csmonitor--2020-06-06--Readers write: Gardening tips, equine therapy, and more

I loved the article “ Too early to plant ?
Grab a gardening book ” in the March 23 Monitor Weekly and would like to see more on that topic .
We need to weed and seed and putter in the garden .
My first friend and Christian Science teacher and practitioner once told me he did his best praying while weeding .
I have found that to be true for me , over and over .
Actually , in my yard , the birds , squirrels , yellow jackets , black hornets , an opossum , wild turkey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed territory .
The deer and flock of wild turkeys were gently encouraged to move on .
My fountain is the watering hole for many a neighbor ’ s cat .
I live in Northern California , and during one of our wildfire evacuations , my lawyer friend lamented that the loss of the yard she had filled with citrus trees , artichokes , etc.
, would be the hardest to take .
Thankfully , they were untouched when the evacuation was over !
Every one of the books described in the gardening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There really is a world not consumed by technology !
I truly enjoy each issue of The Christian Science Monitor ; the articles contain great information .
As a librarian , I especially enjoy your book reviews and articles !
I write in regard to Noah Robertson ’ s article “ Therapy on horseback : Dream Catchers is more than just a pony ride ” in the March 30 Monitor Weekly .
I am a part-time volunteer interpreter for the St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville , Illinois .
At the preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the late businessman and philanthropist Brooks McCormick – there is a poem mounted on bronze on the former horse stable : “ I Saw a Child ” by John Anthony Davies , which begins , “ I saw a child who couldn ’ t walk / sit on a horse , laugh and talk.
” Davies ’ poem provides a poetic representation of the benefits of equine-assisted activities and therapeutic riding .
And Davies , an expert on therapeutic riding , was also the founder of the St. James Farm School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of foundational texts on equine-assisted therapy .
I felt I just had to pass along this information .
Thank you for the article .
Regarding Timmy Broderick ’ s article “ Can a town go fossil fuel-free ?
Takoma Park is about to see ” in the April 2 Monitor Daily : I ’ m glad the coronavirus isn ’ t eclipsing all environmental news , because COVID-19 is merely the dress rehearsal for the ultimate challenge of climate change .
Godspeed to Takoma Park and the hundreds of subnational jurisdictions that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that rewarding good behavior brings better results than merely prohibiting bad .
Humanity has – or is currently developing – technologies to do what must be done to go fossil-free .
It ’ s politics and economic concerns that thwart implementation .
However , while COVID-19 may crash the economy , a well-designed climate policy need not .
I believe the best strategy would include a stiff carbon fee , most or all of which is returned to taxpayers to discourage use of fossil fuels and encourage rapid transition to green energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appreciated Ryan Lenora Brown ’ s article “ The national archives built from a crumpled napkin ” in the March 30 Monitor Weekly .
So often we think our castoffs are fine to donate to others , when in fact it ’ s an insult to try to foist outdated or useless books and clothes on others .
I work with a books-to-prisons project and am astounded by what people think prisoners would want to read about .
( Botox , really ? )
Your article reminded me of my friend ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only books but also educational services to street children in Zambia .
This organization is similarly very particular about the selection of reading material , and in fact works hard at supporting African publishers .
People like Jama Musse Jama from Ms. Brown ’ s article inspire us .
Keep writing about them !
Ann Scott Tyson ’ s article “ The web ’ s a threat to democracy ?
Think again , Taiwan says ” in the April 27 & May 4 Monitor Weekly – about Audrey Tang ’ s role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the most hopeful and utterly mind-blowing pieces I ’ ve read in a long time .
Thank you to Ms. Tyson and the editors .
After my second reading , I ’ m still reeling , trying to take in so much that ’ s promising , and useful , along with a lot I don ’ t understand – water boxes with data protected by blockchain ?
The whole thing sounds like a futuristic , exciting science fair brought to bear on a national government , thereby improving it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it serves .
Taiwan is putting some great ideas into practice .
We could be looking at them in the United States .
Also , thank you for informing me and others who knew very little about Taiwan .
I was surprised and shocked to learn that martial law was in force until 1987 , and their first presidential election was only in 1996 .
And the fact that passengers from the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess were tracked is both creepy ( because of the implied levels of surveillance ) and exemplary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus ) .
Congratulations on a story that breaks new ground in many directions !

Homegrown joy
I loved the article “Too early to plant? Grab a gardening book” in the March 23 Monitor Weekly and would like to see more on that topic. We need to weed and seed and putter in the garden. My first friend and Christian Science teacher and practitioner once told me he did his best praying while weeding. I have found that to be true for me, over and over.
Actually, in my yard, the birds, squirrels, yellow jackets, black hornets, an opossum, wild turkey, and a pair of deer have all claimed territory. The deer and flock of wild turkeys were gently encouraged to move on. My fountain is the watering hole for many a neighbor’s cat. I live in Northern California, and during one of our wildfire evacuations, my lawyer friend lamented that the loss of the yard she had filled with citrus trees, artichokes, etc., would be the hardest to take. Thankfully, they were untouched when the evacuation was over!
Every one of the books described in the gardening article made me smile with pleasure. There really is a world not consumed by technology!
Lucinda Vail
Santa Rosa, California
Equine therapy
I truly enjoy each issue of The Christian Science Monitor; the articles contain great information. As a librarian, I especially enjoy your book reviews and articles!
I write in regard to Noah Robertson’s article “Therapy on horseback: Dream Catchers is more than just a pony ride” in the March 30 Monitor Weekly. I am a part-time volunteer interpreter for the St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville, Illinois. At the preserve – which is the former equestrian estate of the late businessman and philanthropist Brooks McCormick – there is a poem mounted on bronze on the former horse stable: “I Saw a Child” by John Anthony Davies, which begins, “I saw a child who couldn’t walk / sit on a horse, laugh and talk.”
Davies’ poem provides a poetic representation of the benefits of equine-assisted activities and therapeutic riding. And Davies, an expert on therapeutic riding, was also the founder of the St. James Farm School of Riding for the Handicapped and an author of foundational texts on equine-assisted therapy. I felt I just had to pass along this information. Thank you for the article.
Kevin Davis
Carol Stream, Illinois
Green transition
Regarding Timmy Broderick’s article “Can a town go fossil fuel-free? Takoma Park is about to see” in the April 2 Monitor Daily: I’m glad the coronavirus isn’t eclipsing all environmental news, because COVID-19 is merely the dress rehearsal for the ultimate challenge of climate change. Godspeed to Takoma Park and the hundreds of subnational jurisdictions that are setting similarly ambitious fossil-free goals.
I believe that rewarding good behavior brings better results than merely prohibiting bad. Humanity has – or is currently developing – technologies to do what must be done to go fossil-free. It’s politics and economic concerns that thwart implementation. However, while COVID-19 may crash the economy, a well-designed climate policy need not. I believe the best strategy would include a stiff carbon fee, most or all of which is returned to taxpayers to discourage use of fossil fuels and encourage rapid transition to green energy.
Carol Steinhart
Madison, Wisconsin
Donation faux pas
As a librarian, I really appreciated Ryan Lenora Brown’s article “The national archives built from a crumpled napkin” in the March 30 Monitor Weekly. So often we think our castoffs are fine to donate to others, when in fact it’s an insult to try to foist outdated or useless books and clothes on others. I work with a books-to-prisons project and am astounded by what people think prisoners would want to read about. (Botox, really?)
Your article reminded me of my friend’s organization, Lubuto, which provides not only books but also educational services to street children in Zambia. This organization is similarly very particular about the selection of reading material, and in fact works hard at supporting African publishers. People like Jama Musse Jama from Ms. Brown’s article inspire us. Keep writing about them!
Christine Matthews
Washington
Hope for the internet
Ann Scott Tyson’s article “The web’s a threat to democracy? Think again, Taiwan says” in the April 27 & May 4 Monitor Weekly – about Audrey Tang’s role in Taiwan’s digitally enhanced democracy – is one of the most hopeful and utterly mind-blowing pieces I’ve read in a long time. Thank you to Ms. Tyson and the editors. After my second reading, I’m still reeling, trying to take in so much that’s promising, and useful, along with a lot I don’t understand – water boxes with data protected by blockchain?
The whole thing sounds like a futuristic, exciting science fair brought to bear on a national government, thereby improving it and making it accountable to the population it serves. Taiwan is putting some great ideas into practice. We could be looking at them in the United States.
Also, thank you for informing me and others who knew very little about Taiwan. I was surprised and shocked to learn that martial law was in force until 1987, and their first presidential election was only in 1996. And the fact that passengers from the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess were tracked is both creepy (because of the implied levels of surveillance) and exemplary (because of the containment of the coronavirus). Congratulations on a story that breaks new ground in many directions!
Bonnie Shaver
Denver


