For International Teachers' Day My wife, Lucy, is a teacher, but more than that, for 31 years, she's taught me how to be a kinder and better human being. Some would say that I have proven not to be an apt pupil, but it was never because the example I had was anything but the best.
Main entrance to the Old Jewish Ghetto, Venice. Guarded gates were closed after dark to keep Jews from going out. They were in place from 1516 until 1796, when they were torn down by Napoleon. A reminder of the ancient anti-Semitism which is resurging today.
"Almost no virus is protective against allergic disease or other immune diseases. In fact, infections with viruses mostly either contribute to the development of those diseases or worsen them. "The opposite is true of bacteria. There are good bacteria and there are bad bacteria."
The hygiene hypothesis says exposure to germs helps kids develop healthy immune systems. But many viruses didn’t circulate as widely during the pandemic. Are there downsides to missed infections?
I've been very disappointed by Jagmeet Singh, but this photo of him with Wab Kinew is so good. Unimaginable as a portrait of major Canadian political leaders when I was young.
For those who think that the pandemic is over or that it's not serious anymore because so many have some immunity through infections and vaccinations or that you're not going to mask anymore because hardly anyone else is now: Australia just hit its highest peak of COVID deaths ever.
May this be a start of a trend that just might save Canada from careening into Trumpish right-wing catastrophe.
My little karate class this evening. It's a genuine, albeit very sweaty, community and I appreciate being with these good people so much.
After training outdoors since June, we're happily returning today to the dance studio of Scona High School. Sprung hardwood floors, mirrored walls, 7 windows we open for ventilation, a UV air purifier and a HEPA filter. COVID numbers in Edmonton are declining, but for now, masking will be mandatory.
