csmonitor--2020-04-07--#ClapBecauseWeCare: World cheers for frontline workers

It began with one clap , then two , then three – then dozens resonated in unison above the streets of Boston on April 3 , 2020 as part of the # ClapBecauseWeCare initiative encouraging people around the globe to pause and show appreciation and encouragement for essential workers helping to fight the coronavirus outbreak .
While some people simply clap as others sing , cheer , or bang pots , the intention is clear : a `` thank you '' to those tirelessly working to care for the ill , keep grocery stores open , and city streets safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , China , in mid-January when quarantine measures took effect .
Then the practice took off in Italy , where residents added singing and waving flags .
As the pandemic swept the globe , citizens around the world have continued cheering together .
The sounds of gratitude can be heard from windows and balconies all around the world .
France , Spain , Canada , England , Italy , Turkey , and India have all been clapping in unison regularly these past few weeks – even the British royals from inside Kensington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organized through local social media groups , there are little instructions other than enthusiasm and gratitude .
“ Feeling frustrated sitting at home , while others are risking their lives on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak ?
Well , there is something you can do as you continue – hopefully – self-quarantining , ” says the Facebook event description for Massachusetts , which hopes to draw people to cheer every Friday evening at 7 p.m. “ Clap .
That ’ s right , clap for the health care workers , first responders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those keeping our public transit running , truck drivers & many more who are stepping up to keep us safe during these unprecedented times.
” Many city neighborhoods are also breaking into song , such as this rendition of “ Lean on Me ” that reverberated across the skyline in a New York neighborhood , a timely tribute to its composer Bill Withers , who died on March 30 : “ It warms my heart .
It has been really good to hear .
I know people are grateful for my friends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” mental health nurse Matt Mendelow , who is quarantined in his apartment as he recovers from COVID-19 , told CBS New York .
“ Like clockwork , the last few nights there ’ s been this intense noise hooting and hollering.
” And the cheers do n't come solely from outside hospitals .
In a video from the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital of Barcelona , hospital staff can be seen applauding their cleaning staff – reminding everyone of their importance in this battle .
In another video , workers in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of applause after their first patient recovered from the virus and left the facility .
In some cases , health care workers themselves are singing between shifts .
Dr. Elvis Francois of the Mayo Clinic performs a soulful John Lennon 's “ Imagine '' on YouTube wearing hospital scrubs , as a colleague accompanies on the piano .
And in a hospital in Cambridge , England , a nursing apprentice sings `` Rise Up , '' by Andra Day , on the piano , a powerful song of hope : `` All we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And for that we have each other . ''
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

It began with one clap, then two, then three – then dozens resonated in unison above the streets of Boston on April 3, 2020 as part of the #ClapBecauseWeCare initiative encouraging people around the globe to pause and show appreciation and encouragement for essential workers helping to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
While some people simply clap as others sing, cheer, or bang pots, the intention is clear: a "thank you" to those tirelessly working to care for the ill, keep grocery stores open, and city streets safe.
Community cheer events first started in Wuhan, China, in mid-January when quarantine measures took effect. Then the practice took off in Italy, where residents added singing and waving flags. As the pandemic swept the globe, citizens around the world have continued cheering together.
The sounds of gratitude can be heard from windows and balconies all around the world. France, Spain, Canada, England, Italy, Turkey, and India have all been clapping in unison regularly these past few weeks – even the British royals from inside Kensington Royal Palace joined the movement.
Usually organized through local social media groups, there are little instructions other than enthusiasm and gratitude.
“Feeling frustrated sitting at home, while others are risking their lives on the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak? Well, there is something you can do as you continue – hopefully – self-quarantining,” says the Facebook event description for Massachusetts, which hopes to draw people to cheer every Friday evening at 7 p.m. “Clap. That’s right, clap for the health care workers, first responders, nurses, grocery store employees, those keeping our public transit running, truck drivers & many more who are stepping up to keep us safe during these unprecedented times.”
Round of applause for health care workers on front lines of COVID-19 crisis heard across Boston tonight! #Boston25 #SouthEndBoston #ClapBecauseWeCare #CoronavirusPandemic pic.twitter.com/xTaeM2OiYd — Drew Karedes (@DrewKaredes) April 3, 2020
Many city neighborhoods are also breaking into song, such as this rendition of “Lean on Me” that reverberated across the skyline in a New York neighborhood, a timely tribute to its composer Bill Withers, who died on March 30:
7pm at NYC.
The rooftop of a building I have been taking pictures of for 2.5 years acquires a surprising personality. #ClapBecauseWeCare #Jambecausewecare
(Instagram#bedroomspective) pic.twitter.com/SJpG8TpjJJ — Maya Ber Lerner (@MayaBerLerner) April 3, 2020
“It warms my heart. It has been really good to hear. I know people are grateful for my friends on the front lines doing this work,” mental health nurse Matt Mendelow, who is quarantined in his apartment as he recovers from COVID-19, told CBS New York. “Like clockwork, the last few nights there’s been this intense noise hooting and hollering.”
And the cheers don't come solely from outside hospitals. In a video from the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital of Barcelona, hospital staff can be seen applauding their cleaning staff – reminding everyone of their importance in this battle. In another video, workers in a Spanish hospital gather to give a round of applause after their first patient recovered from the virus and left the facility.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
In some cases, health care workers themselves are singing between shifts. Dr. Elvis Francois of the Mayo Clinic performs a soulful John Lennon's “Imagine" on YouTube wearing hospital scrubs, as a colleague accompanies on the piano. And in a hospital in Cambridge, England, a nursing apprentice sings "Rise Up," by Andra Day, on the piano, a powerful song of hope: "All we need, all we need is hope. And for that we have each other."
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-06--Canada responds to Trump order blocking N95 mask exports

The premier of a Canadian province that sheltered thousands of stranded American airline passengers after the 9/11 attacks questioned the humanity of U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday after Trump banned the export of N95 protective masks to Canada .
The conservative leader of another province compared it to one family member feasting while letting another one starve .
And yet another premier said it reminded him of 1939 and 1940 , when Canada was part of the fight against global fascism while the United States sat out the first years .
Canadians across the country expressed hurt and disappointment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocking shipments of the masks from the United States to ensure they are available in the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic .
Canadian health care workers – like those in the U.S. – are in dire need of the masks that provide more protection against the virus that causes COVID-19 .
Newfoundland Premier Dwight Ball said one of the great lessons in humanity is that in times of crisis you don ’ t stop being human .
`` To say that I ’ m infuriated by the recent actions of President Trump of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr. Ball said .
`` I can not believe for a second that in a time of crisis that President Trump would even think about banning key medical supplies to Canada . ''
Mr. Ball noted that in 2001 , more than 6,600 passengers descended on Gander , Newfoundland , a town of 10,000 without warning as more than 200 flights were diverted to Canada following the attacks on the United States .
Flight crews filled Gander ’ s hotels , so passengers were taken to schools , fire stations , church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 cots .
Stores donated blankets , coffee machines , barbecue grills .
Locals gave passengers food , clothes , showers , toys , and banks of phones to call home free of charge .
`` Newfoundland and Labrador will never give up on humanity .
We will not hesitate for one second if we had to repeat what we did on 9-11 .
We would do it again , '' Mr. Ball said .
`` This is a time when we need to work together to continue to protect our residents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where they live or what passport they hold . ''
Former Gander Mayor Claude Elliott also said he ’ s disappointed .
`` I understand the United States is going through a very dramatic time , especially in New York , and they need a lot of supplies , but we ’ re fighting an enemy that is just not one state , it ’ s the whole world , '' Mr. Elliott said .
`` And when we come to those times of tragedy in our life , we need everybody helping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his authority under the 1950 Defense Production Act to direct the government to acquire the `` appropriate '' number of N95 respirators from Minnesota-based 3M and its subsidiaries .
He also asked it to stop exporting such masks , also known as respirators , though 3M issued a statement saying that could have `` significant humanitarian implications '' for healthcare workers in Canada and Latin America .
The company said possible retaliation by other nations could actually lead to fewer of the masks being available in the U.S. '' It ’ s like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , 'OK , you go starve and we ’ ll go feast on the rest of the meal . '
I ’ m just so disappointed right now , '' Mr. Ford said Saturday .
`` We have a great relationship with the U.S. and they pull these shenanigans ?
Unacceptable . ''
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney , also a conservative , recalled resentments from the start of World War II : `` The United States sat out the first two or three years and actually initially refused to even provide supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was leading the fight at the time , '' he said .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a more diplomatic approach , saying Sunday he ’ s confident Canada will still be able to import N95 masks from the U.S. despite the export ban and said he will talk to Mr. Trump in the coming days .
Mr. Trudeau noted Canada supplies the U.S. with many supplies , including pulp for surgical-grade N95 masks , test kits and gloves .
Canadian nurses also work in the U.S. Mr. Trudeau earlier said Canada won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the U.S. `` I ’ m confident we are going to be able to solve this and I look forward to speaking with the president in the coming days , '' Mr. Trudeau said .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

