We have a tight schedule between landing in Marrakesh and meeting up with Martina Rovers in the Western Sahara. Today we will drive from Essaouira to Sidi Ifni. This drive is approximately 333 km/200 miles and Google maps says will take 5 hrs. & 45 minutes if we average 35 mph – easier said than done.
We got up and while Nancy assembled our luggage, I was going to walk to the private parking lot to get a baggage carrier. Down two flights of stairs, open the door and damn – there is an older guy with a cart ready to take our luggage. Am guessing either our landlord or the parking lot arranged for this great surprise.
Better than half our drive will be along the Atlantic coast. It was an easy drive and we made several photo stops and a coffee stop – no breakfast and therefore no coffee before we left Essaouira.
We woke with a planned drive from Tafraout to Taroudant by way of Tazalaght, Imitek, Tata, and Igherm. However, about 30 minutes outside of Tata Nancy suggested we stop in Tata for the evening. I immediately agreed, our long drives do tire one out.
Nancy grabbed the Lonely Planet Morocco book and looked for lodging in Tata. We decided on a place with so-so reviews but a bar. As we drove into town, I pulled over to see if we could get the internet and google maps – No. But Nancy sees a sign for the hotel we want, damn good luck. I drive a hundred feet, make a left and pull into the hotel unloading area – looks dead. It is closed. Nancy and I agree on hotel #2 which I had seen a sign for as we drove into Tata – it’s closed. As we drive through town, we see the Lonely Planet’s 3rd and last hotel. It’s open and we get a room. What can I say, I think we have had worse and Nancy’s not sure. Price is $31/night and no breakfast but a restaurant that serves beer.
Editors note: Tom and Nancy Allin are bad on the road. This is the story he posted this week. 4/12/2021
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We set the alarm for 5:30 am so as to leave our hotel room in Laayoune by 6:15 to meet Nico, co-owner with his wife of Martina Dakhla Rovers. We were to meet about an hour north of Dakhla at a gas station where we hoped to fill up again with gasoline. The evening before, after a 20-minute round trip walk to a café restaurant for dinner – we both ordered pizzas – I had filled the 4Runner’s gas tank to the top. At a previous gas stop that day I filled both emergency 5-gallon roof top containers with gas. Still, there was some concern about having enough gas for the trip since most of the filling stations down here only have diesel.
We set out to explore the desert in the dark. I drove slowly at about 25 mph until we were out of town and on the two-lane highway. I probably averaged less than 40 mph – wanted plenty of time to stop for any highway sleeping camels or highway crossing camels or donkeys; not to mention bicycling or motorcycling Moroccans.
Many of the towns have either a large arched wall to drive through or some kind of display to let you know you have arrived. Also, most of the towns in southern Morocco have a long entry stretch of road lined with palm trees, streetlights and very wide sidewalks.
By Jessica Harker Jharker@marshallnewsmessenger.com
Alera Waite, 14, has had a love for foster animals as long as she can remember. As one of the Friends of Marshall Animals youngest foster volunteer, Waite took it upon herself to start a fundraiser to help fund Marshall’s new Animal Adoption Center which is under construction.
The fundraiser, which is available on gofundme.com at https://gofund.me/058c71c6 has a goal of $60,000, a price tag that Waite thoroughly researched.
Visiting and speaking with local veterinary specialists, Waite determined the price of all of the equipment that would be needed by the new medical room to offer spay and neutering services on site, along with vaccinations.
These items include:
$75 Blood Pressure Monitor
$350 LED Binocular Compound Microscope
$750 Medical Scale
$1,000 Examination Table
$1,500 Patient Monitor
$2,000 Hydraulic Surgical Table
$2,500 LED Surgical Lighting
$3,500 Anesthesia Machine
$4,000 Digital Ultrasound Machine
$5,000 Surgical Power Tools- Full Set
$30,000 X-Ray Machine
The goal of making sure that these items are equipped in the new shelter, according to Waite, is to help the shelter to achieve no kill status.
