iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 4m

Got stuck in the Dreaded Wordle Trap and barely escaped with a 6. Nothing to brag about, but hey, a win is a win. And how did you do? Wordle #1,933 6/6 ⬜⬜⬜⬜🟨 🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 36m

Friendly media historian here. I do very similar research, and I've written about Mr. Blayton before. Thank you SO much for this. It's a story that deserves to be told.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 8h

Yeah, that's irritating too. The "boys will be boys" attitude. If that girl went into a place she shouldn't have been well then, she must have been "asking for it." You can't blame the guys-- they're just doing what guys do, am I right?🤦‍♀️

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 8h

Ah, okay. That's a useful distinction. I can care about people as human beings, and want them to have health & peace of mind. But some folks, it's hard for me to like what they do, or like how they treat others. And yet, in an emergency, I assume it's a mitzvah to help them? #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 8h

Our culture stresses having a positive mindset, or having a "positive attitude." We're not supposed to be resentful, or hold a grudge, for example. I just wondered if doing a mitzvah even if you aren't in the right mindset is still what God wants from us, if that makes sense. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 8h

SO disappointing to see some commenters reverting to the old "blaming the victim" tropes. She was drinking. She shouldn't have been there. It was her own fault. Makes my head hurt. (When I was sexually assaulted, I was asked what I had been wearing. That was in the 1980s. In 2026, the same tropes?)

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 8h

Sorry for the poorly worded post-- but yeah, caring about others was repeated to me over and over. So, doing the mitzvah is an end unto itself, whether we're 'feeling it' or not? #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 8h

Hi Rabbi. I have a question about this. I too was always taught we should care about others and be compassionate, and care about others. Sometimes, easier said than done. So, if I do a mitzvah grudgingly, because I'm supposed to, is that still a mitzvah? #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 9h

Some weeks, it's more difficult than others to remember the commandment that "this is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Still, I'm happy to be alive. And there are so many people who have things worse than I do. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 9h

Jack Paar was constantly in a battle with the NBC censors, who were themselves straight-jacketed by the old Hays/Breen codes and afraid to violate them. Today, all this censorship seems both quaint and unnecessary, but it was an unpleasant fact of life for TV comedians of that era.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 23h

I'm pleasantly surprised I solved this. I had terrible letters, but thanks to some logic and one good guess, I solved the Wordle in 4 (plus I had a Sea of Greens and tied the bot). Not so bad. And how did you do? Wordle #1,932 4/6 ⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩 ⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩 🟩⬜⬜⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

What a treat to be on a panel that included my friend (and excellent journalist) Meg Smith. David, Derek, Meg, & I all talked about the recent Rush shows in Boston on a fun episode of Rush Roundtable. Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpU1...

youtube.com

Rush Roundtable Ep. #314: An Evening with Rush in Boston

YouTube video by Rushfans

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

This one went more slowly than I had hoped, but I was able to solve it in 4, and I tied the bot. And how did you do? Wordle #1,931 4/6 🟨⬜⬜⬜⬜ ⬜⬜🟨⬜🟩 ⬜⬜🟩🟨🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Nothing I like better than talking about music. And it was such a treat to talk about it with Rachel Maddow the other day. My new blog post is about good conversation, and the power of music. I hope you'll find it interesting! dlhalperblog.blogspot.com

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I don't think so. I don't get the sense that she listens to much political talk radio. But I know she is familiar with Rush and she seemed impressed with my role in helping to launch their career in the US.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Logic. I did it with logic. And it worked. I beat the bot, and solved the Wordle in 3. And how did you do? Wordle #1,930 3/6 ⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜ 🟩🟩⬜⬜🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

I am SO sorry to hear this. Turns out this word broke the hearts of quite a few people. But I am certain you'll start a new streak, and I'm hoping it will be a long one!

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Wow, what a privilege to be a guest on the Bob Cesca show. Bob is a long-time friend, and we had a great conversation about education, Rush, Rachel Maddow, and of course, current politics. I hope you find it interesting (the photo is me in 1968 in college radio). www.bobcesca.com/the-bob-cesc...

bobcesca.com

The Bob Cesca Interview: Donna Halper Returns 9/30/26

Donna Halper Returns — The great Donna Halper is here and once again we focused on her areas of expertise: the news media and, of course, a little bit of Rush discourse in there, too. For tho…

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It was an incredible honor. I had never chatted with her before, and I was delighted to get the opportunity.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

This one seemed to trip up a lot of good people, and I am so sorry you were one of them. I'm sure you'll start a new and even better streak tomorrow.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Wow, I am SO sorry. I lost one at 188 games, and I was not amused. But I started a new one, and I am sure you will too.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

There's no way to predict who will have an easy time and who will not. My only prediction is you'll start your new streak tomorrow, and I'll be happy to see it!

