Pacem, Libertatem, Justitiam
September 13, 2020
Volume 12 Number 48
Reader-Supported Please go here. Thank you very much.
Inside: California Is Burning; Riding Ukraine Trains; Beyond the Pale; Good News & Awesome Examples; News We Would Rather Not Read But Need To Know Anyway; Community, Culture & Lifestyle; Economics; History; Health, Home, Garden & Kitchen; Covid-19; Northstar Interactive; Our World and Beyond; Earth; Climate Change; Ecology; Space; Technology; Funzone: Travel; Best of the Net; Movie of the Week; Masha & the Bear, All Creatures Great & Small; Strange But True; About Us
CALIFORNIA IS BURNING
Rusty Miller, Editor
Hi again, from the shores of the Salish Sea. As smoke from wildfires in eastern Washington haze the heavens from Seattle, to Sooke, on the windward side of Canada’s westernmost Vancouver Island, I am watching “vegetation” fires torching much of a state I once called home and I am having survivor guilt. I was raised in Northern California.
For the first 18 years of my life, between Sacramento and Redding, life was good and much like the film American Graffiti. After my military service, which included San Diego and Long Beach, and college and the start of a professional writing career, I returned to Northern California and after a year in San Francisco, settled into Sacramento, where I worked for the telephone company and published an offline monthly similar to the weekly you are now reading.
It was Camelot in California back then and my memories are rich ones. The magazine took off and we were doing good work for the various movements, individuals and causes we supported. It turned out we were doing too good a job. I started receiving harassing messages on my answering machine (no cell phones back then) and hate mail. I started sleeping with a loaded .357 magnum under my pillow.
Then came the night I was clipped from behind coming down my front steps and awoke several hours later in the locked trunk of my own car. I left town two weeks later, ostensibly on vacation, and didn’t stop driving until I reached friends in Blaine, Washington. I returned to California several years later, briefly, to run a newspaper in one of the worst polluted places on the planet. That was in 1984 and I have had better sense than to try the state again.
My life in California, for various reasons including a very respectable but privately dysfunctional family was more rough of the cob than the corn. It was that way for most of those I loved because those I loved were, just like those left, quintessentially gentle people with good hearts and a realistic sense of community. Intelligent but not complex, they were the stuff of Steinbeck and Saroyan, neither of whom exaggerated in the least. And like for the people in their books, there were places of defeat, loss and grief.
In the last several years, wildfires have destroyed all of those places and forced the good and the bad alike off land many of them should never have colonized in the first place. Wildfires are natural but they are only disasters when they involve human beings. So are floods and California has flood plains several hundred miles long. So watch for those kinds of natural “disasters” every year as well.
I am sorry California is burning. I have, however, no more tears for Eureka. I hope my prayers can be heard above the howling winds of those infernos.
Rusty
Northstar editor Merritt Scott “Rusty” Miller is a journalist, author, editor and photographer living in Seattle, Washington. For comments, please go here
A picture of my coupe. It contains two sleeping seats and a little table with window for an outside view.
RIDING UKRAINE TRAINS
Olya Bereza, Associate Editor
Hi Rusty:
As you know, traveling is a big part of my life. Due to personal circumstances, quite often I whiz around to and fro, east and west, center and south of Ukraine. The country is the largest in Europe so, usually, I take night trains to sleep away most of a journey. Depending on the destination, it could be even up to 24 hours in train, but usual night trains, 12-18 hours.
We do have sitting fast day trains too, about five to seven hours to the center of Ukraine, Kyiv, from the east, west and south. They are a bit more sociable as have they have Internet, TV screens, a cafe-carriage and usually you are surrounded by people. If I ride one of them, I then try to take a seat with a little table so can work on my laptop.
I am from those “luckies” who get car sick, so traveling by train is really my rescue. I can take a bus in very rare circumstances, as I did during Ukraine’s lockdown, when trains were not allowed.. Actually, it was fun to be on the road again even by bus. Stopping at all those food and hospitality places and watching the ever-changing views out the window is always reassuring, a reminder that the journey goes on, no matter what.
