Catch 22

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Trip to the local bank to cancel/reissue my financial cards was a bust.
After a 45-minute wait in line, an officious young man assisted me. Alas, he required an official ID card – said he cannot reference my passport ID number. 

Why? That’s new bank policy: only an ID card is acceptable.
Background: Where does one get such a card and why don’t I have one?
One gets an ID card from the most dreaded place in South Africa, if not the world: the Department of Home Affairs.
The Department of Home Affairs and I have a long history that includes five years of struggle to obtain a passport. I even got as far as the department camera people taking passport photos and paying for the document. 

In the end, the document was not issued. 

Instead, I got a dozen reasons for why it was my fault the document was never issued. 

My sixth year, I wised up and applied to the SA Embassy in Los Angeles. I did it through the mail and got my passport in 6 weeks, no hassle, no muss no fuss.
Asking me – or any sane South African – to visit the Department of Home Affairs – the worst of the worst branch is in Pietermaritzburg, the legislative capital of Kwa Zulu Natal – is like suggesting a trip to hell for fun. Ain’t gonna happen.
I’d heard, too, that Standard Bank issued ID cards. Well, there’s one Standard Bank that does – unfortunately, it’s in Durban (a grueling 2-plus hour trip, one way). Or one in Johannesburg (an 8-hour trip, one way). That ain’t gonna happen either. No way I’m driving to Durban more likely be told no ID issued that day due to this, that, or another reason.
To add injury to insult: I’d asked the bank to cancel 2 of 3 cards, the 2 that had been stolen (aka “lost”) and allow me to continue using the one I still carry (due to it being in a different wallet). He agreed.
Alas, I went to the store to use it and discovered he cancelled it, too.
Kafka would revel in this. Where is he when such great story material is at his fingertips?
One more story: after 20 minutes of endlessly blocking whatever ideas I presented to squeeze my money out of my bank account, I said, head in hands, “WTF” – except, I announced the entire set of words – “what the fuck” - aloud.
I offended the teller who told me I’m not allowed to use “a bad word”. 

I explained, “I’m speaking American English.”
Moreover, after he suggested I couldn’t “abuse him” I explained I wasn’t abusing him, but I was abusing the system made up of dead ends geared not to help but to hinder.
Culture. Interesting set of unconscious formulations that, too often, clash.
So. As we say in American English, I’m SOL. (Shit out of luck. I wonder where “shit” falls on the scale of bad words? I notice MS Word warns me that this word might be offensive to readers. If I’ve offended you by using it here, please accept my apologies for being a less-than-ladylike lady.)

(Personal) Disaster

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

During a pandemic – albeit one apparently on the wane – it’s wise to differentiate between a social disaster such as Covid 19 - involving our planet and millions of people - and a personal disaster. The latter is today’s focus.
I’ve acclimated to the reality that baggage handlers at Johannesburg international airport routinely going through travelers’ luggage and surreptitiously gleaning anything marketable. I’ve encountered it in the past and I’ve scrupulously weeded out of my checked luggage electronics, fancy gadgetry, and/or valuables. I’m careful with my carryon luggage – a small backpack and a pull-bag. I keep my wallet with money, cards, and ID separate from my wallet with passports and travel documents. 

All was well. 

Until my wallet was stolen.
I’d just paid for a local SIM card, carefully set my US SIM card in my wallet and zipped it into my backpack. Then I received an message on my cell phone from the domestic airline upon which I’d reserved a seat. 

Short version of that history: I’d actually, reserved two seats: one on a trip at 12:15pm then changed that to 4:15pm after it appeared my international carrier would arrive too late for me to comfortably make the 12:15 trip. I’d reserved and received confirmation I would be on the later flight. Then, this message arrived.

I was confused. Which flight was I on?  
Pushing my large luggage cart I hurried to the domestic carrier to learn my reservation was on the earlier flight. At that point I discovered my wallet was missing from my backpack.
Horrors! 

I was in South Africa, the land of bungled bureaucracy: any action that would require me having to deal with bureaucracy (like aptly named SAPS - SA Police Service) was a nightmare. Moreover, I’d have to reach out to the US bureaucracy to, first, cancel any debit/credit cards, and then also reach out to DMV – Department of Motor Vehicles – to replace my driver’s license – the common ID document in the US. On top of all of this, I was booked on a flight departing the airport in 25 minutes.
I approached two cops and asked for help. Both appeared completely dumbfounded that I’d ask for help. Their response helped me realize my wallet was gone for good. Best swallow my anger and, yes, fear, and get on with my life.
Welcome to South Africa!
I’d hired a driver to transport me to my mother’s house. At the house,  I discovered … the garden is overrun with weeds, the small pool is brewing algae, the culvert blockages continues, and that I have my hands full.
Moreover, not much of a pill popper, I discovered my OTC pills to “alleviate sleeplessness” actually help me sleep only for up to two hours. Better than nothing under conditions of jet lag, but not much better.
I took one, slept for two hours, took another, slept for another two hours, then spent the rest of the night, after 2am, awake reading library book on my cell phone.
Big day today. 

