I'm nearing the end of a second week of working from home, which is different from my "on call" status the previous five weeks of sheltering in place. I have mostly been working on our camp's field guide project, making a page for every vertebrate animal seen at camp, as well as a fair number of invertebrates. As of this morning, I had four more pages to complete, but then I went on an animal counting expedition with a couple of my co-worker friends and we saw a new bird. Well, not new, but new to us, so now I have to make a page dedicated to the Warbling Vireo.
We have also been filming little videos in an effort to remain relevant even though no kids will be coming to camp until we don't know when. We've got a YouTube channel, Facebook page, Instagram, and something called Tic Toc which was new to me before all of this.
As I type, I can see a bird darting into and out of the one of the trees in the backyard. It's busy. It's either one of our resident California Towhees or the local Black Phoebes.
More to come. Now it's time to go eat pizza.
Currently listening to: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan "Bandit Queen" soundtrack.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Saturday, April 18, 2020
Who To Blame?
All hopped up on God and Twitter, the Red Hats have plopped themselves down on the capitol steps to... uh, I'm not sure what exactly they hope to accomplish.
I get that the longer businesses are shut down, the more money the majority of us bleed. I get that people want to go back to work. I even get that subsistence hunters could argue that ammunition is a necessity. What I don't get is that this is a numbers game, and that the greater the number of people with the virus, the longer the shutdown is going to last. Mass protest is just going to result in more cases, and more cases is going to result in more economic damage, let alone the fact that it also is going to result in more deaths. It's pretty monstrous to talk about the deaths as a sad necessity, but one somehow less important than the ailing economy. Our inequities have never been more obvious, and to see the Red Hats stomping around in front of capitol buildings and blaming it all on the democrats is laughable. Blaming it on the power elite I can see, but looking at this along party lines is ridiculous.
Our ability to think for ourselves doesn't seem to be much in evidence here. Our ability to emotionally react to sound bytes and Twitter triggers, however, seems to be very much intact.
My own daughter once mentioned that I tend to use my rational mind to the exclusion of my emotional one. I think she thinks my answers to questions are unremittingly logical. This is often true. I would rather be too logical than too emotional though, especially when there is much at stake. My one goal as a teacher has always been to guide students toward thinking for themselves, because I see a great lack of this ability in our society. Look at the photos of the recent protests (no, I'm not going to link them here) and ask yourself: have these people really thought this through, or are they just desperate and angry and need someone to blame? They'll probably find somebody to blame when a number of them come down with Covid-19, and it will almost certainly the democrats. Never themselves. They've learned that lesson from the great gas ball in the White House. Deflect, deflect, deflect.
I get that the longer businesses are shut down, the more money the majority of us bleed. I get that people want to go back to work. I even get that subsistence hunters could argue that ammunition is a necessity. What I don't get is that this is a numbers game, and that the greater the number of people with the virus, the longer the shutdown is going to last. Mass protest is just going to result in more cases, and more cases is going to result in more economic damage, let alone the fact that it also is going to result in more deaths. It's pretty monstrous to talk about the deaths as a sad necessity, but one somehow less important than the ailing economy. Our inequities have never been more obvious, and to see the Red Hats stomping around in front of capitol buildings and blaming it all on the democrats is laughable. Blaming it on the power elite I can see, but looking at this along party lines is ridiculous.
Our ability to think for ourselves doesn't seem to be much in evidence here. Our ability to emotionally react to sound bytes and Twitter triggers, however, seems to be very much intact.