But still, there is nothing better than train going in summer night with opened window and me listening to chirping cicadas and breathing the fresh air being in the middle of nowhere. No settlements, no wifi noise, just star gazing and neverending fields with their aroma of wildflowers.
Here I prefer to have my own coupe, as it’s easier to work and enjoy the serenity that quite often gives inspiration. Often I read books or magazines that, during routine days, I not have time for.
There are also times when I have traveled with other people either, in coupe or so-called “open carriages,” when it’s about 50 sleeping seats. Sometimes during journey, I have met someone with whom to talk and make the trip shorter. I have a few stories written based on such acquaintances. As they say, be careful with authors as you never know when will appear in their writings.
But last time, it was the opposite. I was reading a great translation of my acquaintance, Scott Blackwell Boyce, of the adventures of Archangelsk Baron Munhgausen aka Senya Malina. The amusing stories are collected and written by Russian author Stepan Pisakov. You can enjoy them too Senya Malina – Which Is Safer Heard Than Read
So, Mishka, that is what it is like on trains in Ukraine. Stay safe, cousin mine.
Olya
Northstar columnist and associate editor Olya Bereza was born in the former Soviet Union and now lives in Ukraine. Fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, and English, she is a degreed psychologist with a background in international marketing and personnel management. For comments, please go here.
BEYOND THE PALE
Belarus Protests: Kolesnikova ‘Resists Expulsion’ On Ukraine Border
US Wildfires Leave Small Towns Almost Destroyed In California And Washington
US-China Tensions: Korean War Was A Miscalculation. It Could Happen Again With Taiwan
Caught In US-China Crossfire, Should HSBC Split Its Global Businesses?
For China And Indonesia, A Delicate Balancing Act For Better Ties
China, Others To Be Part Of Joint Military Drills In Russia
Moria Migrants: Greek Ships To Help Shelter 13,000 After Fire
Moria Migrants: European Countries Agree To Take Minors After Fire
New Rising Sun: Can Post-Abe Japan Leave China’s Shadow To Lead Asia?
Navalny Comes Out Of Coma, Hospital Says
Saudi Court Issues Final Verdicts In Khashoggi Killing Amid Criticism
Donbas Update: Ukrainian Military Fighting Wildfires, Two Troops Gone Missing
Prince Harry Repays Taxpayer Money For UK Home Renovation
GOOD NEWS AND AWESOME EXAMPLES
New Orleans Zoo Welcomes A Critically Endangered Gorilla Baby, Its First Gorilla Birth In 24 Years
Space Mice Return To Earth, Mighty As Ever
Wildlife In ‘Catastrophic Decline’ Due To Human Destruction, Scientists Warn
‘World’s Loneliest Elephant’ OK’d To Quit Zoo For New Life
NEWS WE WOULD RATHER NOT READ BUT NEED TO KNOW ANYWAY
Belarus Jails Opposition Figure Kolesnikova As Nobel Winner Intimidated
Depression Has Skyrocketed During The COVID-19 Pandemic, Study Says
New Research: Quality Of Life Is Slipping Backwards In The US
On Hot Days, Asphalt Can Release As Much Air Pollution As Cars
Trump Admitted On Tape That He Knew COVID-19 Was Deadly
COMMUNITY, CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
A Few Ideas For Safe And Fair Public Schooling
Artists Transform Vacant, Blighted Building In Ballard With Murals
After Wildfires, Community Gatherings Offer Emotional Support
As Colleges Open During A Pandemic, Student Life Remains Closed
How The Lebanese Diaspora Is Mobilizing Against Food Shortages
Mexico Earth Day School Contest Draws Hundreds Of Innovative Projects
On And Off The Trans-Siberian Train: The Dropouts
Street Art Campaign Global Halt Takes Root In Iran
Where Navalny’s Poisoning Is Taking Russia, At Home And Abroad
ECONOMICS
Goodfair Shows How Thrift Shopping Can Go Online
Number Of Americans Seeking Unemployment Aid Is Rising
UK Signs First Major Post-Brexit Trade Deal With Japan
HISTORY — NATURAL & HUMAN
Wreck Of German Warship Sunk In 1940 Found Off Norwegian Coast
Born Enslaved, Patrick Francis Healy ‘Passed’ His Way To Lead Georgetown University
Lost Pieces Of 19th-Century Steamboat Wreck Found In Vermont
Traces Of 2,000-Year-Old Roman Roundhouse Found In Northern England
Why Were This Ancient Scottish Tomb’s Chambers Built Upside Down?