The premier of a Canadian province that sheltered thousands of stranded American airline passengers after the 9/11 attacks questioned the humanity of U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday after Trump banned the export of N95 protective masks to Canada.
The conservative leader of another province compared it to one family member feasting while letting another one starve. And yet another premier said it reminded him of 1939 and 1940, when Canada was part of the fight against global fascism while the United States sat out the first years.
Canadians across the country expressed hurt and disappointment that their neighbor and longstanding ally is blocking shipments of the masks from the United States to ensure they are available in the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian health care workers – like those in the U.S. – are in dire need of the masks that provide more protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Newfoundland Premier Dwight Ball said one of the great lessons in humanity is that in times of crisis you don’t stop being human.
"To say that I’m infuriated by the recent actions of President Trump of the United States is an understatement," Mr. Ball said. "I cannot believe for a second that in a time of crisis that President Trump would even think about banning key medical supplies to Canada."
Mr. Ball noted that in 2001, more than 6,600 passengers descended on Gander, Newfoundland, a town of 10,000 without warning as more than 200 flights were diverted to Canada following the attacks on the United States.
Flight crews filled Gander’s hotels, so passengers were taken to schools, fire stations, church halls. The Canadian military flew in 5,000 cots. Stores donated blankets, coffee machines, barbecue grills. Locals gave passengers food, clothes, showers, toys, and banks of phones to call home free of charge.
"Newfoundland and Labrador will never give up on humanity . We will not hesitate for one second if we had to repeat what we did on 9-11. We would do it again," Mr. Ball said.
"This is a time when we need to work together to continue to protect our residents and keep them safe from COVID-19 no mater where they live or what passport they hold."
Former Gander Mayor Claude Elliott also said he’s disappointed.
"I understand the United States is going through a very dramatic time, especially in New York, and they need a lot of supplies, but we’re fighting an enemy that is just not one state, it’s the whole world," Mr. Elliott said. "And when we come to those times of tragedy in our life, we need everybody helping each other."
Mr. Trump used his authority under the 1950 Defense Production Act to direct the government to acquire the "appropriate" number of N95 respirators from Minnesota-based 3M and its subsidiaries. He also asked it to stop exporting such masks, also known as respirators, though 3M issued a statement saying that could have "significant humanitarian implications" for healthcare workers in Canada and Latin America. The company said possible retaliation by other nations could actually lead to fewer of the masks being available in the U.S.
Ontario’s conservative Premier Doug Ford also expressed disappointment.
"It’s like one of your family members (says), 'OK, you go starve and we’ll go feast on the rest of the meal.' I’m just so disappointed right now," Mr. Ford said Saturday. "We have a great relationship with the U.S. and they pull these shenanigans? Unacceptable."
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, also a conservative, recalled resentments from the start of World War II: "The United States sat out the first two or three years and actually initially refused to even provide supplies to Canada and the United Kingdom that was leading the fight at the time," he said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a more diplomatic approach, saying Sunday he’s confident Canada will still be able to import N95 masks from the U.S. despite the export ban and said he will talk to Mr. Trump in the coming days.
Mr. Trudeau noted Canada supplies the U.S. with many supplies, including pulp for surgical-grade N95 masks, test kits and gloves. Canadian nurses also work in the U.S.
Mr. Trudeau earlier said Canada won’t bring retaliatory or punitive measures against the U.S. "I’m confident we are going to be able to solve this and I look forward to speaking with the president in the coming days," Mr. Trudeau said.
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This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-03-31--Work and parent at the same time? A crisis highlights dual lives.

“ The crisis has made this much clearer that these are universal problems that nearly all families are facing , ” says Kathleen Gerson , a sociology professor at New York University .
“ Now we can see how essential it is , both economically , and for personal well-being – and for family well-being – that we address the caregiving crisis in [ our ] society , ” she says .
Welcome to work in the time of COVID-19 .
As both offices and schools go remote , working parents ’ balancing act has become even more difficult .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents are now out in the open – and testing fault lines around divisions of labor , employer expectations , and gender stereotypes .
But this new terrain is also presenting opportunities for people to rethink their ideas about what it means to be a working parent , or employ one , and possibly identify longer-term shifts that could benefit all .
Kids crawling into Zoom calls .
Colleagues ’ pets barking in the background .
Trying to juggle your child ’ s algebra questions – and your budget report due at noon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now viral video hit the internet of a father in a live television interview interrupted by two stumbling toddlers , professionals with kids around the globe laughed tears of schadenfreude .
But today , as schools and day cares are canceled , and governments worldwide encourage – or require – citizens to remain home to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus , the risk of their own client calls or video-conferences getting interrupted by crying kids or exasperated teens is exponentially high .
So high , in fact , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comedy hosts , university professors , local news anchors , and even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ( in self-quarantine ) documenting the juggle of their “ day jobs ” with their now ever-evident roles as parents .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
Working from home while children are present is extremely challenging .
For some families , it ’ s near impossible .
Already the global lockdowns are testing fault lines around familial divisions of labor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parental patience .
But at this unique moment , it ’ s largely understood that if you have kids and are able to work remotely , the two worlds will collide .
And that presents opportunities for employers and employees to rethink their perceptions about working parents , and possibly identify longer-term shifts that could benefit all .
Once we ease out of this crisis , “ people are not going to want to work in the same way ” they did before , says Deborah Croft , co-founder of Thriving Talent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet their gender diversity goals .
“ People are going to be asking for different ways of working because they will have done it ” and seen that it can work .
Lauren Romansky from Acton , Massachusetts , regularly works remotely for a research and consulting firm based in Connecticut .
Now , with day care shuttered , Ms. Romansky and her husband trade off shifts of work and child care for their 2- and 4-year-old daughters , finishing up what remains after the kids are in bed .
It makes for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been trying to explain to a bunch of my colleagues who aren ’ t used to working remotely is this is not business as usual even just in terms of remote work , ” says Ms. Romansky .
She thinks it ’ s too early to tell what impact the COVID-19 crisis will have on perceptions of working parents .
But her daughters have been more visible to her colleagues than they normally are , which she embraces .
In part , that visibility is intentional .
Her department started a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their families or roommates or pets – are invited to join .
It ’ s “ a really great way to authorize everyone to recognize that we ’ re all working in different circumstances and it doesn ’ t have to be something we ’ re ashamed of or is a problem , ” she says of the realities and responsibilities each person is juggling .
For Jamie Schroeder , a business operations manager for Google in Mountain View , California , kids showing up on team video calls has become something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lots of babies in the background that you hear , but it feels very empowering and [ there ’ s ] a supportive dynamic about it , ” she says , adding that she doesn ’ t rush to mute her computer when her 16-month-old makes a peep .
“ Most organizations are really trying to do something to make it easier ” for parents now working from home with the added stresses of child care and schooling , says Ms. Croft .
“ It is teleworking where you are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door .
It ’ s going to be chaotic and there is an acceptance of the fact that that is the case.
” Some 56 % of parents who also work professionally say it ’ s difficult to balance the responsibilities of work and family , according to a 2015 Pew Research Center survey .
Parents often feel pressure to hide their “ double lives ” as caregivers from their employers , whether due to personal fears or long-established stigmas , experts say .
Seventy-four percent of parents with kids under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too busy to enjoy life , according to a 2018 Pew survey .
And that was all before most parents lost their child care amid the coronavirus crisis – child care that , even in “ normal ” times , is often excessively expensive .
In every U.S. state , the cost of infant and toddler child care exceeds the federal definition of “ affordable , ” according to the Center for American Progress .
On average , families in high-income countries around the world spend 14.5 % of their income on child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zealand , the United Kingdom , and the United States can expect to spend closer to one-third .
“ The crisis has made this much clearer that these are universal problems that nearly all families are facing , ” says Kathleen Gerson , a sociology professor at New York University who studies gender , work , and families .
“ Now we can see how essential it is , both economically , and for personal well-being – and for family well-being – that we address the caregiving crisis in [ our ] society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disruptions in some parents ’ lives are translating into hopes of more permanent shifts down the line .
“ My view of working from home has changed a lot , ” says Karla Martinez de Salas , editor in chief of Vogue Mexico and Latin America , who had never tried it before the pandemic .
In “ normal ” times , she is required to travel frequently for work , and returned from a trip to Italy in early March .
That meant two weeks of self-quarantine , which she discovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the time it allowed her to spend with her twin 4-year-old daughters .
“ As [ the girls ] get older , it ’ s harder and harder to be away .
So , perhaps working from [ home ] once or twice a week would be the ideal scenario for a mom like me , ” she says .
With the COVID-19 crisis “ we have accelerated that whole question mark of can we or can ’ t we do flexible working – because you have to , ” says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taboada , a human resources consultant in Monterrey , Mexico , and father of two , says he never liked the idea of his team members working remotely .
“ I ’ m the worst at home office .
I get distracted so easily , ” he says .
In the past , that perception translated to how he viewed it for his six direct reports , too – four of whom are parents .
Although Mexico hadn ’ t required business to close yet , Mr. Taboada gave his team the option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ s had to put a lot of faith into his employees to meet deadlines within the time frame they see fit for their particularly chaotic lives right now .
Sometimes assignments are delivered at 1 a.m. , but together they ’ re making it work .
“ I ’ ve seen baseballs thrown in the background of calls , a cleaning woman dancing with her mop , a client breastfeeding , ” he says of the past two weeks of work calls .
His takeaway is that in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more important to balance these personal , family needs with the needs of business .
But the flexibility to work from home is not a win for everyone .
“ It ’ s been enormously disruptive , ” says Julia Rous , a self-employed single mother in the British village of Horsley , who juggles three jobs including teaching .
The loss of steady income combined with schools ’ shift to distance learning is taking its toll .
“ There is no support in self-employment.
” Gender fault lines in juggling home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are shining brighter than ever in recent weeks .
According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey , both fathers and mothers are fretting more about the effects of coronavirus on their well-being and earnings than people without children .
However , women report being more worried : 36 % say the stress has had an impact on their mental health , versus 27 % of men .
“ Changes always are slower than we ’ d hope .
But there are so many men disconnected from the sphere of the home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confront it , ” says Nicko Nogués , founder of the Instituto de Machos a Hombres .
The organization tries to challenge machismo across Latin America and parts of Europe via partnerships with private companies and international organizations .
“ It opens an opportunity where we can show men that they have a lot to gain getting more involved at home , ” he says .
There ’ s more acceptance among working parents that they ’ re doing their best – even if the hodgepodge nature of caring for kids and meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these days .
“ I think the ‘ aha ’ moment is coming and in an even bigger way , but I don ’ t think it ’ s come just yet , ” says Daisy Wademan Dowling , founder and CEO of the consulting firm Workparent , which trains companies how to support and retain parents .
“ Most people are naturally in shock and in scrambling mode , and thinking about some of the bigger implications has fallen by the wayside compared to just figuring out how to get your job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe , how to go about daily life , ” she says .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