csmonitor--2020-03-27--Mercy for the lonely in a pandemic

Mercy for the lonely in a pandemic

A curious thing happened in Britain after its government began to take the coronavirus outbreak seriously .
Officials asked for volunteers to assist the loneliest people in a nation told to remain isolated indoors for three weeks .
They hoped 250,000 people would sign up and , after being given safety training , deliver basic goods and companionship – even if digitally – to an estimated 1.5 million vulnerable people , mainly older people living alone .
Within 24 hours , more than 500,000 people stepped up to help .
The number keeps growing and could reach 1 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest volunteer recruitment drive since World War II .
The battle against loneliness did not stop there .
Radio manufacturers are giving free digital radios to older people as a “ lifeline ” and a “ companion , ” according to the BBC .
At a smaller level , some people are loaning their dogs to those living alone .
With such outreach , the narrative of fear and isolation is being shifted to one of neighborliness and community .
For the past few years , Britain has worried about what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loneliness .
Alarms went off a few years ago when a poll found 200,000 people said they had not spoken to anyone for a year .
About 14 % of people said they often or always feel lonely .
In 2018 , the government set up a “ ministry for loneliness ” to tackle the problem .
Britain is not the only country aware of the problem .
In the United States , 61 % of adults said they were lonely in a 2020 survey by health insurer Cigna , up from 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. and the United Kingdom , the majority of those who cite their loneliness are under 50 years old .
Britain ’ s work against its loneliness “ epidemic ” has now been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic .
People rarely admit they are lonely .
In fact , many people can have plenty of friends and family but still feel apart for an assortment of reasons , such as fear of rejection .
Now , in their mental or emotional wilderness , they are being sought out by an army of volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perhaps in a reflection of Britain ’ s campaign , the World Health Organization has decided to correct its term for people staying apart during the outbreak .
It has dropped “ social distancing ” and prefers “ physical distancing.
” The urge to be social – to embrace each other in thought and word if not in person – can not be denied .

A curious thing happened in Britain after its government began to take the coronavirus outbreak seriously. Officials asked for volunteers to assist the loneliest people in a nation told to remain isolated indoors for three weeks. They hoped 250,000 people would sign up and, after being given safety training, deliver basic goods and companionship – even if digitally – to an estimated 1.5 million vulnerable people, mainly older people living alone.
Then the curious part happened.
Within 24 hours, more than 500,000 people stepped up to help. The number keeps growing and could reach 1 million. The outpouring of mercy has been dubbed the largest volunteer recruitment drive since World War II.
The battle against loneliness did not stop there. Radio manufacturers are giving free digital radios to older people as a “lifeline” and a “companion,” according to the BBC. At a smaller level, some people are loaning their dogs to those living alone. With such outreach, the narrative of fear and isolation is being shifted to one of neighborliness and community.
For the past few years, Britain has worried about what it sees as an “epidemic” of loneliness. Alarms went off a few years ago when a poll found 200,000 people said they had not spoken to anyone for a year. About 14% of people said they often or always feel lonely. In 2018, the government set up a “ministry for loneliness” to tackle the problem.
Britain is not the only country aware of the problem. In the United States, 61% of adults said they were lonely in a 2020 survey by health insurer Cigna, up from 54% in 2018. In both the U.S. and the United Kingdom, the majority of those who cite their loneliness are under 50 years old.
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Britain’s work against its loneliness “epidemic” has now been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. People rarely admit they are lonely. In fact, many people can have plenty of friends and family but still feel apart for an assortment of reasons, such as fear of rejection. Now, in their mental or emotional wilderness, they are being sought out by an army of volunteers and offered moments of genuine caring.
Perhaps in a reflection of Britain’s campaign, the World Health Organization has decided to correct its term for people staying apart during the outbreak. It has dropped “social distancing” and prefers “physical distancing.” The urge to be social – to embrace each other in thought and word if not in person – cannot be denied.


csmonitor--2020-05-08--Ridesharing has plummeted. Can food delivery save Uber?

Uber lost $ 2.9 billion in the first quarter as its overseas investments were hammered by the coronavirus pandemic , but the company is looking to its growing food delivery business and aggressive cost-cutting to ease the pain .
The ride-hailing giant said Thursday it is offloading Jump , its bike and scooter business , to Lime , a company in which it is investing $ 85 million .
Jump had been losing about $ 60 million a quarter .
“ While our Rides business has been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic , we have taken quick action to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , focus additional resources on Uber Eats , and prepare us for any recovery scenario , ” said CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in a statement .
“ Along with the surge in food delivery , we are encouraged by the early signs we are seeing in markets that are beginning to open back up.
” On Wednesday , San Francisco-based Uber said it was cutting 3,700 full-time workers , or about 14 % of its workforce , as people avoiding contagion either stay indoors or try to limit contact with others .
Its main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would lay off 982 people , or 17 % of its workforce because of plummeting demand .
Careem , Uber 's subsidiary in the Middle East , cut its workforce by 31 % .
Uber brought in $ 3.54 billion in revenue in the first quarter , up 14 % from the same time last year .
Revenue in its Eats meal delivery business grew 53 % as customers shuttered at home opted to order in .
The company exited markets where its food delivery business was unprofitable , including the Czech Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it added key accounts including Chipotle , Dunkin ' , and Shake Shack , and it enabled delivery from grocery and convenience stores .
“ At a time when our rides business is down significantly due to shelter-in-place , our Eats business is surging , ” Mr. Khosrowshahi said on a conference call with investors .
“ The big opportunity we thought Eats was just got bigger.
” Gross bookings grew 8 % to $ 15.8 billion , with 54 % growth in the food delivery business and a 3 % decline in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Uber 's bottom line was hurt in the first quarter when the value of its investments in Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi , Singapore-based Grab , and others plummeted by $ 2.1 billion as demand collapsed in those regions .
The challenges are continuing in the second quarter .
In April , rides were down 80 % globally compared to last year , Mr. Khosrowshahi said .
But rides have been increasing for the past three weeks and bookings in large cities across Georgia and Texas , two states that started re-opening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respectively from their lowest points , he said .
Demand for the Eats business grew 89 % in April , excluding India , and “ we ’ ve seen an enormous acceleration in demand since mid-March , ” Mr. Khosrowshahi said .
Grocery delivery could be a part of Uber 's future in the United States .
“ There 's going to be more room for more than one player , ” Mr. Khosrowshahi said .
“ We ’ re in many of these cities already .
So we just have the infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these cities ... in a very low cost way.
” Uber updated its driver app to make it easier for ride providers to pick up delivery work , and nearly 40 % of drivers in the U.S. and Canada cross-dispatched to work for the Eats platform in April , the company said .
But getting into grocery delivery would take time , and the boost in restaurant delivery is not enough to stem Uber 's losses , said Eric Schiffer , CEO of the Patriarch Organization .
“ This is a brutal body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profitability , and potentially even its existential future , because few rational people are wiling to put themselves into harm ’ s way to ride in a vehicle , and many drivers have their own concerns , ” Mr. Schiffer said .
“ Uber customers would rather chew glass than sit in the backseat of one of those cars.
” Uber ’ s investment in Lime came as part of a $ 170 million funding round , which also included Alphabet , Bain Capital Ventures , GV , and other investors .
Customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bikes and scooters in the Uber app , but Lime will run the operation .
To help keep drivers and riders protected during the pandemic , Uber says it will require drivers and riders to wear a mask beginning sometime in the coming weeks .
Lyft made a similar announcement Thursday .
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 .

Uber lost $2.9 billion in the first quarter as its overseas investments were hammered by the coronavirus pandemic, but the company is looking to its growing food delivery business and aggressive cost-cutting to ease the pain.
The ride-hailing giant said Thursday it is offloading Jump, its bike and scooter business, to Lime, a company in which it is investing $85 million. Jump had been losing about $60 million a quarter.
“While our Rides business has been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic, we have taken quick action to preserve the strength of our balance sheet, focus additional resources on Uber Eats, and prepare us for any recovery scenario,” said CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in a statement. “Along with the surge in food delivery, we are encouraged by the early signs we are seeing in markets that are beginning to open back up.”
On Wednesday, San Francisco-based Uber said it was cutting 3,700 full-time workers, or about 14% of its workforce, as people avoiding contagion either stay indoors or try to limit contact with others. Its main U.S. rival Lyft announced last month it would lay off 982 people, or 17% of its workforce because of plummeting demand. Careem, Uber's subsidiary in the Middle East, cut its workforce by 31%.
Uber brought in $3.54 billion in revenue in the first quarter, up 14% from the same time last year.
Revenue in its Eats meal delivery business grew 53% as customers shuttered at home opted to order in. The company exited markets where its food delivery business was unprofitable, including the Czech Republic, Egypt, and Honduras. But it added key accounts including Chipotle, Dunkin', and Shake Shack, and it enabled delivery from grocery and convenience stores.
“At a time when our rides business is down significantly due to shelter-in-place, our Eats business is surging,” Mr. Khosrowshahi said on a conference call with investors. “The big opportunity we thought Eats was just got bigger.”
Gross bookings grew 8% to $15.8 billion, with 54% growth in the food delivery business and a 3% decline in rides, on a constant currency basis.
Uber's bottom line was hurt in the first quarter when the value of its investments in Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi, Singapore-based Grab, and others plummeted by $2.1 billion as demand collapsed in those regions.
The challenges are continuing in the second quarter. In April, rides were down 80% globally compared to last year, Mr. Khosrowshahi said. But rides have been increasing for the past three weeks and bookings in large cities across Georgia and Texas, two states that started re-opening, are up 43% and 50% respectively from their lowest points, he said.
Demand for the Eats business grew 89% in April, excluding India, and “we’ve seen an enormous acceleration in demand since mid-March,” Mr. Khosrowshahi said.
Grocery delivery could be a part of Uber's future in the United States.
“There's going to be more room for more than one player,” Mr. Khosrowshahi said. “We’re in many of these cities already. So we just have the infrastructure to be able to get started in these cities ... in a very low cost way.”
Uber updated its driver app to make it easier for ride providers to pick up delivery work, and nearly 40% of drivers in the U.S. and Canada cross-dispatched to work for the Eats platform in April, the company said.
But getting into grocery delivery would take time, and the boost in restaurant delivery is not enough to stem Uber's losses, said Eric Schiffer, CEO of the Patriarch Organization.
“This is a brutal body blow to Uber’s path to profitability, and potentially even its existential future, because few rational people are wiling to put themselves into harm’s way to ride in a vehicle, and many drivers have their own concerns,” Mr. Schiffer said. “Uber customers would rather chew glass than sit in the backseat of one of those cars.”
Uber’s investment in Lime came as part of a $170 million funding round, which also included Alphabet, Bain Capital Ventures, GV, and other investors. Customers will still have access to electric Jump bikes and scooters in the Uber app, but Lime will run the operation.
To help keep drivers and riders protected during the pandemic, Uber says it will require drivers and riders to wear a mask beginning sometime in the coming weeks. Lyft made a similar announcement Thursday.
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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.
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--2020-05-09--Readers write: Ode to snow, a meeting of art and math, and more