HEALTH
14 Reasons You’re Tired All The Time
A Story In Data: We’re All Under More Serious Mental Distress
Climate Change Isn’t Just A Global Threat—It’s A Public Health Emergency
Exercise Snacking: How To Make 1 Minute Of Exercise Work Like 30 Minutes
Research Links Blackout Drinking To Doubled Dementia Risk
This Spice Is Insanely Good For You
Which Cooking Oil Is The Healthiest?
Why Instagram Is The Worst Social Media For Mental Health
HOME, GARDEN & KITCHEN
5 Unkillable Houseplants For The Lazy Gardener
Why Do French And Italian Tomatoes Taste So Damn Good?
Is Organic Food Worth The Cost?
For A Sustainable Food System, Look To Seeds
Weekday Vegetarian: Easy Tomato Canning Recipe
COVID-19
COVID-19 Is Transmitted Through Aerosols. We Have Enough Evidence, Now It Is Time To Act
NORTHSTAR INTERACTIVE
Are you looking to volunteer? Go here and type in the same of your city.
Stuck At Home, Volunteers Help Scientists Track Nature
OUR WORLD AND BEYOND
Artist’s concept of Earth in space – with the Pacific Ocean visible – and outsized radio telescopes listening for signs of intelligence from the stars. The Gaia satellite is also pictured. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. Artwork via University of Manchester.
EARTH
After The Explosions, How Will A Jewel Of The World Rebuild?
Does This River Hold The Key To Life On Mars?
Explosion Opens New ‘Pit To Hell’ Crater In Russian Arctic
Your Great Barrier Reef Questions Answered
CLIMATE CHANGE
A Garden Empowers Those Most Impacted By Climate Change
African Ministers Call For Investment In Great Green Wall To Aid Covid-19 Recovery
Asian Multilateral Bank Promises To End Coal-Related Financing
Climate Change, Water Woes, And Conflict Concerns In The Middle East: A Toxic Mix
Federal Report Warns Of Financial Havoc From Climate Change
Fracking Company Sues Slovenia Over ‘Unreasonable’ Environmental Protections
France Seeks German Collaboration On Hydrogen In EU Green Recovery
Japan Blocks Green Reform Of Major Energy Investment Treaty
Listen: Why Solving The Housing Crisis Helps The Climate
Much Of The American West Is On Fire, Illustrating The Dangers Of A Climate Of Extremes
UK Climate Assembly Calls For Frequent Flyer Levy, Private Jet Ban
Wildfires One Sign Of The ‘New Washington’ Created By Climate Change
World Misses 2020 Biodiversity Goals: Leaked UN Draft Report
ECOLOGY
Earth Day Network Africa Ambassador Raising Awareness To Ban Single Use Plastics
From Beer to Bread: How One Innovative Company Is Repurposing Spent Grain
How Turning Vacant Lots Into Green Spaces Can Improve Mental Health
World’s Largest Rooftop Greenhouse Opens In Quebec
A Managed Decline For Oil-Dependent Regions
SPACE
A Breakthrough In The Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence
A Rare Planet Might Be Hiding In This Oddly Shaped, Triple-Star System
China Is Building A Floating Spaceport To Launch Rockets
It’s Time To Start Watching Mars
Japanese Spacecraft Will Shoot Martian Moons In 8K Resolution
Outside Our Solar System Lies A Region Of Chaotic, Frothing Activity
Scientists Search 10 Million Stars, See No Signs Of Alien Civilization
Why Is The Moon Covered In Rust? Even Scientists Are Stumped By This Metal Mystery