My own daughter once mentioned that I tend to use my rational mind to the exclusion of my emotional one. I think she thinks my answers to questions are unremittingly logical. This is often true. I would rather be too logical than too emotional though, especially when there is much at stake. My one goal as a teacher has always been to guide students toward thinking for themselves, because I see a great lack of this ability in our society. Look at the photos of the recent protests (no, I'm not going to link them here) and ask yourself: have these people really thought this through, or are they just desperate and angry and need someone to blame? They'll probably find somebody to blame when a number of them come down with Covid-19, and it will almost certainly the democrats. Never themselves. They've learned that lesson from the great gas ball in the White House. Deflect, deflect, deflect.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Numbers Are People
The latest data I've seen is the following:
Total number of cases in Santa Clara County: 1793
New cases today: 127
Number of cases in California: 26,963
Number of cases in the U.S.: 637,333
Total number of confirmed cases: 2,083,384
U.S. fatality rate: 5%
Global fatality rate: 7%
Of course, this data relies, to a certain extent, on the availability of testing materials, which are in short supply. Our federal government is failing us in a most egregious way, but on a state level, at least some governors are stepping up. I'm thankful to live in a state with a governor who is actually taking action.
I imagine that if everybody could be tested, the fatality percentage would drop a bit, since at the moment it seems that in a lot of places, only people who are showing specific symptoms are being tested. It has been mentioned, after all, that some people have the virus, yet are asymptomatic.
It's hard to wrap my brain around these numbers. Each number is an individual. Each individual has a story. In my social circle, there are a few people who have gotten Covid-19, but as of this writing, they're all on the mend.
Total number of cases in Santa Clara County: 1793
New cases today: 127
Number of cases in California: 26,963
Number of cases in the U.S.: 637,333
Total number of confirmed cases: 2,083,384
U.S. fatality rate: 5%
Global fatality rate: 7%
Of course, this data relies, to a certain extent, on the availability of testing materials, which are in short supply. Our federal government is failing us in a most egregious way, but on a state level, at least some governors are stepping up. I'm thankful to live in a state with a governor who is actually taking action.
I imagine that if everybody could be tested, the fatality percentage would drop a bit, since at the moment it seems that in a lot of places, only people who are showing specific symptoms are being tested. It has been mentioned, after all, that some people have the virus, yet are asymptomatic.
It's hard to wrap my brain around these numbers. Each number is an individual. Each individual has a story. In my social circle, there are a few people who have gotten Covid-19, but as of this writing, they're all on the mend.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Backyard Activity and Online Music
As I type, a pair of House Sparrows are rummaging on the ground in the backyard, grabbing prize chicken feathers to, uh... feather their nests with. The local mockingbird has been singing its little mockingbird heart out. The Bewick's Wrens thought about moving into the decorative watering can cavity nest I hung on the side of the chicken coop, but I think they changed their minds after I noticed them. I've also managed to get up to camp at least once a week, which means I get to photograph birds who don't visit our backyard. The weather has been a mixture of bright, sunny days and pouring rain, plus everything in between. It has been a typical April, in that regard at least.
I've also been enjoying the occasional live music via Facebook. I've already seen two excellent Xambuca shows, and this morning watched hurdy-gurdy innovator Guilhem Desq do a show, during which he took the time to explain things in both French and English. I wouldn't have thought of this, but an online show with an international audience is tough to do if there is any talking involved, at least if you want everyone to understand you. Much appreciation for artists who are entertaining us all with live music!
Currently listening to: Simon Finn "The Distance Between Stones"
I've also been enjoying the occasional live music via Facebook. I've already seen two excellent Xambuca shows, and this morning watched hurdy-gurdy innovator Guilhem Desq do a show, during which he took the time to explain things in both French and English. I wouldn't have thought of this, but an online show with an international audience is tough to do if there is any talking involved, at least if you want everyone to understand you. Much appreciation for artists who are entertaining us all with live music!
Currently listening to: Simon Finn "The Distance Between Stones"
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Current Numbers
The latest data I've seen is the following:
Number of confirmed cases in Santa Clara County: 1484
New cases today: 42 (technically, that was yesterday's number, since today is not over yet)
Number of cases in California: 22,095
Number of cases in the U.S.: 551,155
Total number of confirmed cases: 1,779,616
U.S. fatality rate: 4%
Global fatality rate: 7%
Number of confirmed cases in Santa Clara County: 1484
New cases today: 42 (technically, that was yesterday's number, since today is not over yet)
Number of cases in California: 22,095
Number of cases in the U.S.: 551,155
Total number of confirmed cases: 1,779,616
U.S. fatality rate: 4%
Global fatality rate: 7%
Entitlement
We are one species among many. Our basic needs are food, water, shelter, and space. The more space we have, the more likelihood of obtaining the three other needs.
