Ding dong the virus is dead

 Giant Halloween Party in Wuhan, China, where the virus originated

Wuhan is the city in central China where the covid 19 virus originated from last Spring. Since then of course, the entire world has experienced this terrible pandemic. Luckily for Wuhan and for China as a whole the virus there has been largely contained there, with only 47 new cases reported in one day for the entire country of China. In the United States and in Europe however, the pandemic is returning in a second wave. 90,000 news cases were recently reported in the U.S. in one day. Meanwhile Wuhan has become a tourist spot in China and is hosting a large Halloween party in the Happy Valley Amusement Park. Thousands of pirates, mummies and zombie nurses have descended upon Wuhan to celebrate Halloween. Hopefully all of us will be back to a normal Halloween by next year. Meanwhile we can enjoy this year's holiday in the safest and most fun way we can, even in the middle of the pandemic.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Thousands flock to Halloween parade in Wuhan, China

Happy Halloween!

 Really scary Halloween decorations in Texas

Steve Novak is an artist who lives in Dallas, Texas. He is highly skilled at making Halloween decorations for his home, and has been doing so for six years at the request of his neighbors. This year however, Steve may have gone too far. He has decorated his house with very graphic depictions of bloody murders. Blood and severed limbs are strewn across his yard and on the house itself. This year's display is so realistic (and maybe inappropriate) that people have called the police about his house a number of times this Halloween season. The police however did not give Steve Novak a citation because his display, although very gory, does not actually violate any laws or codes. In fact the police themselves took pictures of his house and said the displays were pretty good. See the articles and videos for more. 

Warning: The video and pictures are very graphic, viewer discretion is advised!

Texas man's gory Halloween display prompts visit from police

Police Called On Bloody East Dallas Halloween Decorations

Photos: See the Halloween display so realistic police have been called twice

Question: Do you think that Steve Novak's display is inappropriate or is it just good fun?

Updates on a tragedy

 Police release video of Stinnette incident

The Waukegan Police department has released their own video of the shooting of 19-year-old Marcellis Stinnette and the wounding of his girlfriend, Tafara Williams, who was driving the car during the incident. This was a tragic case and the video provides more information on the situation. 

According to Channel 5 in Chicago:

"In one of the videos released, taken from the dashboard of the officer who fired the shots at the vehicle, the car is shown speeding away from the police cruiser on the night of the shooting. After a brief pursuit, the vehicle comes to a stop on the grass on a side street, then is seen reversing.

The officer is heard yelling at the driver to stop, then gunshots are heard before the footage stops.

Another video shows the officer’s body-worn camera, which was turned on after the shots were fired.

“You almost tried to run me over!” the officer is heard shouting at Williams.

Williams can be heard shouting “he got shot, he got shot” while the officer’s body camera continues to roll." (Waukegan Officials Release Dashcam, Body Camera Footage of Fatal Police Shooting)

For more information on this development in a tragic story see the following articles:

Waukegan Officials Release Dashcam, Body Camera Footage of Fatal Police Shooting

Dashcam, bodycam footage released in fatal Waukegan police-involved shooting

Question: Do you think the video helps us understand what happened in this incident?

Terrible happenings

 Terrorism in France

Sadly, more people have been killed in France by terrorists . Two weeks ago a school teacher in a French middle school near Paris was murdered because he taught a lesson on freedom and religion. In his lesson he showed pictures of the Muslim prophet Mohammed that were in a satirical cartoon magazine. Muslims believe there should be no pictures or images of Mohammed. In France however, there is a strict separation between religion and the government. Magazines and individuals can mock and make fun of any religion because there is freedom of speech. After that attack the French government is now making stricter laws against terrorism and against Muslim immigrants creating a separate society in France, alongside the original French society. These laws have created a strong reaction from Muslim countries throughout the world. The president of Turkey, Erdogan, has condemned the young French president Macron, for making these laws. 

Very tragically another attack has occurred today in a church in Nice, in Southern France. Three people were murdered and more were injured in a horrific terrorist attack right inside the church.  This occurred just before France enters a new lockdown because of the coronavirus. What is the solution to this terrible series of events? See the articles and videos to learn more:

Knife attack at French church leaves 3 dead, alert level raised to maximum

Knife attack in Nice leaves 3 people dead

In photos: Deadly knife attack in Nice

Question: should people be allowed to make fun of religions?

