Day 182 Thursday, Sept 24 - Sundowners
Whither coronavirus, you ask?Worldwide (Map)
September 24 – 31,780,000 confirmed infections; 975,100 deaths
September 17 – 29,902,200 confirmed infections; 941,400 deaths
US (Map)
September 24 – 6,935,000 confirmed infections; 201,880 deaths
September 17– 6,630,100 confirmed infections; 196,831 deaths
SA (Coronavirus portal)
September 24 – 665,190 confirmed infections; 16,206 deaths
September 17 – 653,445 confirmed infections; 15,705 deaths
News blues…
Across South Africa in the last 24 hours, 1,906 people have tested positive for Covid-19. While SA’s infection rates continue to climb, the country is now 9th on the Johns Hopkins worldwide list of most infected countries. Most recently, Spain surpassed SA’s numbers and rose to 8th place.Positive news from the Western Cape
The number of active cases of Covid-19 in the Western Cape slipped below 2,500 on Thursday. At the height of the provincial outbreak at the beginning of July there were more than 17,600 active cases and nearly 1,900 people in hospital. These figures were down to 2,492 and just over 600 on Thursday, meaning active infections in the province are 35.3 per 100,000 people.
The per capita active infection rate in Cape Town — once the epicenter of the national epidemic — is even lower, at 30 per 100,000.
***
European countries experience a second wave. Coronavirus world map: which countries have the most Covid cases and deaths? ***
Dr Fauci “klaps” back. (For readers unfamiliar with South African idioms, “klap” is the Afrikaans word for hit back or fight back. It’s also used to describe a strenuous effort, as in, “I’ll klap that job, one way, man!” Translation into American: I’ll make short work of that job.Watch Dr Fauci klap Congressman Rand Paul who maneuvers- and fails - to get the last word for a photo op.
Way to go, Dr Fauci!
***
Barton Gellman’s recent article in The Atlantic,The Election that could Break America, paints an alarming election scenario The [election] contest will be decided with sufficient authority that the losing candidate will be forced to yield. Collectively we will have made our choice—a messy one, no doubt, but clear enough to arm the president-elect with a mandate to govern.Time for Americans to engage their inner patriot and demand – and vote for – democracy over authoritarianism. There’s no time like the present.
As a nation, we have never failed to clear that bar. But in this election year of plague and recession and catastrophized politics, the mechanisms of decision are at meaningful risk of breaking down. Close students of election law and procedure are warning that conditions are ripe for a constitutional crisis that would leave the nation without an authoritative result. We have no fail-safe against that calamity…[and] blinking red lights.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
A conundrum: how to stage for sale one large property, full-of-“stuff” being held to use after the purchase of a small property? With limited help and limited funds to hire help?And drive up and down to my mom’s new home in the Care Center to accommodate her need to keep her dog healthy? If Jessica, the dog, refuses to eat for a couple of days, I’m asked to purchase appetite stimulating meds for the dog. I order meds. Meanwhile, the dog – inevitably – starts eating again.
The more things change, the more things stay the same.
***
I thought I’d hired a skilled painter to handle the more complex areas of the house’s façade. Since she lives far from this house, we’d agreed she’d stay overnight until the job was finished. She’d bring her two dogs. Then she thought about it and decided her dogs and my mother’s three dogs that remain here, would fight. She cancelled the job. Then she thought about that – and decided she’d leave her dogs at home and drive here each day.I’m grateful she’s coming to paint.
I do not understand the … canine fetish … that drives South Africans to prioritize dogs over making a living – or living independent of dogs.
***
With the change in weather, ending a lovely spring day next to the garden pond, sipping a “sundowner” (a cocktail in the English colonial tradition), and chatting with monkeys. Well, “chatting” is a stretch of my imagination. I invite monkeys to chat, but none have accepted my invitation – so far.Hope springs eternal and I’ll keep trying. Already I see signs that the more mature monkeys are tempted: they sit, scratch, stare, sometimes even wander into the garden as I cajole.
Wouldn’t monkeys look great sipping on sundowners?
Day 181 Wednesday, Sept 23 - Licensed!
News blues…
In the latest polls US presidential candidate Joe Biden leads presidential incumbent Donald Trump 51 percent to 44 percent. https://edition.cnn.com/election/2020/presidential-pollsMy only comment? How can 44 percent of the United States voting public still support Donald Trump? More than 7 million American infected with Covid-19, and 200,000 plus dead.
