Reading - NOT amateur radio

In the next few months many of us are facing lockdowns. This means lots of time at home. For many it will prove difficult, but thankfully we have technology to help keep us in touch. We can video chat to friends and relatives by Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and the like.

In the last few days many of us have witnessed great acts of kindness and generosity. In trying times like these, many are expressing themselves by great acts of selflessness. At heart, many people are very kind. Sadly, we often hear about the bad things, but less often about acts of kindness. When this sad chapter ends I very much hope we emerge as kinder, more caring, people.

This year, many houses will be cleaner than ever and gardens looking a picture. Pollution levels are dropping and the climate emergency will have a break. I expect the economic ramifications will be felt for years to come. I suspect many will question long supply chains and the chase for ever cheaper prices by making in low cost countries far away.

Many of us will be finding the joys of nature again and some will find solace in books. With visits to local bookshops and libraries not possible, many will turn to online sellers like Abe Books and Amazon.

At the moment I am dipping into a book written 300 years ago about a trip around Britain by Daniel Defoe. It is fascinating.

Low cost ventilators and radio amateurs

The ARRL website has news of a collaborative effort to make a low cost ventilator to help battle Covid-19. Some very well known amateurs are involved.

See http://www.arrl.org/news/radio-amateurs-team-up-to-help-university-design-low-cost-ventilator

How we adapt - NOT amateur radio

It's strange how quickly we adapt to a new reality.  Many countries are on a war footing in the battle with Covid-19 including here in the UK. A year ago no-one could have remotely imagined this. All of us are changing our ways of living and life goes on: we adapt.

My great hope at the end of all this is that we are kinder to each other. Across the entire planet we have all been in it together. This has been a battle for all humanity.

Amateur radio resurgence?

With many of us in full or partial lockdown, minds will turn to what we can all do at home. This year, gardens will be well tended. Home improvements will get done. Many books will get read. Friends and neighbours will be phoned or contacted by video chats.

All things being equal, amateur radio has its part to play. It is a free way to keep in contact with like-minded people. We have an outlet, so let's use it.

One of the things I shall try is to write a few radio articles for magazines. I usually write about things I have done.

Useful data on social distancing - NOT amateur radio

Many of us are finding life harder at the moment with the current Covid-19 pandemic. This chart shows how social distancing can help slow the spread so that health services can better cope.

We are all asked to do our best to help. Don't just think of yourself: isolating yourself more really, really helps us all.

Covid-19 spread - NOT amateur radio

If you are like me, you are probably fed up with talk about Covid-19.

This map seems quite good. You can animate it to show how the disease has spread across the planet.

With a vaccine likely to be some way in the future, I hope they can re-purpose some existing anti-viral drug to lessen Covid-19s effects. Some are already being trialled.

Societal changes - NOT amateur radio

The recent Covid-19 outbreak has brought out the best and the worst in people. Overall, when this is behind us (whenever this is!) I hope we are all kinder to each other.

Certainly we have had a couple of offers of help already. In difficult times people are coming up trumps.