SO-CAL WINTER -- SANITY -- VACCINATONS

             "The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history."

Winter has finally arrived here in Southern California.   What that means where I live at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains is, we're finally receiving some rain, but unfortunately not much so far.  Our outdoor temperature is cold but not below freezing.  The mountains above us are expected to receive snow.  This weather may actually persist for a week or two.

Life already seems a bit more sane with our new U.S. President in the White House coupled with the administration he is forming.  We now have a President who actually believes in his oath of office, is dedicated to protecting our constitution.  

Our new President expects all government appointees and employees allegiance to be to our constitution unlike the personal demands of the person he replaced who betrayed his oath and the American people.  Our new President promises truth which will be refreshing after the four years of all the lies to which we were subjected from our former leader.

Lots of unfinished business remains including achieving accountability from those who violated our U.S. Constitution while falsely claiming to be patriots defending democracy.  Of course, any thinking person recognizes their violent overt and covert actions demonstrated they were in fact destroying democracy.   Rooting out those destructive forces attempting to take autocratic control of our government will take time requiring also that we continue to guard against any others like them in the future.

I am heart-brokenly angered that we citizens must necessarily confront home-grown terrorists on our own shores -- that we are now required to take such action to preserve our democratic republic's freedoms.  Still, that is our responsibility as our forebearers cautioned: "...if you can keep it."  

I like the idea describing our nation's situation expressed by the young poet, Amanda Gorman at the Presidential inauguration.   Our nation is young, we are in the process of growing which includes making and learning from mistakes.   We are:

                   "A Nation that isn't broken, simply unfinished."               

Covid-19 Vaccinations 

A young family member on the east coast has been engaged in administering the vaccine.    She also reports recently receiving her second Pfizer injection, experienced only some slight swelling and soreness at her arm's shot site.

Vaccinations against Corvid-19 continue here in Los Angeles County but not without considerable problems for those attempting to make a required reservation.  Initially the reservation website system crashed but, hopefully, will now continue to be operative.  

Complicating matters has been officials reports of receiving limited vaccine but only learning from one week to the next how much they'll actually receive.  Obviously, how do they plan in advance each week how many reservations can be accepted under such circumstances?

Now that it has been revealed the previous federal administration did not hold back vaccine for later release as they had said, there is concern L.A. County may not have an adequate amount to provide the second injection when it is due for some recipients.  Remains to be seen if that issue will develop or how it will be addressed.

What about Pfizer shipping fewer Covid-19 vials to the U.S. after language changes on the order when "extra" serum was discovered in the vials?   Some pharmacists report having difficulty extracting that "extra" amount.  

I'm considering here in L.A. County that there seem to be a number of issues surrounding possible vaccine availability, distribution, coupled with the rush of people seeking the vaccination as they invite more groups of people and open an increasing number of drive-thru locations providing the injections.

One large drive-thru at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds has opened near me.  Years ago my husband and I went there a couple years when they offered the annual flu shot, which proved to be a very efficient process.

I've decided to bide my time for now, deferring getting the vaccination rather than getting caught up in the current milieu of people and issues.  I'm sure many individuals are much more in need of the Covid-19 protection than I am as they need to work, risk having to encounter lots of people in their business and day-to-day lives.  

Maybe the next vaccine will be approved for use before long.   The most recent one mentioned is from Johnson & Johnson and is one injection.   The clinical trial results will be released soon which will be of interest in terms of the efficacy percentage and side effects.  Of course, we do not choose the vaccine we want to take and accept whatever is being distributed at the time wherever we live.  

Meanwhile, I will simply continue practicing the precautions as I have been including  staying at home more than I would have in the past -- a while longer certainly, but that won't be a great inconvenience for me.  

What about you?   

LIFE'S ACTIVITIES POTPOURRI -- AGING DENTITION

Another exciting week in this strange viral infused earthly dimension in which we live.  My gradual but limited re-entry into the outside world where that infamous Covid-19 virus awaits to sneakily invade our bodies continues, though caution remains wise.  The latest word is the treacherous germs are proliferating, infecting increasing numbers of us, so increased care may be the order of the day.

--My long postponed dental checkup and cleaning that I finally rescheduled went well.  Then,  a few days later a long-ago broken tooth suddenly became released from its adhesive as it has a couple times in the past.  Fortunately, I did not swallow the tooth section.  There was no pain.  Later my dentist stated consideration of a possible root canal with an Endodontist was in order. Multiple x-rays revealed said canal could not be seen.  Seems as we age those canals can narrow and might not easily be found -- who knew, I didn't.    

