Today's MOZEN: Turning the Lobster Trick

On Duty

When I was a young man, fresh out of college, like a lot of young men of that era, I had my degree but no really strong idea of what I wanted to do with it. I was kind of a rebel without a clue. However, what I DID know was that I didn't want a traditional 9-5 job.

So, after many attempts at a variety of jobs, some traditional, mostly menial, I wound up in Cable TV production and, eventually, TV News.

And, I got my wish.

News Never Rests.

So, instead of 9-5, I've worked 8a-8p, 6p-2a, 3p-11p, 7a-3p, 4p-12a, and, of course, the infamous 12a-8a., the shift I happen to be working tonight.

Of all of those shifts, Midnight to 8 in the morning is the only one so unique as to have its own set of designated, unique nicknames: The Graveyard Shift, The Dog Shift, and, perhaps, the strangest of all, The Lobster Shift, a.k.a. Turning The Lobster Trick.

All of them have interesting histories that can trace their roots to the Newspaper industry. Most of them refer to the difficulties associated with working those hours.

The Graveyard Shift is the most obvious. Most (but, obviously, not ALL) of the world is asleep, making the environment as quiet as, well, a graveyard. This is mostly true, but not completely. There is a whole other world happening at night (more later).

The Dog Shift moniker was originally a nautical term and referred to an unpopular turn on the deck watch which caused the sailor to miss his regular meal break. So, it was a challenge then - as it is today, i.e. that poor dog.

Perhaps, the strangest of all these terms is The Lobster Shift, which is also called The Lobster Trick. It has a few, very interesting alleged origins.

The trick part is also a nautical term and refers to taking a turn at the watch of the ship's helm. The lobster part is a little more complex and interesting. One explanation for it is that the newspaper men coming in for the night shift did so only after frequenting the local drinking establishments and often arrived at work as boiled as, you got it, LOBSTERS. Another is that lobsters are stupid creatures. So, only someone as dumb as a lobster would work that shift. I can buy that!

By any name, working through the night has its challenges. I have always found it physically demanding. Human beings are not nocturnal by nature. Our natural biorhythms are thrown completely out of sync. It's tough on the body and simply not healthy.

However, I also enjoy it, too.

Life may change at night but it does not stop. In fact, it has its own essence. In nature, many animals function almost exclusively in the dark. So it is with many people. They adjust their schedules to be able to function in a world that most never see. But, it is there, nonetheless: policemen, firemen, doctors, nurses, street sweepers, truck drivers, janitors, doormen, cooks, factory workers, and, yes, even journalists function in mostly the same way as their counterparts do during the light of day. But, also with its own pace and unique rhythms.

Besides, you get to see the sun rise - as I will once again. And, like the lights who have kept me company through the long night, we can then close our tired eyes to sleep.

F LoBuono

*http://www.word-detective.com/2009/07/graveyard-dog-lobster-shift/

Today's MOZEN: Earth Day 4/22/2020

Words and photo F LoBuono

If we don't learn from our current crisis then all of our sacrifices will be for naught. We will be left with just pain and loss, having gained nothing. A waste.

Or, we could see it as opportunity to grow from the experience and be better for it.

We need to take whatever good that can be found (and, it always can be) buried beneath the wounds.

One of these things is the healing of our natural environment. It is becoming more and more obvious, both scientifically and empirically, that the reduction in human activity like driving has had a positive effect on our air quality. Oceans are also healing. It has been reported that even the coral reefs are repairing themselves. The pace of life is certainly slower, much to our benefit both physically and emotionally.

Of course, it's unrealistic to think that we can completely halt the inexorable march of the human incursion into the natural world. We are not going to erase the Industrial Revolution. However, on this Earth Day in the Year of the Corona, I hope that we remember the price we paid for our arrogance and use that lesson to slow down, adjust our lives, and show a lot more respect for our Mother Earth. 

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: Treason

F LoBuono

Here's the problem - I'm preaching to the choir. Most, if not all of you read my blog because we are like-minded, especially when it comes to our complete disdain for our current President and his entire corrupt Administration. I feel safe that all of you would tend to agree (nod, nod, wink, wink) when I say that Donald J. Trump has shown himself to be more of a seedy and sleazy real estate developer than leader of this great Nation.

So, I don't believe that my writing will necessary change one mind. It simply doesn't work that way, especially when publishing on social media.

Is that frustrating?

Well, hell yeah!

Then, you might ask; why bother?

Because speaking up against treason is ALWAYS right!

Yes, I said treason. Because that's what it's becoming and it's staring us right in the face.

On April 15th, 2020, a crowd estimated at more than 3,000 poured into Michigan's capital to protest Democrat Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay at home measures to combat COVID-19 for the State. The demonstration was sponsored by various local conservative (i.e. Republican) organizations and called Operation Gridlock. Under the outrageously ironic mantle of patriotism, they claimed that, despite many of its citizens dying with the disease, the rules were an infringement on their personal liberties and against the Constitution. By car and on foot they intended too disrupt the city of Lansing as much as possible.

Conservative protest at Michigan’s Capitol against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, April 15, 2020 | Anna Liz Nichols

Many were armed while others proudly displayed both Confederate and Elect Trump 2020 flags. Some carried signs comparing the governor to the Nazis. Many sported MAGA hats and Trump campaign signs that left NO doubt who these people supported and gave them the courage to be there.

Conservative protest at Michigan’s Capitol against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, April 15, 2020 | Michigan Advance

Despite being mostly peaceful, they accomplished the goal delineated by their name, Operation Gridlock, when it was reported that they caused a serious traffic issue at the entrance to one of the local hospitals as well as other downtown problems.

But, that's not the real controversy here.