“What a lot of people don’t realize is that there will be a lot more grants available to the shelter if we are able to achieve no kill status,” Waite said.
She explained that many organizations will not give money to shelters who are not signified as no kill, so the addition of these medical supplies will not only help current animals in need, but will affect the future of the shelter in a positive way.
“We need a new shelter, and I think this is a good opportunity to fix these problems as well,” Waite said.
Waite has been volunteering with FOMA since she was 10-years-old, and is one of the youngest volunteers in the organization.
“I have always had a love for foster animals,” Waite said. “I feel like you can connect with them so much more than other animals that already have a good home. You can’t do as much for them, but foster animals they need you.”
Waite is the sole caretakers of the foster animals in her care, taking the time to care for, clean up after and purchase any and all supplies needed for the animals on her own.
Not only does she foster dogs and cats through the FOMA, but Waite also fosters horses and other farm animals, even boarding other community members horses to raise the money needed to care for the animals in her care.
Since her house is currently at maximum capacity for foster animals, Waite said that she has volunteered with the group’s events committee to assist in funding for the organization.
Waite also participates in 4H, formerly holding the title of president of her local chapter, and is an active member of the Girl Scouts, hoping to turn her ongoing funding project for the medical room into her Silver Award project.
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With a history of being editor and publisher of newspapers where racial disharmony was a constant stain on the communities I served, where cultures conflicted as a part of everyday life, and having a black son-in-law and biracial grandchildren, you can guess where I stand.
Or maybe not.
Attempting to erase the nation’s nefarious and horrid treatment of people of color — Black, Asian, Native American or “other” — by handing out wads of I’m-sorry! cash is not a plausible solution.
History is what it is, and the white contingent’s treatment overall of citizens and residents of different cultures, religions and colors is reprehensible and indefensible.
But trying to solve our collective consciences with bucket loads of lucre is not the answer.
Who would we pay? How much? For how long? For what specific act or collection of acts?
The answer to the past disputable behaviors lies in visible change, in the switching of attitude, creation of laws and additional opportunities with an aim of an equalization of cultures. These goals must include the education of all citizens on the importance of the fundamental right of equality.
This is the United States of America, once described as “A City upon a Hill”, a phrase derived from the teaching in Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. In a modern context, it has been used in United States politics to refer to America acting as a “beacon of hope” for the world, a “shining city.”
From a global perspective — and also from a domestic viewpoint — the democratic luster is gone from our nation. Where once the United States was held aloft as a symbol of freedom and hope, our political, racial, cultural and religious differences have caused us to be pitied and scorned.m by nations which once held us as a positive example of freedom and democracy.
Now, right now, is the time to summon our better angels, to pray for uplifting support and guidance and make a determined effort to work in unity to recreate the America of promise and hope. Our goal should be to create, finally, a kinder, gentler America, a nation that values all citizens equally and welcomes all who share our vision, our hopes and our dreams.
We can do better. We must do better. We must change. Our children and grandchildren demand action from us.
We must not, cannot let them down.
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Imagine an exchange that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can buy and sell everything from stocks to cryptocurrency to art. Trades happen almost instantly, without the need for middlemen or gatekeepers. Profits can turn to losses in the wink of an eye.
Last but not least, we examine how connected devices are learning to buy and sell goods and services. 📰Read the full report here or in today’s paper. Or keep scrolling. 👇And, as always, send me your thoughts, questions and predictions by hitting “reply” to this email.
🚀 The Future of Everything Festival takes place online May 11-13. Together, we’ll look around the corner at the ideas triggering seismic shifts in how we live, work and play. You’ll collaborate with entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, scientists and thinkers so that you can plan for what’s next with informed projections—not predictions. The Wall Street Journal will deliver all of this and more, so join us and experience the future as it takes shape. Register here for your 3-Day Pass (complimentary for WSJ members).