We are running out of space. There are currently around 7.8 billion people on the planet. There are checks and balances that stop populations from getting too large of course. Famine and disease will really do a number of a population. Our technology has allowed the human population to grow perhaps more than it would have otherwise. Our ability to quickly transport food and other supplies anywhere in the world is unmatched by any other species. Of course, along with food and supplies, we can just as quickly transport viruses around the world, as is currently obvious. Disease is not only a check and balance, but a symptom. We are killing our host, or at least its ability to sustain us. Hello check. Hello balance. Sure, that might sound alarmist, but think about how this relatively mild (compared to, say, the Black Death, which killed somewhere between 30% and 60% of the population of Europe) pandemic has affected society. Imagine if something more serious happened. All of those post-apocalyptic movies and TV shows got it pretty much right, I'd say. Mass chaos, followed by the end of modern society. I don't think it would take as much as people think it would. Many of us are pretty comfortable in the here and now, and we don't handle it well when that comfort is taken away. To tell you the truth, I don't know how I'd handle it.
This event is unprecedented. Sure, there have been pandemics before, but at least in recent times, none have had this kind of effect on our day-to-day lives. Many people have reacted with grace. Many people have reached out with compassion. Many of us have found ourselves with unexpected free time. Good things are coming out of this. Lightbulbs are popping into existence above our heads. We find ourselves evicted from our comfort zones and forced to get creative in ways we're unused to. There have been stories about increased wildlife presence in cities (although it has been there all along, just less bold) and decreased air pollution. Underneath it all is the worry that tragedy lurks in the wings. In many cases, tragedy is center stage.
This event has, in some ways, magnified our best and worst traits. For some, especially those working essential jobs, it's more of the same but with an added dose of uncertainty and danger. Disease is terrifying, after all. Unfortunately, there are enough emotional midgets out there in the population making things more difficult
Entitlement is an ugly word. We are not entitled to anything. I think some people are finding that their power and influence aren't as useful to them as they once were. I've heard many stories of people working essential jobs (mostly grocery and food service related) being yelled at or otherwise abused by people who are frustrated by not being able to have the things they think they are entitled to. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE OUT OF CHEESE? DON'T YOU HAVE ANY IN THE BACK?"
We're not entitled to food.
We're not entitled to water.
We're not entitled to shelter.
We're not entitled to leave our fucking disposable gloves all over the parking lots outside stores. We're not entitled to abuse people whom we view as somehow "lower" than us because they work service jobs. Nobody respects you if you yell like an asshole. Nobody is going to want to help you if you yell like an asshole. If you must make an ass of yourself, do it at home in front of a mirror. Maybe then you'll realize how ridiculous you sound. Take a moment to reflect on why you're being an asshole. Use this pause to work on your personal growth.
Unfortunately, I think this opportunity is lost on the people who really need it.
Some of us are luckier than others. Some of us have the luxury of reflecting on this pandemic in relative safety and comfort. Many are not so lucky. As for us. We're pretty lucky. Jeanine hasn't worked since the shelter in place happened, but she is keeping busy and even selling a few things online (something she had started doing before this happened). Right now, she is in the yard, putting up balloon flowers and rabbits. I have been home from work, but I'm still getting paid. The week after next, I will be expected to work a 40 hour week from home, but I'm actually excited about some of the projects I plan to work on. I'm a little worried about summer, when pay is not guaranteed, but we have a plan B and a plan C in place. Like I said, we're lucky.