I was so happy to read “ Alexander Calder upended the seriousness of art ” in the April 13 Monitor Weekly .
Although I am now retired , I taught a class called “ humanities geometry ” at Morse High School in San Diego for years , and included Calder ’ s use of math – especially geometry – in his art .
There was a wonderful feature that PBS aired ( which I was able to tape , so that will give you an idea of how long ago that was ) .
It had footage of Calder at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobile for each of his guests .
While he originally went to college for engineering , he realized early in his career that using his engineering skills in combination with his natural creativity opened up new dimensions in art .
My students loved Calder for his fun-loving ways , along with his artistic skills .
I loved showing that math has applications in art – a continual focus in my class .
It warmed my heart to read Melissa Mohr ’ s In a Word column “ How ‘ snow ’ words started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 Monitor Weekly .
A member of the Inuit people and I would likely differ in our utilization of snow .
But all I know is that I love it .
I never think of it as harsh .
That makes me an outsider among Northeast Ohioans , who prefer to winter in warmer climes .
It also affords me an ample supply of descriptors for snow .
There ’ s freezing rain , wet snow , heavy wet snow , dry snow , snowflakes that simply float to the ground .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , crunchy snow , pellet snow , stinging snow , fluffy snow .
Snow can sprinkle , coat , cover , blanket , drift , cling , hug , hush , insulate , accentuate , and brighten the landscape .
My grandma ’ s favorite was sugar snow .
That ’ s when the sun acts like a broiler , making a creme brulee-like snow crust that may or may not hold the weight of a man or a girl or a dog or a cat or a squirrel or a rabbit or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow .
It appears only at colder temperatures when – in full sunlight or streaks of moonlight – it gleams and glistens like a blanket of sparkling gems .
There ’ s snow for snow angels , fox and geese , and backyard skating rinks .
There ’ s the year when 6-foot banks of snow lined the road where my family lived .
My dad passed on during that snow season , and the mile-high snow piles in the mall parking lots that survived into June were like an everlasting remembrance for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think the idea of snow is limitless .
I wonder which came first – snow , or the love of it ?
Can one exist without the other ?
Regarding “ Only the carrots were predictable ” in the March 16 Monitor Weekly : Thank you , thank you for Sue Wunder ’ s delightful Home Forum essay .
It was so very welcome .
I live in a large senior retirement manor , and we are currently under lockdown – so reading her piece was truly like a breath of fresh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not big on carrots , but the memory of this essay is surely going to help keep a smile on my face during this trying time when the coronavirus is getting center stage .
She ’ s been one of my favorite writers through my many decades as a Monitor reader .
She always shares such a special connection with her farm animals .
Keep ’ em coming , Sue .

A meeting of art and math
I was so happy to read “Alexander Calder upended the seriousness of art” in the April 13 Monitor Weekly. Although I am now retired, I taught a class called “humanities geometry” at Morse High School in San Diego for years, and included Calder’s use of math – especially geometry – in his art.
There was a wonderful feature that PBS aired (which I was able to tape, so that will give you an idea of how long ago that was). It had footage of Calder at his parties in Paris, creating a mobile for each of his guests. While he originally went to college for engineering, he realized early in his career that using his engineering skills in combination with his natural creativity opened up new dimensions in art.
My students loved Calder for his fun-loving ways, along with his artistic skills. I loved showing that math has applications in art – a continual focus in my class.
Jeanne Brown
San Diego
Ode to snow
It warmed my heart to read Melissa Mohr’s In a Word column “How ‘snow’ words started a linguistic kerfuffle” in the March 9 Monitor Weekly.
A member of the Inuit people and I would likely differ in our utilization of snow. But all I know is that I love it. I never think of it as harsh. That makes me an outsider among Northeast Ohioans, who prefer to winter in warmer climes.
It also affords me an ample supply of descriptors for snow. There’s freezing rain, wet snow, heavy wet snow, dry snow, snowflakes that simply float to the ground. There’s slushy snow, powder snow, crunchy snow, pellet snow, stinging snow, fluffy snow. Snow can sprinkle, coat, cover, blanket, drift, cling, hug, hush, insulate, accentuate, and brighten the landscape.
My grandma’s favorite was sugar snow. That’s when the sun acts like a broiler, making a creme brulee-like snow crust that may or may not hold the weight of a man or a girl or a dog or a cat or a squirrel or a rabbit or a mouse. My favorite is diamond snow. It appears only at colder temperatures when – in full sunlight or streaks of moonlight –
it gleams and glistens like a blanket of sparkling gems.
There’s snow for snow angels, fox and geese, and backyard skating rinks. There’s the year when 6-foot banks of snow lined the road where my family lived. My dad passed on during that snow season, and the mile-high snow piles in the mall parking lots that survived into June were like an everlasting remembrance for me. Regardless of linguistic constructs, I think the idea of snow is limitless. I wonder which came first – snow, or the love of it? Can one exist without the other?
Deborah Hammerle
Fairview Park, Ohio
Farm writing
Regarding “Only the carrots were predictable” in the March 16 Monitor Weekly: Thank you, thank you for Sue Wunder’s delightful Home Forum essay. It was so very welcome. I live in a large senior retirement manor, and we are currently under lockdown – so reading her piece was truly like a breath of fresh air.
Like Sue, I’m not big on carrots, but the memory of this essay is surely going to help keep a smile on my face during this trying time when the coronavirus is getting center stage. She’s been one of my favorite writers through my many decades as a Monitor reader. She always shares such a special connection with her farm animals. Keep ’em coming, Sue.
Carolyn Hill
Portland, Oregon


csmonitor--2020-05-08--Milk, bread, and comfort: Why Vermont’s country stores are essential