It is inconceivable that any human, never mind 44 percent of ‘em, could vote for a man devastating the United States with his lies.
***
The Lincoln Project:
Meidas Touch:
Joe Knows How (0;25 mins)
Bye Kayleigh (0:55 mins)
RVAT: As Bill watches Trump dismantle checks and balances across the board, he prepares to vote Biden. (3:45 mins)
Three weeks ago, I visited the municipality to renew my license. I learned I could get an appointment to renew.
Today was the day, at 11:00am.
I dreaded the visit, largely because the first time I visited that office – three years ago, to transfer my vehicle into my name – it took six visits to accomplish my goal. I’d never done it before, could find no directions on how to do it, and anyone I asked gave conflicting directions. The clerks behind the thick glass were impatient and unhelpful. In short, licensing my car annually has been stressful. Moreover, the transaction is in-person only - no online service and no functional post office to deliver pertinent and timely documents.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
Big day: due to pandemic, my car license (“car registration” in US) lapsed at the beginning of May. Allowances were made to accommodate drivers’ lapsing licenses due to Covid-19. I experienced police at roadblocks making gentle suggestions about renewal – “do it as soon as possible” - instead of issuing tickets. (Municipality offices, the police station, too, have shut down several times during Lockdown due to detection of Covid-19 infections among employees. Shut downs last for two or three days while office undergo “deep cleaning.”)Three weeks ago, I visited the municipality to renew my license. I learned I could get an appointment to renew.
Today was the day, at 11:00am.
I dreaded the visit, largely because the first time I visited that office – three years ago, to transfer my vehicle into my name – it took six visits to accomplish my goal. I’d never done it before, could find no directions on how to do it, and anyone I asked gave conflicting directions. The clerks behind the thick glass were impatient and unhelpful. In short, licensing my car annually has been stressful. Moreover, the transaction is in-person only - no online service and no functional post office to deliver pertinent and timely documents.
While anxious, I hoped that today’s 11:00am appointment meant a quick in and out – with license in hand.
First surprise: I was fourth to join a line of socially distanced customers seated outdoors under a tree. Within 10 minutes the line was a dozen customers long. We all had appointments for 11:00am.
I tried alleviating my anxiety by reading my Kindle library book on my cell phone. Alas, I reread the same page several times before realizing I was eavesdropping on the conversation among the three people in line ahead of me.
The man dominating the conversation explained he carried vehicle license renewal paperwork for 8 other people… then interspersed his monolog with his schtick of rhetorical negativisms: “how many more years does the white man have in South Africa? He answered his own question: "20? Nah. Less."
Then he threw in comments about “cannibalism” and how “it is not over yet” ...and followed this up with dour jokes themed on how “they” are “not on the ball”.... that “we will end up in chaos”... how he hoped “we don’t end up like Zim” [Zimbabwe] “but we’re heading there...” After that, he segued to public officials’ salaries. “They [the village mayor] make about R120,000 [US$7272] per month, a million a year” … “for doing nothing, and taking no responsibility.”
He offered insight into how “they” are “talking about taking away/doing away with peoples’ pensions... Oh well….”
I’d arrived at 10:35 for my 11:00am appointment. I checked the time: 11:30am. I saw no discernable progress getting customers into or out of the office.
Meanwhile, our voluble companion had moved onto sharing his plan for his old age: suicide.
He explained he already had the means in his possession: a two-phase poison. “I’ll add it to my orange juice one morning…. No trace will be found which means my life insurance policy will be paid. It’s all about quality of life... I’ve had a good life. I got nothing... so bugger all to lose which is nice... I’ve no medical insurance. Few years ago, I had a heart attack and they took me to Edendale Hospital [a free government-run hospital]. It was like being in the heart of Africa. But they fixed me up. It cost me nothing. And I feel better than ever! Even my eyesight improved.”
11:55am.
Then two of us were called inside the office.
11:55am.
Then two of us were called inside the office.
After sanitizing hands, having temperature taken, and filling in personal details and signing the Covid tracing document, I settled in to wait.
Three clerks served a waiting group of 6 socially-distanced customers.
