Photo from Unsplash user CDC
With Contra Costa now in the more permissive Orange Tier, and almost one million COVID-19 vaccine doses given, things are on the up and up. This week I got my first dose at DVC. It was Pfizer, thankfully, and thought everything went smoothly. Although I heard stories about soreness etc. I felt nothing at all, at least so far. Apparently the second dose is more impactful though. If you’ve been vaccinated, how was the process for you?
Photo by Unsplash user artem_kniaz
In 1964, Kitty Genovese was stabbed outside an apartment building in busy Kew Gardens, New York, witnessed by 30+ people who neither helped the victim, nor called police. In 2021, just this week, a 65 year old Asian-American woman was attacked in broad daylight in Manhattan, right outside a luxury apartment, witnessed by several people who also did not help the victim. In fact, the security guard closed the door after the attack was over.
If you witnessed an attack, would you come to their aid? Some bystanders have been attacked themselves, so it’s not so clear-cut, or is it?
Recently, the third economic impact payment has been sent out. Are you more likely to spend this money on local businesses to help the local economy or are you just as likely to save it or spend it on Amazon?
Had I encountered these drinking fountains last year, I would have been flummoxed. Why not just have a “temporarily out of service” sign? Instead, both fountains are covered with miniature red buckets, each locked with an ominous message, “DANGER – LOCKED OUT”.
This past year have been challenging in many ways, but what minor annoyance bothers you the most due to the lockdown?
Photo by Unsplash user juja_han
With podcasts becoming more popular especially in Covid-19 times, it’s daunting to find new podcasts. My recent podcast listening playlist includes Fresh Air, Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin, WTF with Marc Maron, and Sway with Kara Swisher. What are some of your favorite podcasts?
More and more schools are opening back up with health organizations encouragement as COVID cases decline. Are you planning to send your children back to school this month? If they are already back, do they like it? I can’t imagine wearing a mask all day at school, separated four feet from friends etc. Although that might be better than remote learning. Why my child has a remote PE class instead of English is beyond me. Couldn’t they just run around the block as an after-school activity instead of taking away valuable class time?
With stringent lockdown enforcements throughout California causing many local businesses to take major hits, if not go out of busines, a recall movement effort is underway to remove Governor Gavin Newsom, who dined at the upscale restaurant French Laundry without wearing a mask. Should he be recalled or should he be applauded for saving lives?
Photo by Unsplash user nietramos_d
I like to take the garbage out at night. Sometimes I wonder how I would feel taking out the garbage if I lived in Alaska or Florida. Would I be attacked by a Grizzly bear? An alligator? This week a child in Moraga was bitten by a coyote but thankfully was able to escape with the help of their parent. A few years ago I encountered a pack of coyotes nearby that was somewhat disconcerting even if I’m not a child. When I run on empty trails I worry about mountain lions.
Do you worry about wild animal attacks or are there more important things to worry about?
Photo by Unsplash user veradavidovaphotography
This week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended double masking to prevent infection from the more spreadable variants that are doubling about every 10 days.
From the CDC website:
CDC conducted experiments to assess two ways of improving the fit of medical procedure masks: fitting a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, and knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask and then tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face. Each modification substantially improved source control and reduced wearer exposure.
Are you going to follow their suggestions to protect yourself before you get vaccinated or are you going to risk it with only one mask? I’ve been happy with my double layer mask fit with disposable filter sandwiched in-between but maybe I should add another mask? I feel like it’s not necessary but if I do catch it I don’t know if I’ll forgive myself.
Due to the pandemic and subsequent transition to remote work, people have been moving around a lot more recently now that they’re no longer tied down to an office. Some have left the cities for the suburbs, while others have left California altogether. Are you planning to move or are you happy where you are now?
