Day 228

 Sunday October 26, 2020

A decision was made Thursday evening by A.P.S. to pull the plug on the hybrid model after two weeks.  The increasing number of coronavirus cases in the Denver metro area and the potential exposures being reported inside several schools were the reasons for the move back to remote learning.  Just days prior to that decision we were told high school students, who had been remote since day one, will not move into the hybrid/in-person model.  The only amendment we did not anticipate was that pre-school and kindergarten will continue the hybrid model. The 1st-8th graders will remain remote until at least mid-November when another decision will be made.  So, there you have it- the experiment is over.   The hybrid model was the most intense as teachers were required to teach students in-person while also managing a group remotely. This teaching year has been some kind of experience. I imagine it will continue to be unpredictable and challenging through the remainder of the year. All because of a novel coronavirus which has taken the world by storm and surprise. And seven months into the pandemic we are still reporting record numbers. According to the Washington Post, "The United States reported more than 73,000 new coronavirus infections Thursday, its highest one-day increase since July. And over the past week, covid-19 hospitalizations have risen in at least 38 states, a trend that cannot be explained by more widespread testing." All this and flu season is creeping around the corner dressed in it's best death costume ready to deliver to us a Halloween we will never forget.

This year trick or treating will undoubtedly be curbed. The parties will be few. The visage of death and the virus will not be limited.  More than ever the human race is feeling defeated. There are some who are fed up. Some who are tired and being complacent. And some who are scared and feeling hopeless.

Some people in the world continue to view the virus either as a hoax or downplaying the severity (One such person, who shall not be named, said on a national broadcast "it's going away") This is the world we live in. The only predictable thing is the unpredictable future. We do not know what will occur once flu season is in full swing. We have no idea when education will look the same. When are unsure of the economy and the effect the pandemic will have on it, possibly for years to come. We cannot say when a vaccine will be created, issued and what sort of impact it will have on the virus. 

This seems to be one of the main factors in recent states of depression and anxiety: the unknown future (at least in regards to the pandemic and concurrent virus outbreak). Because it's not like we can ever predict the future. The Scientific American might disagree. Here's there take on the future, or at least some possibilities in the future. 20-big-questions-about-the-future-of-humanity/

We watched The Trial of the Chicago Seven last night. It is heavy, man. Be prepared for some shocking events that took place during the trial (which took several months). The movie provides us with an account of seven men tried with conspiracy and inciting a riot following the 1968 Democratic Convention. The convention took place in Chicago, Illinois amidst heavy police and National guard monitoring. The thousands of people who came to demonstrate against the Vietnam war and the government gathered in Lincoln Park. Many were part of several groups camping out, giving speeches  and organizing peaceful protests. Some groups demonstrating were the SDS, The YIP party and The MOBE and the Black Panthers. You can read more about them here:

1968_Democratic_National_Convention_protest_activity

Happy Sunday everyone. Take pleasure in the known. The things you have control of and simple pleasures of your daily life. The loved ones around you. The comfy chair you sit in to read. The favorite Sunday traditions that allow you some semblance of normal life. Enjoy life today.