Barrett Pond Before Sunrise
The news these days
While I still read and share some news and analysis, I’ve cut back enormously on my consumption of the news and I don’t follow any politicians or news stories any more on Facebook. As soon as Facebook tried to suggest that I follow a politician, I clicked block.
Maybe in a few weeks I’ll turn on the NPR for the news when things get a bit more sane but at this point I don’t care that much. I’ve come to the conclusion that the best way to live life is to live on a need to know basis and be ignorant of all other things. If I don’t have any control over the world and it doesn’t effect me then why should I pay attention?
Come out of the shadows
NPR
The American Red Cross announced that it is experiencing the lowest number of people giving blood in the last 20 years, in what the organization says is an emergency shortage.
In all, the Red Cross says that the number of people donating blood has dropped by 40% over the last two decades, and that the shortage could worsen in coming months if winter weather or seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu or COVID-19 cause people to cancel their donation appointments.
"The potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation," said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross, in a statement on Monday. "Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now."
The Red Cross announcement coincides with the start of National Blood Donor Month. The organization is urging people to schedule an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
PACE University Free GIS Course
The spring 2024 session of Pace Universityâs free 12-week Desktop GIS course begins January 22. The syllabus for the course is at Â
http://webpage.pace.edu/MMinnis/GISSyllabus  There is a FAQ at the bottom of the syllabus.  Â
https://classroom.google.com/c/NjQzODc0ODU3OTgy?cjc=zo6abh3
If you have trouble enrolling or have a question that the FAQ does not address, email me at [email protected]. You can also tell me to un-enroll you if you change your mind.
Peggy MinnisÂ
M. M. Minnis, Ph.D.
Chemistry & Physical Sciences Department
Pace University
861 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570 USA
914-773-3857