much helping to thaw the Cold War. Head of the Class was a small but important part of the pop cultural revolution that saw, and accelerated, the end of the Iron Curtain.

If you're still willing to answer questions, what was it like, filming in the Soviet Union? I can't imagine going there during the Cold War.

And, unrelatedly, here are some other HotC questions:

2. Did you feel as though Jawaharlal was equal to the other characters, in terms of storylines and screen time? Sometimes he felt pushed to the side, in my (a humble viewer's) opinion.

3. You left the show after the third season; was that your choice or the producers', and, if the later, how did you find out? (Viewers did see you twice afterwards, but in episodes that had apparently been taped during the previous season).

4. What are your current projects?

5. Another 1980s series with a large cast at a school, The Facts of Life, trimmed the cast after the first season, claiming the original cast was too large; how did Head of the Class manage to hold on to such a large cast throughout its years on the air?

6. Howard Hesseman left the show one season after you. Were you aware that he was unhappy with the show, and wanted to leave?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, but since you've been so kind in answering, and don't seem to mind answering loyal viewers' questions, I figured it couldn't hurt to ask more questions. Feel free to ignore any that aren't worthy of answering, or which could be awkward for you to reply to (for whatever reason).

JR1:

16 years?! Has it been THAT long? Well ,in that case, it's been TOO long. So much catching up to do ;)

THANK YOU for that very valued compliment.

Tannis ("Janice") was a terrific member of the cast and the factors of her character's younger age, pluckiness, intellectual superiority, and comic snobbery made her a very unique contribution to the geography of the classroom. She went on to attend Stanford (smart in real life) and now a successful casting director.

Leslie Bega's character "Maria" was initially described as a "Madonna wannabe" in the pilot script. But what Leslie brought to the character - which was uniquely her own - was a sense that Maria was both neurotic and daffy...all while being very bright. As I understand it, she continued to act and thrive in real estate.

Insofar as my work goes, I'll let you be the judge of that ;)

I won't speak on behalf of Tannis and Leslie's experience, but as you may know, the character of Jawaharlal Choudry was never really invested in or explored. My sense is that the character was more of a symbolic nod to internationalism or a desire to have a wide range of characters (appearance, attitudes, sensibilities, and ethnicities) without necessarily making each one dimensional. For the actor, it creates a circumstance that is creatively barren. For me, that eclipsed the value of what I was being paid or the supposed bragging rights of being on television. During that time, I wrote a spec script that illustrated some dynamic and funny ways that I, as Jawaharlal, could contribute to our talented ensemble. It was not produced as an episode and where it could have, at least, sparked new ideas, there were actually fewer and fewer in the writing as the series progressed. I was very excited to be cast and am appreciative of the producers and folks at the studio/network who participated in that. And I am even more blessed by the life that awaited me thereafter.

Among other things, I returned to where I began as an actor; in the theatre. One earns less money and are seen by a smaller audience (nothing beats a nationwide series in that regard) but the quality of the material, the roles I have been cast in, and the directors I have worked with have enabled me to resource and engage my talent in ways that have been much more rewarding to me as a creative man. I've played a Texan, a Puerto Rican, a Greek God, a lecherous Frenchman, Jesus' foe Caiaphas, and most recently, a Sikh by the name of "John". THIS is the dynamism that I most value as an actor; sometimes Sometimes transforming in appearance and dialect, which was true of "Head of the Class". There were instance in which people were shocked to discover that I was Jawaharlal!

Whether "Head of the Class" or doing the world premier of "Shul", each project has had its own kind of blessing. No "Head of the Class", no string on "Sitcoms Online". See how this works? ;)

- Joher

RG,

It's getting late so I will return at a later time and get back to your thoughtful question. Thank you!

Now, I want to ask all of you a question. How have your lives changed since we first began talking in 2006? AND what is your fondest desire for this first year of the first decade?

In my end-of-day reflections, I'll send thoughts that they come together for you.

All the best,

- Jôher

GREAT photo, Joher!

So many things have changed, in my life, since 2006. I went from working in media production, at Disney, to teaching media production. And then back to working in media production, while still teaching media production.

My greatest desire for this decade is world peace... or at least an end to the major conflicts in the Middle East. My hope is that Tulsi Gabbard becomes the Democratic nominee for President, so that her political platform, ending wasteful wars in the Middle East, will take center stage. Sorry for the political talk, but it must be said.

Thank you, Janine.

I once saw actress Janine Turner in the Beverly Center parking lot in Los Angeles. She was chatting with someone and not dolled up in any way. Even so, she struck me as very pretty.

That's my superficial story about Janine Tuner. ;)

Best,

- Jôher

My name's Mikaela actually, but the avatar that I had at the time was Janine Turner.

Hi RG2000,

Those are all very good questions.

I'm considering the possibility of doing a video conferencing confab in which I could address these and other questions. This would also enable me to ask questions about those who attend. I enjoy doing the talking but after a while, I like learning about others. If we have seven or so people who are interested, I'll explore the possibility further.

