Episode 32 - An Imaginative (naive?) Glimpse into a Post-Covid-19, 2030 World Featuring Janus and Sparky

The Hopeful Humanist Cafe

In this episode, I share an imaginative glimpse I had looking forward to the early years of 2030 when the 8, 9 and 10 (Generation Alpha) years old of today get ready to be "Alphas at the Helm" of tomorrow. I am building on the "In-the-Clouds/Nebulous" novel of episode 31. As a prelude to that moment, let me again turn our attention to the unnamed "Man in the Mirror" from Danielson's novel first sentence of episode 29. It is March 22, 2020, and his partner asks him, "Will the world ever be 'normal' again?" Bill, who just turned 50 on March 10, 2020, replies, "It will, but we will forget about it and we won't learn our lessons." This episode features an interaction between Janus and Sparky who offer a rebuttal to such cynicism.

With that fictional background in place, my goal for this episode is to provide some helpful resources to stand up to the covid-19 pandemic, some new and some a reminder about things we already know.

T-shirt Idea for the episode: "Remember, don't forget what you know."

Mantras for the day: "Cooperative Synergy," "This is hard, but we can do hard things," and ... (what says you?)

Janus’ twitterature novel first sentence tweet: Remember everyone, borders don't stop the spread of viruses. Welcome to the new global community. Let’’s be proactive in a community-minded way and make good decisions!

Words of the moment: Toilet paper, masks, pandemic, self-isolating, social distancing, Rubbing alcohol, covid-19, corona virus, planking the curve, quarantine

Showcase Resources

About the Coronavirus:

1) For a coronavirus guide explainer, go to CBC News and click on this article:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/coronavirus-guide-explainer-1.5497009

2) Who would have thought the "off-script" idea of home schooling would be a current reality necessity? Go to this CBC news link to learn how to talk to your kids about why schools are being closed at:

https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/post/watch-why-are-schools-being-closed

3) Experts are encouraging us to flatten the curve. For more click on this article:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-simulation-toronto-1.5497184

4) To explore the dangers of panic buying during an outbreak, again, check out this CBC News link:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/the-trouble-with-panic-buying-during-an-outbreak-1.5498028

5) Here I am including an interview accessible on YouTube by Joe Rogan with Dr. Michael Osterholm that was sent to me by a very close friend at the start of the pandemic. Attached to the video was his personal sentiment that the corona virus is a "Game Changer." As events continue to play themselves out, I think there is lots of evidence to support this claim. Click here for the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZFhjMQrVts

Three "Remember, don't forget what you know" resources:

1) Action for Happiness provides daily tweets of inspiration on Twitter. Go to the following website to follow or revisit the keys to happiness. This is the time that we need to use our strengths to get through a domino of challenges. Click here for hyperlink: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/

2) Don't forget the Greater Good Magazine by UC Berkley where you can access a guide to well-being at https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

3) Last, but not least, visit the Good News Network to laugh by clicking this link https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/jimmy-fallon-hashtags-myquarantineinsixwords/ or listen to a new, inspiring podcast that captures daily news stories about people caring for people during the covid-19 outbreak athttps://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/silver-linings-of-covid-19-episode-3-from-geri-and-anthonys-good-news-podcast-quarantine-edition/. This last link offers thoughts for cabin fever projects - https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/tips-for-making-your-time-at-home-pandemic-positive/

Together, we can not only get through this but also learn some incredible lessons to make the world a better place for one and all --- Steve, The Hopeful Humanist