With most businesses closed during Vermont ’ s state of emergency , country stores have become more than essential food hubs – for many here , these stores are a lifeline holding the fabric of the community together .
Hers is one of many country stores still serving the public during the crisis , during which many customers are self-isolating with limited grocery options .
Country stores across the U.S. , from New England to the south and the Midwest , are the heartbeat of their communities , often standing in the same spot for generations , growing up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run the country store is because we care about our community , ” she says .
“ Without it , South Woodstock is very different .
Closing the doors of the country store , for myself and my staff , was surprisingly emotional.
” Around noon each Friday , Simi Johnston dons a mask and puts out brown paper bags with grocery orders , each labeled with the customer ’ s name for pickup .
For Ms. Johnston , co-owner of Vermont ’ s South Woodstock Country Store , continuing to serve the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The store closed to the public in late March , two days before the state required restaurants to shut down .
As COVID-19 restrictions were tightening in mid-March , Jillian Bradley and Joe Minerva made a big decision : They pledged to keep the doors of the Barnard General Store open , no matter what .
Now , the Barnard store has a grocery home-delivery system supported by volunteers , and they also offer curbside pickup .
But it ’ s been a long haul for the store , in this remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located a half-hour from the nearest grocery establishment .
“ Most days we are working 10 to 12 hours a day , but we are happy to do it for our community , ” Ms. Bradley says .
Theirs is one of many country stores still serving the public during the crisis , during which many customers are self-isolating with limited grocery options .
Country stores across the U.S. , from New England to the South and the Midwest , are the heartbeat of their communities , often standing in the same spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , we ’ ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .
Eight years ago , the Barnard store closed for about a year but came roaring back after a community trust with hundreds of local members raised the funds to save the business .
It reopened in 2013 , with Ms. Bradley and Mr. Minerva as the new owners .
The community simply would not let the store fail .
The couple keenly feels that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need for many Vermonters .
Grateful emails have been flooding Ms. Bradley ’ s inbox .
“ Everyone has been so kind and it is honestly the reason we keep getting out of bed every morning and hustling as much as we possibly can , ” she says .
Each day , wearing masks and gloves , they and their staff sanitize all surfaces and equipment .
Customer Russ Hebert , from nearby Sharon , picked up a sandwich order recently as a few customers wearing masks dropped by for groceries .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are to their communities .
“ It ’ s not like everybody has a garden anymore , ” Mr. Hebert says .
These Vermont stores have become essential food hubs .
With most country store buildings closed during Vermont ’ s state of emergency – which was extended beyond May 15 – online ordering and curbside pickup has become the trend .
Such is the case a 40-minute drive south at the South Woodstock Country Store , which has been running its curbside operation since early April .
Around noon each Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask , puts out brown paper bags with grocery orders , each labeled with the customer ’ s name for pickup .
For Ms. Johnston , the main focus is continuing to serve the community while keeping everyone safe .
The store closed to the public in late March , two days before the state required restaurants to shut down .
The entire operation is sanitized , and the store tries not to touch deliveries for 24 hours .
The first week of curbside , the store saw 20 orders – which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a huge hit , for sure , but we ’ re definitely hoping there ’ ll be a lot of understanding from everyone around that , ” Ms. Johnston says .
It ’ s been tough not to see people dining and chatting inside , she adds .
Almost every morning , a local group used to gather for coffee at one of the wooden tables just inside the store .
Some grab a morning paper and sit down for breakfast near the deli , while others grab a breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The reason we run the country store is because we care about our community , ” she says .
“ Without it , South Woodstock is very different .
Closing the doors of the country store , for myself and my staff , was surprisingly emotional.
” With Vermont ’ s unemployment rate soaring to more than 20 % during the pandemic , many stores are also finding a way to give back , even while they themselves struggle .
In Craftsbury , which sits an hour south of the Canadian border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses have joined forces to set up a pop-up food pantry .
The Craftsbury General Store put out a call for donations , and they came in fast .
“ There ’ s been a lot of generosity in that realm , ” says co-owner Kit Basom .
At the store , the doors are closed to the public , but they ’ re doing business seven days a week , filling online and phone orders for curbside pickup .
The store ’ s owners have added a third person to help with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a “ personal shopper.
” “ It ’ s busy in a whole new way , ” says co-owner Ms. Basom .
The Craftsbury store has also added a “ virtual tour ” on its website , so customers can browse the shelves digitally .
The staff regularly updates an online list of items people can order in bulk – think flour , rice , or pasta .
“ We ’ re moving a lot more product from our grocery section than we ever did before , ” Ms. Basom says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a lifeline holding the fabric of the community together .
There is growing concern about the warmer months , from May to October , when these small village stores usually make the majority of their annual income .
Though it ’ s been on their minds , Ms. Bradley from the Barnard store says she is confident they will find a way to make it .
“ It ’ s sink or swim time and there is no way we will let ourselves sink , ” she says .
“ There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sink , either .
It takes a village.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , we ’ ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

With most businesses closed during Vermont’s state of emergency, country stores have become more than essential food hubs – for many here, these stores are a lifeline holding the fabric of the community together.
Hers is one of many country stores still serving the public during the crisis, during which many customers are self-isolating with limited grocery options. Country stores across the U.S., from New England to the south and the Midwest, are the heartbeat of their communities, often standing in the same spot for generations, growing up with the town.
The quintessential country store has long been a New England bedrock. As social distancing shutters Vermont, these stores continue to keep their communities fed and nurtured – perhaps more than ever before.
“The reason we run the country store is because we care about our community,” she says. “Without it, South Woodstock is very different. Closing the doors of the country store, for myself and my staff, was surprisingly emotional.”
Around noon each Friday, Simi Johnston dons a mask and puts out brown paper bags with grocery orders, each labeled with the customer’s name for pickup. For Ms. Johnston, co-owner of Vermont’s South Woodstock Country Store, continuing to serve the community while keeping everyone safe is critical. The store closed to the public in late March, two days before the state required restaurants to shut down.
As COVID-19 restrictions were tightening in mid-March, Jillian Bradley and Joe Minerva made a big decision: They pledged to keep the doors of the Barnard General Store open, no matter what.
Now, the Barnard store has a grocery home-delivery system supported by volunteers, and they also offer curbside pickup. But it’s been a long haul for the store, in this remote Vermont town of about 900 people, located a half-hour from the nearest grocery establishment.
“Most days we are working 10 to 12 hours a day, but we are happy to do it for our community,” Ms. Bradley says.
Why We Wrote This The quintessential country store has long been a New England bedrock. As social distancing shutters Vermont, these stores continue to keep their communities fed and nurtured – perhaps more than ever before.
Theirs is one of many country stores still serving the public during the crisis, during which many customers are self-isolating with limited grocery options. Country stores across the U.S., from New England to the South and the Midwest, are the heartbeat of their communities, often standing in the same spot for generations, growing up with the town.
Editor’s note: As a public service, we’ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.
Eight years ago, the Barnard store closed for about a year but came roaring back after a community trust with hundreds of local members raised the funds to save the business. It reopened in 2013, with Ms. Bradley and Mr. Minerva as the new owners. The community simply would not let the store fail.
The couple keenly feels that support now, amid a time of need for many Vermonters. Grateful emails have been flooding Ms. Bradley’s inbox.
“Everyone has been so kind and it is honestly the reason we keep getting out of bed every morning and hustling as much as we possibly can,” she says.
Each day, wearing masks and gloves, they and their staff sanitize all surfaces and equipment.
Customer Russ Hebert, from nearby Sharon, picked up a sandwich order recently as a few customers wearing masks dropped by for groceries. He said local stores are showing how important they are to their communities.
“It’s not like everybody has a garden anymore,” Mr. Hebert says.
These Vermont stores have become essential food hubs. With most country store buildings closed during Vermont’s state of emergency – which was extended beyond May 15 – online ordering and curbside pickup has become the trend. Such is the case a 40-minute drive south at the South Woodstock Country Store, which has been running its curbside operation since early April. Around noon each Friday, co-owner Simi Johnston, donning her mask, puts out brown paper bags with grocery orders, each labeled with the customer’s name for pickup.
For Ms. Johnston, the main focus is continuing to serve the community while keeping everyone safe. The store closed to the public in late March, two days before the state required restaurants to shut down.
The entire operation is sanitized, and the store tries not to touch deliveries for 24 hours. The first week of curbside, the store saw 20 orders – which is nothing like being fully open.
“It’s a huge hit, for sure, but we’re definitely hoping there’ll be a lot of understanding from everyone around that,” Ms. Johnston says.
It’s been tough not to see people dining and chatting inside, she adds. Almost every morning, a local group used to gather for coffee at one of the wooden tables just inside the store. Some grab a morning paper and sit down for breakfast near the deli, while others grab a breakfast sandwich on the way to work.
“The reason we run the country store is because we care about our community,” she says. “Without it, South Woodstock is very different. Closing the doors of the country store, for myself and my staff, was surprisingly emotional.”
Giving back
With Vermont’s unemployment rate soaring to more than 20% during the pandemic, many stores are also finding a way to give back, even while they themselves struggle. In Craftsbury, which sits an hour south of the Canadian border in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, businesses have joined forces to set up a pop-up food pantry. The Craftsbury General Store put out a call for donations, and they came in fast.
“There’s been a lot of generosity in that realm,” says co-owner Kit Basom.
At the store, the doors are closed to the public, but they’re doing business seven days a week, filling online and phone orders for curbside pickup. The store’s owners have added a third person to help with phones, and everyone is on deck to be a “personal shopper.”
“It’s busy in a whole new way,” says co-owner Ms. Basom.
The Craftsbury store has also added a “virtual tour” on its website, so customers can browse the shelves digitally. The staff regularly updates an online list of items people can order in bulk – think flour, rice, or pasta.
“We’re moving a lot more product from our grocery section than we ever did before,” Ms. Basom says.
For many here, these stores are a lifeline holding the fabric of the community together. There is growing concern about the warmer months, from May to October, when these small village stores usually make the majority of their annual income. Though it’s been on their minds, Ms. Bradley from the Barnard store says she is confident they will find a way to make it.
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“It’s sink or swim time and there is no way we will let ourselves sink,” she says. “There is no way this community will let us sink, either. It takes a village.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, we’ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-05-06--EU braces for its deepest recession yet due to COVID-19