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GREAT NEWS: VACCINE DOSES PLENTIFUL AT CHRISTUS GOOD SHEPHERD-LONGVIEW AND NEED TO BE ADMINISTERED PRONTO. IT IS NOW VERY EASY TO SIGN UP. VACCINE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE — SIGN UP NOW (click this)
Good computer help available to schedule. Phone number available. If we don’t use this vaccine, we might not get more. Call your friends and family and employees — here or nearby. We need to use this vaccine.
MORE GREAT NEWS FOR PATIENTS ON ACE INHIBITOR DRUG FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
The study’s findings suggest that ACEIs and ARBs may be associated with protective benefits for patients with COVID-19 and that patients may continue receiving ACEIs and ARBs for the treatment of any condition without an increased risk of worse outcomes unless specifically advised to avoid them by treating clinicians….Conclusions and Relevance In this systematic review and meta-analysis, receipt of ACEIs or ARBs was not associated with a higher risk of multivariable-adjusted mortality and severe AEs among patients with COVID-19 who had either hypertension or multiple comorbidities, supporting the recommendations of medical societies. On the contrary, ACEIs and ARBs may be associated with protective benefits, particularly among patients with hypertension. Future randomized clinical trials are warranted to establish causality.
(J. Harris: A year ago we looked at some suggestions and undocumented theories that this common group of drugs might make infections with Covid more common or more serious. There were no studies proving this, and, since this group of drugs contains some of the very best and most commonly used and inexpensive drugs for BP control, several good doctors (and I ) recommended patients should continue their medications until scientific studies were reported in the medical literature regarding the drugs or until their personal MD (where they still exist) tell their patients to stop taking the drugs. WELL, THE DRUGS ARE NOT ONLY SAFE, THEY MAY BE PROTECTIVE! THIS IS WHY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IS DONE. KEEP TAKING THESE DRUGS UNLESS YOU DOCTOR TELLS YOU DIFFERENTLY:
“…The researchers suspect that the first dose produces a broad range of antibodies that can stick to spots along the length of the spike protein, and that the second dose delivers a big supply of particularly potent antibodies to the tip of the spike. Together, the assortment of antibodies does a better job of stopping the coronavirus…As the number of authorized vaccines grows, the possible combinations in which they can be used will explode…As the number of authorized vaccines grows, the possible combinations in which they can be used will explode.”
(J. Harris: There has been some success with other infections doing this “mix and match.”)
Low levels of flu activity amid the COVID-19 pandemic have made it more challenging for experts developing next year’s flu shot to predict which strains will predominate next winter….Without a strong enough vaccine, the U.S. could experience a severe flu season.
FROM THE NYT:
LAST NOT LEASED:
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[Marshall, Texas] On March 29, 2021, Mr. Jerry Cargill presented a check in the amount of $150,000 to the City of Marshall to assist with the construction of the new Marshall Pet Adoption Center. This check represents the second scheduled installment of a commitment, from Friends of Marshall Animals, to raise $450,000 from private donors towards the construction of this much-needed facility.
The City of Marshall would like to thank the Friends of Marshall Animals’ private donors for their ongoing funding efforts and contributions. Tax deductible contributions may continue to be made to Friends of Marshall Animals, Inc., P.O. Drawer V, Marshall, TX 75671, and at FriendsofMarshallAnimals.org online, or by visiting their Facebook page: facebook.com/FriendsOfMA/
Photographed are Mr. Jerry Cargill, local businessman and philanthropist, presenting the $150,000 check to Marshall City Manager Mark Rohr.
Amanda Smith —
Thank you to all of the wonderful people who have donated so far – and especially to Steve Carlile and Jerry Cargill for their heroic fundraising efforts and collaboration with Friends of Marshall Animals.
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Editor’s note: I have known one person that was bitten by a Brown Recluse. It took him about 6 months to fully recover.
About 4 years ago I had a Doctor appointment. That morning they called and postponed it because our Dr. was in surgery. Two days later they called back and cancelled my appointment because our Doctor had died on the operating table. We thought that he was the one doing the operation. He had been bitten by a Brown Recluse. He had tried treating himself instead of getting help. He was fairly young (late 40’s) and the best Doctor we had ever had.
