Kudos to Dianne Jacob; Welcome to the DCD

Recently, California Governor Newsom’s office sent memos to police chiefs statewide that beaches would be closing again this Friday as a result of citizens violating social distancing suggestions made to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to pushback from citizens and local government, Newsom’s directive now only covers Orange and Ventura counties, which are the locations that the media sent out photos of the "violating citizens.” NOTE: lifeguards reported that “most people followed social distancing.” And as for the crowds that were shown gathering under umbrellas…if they are in the same household, that doesn’t violate the mandate.

Newsom was told that it was not right to have the citizens of San Diego lose the ability to hit the beaches since they had followed “the rules.” In a classic case of publicity damage control, Newsom claimed he never intended to close San Diego. Unfortunately for him, local government has spoken up about his blatant lie. Regardless, it makes me very happy that local citizens, supported by their elected officials, can make a difference. Thank you County Supervisor Dianne Jacob for speaking up for us!

I rarely go to the beaches anymore. I don’t enjoy sunbathing as I did in my youth, and I've read too many accounts about sewage spills from down south that seep into our ocean waters. No thanks. I’d prefer to take a long soak in my own bathtub.

So why do I care? Because I am tired of American citizens being treated like idiots and having their freedoms being taken away. Punishment for the masses because of a few. Tired of the media sensationally reporting worst-case scenarios which only serves to rile people up, give them anxiety, and fill them full of stress. I’m also tired of receiving “news” tainted by the interests of who is reporting it, and by interests I mean the all-mighty-dollar.

While I don’t doubt that the virus that causes COVID-19 can cause illness and potentially death, I DOUBT that it single-handedly has caused the number of deaths being reported. Sorry, call me a doubting Thomas but the majority of cases I have read about (yes, I do read beyond the headlines) list an underlying health condition. Heart issues, lung problems, obesity, and yes…old age. Now, because of the social distancing rules and the closure of “non-essential” storefront businesses, many Americans are without jobs and a paycheck. I saw one person on social media saying that most people out of jobs weren’t complaining about the social distancing; it was the rich crybabies. Of course the jobless don’t care about social distancing; they’re trying to figure out where the rent/mortgage/food $$ is going to come from. Another social media troll said he wasn’t aware that “getting a tan” was one of our rights. No dumbass, it’s not about getting a tan. It’s about allowing citizens to have a voice and show that they can be intelligent.



I see a parallel to the changes at Disneyland that have occurred in America the last 30 years or so. Attractions that were once popular have to be removed or reconfigured because Americans take no personal responsibility. One or two people are dumb enough to try to jump out of a moving Skyway vehicle? Remove it. Punish everyone. I was involved as a witness for a lawsuit against Disneyland by a guest who fell over a rope (yes, you read that right) at the exit of the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction. Of course they lost, but how did it even get to court in the first place? No corporation big or small wants to be involved in legal action, so instead they dumb everything down. No personal responsibility leads to the blame game which leads to lawsuits which leads to dumb everything down to the DCD (Dumbest Common Denominator). I’m waiting for a lawsuit against Trump for the people who drank bleach and died. You know it’s coming.

While going to the beach may seem frivolous, for someone like me who likes to run outdoors to improve my health, if I’m not running with anyone and don’t come within 6' of another person while doing so, why should my ability to do so be removed? It’s a slippery slope about rights and this country is on the precipice. I encourage you to speak up; you just might make a difference as San Diegans did this week.

See more photos at my main website.

Daveland Challenge

In a pivotal scene from “Gone with the Wind,” Scarlett (Vivien Leigh) attempts to put the make on Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard). Both their families are starving after having lost their fortunes during the Civil War. Before he gives in to Scarlett’s charms, Ashley shares some very insightful wisdom (thanks to author Margaret Mitchell!) that is just as applicable today as it was then:

In the end what will happen will be what has happened whenever a civilization breaks up. The people who have brains and courage come through and the ones who haven't are winnowed out.

The COVID-19 situation is definitely one of those times when people either sink or swim. I challenge my readers to be among the survivors and offer some tips that you will hopefully find useful.

1. Learn a new skill. I see so many people bemoaning how bored they are. Become a DIY'er! Learn how to sketch! Pull a MacGyver and create your own home gym! Clean your house! Do some yardwork! The list could be endless!



2. Improve an old or rusty skill. I've often said I'd love to get out the saxophone or violin again and start playing again...or the paint brushes...or the sketchbook...and depending upon how long this quarantine lasts (and how long it takes me to finish my current projects!) I just may do that. What talent or skill from your past have you neglected because you don't have enough time?