The European Union predicted Wednesday `` a recession of historic proportions this year '' due to the impact of the coronavirus as it released its first official estimates of the damage the pandemic is inflicting on the bloc 's economy .
The 27-nation EU economy is predicted to contract by 7.5 % this year , before growing by about 6 % in 2021 .
The group of 19 nations using the euro as their currency will see a record decline of 7.75 % this year , and grow by 6.25 % in 2021 , the European Commission said in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now quite clear that the EU has entered the deepest economic recession in its history , '' EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni told reporters in Brussels .
As the virus hit , `` economic activity in the EU dropped by around one third practically overnight , '' he said .
More than 1.1 million people have contracted the virus across Europe and over 137,000 have died , according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control .
Unclear outbreak data , low testing rates , and the strain on health care systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is much greater .
With the spread slowing in most European countries , people are cautiously venturing out from confinement and gradually returning to work , but strict health measures remain in place amid concern of a second wave of outbreaks and any return to something like normal life is at least months away .
The pandemic has hurt consumer spending , industrial output , investment , trade , capital flows , and supply chains .
It has also hit jobs .
The unemployment rate across the 27-nation EU is forecast to rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % in 2020 but then fall to around 8 % in 2021 , the commission said .
Beyond that , Mr. Gentiloni said , `` we will have a massive drop in hours worked . ''
Globally , the pandemic is expected to cause the deepest recession in living memory , with the International Monetary Fund forecasting a 3 % decline this year .
The United Nations says that is expected to cause a drop in work hours equivalent to 305 million full-time jobs .
Inflation in Europe is also set to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sharp weakening of demand and drop in oil prices .
Investment , too , is likely to contract , with firms expected to postpone or cancel their investment plans amid the uncertainty .
Exporters will not be spared , with continued disruption to movements of people , goods , and services likely .
Italy and Spain – two of the countries hardest hit by the virus – and to a lesser extent France are among the economies that will suffer most .
Greece , which largely escaped the disease but whose economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and which relies heavily on tourism , is also high on the economic hit list .
France 's economy is expected to shrink by about 8.2 % , while Germany will endure a more moderate contraction than most and recover better .
Still , it is set to experience this year its worst recession since World War II , with exports notably hit , a drop in output of 6.5 % .
While the virus hit every member country , the extent of the damage it ultimately inflicts will depend on the evolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the resilience of their economies , and what policies they put in place to respond .
Mr. Gentiloni said that the depth of the recession and the strength of recovery will be uneven across the world 's biggest trading bloc .
Much will depend , he said , on `` the speed at which lockdowns can be lifted , the importance of services like tourism in each economy , and by each country 's financial resources .
Such divergence poses a threat to the single market and the euro area – yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint European action . ''
How quickly things can change .
On Feb. 13 , the commission had predicted `` a path of steady , moderate growth '' this year and next of 1.2 % .
At that time , uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and a Brexit trade deal plus tensions in Latin America and the Middle East were the main threats .
The coronavirus outbreak in China was noted at the time as `` a new downside risk '' but the commission 's assumption less than three months ago was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter , with relatively limited global spillovers . ''
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 European Union predicted Wednesday "a recession of historic proportions this year" due to the impact of the coronavirus as it released its first official estimates of the damage the pandemic is inflicting on the bloc's economy.
The 27-nation EU economy is predicted to contract by 7.5% this year, before growing by about 6% in 2021. The group of 19 nations using the euro as their currency will see a record decline of 7.75% this year, and grow by 6.25% in 2021, the European Commission said in its Spring economic forecast.
"It is now quite clear that the EU has entered the deepest economic recession in its history," EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni told reporters in Brussels. As the virus hit, "economic activity in the EU dropped by around one third practically overnight," he said.
More than 1.1 million people have contracted the virus across Europe and over 137,000 have died, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Unclear outbreak data, low testing rates, and the strain on health care systems mean the true scale of the pandemic is much greater.
With the spread slowing in most European countries, people are cautiously venturing out from confinement and gradually returning to work, but strict health measures remain in place amid concern of a second wave of outbreaks and any return to something like normal life is at least months away.
The pandemic has hurt consumer spending, industrial output, investment, trade, capital flows, and supply chains. It has also hit jobs. The unemployment rate across the 27-nation EU is forecast to rise from 6.7% last year to 9% in 2020 but then fall to around 8% in 2021, the commission said. Beyond that, Mr. Gentiloni said, "we will have a massive drop in hours worked."
Globally, the pandemic is expected to cause the deepest recession in living memory, with the International Monetary Fund forecasting a 3% decline this year. The United Nations says that is expected to cause a drop in work hours equivalent to 305 million full-time jobs.
Inflation in Europe is also set to be significantly weaker as consumer prices fall amid a sharp weakening of demand and drop in oil prices. Investment, too, is likely to contract, with firms expected to postpone or cancel their investment plans amid the uncertainty.
Exporters will not be spared, with continued disruption to movements of people, goods, and services likely.
Italy and Spain – two of the countries hardest hit by the virus – and to a lesser extent France are among the economies that will suffer most. Greece, which largely escaped the disease but whose economy was ravaged previously by its debt crisis and which relies heavily on tourism, is also high on the economic hit list.
France's economy is expected to shrink by about 8.2%, while Germany will endure a more moderate contraction than most and recover better. Still, it is set to experience this year its worst recession since World War II, with exports notably hit, a drop in output of 6.5%.
While the virus hit every member country, the extent of the damage it ultimately inflicts will depend on the evolution of the disease in each of them, the resilience of their economies, and what policies they put in place to respond.
Mr. Gentiloni said that the depth of the recession and the strength of recovery will be uneven across the world's biggest trading bloc.
Much will depend, he said, on "the speed at which lockdowns can be lifted, the importance of services like tourism in each economy, and by each country's financial resources. Such divergence poses a threat to the single market and the euro area – yet it can be mitigated through decisive, joint European action."
How quickly things can change. On Feb. 13, the commission had predicted "a path of steady, moderate growth" this year and next of 1.2%. At that time, uncertainty over U.S. trade policy and a Brexit trade deal plus tensions in Latin America and the Middle East were the main threats.
The coronavirus outbreak in China was noted at the time as "a new downside risk" but the commission's assumption less than three months ago was "that the outbreak peaks in the first quarter, with relatively limited global spillovers."
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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--2020-04-29--The not-so-secret sauce of New Zealand's success

Unlike most other world leaders , New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has generally avoided war metaphors in uniting her country against COVID-19 .
She tends not to refer to the coronavirus as “ the enemy ” or her fellow citizens as “ soldiers.
” Instead , she speaks of a “ team of 5 million , ” the population of her nation .
When asked if she was afraid of the virus , she responded , “ No .
Because we have a plan.
” On Monday , that “ plan ” resulted in Ms. Ardern announcing that New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reducing the number of known cases to single digits .
Instead of a war image , she used the language of a tsunami : “ We have stopped a wave of devastation.
” Her government , in fact , has relied on a phone alert system for tsunamis to send out messages during this crisis .
Early on , New Zealand took swift , strict , and decisive steps , such as closing its borders to foreigners by March 19 .
Perhaps just as effective was the tone of her language .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military terms , which can cause fear and panic by evoking images of violence and “ the other.
” Ms. Ardern focused on the mental well-being of her citizens as much as elimination of the virus .
She encouraged people to contact new mothers , for example , to lessen their isolation .
Special apps were provided to deal with mental health .
She asked people to “ be kind ” in uniting against COVID-19 as they were forced to stay at home .
She cut government salaries to help create a closeness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested people rely on the “ creative , practical , country-minded ” culture of New Zealand .
She brought humor to her role , such as telling children that the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy were “ essential workers.
” She was open and transparent , not secretive like a military commander .
Her metaphors were those that inspired selflessness during the necessary self-isolation .
The country ’ s efforts , wrote the Weekend Herald newspaper , will be remembered for “ the acts of humanity which rose to the occasion.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revival of kindness , ” the paper added .
“ Watch out , it ’ s contagious.
” For sure , other leaders around the world have used a similar approach .
For instance , Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg went on television to talk directly to children , who perhaps easily pick up the fears of adults .
Something like this approach was made famous in the 19th century by Florence Nightingale .
In her many reforms of the nursing profession , she advised that nurses deal as much with a patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a disease .
She wrote : “ Remember , he is face to face with his enemy all the time , internally wrestling with him , having long imaginary conversations with him .
You are thinking of something else .
‘ Rid him of his adversary quickly ’ is a first rule with the sick.
” When faced with biological threats , leaders must be careful in using metaphors of war , Lisa Keranen , a medical rhetorician , told Vox news .
Such images make us “ focus on fighting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s initial success against COVID-19 may prove the point .
Kindness , starting at the top , can be a mental vaccine for an entire country .

