When the US (Obama & Bush administrations) and Russia intervened in the Syrian revolution utilizing a relentless bombing campaign a massive refugee crisis and ISIS was born. The aftermath of these interventions left many Syrians in refugee camps where they are currently to this day. The density of these camps creates a dire situation for the spread of COVID-19. A fear these refugees have to live with.

After the Obama administration intervened in Libya and removed Muammar al-Gaddafi; Libya's entire infrastructure of hospitals, emergency services, and universities became totally decimated by US airstrikes. Libya is currently experiencing a civil war post-United States intervention and it has left the population in a refugee crisis. The country most likely would have been able to handle the COVID-19 pandemic considering they had arguably the best healthcare and university systems in Africa pre US intervention. However, it is good to see the US and UN donating money to help the war-torn country currently experiencing civil war and total humanitarian collapse. The money is being given to the US-installed regime so it will be interesting to see how it is spent. Ironically in a country that was totally decimated its oil enterprises are back online and producing crude, which before the US intervention, the money went to the people first, but now is being divided up by BP, Shell, and the US installed regime.

A state legislator who died still won his election. I wonder how many people knew he was dead and how many people just checked the box because it was republican. Considering he died so early I wonder why he wasn't replaced.

COVID-19 has caused many performing art shows to be closed around the world. Artist Anna Tregloan made a branch of her already established Impossible Project to track what shows by Australian artists that have been cancelled or postponed.

COVID has sent the planet for a loop. In general, we are all reeling from the changes and policies that have been implemented. However, in some areas where life moves a little slower, there are some things that continue on, business as usual.

Even in a global pandemic when everything is shut down, there are still a million things to do and see. This was our family’s trip up Kennebec Pass, which is only an hour from our hose. Covid is the perfect opportunity to explore your own back yard, provided you do so safely!

The Town of Bayfeld has outlined the procedures for Halloween during COVID.

When my family and I toured the Old Hundred Mine in Silverton, Colorado, we needed to be protected! In addition the usual hard hat and warm clothing, masks are also required.

This is an example of how our local school district is helping children navigate and make sense of this pandemic.

This redacted photo from the Associated Press covers anti-lockdown protests in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on April 20, 2020. I redacted the original to protect the identities of the protestors. The crowd demanded the reopening of their state’s economy. Their demonstrations came on the heels of new social distancing measures to help diminish the spread of Covid-19. The article that accompanies this photo should be essential reading for both journalists’ safety and the public’s safety. The tips on protecting oneself in a violent crowd are widely applicable.

Due to economic hardships brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, many shopping centers and malls have seen their last shoppers. Many of these structures are now being repurposed for upscale, senior retirement living. The article observes that the over-65 population is “increasing by about 10,000 a day,” which makes such repurposing an inventive and useful idea. Wasik also writes that “the retail-to-housing transformation [has] been accelerated by the pandemic.”

These images are so visually striking and uplifting. A lot of diversity is represented in the group as well. The seniors used their creativity and their imagination to take part in the challenge. These photos were taken at the Amenida Seniors Community in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Perhaps other museums can follow suit and issue “museum challenges” to ease the stress of Covid-19.

Doctors Joseph S. Goveas and M. Katherine Shear anticipate an increase in prolonged grief disorder after the pandemic. They contend that this will hit older Americans particularly hard. Their research begins with an anecdote about Alice, a 78-year-old woman, who lost her brother Charles, aged 69. The two were very close. According to the article, Alice felt guilty that she could not be with Charles during his moments. After his death, she experienced loss of sleep and weight loss, although it was not severe enough to be categorized as major depression. Below is her story from the article. “Seventy-eight-year-old Alice lost her only sibling, Charles, age 69, to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Alice and Charles lived in different towns but were very close, speaking daily on the phone for hours. They were practicing Christians and had similar interests. He often drove to visit her. They enjoyed spending time with each other and doing things together. Despite having coronary artery disease and hypertension, Charles was independent and happy. Alice was shocked to learn he had been hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia and that he was intubated and on a ventilator. A bereavement coordinator reached out to her, which she very much appreciated. However, Alice declined an offer to visit Charles, frightened of contracting the disease herself. She understood that she, too, was at high risk for dying of COVID-19 because of her age. Although she tried to reach out to him via Skype, Charles died with only the bereavement coordinator and hospital staff at his side. Alice completed the funeral arrangements via Skype. Charles was cremated without her being present, and his ashes were delivered to her. Several weeks after his passing, Alice was plagued by remorse for abandoning her dying brother. She yearned to be with Charles and could not believe he was gone. She fluctuated between numbness, overwhelming sadness, and intense guilt. She could not stop thinking that she failed her brother during his last days. She was having trouble sleeping and was beginning to lose weight but did not meet criteria for major depression. She liked to reminisce about fond memories of Charles and knew he was with God. She had confidence in the religious belief that she would see him again one day. She also knew that she wanted to live and that she would carry Charles in her heart for the rest of her days. She continued to talk with the hospital bereavement coordinator weekly, an important source of solace. They often discussed the details of her plan to hold a memorial service in celebration of Charles’ life after pandemic restrictions are lifted.”