They were big

 Giant toothed seabirds in the antarctic were the largest birds ever to fly

An extinct species of birds called pelagornithid, were the largest flying animals except for flying dinosaurs. They lived during the Eocene epoch, about 50 million years ago, at a time when the antarctic was warmer than today. These giant birds had 21 foot wingspans, larger than the largest bird today, which is another seabird called the albatross. In addition, the pelagornithid had a toothed beak. These were not actually teeth, but were tooth shaped edges to their beaks. These spikes helped them catch fish and other sea life. By eating fish and resting on the water, these giant animals could stay at sea and in the air for long periods of time. We don't know yet why they became extinct, but it was likely due to climate change. Pelagornithid was a remarkable creature and its relative, the albatross, still exists today and has many of the same characteristics of it extinct cousin.

Antarctic fossil could have been the biggest flying bird ever, study finds

Giant 'toothed' birds flew over Antarctica 40 million to 50 million years ago

Antarctica yields oldest fossils of giant birds with 6.4-meter wingspans

Question: if you could be a bird, which kind would you choose to be?

Pelagornithid

Once in a Blue Moon

 Are you ready for a full moon on Halloween?

Saturday is Halloween, an excellent day of the week for trick or treating, and this year it is even better because there will be a full moon! Having a full moon on Halloween is quite rare, the last one was in 1944, 76 years ago! Furthermore it will be a blue moon, meaning it is the second full moon in one month, another unusual event. That is where we get the expression: "in a blue moon", meaning something that rarely or never happens. Blue moons actually are not that uncommon, and occur once every two to three years. But this year, in addition to having a full, blue moon on Halloween, we also get an extra hour of sleep to enjoy, because we turn back the clocks on Halloween for daylight saving time. 

Of course this year if we do go out trick or treating or go to a party we should practice safe habits and not forget about the pandemic. That means having smaller gatherings and wearing masks outside when trick or treating. See the articles for more information and advice on keeping safe:

Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Activities

Rare full moon on Halloween and an extra hour of sleep

Halloween blue moon: Full moon will shine on Oct. 31 for 1st time since 1944

Question: How will you celebrate halloween this year?

Local history

 Did you know: movie theaters were invented in Waukegan!

Yes, as hard as it might be to believe, right here in Waukegan the concept of movie theaters showing films to large numbers of people at the same time, was invented by the native Waukeganite, Edward Amet. Amet saw the first movie projector invented by Thomas Edison in Chicago, and being an engineer himself, soon invented his own projector which was gas powered. Next Amet came up with the idea of showing movies using his projector to a group of people in a theater and charging them for admission. This was the invention of movie theaters. Edward Amet not only showed films, he made them himself using Waukeganites as actors. Later Amet moved to California and his concept spread throughout the world. His home was on North Avenue and is still there. One of the first movie theaters in the world was the old building on Genesee street that burned down 16 years ago and was formerly known as Fiesta Palace. So as you can see Waukegan has a long history of many interesting inventions and people! See the articles to learn more:

A Look Back column: Waukegan inventor had a lot to do with birth of movie industry

Edward Hill Amet (1860 - 1948)

Question: What are some interesting facts that you know about Waukegan's history?

Amet's house on North Avenue

Edward Amet

The old Fiesta Palace

Almost there

 With one week to go before the election, where does the U.S.A. stand?

We have seven days to go to one of the most exciting elections in U.S. history. Is it one of the most important? That may or may not be true. Whoever is declared the next president in one week, will still have to face the coronavirus pandemic, find a vaccine and cure for the virus, as well as rebuild the American economy. Furthermore there will still be social unrest and very likely more incidents with police-involved shootings, as well as a possible increase in crime. These are huge issues that have to be dealt with no matter who is president. The choice is for the American people to decide who will best be able to get us through these difficulties. Both candidates are campaigning during this last week, with Trump visiting Pennsylvania, a key sate for him, and Biden having virtual, online rallys. Both candidates are seeking any last-minute advantage. Who do you support? See the articles to learn more about the election during this last week of campaigning:

Sorry, there will be no return to normalcy under Joe Biden

Trump or Biden? Staten Islanders reveal who they’re voting for.

