Very strange LNOP.  Extended, maudlin sendoff for a well-connected soloist retiring in her 40s, and then someone apparently thought it would be a good idea to turn a comedian loose on the organ between the national anthem and the song of fellowship.  If memory serves, the latter used to begin without the orchestra.  Or perhaps that's my memory cunningly suggesting the ideal.

 On the other hand, a comedian being turned loose on the great instrument in-between the national anthem and the song of true fellowship is perhaps a true reflection of the times. 

Interesting piece on Woody Allen in the Times.  Living, in his old age, across the street from the anhedonia of his youth.  Interesting detail on the dinners with E. -- not proper meals, more telephones and computers.  Rings true as to some of those types.   Not the preoccupation with business, but feeling the need to call it a dinner party.

The best advice I could give would be to always focus on the thing itself, and the struggle to understand the thing itself, and yourself as someone whose task it is to understand the thing itself.  You'll then be able to perceive when the folks around you aren't concerned with things as they are -- or might be.  Otherwise, you might not realize the diection the bus is heading.