90-year-old Geneva Wood overcame Covid-19 despite a serious diagnosis. In her own words, she describes feeling grateful to hold her kids and enjoy time with them. Geneva said that anytime she was ill, all she wanted was potato soup. Jonathan Vigliotti reports that, “She says she was only one bowl of potato soup away from this story being an obituary.” Geneva’s story demonstrates the power of family, home cooking, and the hope of healing.

As many Americans hit the polls on Election Day 2020, many are left with uneasy feelings of anxiety and depression. There is so much at stake with this presidential election, including decisions about healthcare, women’s rights, the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Although election day is on November 3rd, it could be days before a president is chosen due to the amount of mail in ballots casted by voters. Therefore, this election day fear and anxiety could hover over many nervous Americans for days to come. With all the looming negativity, it is best to remember to keep calm and reach out to those closest for support during this very difficult time.

I volunteered at the Otsukimi moon viewing festival this October in 2020. I was impressed regarding mask wearing and following overall Covid-19 protocols. They had to dial back the event from last years due to the pandemic, so there was less food and entertainment available. It was more similar to a showcase than a festival. Also all the tickets were sold prior rather than at the door. Otherwise it was a pleasant and calm experience.

Masks are now required in all buildings owned by the City of Victoria. Compared to the United States, Canada has not required masks in many municipalities.

This is a short post from someone that works at a Whataburger in Texas. This story is important because while I believe fast food to not be essential, but rather an expensive convenience, it is important to keep in mind that some customers were not able to get their regular groceries at the stores during the pandemic. There was a panic that ensued amongst not only the nation but the globe as COVID-19 spread. Although fast food would not be something we would view as essential normally, during the pandemic, it may have been vital for some people as their shopping abilities may have been limited.

This article is important to share because although I was not a Wal-Mart employee through the pandemic, the employees interviewed in the article are relatable as the company has never been proactive and instead reactive. While I understand that no one was prepared for the pandemic, the way the employees were treated during this time was very typical to the way our store employees were treated, and still are, in situations where health is being risked for the sake of a sale. “The manager’s response, according to Hall: “Wash your hands every 15 minutes, so you don’t need a glove or a mask.” ‘She just walked away from me and started laughing, like it was funny.’ Hall said.” The article also goes on to state that it wasn’t until employees began speaking out against conditions and fear for their own safety due to the company’s lack of procedures and precautions, that they started implementing safety precautions for customers and employees.

This tweet is by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and reads: “GOP is seriously arguing that it’s worth sacrificing the lives of hourly workers so they can get a spray tan again. If they really wanted to reopen the economy, they’d fund mass testing, contact tracing, & healthcare for people. Instead they’re fighting against hospital funding.” This tweet briefly brings up the not-scientifically-founded idea of “re-opening” in order to boost the economy. And the lack of funding for mass covid testing/tracing, and general healthcare is also mentioned.

While many of us living through the pandemic understand the meaning behind this photo, future generations may not. This photograph was taken by a Walmart employee when his store had received a shipment of toilet paper. During this time of the pandemic, toilet paper was a hot commodity and would not stay stocked on the shelves because so many people were buying it. Although this is not an item that we may think of as essential during a pandemic, toilet paper was difficult to come by and the employees had put this out on the floor as soon as it had come off of the truck. Before they could put the item on the shelves, people had already grabbed it from the pallet.

The day this photograph was taken was the day that my father, a Wal-Mart employee, was commissioned to begin taking the temperature of all Wal-Mart employees in the store. His regular duties were covered by another employee and each time a fellow coworker entered the building, they had to have their temperature read, recording, and asked a number of questions to ensure it would be safe for them to work their shift that day. This was never a procedure until COVID-19 spread and Wal-Mart employees were deemed “essential workers”.

The story describes an antiracism march that was permitted to rally in the streets according to the rally leader. However, the article also explains that the police said they did not have permission to block the street, but that they escorted the marchers through the streets. It is important because it shows both sides of the story, even though they are conflicting. I do not see any blind spots in this, but I would be curious to see the proof of who was right. The reason I decided to blur the faces in this image as well as the officer’s badges is to hide their identities as the article states that “later 8 people were arrested”. By doing this, it protects the officer’s from any backlash of the arrestees or their families and friends. Hiding the faces of the arrestees protects them from repercussions of their employers using the image against them or any backlash they would receive from others, typically on social media.