Pondering the issues I imagined what complications an Endodontist might encounter trying to find the canal as the victim patient reclines with their oral cavity exposed -- mouth open -- for the unknown period of search time.  Fortunately for me, with my questioning and hesitation, my dentist concluded another, hopefully, long term adhesive applied to the broken tooth was a viable option in preference to a root canal. 

I hope this tooth portion will continue to adhere for a lengthy time, allowing me to avoid any other intrusive dental procedures.  The last time of gluing lasting only a little over a year, so I would like to set an endurance record this time as it has lasted much longer in the past.  How about a super glue that lasts forever?  Or, one of those adhesives resisting thousands of pounds of pressure and stress?  

Digressing in a different direction.....

--Health care workers who observe and treat the whole person within appropriate professional limitations as opposed to more narrow interventions are the kind I like and was the type service I provided.  So, I was delighted to be the recipient of such service at my dentist's office when a piece of equipment I was using, unrelated to dentition, received much needed adjustment I had thought wasn't possible.  Considering during previous weeks/months several other medical offices directly associated with that item had been completely oblivious to the issue, much less adjusting it, I was impressed with such observing caring sensitivity.

Moving on to a variety of other topics.....

--I received in the postal service mail a sample newspaper specifically addressed to me that I'd never heard of previously.  Very impressive in size, sections, topics covered.  The editor's letter explained how objective the content was and yet even a superficial skimming through quickly revealed the newspaper was very biased.  

I think this is an example of the forces that will be at work in the coming years to weaken and undermine our democratic government, to continue promoting views the majority of our voters just rejected.  The paper will remain unnamed since I have no desire to provide publicity or promotion of any kind including that which is negative.

--Don't you love it when you receive conflicting recommendations from two different medical doctors for just relatively common ordinary matters where you wouldn't usually seek a third opinion?  Take that med -- don't take that med -- huh?

--Our lame duck President still has not admitted defeat -- still keeps spreading his fantasy falsehoods that massive election fraud has occurred accounting for his lower popular vote in his effort to buy time.  The U.S. Government Election Officials report "The November 3rd election was the most secure in American history."

The current President's actions continue to be a threat to national security, damaging to democracy, weakening our system of government, betraying his oath of office to safeguard American citizens.  Incredibly his political party leaders say and do little to rein in this dangerous loose cannon.  

He fails to provide transitional cooperation with our newly elected President which is damaging to our nation's security.  One might wonder how any patriotic citizen who supports our constitution, believes in our democratic form of government and freedoms could continue to support our prevaricating current President over our newly elected one.  

--My furnace stopped working -- the penalty of having a long-lasting piece of equipment is manufacturers stop making parts so that if you need one, it's not readily available, but if you do get one it's very expensive.  Is that what is meant when they say, you can't win for losing?  Fortunately, that part of my furnace, though determined to be at risk for malfunction, is still operating but who knows what the future may bring.

--Our local commercial television stations interrupt all sorts of programming to cover vehicle chases as news -- local community police departments, county sheriff departments, California highway patrol following behind cars, vans, even trucks with police helicopters overhead and TV news stations 'copters flying along, too.  They televise this action because it attracts increased viewership.  I wonder if such news coverage is popular in other metropolitan areas?  

--The joys of living have been interspersed with various interruptions such as I experienced this past week as noted above.  They do serve to be an interesting contrast with the routine ordinariness of life as we live in this current pandemic environment.  Each of you have your own unique experiences infusing your lives.  

--Our existence does go on with both the serious and mundane challenges of daily living -- the same, but ever-changing from day to day, week to week, month to month.  What is keeping your life in motion? 

KEEPING OUR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

Be forewarned that I am feeling compelled to express what weighs most heavily on my mind right now with thoughts on the future of our nation.   Of special interest presently, as I cast my ballot and others vote across the U.S.A.,  is my concern our current nation's leader seems to be continuing to betray our constitutional capitalistic democratic republic.  We would be wise to remember his words and actions the past four years have gradually, chaotically bit by bit seemed to be systematically designed to destroy our trust in our government.

His goal appears to have been to alter our governmental system into what could be described as a capitalistic theocratic autocracy.

Capitalistic because of his strong emphasis on money, but largely for the benefit of himself and an oligarchy of a select number of the most wealthy supporting him, but not the majority of our citizens.

Theocratic because he panders to a religious extremist minority-in-number dedicated to forcing their protestant social beliefs on everybody rather than living in a society tolerant of others that also permits them to practice their own views.

Autocracy because he chooses to dictate everything to everybody, diminishing or eliminating the power of our other branches of government -- legislative, judicial and condemning anyone questioning him including in the fourth estate -- our free press.

Our government system will cease to exist as will freedom for anyone who might think or speak differently from him given his intolerance.

We would be wise to ask ourselves if our President is betraying or violating his oath of office to defend the intent of the country's founders and our constitutional democratic republic.