NASA Earth Observatory Latest Images
TECHNOLOGY
Colleges Are Mailing Brains To Students To Dissect At Home
Engineers Test Jetliner Where You Ride In The Wings
Humans Are Not The Only Species That Can Use And Understand Numbers
New Military Drone Fits In Backpack, Can Carry Lasers, Radio Jammers, Weapons
SpaceX’s Satellite ISP Now Boasts Download Speeds Of More Than 100 Mbps
US Approves First Small-Scale Nuclear Reactors
BEST OF THE NET
Dolphin Mom Adopts Baby Whale And Takes Care Of It For Three Years
“Super Mom” Mother Duck Caught On Video With 76 Ducklings In Tow
TRAVEL
5 Surreal Weekend Escapes That Are Less Than 3 Hours From L.A.
Seattle’s Museum Of Flight Reopens To The Public
London’s Largest Cache Of Bronze Age Objects Is On View For The First Time
Seattle University District’s Neptune Theatre. Photo by MS(R)M
MOVIE OF THE WEEK: LOONEY TUNES BIGGEST COMPILATION: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and more!
ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL
Photo courtesy of KIRO 7.com https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/southern-resident-orca-tahlequah-gives-birth-calf
Congratulations and “go, new mom.” Southern Resident Orca Tahlequah Gives Birth To Calf
Outstanding. Scientists Save Rare Giant Turtle Species From Extinction
Only in Oregon. I love it! Turtle Returned Home Safe Thanks To Corvallis Police
SHORTS
Berlin Zoo’s Twin Panda Cubs Celebrate 1st Birthday
Old Male Elephants Are Key To Their Societies
Harpy Eagle Is So Big That People Think It’s A Human Dressed Up As A Bird
Hummingbird Builds A Nest With A Tiny Roof Overhead
Dirty Feeders Are Killing Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds In The Andes Go To Chilly Extremes For A Good Night’s Sleep
Fostering Puppies During The Pandemic
Mysterious Singing Dogs Emerge From Extinction After 50 Years
What The Rhythm Of A Maned Wolf’s Heart Reveals
STRANGE BUT TRUE
Gene-Hacked “Bodybuilder” Mice Stayed Ripped On Space Station
Well-Preserved Atlantic Sturgeon Found In 15th-Century Danish Shipwreck
Japan Battles Wild Monkeys At Site Of Nuclear Meltdown
FRIENDS OF THE NORTHSTAR JOURNAL, BOOKS FOR SALE, ABOUT US
A superpower no longer, a resource hungry and repressive America faces a Latin American armada rampaging its west coast and a strong, silent and powerful Canada manning the North Wall. The fires of rebellion burn in the Pacific Northwest and it is into this crucible and forge that the cybernetic patrol boat Testament and her crew of three men and three women are thrust. Individuals of duty and conscience both, when they join the other side, all Hell breaks loose. A rollicking adventure for anyone who loves the sea, a good yarn and characters who spring to life even as Testament herself leaps the waves. For a $4.00 Kindle Book adventure you will remember for a lifetime, please go here.
Associate editor Olya Bereza is also the children’s novelist Holley Dovetail. This is one of several of short novels for the young and the young at heart. To preview and/or purchase on amazon.com, please go here.
This little fairy-tale short story dedicated to a pet-friend gone chasing the rainbow. For kids their first lost and challenge in life is letting go of their pet friends that once became part of their world. This little story will help in times they have to say good-bye without falling into despair. Yep, go here.
OUR THANKS THIS WEEK TO:
Earth Sky News: Updates On Your Cosmos And World
Moscow Times: Independent News From Russia
South China Morning Post – This Week In Asia
ABOUT US: The Northstar Journal is a general interest international online weekly magazine physically located at 5351 S. Wallace Street, Seattle, WA 98178. We are also on FaceBook and Nextdoor.com. If you enjoyed this edition and would like to contribute to the next, please go here. To contact us directly, minstrel312@aol.com
The Northstar Journal 