Now the topic of conversation was “that horrible man” waiting in line outside, how he had paperwork for 8 vehicle owners… and how the staff intended to make him wait until the end of the work day (2pm at the municipality)…
Customers who’d experienced “that horrible man” laughed at the notion of keeping him waiting….
Soon, I faced the thick glass window and the clerk. Within six minutes, I paid my fee - no late fee - tucked my paperwork into my backpack, and departed.
Best of all: next year I'll renew my license by August 31 instead of April 30. Six months reprieve.
Bliss.
July 1, 2020 the sun rose at 6:53am and set at 5:11pm.
Today, September 22, 2020 the equinox, the sun rose at 5:45am and will set 5:54pm.
Fiat lux. (“Let light be made,” aka “let there be light”.)
Alas, “best laid plans,” etc., etc. The saga continues: yesterday, I learned he’s still here, somewhere in the village.
Why?
Who knows? Not on my account, I hope.
His mother sends him money for food.
I informed our security service so they’re aware I’m still under threat of physical harm.
Oakland, California lies on San Francisco Bay, adjacent to Alameda, the delightful island city I lived in for the last 20 years. When I’m not in KwaZulu Natal, I work in Oakland, too.
Architecturally, Oakland is fascinating: art deco buildings interspersed with modern, postmodern, Chinese, and everything in between.
Recently, a friend wrote me about this city:
I see these photos and remember the times I’ve spent in Oakland, working, enjoying city life, sightseeing, and protesting - the invasion of Iraq, the ongoing war and trauma to American troops and Iraqi civilians, etc.
Day 180 Tuesday, September 22 - Equinox
The past winter – my first in South Africa in decades – I recorded daily sunrise and sunset schedules.July 1, 2020 the sun rose at 6:53am and set at 5:11pm.
Today, September 22, 2020 the equinox, the sun rose at 5:45am and will set 5:54pm.
Fiat lux. (“Let light be made,” aka “let there be light”.)
Perhaps We the People need more balance in how we pay attention to micro- and macro-cosms? An Equinox of Daily Living?
It’s not an exaggeration to say the political struggle in the US is for the very soul of the nation. What kind of nation – therefore world – will emerge after the election? It really is up for grabs.
For decades, Americans took our version of democracy for granted. Many didn’t bother to vote or to struggle against the authoritarian direction Republicans slowly instituted.
News blues…
Trump's Total Failure: Francis Ford Coppola On His Old Classmate (4:40 mins)It’s not an exaggeration to say the political struggle in the US is for the very soul of the nation. What kind of nation – therefore world – will emerge after the election? It really is up for grabs.
For decades, Americans took our version of democracy for granted. Many didn’t bother to vote or to struggle against the authoritarian direction Republicans slowly instituted.
Let's pray it's not too late. After praying, let's get out there and work for a better outcome.
And the “we’ll get to it sooner or later” news: Botswana says it has solved mystery of mass elephant die-off.
Now the good news, aka, “who-knew?” news: the sacred giants of the dung-beetle world
Healthy futures, anyone?
First, the bad news: “I lived the climate crisis every day of my childhood. This November, I'll vote on it.”And the “we’ll get to it sooner or later” news: Botswana says it has solved mystery of mass elephant die-off.
Now the good news, aka, “who-knew?” news: the sacred giants of the dung-beetle world
***
The Lincoln Project:
It’s critical we defeat Trump and Trumpism in November. His enablers in the Senate are just as guilty for aiding and abetting this criminal administration as Trump himself.Accountable (0.25 mins)
Let’s ensure South Carolinians know: It’s America, or Trump.
Lindsey's lack of integrity once before, and now, thanks to you, his race is a dead heat as voters are now finally recognizing the extent of his cowardice.
To ensure Lindsey’s defeat, we have to expose his depravity — and we’re using his own words to do it:
“I want you to use my words against me...You can say 'Lindsey Graham said let’s let the next president, whoever it might be, make that nomination.'"
Lindsey Graham can not, and will not, stand up for principle—or even his own word.
He has abandoned his duty and neglected South Carolinians, all while cowering to Trump and his cruel, antidemocratic agenda.
Once Trump entered the White House, Lindsey’s fidelity to his principles—and his oath—vanished.
Time and time again, Donald Trump has proven to be horrifically unfit and dangerous—and at every turn, Lindsey has done nothing but give Trump cover, accommodate his corruption, and evade any accountability.
