The Spotted Owl

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The Spotted Owl

11/26/20

Web player: https://podcastaddict.com/episode/115721951
Episode: https://play.podtrac.com/npr-510333/edge1.pod.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/throughline/2020/11/20201126_throughline_timber_wars_final_wads.mp3?awCollectionId=510333&awEpisodeId=937992911&orgId=1&topicId=1136&d=2136&p=510333&story=937992911&t=podcast&e=937992911&size=34103094&ft=pod&f=510333

The story of how the Endangered Species Act went from unanimous passage under a Republican president to becoming a deeply partisan wedge. The act was passed to protect big, beloved animals like bald eagles and blue whales; no one thought it would apply to a motley, reclusive owl. In this episode from Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Timber Wars, a story about saving the last of America’s old growth forests and the push to roll back environmental protections.

Good News About the Coronavirus Vaccine Is Becoming Contagious – The New York Times

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Good News About the Coronavirus Vaccine Is Becoming Contagious – The New York Times

The lure of the vaccines’ modest quantities also can’t be underestimated as a driver of desire, somewhat like the must-have frenzy generated by a limited-edition Christmas gift, according to public opinion experts.

That sentiment can also be seen in the shifting nature of some of the skepticism. Rather than just targeting the vaccine itself, eyebrows are being raised across the political spectrum over who will get it first — which rich individuals and celebrities, demographic groups or industries?

Shots – Health News : NPR

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What Researchers Learned About How Coronavirus Spreads Through The Air In 2020 : Shots – Health News : NPR

When Linsey Marr looks back at the beginning of 2020, what strikes her is how few people in the world really understood how viruses can travel through the air.

"In the past year, we've come farther in understanding airborne transmission, or at least kind of beyond just the few experts who study it, than we have in decades," says Marr. "rankly, I thought it would take us another 30 years to get to where we are now."

The urgency of the coronavirus pandemic thrust her once-obscure field into the spotlight, as everyone from public health experts to ordinary citizens tried to gauge the safety of myriad activities like going to the grocery store, swimming at the beach, or gathering for a party.

Gate House

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Taken on Monday December 31, 2018

William Magee, who served in NY Assembly for 28 years, dies on Christmas Eve – syracuse.com

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William Magee, who served in NY Assembly for 28 years, dies on Christmas Eve – syracuse.com

Former state Assemblyman William “Bill Magee, who served in the New York State Assembly for nearly three decades, died on Christmas Eve, his niece confirmed today. He was 81.

rom 1990 to 2018, Magee represented a district that included Madison, Otsego and Oneida counties. He also was an auctioneer, running Magee Auction Service for decades.

“My uncle truly, truly, truly cared about his constituents, Robin Blazer Commins said this morning. “Especially the farmers. He truly knew what the farmers needed.

 

It was a nice hike out to Five Rivers. 🐦

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It was a nice hike out to Five Rivers. 🐦

Definitely a bit cool and less sun then I would like but I like the simple pleasure of a walk. No fossil fuels were consumed, got some exercise and studied a white tail deer for a while. Maybe it would have been nice to get up north but it’s kind of a cloudy and cool day – and it’s a lot of work to winter camp for only one night.