Is he placing our nation's citizens at risk of losing our democratic republic as one of the founders, Benjamin Franklin cautioned -- "if we could keep it"?  When asked "And why not keep it?"  Franklin responded, "Because the people, on tasting the dish, are always disposed to eat more of it than does them good."  So it is we could lose the freedoms our founders gave us.

While our current leader claims to care about all of the people, quite obviously that is just one more of his documented thousands of lies.   What is really alarming to me is how many people supporting him apparently do not realize what he is doing or don't care.  

Our leader is aided by this backing of the political party he hijacked whose members have failed to learn any of the twenty lessons from the twentieth century Timothy Snyder describes in a few hours of easy-read layman's language in his small paperback book "On Tyranny":

"Timothy Snyder reasons with unparalleled clarity, throwing the past and future into sharp relief.  He has written the rare kind of book that can be read in one sitting but will keep you coming back to help regain your bearings."

This book description is by Masha Gessen who eloquently predicted four years ago what to expect from our new leader then -- it has and is occurring.   Gessen also described how to survive based on experience as a citizen reporter in Russia ultimately perilously dissenting with leadership there before needing to come here and having dual citizenship with the U.S. now.  

A recent Guardian interview includes this statement from Gessen, "I never thought I'd say it, but Trump is worse than Putin".   Gessen went on to say,  "in order to actually survive Trump's attempt at autocracy we have to give up the idea of some imaginary pre-Trumpian normalcy and commit to reinvention.  And that is really what these protests are about."

Trump defies a basic democratic tenet by refusing to state he may not relinquish the office of the President if he is determined not to have been reelected.  This from a person who is in office now having received less than the majority of popular votes in 2016.  He suggests resolution of the 2020 election winner may end up being decided by our Supreme Court, apparently in expectation they will decide in his favor.

I can't help wondering if an earlier election in 2000 with Florida's hanging chads was erroneously given to a Presidential candidate that actually lost the election when our Supreme Court was injected into that process, then chose to decide who would be our President.  The consequences of that decision in subsequent years have been profound in our country and the world.

Preventing a stolen election in 2020 is critical but may not be easy since the Republican Party with the U.S. Senate leader seem complicit in allowing the loss of our democracy as does the Attorney General.  They think they control their President who has seduced them by establishing several of their ideological goals, but when unable to prevent potential takeover if he is reelected, they will find in the following years they've given away our and their democracy and freedoms.

The Republicans have been taken over by a minority-in-number faction of their once proud political party backed by private ultra-wealthy forces but fronted by those claiming to be representative of ordinary people under the guise of the Tea Party nomenclature intended to misleadingly imply a connection to a historical American event.  Reference: Dark Money.

The Supreme Court may be a wild card presently but there is ample reason to be concerned their allegiance for constitutional interpretation will fall on the side of big money, just as it did when they basically concluded corporations were people, unleashing corrupting monies into political campaigns.  The pending appointment replacement for Associate Justice Ginsburg is another factor.   Reference: 'Corporations Are People' Is Built on an Incredible 19th-Century Lie -- "How a farcical series of events in the 1880s produced an enduring and controversial legal precedent."

We citizens must be ever vigilant in order to preserve our freedoms and rights best achieved with our current system of government, not an autocracy led by a dictator.  We must educate ourselves and vote at every election level.  We do need to continue progress toward healthcare as a human right, equality for all, and a more equitable distribution of wealth.  Along the way, we better take action to preserve this planet on which we live or eventually for future generations nothing else will matter.

LIFE'S INTERRUPTIONS -- CRITTERS, BUGS -- HOPE

INTERNET RE-CONNECTED – FINALLY!    

Thanks to some little critter chewing on my internet and landline phone wire connections outside my home I lost the service of both the day after my previous posting.   

Five days later was the earliest I could receive service, so I had to depend on my cell phone and texting necessitating using a keyboard for which I have the greatest animosity – several alphabet letters on each key – what a pain!     I briefly reconsidered possibly acquiring a lsmart phone but again concluded I presently don’t need or want one. 

Thanks to my all-news Los Angeles radio station, KNX, coupled with my erratic TV programming I could keep up with the rapidly changing issues evolving with the spread of the Coronavirus -- local, state and federal official associated actions – to determine how I would be affected.  My antenna TV reception was inconsistent due to signal interference caused by our rainy weather atmospheric conditions.  

There are typically few occasions when our weather conditions are such that I’ve experienced this TV signal interference, so this has not proved to be a problem generally – one that only began when broadcasting changed from analog to digital transmissions initiated a few years ago as described by clicking on this site.