Lindsey is petrified at the threat of a Trump tweet. Let’s remind him who he answers to.
Is Jamie Harrison the guy who can vote Lindsey Graham out? (5:35 mins)
It’s up to you, South Carolinians. To quote Star Trek’s Captain Kirk, “Make it so.”
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
Back in July, I posted the beginnings of a saga involving my mother’s long term domestic worker’s son, a lay about, make-no-effort-to work drunk. Miffed at being dislodged from his comfy spot his mother had organized to bum off my elderly mother, I had him ousted, legally. Nevertheless, his mother – my mom’s domestic worker - continued surreptitiously to let him enter and exit the property each night. After security cameras showed this, I locked the upper gate and kept the only key. Thwarted and in a drunken rage, he threatened to kill, rape me, etc. (he’d served prison time for rape). I had him served with a restraining order. When his mother departed her job and this area last week, I expected he’d leave with her.Alas, “best laid plans,” etc., etc. The saga continues: yesterday, I learned he’s still here, somewhere in the village.
Why?
Who knows? Not on my account, I hope.
His mother sends him money for food.
I informed our security service so they’re aware I’m still under threat of physical harm.
***
Oakland, California lies on San Francisco Bay, adjacent to Alameda, the delightful island city I lived in for the last 20 years. When I’m not in KwaZulu Natal, I work in Oakland, too.
Architecturally, Oakland is fascinating: art deco buildings interspersed with modern, postmodern, Chinese, and everything in between.
Recently, a friend wrote me about this city:
Did you know all of Downtown Oakland is completely shut down? From Jack London Square [the waterfront] all the way to about 21st Street almost all the shops are boarded up in covered up with Black Lives Matter murals. It's wild! You can't smash any more windows because there aren't any Windows left to smash. I look at it as a rebellion against corporate repression. They left standing a couple of the smaller shops, but obliterated all the banks, the CVS, the Walgreens, Target - virtually anything that looks look like a chain store - is gone. There would be no reason for anyone to go to downtown to shop for anything because there's nothing there. For whatever reason, what's left of Jack London Square is still intact. It's just all along Broadway that is decimated.“I’ve an ongoing project photographing changes in rural and urban environments, both in my small part of KZN and in California, including Oakland. Before I departed California in January, I and a friend spent the afternoon walking Downtown Oakland and Chinatown while I photographed most recent changes. So much has changed there - driven by the tech industry (Uber, for example, headquarters in Oakland) - that we got lost in Chinatown.
These photos – none of which are mine – show the area over time.
Now? Photos taken during Black Lives Matter protests:
Set 1.
Now? Photos taken during Black Lives Matter protests:
Set 1.
I see these photos and remember the times I’ve spent in Oakland, working, enjoying city life, sightseeing, and protesting - the invasion of Iraq, the ongoing war and trauma to American troops and Iraqi civilians, etc.
I miss it.
I want to be there.
As Rumi said, “heedlessness is a pillar that sustains our world….”
The Notorious RBG (1:12 mins)
Goodness (0:55 mins)
If Trump is re-elected, he’ll rip the Constitution to shreds. He’s told us so. (1:20 mins)
Trump has turned the US into a “shithole country”… That’s about the only thing he’s succeeded in doing in this entire life. What a legacy.
My mother’s remaining longtime domestic worker is here working, too. Due to privacy, I’ve hesitated to share names, but it’s appropriate to recognize Martha’s efforts. She’s a trooper and I’m glad she’s working alongside me.
Martha, as usual, will prepare breakfast for the remaining two dogs – and for Jessica, the dog that accompanied my mother. I’ll drive Jessica’s breakfast to the Care Center. Yes, for now Jessica has hot food delivered. I thought that life would become easier with fewer dogs around, but no – it gets more complex and more resource intensive.
Polling booths open in certain areas of the United States for early voting. Voters claim they’re stimulated by the recent death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “I’m voting for the future lives of my children,” one woman said.
In Virginia, Trumpies grouped in front of the polling area, waving flags and shouting. Unprecedent behavior outside pollling booths….
Will voting make a difference in how Trump, Trumpies, and the Republican-majority senate approach the nomination for the next justice? That is, will they respect the "will of the people" and allow the process to unfold in respectful order?
Judaic tradition mourns for seven days. Islam tradition mourns for three days. Christian tradition mourns for seven days (up to 40 days for Orthodox).