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Well, this worked out surprisingly well. I beat the bot, and I solved the Wordle in 3. And how did you do? Wordle #1,929 3/6 🟩⬜⬜⬜⬜ 🟩🟩⬜⬜🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

That's a really beautiful view!

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

An ordinary 4, and not much to say about it. Just glad I solved the Wordle and kept my streak alive. And how did you do? Wordle #1928 4/6 ⬜🟨🟨⬜⬜ 🟩⬜🟨🟨⬜ 🟩🟩⬜🟨⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Had an amazing time participating in an MS-NOW Members q&a with Rachel Maddow earlier today. She even chose one of my questions, which was exceedingly cool. I don't know if this is pay-walled, but my question is at about 13 minutes in. www.ms.now/community-li...

ms.now

Membership

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Thank you. I thought fans (and maybe even Rachel) might find it an informative question.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Okay, I admit it. The word just popped into my head. Don't ask me why. But I beat the bot and solved the Wordle in 2. Imagine my surprise. And how did you do? Wordle #1,927 2/6 ⬜⬜🟩🟨⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

I see what you did there! (Glad you were able to squeeze out a win.) 🤣

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Process of elimination, plus one very lucky guess, and I solved the Wordle in 4. And how did you do? Wordle #1,926 4/6 ⬜⬜⬜🟨⬜ 🟩⬜🟩⬜⬜ 🟩⬜🟩⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

And that should be the work we all engage in: making Judaism more inclusive and more available to more people. I'm the advocate for an adult with autism & developmental delays. He doesn't understand theology, but he knows he is a Jew. So, I try to find rituals he can participate in. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I hope I didn't sound like I was judging. My mother (of blessed memory) couldn't fast. My husband can't either. But as I said, there are many ways to observe and to create rituals that are meaningful (and healthy) for you. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

As you know, there are many ways to "afflict yourself." The day centers the importance of prayer and charity and repentance. And I go on a media fast too-- no internet, no social media. But your health has to come first & how best to observe Yom Kippur is something only you can decide. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

I can see that interpretation as possible, but I interpret it slightly differently: maybe I don't have to, but I can choose to. For example, I've got a ton of autoimmune diseases and I'm probably not supposed to fast. And yet, each year, I choose to do it. I'm glad I can. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

But this verse reinforces the idea the being a Jew is about DOING rather than just believing. There are things we are asked to do on Yom Kippur, & on Sukkot. And in doing them, comes greater understanding. Isn't one possible translation of Ex. 24:7 "We will do, and we will understand"? #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

A lot of folks use religion in a very disingenuous way, as if the rules don't apply to them. But this verse is unambiguous: if we want to be forgiven, there are things that WE must do; and one big thing is to take responsibility for our failings and strive to do better. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

For me, this an essential verse. In Judaism, nobody can make atonement for you and nobody can die on your behalf. It is up to each person to repent, to afflict themselves, and to then come before God to ask for forgiveness. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

That's what irritates me. Trump proposes something that is truly bizarre and she responds that she's "deeply concerned" about it... yet then, she votes for it. 97% pro-Trump votes yet folks say she's a centrist. 🤦‍♀️

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Yup. I know they're going after her for her corruption. But she continues to have a perception of being a friend to Maine. Will this help shake that perception?

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

But do you think this resonates with voters? So many voters seem to be resigned to the fact that "they're all corrupt."

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Just saw Coyote vs. Acme. A very entertaining (and family-friendly) movie, yet a movie with a profound message. Anyone else seen it?

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Happy to be alive. Glad I could still fast on Yom Kippur. Hoping you are doing well, rabbi. #ParshaChat

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Got off to a terrible start, and I'm amazed I solved the Wordle at all. Took me 5 tries but at least I got there. And how did you do? Wordle #1,925 5/6 ⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩 ⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩 🟨⬜⬜🟨🟩 ⬜🟨🟨⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Just not very commonly used. I may have seen it in a book, but I don't recall ever using it in conversation.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

So sorry this happened. I think quite a few people (myself among them) saw this word and went "huh???"

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I hope your dad is at least having a nice time. Hope you are too.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

So, I solved the Wordle in 4, thanks to process of elimination. I also tied the bot. But perhaps the bot has heard of this word, because it's a new one on me. And how did you do? Wordle #1,924 4/6 ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ 🟨⬜⬜🟨🟩 🟨⬜🟨🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Chick Corea, and Return to Forever, as I recall.

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Okay, this is an improvement. No more rut of 5s. Tonight I got a 3 and tied the bot. And how did you do? Wordle #1,923 3/6 ⬜⬜⬜⬜🟨 🟩🟩⬜⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Donna Halper @devorahleah.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

For some reason, I seem to be stuck in a rut of 5s. I'm starting to wonder if the Wordle gods (and goddesses) are angry with me. 🤔 And how did you do? Wordle #1,922 5/6 ⬜🟨⬜⬜🟨 ⬜🟨🟩⬜⬜ 🟨🟩🟩⬜🟩 ⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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