SAFER AT HOME

All the world knows now that due to COVID 19 community spreading in Los Angeles County and our entire state, residents are being ordered to voluntarily stay in our homes referred to as Safer At Home.  Most small retail businesses are closed as are restaurants except for carry-out or drive-thru.  Farmers Markets are reported to be good fresh food sources.

I think progressive changes have been gradually moving us toward what has the potential for requiring even more strict requirements if the situation worsens as some project.    All this in an effort to thwart the most severe COVID 19 spreading effects to our citizens necessary to lessen demands on a health system reported to be inadequately equipped to address such a problem. 

I’ll share my experiences for whatever it might or might not be of interest to others.  The last time I was in a grocery store was a week or two ago before the first person in Los Angeles County died locally from the Coronavirus (refer to my previous post).  I had gradually purchased the final few items that week to add to my earthquake emergency preparedness kit – now my Coronavirus kit.   Even when I shopped so early hand sanitizer liquid and wipes were no longer available, so I still have none.   I anticipated if the virus progressed here as it had in other countries I did not want to be out in stores, knowing humankind would likely devolve into just the sort of rush on stores we’ve seen with shelves being stripped clean of products. 

No doubt some people are hoarding, also a few may be hoping to make a buck by selling items at inflated prices – they will be aggressively prosecuted if their asking price is increased by more than ten percent.  But I think most people, especially those with families – children, older and special needs family members, maybe a few who might be shopping for others, for example – are simply trying to purchase needed items they hope will last for the unknown duration of this event so they won’t have to leave the safety of their homes to even go to the store – which is also my intent.  Some stores have recently setup a special time period for oldsters and disabled to shop before opening to the public, also have started limiting the number of some high demand items that can be purchased. 

I have only left my home twice to go to drive thru businesses – a nearby pharmacy, though my regular pharmacy provides free delivery service  which I’ve used too.  I realized despite my planning I had no acetaminophen, only another type of anti-inflammatory pain reliever said not to be best to use for the COVID 19.   I thought I’d just order some on the net, but they were basically sold out with only one source at inflated pricing, so was pleased my drug store had a bottle for me when I phoned them the next day.  My previous medical work has had me well-prepared to engage in lots of hand washing, plus I have a box of gloves purchased years ago. 

NEIGHBORS

The first day after the initial stay-in-our-homes announcement, especially older people, two  younger neighbors arrived at my door independently of each other bringing me containers of delicious home-made soups – chicken tortilla and minestrone – I’ve only now finished eating the last servings.   Both offered help should I need it and would purchase store items for me when they went out.  I consider myself extremely fortunate they’re concerned for me and another contemporary living alone nearby though she does have family in California which I do not.   We do observe the staying 6 feet distance from one other and I have no one entering my home.

I do find myself thinking of what I could do for others if I was more able.  I am unaccustomed to being on the receiving care end, but I know how important it is to caregivers for the care recipient to kindly and graciously accept offers of assistance – not to be too demanding.   When I retired a few years ago I never imagined my physical activity would have been slowed as has  occurred.  I fully expected to be hopping around with much more agility as some others older than me who are in their nineties or more seem able to do – my possibly volunteering to aid others at a time like this  But, we all age differently I remind myself and I am where I am, so adjust and adapt to my body’s dictates, continuing to value my sleek blue cane companion. 

TAXES

I’m pleased we have a reprieve until July 15 for filing our federal income taxes.  Our state income taxes previously extended to June have now been aligned with the federal July date for submission both of which I must complete.   I don’t lack for ways to occupy my time while this stay at home order prevails. 

FAMILY

My children and I keep in contact across the country now that I have internet connections again.   I’m relieved they are able to work from their homes, one independently, the other whose company supports doing so, a grandchild in pharmaceutical graduate school studying at home now -- required necessary lab work postponed until a future semester -- meanwhile part time work in a pharmacy causes me to hope grandchild has access to protective items available for use.  Other elementary school grandchildren are adapting to being home all the time – as are their parents.  I sent them some jigsaw puzzles and a couple hands-on exploratory-type kits.   

COVID 19 PREVENTION

I’m distressed the advance preparation for this Coronavirus has been decidedly negligent at the Federal level.  Clearly this rests at the feet of the highest level of our government despite all the excuses, blaming of others our prevaricating leader utters.  If this isn’t critical to ensuring the security of the American public, I don’t know what is, once again revealing incompetence and betrayal by this President to his oath of office. 

We must focus on weathering the full fury of this infection.   When the disease peak finally passes, there must be an accounting for the negligent preparation, delayed initiation of preventative efforts and even timely production of protective gear and equipment -- not only for our caregivers but ordinary citizens – including the continuing absence of adequate numbers of tests to even establish the presence of the virus. 

