I'll begin with a  paradox , thusly stated: As Dr. Shira Doron, an epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center,   puts it , “It is simultaneously true that masks work and mask mandates do not work.”   Further: To start with the first half of the paradox: Masks reduce the spread of the Covid virus by preventing virus particles from traveling from one person’s nose or mouth into the air and infecting another person. Laboratory studies have repeatedly demonstrated the effect. Given this, you would think that communities where mask-wearing has been more common would have had many fewer Covid infections. But that hasn’t been the case. In U.S. cities where mask use has been more common, Covid has spread   at a similar rate   as in mask-resistant cities. Mask mandates in schools also seem   to have done little   to reduce the spread. Hong Kong,   despite almost universal mask-wearing , recently endured one of the world’s worst Covid outbreaks. More: The main explanation seems to be that the ex

Every few years I delve into the meaning of Memorial Day.   I did that last year .  Our Freedom was not free.  We are what we are today because of those who died protecting us. Ever wonder what the difference is between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?   Read my posting of 2016 . What should you do on Memorial Day?  You already missed the  PBS telecast of the Concert on the Mall .   But click on this for a You Tube recast .  This was a different kind of show, for it was lacking in stars, but more than made up for it with stories of patriotism. In Hawaii, I sometimes went to the  Shinnyo Lantern Floating ceremony  at Ala Moana Beach  That has changed, and today will occur on their temple grounds.  However, you need reservations, and there are none anymore.  There will be a live broadcast from 6:30 to 7PM on KHON2. I could again walk up to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific inside Punchbowl, but will not. This the  60th anniversary of the official opening of the USS Arizona Memo

Our 7-day Norwegian Pride of American cruise through the Hawaiian Islands ended yesterday.  We had not traveled for 27 months, so the escape was adventurous, considering the state of this pandemic, and a bit stressful, because of COVID-19.  However, it was supremely enjoyable, especially when we tested negative on our return home to 15 Craigside.  For those considering a cruise in the near future, perhaps these thoughts can be useful, especially if you decide on the Pride of America. When all the tips and taxes are added, we paid nearly $600/person/day.  I thought this was rather high for the type of ship, services and accomplishments, especially as we took no tours. If we can later cut this price down to $400/person/day, including drinks, internet and tours, that would be something to consider.  When I went as a single on a previous cruise a few years ago I paid only $350/day.  This was with a wine package, internet and a tour on each island. I gained four pounds, and another I know m