Unlike most other world leaders, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has generally avoided war metaphors in uniting her country against COVID-19. She tends not to refer to the coronavirus as “the enemy” or her fellow citizens as “soldiers.” Instead, she speaks of a “team of 5 million,” the population of her nation. When asked if she was afraid of the virus, she responded, “No. Because we have a plan.”
On Monday, that “plan” resulted in Ms. Ardern announcing that New Zealand had effectively eliminated the virus, reducing the number of known cases to single digits. Instead of a war image, she used the language of a tsunami: “We have stopped a wave of devastation.” Her government, in fact, has relied on a phone alert system for tsunamis to send out messages during this crisis.
Early on, New Zealand took swift, strict, and decisive steps, such as closing its borders to foreigners by March 19. Perhaps just as effective was the tone of her language. The prime minister rarely framed the pandemic in military terms, which can cause fear and panic by evoking images of violence and “the other.”
Ms. Ardern focused on the mental well-being of her citizens as much as elimination of the virus. She encouraged people to contact new mothers, for example, to lessen their isolation. Special apps were provided to deal with mental health.
She asked people to “be kind” in uniting against COVID-19 as they were forced to stay at home. She cut government salaries to help create a closeness between officials and idled workers. She suggested people rely on the “creative, practical, country-minded” culture of New Zealand.
She brought humor to her role, such as telling children that the Easter Bunny and the tooth fairy were “essential workers.” She was open and transparent, not secretive like a military commander.
Her metaphors were those that inspired selflessness during the necessary self-isolation. The country’s efforts, wrote the Weekend Herald newspaper, will be remembered for “the acts of humanity which rose to the occasion.”
The “vicious virus has sparked a revival of kindness,” the paper added. “Watch out, it’s contagious.”
For sure, other leaders around the world have used a similar approach. For instance, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg went on television to talk directly to children, who perhaps easily pick up the fears of adults.
Something like this approach was made famous in the 19th century by Florence Nightingale. In her many reforms of the nursing profession, she advised that nurses deal as much with a patient’s feelings of apprehension and uncertainty as a disease. She wrote:
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“Remember, he is face to face with his enemy all the time, internally wrestling with him, having long imaginary conversations with him. You are thinking of something else. ‘Rid him of his adversary quickly’ is a first rule with the sick.”
When faced with biological threats, leaders must be careful in using metaphors of war, Lisa Keranen, a medical rhetorician, told Vox news. Such images make us “focus on fighting and not on caring.” New Zealand’s initial success against COVID-19 may prove the point. Kindness, starting at the top, can be a mental vaccine for an entire country.


csmonitor--2020-05-18--Spring picture books to read with the ones you love

Spring is for new beginnings , friendships , flowers , and sharing picture books .
These four books are perfect for family reading , and for keeping kids entertained if you ’ re sheltering in place during the coronavirus pandemic .
Hello , Neighbor !
The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers Hands up if you remember the neighborhood ’ s clanging trolley ?
Mr. McFeely and his speedy deliveries ?
Or perhaps you were enticed by the fairytale world of Daniel Striped Tiger .
In his new picture book , Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell ( Wolf in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons we love Fred Rogers .
He was adored during his TV career and now a new audience will discover him though books that tell his story .
Enhanced by endnotes of fascinating facts from the neighborhood and his life , the book and its illustrations have the intriguing feel of turning pages in a family scrapbook .
This lovely reminder of the quiet , compassionate television host is the perfect book to encourage children to talk about kindness , about sadness , and about acceptance .
The publisher ’ s recommended age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preschool through third grade , but a wide audience of fans and soon-to-be-fans will appreciate this authorized biography of Rogers .
Written by Minh Lê and illustrated by Dan Santat It 's the job of young Iris to push the elevator buttons in her building .
“ Up or down , our floor or the lobby , ” she takes to the task , shows pride in her work , eagerly awaits the ride .
But when her baby brother takes over touching the buttons and her parents not only allow but encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then she discovers a different kind of lift button , one discarded by the repairman .
This mysterious , repurposed button is a magic cupboard , Max ’ s boat , and Narnia ’ s wardrobe door all rolled into one .
Now Iris can travel to places she ’ s only dreamed of .
The story is funny , poignant , and exciting , and Dan Santat ’ s graphic-novel like illustrations beg to be looked at more than once .
Youngsters ages 4 to 8 and every grownup who shares this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Lift.
” My favorite line ?
“ After all , everyone can use a lift sometimes.
” Written by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki Making a friend can be so sweetly uncomplicated when you ’ re skipping through the park or chalking sidewalks , and award-winning author Julie Fogliano and illustrator Jillian Tamaki ’ s new picture book celebrates the joy of a budding friendship .
In “ My Best Friend ” ( ages 4-8 ) , two girls discover what fun it is to have a pal to sit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn your hands into quacking ducks together .
The story plays out in muted greens and pinks that surprisingly pop right off the page .
A pickle , a creepy hand made of leaves , shared strawberry ice cream – such perfect details make this a lap book to enjoy and read again and again .
Watch for a surprising turn in the end that will make both reader and listener smile .
Follow the Recipe : Poems about Imagination , Celebration , and Cake Written by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Marjorie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) of culinary advice and clever tips is just the thing for budding poets and imaginative cooks .
But instead of actual recipes for cake , cookies , or kohlrabi , award-winning author Margaret Singer offers exuberant pages brimming with words to savor .
Marjorie Price ’ s illustrations are the perfect complement to this collection of both free verse and traditional poetry .
Turn the pages and imagine spring asparagus as “ grand marshals leading the parade of green ” and hear the plink-plink-plink of shelling peas .
Read “ Follow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return for the whimsically delightful illustrations , and come back when you need a bit of sage advice .
A book to dip into more than once , to relish , or to share with a friend , this one goes nicely with a plate of fresh-baked cookies .

Spring is for new beginnings, friendships, flowers, and sharing picture books. These four books are perfect for family reading, and for keeping kids entertained if you’re sheltering in place during the coronavirus pandemic.
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers
By Matthew Cordell
Hands up if you remember the neighborhood’s clanging trolley? Mr. McFeely and his speedy deliveries? Or perhaps you were enticed by the fairytale world of Daniel Striped Tiger. In his new picture book, Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell (Wolf in the Snow) reminds us of all the reasons we love Fred Rogers. He was adored during his TV career and now a new audience will discover him though books that tell his story. Enhanced by endnotes of fascinating facts from the neighborhood and his life, the book and its illustrations have the intriguing feel of turning pages in a family scrapbook. This lovely reminder of the quiet, compassionate television host is the perfect book to encourage children to talk about kindness, about sadness, and about acceptance. The publisher’s recommended age for “Hello Neighbor!” is preschool through third grade, but a wide audience of fans and soon-to-be-fans will appreciate this authorized biography of Rogers.
Courtesy of Hachette Book Group
Lift
Written by Minh Lê and illustrated by Dan Santat
It's the job of young Iris to push the elevator buttons in her building. “Up or down, our floor or the lobby,” she takes to the task, shows pride in her work, eagerly awaits the ride. But when her baby brother takes over touching the buttons and her parents not only allow but encourage this insult, she feels betrayed. Then she discovers a different kind of lift button, one discarded by the repairman. This mysterious, repurposed button is a magic cupboard, Max’s boat, and Narnia’s wardrobe door all rolled into one. Now Iris can travel to places she’s only dreamed of. The story is funny, poignant, and exciting, and Dan Santat’s graphic-novel like illustrations beg to be looked at more than once. Youngsters ages 4 to 8 and every grownup who shares this special family story with them will love “Lift.” My favorite line? “After all, everyone can use a lift sometimes.”
Courtesy of Simon & Schuster
My Best Friend
Written by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
Making a friend can be so sweetly uncomplicated when you’re skipping through the park or chalking sidewalks, and award-winning author Julie Fogliano and illustrator Jillian Tamaki’s new picture book celebrates the joy of a budding friendship. In “My Best Friend” (ages 4-8), two girls discover what fun it is to have a pal to sit with beneath a big tree or to turn your hands into quacking ducks together. The story plays out in muted greens and pinks that surprisingly pop right off the page. A pickle, a creepy hand made of leaves, shared strawberry ice cream – such perfect details make this a lap book to enjoy and read again and again. Watch for a surprising turn in the end that will make both reader and listener smile.
Courtesy of Penguin Random House
Follow the Recipe: Poems about Imagination, Celebration, and Cake
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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.
Written by Marilyn Singer and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
This picture book (ages 6-11) of culinary advice and clever tips is just the thing for budding poets and imaginative cooks. But instead of actual recipes for cake, cookies, or kohlrabi, award-winning author Margaret Singer offers exuberant pages brimming with words to savor. Marjorie Price’s illustrations are the perfect complement to this collection of both free verse and traditional poetry. Turn the pages and imagine spring asparagus as “grand marshals leading the parade of green” and hear the plink-plink-plink of shelling peas. Read “Follow the Recipe” once for the poems, return for the whimsically delightful illustrations, and come back when you need a bit of sage advice. A book to dip into more than once, to relish, or to share with a friend, this one goes nicely with a plate of fresh-baked cookies.