Schools are closed for the rest of the school year. Willow is still sheltering in place at her mom's. I've heard vague rumors that the 2020/2021 school year might start as late as November. However, there is nothing I can do about any of this, so I'll just focus on the things I have control over.
Currently listening to: Doc Wor Mirran "The Soundtrack of Death"
We are running out of space. There are currently around 7.8 billion people on the planet. There are checks and balances that stop populations from getting too large of course. Famine and disease will really do a number of a population. Our technology has allowed the human population to grow perhaps more than it would have otherwise. Our ability to quickly transport food and other supplies anywhere in the world is unmatched by any other species. Of course, along with food and supplies, we can just as quickly transport viruses around the world, as is currently obvious. Disease is not only a check and balance, but a symptom. We are killing our host, or at least its ability to sustain us. Hello check. Hello balance. Sure, that might sound alarmist, but think about how this relatively mild (compared to, say, the Black Death, which killed somewhere between 30% and 60% of the population of Europe) pandemic has affected society. Imagine if something more serious happened. All of those post-apocalyptic movies and TV shows got it pretty much right, I'd say. Mass chaos, followed by the end of modern society. I don't think it would take as much as people think it would. Many of us are pretty comfortable in the here and now, and we don't handle it well when that comfort is taken away. To tell you the truth, I don't know how I'd handle it.
This event is unprecedented. Sure, there have been pandemics before, but at least in recent times, none have had this kind of effect on our day-to-day lives. Many people have reacted with grace. Many people have reached out with compassion. Many of us have found ourselves with unexpected free time. Good things are coming out of this. Lightbulbs are popping into existence above our heads. We find ourselves evicted from our comfort zones and forced to get creative in ways we're unused to. There have been stories about increased wildlife presence in cities (although it has been there all along, just less bold) and decreased air pollution. Underneath it all is the worry that tragedy lurks in the wings. In many cases, tragedy is center stage.
This event has, in some ways, magnified our best and worst traits. For some, especially those working essential jobs, it's more of the same but with an added dose of uncertainty and danger. Disease is terrifying, after all. Unfortunately, there are enough emotional midgets out there in the population making things more difficult
Entitlement is an ugly word. We are not entitled to anything. I think some people are finding that their power and influence aren't as useful to them as they once were. I've heard many stories of people working essential jobs (mostly grocery and food service related) being yelled at or otherwise abused by people who are frustrated by not being able to have the things they think they are entitled to. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE OUT OF CHEESE? DON'T YOU HAVE ANY IN THE BACK?"
We're not entitled to food.
We're not entitled to water.
We're not entitled to shelter.
We're not entitled to leave our fucking disposable gloves all over the parking lots outside stores. We're not entitled to abuse people whom we view as somehow "lower" than us because they work service jobs. Nobody respects you if you yell like an asshole. Nobody is going to want to help you if you yell like an asshole. If you must make an ass of yourself, do it at home in front of a mirror. Maybe then you'll realize how ridiculous you sound. Take a moment to reflect on why you're being an asshole. Use this pause to work on your personal growth.
Unfortunately, I think this opportunity is lost on the people who really need it.
Some of us are luckier than others. Some of us have the luxury of reflecting on this pandemic in relative safety and comfort. Many are not so lucky. As for us. We're pretty lucky. Jeanine hasn't worked since the shelter in place happened, but she is keeping busy and even selling a few things online (something she had started doing before this happened). Right now, she is in the yard, putting up balloon flowers and rabbits. I have been home from work, but I'm still getting paid. The week after next, I will be expected to work a 40 hour week from home, but I'm actually excited about some of the projects I plan to work on. I'm a little worried about summer, when pay is not guaranteed, but we have a plan B and a plan C in place. Like I said, we're lucky.
Schools are closed for the rest of the school year. Willow is still sheltering in place at her mom's. I've heard vague rumors that the 2020/2021 school year might start as late as November. However, there is nothing I can do about any of this, so I'll just focus on the things I have control over.
Currently listening to: Doc Wor Mirran "The Soundtrack of Death"