Departing the Sensory

I wasn't thinking about the massacre at Kent State when I woke up this morning. (Although I think I would have told you it happened in 1970 if asked, I don't think I have ever known what the precise date was.) Then I saw on Twitter and elsewhere a breaking story, that the Trump Administration is internally predicting that deaths per day from C-19 will double by mid-June, at the same time it publicly advocates for "reopening" of the economy and ending stay at home orders. Those headlines reminded me of something my father once said. I've been interested in 60s counter culture for a long time, and I once asked what it was like to live thru that galvanized period -- particularly Kent State. I'm sure I was listening to Neil Young at the time. One of the things he told me (paraphrased somewhat) is that during the 60s the Vietnam War allowed activists and society generally to focus on foreign policy. But Kent State was a turning point, because "now, they...

In an effort to put more down on (digital) paper, just in case there are still historians in the future, I'm going to make a couple observations about C-19 and the economy.  [ - ] As of today, near the end of April 2020, government officials at most levels -- municipal, state, and federal -- are talking about "reopening" the economy. Setting aside for a moment whether the economy is something that can be opened (or closed in the first place),* and setting aside the obvious problems with treating the economy as some sort of device that has an on/off switch, the reopening talk is insane. It's insane because, as far as I can tell, no one has a plan to make the so-called reopening work. For one thing, the polling data we have suggests that a shockingly high percentage of Americans support social isolation. So as an initial matter, it's not at all clear that people will actually go out and use the reopened economy. Will people work from the office more than from ...

On March 2, 2020, I had a conversation with my wife and in-laws about the then-prevailing advice that wearing masks was not effecting at stopping the spread of novel coronavirus. In an email written and sent later that day, I called bullshit and concluded after analysis that the government was lying to cover up its incompetence. The email is reproduced below with minor edits for clarity. It turns out I was right, because now of course we should all be wearing masks when we leave our homes. * * * Subject: the idiots running this clown show Apropos of two conversations we had tonight, I looked at the whole "don't wear a mask " thing. Here's what's reported: In fact the U.S. surgeon general recently urged the public to “STOP BUYING MASKS !” “They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can’t get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk!,” wrote Surgeon Gener...

Observations Part 2 are a collection of selected email and text messages from the last couple of days. (I've done minor editing for clarity and anonymity.) Regarding climate disruption: We [the US] can't get our act together about shit that's killing people now, why would we ever get it together for shit that's going to kill people later (soon).  The economy: People our age sometimes discuss retirement in various contexts, like how's the 401k doing and stuff like that. I've been saying for a while now that I don't worry too much about retirement savings because I think there's around a 30% chance money will be irrelevant to the sorts of problems we'll be having at retirement age. I would have put money on climate disruption before virus, but whatever. Broken legs and blown knees: What got me most was force-realizing how much mobility -- and I don't mean doing moderately impressive for my age athletic feats on skis, I mean like...

Dear Governor LePage, Maine Law Board of Directors, and others: I recently had an interesting experience when dealing with the state University.  Before I relate said experience, however, I would like to take just a moment to mention a couple of small things. Throughout the recent gubernatorial race, and regularly in the political discourse, a main issue of focus has been on the educational system in the (sometimes) Great State of Maine.  Tied in with the educational system, inexorably linked you might say, are the cousin issues of employment prospect and desirability.  The recent census reveals Maine to be the oldest state in the nation .  Older even than Florida, which is where all the old people go to die.  Quite frankly, it is embarrassing. Politicians argue that young people are leaving the state because they can't find work here -- and therefore our business climate must change.  I have made the argument that it is not so much the lack of work ...

I was checking my email the other day.  Lo! And behold; Drexel has a law school, and they want me to apply! Below is what they sent me (italics mine), and then my response thereto. Dear John, The Earle Mack School Law at Drexel University is forging a new model for 21st-century legal education. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, our unique co-op program gives you the experience of actually working in law before completing your JD. And Drexel  waives the application fee for online applications, so we hope you take a moment to visit our web site to learn more about our  programs, including our: integrated co-operative education program providing students with in-depth real world experience outstanding, engaged faculty dedicated to preparing our students for the rigors of law school and the practice of law location in exciting downtown Philadelphia , one of the nation's largest and most sophistica...

Charles E. Gayarre Elementary The architecture in New Orleans is much like I expected. Gorgeous, depraved, gaudy, shabby, atrocious. The French Quarter, most of the city is not. An industrial wasteland? A little closer.  The shotgun-style homes are a trip, some are 12 feet wide and 80 feet long. City Hall looks like a cruel joke, as if some giant child played around with enormous cement legos and the government said what the hell? and put some offices in there. On the other hand, some of the coolest architecture around is found at the schools. Note the elementary school above. It stands out.  It's an impressive structure, southwestern influence, terracotta roof, and lots of other flair that this picture doesn't do justice. It's boarded up, crumbling apart. I've noted two other schools around town, equally impressive, both fading as well. Observe the reason: The last thing that happened at this place was student registration, three weeks before Katrin...