Mourning Ruth Bader Ginsburg and reviewing her extraordinary life is being shoved aside and replaced by a distasteful Trumpie-flavored squabble.
Ghana Army (1:25 mins)
The Novices of Daughters of St Francis of Assisi (FSF) at St Leo Formation House - Izotsha - Umzimkulu Diocese (5:25 mins)
Jerusalema Master KG Top best dance challenge World Wide (12:15 mins)
Interview with South Africa’s Master KG on the massive global hit (12: mins)
Accountable (0:25 mins(
Hypocrisy Incarnate (1:18 mins)
Meidas Touch: Demand Decency (0:45 mins)
I will also sort through what likely will be the first of two rounds to auction my mother’s personal property.
Keeping "RBG" in mind, I celebrate the spring and welcome the first monsoonal rainfall.
Lots to do.
I’m surprised at how devastated I am.
Today, I wish I was in the US, among people who know and understand what the passing of this really terrific human woman means.
This brief posting honors RBG. 2020 Liberty Medal Honoring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The Jerusalema dance challenge has taken social media by storm – and touched hearts around the world (including mine; how wonderful people can be when we put our minds to cooperating as a collective). People all around the world are sharing videos of their unique teams dancing to the hit song Jerusalema by South African musician Master KG, featuring the voice of songstress Nomcebo Zikode.
Start here: a description and meaning of the Jerusalema challenge by KP Hospital (7:03 mins) in South Africa, where it all started, Barberton High School (3:50 mins) and Plettenberg Bay (3:50 mins)
Also, Transylvania (2:12 mins)
Jerusalem (3:15 mins)
10 Best (so far) Jerusalema Dance Moves | WORLDWIDE (12:05 mins)
More dancers and dance moves tomorrow….
Horrific.
Then the bad news: Birds 'falling out of the sky' in mass die-off in south-western US
A side effect of the outages - darkness then power surges as power comes back online? Alarm systems, ours and that of dozens of residences in the area, strain. Ours beeps intermittently and persistently for no apparent security breech. I’ve figured out how to quell the sound, but it is disconcerting: how does one know when the beep portends trouble?
This week, President Ramaphosa advised this nation, enjoy your weekend – and dance the Jerusalema challenge. (3:54 mins)
Day 179 Monday, September 21 - ngikhathele
After a weekend prepping my mother’s large house for sale and ngikhathele - (Zulu) I am tired!And it ain’t over yet.
Did I bite off more than I can chew?
Possibly.
Talking about travel, yesterday I heard an unfamiliar sound overhead: an aeroplane/airplane. Haven’t heard an aeroplane since Lockdown began. What’s more, it looked like SAA – even though that airline is teetering on the edge of closure due to corruption-inspired bankruptcy.
If SAA can fly high, so can I. So can you!
Did I bite off more than I can chew?
Possibly.
News blues…
The big news in South Africa? Level 1 is on! Be careful out there: Covid-19 infections and fatalities continue. Wear your mask, wash your hands, socially distance, but go to work, travel….Talking about travel, yesterday I heard an unfamiliar sound overhead: an aeroplane/airplane. Haven’t heard an aeroplane since Lockdown began. What’s more, it looked like SAA – even though that airline is teetering on the edge of closure due to corruption-inspired bankruptcy.
If SAA can fly high, so can I. So can you!
***
A tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, RIP: How she spent her last weeks. ***
Other news out of the US is too depressing, too much same old/same old Trumpie, just too much alarm to share. ***
In South Africa, the barely functional post office does not have to pay retirement funds to post office retirees.The post office retirement fund has failed in its court bid to force the SA Post Office (Sapo) to continue making contributions to the fund despite the tough financial situation the postal agency finds itself in due to Covid-19. Last week the high court in Pretoria dismissed the fund's case with costs. In her judgment, Judge Elizabeth Kubushi said the economic downturn resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic was of a magnitude that no-one could have predicted.
The fund took Sapo to court after not receiving members' contributions for May, June and July. In its arguments, the fund said its concern was that the member contributions are deducted from their salaries but not paid into the fund.
The fund argued that the benefit of pension contributions is a legal obligation which must be complied with, adding that according to the fund rules, this must be done monthly.
In response, Sapo agreed that it should have paid the contributions as it was supposed to, but said under the current conditions it would not have been possible.