This digital comic demonstrates the anxiety and fears that arose during the pandemic around April of 2020. The artists shows how they are being overwhelmed by the fears for their own life and the lives of their loved ones because you can clearly see “mom” and “grandma” in the fears scrolling through their brain. Because of these fears there is no room for “school work” and “classes”.

The stress and isolation caused by COVID-19 have had adverse effects on people. Many of those with mental health issues have seen their conditions while others are suffering from heightened stress. Mental health clinics have seen an increased demand that has led to week-long wait times and minorities are having a harder time getting help.

Apparently, a fake-concrete wall went up around the White House on election day, for what reason? Only time can tell.

Instagram post by the Artis-Naples. The photograph is their sign that reads “May memories of this season’s iconic moments help you through this difficult time. Be well!” The Artis-Naples is home to the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum. The post itself announces that they will be taking time on their Instagram account to go through the memories of the season’s moments. There is a link to their website regarding COVID-19.

Fort Myers IMAG History & Science Center new hours and exhibit closure web page for COVID-19. There are new hours, groups must register at least a week in advance, and there are exhibits that are remaining closed until further notice.

The rise of COVID-19 cases and restrictions have been linked to a rise in both smuggling arrests and overdose cases. In July 2020 alone, the overdose deaths in Pima County nearly outnumber the entire number for 2019. Members of addiction centers talk about what caused the spike and ways to help, and a candidate for county attorney talks about justice reform that will help with addiction recovery.

This word comes from a motivated woman, a photographer, and a traveller. Introspective: characterized by examination of one's own thoughts and feelings Most people, in times of trouble, look outward for support--or blame. But when everyone is kept more than an arm’s length away, the only person close enough to seek answers from is yourself. So when Covid-19 shut the world down, it brought the focus to a more internal source. During this time of uneasiness, the only comfort we could find had to be within ourselves. This means we became self-aware, and some started self-growth. Without others to rely on, we had to strengthen ourselves to be the shoulder we cry on. This means we reevaluated our values and if changes needed to be made, we started on those. It’s not like we didn’t have extra time to kill. With this new perspective, a forced perspective, much change occurred in almost everyone, good or bad, intentional or unintentional. But no matter where it came from, all of this change came from covid. Because when we are isolated, it’s important to acknowledge whether we like our company or not.

This word comes from a woman who lost her job and found a new one. Enlightening: give greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation Now, this may initially seem backwards, but maybe it is on track. While many bad things came out of having Covid-19 around, not all things were bad. Having the whole world stop forced people to stop as well. Things slowed down, if only for a small moment of time. But in that slowing, when the outside world seemed to go quiet, the inside world had time to be heard. This pause, for some, became a time of self-reflection, a time of learning more about the one you see in the mirror, or learning more about a range of other things. In any sense, it became a time where knowledge was expanded. We better understand what matters to us and what things are worth our time. We forgot about pleasantries and moved into making connections beyond a smile, because those can’t be seen. While some may argue that putting distance created emotional differences, others have found that in this time of being apart, some things came together with more understanding of yourself and the world around you. So while the times of this virus have been undeniably dark, there may have been some light as well.

This word comes from someone who lost their graduation, a new adult. Consuming: completely filling one's mind and attention; absorbing A pandemic. We are in a pandemic. How could you think of anything else? When a bustling world came to a jolting stop, almost everyone was forced to reevaluate their priorities and what they place focus on. In the settling of this, most find one thing constantly at the front of their minds, Covid-19. With businesses closed, schools online, and people dying, it is hard to ignore the impact this virus has had. Although it has been much talked about and maybe even tried, returning to “normal” has proven to be a possibly impossible endeavor. It almost feels as if we are drowning in covid and all of its implications. If you feel this way, you are not alone. It can be a daunting task attempting to find the light in this tunnel, but we will and one day it will all be okay again, even if it is not “normal”.

This word comes from a college student, a peer leader, and a girl who got those taken away this year. Over-exaggerated: to exaggerate (something) to an excessive degree, specifically a threat, danger, risk or its effect, impact, or importance Capturing this opinion of many, over-exaggerated, is meant to label something that misconstrues the truth by making it seem greater in importance than it actually is. Many people consider not the virus, but the media coverage of it, to be doing just that. It has become difficult to see what is true and what is lies. The line between accuracy and entertainment have become intertwined. In the race to reveal numbers and give advice on safety, rash decisions may have been made in what is put out to the public as news. This news informs a major population, and if it is misrepresenting the truth, that could be a very big issue. Now it is important to understand that there are good and true news sources. There are also sources that do the best with what they are given, which may not be pure truth. In this ever-intensifying war of words, citizens seeking to be informed must often sift through loads of over-exaggerated content to uncover the full truth. The situation of Covid-19 is no different.