Start off with a trip to the bank to ensure local cards are cancelled, order replacements, then figure out how to deal with any fallout from that. There’s also the weedy garden strewn with debris from a fallen tree, the sludgy pool, the needy dogs, the domestic worker who hasn’t had a holiday in almost a year, and to prep for tomorrow’s meeting with the lawyer handling my mother’s estate. And whose admins have still not supplied with the address of the local office. I’ve been asking for 3 weeks.
I must get wireless connection as my cell phone – despite expensive contract - is useless in the location of this house, situated in a hollow with terrible reception. 

Argh. 

Life goes on.

Plane spotting

News blues

Judging by my current experience, reports of airlines flying half empty appear not exaggerated. Apparently, under threat of losing their “spot” in the airport business hierarchy, airlines must maintain their flights and schedules with airports. Tough and expensive for airlines, but good for “the little guy” travelers. In my case it meant the extra cost of purchasing seats – the downside – but ending up with the entire row to myself. Score!
More below on this Intrepid Traveler.

***

The Lincoln Project:
Ted Talk with Maya May  (1:20 mins)

Healthy planet, anyone?

Airports and airplanes are mandatory mask areas: no mask, no travel.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

A plethora of paperwork accompanied my trip on public transportation – most practical means of travel - to San Francisco Overseas airport (SFO): proof of negative Covid test results, QR code for Federal Office of Public Health, proof of vaccinations card. It’s enough to drive a gal to drink; accordingly, once through security (yes, shoes must still be removed – thank you Richard Reid)

 I sampled the local version of a classic margarita. 

Overpriced at $16.00/ZAR 248. 

But good to ameliorate travel angst. 

I’d worried that the travel check-in agent might be mistaken about me enjoying the row of seats alone. Thankfully, the plane was less than half occupied with masked travelers so my seat selection, aisle 24C included 24 A and B, too. 

Sleeping for most of a trans-Atlantic flight is a new experience, one I like and hope to repeat soon.

Half empty airplanes turns out to mean half empty airports, too. 

Little known fact: at my pace of walking, it takes 625 steps to cross level 1 of Gate E, Zurich Airport. It being a slow Saturday afternoon and evening, most stores and kiosks shuttered, I walked, and walked, and walked….

 
Spotted a Camel Smoking Lounge. Smoking lounges are not something I’m aware of in the US. Then again, I’m not a smoker so it’s possible smoking lounges are common….

With a six-hour layover, I entertained myself spotting airplanes perhaps common in Europe, but never-before-sighted by me.

Here's hopin' ...

News blues

As our crazy world stares into the face of another potential apocalypse of war (Russia, Ukraine, NATO, US), the language of war against a virus prevails, too.
Dr Hans Kluge, director of World Health Organization's (WHO) Europe says the continent could soon enter a "long period of tranquility" in the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Kluge cited high vaccination rates, the end of winter and the less severe nature of the Omicron variant. "This period of higher protection should be seen as a 'ceasefire' that could bring us enduring peace." It comes as a number of European nations end Covid-19 restrictions. 
Dr Kluge said some 12 million new virus cases were detected across Europe last week - the highest recorded - but officials have not seen a significant spike in those needing critical hospital care.
Here’s hopin’ …

***

The Lincoln Project:
Biden vs. Trump  (1:20 mins)
Trump Army  (0:58 mins)
Respect  (0:57 mins)

Healthy planet, anyone?

North Carolina’s coastal highway is disappearing – "so I took a road trip to capture it"  >> 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

I’ll travel 5823+ miles today. (For enquiring minds: this is equivalent to 9370 kilometers or 5056 nautical miles.) Over the north Atlantic – over the ice and snow, too, I hope.
I plan on one more walk along the beach before I depart on public transportation to the airport. Last night’s photo says it all: 

***

Cold but crisp and clear in the San Francisco Bay Area
Sunrise: 7:09am
Sunset: 5:36pm

Rainy and cool in KZN, South Africa:
Sunrise: 5:31am
Sunset: 6:54pm

Culture shock

Worldwide (Map) 
February 3, 2022 - 386,005,000 confirmed infections; 5,704,100 deaths
February 4 – 104,367,000 confirmed infections; 2,268,000 deaths
Total vaccinations to date: 10,009,975,000