Chelsea  Sheasley,Dominique Soguel,Whitney Eulich

Many working parents feel pressure to hide the messy reality of balancing family and career. Now, as COVID-19 puts their dilemma in the spotlight, some see the seeds of long-term change.
“The crisis has made this much clearer that these are universal problems that nearly all families are facing,” says Kathleen Gerson, a sociology professor at New York University. “Now we can see how essential it is, both economically, and for personal well-being – and for family well-being – that we address the caregiving crisis in [our] society,” she says.
Welcome to work in the time of COVID-19. As both offices and schools go remote, working parents’ balancing act has become even more difficult. Employees’ “double lives” as parents are now out in the open – and testing fault lines around divisions of labor, employer expectations, and gender stereotypes. But this new terrain is also presenting opportunities for people to rethink their ideas about what it means to be a working parent, or employ one, and possibly identify longer-term shifts that could benefit all.
Kids crawling into Zoom calls. Colleagues’ pets barking in the background. Trying to juggle your child’s algebra questions – and your budget report due at noon.
Three years ago, when the now viral video hit the internet of a father in a live television interview interrupted by two stumbling toddlers, professionals with kids around the globe laughed tears of schadenfreude.
But today, as schools and day cares are canceled, and governments worldwide encourage – or require – citizens to remain home to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, the risk of their own client calls or video-conferences getting interrupted by crying kids or exasperated teens is exponentially high. So high, in fact, there are photos and videos posted online from late-night comedy hosts, university professors, local news anchors, and even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (in self-quarantine) documenting the juggle of their “day jobs” with their now ever-evident roles as parents.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
Why We Wrote This Many working parents feel pressure to hide the messy reality of balancing family and career. Now, as COVID-19 puts their dilemma in the spotlight, some see the seeds of long-term change.
Working from home while children are present is extremely challenging. For some families, it’s near impossible. Already the global lockdowns are testing fault lines around familial divisions of labor, employer expectations, gender stereotypes, and parental patience. But at this unique moment, it’s largely understood that if you have kids and are able to work remotely, the two worlds will collide. And that presents opportunities for employers and employees to rethink their perceptions about working parents, and possibly identify longer-term shifts that could benefit all.
Once we ease out of this crisis, “people are not going to want to work in the same way” they did before, says Deborah Croft, co-founder of Thriving Talent, a European company helping businesses and organizations meet their gender diversity goals. “People are going to be asking for different ways of working because they will have done it” and seen that it can work.
Bring on the chaos
Lauren Romansky from Acton, Massachusetts, regularly works remotely for a research and consulting firm based in Connecticut.
Now, with day care shuttered, Ms. Romansky and her husband trade off shifts of work and child care for their 2- and 4-year-old daughters, finishing up what remains after the kids are in bed. It makes for incredibly long days.
“What I’ve been trying to explain to a bunch of my colleagues who aren’t used to working remotely is this is not business as usual even just in terms of remote work,” says Ms. Romansky.
She thinks it’s too early to tell what impact the COVID-19 crisis will have on perceptions of working parents. But her daughters have been more visible to her colleagues than they normally are, which she embraces.
In part, that visibility is intentional. Her department started a daily optional exercise class that staff – and their families or roommates or pets – are invited to join.
It’s “a really great way to authorize everyone to recognize that we’re all working in different circumstances and it doesn’t have to be something we’re ashamed of or is a problem,” she says of the realities and responsibilities each person is juggling.
For Jamie Schroeder, a business operations manager for Google in Mountain View, California, kids showing up on team video calls has become something of a norm. “There’s lots of babies in the background that you hear, but it feels very empowering and [there’s] a supportive dynamic about it,” she says, adding that she doesn’t rush to mute her computer when her 16-month-old makes a peep.
“Most organizations are really trying to do something to make it easier” for parents now working from home with the added stresses of child care and schooling, says Ms. Croft. “It is teleworking where you are going to have children popping out and coming through the door. It’s going to be chaotic and there is an acceptance of the fact that that is the case.”
Dominique Soguel View caption Hide caption Julia Rous talks with her son as he draws birds of prey during a holiday in the British countryside in 2018. Today, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Rous has found it challenging to convey to her children that "no school" doesn't mean "vacation" in terms of how they spend their days.
Some 56% of parents who also work professionally say it’s difficult to balance the responsibilities of work and family, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center survey. Parents often feel pressure to hide their “double lives” as caregivers from their employers, whether due to personal fears or long-established stigmas, experts say. Seventy-four percent of parents with kids under the age of 18 say they sometimes feel too busy to enjoy life, according to a 2018 Pew survey.
And that was all before most parents lost their child care amid the coronavirus crisis – child care that, even in “normal” times, is often excessively expensive. In every U.S. state, the cost of infant and toddler child care exceeds the federal definition of “affordable,” according to the Center for American Progress. On average, families in high-income countries around the world spend 14.5% of their income on child care, but those living in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States can expect to spend closer to one-third.
“The crisis has made this much clearer that these are universal problems that nearly all families are facing,” says Kathleen Gerson, a sociology professor at New York University who studies gender, work, and families.
“Now we can see how essential it is, both economically, and for personal well-being – and for family well-being – that we address the caregiving crisis in [our] society,” she says.
Not all bad?
Already, the disruptions in some parents’ lives are translating into hopes of more permanent shifts down the line.
“My view of working from home has changed a lot,” says Karla Martinez de Salas, editor in chief of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, who had never tried it before the pandemic.
In “normal” times, she is required to travel frequently for work, and returned from a trip to Italy in early March. That meant two weeks of self-quarantine, which she discovered was a “blessing in disguise” because of the time it allowed her to spend with her twin 4-year-old daughters.
“As [the girls] get older, it’s harder and harder to be away. So, perhaps working from [home] once or twice a week would be the ideal scenario for a mom like me,” she says.
With the COVID-19 crisis “we have accelerated that whole question mark of can we or can’t we do flexible working – because you have to,” says Ms. Croft from Thriving Talent.
Carlos Taboada, a human resources consultant in Monterrey, Mexico, and father of two, says he never liked the idea of his team members working remotely.
“I’m the worst at home office. I get distracted so easily,” he says. In the past, that perception translated to how he viewed it for his six direct reports, too – four of whom are parents.
Although Mexico hadn’t required business to close yet, Mr. Taboada gave his team the option to work from home starting in mid-March. He’s had to put a lot of faith into his employees to meet deadlines within the time frame they see fit for their particularly chaotic lives right now. Sometimes assignments are delivered at 1 a.m., but together they’re making it work.
“I’ve seen baseballs thrown in the background of calls, a cleaning woman dancing with her mop, a client breastfeeding,” he says of the past two weeks of work calls. His takeaway is that in the future, it’s going to be even more important to balance these personal, family needs with the needs of business.
But the flexibility to work from home is not a win for everyone.
“It’s been enormously disruptive,” says Julia Rous, a self-employed single mother in the British village of Horsley, who juggles three jobs including teaching. The loss of steady income combined with schools’ shift to distance learning is taking its toll. “There is no support in self-employment.”
Moms bear the brunt
Gender fault lines in juggling home and work are not new, but are shining brighter than ever in recent weeks. According to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey, both fathers and mothers are fretting more about the effects of coronavirus on their well-being and earnings than people without children. However, women report being more worried: 36% say the stress has had an impact on their mental health, versus 27% of men.
“Changes always are slower than we’d hope. But there are so many men disconnected from the sphere of the home and caregiving and this moment obligates them to confront it,” says Nicko Nogués, founder of the Instituto de Machos a Hombres. The organization tries to challenge machismo across Latin America and parts of Europe via partnerships with private companies and international organizations.
“It opens an opportunity where we can show men that they have a lot to gain getting more involved at home,” he says.
There’s more acceptance among working parents that they’re doing their best – even if the hodgepodge nature of caring for kids and meeting deadlines is best encapsulated in internet memes these days.
“I think the ‘aha’ moment is coming and in an even bigger way, but I don’t think it’s come just yet,” says Daisy Wademan Dowling, founder and CEO of the consulting firm Workparent, which trains companies how to support and retain parents.
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“Most people are naturally in shock and in scrambling mode, and thinking about some of the bigger implications has fallen by the wayside compared to just figuring out how to get your job done, how to keep your kids safe, how to go about daily life,” she says.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-03-30--Monday Sunrise Briefing: Trump extends virus guidelines