The 2020 US Presidential Election Enters Homestretch

Question: who do you expect will win the election in one week?

Got 'em

 Murder Hornet nest destroyed!

On Saturday the first Asian Hornet nest located in northwestern Washington state was eradicated by department of agriculture workers wearing special suits to protect them. The Asian hornets are native to Japan, Korea and other East Asian countries. It is not clear how they arrived to the USA, but they are an invasive species and are very dangerous to bees. These hornets can destroy an entire bee hive in a few hours. Bees are essential for pollinating both wild and domestic plants. The Asian hornets are also dangerous to humans because they have unusually strong venom that causes extremely painful stings as well as very long stingers that can penetrate cloth.They also spit venom at your eyes and can cause serious damage to your retina. Consequently the workers destroying the nest had to wear special 'space' suits that have thick armor and shields from the spitting venom. The hornets were located on Thursday after some of the hornets were captured in traps and had tiny radio transmitters tied to them, which led the department of agriculture workers to the nest. These workers used a powerful vacuum to suck the hornets out of the tree, but also had to cut down the tree to look for larva and the queen. Although this operation was a success, there maybe other nests that need to be located and destroyed. See the articles to learn more:

'Got 'em': Nest of 'murder hornets' taken down in Washington state to protect honeybees

First 'murder hornet' nest found in US successfully removed

'Murder hornet': First nest found in US eradicated with vacuum hose

Question: Do you think invasive species should always be eradicated?  [Invasive: tending to spread especially in a quick or aggressive manner (Merriam-Webster Dictionary invasive)]

 Police officer in Stinnette case fired, video of incident to be released before Thursday 

In the tragic case of the death of Marcellis Stinnette, the officer who was involved in the shooting was fired on Friday from the Waukegan Police Department. In addition the police video of the incident will be released before the FOIA deadline of Thursday. Multiple protests were held in Waukegan over the weekend and prayer vigils were held in the location where the incident occurred. Satrese Stinnette, a relative of Marcellis said: “The fight has just begun and there’s a lot more work.” Said Stallworth, who asked the crowd to not engage in violent protest, and to remain patient while the investigation proceeds. Don’t burn down, don’t destroy, because guess what? They’re being held accountable and they’re already making progress in our favor." (Waukegan mayor: Video of fatal police shooting involving 19-year old will be released after family views it) Mayor Cunningham of Waukegan stated: "Let’s keep them focused in all that we do, the steps that we take, and the facts will speak for themselves,” Cunningham said. “Then whatever it may be, we will deal with it together.” The FBI and the Illinois State Police are investigating the incident. See the articles to read more regarding this sad incident:

Black woman shot by officer seeks justice from hospital bed

Waukegan mayor: Video of fatal police shooting involving 19-year old will be released after family views it

Hundreds march in Waukegan after police shoot and kill unarmed Black man

Question: Do you feel Waukegan authorities are responding properly to this incident?

A prayer vigil held at he site of the shooting

Tragic incident

 A tragic death in Waukegan

A tragedy has occurred in Waukegan that mirrors incidents occurring throughout the nation. 

According to the Lake McHenry Scanner: "Marcellis Stinnette and his girlfriend, Tafarra Williams, were both sitting in a car near Liberty Street and Oak Street in Waukegan around 11:55 p.m.Williams, who police identified as a woman in her 20s from Waukegan, was in the driver seat and Stinnette was in the passenger seat. Waukegan Police Department Cmdr. Edgar Navarro said that the vehicle fled from an officer who was attempting to investigate the occupied vehicle.
Moments later, a second police officer spotted the vehicle near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The officer approached the vehicle and it began to reverse, Navarro said, adding that the officer then fired his pistol in fear of his safety. Williams and Stinnette both suffered gunshot wounds. Stinnette was transported by ambulance to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan where he was pronounced dead. Williams was transported by ambulance to an area hospital in serious condition." (Protest planned, state’s attorney urges calm after Waukegan police officer shoots 2 people, 1 fatally)

ABC7 News writes: "Lake County Attorney Mike Nerheim said the investigation will be handed over to his office after the state police complete their investigation. The case file will be made public on the state attorney's website at the time he reviews the investigation, Nerheim added. The officer who fired shots is a Hispanic man who has been on the force for five years, Commander Navarro said.Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham encouraged anyone with additional information or surveillance video to bring forth evidence for investigators to make the best decision." (Waukegan police shooting: Family of couple shot by officer to hold protest march)

Chicago-area press conference after Black teen killed in police shooting derailed by hecklers, protesters

Waukegan police officer fatally shoots teen after car reverses during traffic stop: police

Waukegan police officer fatally shoots teen after car reverses toward cop following traffic stop, police say

Question: What do you know or what have you heard about this incident? Please be safe and always make smart choices!