Brown Recluse Spider . . ..
At this time of year, this is worth seeing.
Show these pictures to your spouse, your kids, grand kids, and friends. It could save their lives. Remember what this Spider looks like and be careful while cleaning, as told below.
It’s summertime & cleanup is going on. Be careful where you put your hands. They like dark spaces & woodpiles. Also cool areas in the attic……………………………………..
The Brown Recluse Spider is the most
dangerous spider that we have here in the USA.
A person can die from it’s bite. We all should know what the spider looks like.
Send this around to people you love, because it is almost summer time.
People will be digging around, doing yard work, spring cleaning, and sometimes in their attics.
Please be careful.
Spider bites are dangerous and can have permanent and highly negative consequences.
They like the darkness and tend to live in storage sheds or attics or other areas that might not be frequented by people or light.
If you have a need to be in your attic, go up there and turn on a light and leave it on for about 30 minutes before you go in to do your work.
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EVs produce fewer emissions overall than their gas-powered counterparts, but there are caveats
Editor’s note: This article contains excerpts for a Wall Street Journal. Their article is much more complete and contains great graphics. I would encourage readers to go to that article. If you subscribe to the Wall Street Journal click here
By Russell Gold, Jessica Kuronen and Elbert Wang
Published March 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Carmakers including General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG are retooling their companies to make electric vehicles on the premise that their battery-powered motors are cleaner than gas-burning engines.
Are EVs really better for the environment, though? A close look at all the factors shows they are — but it’s a complex answer with some asterisks.
The environmental cost of a car includes both building it and fueling it. That means factoring in emissions associated with oil drilling and power plant smokestacks, as well as from mining metals such as nickel and cobalt that are needed for electric-car batteries.
How quickly the U.S. fleet switches from combustion engines to electric motors will have a huge effect on the country’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. Light-duty vehicles currently contribute 17% of the U.S. total.
To help prevent the global average temperature from rising more than two degrees Celsius, a goal of the Paris Agreement, cumulative U.S. vehicle emissions should be limited to 39 gigatons between 2019 and 2050, according to the University of Toronto researchers.
We looked at four possible scenarios for the future, using the University of Toronto data. In all four, cumulative emissions continue to rise steeply. Two scenarios stay under the 39 gigaton goal—barely. It comes down to reducing gasoline consumption, which has a bigger effect on cumulative emissions than a rise in demand for electricity and minerals with EVs.
SCENARIO 1 — BUSINESS AS USUAL
What happens if gasoline-powered engines continue to dominate for the foreseeable future?
In this scenario, where EVs don’t reach more than 10% of new car sales by 2050, gasoline demand is basically flat.
Emissions from U.S. vehicles would be nearly 49 gigatons, well above the target to stay within Paris Agreement levels.
SCENARIO 2 — HYBRID NATION
What happens if drivers, worried about where they could charge their EVs, flock to hybrids instead?
Gasoline consumption would fall in half and emissions would be lower, but still above the 39 gigatons to stay on target to meet the Paris goals.
SCENARIO 3 — CALIFORNIA DREAMING
What if states push aggressive mandates similar to California, which said last fall that it wanted all new cars sold in the state to be EVs by 2035?
Emissions would drop to 35.4 gigatons—below the two-degree threshold. Electricity use would grow astronomically, as would demand for minerals, but gasoline would shrink to 8% of 2020 levels.
SCENARIO 4 — MIX OF STRATEGIES
What if the U.S. promotes EVs, and also pursues other strategies to reduce emissions, such as improving fuel efficiency, making cars lighter and decreasing miles traveled per person?
Emissions would fall the most. Gas demand would drop. Electricity and minerals demand would rise—but not as sharply as in the California-style scenario.
No matter what kind of engines they run on, cars add to greenhouse gas emissions. But the data show that switching from gas to electric vehicles will make a huge impact.
Consumers making individual choices between cars will make a difference. So will policy decisions made by governments and investments by companies as we drive into the future.
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