csmonitor--2020-04-24--Daily for April 24, 2020

Daily for April 24, 2020

The heart , perched on a bare cliff overlooking the highway outside Nova Scotia ’ s capital , Halifax , is called Valery .
“ It stands for courage , valor , ” says Ed McHugh , who built the 11-foot-tall wooden symbol with friends .
They raised Valery , traced with red twinkle lights so it can be seen at night , last week .
It was a tribute to front-line workers and a rallying symbol for the province , grappling with one of the highest per-capita infection rates of COVID-19 in Canada .
But this week , Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the woods from his home , a bucket of ropes and zip ties in hand .
They raised a blue and white Nova Scotia flag next to the heart as a double mark of hope after the Maritime province became the site of Canada ’ s largest-ever mass shooting across April 18 and 19 .
“ Our hearts are broken in this province , ” Mr. McHugh says .
“ Anything to try and mend hearts back together – even for the 30 seconds when you ’ re driving on the highway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The shooting took 22 lives in a 13-hour spree of terror across 16 crime scenes in which houses were torched and residents gunned down at random – something that would be terrifying anyplace , but especially rural Nova Scotia .
And at a time of historic shutdown over COVID-19 , when social distancing measures have shuttered schools , businesses , and borders , residents accustomed to keeping their front doors open have been forced to hunker down in their homes – the very place where some of the victims were killed .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their routines and distant from other people , ” says Michael Ungar , director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University in Halifax .
“ The way people cope with a mass shooting or other significant community stressors , is to get together .
… People do things that reassert control and predictability over their lives .
And of course , all of those processes , which are normally part of the healing and that coming to grips with this kind of tragedy , are largely being changed or not occurring at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to hard times , and is leaning on centuries of perseverance and a culture of kinship to overcome the obstacles that the pandemic presents .
On Friday , when churches and community halls would normally be full , when neighbors would be walking together holding candles or drinking coffee at one another ’ s kitchen tables , grief and mourning will be expressed in a virtual vigil over Facebook .
And the community is improvising their shared consolation in myriad other ways .
“ I really do feel that if I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a little shining moment , ” says Mr. McHugh , “ so that you can reflect and say , ‘ You know what ?
There is still good in the world.
’ ” To get to Portapique , where the gunman began his spree Saturday night dressed as a Mountie in a faux police car – the motives are still unclear – one leaves Valery ’ s perch and continues for nearly an hour through the center of the province .
Then the road turns west and follows the meandering shore of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s highest tide washes over broad beaches .
Decades of urban migration following a decline in industries such as forestry and farming have turned many of the once bustling towns around here into sleepy places dependent on an influx of summer visitors .
Yet communities are tightknit , the list of victims revealing the social fabric of the community , with a school teacher , nurses , a retired volunteer fireman , and a Mountie among the dead .
“ Everyone ’ s all intertwined , one way or another , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grew up in the area .
He owns Portapique ’ s former church and uses it as storage for the antique business he runs .
But in the days after the shooting , he had another idea .
“ I thought about all the people at home that wanted to express their feelings , and I had probably the ideal spot to do it , in the heart of the community , ” he says .
On Tuesday , Mr. van den Hoek set up 4-by-8 sheets of lattice , attached to fence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He says people who want to express their condolences from afar – or who can ’ t come near , because of social distancing – can mail him cards , which he ’ ll put up at this “ mail-in memorial.
” “ It just gives people a little outlet , to help them deal with what they ’ re going through now.
” It is this kind of act that Dr. Ungar , who authored “ Change Your World : The Science of Resilience and the True Path to Success , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the trauma that Nova Scotia is facing , from isolation , global uncertainty , economic anxiety , and now the kind of trigger event that upturns any community , he says this one can lean on its resilience built over decades .
“ When you have communities where people know each other , they look out for each other .
There ’ s a sense of neighborhood , ” he says .
“ Those communities tend to do better because those networks are already present.
” He says they ’ ll reassert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on minds here .
Anita MacLellan has been helping with the “ Colchester – Supporting Our Communities ” Facebook page that is hosting Friday ’ s vigil .
But she ’ s also focused forward .
For the past four years , she ’ s served on the board of the Cliffs of Fundy Aspiring Geopark , which has been working toward UNESCO Global Geopark status .
That decision was supposed to come this spring , but will be delayed because of the pandemic .
If and when they start receiving visitors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity to present themselves beyond this tragedy .
“ This story will remain a part of our history .
But we ’ re going to have to work extra hard at getting the word out there , that this is not who we are.
” On Sunday , Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil spoke in similar terms .
“ It may change us a little , but it can not define us , ” he told the province .
For now , residents are working toward redefining what it means to overcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As the head of the Debert and Area Community Association , Marie Benoit would normally be opening her doors , as she did when an employee of the municipality was killed in a car crash and Ms. Benoit leaped into action with a fundraiser for her family .
But following the mass shooting , in which the perpetrator shot two people in Debert , Ms. Benoit can ’ t organize a gathering or events to raise money for victims ’ families .
So they are improvising instead .
On Monday she participated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As many locals lit flames , a brilliant sunset , the kind they haven ’ t seen for years , lit the sky .
A Facebook page called “ Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party ( Covid19 Edition ) ” that was created to combat isolation has turned into a musical memorial of haunting tributes , including several with bagpipes .
( One of the victims of the shooting , a teen killed with her parents in their home , had played the fiddle on the page in late March . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. McHugh and Mr. Purcell affix their flag firmly to a pole with zip ties to protect against the wind .
Mr. Purcell climbs onto the heart to attach the pole .
“ Don ’ t let me down now , Valery , ” he says .
The two have scarcely stood back to examine their work when horns started to sound from cars passing below .
Mr. McHugh waves .
“ We ’ re a province that still has many good old-fashioned values .
You know , take care of your neighbor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be kind , ” he says .
“ There ’ s still a lot of that in this province .
And my goodness , I hope we never lose it .
”

After shooting, Nova Scotia finds ways to comfort under lockdown Collapse
The heart, perched on a bare cliff overlooking the highway outside Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax, is called Valery. “It stands for courage, valor,” says Ed McHugh, who built the 11-foot-tall wooden symbol with friends.
They raised Valery, traced with red twinkle lights so it can be seen at night, last week. It was a tribute to front-line workers and a rallying symbol for the province, grappling with one of the highest per-capita infection rates of COVID-19 in Canada.
But this week, Mr. McHugh and his friend George Purcell climbed through the woods from his home, a bucket of ropes and zip ties in hand. They raised a blue and white Nova Scotia flag next to the heart as a double mark of hope after the Maritime province became the site of Canada’s largest-ever mass shooting across April 18 and 19.
“Our hearts are broken in this province,” Mr. McHugh says. “Anything to try and mend hearts back together – even for the 30 seconds when you’re driving on the highway behind my house – is important.”
The shooting took 22 lives in a 13-hour spree of terror across 16 crime scenes in which houses were torched and residents gunned down at random – something that would be terrifying anyplace, but especially rural Nova Scotia. And at a time of historic shutdown over COVID-19, when social distancing measures have shuttered schools, businesses, and borders, residents accustomed to keeping their front doors open have been forced to hunker down in their homes – the very place where some of the victims were killed.
“People are already anxious and out of their routines and distant from other people,” says Michael Ungar, director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University in Halifax. “The way people cope with a mass shooting or other significant community stressors, is to get together. … People do things that reassert control and predictability over their lives. And of course, all of those processes, which are normally part of the healing and that coming to grips with this kind of tragedy, are largely being changed or not occurring at all.”
But this wind-swept province is used to hard times, and is leaning on centuries of perseverance and a culture of kinship to overcome the obstacles that the pandemic presents. On Friday, when churches and community halls would normally be full, when neighbors would be walking together holding candles or drinking coffee at one another’s kitchen tables, grief and mourning will be expressed in a virtual vigil over Facebook. And the community is improvising their shared consolation in myriad other ways.
“I really do feel that if I can play a small part, to be just a little shining moment,” says Mr. McHugh, “so that you can reflect and say, ‘You know what? There is still good in the world.’”
“Everyone’s all intertwined”
To get to Portapique, where the gunman began his spree Saturday night dressed as a Mountie in a faux police car – the motives are still unclear – one leaves Valery’s perch and continues for nearly an hour through the center of the province. Then the road turns west and follows the meandering shore of the Bay of Fundy where the world’s highest tide washes over broad beaches.
Decades of urban migration following a decline in industries such as forestry and farming have turned many of the once bustling towns around here into sleepy places dependent on an influx of summer visitors. Yet communities are tightknit, the list of victims revealing the social fabric of the community, with a school teacher, nurses, a retired volunteer fireman, and a Mountie among the dead.
Tim Krochak/Reuters View caption Hide caption Denise Caume and her dog, Mimi, are seen in front of a makeshift memorial for the victims of Sunday’s mass shooting in Portapique, Nova Scotia, on April 23, 2020.
“Everyone’s all intertwined, one way or another,” says Cees van den Hoek, who grew up in the area. He owns Portapique’s former church and uses it as storage for the antique business he runs. But in the days after the shooting, he had another idea. “I thought about all the people at home that wanted to express their feelings, and I had probably the ideal spot to do it, in the heart of the community,” he says.
On Tuesday, Mr. van den Hoek set up 4-by-8 sheets of lattice, attached to fence posts outside the simple, white building. He says people who want to express their condolences from afar – or who can’t come near, because of social distancing – can mail him cards, which he’ll put up at this “mail-in memorial.”
“It just gives people a little outlet, to help them deal with what they’re going through now.”
It is this kind of act that Dr. Ungar, who authored “Change Your World: The Science of Resilience and the True Path to Success,” says helps communities recover. And despite the trauma that Nova Scotia is facing, from isolation, global uncertainty, economic anxiety, and now the kind of trigger event that upturns any community, he says this one can lean on its resilience built over decades.
“When you have communities where people know each other, they look out for each other. There’s a sense of neighborhood,” he says. “Those communities tend to do better because those networks are already present.”
He says they’ll reassert their collective identity – which is already on minds here.
Anita MacLellan has been helping with the “Colchester – Supporting Our Communities” Facebook page that is hosting Friday’s vigil. But she’s also focused forward. For the past four years, she’s served on the board of the Cliffs of Fundy Aspiring Geopark, which has been working toward UNESCO Global Geopark status. That decision was supposed to come this spring, but will be delayed because of the pandemic.
If and when they start receiving visitors, Ms. MacLellan says it’ll be an opportunity to present themselves beyond this tragedy. “This story will remain a part of our history. But we’re going to have to work extra hard at getting the word out there, that this is not who we are.”
On Sunday, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil spoke in similar terms. “It may change us a little, but it cannot define us,” he told the province.
“Good old-fashioned values”
For now, residents are working toward redefining what it means to overcome tragedy, when the playbook has changed. As the head of the Debert and Area Community Association, Marie Benoit would normally be opening her doors, as she did when an employee of the municipality was killed in a car crash and Ms. Benoit leaped into action with a fundraiser for her family.
But following the mass shooting, in which the perpetrator shot two people in Debert, Ms. Benoit can’t organize a gathering or events to raise money for victims’ families.
So they are improvising instead. On Monday she participated in a candlelight vigil with her family. As many locals lit flames, a brilliant sunset, the kind they haven’t seen for years, lit the sky. A Facebook page called “Ultimate Online Nova Scotia Kitchen Party (Covid19 Edition)” that was created to combat isolation has turned into a musical memorial of haunting tributes, including several with bagpipes. (One of the victims of the shooting, a teen killed with her parents in their home, had played the fiddle on the page in late March.)
Back on the highway to Halifax, Mr. McHugh and Mr. Purcell affix their flag firmly to a pole with zip ties to protect against the wind. Mr. Purcell climbs onto the heart to attach the pole. “Don’t let me down now, Valery,” he says.
The two have scarcely stood back to examine their work when horns started to sound from cars passing below. Mr. McHugh waves.
“We’re a province that still has many good old-fashioned values. You know, take care of your neighbor, look out for each other, be kind,” he says. “There’s still a lot of that in this province. And my goodness, I hope we never lose it.”


