It’s getting tense in my house.

I don’t have to tell you how being so close for so long with so much stress feels. What to watch, what to have for dinner, how to find time alone are all likely flashpoints. But, lately, I’ve found the biggest cause of friction is….

Oreos.

Yes, that magical brand of chocolate sandwich cookie with a creamy white filling.

So, why the stress?

Because there are TOO MANY kinds showing up in our pantry and I am VERY specific about the ones I like.

To check myself, I visited the Oreo website. There I found variations that left my eyes wide.

First, the styles, like original, thin, mini, pieces, brownie and candy bar.

Then, the sizes, like regular, double, Mega and Most.

Then the themes, like holidays and seasons.

Then, the foods and flavorings, including blueberry pie, candy corn, carrot cake, jelly donut, mint, Peeps, red velvet, Swedish fish and waffles & syrup.

My wife likes thins and she and my daughter love the cookie part.

Me – I love that creamy filling. Give me the Most and stack ’em high!

So, you see the problem, right?

Who knew that, during this time, our household would be divided not by beliefs and values, but a simple sandwich cookie?

Yes, we’re all in this together.

Until it comes to snacks.

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Could necessary shifts in our way of life as we fight COVID-19 pave the way for a more humane society?

The coronavirus has turned the world as we know it upside down. We are repeatedly reminded to shelter in place, wash our hands, wear a mask while being bombarded with growing death counts from COVID-19, lack of a cure and the growing fear there won’t be enough hospital beds or ventilators to save people.

Taking a break from the headlines, Show Me Chicago is hosting a series of the lighter side of the pandemic and how it might play out in our future.

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

Drive thru beer

We’re told not to drink and drive but desperate times call for desperate measures. Thus in Evanston, Il. early headquarters for the Women’s Temperance Union, and dry until the 1970’s, a drive-thru beer stop at Temperance Beer Co. (2000 Dempster) has become a sign of the times. 

Blue Skies over India

Something not seen for years, blue skies (and stars at night) over New Delhi, India. Government data shows, with people sheltering in place, the average concentration of PM 2.5 plunged by 71% in the space of a week — falling from 91 microgram per cubic meter on March 20, to 26 on March 27 (the World Health Organization considers anything above 25 to be unsafe). Could this have a lasting effect as the way we look at the environment and climate change?

Finally a little privacy

Hong Kong zoo. Photo: Getty Images

Good news on the Panda front. After 13 years of being gawked at and photographed, pandas, Ying Ying and Le Le at Ocean Park in Hong-Kong, found the privacy they craved (because of the lockdown) in order to make love–and maybe a baby panda or two.

Say hello to the return of the phone call

It seems that social distancing and sheltering at home has caused people to reach out via the phone. Verizon reported that they are now handling an average of 800 million wireless calls a day, more than double the number made on Mother’s Day–historically one of the busiest call days of the year.

A Cease-fire in Yemen

Saudis announced a cease-fire in the war in Yemen, which could pave the way toward ending the five-year conflict–in part because as many as 150 members of the Saudi royal family are believed to have contracted the virus.

Dogs getting a new leash on life

Whether it is lack of human interaction or just extra time to train a new puppy, it seems for the first time in many years–we have cleared the shelters.

Prices at the pump reach new lows

Although not good for the economy, low prices at the pump are certainly good for the pocketbook.

The Return of the Family Dinner

With no school, no little league, no dance, not much of anything, people are finding comfort in food. Many families are not only eating together but cooking together, often from scratch, trying new recipes.

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As we shelter in place, there are challenges to get even the simplest tasks done. The one thing to remember is that if you need help with your hearing aids, call your Audiologist. Even though we are not physically in the office, most issues can be resolved without a traditional office visit.

Trouble shooting over the phone has resolved many of the problems patients have called to discuss over the past month. It’s often as simple as changing a filter or cleaning wax off of the hearing aid.

When having a phone conversation is not enough, video conferencing is available. It is sometimes easier to explain when you can see exactly what to do. All that you need is an internet connection and computer or smartphone.

Most new hearing aid technology can be fit and programmed without physical contact. We haven’t fully appreciated the ability to work remotely until now. Making adjustments remotely varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Any new fitting needs to be done in a manner that complies with state licensing laws.

In an emergency, there are apps to turn your smartphone into an amplifier. Ear Machine is available for iPhone while Android users can download the Petralex Hearing Aid app. With a pair of headphones or earbuds you can easily set up a temporary solution.

Our doors may be closed, but if you are having a problem, please call us and leave a message. We are learning how to be creative and want you hearing your best. Let us know what we can do to help you. We miss seeing you.