The final countdown

 The last debate before the election on November 3 is tonight

Tonight at 8-9:30 PM. the last presidential debate between Republican President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden. This will be the last chance for both candidates to bring their message to voters before the election, which takes place only 12 days from now, on Tuesday, November 3. It is important for young people to learn about how democracy works by watching it work and by seeing events such as tonight's debate. The debate can easily be watched on Youtube on multiple channels. The link is below. So far Joe Biden appears to be ahead of Donald Trump in most polling, but it is hard to say what will actually occur in 12 days however. Millions of votes have been sent in through the mail and millions more will be done in person on November 2. The main issues in this year's election are the government's' response to the coronavirus pandemic, the protests over police-involved shootings and rioting, the economic recovery from the pandemic and finally questions about Donald Trump's character and allegations of corruption for Joe Biden's son, Hunter . All of these topics and a few more will likely be addressed in the debate tonight. Trump will make his last case for reelection and Biden will make his last case for ending Trump's presidency. Last but not least, when one candidate is speaking tonight, the microphone for the other candidate will be turned off. This will hopefully result in a more civil and calm debate. 

Question: what issues are important to you in this year's election?

Sacred Deer

 What are the sacred Nara deer? How do plastic bags endanger them?

In the ancient and historic city of Nara, Japan, there live a large herd of deer considered sacred. These deer are legally protected and cannot be harmed. They cluster around a park near a famous temple, which is the largest wooden structure in the world, called the Todaiji. The deer are feed by visitors to Nara who purchase special biscuits from vendors in the park. These biscuits are healthy for the deer, but are often kept in plastic bags that some visitors discard on the ground or in garbage cans after use. Because the plastic bags smell like the biscuits that were kept in them, the deer often eat the bags and then develop health problems, with some of the deer even dying. This has created a problem that Hidetoshi Matsukawa, a local resident who works in the deer biscuit business, wants to help solve. Matsukawa designed a special edible bag for the snacks make of milk cartons and rice. These bags can be safely eaten and digested by the deer. As you might know, many animals around the world are injured by discarded plastic bags. Matsukawa's invention is one possible solution to this problem, but more innovations are needed to prevent plastic bags from harming more wildlife. See the article to learn more:

Japan gets deer-friendly bags to stop animals eating plastic

Japanese man invents 'edible' plastic bag alternative to save Nara's sacred deer

Question: What are some of your ideas to protect wildlife from products like plastic that harm them?

Remote learning can save you!

 Students' home burglarized during remote learning-teacher calls 911

Two days ago in Northern California, a German teacher named Ms. Petersen, saw her students panic during an online class. The terrified teens screamed that an unknown man had entered their house. Their teacher immediately called 911. These two young people were home alone while their mom had gone out briefly, at which point a the thief entered their home through the garage. The burglar saw that the students were engaged in their online class and attempted to hide from them and thankfully didn't attempt to harm them. The man had already been seen in the neighborhood attempting to enter other houses and local residents had apparently chased him before he entered the students' home. Fortunately the man did not harm the kids and was found hiding between a coffee table and the sofa by the police when they arrived. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident. Meanwhile the teens' mom came home and found the police bringing the suspect out of her house in handcuffs, a shocking and terrifying sight. This was indeed a scary story but luckily for the students, their family and their teacher, it had a happy ending. Be safe!

Teacher Calls 911 After Students Cry Out for Help When Intruder Breaks In during Remote Class

Man breaks into California home during remote learning, prompting teacher to dial 911

Question: What unusual experiences have you had during remote learning?

We'll be in remote learning for awhile more, at least!

