The Provost / سيدة الفتنة

Earlier this week, I broke fast at Rikers Island with New Yorkers in custody, Department of Correction staff, Commissioner Stanley Richards, and Councilmember Yusef Salaam. It was a night that will stay with me for quite some time. People sharing what little they have: breaking bread, offering prayer, making space for one another’s dignity even in the hardest place. In a system too often defined by what it takes, I was reminded of what it means to give—mercy, dignity, and humanity. May we extend that mercy as far as we can. Eid Mubarak to all.

There is a pretty black cat that comes by every night around the same time. Very scared of me but becoming less fearful with more interaction. He or she comes by the same time (around 7pm) and eats a ton of food. I can't figure out if he is feral or someone's pet that just does not feed him enough. But if feral, why come at the same time every night? There is bedding for him so he could stay but he doesn't. Anyone know how to tell if the cat is feral vs someone else's pet? In the end, it does not matter since I will feed him anyway but just wondered

The long dreaded day has finally arrived. Baby Satan learned how to unlock the door. I will never again know solitude — bathtub or freezer, to the depths of hell itself.

I went back to the US to visit my parents. They just told me that our dog Madison ("Maddie") died last night. She was 16. I'm devastated. We loved her so much. A Loyal, smart, & - if rather wilful and rambunctious - kind and loving dog. And part of the family in every sense.