DENIERS

I’m constantly amazed at the attitude of a longtime friend (age 89) who has been an ardent supporter of our current national ruling regime.   She is angry and resents being told we are being confined to our homes.   In fact, she took no responsibility for her own behavior, making a point of walking about many stores the day before the request to stay home had to be made an order.   She has perceived the threats of this virus as being overblown echoing our nation’s leader, but now resents being unable to go about her life as usual.  A cult-like mentality willing to engage in self-destruction seems to prevail with some, lacking in critical thinking, or understanding of even basic science.  They can jeopardize their own lives if they choose, but, unfortunately, all of us are affected.

She demonstrates no effort at her workstation to provide protective germ-killing cleaning between clients.  Many of her clients have cancelled appointments as I have done.  She lauds  this government’s actions confronting the viruses danger, excuses all the obvious previous shortcomings and never seems to mind all the blatant lies told by our leader – some actually contradicted by the facts -- such as everybody could get a Coronavirus test, and ignores respected scientific experts having to clarify a certain medication was not yet proved to be a safe, effective treatment for the virus contrary to our leader’s assertions.

Just because our self-proclaimed genius leader said he “feels” use is supported to counter the virus because he knows he’s been right about so many things does not make it so.  Who can believe these bizarre pronouncements, respect such a person, or want to follow this kind of leader? 

The debt this nation will incur to aid our citizens, as we should,  results in this leader  successfully leading our nation toward incredible deficits  --  which, coincidentally is what he  accomplished most in his own personal business career – multiple bankruptcies.  What would revelations from his hidden tax returns show?      

BIRD WORLD

Big Bear Bald Eagles finally gave up expecting their eggs would hatch and left them overnight during the time I was without Internet service.  Reports are that the ravens moved in and ate the eggs contents.   Jackie and Shadow, the parental eagles, have surprised everyone by bringing more twigs and fluff to the nest.  This leaves researchers studying them wondering if they’re planning to lay some more eggs this late in the spring, or are they just indicating an intention to remain a pair who will return to raise a family next season?   

Heard on the news the past afternoon that the Big Bear mayor has tested positive for COVID 19.  So, the mountain elevations are no hinderance to the virus activity,

PPE

We continue to have a drastic shortage of personal protective items, masks and gowns especially critical for our health care providers.   A continuing need for equipment, especially ventilators, is ongoing.  It is just incredible to me that only today do I hear our nation’s leader finally announcing he’s ordering release of some additional masks for our health care workers.

Reports I read earlier stated many stored reserve masks dates indicate some have expired.  You can read about the implications on this 3M worker safety website and on this Business Insider website specifically addressing the n95 face mask. 

Doctors and Nurses report on TV they’re running out of protective gear such as masks, gowns, goggles, are pleading for more if community has any they can donate.

GOOD NEWS

FDA has approved the first rapid response test offering results within hours instead of days NPR reports. 

L. A. area Long Beach Community Hospital is being reopened adding more beds to be available for Coronavirus patients. 

St. Vincent Medical Center is reopening with more beds for Coronavirus patients.

L.A. County Sheraton Fairplex Hotel near where I live is making their 244 rooms available to quarantined Coronavirus patients.

I perceive our state’s Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti initiating meaningful preventative actions to address issues here, contrary to the often foot-dragging reactive actions that have prevailed at the national level.  Given that California has the fifth largest economy in the world and a large population the challenges here are not small. 

Frequent press conferences independent of each other from our Governor and the L.A. Mayor inform us of the truth and reality of our dynamic constantly changing situation as they take a pro-active approach to our problems.  They provide needed information that I experience as offering an expectation they are doing what can best be done, adjusting and adapting as circumstances dictate. 

I am prepared for the situation to become worse before it gets better but may not be as bad as it could be if our citizens cooperate with the guidelines we’ve been given as our responsibility.  I have hope and look forward to our future. 

SURREAL WORLD -- COVID 19 -- SOCIALIZING

Up Date:

Faced with mounting coronavirus infections, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday issued sweeping new restrictions in California, calling for home isolation of everyone in the state over age 65, the high-risk population group.

*****

A surreal world we’re living in now, or that’s how it feels to me.   The world as I have known it all my life keeps being shaken, turned upside down, slammed around a bit.   As if the bizarre past four years haven’t been weird enough with our nation’s government, plus the weather and environmental changes we’ve experienced, now viral microbes have launched one of their own in an attempt to dominate humankind once again – remember SARS, or the Hong Kong flu in recent years? 

This Coronavirus is a viral microbe sweeping the world, referred to as COVID 19.  Much is still unknown about this virus believed to live from hours to days depending on the surface, but scientists are still determining those timelines.  We humans come to know these microbes when we feel ill, then seek a cure and our doctors remind us antibiotics cannot be prescribed because they are ineffective.  