 Remote Learning to continue through November

The Waukegan Public School District has announced that remote learning for all students, known as phase one, will continue at least through the end of of November. Phase one is where everyone learns online. Phase two will be when preschoolers through third graders return to school. Phase three will be partial return to classrooms for all students and finally phase four will be when everyone returns full-time to the classrooms. According to Eduardo Cesario, the deputy superintendent of academic support and programs: “All of our decisions are based on the health of our students, teachers and staff,” Cesario said. “We base all of our decisions on the metrics in Waukegan and Lake County. Right now the trends are going up, not down.” Some local schools have started instruction in the classroom and then had to go back to remote learning when covid case increase again. in response to this situation Mr. Cesario said: “Going back and forth causes confusion and a lot of anxiety for students, teachers, staff and family. We will continue to study the data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and IDPH (Illinois Department of Public Health) to make a well-informed decision.” (Waukegan school officials extend remote learning through at least Nov. 30) This means you will be learning online at least until he end of next month. Good luck and remember to ask if you need any help. You can always email me at cjonas@wps60.org for assistance.

Question: when would you like to return to campus?

Why do crabs keep evolving?

 Nature favors the crab!

Do you know that crabs or crab-like animals have evolved at least 5 separate times?

According to reports, the crab shape, like you can see above, is very efficient and is well suited to survival in the earth's oceans. Perhaps you know that according to science, different animals change over time to better fit into their environment. If they have features that allow them to survive better, then they will likely live longer and have more children. This is the process of evolution. In the case of crabs, their unique shape seems to be very well-suited to survival, which is why scientists have discovered that different varieties of crustaceans, animals like shrimp, crabs and lobsters, have evolved into crabs five separate times in the history of our planet. this process of separately evolving into crab shape so often in nature is called; carcinization. This fact has creeped some people out. Many people on the internet have claimed that the fact that the crab shape is favored by nature makes them feel strange and uncomfortable. This is partly a joke and has led to the creation of the crab meme. What do you think?

Animals Keep Evolving Into Crabs, Which Is Somewhat Disturbing

Life Finds a Way ... to Keep Turning Various Species Into Crabs

Question: Does carcinization make you feel weird?

Amazing cat shape created by ancient native Americans on hillside in Peru

 Ancient cat 'geoglyph' discovered in Peru

In the ancient times, before the Spanish came to South America, there were many civilizations that created monuments and cities in the Andes mountains and throughout South America. You may have heard of the Incas, one of the main cultures that existed in what is now Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. At the same time in Mexico and Central America there were also many marvellous civilizations such as the Aztecs, Mayas, Zapotecs, Toltecs and Olmecs. However, one of the many interesting groups of ancient peoples in the Americas were the Nazca people who lived in a coastal desert region of Peru. This region is extremely dry and certainly was a difficult to live in, but the Nazca people created many interesting geoglyphs, which are figures or pictures that are carved into the earth by removing the top layer of soil or rock and leaving a different colored layer exposed. The Nazca people created these geoglyphs about 2,000 years ago, and they exist in many different shapes. Recently, archaeologists in Peru discovered a new Nazca geoglyph in the shape of a large cat. The geoglyph is on a steep hillside and wasn't noticed before because the cat shapes was gradually being covered by rocks and dirt, making it difficult to see. There have been many explanations for these ancient figures, including some people who have said that ancient 'astronauts' or extra-terrestrials made these lines and shapes in the earth. Scientists however believe that they were created by ancient people using simple tools and may have had religious or some ceremonial purpose. See the articles and video to learn more!

Nazca Lines: Archaeologists discover 2,000-year-old cat figure in Peru

2,200-year-old depiction of cat uncovered in Peruvian hillside

Question: which ancient American culture would you have chosen to live in, if you had been alive 2000 years ago?

The ancient Nazca cat

Teacher saves grandma's life in zoom class

 Michigan Teacher saved the life of one student's grandmother while in a zoom class!