Perspective: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view We can really only see from our eyes, literally. But figuratively, we have unlimited perspectives from which to view the world. The idea of this is what inspired this series. I know how the coronavirus pandemic looks to me, how it affects me, how I feel about it. What I do not know, is how those things look, affect, and feel to others. So, I asked others. Anyone and everyone in my life; family, friends, leaders, peers, strangers. I wanted to know what one word those people would use to describe their experience with Covid-19. This series will be the words they chose and a bit of perspective behind those. So while you may still not be leaving your house, this will take you to the life of another. One word at a time.

An infographic informing Blacks on how to get tested and who to call for more information. This drawing is important because informs how Black Americans are in more danger with covid.

It’s an article discussing what elder Black Americans need to survive the pandemic. It provides crucial information on the inequalities between Blacks and Whites and how that inequality leads to more Blacks dying.

A news clip that discusses how Sweden has abandoned the eldery in the time of a pandemic. Sweden is considered a first world nation and somehow it has abandoned its own seniors during a pandemic to fend for themselves.

Suzan Keebler is a Field Training Officer with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Custody Division. Today, she speaks about her job, the global pandemic and how her job has been affected by the issues facing society today. In the course of the interview, she discusses how the pandemic has changed the day to day operations of her job and how communication with all the conflicting sides can help to bring resolution and closure to many of these issues.

England goes into lockdown again.

This video is from Now This News and uses footage from the School District of Manatee County in Florida. The footage was for promotional material the school district released in July 20202 for what it would look like in August to have their schools be re-opened. The video mentions the controversy between parents and schools and professionals that want to wait for in-person teaching to resume.

Museums have suffered in a very unique way during the Covid-19 pandemic. Without the primary form of interaction with society, in-person, museums are forced to translate their material online where chances are high they become just another online source or library. The Institute of Museum Ethics goes beyond its name in its content. Almost like a social media website for museums, the IME posts the latest stories and news regarding all things artifacts, donations, and media coverage on museum developments; a really great tool for any researcher and a pleasant read for anyone who takes an interest in preserving the present and appreciating the old.

I live just South of Minneapolis. The murder of George Floyd was horrific and brutal. It disrupted the community at multiple levels and it is still disrupting it months later. The official response of the local NAACP chapter is important to note.

This cartoon drawn by Michael de Adder was posted on Twitter in response to the murder of George Floyd being caught on cell phone camera. It highlights the racism that is seen by the majority of the public versus what minorities experience in their everyday lives.

This magazine which came out along with the article at the start of the pandemic reflected a general attitude of a generation stuck in time because of the pandemic, the graduation balloons hanging defeatedly in the background.

This is a Reddit post by /u/Da_bigmacwillis whose title reflects the celebratory nature of graduation with the contrasting tough times of COVID, and a joyous graduate.

I started following a lady on Youtube and Instagram as I began preparations to go to Disney for the first time. This Youtuber gives advice on how to have a great Disney trip for introverts. Needless to say, my trip didn’t happen and neither did hers.

My friend, who has autism, was very excited to graduate from High School. He spent years struggling with behavioral issues, enduring the isolation that comes from being an atypical kid in a school that had not prioritized his needs. When the pandemic hit, it hit him particularly hard. He had a specific routine, one which included restaurants, public parks, travel, all of which had been cut short by the drastic effects of the pandemic. He had regressed in a lot of his behaviors and he became very isolated. He still continued with his education, and by Summer of 2020, he was to graduate, but was upset when learning that it would be only a Zoom graduation. However, local parents in my city got together and went outside with balloons out of their cars and honked to celebrate his graduation while his Mom gifted him his diploma. It was a very encouraging thing to know that all aspects of society, even those silenced voices, were considered and accommodated where possible in these troubling times.

A friend shared her story about exploring close to home. “It’s been a challenge... we want to be out and doing stuff but we also don’t want to be around people, so there has been several times we’ve gone to do something but it was too crowded so we just stayed in the car and drove around. We tried to find areas not as many people knew about.”

Staying home all summer when you’re used to travel and exploring can leave you weary and unable to think of things you can do. I turned to google for some ideas and happened upon a website that gave great ideas for exploring locally. I live in Monterey, California and spent last summer exploring antique shops, boutiques, and interesting restaurants. I’ve never considered myself someone who enjoys the outdoors, but I had to try some of the ideas on this webpage because I was simply tired of being cooped up. There are so many places to explore. I took the time to explore 17 Mile Drive and Pebble Beach early in the day when few people were there. I must’ve stayed for hours just walking along the beach or the little trails.

The protests have a lot going on without the added stress of the pandemic. In many photographs of the protests, even the riots, there is a lot of masks. Some groups appear to social distance, but others like in this picture do not. People are trying their best to support the cause and be careful at the same time.