Yuval Noah “Sapiens” still sticks in my mind

This is quite a lengthy profile of Yuval Noah Harari who made a huge splash with his book "Sapiens" in 2014. It's one of my top ten memorable books for ideas. Recommended highly -- as is this article. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/02/17/yuval-noah-harari-gives-the-really-big-picture

Who so many firework complaints in NYC this year?

The key respnse for most people will just be what will be a "duh" -- but only once it occurs to you. There are all sorts of noises that are more obvious in a much quieter city. This article includes a number of Tweets talking about where the fireworks have come from, who's setting them … Continue reading Who so many firework complaints in NYC this year? →

Apple+ offers free viewing of “The Banker” for the rest of June

Such a wealth of entertainment available free this month in support of either Juneteenth or the protesters -- make sure you catch at least a few. https://www.appleworld.today/blog/2020/6/19/apple-offers-free-viewing-of-the-banker-film-to-celebrate-juneteenth Apple offers free viewing of ‘The Banker’ film to celebrate Juneteenth June 19, 2020/ Dennis Sellers To celebrate Juneteenth celebration, Apple has made its original film, “The Banker,” … Continue reading Apple+ offers free viewing of “The Banker” for the rest of June →

Being recovered from COVID-19 doesn’t mean being well — WEAR YOUR MASK

This article is a compact summary including stories showing that recovery from COVID-19 doesn't mean your life will ever be the same. This is not a virus you want to get yourself or give to anyone else. WEAR YOUR MASK for everyone's sake. The next person you meet who isn't wearing one could give it … Continue reading Being recovered from COVID-19 doesn’t mean being well — WEAR YOUR MASK →

Quarantine by NY, NJ & CT on travelers from high levels of community spread of COVID-19

This is the description of the announcement published at 11:45, Wednesday, June 24th in the Guardian U.K.. Wondering how this is to be enforced as people from the restricted states are not the type to take this as a directive. Subsequent info indicates the states expect this to work by residents asking newcomers if they’ve … Continue reading Quarantine by NY, NJ & CT on travelers from high levels of community spread of COVID-19 →

Surgeon answers every objection time wearing a mask

RETIRED SURGEON Sam Laucks, has this to say about wearing masks: “OK, here’s my rant about masks: I have spent the past 39 years working in the field of surgery. For a significant part of that time, I have worn a mask. I have worked with hundreds (probably thousands) of colleagues during those years, who … Continue reading Surgeon answers every objection time wearing a mask →

Description of OMNY, NYC’s new contact-less fare setup

Have no idea what's happened to OMNY since this was published immediately before COVID-19 hit. Bad timing. https://ny.curbed.com/2019/5/22/18617849/nyc-subway-mta-omny-contactless-payment-system A guide to OMNY, the MTA’s new MetroCard-replacing fare system The tap-to-pay technology is rolling out on all Manhattan buses as well as more subway stations this month By Caroline Spivack Updated Mar 2, 2020, 1:51pm EST It’s … Continue reading Description of OMNY, NYC’s new contact-less fare setup →

How much is American individualism worth? EU locking us out

I compare how the U.S. is handling COVID-19 to how we've been handling the right to carry assault weapons around in WalMart. In certain parts of the country (mostly South and North with pockets in the upper Midwest), the traditional American tradition of "personal liberty" rules supreme. That concept places the rights of the individual … Continue reading How much is American individualism worth? EU locking us out →

100 degrees in Siberia is downright scary

The time during which we can reverse the accelerating increase in global temperatures is getting very short. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/17/climate-crisis-alarm-at-record-breaking-heatwave-in-siberia See also: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/18/europe/siberia-warming-climate-crisis-intl-hnk/index.html Climate crisis: alarm at record-breaking heatwave in Siberia Unusually high temperatures in region linked to wildfires, oil spill and moth swarms A map showing places warmer (red) or cooler (blue) in May than the … Continue reading 100 degrees in Siberia is downright scary →

Here’s what opened in NYC with phase 2 start on June 22nd

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/heres-what-will-reopen-in-new-york-city-during-phase-2 Photograph: Courtesy Charissa Fay Here's what will reopen in New York City during Phase 2 Outdoor dining, retail, hair salons and more will be opening their doors starting Monday. By Shaye Weaver Posted: Wednesday June 17 2020, 6:34pm RSS Share Tweet Phase 2 of New York City's reopening will begin Monday. Mayor Bill de Blasio … Continue reading Here’s what opened in NYC with phase 2 start on June 22nd →

Truly helpful — ranking 36 activities for COVID-19 risk

MLive asked four public health experts/doctors to rank the COVID-19 risk of engaging in 36 activities that are part of normal life. Once the list was produced, there were several graphic ways of showing it so I'm listing three articles showing a range of visuals with the hope that one or the other will talk … Continue reading Truly helpful — ranking 36 activities for COVID-19 risk →