‘The Faucian Bargain” is a worthy read in the Bulwark about how Anthony Fauci has been able to check President Donald Trump’s worst inclinations about the coronavirus pandemic.

I’m for opening up the economy as soon as possible, but as I’ve tried to say, not before we know the nation is safe. That, however, could come long after we’ve done permanent damage to workers, employers, shareholders and millions of others.

It is, indeed, a dilemma in which we could suffer both a economic meltdown and the worst out-of-control, killer pandemic. In either case, it is time to give time, energy and cost to how to salvage the economy, as I urged in Wednesday’s post. Just as Fauci represents the best of the scientific thinking, we need more comprehensive ideas than just blindly throwing trillions and trillions of dollars into the economy, hoping that something sticks.

If Trump doesn’t have workable and refined ideas about how we should ease back into a full economy, then he should find someone else who can.

[email protected]

www.dennisbyrne.net 

My historical novel: Madness: The War of 1812

I want my Chicago Public Schools students to understand how racism manifests itself in systems of every day life.  If we don’t teach our students to see race, we’re not teaching them 21st century literacy skills.

These days, report after report shares one truth: black and brown communities are being hit harder by Covid-19.  Most of this, reports say, can be attributed to poor underlying health conditions in low-income communities of color.  People from the Latinx community have 17% chance of developing type 2 diabetes, for example, than non-Hispanic whites who have an 8% chance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Some of these cause may be attributed to individual or cultural circumstances.  However, we cannot ignore the systems that perpetuate and exacerbate inequalities.

In New York, “the five  ZIP codes with the highest rates of positive tests for the coronavirus have an average per capita income of $26,708, while residents in the five with the lowest rates had an average income of $118,166,” according to analysis by the Intercept.  “The death rate from Covid-19 for black and Latino New Yorkers,” the article highlights, “is roughly twice that of white New Yorkers.”

On April 7, in a White House news conference, Dr. Fauci, the country’s leading immunologist, commented on the racial health disparity: “I couldn’t help sitting there reflecting on how sometimes when you’re in the middle of a crisis, like we are now with the coronavirus, it really does have, ultimately, shine a very bright light on some of the real weaknesses and foibles in our society.”

In addition to the Intercept article linked above, here are a few sources students can engage with to gain insights into how race and racism contribute to health inequalities in our country:

From MSNBC: “How Systemic Inequality Leads to More People of Color Dying from Coronavirus”–a video interview with a doctor who discusses the reasons behind the disproportionate COVID-19 deaths happening among people of color in America.

From the New York Times: “College Made Them Feel Equal. The Virus Exposed How Unequal Their Lives Are”–a profile of low-income college students struggling to balance school and family.

From ProPublica Illinois: “’Essential’ Factory Workers Are Afraid to Go to Work and Can’t Afford to Stay Home”–an article about employees who face unsafe working conditions.

From the 1619 Project: “How the Bad Blood Started”–a podcast about how Black Americans were denied access to doctors and hospitals for decades and how they pushed to create the nation’s first federal health care programs.

From Latino USA: “The Clinic”–a podcast about CommunityHealth, the largest free health clinic in the country, serving only people without insurance, many of whom are undocumented.  Latino USA followed up with the clinic’s director in a recent episode. 

From the Pew Research Center: “Hispanics more likely than Americans overall to see coronavirus as a major threat to health and finances”–and article full of data images explaining harmful effects on this community.

From the New York Times: “Why Coronavirus Conspiracy Theories Flourish. And Why It Matters”–an opinion piece to help students understand why people accept and distribute faulty information.

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The Look Chicago to Launch its Digital Shopping platform entitled “Shop Lookpreneur” 

The Look Chicago is a premier Management and Advertising firm that specializes in featuring entrepreneurs and businesses in the media. There current outlets include television, radio, and digital print publications. 

Recently the organization’s CEO announced the launch of its new digital series called “ Shop Lookpreneur” a shopping platform that will feature local businesses and the products and services they offer. The site will provide a description of business offerings and link consumers directly to the business website and or social media platform to shop, ask questions, read reviews, and more. What’s even better is, consumers can also score exclusive deals on a variety of amazing products and services with new deals releasing each week! Additionally, the list will be inclusive of all industries with category breakdowns as follows:

• Retail

• Beauty

• Business Development

• Special Services

•  Virtual Events

This news comes in perfect timing due to the current pandemic of (Covid-19) where many small businesses have suffered losses in their income.  “Shop Lookprenur” will launch Monday April 13th and will give business owners a fresh way to advertise their offerings and reach thousands of consumers each week. “Shop Lookpreneur” will also be sent to media outlets and offer the potential for businesses listed to be featured on television, radio, and additional digital print publications!