csmonitor--2020-04-17--Points of Progress: Hawaii’s state bird makes a comeback, and more

Hawaii ’ s state bird , the nene ( pronounced nay-nay ) , once on the brink of extinction , has made a comeback .
The state ’ s only native goose numbered just 30 in the 1960s .
With protection under the Endangered Species Act , along with captive breeding and rigorous habitat restoration , the number of nene rose to more than 3,000 in 2019 .
The official announcement downlisting the nene from endangered to threatened in December 2019 marks a tremendous achievement of Hawaii ’ s conservation community .
It took 60 years of collaborative work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species .
State officials and conservationists continue to work to keep the species protected in “ the endangered species capital of the world.
” ( The Los Angeles Times , Hawaii Magazine ) The African manatee , classified as a vulnerable species , is receiving unprecedented support .
From creating an aquatic reserve in 2014 – where 100 manatees live now – to extending the conservation work into other parts of Africa , researchers and experts are making headway in their manatee conservation efforts .
African manatees , estimated to be around 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , face many threats , including poaching and entrapment in dams .
The first African manatee symposium , scheduled for April but postponed due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus , would have drawn 50 manatee conservationists from nine African countries and from Florida , Brazil , and Malaysia .
( The Guardian , Forbes ) Pakistan has passed the country ’ s first law against child abuse , called the Zainab Alert Law .
It comes into effect two years after Zainab Ansari , variously reported as 6 or 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and murdered , which sparked a nationwide outcry .
The law includes measures such as the establishment of a designated helpline and an agency dedicated to issuing missing child alerts .
More significantly , it requires police to register cases within two hours of parents reporting their child missing .
Nearly 10 cases of abused children are reported daily , with girls being disproportionately represented .
President Arif Alvi signed the bill into law on March 19 , calling it an excellent initiative to fast-track missing child cases by using technology .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has adopted the country ’ s first gender equality law .
The law , which received support from the USAID Judicial Reform in Uzbekistan program , covers all areas of life – political , economic , educational , familial – where gender discrimination is likely to occur .
In accordance with the law , any person has the right to take a gender discrimination case to court .
Although the nation ’ s constitution guarantees equal rights , gender-based discrimination is still firmly entrenched .
But there is political will to change the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been ushering in fundamental policy changes , including changes related to women ’ s rights .
( USAID , UZDaily ) The government of Tanzania issued a public statement on April 6 in favor of ensuring access to education for pregnant girls .
Pregnant girls and teenage mothers have been banned from state schools since 1961 .
The announcement is tied to approval of a $ 500 million World Bank education loan to Tanzania , which had been delayed amid concerns over the country ’ s treatment of pregnant teens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Africa , has one of the world ’ s highest teen pregnancy rates , partly due to sexual violence and poverty ; about 5,500 pregnant girls drop out of school each year .
The World Bank-funded project will allow pregnant students to attend alternative education centers for their exams and later return to state schools .
Evidence suggests that increasing access to secondary education for girls is likely to lead to stronger economic growth and lower fertility rates .
( Thomson Reuters Foundation , The World Bank ) Marine life could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific review published in the journal Nature .
From oyster bed restoration projects to the increase in marine protected areas , conservation efforts are growing worldwide .
Numbers of previously endangered populations are also rebounding , such as humpback whales , Canadian sea otters , elephant seals in the United States , and green turtles in Japan .
Global fishing is becoming more sustainable .
The destruction of seagrass meadows and mangroves , natural barriers against rising seas , is almost at a halt .
Still , scientists emphasize the need for tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ocean pollution and overfishing remain challenges in many parts of the world .
( The Guardian , Nature )

1. United States
Hawaii’s state bird, the nene (pronounced nay-nay), once on the brink of extinction, has made a comeback. The state’s only native goose numbered just 30 in the 1960s. With protection under the Endangered Species Act, along with captive breeding and rigorous habitat restoration, the number of nene rose to more than 3,000 in 2019. The official announcement downlisting the nene from endangered to threatened in December 2019 marks a tremendous achievement of Hawaii’s conservation community. It took 60 years of collaborative work and recovery efforts to bring back the endangered species. State officials and conservationists continue to work to keep the species protected in “the endangered species capital of the world.” (The Los Angeles Times, Hawaii Magazine)
NHPA/Photoshot/Newscom View caption Hide caption A captive breeding program that lasted 60 years has brought Hawaii’s state bird, the nene, back from the brink of extinction.
2. Senegal
Why We Wrote This This is more than feel-good news – it's where the world is making concrete progress. A roundup of positive stories to inspire you.
The African manatee, classified as a vulnerable species, is receiving unprecedented support. From creating an aquatic reserve in 2014 – where 100 manatees live now – to extending the conservation work into other parts of Africa, researchers and experts are making headway in their manatee conservation efforts. African manatees, estimated to be around 10,000 in number spread across 21 African countries, face many threats, including poaching and entrapment in dams. The first African manatee symposium, scheduled for April but postponed due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, would have drawn 50 manatee conservationists from nine African countries and from Florida, Brazil, and Malaysia. (The Guardian, Forbes)
3. Pakistan
Pakistan has passed the country’s first law against child abuse, called the Zainab Alert Law. It comes into effect two years after Zainab Ansari, variously reported as 6 or 7 years old, was kidnapped, raped, and murdered, which sparked a nationwide outcry. The law includes measures such as the establishment of a designated helpline and an agency dedicated to issuing missing child alerts. More significantly, it requires police to register cases within two hours of parents reporting their child missing. Nearly 10 cases of abused children are reported daily, with girls being disproportionately represented. President Arif Alvi signed the bill into law on March 19, calling it an excellent initiative to fast-track missing child cases by using technology. (The Guardian, GeoTV)
B.K. Bangash/AP/File View caption Hide caption Mohammed Amin holds a picture of his daughter, whose abduction spurred a law against child abuse.
4. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has adopted the country’s first gender equality law. The law, which received support from the USAID Judicial Reform in Uzbekistan program, covers all areas of life – political, economic, educational, familial – where gender discrimination is likely to occur. In accordance with the law, any person has the right to take a gender discrimination case to court. Although the nation’s constitution guarantees equal rights, gender-based discrimination is still firmly entrenched. But there is political will to change the status quo. Since 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been ushering in fundamental policy changes, including changes related to women’s rights. (USAID, UZDaily)
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5. Tanzania
The government of Tanzania issued a public statement on April 6 in favor of ensuring access to education for pregnant girls. Pregnant girls and teenage mothers have been banned from state schools since 1961. The announcement is tied to approval of a $500 million World Bank education loan to Tanzania, which had been delayed amid concerns over the country’s treatment of pregnant teens. Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, has one of the world’s highest teen pregnancy rates, partly due to sexual violence and poverty; about 5,500 pregnant girls drop out of school each year. The World Bank-funded project will allow pregnant students to attend alternative education centers for their exams and later return to state schools. Evidence suggests that increasing access to secondary education for girls is likely to lead to stronger economic growth and lower fertility rates. (Thomson Reuters Foundation, The World Bank)
Worldwide
Marine life could be restored by 2050, says a new scientific review published in the journal Nature. From oyster bed restoration projects to the increase in marine protected areas, conservation efforts are growing worldwide. Numbers of previously endangered populations are also rebounding, such as humpback whales, Canadian sea otters, elephant seals in the United States, and green turtles in Japan. Global fishing is becoming more sustainable. The destruction of seagrass meadows and mangroves, natural barriers against rising seas, is almost at a halt. Still, scientists emphasize the need for tough regulations to counter effects of climate change as ocean pollution and overfishing remain challenges in many parts of the world. (The Guardian, Nature)