Editor's Note

A lot of readers want to know how I am doing during this "crisis", and what I am actually doing in my chalet deep in the woods and in front of a lake in the Laurentians of Quebec.

So here is a brief summary.

First things first. I have been sleeping a lot. In normal times I usually need about 7 hours. But not in the past two weeks. I am easily doing 8 or 9 hours, and I need a nap in the middle of the day. Granted the fresh air always knocks me out in the beginning, but I think stress and worry on what is happening to others have made me wanting to sleep more.

I am reading a lot of books (at least one a day). Being the co-founder of the world's second oldest online library .... Bookyards .... gives me access to a lot of books, not only from my own library, but from publishers, authors, and other online libraries. I am currently reading Isaac Asimov's complete Foundation series.

I am getting a lot of interview requests from radio and TV stations in Russia and Ukraine. There is a lot of public interest on what is happening in the U.S. and Canada, and I am trying to do my best to inform people in the "old country" on what is happening here.

I am getting a lot of phone/messenger/and skype calls. A lot of people I know are worried and stressed. Fortunately my family is OK. With the exception of my brother who is freaking out on what is happening in the Bay area of San Francisco and one of my cousins in Ukraine who is battling cancer, everyone else is calm and hoping that this crisis will pass sooner rather than later.

Everyone also wants to know how is my mom doing. She is 93 (next month she will be 94), and she is OK. She is truly someone who has seen it all, so this pandemic is just another event in her very long life.

I am cooking a lot. Made borscht, chicken soup, homemade pizza, bread and baguettes this week. Beef stroganoff is on the menu today.

Chopping a lot of wood. I have the tools, the fallen trees, and a wood splitter. If the economy completely collapses, I am going into the firewood business.

I am making maple syrup this week. For those who are interested in my attempt to become the Maple Syrup King of the World, go here .... Let Us Talk About Maple Syrup (My Personal Trade War Story) (June 4, 2018).

Tried ice-fishing. Not even a nibble. :(

Playing a lot of chess against the computer. When I was young (13 years old), my ranking was at the expert level. If I had played in a few more tournaments, I would probably have become a Master or higher. One of my regrets in my life.

Playing a lot of music (I play the accordion and guitar), as well as listening to a lot of music on YouTube. I listen to everything. From classical to what's popular today.

Took the telescope out of storage and have used it twice in the past week. The stars are incredible at this time of year. A hot thermos of tea and watching the stars is my idea of chilling.

Doing a lot of thinking on what will be the geopolitical, military, and economic impact of this pandemic. A crisis always produces change and a lot of opportunities. And this is one huge crisis that has produced many opportunities. I have a few ideas. Will be posting them in the coming weeks.

As for WNU. I am the first to admit that my productivity has crashed. I am functioning at about 25% since the start of this crisis, and I know that I can do better. It is just a question of focusing and making the necessary commitment of time. So without saying anything else. It is back to blogging.

P.S. I just want to say thank you for all the emails, notes, and comments that have been sent my way in the past two weeks. Your messages and kind words are always appreciated.