A look back at our 6th record-breaking year, and a big thanks to all of you out there. Continue reading
pandemic
Long journey into light.

With the coronavirus pandemic now into its second year, the wait for relief isn’t over yet. Continue reading
TIR Christmas play 2020: The Clown (year 4)

TIR, unfortunately, doesn’t produce Christmas plays any more – but if we did, this would be our offering for 2020: a satirical retelling of Netflix hit series “The Crown” (season 4). Continue reading
Survivor guilt, scientist guilt

What and how much must scientists do, to feel that they’ve done enough? Continue reading
Singing the pandemic blues (a musical interlude)

Here are the lyrics to the song Elton John didn’t perform at the One World: Together at Home concert.
To the tune of “I guess that’s why they call it the blues” by Elton John Continue reading
Death and Resurrection

For Christians (and some non-believers looking for calendar-based motivation), the buildup to Easter is a time of 40 days fasting, prayer, and penance. One of the more ironic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is that most of the globe has been forced into a similar 40 days-or-more Lenten period of physical isolation and the deprivation of many societal comforts. This is penance, 21st century style, although the vast majority of those doing penance have nothing to repent. The punishment, such as it is, has been imposed by our governments. Continue reading
Powerlessness and impotence

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the abilities and limitations of medics and scientists alike. Continue reading