The World at Your Fingertips

This morning, I scanned a few online articles from various English-language newspapers around the world. Why, I wondered about many of the articles, did the editors choose to publish them? To understand the interest in and value of local news around the world, one must first understand the context of the information in which the stories are presented. Without knowing the background of a current budgetary stalemate about infrastructure repairs in Malmö, Sweden, for example, a reader cannot rely on a newspaper article to deliver a solid background on the subject. As I thought about such mundane matters, I quickly skimmed local interest articles from Helsinki and Kyiv and various other places. My reading about the importance of context confirmed its value. But a true understanding of local matters often depends on an understanding of the geography of a place. Looking at online maps can help, but they are far too abstract to provide a concrete picture of geography. The more I wandered around the internet earlier today, the more I came to realize the value of photographs; but, especially, videos. And live web-cams, combined with maps and descriptive, narrative information helped me develop some of the best information I could hope  for in the shortest amount of time. Skyline Webcams is an easily accessible resource of webcams that cover much of the planet. Google Earth, too, brings much of the world to one’s computer monitor. But I think the best way to fully appreciate the people and places on this planet must be to delve into every reachable spot on Earth. Unfortunately, such an undertaking would require spending several million lifetimes in exploration. In an ideal world, I could pick a place and instantly be transported there, where an extremely friendly and amazingly knowledgeable local would cheerfully share his or her experiences with the place with me. I’m particularly interested in learning about Bridge End, Shetland, though all I know about it now is that it is quite remote.

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My siblings and I, joined in the group by a spouse and a spouse-like person, held a nice but all-too-brief Zoom video-call yesterday. There was a time when I subscribed to a professional level of Zoom, but the expense of the service made me downgrade to the free version;  only 40 minutes per call before the connection is unceremoniously lost. I wonder what the most popular video call service is today? One that works for Apple and Android (and whatever else) devices. Tell me if you know.

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It looks like I’ll be making a weekly visit to my oncologist from now until whenever; labs and conversation and such. My social engagement for the week, though my social life will include visits by physical therapists and nurses for a few weeks, at least. I find I do not mind being alone or nearly-so. That’s not news; that’s always been the way I am. But the occasional coffee and conversation would help pass the time. How does one know when enough becomes too much? Or when s0me is not enough?

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Once again, I need a nap to make up for the lack of sleep last night. Early to bed, but awake every two hours (at least) to punctuate the darkness. I need a switch…or, at least, a timer…that allows me more control of my “naps.”