In a major shift in tone and policy , President Donald Trump extended the voluntary social distancing guidelines to April 30 .
The Easter aspirational deadline is gone .
“ By June 1 , we will be well on our way to recovery , ” Mr. Trump said Sunday .
On Saturday , the president floated the idea of a mandatory federal quarantine for the New York area .
He backed off .
But this past week , the governors of Florida , Maryland , South Carolina , and Texas ordered anyone arriving from New York to self-quarantine .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mandatory quarantine for all out-of-staters .
Initially , the Ocean State governor ordered state police and National Guard to stop drivers with New York State license plates .
By Sunday , police had checkpoints on major roads into the state , stopping all out-of-state motorists and telling them to self-quarantine for 14 days .
The weekend ’ s events heightened tensions over federal vs. state responsibilities for protecting citizens , and introduced a new wrinkle : state vs. state rights .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo railed against a federal quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` reactionary '' and unconstitutional .
States may isolate their own citizens under policing powers derived from the 10th Amendment , reported the Monitor ’ s Peter Grier .
But what we ’ re seeing now is new legal territory .
2 .
A portrait of leadership .
What does challenging fear and uncertainty look like in a crisis ?
Ask Germans .
Until this past week , Angela Merkel was a lame-duck chancellor .
After 14 years as the de facto leader of Europe , she was stepping down .
Soon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reins this past Wednesday in a rare televised address .
“ What gave her address its force was her tone , which was direct , honest , and searingly empathic .
She laid bare not just the test we all face but also the solace that leadership can provide , ” wrote Justin Davidson at New York Magazine .
“ This is a war without a human enemy , and Merkel lay no blame .
She asked for the sacrifice of discipline , for heroic acts of kindness.
” 3 .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joseph E. Lowery , a fiery Alabama preacher who was on the front line of the battle for equality and a close friend of the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. , died Friday .
Lowery had a knack for cutting to the core of the country ’ s conscience with commentary steeped in scripture , and he spoke his mind whether the audience was a Jim Crow racist or a U.S. president , reported the Associated Press .
“ We ask you to help us work for that day when black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back ; when brown can stick around ; when yellow will be mellow ; when the red man can get ahead , man ; and when white will embrace what is right , ” Lowery prayed at President Barack Obama ’ s inaugural benediction in 2009 .
Late night for one night .
You won ’ t find talk-show hosts Seth Meyers , Stephen Colbert , or Jimmy Fallon back on the air .
But James Corden returns with a star-studded special , including Billie Eilish , Andrea Bocelli , David Blaine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It airs tonight at 10 p.m .
ET on CBS and CBS All Access .
Eclectic musical retrospective .
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has been moved from April to October .
But you can get your jam on by watching the debut of the documentary film , “ Coachella : 20 Years in the Desert , ” scheduled to premiere tonight on YouTube .
It 's Census Day , no fooling .
By now most Americans should have received a census form in the mail .
Today is the official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send it in .
This once-in-a-decade headcount is critical to aligning democratic representation and federal funding .
Early movie releases .
Hollywood continues to move up streaming release dates as movie theaters shutter .
Today , the third installment of the buddy-cop franchise “ Bad Boys for Life , ” gets released .
Also , “ Sonic the Hedgehog ” is out today , an animated live-action film with Jim Carrey playing the villain .
Small business owners in the U.S. are responding to the coronavirus lockdowns with ingenious solutions .
Closed hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional hair color kits .
Yoga and gym classes are held via video streaming .
The most successful responses seem to be drawing on a well of goodwill they ’ ve built up within their communities .
In Fairfax , Va. , Mark O ’ Meara , the owner of two shuttered movie theaters , is selling $ 3 buckets of popcorn in the parking lot .
What impresses me about Mr. O ’ Meara are his motives .
Last week , he was losing sleep over trying to find a way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of kids working here that make a living on a shoestring ... , ” O ’ Meara told Variety .
“ They can ’ t afford to lose more than one or two shifts a week , and I don ’ t know what to do.
” Then , he hit on the idea of a drive-up concession stand .
He put the word out on Facebook .
This week , sales averaged $ 300 to $ 400 a day .
Mr. O ’ Meara just jumped into streaming indy films @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He watched as an employee opened her latest paycheck .
“ She took out her calculator and she said , ‘ Yes , I can pay the rent.
’ That ’ s what it ’ s all about , ” O ’ Meara told Variety .
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers : He was arrested for robbery .
She saw an honor roll student and went to work .
In tonight ’ s Daily Edition , watch for our story about local musicians trying to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Finally , check out the Monitor ’ s selected stories from Friday 's subscription-only Daily Edition : • When tornadoes are only the first of your worries • Coronavirus and recession : How is this economic crisis different ?
• Hoops and homework : Why one man shelved retirement • How to transform pantry staples into comfort food This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday morning news update .
Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us know what you think .
Thank @ @