Ms. Julia Koch, a teacher at Edgewood Elementary school in Muskegon, Michigan was teaching her students using zoom on September 22. She noticed that one of the student's grandmother was trying to help her granddaughter with connection problems. Then as Ms. Koch says: "I noticed her speech was impaired, and I asked her if she was alright, and she was stumbling over her words and it was getting worse by the minute. I knew the symptoms of a stroke because I lost my father from a stroke so I told her hold on and immediately got her help." (A Michigan teacher was giving a virtual lesson when she heard a student's grandma slur her words. What she did next saved a life) A stroke is when the flow of blood to the brain gets cut off. Strokes often happen to older adults who have histories of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases and smoking. Death and brain damage can occur to people that have a stroke, unless they receive immediate medical attention. Thankfully in this case the teacher called the principal and he called the ambulance. School staff also went to the house to make sure the grandma was okay and got the help she needed. If the teacher hadn't noticed the signs of a stroke and called for help, the grandma may have died. Online class may be annoying at times, but it can also be useful as well, as this story shows!

Mich. Teacher Saves Student’s Grandmother After Recognizing Stroke Signs While Teaching Remotely

Question: do you prefer class online or in person?

Ms. Koch

Should we get together for the holidays this year?

 Indoor gatherings during the holidays could spread the coronavirus

All of us like to get together with friends and family during Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. But is it safe to meet during the coronavirus pandemic? Could our holiday get togethers spread the virus among our friend and family? According to Dr. Fauci getting together this year could be dangerous. He said recently: “Gathering together in an indoor setting” with large groups of out-of-town guests. “It is unfortunate because that’s such a sacred part of American tradition – the family gathering around Thanksgiving,” he said. “But that is a risk.” (Fauci warned against Thanksgiving celebrations. How can I stay safe indoors from the coronavirus during cold seasons?) What should we do as family members? Have Thanksgiving dinner on zoom? One main concern is that when we are outside the air is moving and therefore decreases the risk of the virus spreading. Perhaps we could have Thanksgiving outdoors if it's not too cold? See the articles and video for more information in order to make an informed decision:

Fauci says Thanksgiving plans amid coronavirus will be 'individual choice' based on risk

Question: do you think your family should get together for Thanksgiving or celebrate separately?

Before we were the only humans...

 Other early human species went extinct from climate change; could it happen to us?

You may or may not know that we called Homo Sapiens, which means 'thinking man'. We do think and all of us have a marvellous ability to reason and to think creatively. However, we were not the only humans. In the distant past, thousands and thousands of years ago there at least 5 or 6 other species of humans! There were ancient humans we call Neanderthals that lived in Europe and the Middle East. There were also other ancient people such as the Denisovans and Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis. Perhaps sadly all of these ancient humans have disappeared from the earth, except that many of us have some of their genes that comes from intermarriage many thousands of years ago. Why did these ancient humans disappear?  Many of them were intelligent and strong, but unfortunately it is likely they were not able to cope with climate change, especially the onset of the ice ages. According to a new theory. "Our findings show that despite technological innovations including the use of fire and refined stone tools, the formation of complex social networks, and — in the case of Neanderthals — even the production of glued spear points, fitted clothes, and a good amount of cultural and genetic exchange with Homo sapiens, past Homo species could not survive intense climate change,” says Pasquale Raia of Università di Napoli Federico II in Napoli, Italy. “They tried hard; they made for the warmest places in reach as the climate got cold, but at the end of the day, that wasn’t enough.” (Early Human Species Likely Driven to Extinction by Climate Change) So in the end the ability to adapt to climate change is what made us, Homo sapiens different. We could communicate with each other effectively using language and could make warm clothing and shelters to survive in ice age conditions. However, this all raises questions about our survival in a changing climate. We are adaptable and have amazing technology, but climate change can still affect us in some ways, despite all of our technological advances. See the articles below to learn more:

Climate change likely drove early human species to extinction, modeling study suggests

‘A thunderous warning message’: Climate change drove our ancient human ancestors to extinction, study finds

Question: Do you believe climate change could drive our species to extinction?

Our favorite amusement park

 Great America to reopen for the winter holidays on November 27!