To learn more about this topic or to become a featured business email [email protected]

A hobby is defined as an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure, so what are you doing during this social isolation for fun? I have off work until Tuesday, so I know I will spend time on social media, reading, and watching TV, but I also want to feel good, have fun and find ways to not lose hope. I will continue walking, looking for the good, and meditating every day, but I am also spending this time reigniting my hobbies. There are two questions you can ask: What are my favorite hobbies and then what hobbies can I still do now? I enjoy art, crocheting, writing and reading which are all hobbies that I can still do during this time, luckily. I wrote a Facebook post today, asking others what their hobbies are, and I know some are not as lucky. Some hobbies listed were cooking, painting, sewing, drawing and sailing. It would be difficult to go sailing, but maybe she could spend time learning more about sailing or finding some virtual sailing opportunities. Also, I do like to paint and draw freehand; however, coloring in a coloring book feels like a little less pressure, which I need right now, so be kind to yourself. I chose a picture out of the “adult book” today; however, I do have children’s coloring books with puppies and one with Frozen pictures. Memories of coloring with my daughters when they were young came flooding back to me as I spent time doing it again today. I loved feeling that joy and happiness from time long ago!

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And read more positive thoughts Looking For The Good

All through my day, no matter where I go, or what I do, I am always looking for the good in people, in the world, in my life or even just in my day.

With most sports around the world on pause, revisit iconic sports moments from the past to help fill that void.

On Dec. 30, 1997, Michael Jordan scored in double figures in his 787th-straight game, setting an NBA record.

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Latest on ChicagoNow

• Feature Friday: Track pads and touch controllers

  from Drive, She Said by Jill Ciminillo
  posted today at 3:40 pm

• NBA lookback: Michael Jordan sets double figures scoring record

  from ChicagoNow Staff Blog by ChicagoNow Staff
  posted today at 3:37 pm

• What are you doing for fun?

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• The Look Chicago to Launch its Digital Shopping platform entitled “Shop Lookpreneur”

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• Help students understand Covid-19’s disproportionate impact on communities of color

  from The White Rhino: A Blog about Education and Latino Issues by Ray Salazar, NBCT
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If you ever read car reviews, you’ve probably come across some cranky journalist (including myself) who’s complained about being forced to use a rotary dial or touch-pad thingy instead of being able to touch the display screen on the center stack.

The most recent examples of pads and controllers we’ve encountered have been in the Lexus NX, Acura RDX and Mazda CX-30. And I’ve dealt with their substitutes for a touch screen with varying degrees of frustration.

The Acura “True Touch” pad makes sense in theory because the pad mirrors the screen, and while the four corners are always easy to hit accurately, the middle bits caused some confusion. I usually missed my mark when I was aiming for something that wasn’t a corner, would end up on the wrong menu screen and have to back track. I didn’t have time to get used to this system, but I have social media followers who said their parents have. So, I guess it’s possible.

The Mazda system uses a rotary dial and a couple of menu buttons, and while I was initially frustrated by the system, it didn’t bother me as much once I programmed my favorites and knew which buttons you had to hit to get the menu item you wanted. I have a friend who has a CX-5 with this system and he confirms it was confusing at first, but after a few weeks he liked it better than the touch screen and he could operate it without looking down.

The Lexus system, however, is nothing but frustration. It’s kind of like a track pad on a computer, but it doesn’t work as well. I’d slide the cursor and over-shoot my desired menu option, so I’d have to swipe back the other way and try again. The entire time the system was making a ping-ping-ping sound as it passed over — and missed — various menu items. Lexus’ old systems used a joystick, mouse-like thing that was infinitely better than its current track pad.

Most manufacturers who move to something like this say it helps limit driver distraction once you learn the system. Ironically, Audi, which was (in)famous for its rotary-dial-controlled screens, is going to a touch screen with its new Multi-Media Interface system.

While I like the touch screen, some (like Volvo’s and Subaru’s) get a bit involved as they have you tap through screen after screen to get what you want.

So, which is the best way forward? <insert shrug emoji> But if you are in the market for a new vehicle, I strongly recommend that you spend some quality time with the infotainment system — as well as the vehicle itself — before you buy. People are often more concerned with the handling portion of the test drive, but if you get the vehicle home and you hate the infotainment system, it’ll be like nails on a chalkboard every time you change the radio station.

Other items in the Feature Friday series:

• Winter Tires
• Rear Camera Mirror
• Lane Keep Assist
• Passive Entry
• Automatic Reverse Braking
• Hyundai’s Remote Smart Parking Assist (aka Smaht Pahk)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Around-View Backup Cameras
• Mazda’s Infotainment System
• Hyundai’s Blind View Monitor