I'll take one of your questions for the moment. The picture I added as my icon was taken while performing in the world premiere of the play "Shul". I spent considerable time growing/grooming/dying my beard (and waxing my mustache to a razor sharp edge!) and sunless tanning. The manager of the establishment and I worked like chemists; trying to get my skin tone right...

We experimented mixing various combinations of two colors from a variety of different options. One would be too yellow. The other would be too red. The third wouldn't be dark enough. Eventually, we got it just right. South Asians are of varying complexions but not as fair as Western or Eastern Europeans. I have had fair skin for most of my life. So some fine-tuning of this was in order. This also applied to my beard, which is very light.

My concern, had I not invested in these things, was that our audience would come away thinking "Who was that white guy and why the heck did they cast him in that role?" ;) Ultimately, it worked out very well and our play was chosen as a "2019 Ten Best" pick by a critic in the local press. Beyond that, there is nothing quite like the honor of originating a character in the very first run of a play.

I came across the user name "RealChick1999" (or the like) earlier in this string. With a handle like RetroGuy2000, the two of you must be psychically linked! ;)

Best,

- Jôher

My name's Mikaela actually, but the avatar that I had at the time was Janine Turner.

I stand corrected. If we do the video conference confab (as it will now be known) you will have to tell us about the icon of the smart looking gent that you use ;)

Regards,

- JC

Hi RG2000,

Those are all very good questions.

I'm considering the possibility of doing a video conferencing confab in which I could address these and other questions. This would also enable me to ask questions about those who attend. I enjoy doing the talking but after a while, I like learning about others. If we have seven or so people who are interested, I'll explore the possibility further.

I am not interested in appearing on video, but you will likely find HotC viewers willing to do so.


I'll take one of your questions for the moment. The picture I added as my icon was taken while performing in the world premiere of the play "Shul". I spent considerable time growing/grooming/dying my beard (and waxing my mustache to a razor sharp edge!) and sunless tanning. The manager of the establishment and I worked like chemists; trying to get my skin tone right...

We experimented mixing various combinations of two colors from a variety of different options. One would be too yellow. The other would be too red. The third wouldn't be dark enough. Eventually, we got it just right. South Asians are of varying complexions but not as fair as Western or Eastern Europeans. I have had fair skin for most of my life. So some fine-tuning of this was in order. This also applied to my beard, which is very light.

My concern, had I not invested in these things, was that our audience would come away thinking "Who was that white guy and why the heck did they cast him in that role?" ;) Ultimately, it worked out very well and our play was chosen as a "2019 Ten Best" pick by a critic in the local press. Beyond that, there is nothing quite like the honor of originating a character in the very first run of a play.

Thanks so much for answering question #4, Joher! It is so cool that you are out there, still acting, and that you take such care in not only getting the acting correct, but also that you go to great lengths to make sure your costume and skin tone are a perfect match for the role. Wow! "Shul" seems to have received good (http://www.startribune.com/world-premiere-shul-weighs-legacy-stereotypes-at-minnesota-jewish-theatre-company/509270172/) reviews (https://tcjewfolk.com/jew-review-shul-expertly-wrestles-with-modern-judaism/)!

I stand corrected. If we do the video conference confab (as it will now be known) you will have to tell us about the icon of the smart looking gent that you use ;)

Regards,

- JC

The icon of the smart looking gent that I use is John Dye. :) He was an actor on the CBS television show Touched By An Angel, where he played the angel of death named Andrew. ;)

- Mikaela

Thank you for the detailed response , Jôher. Happy New Year. :)

Everyone,

I have been meaning to post to all of you for quite some time; since the thick of this unusual experience of virus began.

Wishing you continued good health and safety. This is the most important thing that I want to express.

During this experience, I have concerns for family, friends, and good acquaintances. We may not know one another personally, but our exchanges are of value to me. You are generous in your remembrances and appreciate your participation in our discussions. When we are in quarantine, the cliche of being "All in this together" further loses its juice. What I can say is that each of us is drawing their own conclusions about what media, medical or political voices they follow. Given that sometimes those voices can be in contrast or contradiction to one another, the best way forward can seem confusing. Who do you believe? Why do you believe them? And, ultimately, what do you choose to do?

I'd like to share in some thoughts. I believe that wearing a mask or refraining from doing so should not be a politicized issue. We are greater than partisanship and shouldn't do something purely to tow the party line. We need to think, research for ourselves, and test it against opposing information. What follows are my own conclusions.

Because several sources, primarily virologists and infectious disease specialists, meet my credibility assessment, they are the ones I listen to most closely. Based upon their expertise, there is good reason to predict a significant spike in infections this summer and fall. In light of that, I continue to feel that self-quarantine and social distancing (including masks) are extremely important, despite the "opening up" that is taking place.

That's me.

I would very much like to know how each of you are doing and feeling. What has proven to be the most challenging? What has proven to be the most helpful? I, for one, would be interested in getting some constructive ideas. (Shared) knowledge is power.

I don't have all or your names/user names memorized, but I will send out good thoughts at the end of my day to all on this thread. Peace be upon you.