After a long and sad summer at Great America, with the park closed and guests at home, our local amusement park will finally reopen for the holidays on November 27. However, the rides and indoor shows and things will not be available. Everything will move outside, incorporating state guidelines on reducing the risk of infection. Spokespeople for the park stated: "Due to Illinois safety guidelines, rides won’t be operating at Holiday in the Park Lights,” Caitlin Kepple, Six Flags Great America’s Communications Manager, says. “It’s strictly a holiday lights experience.” Also, you will have to make reservations ahead of time to visit, since only a certain number of guests will be allowed in the park at one time. Even with these limitations, it will still be fun to visit the park. I have been going to Great America for more than 30 years! On the other hand some people may wish to avoid possible exposure to the virus and everyone should always wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines. (Six Flags Great America to reopen with Holiday in the Park Lights this November)

See the news reports to learn more:

Six Flags Great America opening for first time in 2020 for Holiday in the Park Lights next month

Great America To Reopen For Holiday Lights In The Park

Question: Do you think it is worth the risk to visit an amusement park during the pandemic?

Is Herd Immunity worth the risks?

 Letting the coronavirus spread to achieve herd immunity is ‘nonsense’ and ‘dangerous’!

According to Dr. Fauci, our main public expert on the coronavirus pandemic, attempting to let the virus spread freely through the population in order to achieve herd immunity is unethical and dangerous. Herd immunity is when 60-80% of a population have been infected and therefore are immune to the virus. In a population with herd immunity, if a few people who don't have the virus get sick, it can't spread due to the fact that all of the surrounding people are immune and can't get sick again. In order for this to occur, millions of people would have to be infected and many would get very ill and others would die. This is a very difficult moral and ethical question. We would have to sacrifice many many vulnerable people. Would it be worth it? Dr. Fauci and other health experts say no. Dr. Fauci says it is nonsense and dangerous to attempt to infect so many Americans with Covid 19. Furthermore some people have been infected twice with the virus. All of this means that trying to infect as many people as possible is very risky and will end up sacrificing many lives. However, other people say that it may be worth the risk and some countries and areas have tried it. As of the start of October, fewer than 10% of Americans have the corona virus antibodies. That means herd immunity, requiring at least 60% of the population to be infected, is still far away. See the articles to learn more:

Opinion: White House's new Covid-19 strategy is madness

A 25-year-old man becomes first in the U.S. to contract coronavirus twice, with second infection ‘more severe’

Dr. Fauci says letting the coronavirus spread to achieve herd immunity is ‘nonsense’ and ‘dangerous’

Under 10 Percent of Americans Have Covid-19 Antibodies, Study Finds

Question: Is it worth the risk to achieve herd immunity in the USA?

Herd Immunity

K-Pop: love it or hate it, it's really really popular!

 K-POP is at #1 and #2 on Billboard!

Love it or hate it, K-Pop is now king on the music charts. Korean pop music began decades ago and has constantly evolved into new forms by assimilating American hip hop, Japanese dance moves and now developing their own styles. BTS and Blackpink have become the most popular groups worldwide and have generated millions in income from their international fans. In South Korea itself, the groups constantly train and improve their dance moves all day and deep into the night. This intense training results in the perfect synchronization that the South Korean show in their performances. Despite some groups making it big and earning millions of dollars however, there are many other groups that never do make it big internationally.  In addition, all the K-Pop artists, male and female, have extensive plastic surgery to alter their appearance. Furthermore the bands often earn far less money than the labels they work for. Is it all worth it in the end? Read the articles to learn more:

K-Pop groups that are more popular internationally than in Korea

BLACKPINK Become First Girl Group & Third K-Pop Act to Hit No. 1 on Artist 100 Chart

'Blackpink: Light Up the Sky' shines brightest when it humanizes the K-pop group

Will This Bubble Go K-Pop?

Question: Is K-Pop worth all the hype?

Covid and poverty

 The Coronavirus pandemic increases poverty worldwide

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began, now more than 7 months ago, millions of people have lost their jobs and many people have sunk into poverty in the USA and world-wide. This is a terrible tragedy and thankfully we live in a country where the government helps us with stimulus checks, link cards, public housing and other benefits. This has helped us escape the extreme poverty that people in other countries might face due to their loss of employment and reduced spending on consumer items like shoes, video games and travel. The World Health Organization, the WHO, states:

"The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and the world of work. The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating: tens of millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, while the number of undernourished people, currently estimated at nearly 690 million, could increase by up to 132 million by the end of the year."