These viral microbes each require their own unique medication to prevent their taking control of our bodies.  Unfortunately, those medications can only be created after each new virus emerges with scientists racing against time to develop the unknown solutions capable of stemming their assault.   Microbiology Society reports:

“Viruses are the smallest of all the microbes.  They are said to be so small that 500 million rhinoviruses (which cause the common cold) could fit on to the head of a pin.  They are unique because they are only alive and able to multiply inside the cells of other living things.” 

New images of the novel coronavirus have been released by The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the U.S. NIAID produced the images by scanning and transmission electron microscope. Previously, researchers from the University of Hong Kong posted a thin-section of electron micrographs of the coronavirus.

Disgracefully our nation has been quite unprepared to combat this virus.  Few people in our country have had tests available to determine if they have the virus,  quite unlike nations in much of the rest of the world including Europe, Korea.   Our government seems to have had more of a reactive posture rather than a preventative stance despite the forewarning of what occurred in China long before anyone in the U.S. was identified with the virus.   Science and medical experts’ information about this infection -- more deadly than the flu and more contagious -- has generally been disregarded by this Administration with the serious potential effects on American citizens minimized.  

This current Administration has been more concerned with managing the dissemination of information about the virus, that has included falsehoods, misleading data or none at all, and lots of our President’s flourishing blarney talk, often contrary to known facts.  Only now has our President appeared to give credence to the serious potential the coronavirus has for our population and even himself, much less the people he encounters.  He has, at least, finally had a test which revealed he presently does not have the virus and none of the symptoms. 

    

We can thank a few government spokespeople who have reported many of the Coronavirus facts for keeping us accurately informed, contrary to our President’s ballyhoo and outright lies.  What’s disgraceful or worse is that virtually so many others in his administration have not had the courage to speak the truth even as some of them have self-identified as having been exposed to the virus.  Fortunately, responsible members of our press are continuing to report to us the truth of our Coronavirus situation.

I recently learned the first death from the coronavirus in Los Angeles County that I kept hearing talked about on the news has occurred much closer than I had known – at my local hospital, one where I once provided therapy services, in a city adjacent to my own.   National news had been reporting for several days about a 60 year-old woman who was first treated for cardiac arrest, then died, only later to be identified as the first person in Los Angeles County confirmed to have died from the Coronavirus.   

Updated information in my cities current Claremont Courier weekly newspaper has revealed more specifics.   She had been visiting in another nearby town where she received emergency treatment prior to being transported to the hospital.  Her husband followed, where he then

“....disclosed the patient’s travel history and additional symptoms, and the patient was immediately placed in isolation".  Shortly afterward she died.  Earlier news reports mentioned she had traveled extensively around the world, spending considerable time in Korea before coming to visit California. 

Finally, our President has announced more actions to stop the spread of the Coronavirus in a recent rare White House press conference, rather than in his typical Twitters.   He was joined by private business leaders who described their commitment to combatting this virus with increased activity to develop and make available Coronavirus tests.  As more tests become available, reportedly this will be done in a variety of settings, including at an expanding number of drive-thru sites.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Los Angeles International Airport have recently seized fake Coronavirus test kits shipped from the United Kingdom.  There are always those willing to try to capitalize on the misfortunes of others.   Illegal price gouging on products in short supply during this time has necessitated law enforcement emphasizing a 10% increase in price is the maximum legally allowed which will be aggressively enforced as some attempt to exploit vulnerable others.

Schools shutting down, sports being cancelled, major concerts cancelled, NYC Broadway shows closed, people being told not to gather in large groups to describe only a few ways in which our lives are being altered.   Meanwhile, people have begun clearing the shelves of almost every product imaginable in many of our grocery stores lest they not be available in the future. 

We have L.A. area restaurants closing, others using unique ways to keep customers feeling comfortable and safe to eat there.   Tables are arranged so patrons of different parties will be seated 6 feet from each other.   Another establishment’s waiters wear gloves they replace with new gloves for each table they touch in serving.   One restaurant requires each patron to have their temperature taken before being allowed to eat there.  If a person refuses, then they simply are refused entrance.  There’s talk now of some food sellers providing carry-out or drive through service only.   

Social distancing is an interesting concept we’re advised to follow.  No more shaking hands,  hugging, and bussing one another on even one or both cheeks in the continental style.   We are advised to stay 6 feet distance from others.   An alternate means of greeting one another is what we need to adopt, but no consistent behavior has yet been adopted by everyone.   Some choose to touch feet.  Others touch elbows.  Both of these violate the 6 feet distance admonition.