***
Jerusalema – the ultimate: African animals join in… (4:31 mins)Healthy futures, anyone?
Along with fear and uncertainty, it was clear Covid-19 and its accompanying PPE would create a giant pile of plastic discards. This is the quintessential paradox of modern life: that which makes life safer and more convenient also destroys the ecosystem, even the planet.As Rumi said, “heedlessness is a pillar that sustains our world….”
“Cleaning volunteers asked to record plastic PPE found on UK beaches: Beach clean organiser wants to assess amount of masks and gloves discarded during coronavirus crisis.”
Volunteers in this year’s Great British Beach Clean are being asked to record the personal protective equipment (PPE) they find, to get a clearer picture of the volume of plastic masks and gloves discarded during the coronavirus pandemic and their impact on the environment.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), which organises the annual September event, is urging people to organise their own surveys with smaller groups of friends, family and “bubbles”, in line with government guidance.
“It’s likely we’ve all seen masks and gloves littering our local area, whether that’s on the coast or on our street” said Lizzie Prior, MCS beachwatch officer. “Much like other single-use litter, face masks and plastic gloves put our seas and marine life in danger. PPE can be mistaken for food and ingested by marine life or trap animals in the elastic straps of face masks as we’ve seen recently. It’s so upsetting to see another form of single-use litter polluting the UK’s beautiful beaches, and we’re determined to ensure this doesn’t become a new normal.
***
The Lincoln Project:The Notorious RBG (1:12 mins)
Goodness (0:55 mins)
If Trump is re-elected, he’ll rip the Constitution to shreds. He’s told us so. (1:20 mins)
Trump has turned the US into a “shithole country”… That’s about the only thing he’s succeeded in doing in this entire life. What a legacy.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
That plan for my Sunday that I expressed in yesterday’s post - stay home, work in the garden, don my waders and remove fast growing pond weed, and attend to my compost pile? None of that happened. Instead, I prepped my mom’s large house and began to box her now semi-abandoned property – bed linens, clothes, and pots, pans, other kitchen impedimenta.My mother’s remaining longtime domestic worker is here working, too. Due to privacy, I’ve hesitated to share names, but it’s appropriate to recognize Martha’s efforts. She’s a trooper and I’m glad she’s working alongside me.
Martha, as usual, will prepare breakfast for the remaining two dogs – and for Jessica, the dog that accompanied my mother. I’ll drive Jessica’s breakfast to the Care Center. Yes, for now Jessica has hot food delivered. I thought that life would become easier with fewer dogs around, but no – it gets more complex and more resource intensive.
Day 178 Sunday, September 20 - Early voting begins
 |
| The Lincoln Project lawn signs. |
In Virginia, Trumpies grouped in front of the polling area, waving flags and shouting. Unprecedent behavior outside pollling booths….
Will voting make a difference in how Trump, Trumpies, and the Republican-majority senate approach the nomination for the next justice? That is, will they respect the "will of the people" and allow the process to unfold in respectful order?
Nah!
News blues…
The unbecoming fight for the next Supreme Court justice is on.Judaic tradition mourns for seven days. Islam tradition mourns for three days. Christian tradition mourns for seven days (up to 40 days for Orthodox).
Mourning Ruth Bader Ginsburg and reviewing her extraordinary life is being shoved aside and replaced by a distasteful Trumpie-flavored squabble.
Jerusalema
The Jerusalema dance challenge continues…. People all around the world are sharing videos of their unique teams dancing to the hit song Jerusalema by South African musician Master KG, featuring the voice of songstress Nomcebo Zikode.Ghana Army (1:25 mins)
The Novices of Daughters of St Francis of Assisi (FSF) at St Leo Formation House - Izotsha - Umzimkulu Diocese (5:25 mins)
Jerusalema Master KG Top best dance challenge World Wide (12:15 mins)
Interview with South Africa’s Master KG on the massive global hit (12: mins)
***
The Lincoln Project: Accountable (0:25 mins(
Hypocrisy Incarnate (1:18 mins)
Meidas Touch: Demand Decency (0:45 mins)
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
After days of moving my mother into the Care Center, I plan to stay home, work in the garden, don my waders and remove fast growing pond weed, and attend to my compost pile.I will also sort through what likely will be the first of two rounds to auction my mother’s personal property.
