“I’m honestly glad for the break,” said one restaurant owner when I recently interviewed him about the effects of social distancing on his business. “I’ve been going full-out for so long, having a forced vacation is kind of nice.” Even if it’s the universe forcing it on you? “I’m sure I’ll feel different soon, but […]
The Corona virus is a real bug, and social distancing absolutely makes sense as a method to slow the spread, buying time for the medical infrastructure to prepare supplies, treatments and tests, and to not be overwhelmed with a surge of patients any greater than absolutely necessary. But the way complete and total isolation has […]
Art brings community together and promotes positive mental health, and we want to encourage community and creativity in this time of social distancing. Check out our #MotifVirtualGallery compilation page designed to showcase Rhode Island artists. If you like what they’re doing, consider making a donation through their preferred app, which appears below each piece. “Outside […]
As panic moves across the land and grocery shelves are stripped bare, it’s time to take a look at how people can cope during this scary time. While each Zodiac sign reacts differently, we all have a little bit of each sign in our horoscope. (We all have a little piece of Pisces), so read […]
Okee dokee folks… “Splendid Isolation” is a song by the late, great Warren Zevon. Seventeen years after his death it has now become a theme song for most of the planet. Social distancing is the new norm and we have whittled down the the allowable crowd size from 250 to 10 or fewer. Hugs and […]
This is the truest test of Rhode Island greatness: twice, in the span of three weeks, I have driven *all the way* from Providence to South County just to eat dinner at the recently opened Italian restaurant, Locanda. I’m blaming their Truffled Mushroom and Mascarpone Polenta, which calls to me like the gold calls to the […]
During October 1918, the Providence Public Library closed for three weeks on account of the influenza pandemic, known as the Spanish flu. That year, the outbreak claimed the lives of 941 Providence residents, and another 1,365 people across Rhode Island. In The Providence Journal, the city’s health superintendent suggested: “Keep at arm’s length from everybody,” […]
If you’re bored while stuck at home, and if recent events have not frightened you enough already, you may be brave enough to use this time to catch up on horror movies and learn something about how to avoid being the star of one yourself. This isn’t for those of you who feel like you […]
Bill Bartholomew is host of The Bartholomewtown podcast and frequent Motif contributor. As the coronavirus crisis has unfolded, he’s stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other Motif reporters and independent journalists at Governor Raimondo’s daily press conferences (at least until the governor required reporters to stand 3 feet apart). We recently talked to him about the role of […]
It’s amazing to see the way community members are reaching out to each other to have a little fun from a distance. It’s good for our state and good for our mental health. This list will be updated regularly, so if you’re offering a little virtual fun while we’re hunkering down, let us know! Send […]