In a major shift in tone and policy, President Donald Trump extended the voluntary social distancing guidelines to April 30. The Easter aspirational deadline is gone. “By June 1, we will be well on our way to recovery,” Mr. Trump said Sunday.
On Saturday, the president floated the idea of a mandatory federal quarantine for the New York area. He backed off. But this past week, the governors of Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, and Texas ordered anyone arriving from New York to self-quarantine. And Rhode Island took a tougher stand: a mandatory quarantine for all out-of-staters. Initially, the Ocean State governor ordered state police and National Guard to stop drivers with New York State license plates. By Sunday, police had checkpoints on major roads into the state, stopping all out-of-state motorists and telling them to self-quarantine for 14 days. The weekend’s events heightened tensions over federal vs. state responsibilities for protecting citizens, and introduced a new wrinkle: state vs. state rights. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo railed against a federal quarantine and called Rhode Island’s order "reactionary" and unconstitutional. States may isolate their own citizens under policing powers derived from the 10th Amendment, reported the Monitor’s Peter Grier. But what we’re seeing now is new legal territory.
2. A portrait of leadership. What does challenging fear and uncertainty look like in a crisis? Ask Germans. Until this past week, Angela Merkel was a lame-duck chancellor. After 14 years as the de facto leader of Europe, she was stepping down. Soon. But not yet. Mrs. Merkel seized the reins this past Wednesday in a rare televised address. “What gave her address its force was her tone, which was direct, honest, and searingly empathic. She laid bare not just the test we all face but also the solace that leadership can provide,” wrote Justin Davidson at New York Magazine. “This is a war without a human enemy, and Merkel lay no blame. She asked for the sacrifice of discipline, for heroic acts of kindness.”
Why We Wrote This Good morning! Welcome to your Monday, March 30, 2020, sunrise briefing. Here are three news events from this past weekend (while you may have been running a half marathon on your balcony, whale watching, and enjoying an offline life). Also, what to look for in the news this week.
3. An American civil rights icon. The Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, a fiery Alabama preacher who was on the front line of the battle for equality and a close friend of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., died Friday. Lowery had a knack for cutting to the core of the country’s conscience with commentary steeped in scripture, and he spoke his mind whether the audience was a Jim Crow racist or a U.S. president, reported the Associated Press.
“We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back; when brown can stick around; when yellow will be mellow; when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right,” Lowery prayed at President Barack Obama’s inaugural benediction in 2009.
AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti View caption Hide caption Gratitude building: People applaud from their homes in support of the medical staff caring for coronavirus patients in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Look Ahead
Monday, March 30
Late night for one night. You won’t find talk-show hosts Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, or Jimmy Fallon back on the air. But James Corden returns with a star-studded special, including Billie Eilish, Andrea Bocelli, David Blaine, Dua Lipa, and Will Ferrell. It airs tonight at 10 p.m. ET on CBS and CBS All Access.
Tuesday, March 31
Eclectic musical retrospective. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival has been moved from April to October. But you can get your jam on by watching the debut of the documentary film, “Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert,” scheduled to premiere tonight on YouTube.
Wednesday, April 1
It's Census Day, no fooling. By now most Americans should have received a census form in the mail. Today is the official reminder day to fill it out and send it in. This once-in-a-decade headcount is critical to aligning democratic representation and federal funding.
Early movie releases. Hollywood continues to move up streaming release dates as movie theaters shutter. Today, the third installment of the buddy-cop franchise “Bad Boys for Life,” gets released. Also, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is out today, an animated live-action film with Jim Carrey playing the villain.
Innovation Watch
Cinema Arts Theatre via Facebook View caption Hide caption The Cinema Arts movie theater in Fairfax, Virginia, is closed, but is now selling drive-up concessions to pay employees.
Small business owners in the U.S. are responding to the coronavirus lockdowns with ingenious solutions. Closed hair salons are delivering to clients’ homes professional hair color kits. Yoga and gym classes are held via video streaming. The most successful responses seem to be drawing on a well of goodwill they’ve built up within their communities.
In Fairfax, Va., Mark O’Meara, the owner of two shuttered movie theaters, is selling $3 buckets of popcorn in the parking lot. What impresses me about Mr. O’Meara are his motives. Last week, he was losing sleep over trying to find a way to help his employees. “I have a lot of kids working here that make a living on a shoestring...,” O’Meara told Variety. “They can’t afford to lose more than one or two shifts a week, and I don’t know what to do.”
Then, he hit on the idea of a drive-up concession stand. He put the word out on Facebook. This week, sales averaged $300 to $400 a day. Mr. O’Meara just jumped into streaming indy films too, selling tickets to each showing. He watched as an employee opened her latest paycheck. “She took out her calculator and she said, ‘Yes, I can pay the rent.’ That’s what it’s all about,” O’Meara told Variety.
Hidden gem
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers:
He was arrested for robbery. She saw an honor roll student and went to work.
Sneak preview
In tonight’s Daily Edition, watch for our story about local musicians trying to make a living when the clubs are closed.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Finally, check out the Monitor’s selected stories from Friday's subscription-only Daily Edition:
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday morning news update. Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us know what you think. Thank you!


csmonitor--2020-03-25--From Wuhan to Manhattan, a great sifting of what’s enduring

After staying at home for two months under strict lockdown , the people of Wuhan in China are now able to return to normal life .
The coronavirus threat has eased .
Yet for many , the crisis has forced them to discover new norms , ones more durable than making money or seeking amusement .
According to the Chinese press , this message from one resident is typical : “ We should cherish every day and everyone we love.
” Wuhan was the source of the global COVID-19 health emergency and now it has begun to reveal practical lessons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the largest mass hardship since World War II can reorient their lives to seek what is enduring and true , what ensures harmony over fear .
That search , of course , is a universal part of daily life but has been accelerated by a natural disaster on par with the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic .
The unprecedented economic and cultural shocks are bringing a stronger appreciation and respect for what is often taken for granted : the courage of a delivery person , the diligence of a grocery store clerk , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other first responders to the crisis .
Governors are determining which businesses are “ essential ” and can stay open .
More people are concerned about those most vulnerable to the virus , such as people who are homeless , older , or in prison .
This desire to embrace the eternal also plays out in the politics of government decisions .
In the $ 2 trillion package designed to minimize job losses and bankruptcies in the United States , Washington is struggling with deep ethical challenges .
Who merits a bailout or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money be used to press other goals , such as forcing companies to go green or narrowing the wealth gap ?
Is there really a choice between saving lives and reopening the economy ?
In these warlike conditions , a great sifting of values is to be expected .
It often leads to practices that are more sustainable , such as a greater love for family and friends or an awareness that a range of pastimes – leisure travel , sports , gambling – can be put off or eliminated .
People feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Long after the end of the worst public health crisis in a generation , what might be the most memorable image of these days ?
It probably won ’ t be videos of people fighting to buy stashes of toilet paper .
Instead , if the spirit in Wuhan is any guide , it will be pictures of people in Italy singing and playing music from their balconies , reminding themselves of what is true and lovely in their neighborly connections .
Such are the reminders of the higher norms of life @

After staying at home for two months under strict lockdown, the people of Wuhan in China are now able to return to normal life. The coronavirus threat has eased. Yet for many, the crisis has forced them to discover new norms, ones more durable than making money or seeking amusement. According to the Chinese press, this message from one resident is typical: “We should cherish every day and everyone we love.”
Wuhan was the source of the global COVID-19 health emergency and now it has begun to reveal practical lessons. One is that people experiencing what is the largest mass hardship since World War II can reorient their lives to seek what is enduring and true, what ensures harmony over fear.
That search, of course, is a universal part of daily life but has been accelerated by a natural disaster on par with the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. The unprecedented economic and cultural shocks are bringing a stronger appreciation and respect for what is often taken for granted: the courage of a delivery person, the diligence of a grocery store clerk, or the sacrifice of health workers and other first responders to the crisis.
Governors are determining which businesses are “essential” and can stay open. More people are concerned about those most vulnerable to the virus, such as people who are homeless, older, or in prison.
This desire to embrace the eternal also plays out in the politics of government decisions. In the $2 trillion package designed to minimize job losses and bankruptcies in the United States, Washington is struggling with deep ethical challenges. Who merits a bailout or merely a loan? Can the rescue money be used to press other goals, such as forcing companies to go green or narrowing the wealth gap? Is there really a choice between saving lives and reopening the economy?
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
In these warlike conditions, a great sifting of values is to be expected. It often leads to practices that are more sustainable, such as a greater love for family and friends or an awareness that a range of pastimes – leisure travel, sports, gambling – can be put off or eliminated. People feel a deeper yearning for priorities that endure.
Long after the end of the worst public health crisis in a generation, what might be the most memorable image of these days? It probably won’t be videos of people fighting to buy stashes of toilet paper. Instead, if the spirit in Wuhan is any guide, it will be pictures of people in Italy singing and playing music from their balconies, reminding themselves of what is true and lovely in their neighborly connections. Such are the reminders of the higher norms of life.


csmonitor--2020-03-31--Heads up, maple leaf. Canada’s eyeing another national icon.