Keeping "RBG" in mind, I celebrate the spring and welcome the first monsoonal rainfall.
Lots to do.
Day 177 Saturday, September 19 - American calamity!
Five fifty a.m. Saturday morning, I checked the news on my smartphone. Calamity! Ruth Bader Ginsburg (“RBG”) succumbed. After years of fighting cancer, the trooper died.I’m surprised at how devastated I am.
Today, I wish I was in the US, among people who know and understand what the passing of this really terrific human woman means.
This brief posting honors RBG. 2020 Liberty Medal Honoring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Jerusalema
Amid death, live! President Ramaphosa advised South Africans to dance amid the pandemic (socially distanced, of course). I add, dance to celebrate RBG’s amazing strength.The Jerusalema dance challenge has taken social media by storm – and touched hearts around the world (including mine; how wonderful people can be when we put our minds to cooperating as a collective). People all around the world are sharing videos of their unique teams dancing to the hit song Jerusalema by South African musician Master KG, featuring the voice of songstress Nomcebo Zikode.
Start here: a description and meaning of the Jerusalema challenge by KP Hospital (7:03 mins) in South Africa, where it all started, Barberton High School (3:50 mins) and Plettenberg Bay (3:50 mins)
Also, Transylvania (2:12 mins)
Jerusalem (3:15 mins)
10 Best (so far) Jerusalema Dance Moves | WORLDWIDE (12:05 mins)
More dancers and dance moves tomorrow….
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
Today, I mourn … and feel… life…Day 176 Friday, September 18 - Jerusalema
New week, big numbers: more than 30 million people around the world infected with Covid-19, close to one million dead.Horrific.
Healthy futures, anyone?
First the good news: Dolphin numbers up in Hong Kong after Covid crisis halts ferriesLarge numbers of dolphins returned to Hong Kong waters within weeks of the Covid-19 crisis shutting down high-speed ferries, and researchers are now calling for protections before the ferries resume.Wildlife photos to start your weekend off right
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, also known as Chinese white dolphins and pink dolphins, are native to the Pearl River estuary, but typically avoided the waters between Hong Kong and Macau because of the high volume of high-speed boats.
But researchers say that with the pandemic drastically reducing water traffic, including the suspension of ferries, dolphin numbers in the area have risen by 30% since March.
Then the bad news: Birds 'falling out of the sky' in mass die-off in south-western US
Flycatchers, swallows and warblers are among the species “falling out of the sky” as part of a mass die-off across New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Arizona and farther north into Nebraska, with growing concerns there could be hundreds of thousands dead already, said Martha Desmond, a professor in the biology department at New Mexico State University (NMSU). Many carcasses have little remaining fat reserves or muscle mass, with some appearing to have nose-dived into the ground mid-flight.The world fails to meet a single target to stop destruction of nature – UN report
“I collected over a dozen in just a two-mile stretch in front of my house,” said Desmond. “To see this and to be picking up these carcasses and realising how widespread this is, is personally devastating. To see this many individuals and species dying is a national tragedy.”
The world has failed to meet a single target to stem the destruction of wildlife and life-sustaining ecosystems in the last decade, according to a devastating new report from the UN on the state of nature.
From tackling pollution to protecting coral reefs, the international community did not fully achieve any of the 20 Aichi biodiversity targets agreed in Japan in 2010 to slow the loss of the natural world. It is the second consecutive decade that governments have failed to meet targets.
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5, published before a key UN summit on the issue later this month, found that despite progress in some areas, natural habitats have continued to disappear, vast numbers of species remain threatened by extinction from human activities, and $500bn (£388bn) of environmentally damaging government subsidies have not been eliminated.
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The Lincoln Project: Plan (0:57 mins)
Meanwhile, back at the ranch…
We end this week with short, unexpected – that is, unannounced - electrical power outages. No explanation from Eskom for several varying length outages last night. No notice on Eskom’s app about what’s happening. We are in the dark!A side effect of the outages - darkness then power surges as power comes back online? Alarm systems, ours and that of dozens of residences in the area, strain. Ours beeps intermittently and persistently for no apparent security breech. I’ve figured out how to quell the sound, but it is disconcerting: how does one know when the beep portends trouble?
This week, President Ramaphosa advised this nation, enjoy your weekend – and dance the Jerusalema challenge. (3:54 mins)
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