Personally, I like the idea of merely tipping my head, much as has always been the custom in some other cultures.  I don’t want to get into a bowing or curtseying regimen either.   What are your ideas or preferences as a safe and acceptable way to greet others?

FOR THE BIRDS -- EVEN POLITICALLY

HUMAN EFFECTS -- on our environment.....

The Bald Eagle as the national symbol of the United States came close to extinction in the 1960’s.   A commonly used pesticide was finally determined to be weakening the eagles’ eggshells causing them to break so embryos could not even develop. Environmental pollution on the ocean floor travelled through the food chain dramatically demonstrating how interconnected creatures and human actions are.        

Thanks to Friends of Big Bear Bald Eagles referring me to this 13+ min. video narrated by Peter Coyote.  The spectacular colorful scenery features the eagles’ story of their Southern California successful reintroduction beginning in the offshore Channel Islands.  You can more fully appreciate the size and beauty of these magnificent birds soaring in flight, swooping to catch a fish, raising their young surrounded by spectacular scenery in this video.

FOR THE BIRDS -- and then some......

Mother Nature has thrown a wrench in the works with regard to the hatching of the highly anticipated Valentine’s Day pip watch at the Big Bear Bald Eagles nest. Over 5000 visitors were noted at the high point of live nest viewing, many participating in the ongoing live chat.  They were exposed to exciting egg defense from Ravens and sudden startling late-night intrusions from the mysterious Fiona, the flying squirrel, garnering aeronautic chases and wing slaps, respectively.

Disappointingly, there have been no pips (beginning egg-shell cracking initiated by eaglet inside) observed on either of the two eggs as of this writing.  Given the expired number of gestation days it is thought to be highly unlikely there will be new BB Bald eaglets this year – unless the parents attempt a second batch of eggs which has been known to occur with some eagles in a few instances. 

There are many unknown factors as to why these eggs aren’t hatching.  There’s always the possibility that the eggs weren’t fertilized, since unlike last year there was no visual verification of parental copulating, but that could easily have occurred off nest in the trees elsewhere.   Even if they did mate, eggs don’t always become fertilized or develop an embryo.  A number of theories have been suggested to explain why these particular eggs might not have developed to be viable for hatching, including weather conditions (though unlikely), but the actual reason is not known. 

Speculation is high as to how much longer the parental eagles will continue brooding by sitting on these eggs to keep them warm for the remote chance of possible embryo development, but that remains to be seen.  The eagles reportedly have no time perception to recognize their eggs viability has expired so may keep caring for these eggs, sometimes until the eggs begin deteriorating or break.  The longer they nurse these eggs the less likely the possibility they might start a second brood this season.

POLITICAL THOUGHT -- for the birds, some might think........

We must continue to seek out and support the credible Fourth Estate press reporters to bring us truth by exposing falsehoods, distortions of facts, suppression of reality.   We are challenged to exercise critical thinking in pursuit of making viable judgments as to who to trust in order to preserve our nation’s freedoms and values. 

Do we want to preserve democracy with the values and freedoms as we know them -- for the United States and the world?

Corruption continues to ooze out of this White House swamp’s septic tank with our paranoiac leader’s deep state conspiracy theories being propagated by him and some of his supporters to justify his increasing inappropriate applications of  excessive power.  Some people even believe these stories as factual which they fail to realize others are deliberately promoting to manipulate them for reasons of questionable motivation. 

Politicians with no expertise in the arena to which they’re being assigned continue to be appointed by this leader to be the top administrators of key governmental functions which can adversely affect this nation’s security and the safety of the American people. 

Increasingly individuals with views different than our leader’s are not being tolerated.  Some might wonder if discrimination and vindictive penalization is also being exercised by this leader and some of his followers.  

Overreach and possible misuse of executive power continues to occur with questionable interference in our nation’s system of law, order and justice.  Some might wonder if white collar criminals crimes are being minimized. 

Ongoing efforts to suppress facts to the American people, to shape citizens beliefs as occurs in autocratic countries like China, Russia, North Korea continues as directed by our leader.  Do we want four more years of this? 

FEAR -- FLIGHT -- FALLACIOUS LANGUAGE

I brought up the topic of courage in my previous post which prompted some interesting reader comments.   The topic evolved into some other thoughts for me as I consider what’s happening with bald eaglet Simba becoming fly-worthy, also daily life issues we each encounter plus the challenges presented in our nation and the world today.

Rain who writes at Rainy Day Thoughts observed discerning between what might be considered a courageous act and, in fact, is actually foolish can be a challenge.  I suppose if the action is judged successful we consider it courageous, but failure might be viewed as our having been foolish to ever having undertaken it in the first place. 

Terra who writes at Terra Garden contrasts overcoming the fear some experience of even leaving their house versus those we view as courageously circling the earth in a space shuttle.     