It 's doubtful that a lichen would ever unseat the maple as Canada 's main national symbol .
But Troy McMullin , a lichenologist , puts heart into his defense .
“ Why is a tree more important than a lichen ?
Because it 's big ?
” he says .
“ We should appreciate the small things in life , because they ’ re all part of an ecological system that we are part of.
” More than 18,000 Canadians weighed in on a vote organized by the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa .
The star-tipped reindeer lichen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tufted cauliflower , emerged victorious , with 26.6 % of the vote .
Now the results will be handed to the Department of Canadian Heritage to consider .
This all may seem a frivolous venture during the coronavirus pandemic .
But it ’ s come at a time when people who are weary of being cooped up in their homes are reconnecting with nature like never before .
It ’ s also a time when people , confronting a universal vulnerability that calls for global cooperation to beat it , are rethinking complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new icon , thanks to a group of enthusiasts pushing to adopt a national lichen .
Some of the world ’ s great collaborators just might live in your backyard .
They are part fungus and part algae or cyanobacteria , living in symbiosis .
And they can be found on every continent in the world .
In Canada , many residents may recognize lichen from local parks or favorite hiking trails , but they ’ d be hard-pressed to name them – until now .
A group of enthusiasts is pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to adopt a “ national lichen.
” And more than 18,000 Canadians weighed in on a vote organized by the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa .
The star-tipped reindeer lichen , which resembles a mat of soft tufted cauliflower , emerged victorious , with 26.6 % of the vote .
Now the results will be handed to the Department of Canadian Heritage to consider .
This all may seem a frivolous venture during the coronavirus pandemic .
But Toby Spribille , who studies lichen symbioses at the University of Alberta , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time when people are reconnecting with nature .
It ’ s also a time when people , confronting a universal vulnerability that calls for global cooperation to beat it , are rethinking complex systems .
“ There ’ s something about lichens that forces people to think about working together , ” he says .
“ because as soon as people realize that it ’ s a symbiosis ... it gets them thinking about organisms that work together with each other.
” What ’ s more , lichens exemplify a kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of years , he adds .
“ A lichen is basically a looking glass into another way of being.
” If adopted , Canada would become the first country in the world to recognize the composite organism ( only California has gone so far , when it chose for the state the lace lichen in 2015 ) .
Canada has among the highest lichen biomass in the world , competing only with Russia .
They are most abundant in boreal forests and across the Arctic .
It is the primary winter food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most beloved animals , the caribou , which graces the Canadian quarter , and provides nesting and camouflage for other species .
It has been used by First Nations in dyes and medicine .
Some fix atmospheric nitrogen for the soil and prevent erosion .
They are also indicators of air pollution .
The project has aimed to generate “ a greater awareness of this pretty important group that ’ s everywhere that nobody seems to know about , ” says Troy McMullin , a research scientist and lichenologist with the Canadian Museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and around the world , nature has become one of the only escapes from full or near lockdown , as residents have been asked to stay at home to slow the spread of COVID-19 .
Many people are finding comfort in new connections to the natural world , either in their own backyards or area parks .
This reporter was prompted by the vote to take her daughter on a lichen hunt in Toronto ’ s High Park , where candle flame lichen became the subject of an impromptu science class .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stirred passion about lichens that took even the organizers , and some voters themselves , by surprise .
Choosing among seven lichens ( narrowed down from more than 2,500 species in Canada ) with names like common freckle pelt , horsehair , elegant sunburst , and of course the winning star-tipped reindeer , there was no lack of interest or division .
On one Reddit thread before voting wrapped up , one user wrote : “ This is something I had no idea would be important to me .
Voted.
” Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity to fulfill my national duty.
” One user gunning for the winner wrote it was obviously superior “ to all other lichen .
Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.
” And a dissenting voice : “ Common freckle pelt , or die.
” This all illustrates a certain fervor in the world of lichens , even if lichenologists insist they 're not as fanatical as birders .
In 2015 , a similar vote in Canada turned divisive over the rival merits of the loon and the grey jay ; in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Still Dr. McMullin talks in tones that match lichens ’ colorful names .
“ All throughout the boreal forest , they ’ re dripping from the trees , ” he says .
“ I call them the corals of the forest with these bright , brilliant colors , amazing shapes and forms.
” Whether a national lichen could ever be as universally recognizable as the maple , the country ’ s national tree , remains to be seen .
But Dr. McMullin puts heart into his defense .
“ Why is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Because it ’ s big ?
” he says .
“ We should appreciate the small things in life , because they ’ re all part of an ecological system that we are part of .
”