US (Map) 
February 3, 2022 - 75,702,000 confirmed infections; 894,570 deaths
February 4 – 26,555,000 confirmed infections; 450,680 deaths

SA (Coronavirus portal) 
February 3, 2022 - 3,613,000 confirmed infections; 95,465 deaths
February 4 – 1,463,016 confirmed infections; 45,344 deaths

News blues

One Million Deaths: The Hole the Pandemic Made in U.S. SocietyCovid-19 has been directly responsible for most of the fatalities, but the disease is also unraveling families and communities in subtler ways 

***

On January 15, the Pacific islands of Tonga experienced a massive trauma when an underwater volcano exploded. For days, Tonga was cut off from the rest of the world with international communication networks out of commission. Dust and debris from the explosion and subsequent tsunami hindered rescue operations.
After the pandemic took hold of the world, Tonga had locked down and, by doing so, managed to keep Covid-19 at bay. That all changed after the volcanic eruption. Tongan officials worried that the arrival of aid could bring an outbreak of the virus, something that could represent a bigger danger to Tonga than the tsunami. Indeed, they were right to worry.

• Tonga will go into lockdown after recording two Covid-19 cases among port workers helping distribute international aid….
• The cases seem to confirm fears among Tongan officials that the arrival of aid could bring an outbreak of the virus….
• The prime minister, Siaosi Sovaleni, said the lockdown, which begins at 6pm on Wednesday, will be open-ended, but will last for at least 48 hours, at which point it will be reviewed.
• The nationwide lockdown will require people to stay at home, with only essential services allowed to operate. Since the lockdown was announced, people have been scrambling to get supplies, with photographs emerging of queues down the street outside banks and shops, as people seek to get cash and food.

Read more >> 

***

Why do some people get Covid when others don't? Here’s what we know so far An increasing amount of research is being devoted to the reasons why some people never seem to get Covid — a so-called never Covid cohort. 

Read more >> 

***

The Lincoln Project:
Amanda Gorman reminds US/us  (5:45 mins)

Healthy planet, anyone?

The bad news: Meet the people being paid to kill our planet >> Video series about the methods in which we produce, distribute, eat and dispose of our foods. They’re spectacularly flawed, and we hope this series offers clarity on some of the many changes — from policies to diets — that we need to consider. 
The great news: loving cockatiel sings a baby to sleep  (0:59 mins)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Pre-flight test for Covid done yesterday. Results pending. It was easy-peasy: drove up, waited in my vehicle, sent a text message to the company with my contact details, and had my nostrils scoured. Now I await results.
Meanwhile,

The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa) urges the SA government to remove the compulsory PCR test required  for inbound international and returning South African travellers who are fully vaccinated.

Hmmm, given SA’s reputation for bungled bureaucracy, I doubt compulsory PCR test requirement will be ditched before I arrive there. Could be a LONG wait….

***

As per my desire back in November when I lacked time for an in-depth tour of the East Bay towns of Berkeley, Albany, etc., yesterday I took time out to visit that once-lovely city.
Culture shock!
So much has changed! 

Here’s a sample.
Only in Berkeley.

Despite its promising name, alas, Mad Monk Center for Anachronistic Media - 
located 2454 Telegraph Ave. on Feb. 25, 2018, 
closed suddenly after two years of operation.

A‘Moorish-Tudor fever dream’ is unveiled on Telegraph Avenue

I call it the Hobbit House although it’s
also been described as a cave dwelling, a wizard’s house
and a Moorish palace. A recently unveiled building
to house UC Berkeley students has been a long time coming
— and its unusual design is causing a stir.

Top Dog fighting for relevance in today's Berkeley.

Back in the day... Top Dog was the place for after midnight eats. 
Not much of a hot dog lover, this Top Dog offered -
still offers - the best dogs in the Bay Area.
It also offers a political perspectives - in posted flyers -
that once tended toward socialist, now tends towards Libertarian. (Groan!)  

Like many places on Telegraph, this Environmental Progress office
"Nature and Prosperity for All" is defunct.

Once a busy street offering street vendors a place to sell and interact with customers,
Telegraph is a sterile shadow of its former self. 
Disorienting to see.
Moreover, the best coffee shop on the street, Caffe Med, is gone, shuttered since 2018.

Tea shops proliferate on Telegraph these days - as do chain store. 
The times they have a-changed.

Un-Berkeley-like office space predominates between the campus and Shattuck Ave.

Pot is legal, so is signage for pot.

Groundhog Day

News blues

A groundhog, aka a woodchuck, is a rodent of the family Sciuridae
belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as
marmots and found mostly in eastern United States, across Canada and into Alaska.

