IN ALL of the strange stories that elections seem to provide, either as a comment about one of the candidates or to distract from comments about one of the candidates, the weirdest is the reemergence of ones about US President Trump’s concerns about low pressure showers.
These water-saving devices were introduced as one of many environmental initiatives that the President doesn’t seem too familiar with.
As he says, “You turn on the shower – if you’re like me, you can’t wash your beautiful hair properly.”
One of the few things I share with the President is beautiful but disappearing hair and I gave up on the comb-over a long time ago.
Surely, he wouldn’t need much more than a thimble of water to wash the remaining hair. Admittedly this also shouldn’t be a great concern with the, hopefully, incoming President Biden although both VPs have decent amounts of hair.
Let’s get back to serious reporting about serious issues and leave the fun stories to cat rescues or other positive matters.
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Avocados and COVID-19
No, avocados do not spread COVID-19 but the people handling them might.
The search for a perfect breakfast avocado starts with squeezing them to check for ripeness as the skin color is not reliable enough.
After checking a dozen or so the choice is made and the other 11 are left behind for others to check.
The wearing of masks is a start, and surely should be compulsory, but we need to think of every possibility to prevent the spread of the virus.
Yes, I do not like wearing the masks either, but I want to live and would be ashamed if I had not and someone had become ill.
Be a superhero, put your mask on, although wear your underpants under your pants.
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Open the windows!
When we were in Rome, we visited the Coliseum, still standing after almost 2,000 years, a traditional highlight of Rome.
We also indulged in another long-standing Italian tradition, that of wine with most meals and appreciated the wisdom of the Italians.
The COVID-19 virus has meant that in my city, Melbourne, alcohol venues are closed, and coffee is often served through a window but in Rome the windows are supplying wine, an option that may appeal to more people.
These wine windows, buchette del vino,” are a historical feature from the days of the Black Plague when social distancing was also recommended.
Although the current pandemic seems horrific and the number of deaths is tragic, there are approaches that can help to protect us and slow or eventually hopefully stop the spread of the virus.
The solution starts at home, stay home and meet your friends with happiness, but by Zoom and if you do need to go out, be the superhero and wear your mask. Let us look forward to a better time when at the Italians say we can “Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto” or “Eat well, laugh often, love much.” (dfitzger@melbpc.org.au/PN)