It's doubtful that a lichen would ever unseat the maple as Canada's main national symbol. But Troy McMullin, a lichenologist, puts heart into his defense. “Why is a tree more important than a lichen? Because it's big?” he says. “We should appreciate the small things in life, because they’re all part of an ecological system that we are part of.”
More than 18,000 Canadians weighed in on a vote organized by the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. The star-tipped reindeer lichen, which resembles a mat of soft tufted cauliflower, emerged victorious, with 26.6% of the vote. Now the results will be handed to the Department of Canadian Heritage to consider.
Sometimes it takes a crisis for people to embrace everyday wonders. In Canada, a national lichen contest has shone a new light on ecology at a time when many residents are finding a renewed embrace of nature.
This all may seem a frivolous venture during the coronavirus pandemic. But it’s come at a time when people who are weary of being cooped up in their homes are reconnecting with nature like never before. It’s also a time when people, confronting a universal vulnerability that calls for global cooperation to beat it, are rethinking complex systems.
Canada may have just found a new icon, thanks to a group of enthusiasts pushing to adopt a national lichen.
Some of the world’s great collaborators just might live in your backyard.
They are part fungus and part algae or cyanobacteria, living in symbiosis. And they can be found on every continent in the world. In Canada, many residents may recognize lichen from local parks or favorite hiking trails, but they’d be hard-pressed to name them – until now.
A group of enthusiasts is pushing forward with a plan to get Canada to adopt a “national lichen.” And more than 18,000 Canadians weighed in on a vote organized by the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. The star-tipped reindeer lichen, which resembles a mat of soft tufted cauliflower, emerged victorious, with 26.6% of the vote. Now the results will be handed to the Department of Canadian Heritage to consider.
Why We Wrote This Sometimes it takes a crisis for people to embrace everyday wonders. In Canada, a national lichen contest has shone a new light on ecology at a time when many residents are finding a renewed embrace of nature.
This all may seem a frivolous venture during the coronavirus pandemic. But Toby Spribille, who studies lichen symbioses at the University of Alberta, says on the contrary it’s come at a time when people are reconnecting with nature. It’s also a time when people, confronting a universal vulnerability that calls for global cooperation to beat it, are rethinking complex systems.
“There’s something about lichens that forces people to think about working together,” he says. “because as soon as people realize that it’s a symbiosis ... it gets them thinking about organisms that work together with each other.”
What’s more, lichens exemplify a kind of natural stability that has endured for millions of years, he adds. “A lichen is basically a looking glass into another way of being.”
Troy McMullin View caption Hide caption Elegant sunburst lichen (Xanthoria elegans) is most common on shoreline rocks throughout Canada and on bones and rocks in the Arctic. The presence of this species is used by hunters to locate nests and burrows.
If adopted, Canada would become the first country in the world to recognize the composite organism (only California has gone so far, when it chose for the state the lace lichen in 2015).
Canada has among the highest lichen biomass in the world, competing only with Russia. They are most abundant in boreal forests and across the Arctic. It is the primary winter food source for one of Canada’s most beloved animals, the caribou, which graces the Canadian quarter, and provides nesting and camouflage for other species. It has been used by First Nations in dyes and medicine. Some fix atmospheric nitrogen for the soil and prevent erosion. They are also indicators of air pollution.
The project has aimed to generate “a greater awareness of this pretty important group that’s everywhere that nobody seems to know about,” says Troy McMullin, a research scientist and lichenologist with the Canadian Museum of Nature.
For many in Canada and around the world, nature has become one of the only escapes from full or near lockdown, as residents have been asked to stay at home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Many people are finding comfort in new connections to the natural world, either in their own backyards or area parks.
This reporter was prompted by the vote to take her daughter on a lichen hunt in Toronto’s High Park, where candle flame lichen became the subject of an impromptu science class.
Sara Miller Llana/The Christian Science Monitor View caption Hide caption The reporter's 9-year-old daughter investigates a crop of candle flame lichen growing on a tree in High Park, Toronto, March 27, 2020.
The race, whose results were released today, stirred passion about lichens that took even the organizers, and some voters themselves, by surprise. Choosing among seven lichens (narrowed down from more than 2,500 species in Canada) with names like common freckle pelt, horsehair, elegant sunburst, and of course the winning star-tipped reindeer, there was no lack of interest or division.
On one Reddit thread before voting wrapped up, one user wrote: “This is something I had no idea would be important to me. Voted.”
Another: “I am glad for this opportunity to fulfill my national duty.”
One user gunning for the winner wrote it was obviously superior “to all other lichen. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.” And a dissenting voice: “Common freckle pelt, or die.”
Troy McMullin View caption Hide caption Common freckle pelt lichen (Peltigera aphthosa) blankets moss, soil, and low shrubs in exposed moist areas across Canada and into the High Arctic. Nearly half of all known occurrences worldwide are in Canada.
This all illustrates a certain fervor in the world of lichens, even if lichenologists insist they're not as fanatical as birders. In 2015, a similar vote in Canada turned divisive over the rival merits of the loon and the grey jay; in the end, no national bird was selected.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Still Dr. McMullin talks in tones that match lichens’ colorful names. “All throughout the boreal forest, they’re dripping from the trees,” he says. “I call them the corals of the forest with these bright, brilliant colors, amazing shapes and forms.”
Whether a national lichen could ever be as universally recognizable as the maple, the country’s national tree, remains to be seen. But Dr. McMullin puts heart into his defense. “Why is a tree more important than a lichen? Because it’s big?” he says. “We should appreciate the small things in life, because they’re all part of an ecological system that we are part of.”


csmonitor--2020-03-30--Daily for March 30, 2020

Daily for March 30, 2020

In the heady days of anti-Vietnam War protests , the burgeoning women ’ s movement , and Richard Nixon ’ s sweep of 49 states in his 1972 reelection , Jeff vonKaenel went home to sell Fuller brushes .
His future wife , Deborah Redmond , lived in her car .
The idea was to save up enough so they could afford to work for the new alternative weekly in Santa Barbara .
Soon the ragtag publication got the local district attorney indicted , and brought a new raft of people to City Council through their endorsements .
In 46 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vonKaenel and his wife have never missed a single issue .
When the coronavirus shut down local businesses , advertising suddenly dried up for their News & Review papers in Reno , Nevada ; Sacramento ; and Chico , California .
They had already mortgaged their house earlier this year to keep things going , so their reserves were basically gone .
And thus , after achieving circulation rates as much as sixfold that of traditional papers in the same cities and readership far beyond that , they had to shut down – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall . ]
“ We started the paper with no money , so we ’ re good at figuring out how to do things with little resources , ” says Mr. vonKaenel , who is reaching out to various organizations in hopes of pivoting to a new economic model that would include nonprofit or reader support , such as the $ 100 check that a reader slipped under the Chico News & Review ’ s door with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online .
Still , the publisher says , “ I don ’ t think it ’ s going to be easy to have a phoenix moment when there ’ s massive unemployment.
” At a time of crisis that has exposed deep deficits of trust in American democracy and the dangers of misinformation , local journalism is getting an infusion of goodwill – including through subscriptions and donations .
But it ’ s often not enough to make up for the sudden dearth of advertising and event revenue .
Many outlets have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay , reduce publishing schedules , or shut down altogether .
If there ’ s an upside for local journalism , however , it ’ s that the same crisis that is sorely testing their capacity and resources is also underscoring the value of the services they provide , both inside and outside the newsroom .
So even as the crisis exacerbates existing financial woes , it could also accelerate new models for sustainable journalism that have shown promising results in recent years .
( See sidebar , below . )
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could wipe out all of that progress .
But I think there is also a hopeful sign , which is that the philanthropic sector is seeing that trustworthy local news is essential to a healthy community ” – quite literally , says Steven Waldman , co-founder of Report for America , which deploys young journalists to local outlets around the country .
“ If that leads to a sea change in how philanthropy sees local media , then that would be a long-term positive development.
” The current crisis could also help restore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered amid deepening political polarization .
“ I have long believed that the No .
1 job of the press in this country is to regain the trust of the American people , ” says Les Zaitz , an award-winning investigative journalist whose turnaround of the Malheur Enterprise in rural Oregon has been so successful that local delivery has gone from a grocery-cart tour of town to a 100-mile sweep of the county .
“ If we make it through this , this makes us even more solidly a part of the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” For Salt Lake Tribune editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce , the last couple of weeks have been earth-shattering .
Shortly after her staff started working at home , an earthquake hit Salt Lake City , rendering their offices uninhabitable .
Rumors began circulating on social media that another , larger quake would strike within the hour .
“ Our role is ... to get authorities on the phone and on the record and shoot down those rumors , ” says Ms. Napier-Pearce .
“ That ’ s when our work is so important – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliable sources of information so that they can make important decisions on questions of safety.
” “ If you hear my dog , sorry about that , ” she adds , as Slack messages ding in the background .
Even as senior editors juggle pets and kids , often on little sleep , they say their mission keeps them going .
Misinformation at a time like this , they say , can be a matter of life or death .
The Salt Lake Tribune has made its coronavirus coverage free as a public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant uptick in readership and annual subscriptions .
Other outlets across the country are seeing a similar phenomenon , with traffic increasing as much as 10-fold , new subscribers signing up at a record rate , and readers sending in unsolicited donations .
A donor has offered the Nevada Independent up to $ 100,000 in a matching grant .
Yet for most , it ’ s not nearly enough to offset the advertising losses .
Many newspapers , and particularly local outlets , were already operating on the thinnest of margins after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
From 2008 to 2018 , the number of newsroom employees dropped by nearly half .
The current crisis is exacerbating those financial strains .
“ We ’ re dealing with the same problems , on steroids , ” says Mary Lou Nemanic , author of the just-released “ Metro Dailies in the Age of Multimedia Journalism , ” which tracked five newsrooms over six years .
“ Over the years that I studied them , it was really tragic to see how the staffs of three of the five papers were reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , blaming “ corporate profiteers.
” Wide swaths of rural America have become “ news deserts , ” while suburban areas have seen a reduction in coverage from metro papers .
Take Falls Church , Virginia , which is less than seven miles from Washington , D.C. , but rarely gets coverage in The Washington Post .
So the Falls Church News-Press is essentially the only game in town , says managing editor Jody Fellows , who is one of three full-time editorial staffers turning out as many main stories a day as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as an updated list of restaurants open for take-out and delivery .
“ We are so fortunate to have The Fourth Estate on duty in our City !
” wrote City Council member and retired journalist Phil Duncan , a 35-year resident of the city , in a Facebook note .
In 2018 , as the massive Camp Fire raged through Paradise , California , Melissa Daugherty headed into the hills where she had gotten her start as a beat reporter years before .
The scenes were devastating .
Two staffers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where she now served as editor , had lost their homes .
Others were banned from returning home for a time .
Yet they threw heart and soul into the story .
After The New York Times and big TV stations had packed up and gone home , they discovered contamination in the water as a result of the unusually swift , hot fire – yet some local water authorities were telling residents the water was safe to drink .
They requested public records , and found the state water board had withheld @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cancer from drinking the local water , which now included elevated levels of benzene .
“ Nobody had done this and we were like , ‘ Why hasn ’ t anyone done this ?
’ ” recalls Ms. Daugherty .
“ And then after we did it , we were like , ‘ This is such a huge story , why isn ’ t anyone else picking up on this ?
’ ” On a recent afternoon , Ms. Daugherty – one of the staffers Mr. vonKaenel had to lay off – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s shuttered offices , and found the $ 100 check from a reader begging them to at least stay online .
The paper has been promised a reporter from Mr. Waldman ’ s Report for America corps , and she had secured the matching funds needed from a local community foundation .
Now she ’ s trying to find a way to restart operations before losing that reporter .
“ I have to make things move really fast here – on my own time , as a volunteer , essentially , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurance runs out at the end of the month .
“ I ’ m super invested , and people from the community are really looking to me for an answer , ” adds Ms. Daugherty .
“ I just think about the consequences of not having a newspaper that does what we do .
It would be devastating to the community.
” [ Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall . ]
Editor ’ s note : The sidebar has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s announcement of $ 100 million to support local news outlets .