Impact of COVID-19 on people's livelihoods, their health and our food systems

In Waukegan some people have lost their jobs, but other people still have been able to continue working at jobs in the service and other industries. Hopefully this pandemic will end soon and everyone will be able to get back to work and rebuild their finances. See the articles to learn more:

Covid-19 Is Thwarting Progress on Poverty and Inequality

Coronavirus pandemic could push 150 million more people worldwide into 'extreme poverty'

The pandemic threatens to push more people in Mexico into poverty

Price of a pandemic: Poverty spreads around the globe

Question: were the lockdowns and the economic disruption worth it?

The king with 20 wives living in a hotel in the Alps

 Thai king is in trouble for lavish lifestyle

The wealthiest monarch in the world is the kind of Thailand. in an earlier article we mentioned the young Thai woman who is leading protests against the king because of his undemocratic influence in Thai society. These days the protests are getting even bigger, with many Thai people angered over the king's lavish lifestyle. He lives in a hotel in the German Alps with 20 women, including his multiple wives and his 'concubines'. But the king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, is no young dude, he is 69 years old! He is the richest monarch in the world because he owns parts of downtown Bangkok that are worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile many people in Thailand live in poverty. The Thai kings is supposed to be the father of his people and to lead by example. But this kings is different than his father and lives like a wealthy celebrity. He also gets involved in Thai politics even though he is not an elected official. The laws in Thailand prohibit people from speaking out against he king, but despite these laws, there are many people engaging in demonstrations against the current Thai king. See the articles and videos to learn more:

King of Thailand Runs Out of Friends, at Home and Abroad

The world’s richest king, his mysterious fortune and the protesters who want answers

Thai police and protesters scuffle on eve of big demonstration

Inside the luxury hotel where Thailand's playboy king is reportedly self-isolating with 20 women during the coronavirus outbreak

Question: Should democracies have kings?

The hotel in the Alps where the king as lived with his 

20 wives and girlfriends

The Thai king

Mummies rising

Should the mummies be opened?

Recently the Egyptian government and major Egyptologists open 59 mummy coffins in a public ceremony to hopefully encourage an increase in tourism to Egypt. Egyptian tourism had increased a lot since the Arab spring conflicts in the last decade, but now with the coronavirus pandemic tourism has once again decreased dramatically. This creates serious economic problems for Egypt and many other developing countries that rely on tourism for income. 

However, some internet users have complained about the opening of the mummy caskets: Archaeologists have stated: "We are not going to stop digging,” Mustafa Al Waziri, Egypt’s most senior archaeologist, We are going to continue and very soon we will find something very special". This has led some observers to wonder if this will result in the curse of the pharaohs' like in many on the famous mummy movies. With 2020 already a very bad year, could the pharaohs' curse make it even worse?

Curse of the pharaohs in the time of Covid: should Egypt be unearthing mummies?

Debunking The “Curse Of The Pharaohs”

Question: Do you believe in the curse of the pharaohs? Should the mummies be opened?

Christopher Columbus: hero or villain?

 Should we celebrate Christopher Columbus Day?

Cristoforo Colombo or Cristóbal Colón and in English; Christopher Columbus is no longer a hero in the United States. As the first European after the Vikings to discover the Americas, Columbus is now often considered to be a person who unleashed disease and warfare on American Indians. On the other hand for many centuries, Europeans and especially Italian Americans have considered him to be a hero and the discoverer of, what is for them, the New World. In Latin American countries and in some parts of the United States, Columbus Day is known as Dia de la Raza; Day of the Race, which commemorates the founding of the Hispanic or Latino identity, which is both Indigenous and European-Spanish. "But it’s more than just Columbus Day, it’s also referred to as Día de la Raza. This day celebrates the influence of Hispanic heritage, the birth of the Hispanic people of the New World and the evolution of ethnic and cultural presence during the first real contact and interaction between Europe and the New World. The term La Raza was developed to reflect not purity but the mixture inherent in the Hispanic people." (Latino Lubbock: Columbus Day is also referred as Dia de La Raza) So was Columbus a murderer, the founder of the Hispanic and Latino identity or a European hero?  Perhaps he was all of these things at once? In any case have a good holiday weekend and see the articles for more info on Columbus:

No parade on Columbus Day amid pandemic concerns and controversy over explorer’s legacy

Columbus Day? Indigenous Peoples Day? What is Monday’s holiday all about?

Question: How should we commemorate Columbus Day?