3. Work on that positive attitude! Recently, a friend posted on their social media, "I'm so depressed." That was it. Where does one begin on that one? While I understand completely that these are some scary times, just what do you expect to come from dumping a message like that into the universe? Sure, you'll get the typical "Oh, you're a fabulous person!" responses from maybe fifty of your closest (social media) friends (who you've never met and probably never will). After that little hit of dopamine, that worthless puff of smoke up your ass won't even get you a cup of coffee. So...instead of feeling depressed...do something that makes you happy. And if you can’t find even one thing that makes you happy, then it’s fair to say that you are one of those people who enjoy being depressed. Yup…people like that do exist. For me, spending time with my dog always puts a smile on my face. Going for a run. Taking photos. Watching a favorite movie like “Pitch Perfect” or “It’s Complicated” (keep it funny and upbeat, people!) can do wonders, just as a classic TV comedy like “I Love Lucy.” The high I get from any of those activities lasts a lot longer than a social media zap. What’s your favorite happy activity?



4. Reinvent yourself! Remember Fagin’s song from “Oliver!” titled, “Reviewing the Situation”? If you’ve been unhappy with the cards life has dealt you (or the ones you’ve chosen), take a good solid look at yourself and make a change. You can either say, “It‘s too hard” and stay miserable, or put that brain to use and figure out a more productive fruitful path. Take the restaurant industry for example; some have closed their doors and others have reinvented themselves by providing pickup/takeout services. I saw a line two blocks long the other day for a BBQ restaurant near me. Kudos to the owner of that place for examining the current situation and figuring out how to make that proverbial lemonade!

Daveland suggestions of what to cut back on or avoid:

1. The media. Sure, everyone needs to stay on top of the news (and I use the term “news” very loosely lately), but do we really need as much as we get? Find out from reliable informed sources what you should be doing, mix in a good dose of common sense, and then go about your day. Realize that a "medical journalist” is not the same as an actual doctor or a source from the CDC. And while we are on the subject of doctors, remember that there are many different types; unless they are a specialist in the field they are discussing, their opinion may not count for squat. And finally, don’t get sucked in by the sensational and negative headlines. If it starts out with “could” or “might,” then I typically ignore it. There's a long list of coulda’ shoulda’ woulda’s out there, and if you get sucked into that rabbit hole, just about the only thing you’ll gain is a headache and depression.

2. Your computer/cellphone. Disconnect. Go back to basics. Enjoy life and reality (not the virtual one). While I don’t know that I necessarily believe the theories about 5G towers causing COVID-19 and other health issues, I do believe that having an electronic device next to your ear all day long cannot be good for you. I know I've stopped making calls while I walk my dog; instead I choose to enjoy that activity rather than attempt to multi-task. My dog and my friends/family deserve my undivided attention.

There you go. I hope you’ll take the Daveland Challenge to find something positive during what we are experiencing on this little planet together. Got any tips for staying positive lately?

See more photos at my main website.

Listen to Pluto

In times like this, I always believe levity (mixed with some sanity) is the best prescription. Please enjoy Pluto; he’s a wise little dog!

See more Daveland photos at my main website.

Temple Tuesday: Go To Shirley World!

Like so many people lately, my friend Melissa and I were discussing the often incomprehensible situation brought on by the pandemic/panic from the COVID-19 virus. Things of this nature bring out the best and sadly the worst in folks. Hoarding is in full swing as toilet paper disappears from shelves as soon as it is stocked and bananas are nowhere to be found. Bananas?!? They spoil within days; what good can hoarding do? IT’S BANANAS!!



Closures increase by the day; the workplace, schools, restaurants, gyms, and...BROADWAY! Told to stay at home, it hasn’t taken long to hear the complaints of those feeling like they’ve been imprisoned.



Whenever I wanted an instant smile as a kid, I knew that watching a Shirley Temple movie was a good cure. Back in 1935 during the darkest days of the Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt was quoted as saying:

"During this Depression, when the spirit of the people is lower than at any other time, it is a splendid thing that for just 15 cents an American can go to a movie and look at the smiling face of a baby and forget his troubles."

Millions of Americans did just that, including my parents, who grew up during those lean years. In “The Littlest Rebel,” Shirley is a little girl living in the south in the midst of the Civil War. Her mother is on her deathbed and her father is fighting a losing war. Shortly after, attempting to get his daughter to safety, Shirley’s on-screen father is put in prison and given a death sentence. What’s a little girl to do?!?



She takes to the streets with Bill Robinson to sing and dance and earn money so she can go to Washington, DC and beg Abraham Lincoln for a pardon. Does she get it?



Of course she does! And his autograph, too, according to this publicity shot!



That was the magic of Shirley Temple. Against insurmountable odds, she overcame every obstacle with a smile, a song, and a dance. Corny as it may sound, there’s a lesson in there for all of us, even during these times of fear of the unknown and what may be around the corner.



Count your blessings and focus on the things that make you smile. My friend Melissa’s husband tells her to “Go to Shirley World!” when she has an anxious moment. Shirley Temple may not be your thing (perish the thought!), so find your own “Shirley World” and go there. In the meantime, be kind and understanding to others and try to avoid getting caught up in situations you would normally avoid (aka hoarding and panic). I’ll leave you with this appropriate song “Be Optimistic” from “Little Miss Broadway,” sung when Shirley’s character is sent back to the orphanage and her adopted father is about to go to the poorhouse.



Is there a happy ending? Of course there is; it’s Shirley!

See more Shirley Temple photos at my main website.