Jean at Misadventures of Widowhood writes of the courage we exhibit whenever we act outside our comfort zone.

Raman’s Musings from India included his report of the courage he needed to leave a long-established career in his late forties to start a new career.

Goldendaze Ginnie reports living in the midst of a geographical area where we could surmise it might take courage to express less than popular views from those of the predominant group's religious beliefs.  She cites the Serenity Prayer’s sentiments as guidance which I concur can be pertinent in life.

Courage and fear seem to be intrinsically linked as Arkansas Patti who writes at  TheNew Sixty notes – the latter stimulating or needing to be overcome for action we often describe as being courageous. 

Nick in Northern Ireland who writes at Nick Here and Now introduced being “...impressed by the courage of Labour Party whistle-blowers who've spoken up about virulent antisemitism in the party and incurred the wrath of the party leadership.”  

Perhaps we could use a few more such courageous types in our President’s political party.

Seems to me we’re seeing some interesting displays of fear, courage, or lack thereof.....

..... as I also wonder what eaglet Simba is experiencing? 

Perhaps there are skills Simba needs yet to acquire before he initiates flight.    Maybe he is not afraid to fly, is not lacking in courage.  Maybe his parents, Shadow and Jackie,  know this and have been directing he must develop these skills or acquire more strength and stamina before launching into the air.  

All we know is Simba is well into the timeline when eaglets begin making their beginning flights and we humans are impatient for him to do so.  We’re still waiting for his maiden flight as I write this Saturday night, July 20^th. 

Earlier today when I did a more lengthy check on Simba than the occasional brief visits I make during the week, I observed his continued activities were limited to hopping about the nest, short flights from a branch into the nest, picking up and moving small branches in the nest, positioning himself on various larger branches from which he could launch into the air, lots of wings extension with flapping, lengthy time periods perching quietly with eagle-eye surveying of his surroundings. 

Before dusk there was considerable bird talk with a larger variety of communication soumds than I’ve heard before,  presumably with his parents.   Then, his father, Shadow, flew into the nest with a fish Simba ate.  Simba produced lots of whining sounds, seemed agitated with his father in one instance, was finally fed a few bites before Shadow ultimately left the nest.   

Later when Simba perched on a launching branch there was lots more parental bird talk conversation, wing strengthening flapping but without his talons releasing their grip on the branch to actually fly.  Darkness came and Simba appears to be spending the night alone, perched on the launching branch as his mother, Jackie, never flew in with a fish as she often has in the past. 

Political view alert....

On a human note I’ve long been concerned that so few leaders in our government have had the courage to contradict or denounce our President’s words, actions that are counter to what I’ve believed represent the basic values of our nation.  This has become increasingly true ever since the current leadership has been in power driving and bullying our country toward becoming an autocracy with efforts to subvert the other branches of government and attempts to nullify the Fourth Estate, the press.  

Government departments have been weakened with ineffectual or unqualified leadership, often with only acting department heads.  Criteria for appointments is blind absolute loyalty to a President whose actions suggest a disloyalty to the very nation's values he serves.  

Setting an example that fosters violence, then offering meaningless disclaimers are hallmarks of this leader’s techniques that breed dissension, not unification.   One could conclude deliberate tactics are being utilized to create unrest or worse throughout our country.  Token actions are occasionally taken to garner press attention, then ballyhooed as demonstrating the magnanimous nature of this individual. 

Even citizens supporting our President seem to have set aside their professed values as they make some of the most bizarre interpretations excusing his worse-than-offensive words and deeds.   Fear seems to be a factor for many of those in our government who give him cover with such defensive distorted views as do those who remain silent, a betrayal to the electorate.   Might this be a demonstration of lack of courage? 

We are long past a time when individuals, especially those in our Congress, need to stand up for our nation’s values, even if it means challenging and contradicting their political party’s leader.  This is not a time for political partisanship.  This is a time for dedication to preservation of our constitutional democratic republic and values with the individual freedoms we so cherish. 

I expect readers have been exposed multiple times to the most recent as well as past profound pronouncements from our nation’s leader which prompts my commentary here.  I choose to not repeat any of them which would only further the distraction they were likely intended to be when uttered. 

I wonder if less attention was assigned to the asinine outrageous verbiage our President so often espouses would be better?  What if such deliberate attention-seeking words of his were just ignored?  

What is the best way to deal with such a public figure?  

Should other public figures as part of their professional obligations to their constituents courageously speak out against such language and/or actions they find offensive?  If they remain silent should we assume they agree or merely that they’re cowards -- which should be of note to voters come next election?   

Oh, and what is the likelihood Bald Eaglet Simba will fly this week?