The other first responders: Local journalists Collapse
handout image View caption Hide caption When Chico News & Review editor Melissa Daugherty came into the paper's shuttered offices on Monday, March 23, she found this $100 check slipped under the door along with a handwritten note, "Please try to stay online!"
In the heady days of anti-Vietnam War protests, the burgeoning women’s movement, and Richard Nixon’s sweep of 49 states in his 1972 reelection, Jeff vonKaenel went home to sell Fuller brushes. His future wife, Deborah Redmond, lived in her car.
The idea was to save up enough so they could afford to work for the new alternative weekly in Santa Barbara. Soon the ragtag publication got the local district attorney indicted, and brought a new raft of people to City Council through their endorsements. In 46 years of publishing alt weeklies, Mr. vonKaenel and his wife have never missed a single issue.
Until this month.
When the coronavirus shut down local businesses, advertising suddenly dried up for their News & Review papers in Reno, Nevada; Sacramento; and Chico, California. They had already mortgaged their house earlier this year to keep things going, so their reserves were basically gone.
And thus, after achieving circulation rates as much as sixfold that of traditional papers in the same cities and readership far beyond that, they had to shut down – at least temporarily.
[Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.]
“We started the paper with no money, so we’re good at figuring out how to do things with little resources,” says Mr. vonKaenel, who is reaching out to various organizations in hopes of pivoting to a new economic model that would include nonprofit or reader support, such as the $100 check that a reader slipped under the Chico News & Review’s door with a handwritten note begging them to stay online. Still, the publisher says, “I don’t think it’s going to be easy to have a phoenix moment when there’s massive unemployment.”
At a time of crisis that has exposed deep deficits of trust in American democracy and the dangers of misinformation, local journalism is getting an infusion of goodwill – including through subscriptions and donations. But it’s often not enough to make up for the sudden dearth of advertising and event revenue. Many outlets have been forced to lay off employees, cut pay, reduce publishing schedules, or shut down altogether.
If there’s an upside for local journalism, however, it’s that the same crisis that is sorely testing their capacity and resources is also underscoring the value of the services they provide, both inside and outside the newsroom. So even as the crisis exacerbates existing financial woes, it could also accelerate new models for sustainable journalism that have shown promising results in recent years. (See sidebar, below.)
“I am worried that [the crisis] could wipe out all of that progress. But I think there is also a hopeful sign, which is that the philanthropic sector is seeing that trustworthy local news is essential to a healthy community” – quite literally, says Steven Waldman, co-founder of Report for America, which deploys young journalists to local outlets around the country. “If that leads to a sea change in how philanthropy sees local media, then that would be a long-term positive development.”
The current crisis could also help restore public faith in media, which has suffered amid deepening political polarization.
“I have long believed that the No. 1 job of the press in this country is to regain the trust of the American people,” says Les Zaitz, an award-winning investigative journalist whose turnaround of the Malheur Enterprise in rural Oregon has been so successful that local delivery has gone from a grocery-cart tour of town to a 100-mile sweep of the county. “If we make it through this, this makes us even more solidly a part of the community than we’ve ever been before.”
Pandemic, followed by earthquake
For Salt Lake Tribune editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce, the last couple of weeks have been earth-shattering.
Shortly after her staff started working at home, an earthquake hit Salt Lake City, rendering their offices uninhabitable. Rumors began circulating on social media that another, larger quake would strike within the hour.
“Our role is ... to get authorities on the phone and on the record and shoot down those rumors,” says Ms. Napier-Pearce. “That’s when our work is so important – to make sure that people have good reliable sources of information so that they can make important decisions on questions of safety.”
“If you hear my dog, sorry about that,” she adds, as Slack messages ding in the background.
Even as senior editors juggle pets and kids, often on little sleep, they say their mission keeps them going. Misinformation at a time like this, they say, can be a matter of life or death.
The Salt Lake Tribune has made its coronavirus coverage free as a public service, yet it’s seen a significant uptick in readership and annual subscriptions. Other outlets across the country are seeing a similar phenomenon, with traffic increasing as much as 10-fold, new subscribers signing up at a record rate, and readers sending in unsolicited donations. A donor has offered the Nevada Independent up to $100,000 in a matching grant. Yet for most, it’s not nearly enough to offset the advertising losses.
Many newspapers, and particularly local outlets, were already operating on the thinnest of margins after years of budget cuts and staff reductions. From 2008 to 2018, the number of newsroom employees dropped by nearly half. The current crisis is exacerbating those financial strains.
“We’re dealing with the same problems, on steroids,” says Mary Lou Nemanic, author of the just-released “Metro Dailies in the Age of Multimedia Journalism,” which tracked five newsrooms over six years. “Over the years that I studied them, it was really tragic to see how the staffs of three of the five papers were reduced to bare bones,” she says, blaming “corporate profiteers.”
Wide swaths of rural America have become “news deserts,” while suburban areas have seen a reduction in coverage from metro papers. Take Falls Church, Virginia, which is less than seven miles from Washington, D.C., but rarely gets coverage in The Washington Post. So the Falls Church News-Press is essentially the only game in town, says managing editor Jody Fellows, who is one of three full-time editorial staffers turning out as many main stories a day as they usually publish in a week – as well as an updated list of restaurants open for take-out and delivery.
“We are so fortunate to have The Fourth Estate on duty in our City!” wrote City Council member and retired journalist Phil Duncan, a 35-year resident of the city, in a Facebook note.
“This is such a huge story”
In 2018, as the massive Camp Fire raged through Paradise, California, Melissa Daugherty headed into the hills where she had gotten her start as a beat reporter years before. The scenes were devastating. Two staffers at the Chico News & Review, where she now served as editor, had lost their homes. Others were banned from returning home for a time. Yet they threw heart and soul into the story.
After The New York Times and big TV stations had packed up and gone home, they discovered contamination in the water as a result of the unusually swift, hot fire – yet some local water authorities were telling residents the water was safe to drink. They requested public records, and found the state water board had withheld for months information about significantly increased risks of cancer from drinking the local water, which now included elevated levels of benzene.
“Nobody had done this and we were like, ‘Why hasn’t anyone done this?’” recalls Ms. Daugherty. “And then after we did it, we were like, ‘This is such a huge story, why isn’t anyone else picking up on this?’”
On a recent afternoon, Ms. Daugherty – one of the staffers Mr. vonKaenel had to lay off – went into the Chico News & Review’s shuttered offices, and found the $100 check from a reader begging them to at least stay online.
The paper has been promised a reporter from Mr. Waldman’s Report for America corps, and she had secured the matching funds needed from a local community foundation. Now she’s trying to find a way to restart operations before losing that reporter.
“I have to make things move really fast here – on my own time, as a volunteer, essentially,” she says, noting that her health insurance runs out at the end of the month.
“I’m super invested, and people from the community are really looking to me for an answer,” adds Ms. Daugherty. “I just think about the consequences of not having a newspaper that does what we do. It would be devastating to the community.”
[Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.]
Editor’s note: The sidebar has been updated March 30 to include Facebook’s announcement of $100 million to support local news outlets.