Make Do

In a culture of instant gratification, single use and throw away habits we rarely have to compromise. We have what we want when we want.

In times of scarcity or in a depression people learn what is vital. We realize the things we take for granted. We may even realize how wasteful we are.

Being ordered to stay home and stay inside. We make do with what we have. We make do. We use what we have in hand. We do what we can. We don’t do what we can’t. We don’t go where we cannot. We make do. We can survive with very little. We can see what is essential, what is vital. We can see the difference between needs and wants.

We make do.

Everyday 911

Covid 19 deaths in the US are estimated at 31,000.

That’s 9,000 in three days.

That’s like a 9/11 like death toll every day.

At 640,000 confirmed cases and 31,000 deaths. The US death rate is 4.8%.

These are all devastating numbers.

The 1918 flu pandemic death rate was estimated at 2.5%. It was a pandemic where the bodies piled up, literally.

Pain and suffering is occurring at scales not seen on the planet since 1918. But this time everyone is recording it. Forgetting or getting lost in history will be harder.

But, in order to cope. In order to live life. We will have to ‘put it aside’.

Everyday 911

Covid 19 deaths in the US are estimated at 31,000.

That’s 9,000 in three days.

That’s like a 9/11 like death toll every day.

At 640,000 confirmed cases and 31,000 deaths. The US death rate is 4.8%.

These are all devastating numbers.

The 1918 flu pandemic death rate was estimated at 2.5%. It was a pandemic where the bodies piled up, literally.

Pain and suffering is occurring at scales not seen on the planet since 1918. But this time everyone is recording it. Forgetting or getting lost in history will be harder.

But, in order to cope. In order to live life. We will have to ‘put it aside’.

Blow Out

Blowout, a work of nonfiction about oil, wealth, government, corruption, influence and the environment.

These are a few highlights:

  • Oil is a curse on the countries that have it
  • Oil is the most destructive and polluting industry on the planet
  • Oil wealth corrupts absolutely everything and everyone including government
  • Only Alaska and Norway have banked oil wealth for its citizens
  • Every other country with oil wealth has seen no benefit for the average citizen
  • Russia has a corrupt system of government dependent on oil and gas
  • Crippling sanctions are crushing Russian ambitions
  • Russian influence campaigns are effective and continue to be dangerous
  • Oil concentrates wealth and creates corrupt leaders

Number One

We, the United States, are number one. Unfortunately this time, it is for total number of deaths due to Covid 19. Almost 22,000 lives lost. Is it because we have better reporting? Maybe. Probably not.

China has three times the population of the United States. Yet as of today the US has 62 deaths per million. China has 5 per million. South Korea and Singapore are at 5 per million. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan have 1 death per million. There are countries with higher rates of deaths per million.

Ignoring scientific advice, lack of testing, lack of personal protective equipment, a lack of unified messaging and protective social policies. Hoping, ignoring, cheerleading and wishing are not going to help. Decisive action is needed.

We are living in a different world now. Living and acting smart are now essential. Being dumb and ignorant can be life threatening.

Talkin Bout

Don’t you know

They’re talkin’ ’bout a revolution

It sounds like a whisper

Don’t you know

They’re talkin’ about a revolution

It sounds like a whisper

While they’re standing in the welfare lines

Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation

Wasting time in the unemployment lines

Sitting around waiting for a promotion

Don’t you know

They’re talkin’ ’bout a revolution

It sounds like a whisper

Poor people gonna rise up

And get their share

Poor people gonna rise up

And take what’s theirs

Don’t you know

You better run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run

Oh I said you better

Run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run, run

‘Cause finally the tables are starting to turn

Talkin’ bout a revolution

Yes, finally the tables are starting to turn

Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh no

Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh

While they’re standing in the welfare lines

Crying at the doorsteps of those armies of salvation

Wasting time in the unemployment lines

Sitting around waiting for a promotion

Don’t you know

They’re talkin’ ’bout a revolution

It sounds like a whisper

And finally the tables are starting to turn

Talkin’ bout a revolution

Yes, finally the tables are starting to turn

Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh no

Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh no

Talkin’ bout a revolution, oh no

Talkin Bout a Revolution by Tracy Chapman, 1988

Stop It

Shelter in place means

  • Stop flying
  • Stop driving
  • Stop shopping
  • Stop consuming
  • Stop wasting
  • Stay local
  • Stay home
  • Spend time with your family
  • Live simply
  • Make do with what you have
  • Let the economy slow
  • Slow down the spread of the virus

The change in behaviors is rapid and impressive. To save lives from an invisible and frightening threat we can change our habits.

Another frightening and invisible threat is climate change. What we do now or what we don’t do will might help slow climate change. Or make it worse. The virus and atmospheric carbon can kill millions. Will we do the right things?

We can and we must. The virus kills humans. The climate can kill everything.

The Call

Here’s to the babies in a brand new world

Here’s to the beauty of the stars

Here’s to the travelers on the open road

Here’s to the dreamers in the bars

Here’s to the teachers in the crowded rooms

Here’s to the workers in the fields

Here’s to the preachers of the sacred words

Here’s to the drivers at the wheel

Here’s to you my little loves with blessings from above

Now let the day begin

Here’s to you my little loves with blessings from above

Now let the day begin, let the day begin

Here’s to the winners of the human race

Here’s to the losers in the game

Here’s to the soldiers of the bitter war

Here’s to the wall that bears their names

Here’s to you my little loves with blessings from above

Now let the day begin

Here’s to you my little loves with blessings from above

Let the day begin, let the day begin, let the day start

Here’s to the doctors and their healing work

Here’s to the loved ones in their care

Here’s to the strangers on the streets tonight

Here’s to the lonely everywhere

Here’s to the wisdom from the mouths of babes

Here’s to the lions in the cage

Here’s to the struggles of the silent war

Here’s to the closing of the age.

Here’s to you my little loves with blessings from above

Now let the day begin

Here’s to you my little loves with blessings from above

Let the day begin

Here’s to you my little loves with blessings from above

Let the day begin

Here’s to you my little loves with blessings from above

Now let the day begin, let the day begin, let the day start

Let The Day Begin, by The Call, 1989

Plastic Myth

No more than 10% of plastic has been recycled. Plastic is touted as recycled and users just need to do our part. But plastic manufacturers use cheap oil rather than recycling. Plastic recycling has been stagnant for 50 years because of the low values of the materials involved.

Just a few plastic manufacturers set the prices and refuse to use recycled material because they can save a few cents.

Numbers Lie

Covid 19 numbers don’t lie. Or do they? If there is a lack of testing, there is an under count. Therefore the reality is that illness and deaths are higher than any reports. Testing in the US is inadequate.

The reasons for the lack of testing are many. The effects of under testing means that community transmission continues unabated. More infections mean more deaths.