Coronavirus is fierce, but it could be worse, a lot worse. Take the disease that overwhelmed London in 1665, killing a quarter of the population with no cure and incredible suffering. It shows how far we have come and how fortunate we are compared to our vulnerable ancestors.
Continue reading “Story of a Monster Plague”Category: Environment
Feeding Grand Bahama
Hurricane Dorian tore apart much of Grand Bahama, but amid the destruction a vital community spirit has arisen that seems to overcome ruined homes and businesses. Much of this is apparent in the World Central Kitchen that provides some 12 thousand meals a day to needy island residents – not routine fare but the inspirations of gourmet chef Jose Andres, who wants his non-paying customers to eat well even if they dine in the forlorn shells of their former homes. The mission of this one kitchen is to substitute for the many destroyed. Continue reading “Feeding Grand Bahama”
Exotic Invasion
Nice little Python. Cute and crawly. But he grows and grows – too long for the room and somewhat menacing as pythons have been known to squeeze and sometimes strangle unwary humans. What to do? Euthanizing a pet is not fair. The solution: the watery everglades where he can join many thousands of fellow snakes in eternal combat with the other animal discards – alligators. Continue reading “Exotic Invasion”
The Eternal Turtle
Let’s show a little respect for turtles that have lived for hundreds of millions of years … hundreds of times longer than we humans. That’s the advice of Carlo Rovelli, an acclaimed physicist whose book “Seven Brief Lessons on Physics” is addressed to readers who know little or nothing about physics but who have an advantage over turtles in that they are aware of their existence and can do something about it. Continue reading “The Eternal Turtle”
Florida Under Attack – Algae Invasion
Red or green? Take your pick. Both colors of algae are devastating south Florida, infesting beaches on the Gulf coast, invading rivers and canals on the Atlantic side. All kinds of sea life are dying and humans are in jeopardy. Many businesses have closed, reservations canceled. The plague beginning in the spring could last well into November. Continue reading “Florida Under Attack – Algae Invasion”