Falling on 02-02-22 this year, Groundhog Day  in the US and Canada, is the day upon which the groundhog emerges – or not - from its burrow and foretells the weather for the next six weeks. 

If the weather is clear and the groundhog sees its shadow, it retreats to its burrow and winter persists for six more weeks. If the weather is cloudy and the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring is predicted to arrive early.
Other groundhog facts >> 
The day has its own intrigue, too, with mysterious rodent deaths and cover-ups plaguing ceremony”  >> 

and, the inevitable Groundhog Day cartoon - sign of the times

© 2021 Joe Heller - Hellertoon.com

 ***

US: Still numbah one!
Two years into the pandemic, the coronavirus is killing Americans at far higher rates than people in other wealthy nations, a sobering distinction to bear as the country charts a course through the next stages of the pandemic. 

Cumulative U.S. Covid-19 deaths per capita are highest among other large, high-income countries. Several countries had higher per capita Covid-19 deaths earlier in the pandemic, but the U.S. death toll now exceeds that of peer nations.

Sources: New York Times database of reports from state
and local health agencies (U.S. deaths); The Center for Systems Science and Engineering
at Johns Hopkins University (world deaths); World Bank (world populations);
United States Census Bureau (U.S. population)
Note: Countries shown are those with the highest gross national income
per capita among countries with a population of more than 10 million people.

***

The latest on the coronavirus pandemic and the Omicron variant >> 

***

The Lincoln Project:
Vote while it counts  (0:55 mins)
Last Week in the Republican Party  (1:53 mins)
Winter is coming  (0:55 mins)
Abbott’s Wall  (0:55 mins)

Healthy planet, anyone?

Photo essay: Beachcombed sculptures made of ocean plastic >> 

***

Scientists at University of Sydney found fish exposed to the industrial chemical BPA in warmer waters need more food to reach a given size.

Fish grow slower when exposed to higher temperatures and a common chemical in plastic. New research suggests that a combination of plastic pollution and global heating could have a concerning impact on marine populations.
Scientists at the University of Sydney have found that fish exposed to the industrial chemical bisphenol A – commonly known as BPA – require more energy to grow in high-temperature waters.
BPA is a common chemical used in plastics manufacturing and is known to disrupt hormone signalling, with impacts in marine animals on metabolism and growth. In humans, it has also been linked to reproductive and developmental dysfunction. Millions of tonnes of the compound are produced globally each year.

Read more >> 

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Low tide at the tidal walkway. 

Same walkway at high tide.

Unforgettable

News blues

“The pain of this pandemic is unforgettable, and we have a responsibility to make sure its lessons are unforgettable, too.”
- US Senator Patty Murray of Washington state.

Senator Murray refers to the Prevent Pandemics Act, a sweeping new bill with powerful bipartisan support in the US Senate. It includes a new Covid commission to inform the US response to future outbreaks as well as the current impact of the disease and lay the groundwork to enshrine new powers in federal health agencies. It will also establish an inquiry into the country’s Covid-19 response similar to the 9/11 Commission, among other provisions aimed at preventing the next pandemic.
Read more >> 

***

After a recent special cabinet meeting, South Africa’s National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) and the President’s Co-ordinating Council (PCC) announced a number of new Covid measures:

• Those who test positive with no symptoms do not have to isolate;
• If you test positive with symptoms, the isolation period has been reduced from 10 to seven days;
• Contacts do not have to isolate unless they develop symptoms;
• Primary, secondary and special schools will return to daily attendance; and
• The regulatory provision for social distancing of 1m for pupils in schools has also been removed.

“The rationale for these amendments is informed by the proportion of people with immunity to Covid-19 which has risen substantially, exceeding 60% to 80% in several sero-surveys.
Government commends all South Africans who continue to observe Covid-19 regulations and protocols. We also remind those who are yet to get vaccinated to go for their Covid-19 vaccination and continue observing basic health protocols to prevent the transmission of the virus.”

Read more >> 

***

The Lincoln Project: Abbot Abased  (0:43 mins)
Trump's Texas speech in 90 seconds (1:28 mins)
Unlikely (1:20 mins)

Healthy planet, anyone?

Globally, around 2.2 billion people and 27 percent of all food crop production is located near drying-out freshwater basins.
Less than 3 percent of Earth is covered in freshwater. And while that percentage has remained pretty constant, population growth has not. Only 1 percent of freshwater is accessible to the 7.7 billion people and counting.
Read more >>

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Record snowfall, moisture, and low temperatures along the east coast while the west coast enjoy crisp, sunny days with no rain forecasted. Scary.
San Francisco Bay Area
Sunrise: 7:11am
Sunset: 5:32pm
KZN, South Africa:
Sunrise: 5:29am
Sunset: 6:56pm