Look, I am a staunch supporter of the 1st Amendment which gives us the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. And, it's to be defended - even for those who's opinions might to be repugnant to us.

However, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, there are a number of other serious consequences to consider.

First, there was the obvious issue of health and safety, not only for those directly involved but for the thousands of others they may encounter in the near future - even if they DIDN'T participate. It has been scientifically proven that the best way to slow the progress of the virus is too avoid large crowds. But, these people didn't seem to care. Their agenda was more important. And, second, it is also a frightening look into the mind of many Americans who think guns, sedition, violence, treason, and Trump are the answers.

Conservative protest at Michigan's Capitol against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, April 15, 2020 | Michigan Advance

These so-called patriots flying a Confederate flag, the symbol of sedition and slavery, that hundreds of thousands died to put down, next to others parading an ELECT TRUMP 2020 one tells you all you need to know about these miscreants and this President. I'm sure that some point, Mr. Trump will call them "fine people" as he did for the bigots who staged a similar rally in Charlottesville, Va.

This is more than just bad or selfish behavior. It's far more insidious that that. So, let's call it for what it is - treason. These people wave the 'ol Red, White, and Blue when it suits them, chanting USA! USA! USA! at a Trump rally while in their hearts lie their true allegiance - to the Stars and Bars, i.e. sedition and bigotry. The very irony of it drives me crazy! In fact, it pisses me off. These people are the ultimate cowards, only finding strength in those as misguided as they. The sad thing is this is NOT new. It has been simmering just below the surface since this Country's very inception. Their shameless bigotry, wrapped in a false flag, just need the spark to light their flame of intolerance.  Well, they final found one in Donald J. Trump.

So, perhaps, once again, I've changed no one's mind. Doesn't matter. Needed to be said. And, I won't stop saying it until he and his ilk are gone.

WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT: Strawberries

F LoBuono

If you had the great misfortune of witnessing the White House Corona Virus Task Force press briefing led by President Trump this evening (4/13/2020), you would have seen a man consumed by ego, greed, vanity, and paranoia. An analogy pointed out by a friend on social media, saying he's gone totally Captain Queeg, referring to the psychotic ship's captain character played by Humphrey Bogart in The Caine Mutiny, seemed wholly appropriate.

In the 1954 film, Queeg takes over a warship, a destroyer named the USS Caine, where discipline and morale seem to be mostly lacking. At first, the crew responds positively to the hard-charging new captain. He will make them proud to serve again. Then, as the pressure of command begins to ratchet up, their commander becomes more and more unhinged. He makes serious mistakes in leadership and, despite his position, refuses to take responsibility for them, preferring to blame his underlings - the crew is deliberately incompetent just to make him look bad. He is cruel to the sailors and demeans his junior officers. In other words, he's not a leader. He's a bully with gold bars on his shoulders.

His psychosis becomes completely exposed when he assembles the ship's officers to the ship's state room where he uses ladles of sand in an elaborate demonstration to expose a diabolic act perpetrated by one of the crew that threatens the very soul of the ship - someone has stolen a pint of frozen strawberries. After a few minutes, virtually all of the officers realize that the Caine's fate is now in the hands of a man suffering with severe dementia, i.e. a madman. The only way to insure the safety of the crew is to commit the last resort for sailors under a tyrannical leader - mutiny. After much debate, the officers agree to remove Queeg from command.

This evening, the President once again showed us just how further unglued he continues to become. Instead of giving useful information on the progress of the disease and our efforts to defeat it, he spent the majority of his time railing against the press, arguing with reporters, blaming a host of others, of course, lying, and ultimately showing a promotional video defending his response to the Pandemic. Then, in the ultimate Constitutional Blasphemy, he said his authority is not to be questioned. All he needed to go full Queeg was to say, it was the strawberries. . . 

This is leadership?

This is megalomania!!

This is a man willing to sell out the country for a pint of strawberries!!

For the good of their ship, the officers aboard the Caine had the courage and conviction to risk everything; their careers and their very lives. If found guilty, the penalty for mutiny in times of war is death. Of course, they didn't arrive at their decision lightly.

We don't have to risk quite that much to make the right decision. We just have to wait until and then the right thing. VOTE THEM OUT.

Today's MOZEN: Inside Out

F LoBuono

With all due respect to the Beatles, when I find myself in times of trouble, I don't have Mother Mary come to me. Instead, I go deep inside myself, alone. I seek seclusion and silence. And, like a big stew, I let all the ingredients of what's troubling me mix and blend. It makes for a hearty meal for the mind as I search for answers.

But, I don't want to be consumed by the search.

At some point, if we linger too long, our own problems can prove overwhelming. This leads to depression which is often a self-perpetuating condition. The more we think about our depression the deeper we sink into its depths. In other words, over analysis leads to paralysis.

The most effective way for me in dealing with troubling times is to first acknowledge that it's OK to feel. In fact, it's more than just OK - it is essential. This is what creates empathy in us, i.e. the ability to relate to the suffering of others. If we understand that we are not alone in our troubles, we realize that we are not alone at ALL.

Then, it's important to reach out to others. Go from inside, if you will, to out. Extend yourself to others. Call or message someone that you haven't spoken to in some time and ask how THEY might be doing. Be effusive in your praise of others. Lend a hand wherever it may be needed. Offer a good word to whomever may be listening.

After a short period, you'll be surprised to find that you can hardly recall what may have been troubling you in the first place! This is the beauty of empathy. In the end, we find that there is far more that unites us than divides us.

And, that is a beautiful thing.

Today's MOZEN: Not All Bad

Words and additional photos F LoBuono

It's hard to see anything good in our current situation. I mean, people are dying - all kinds of folk, great and small. There is much sorrow. It's gotten to the point that virtually all of us, if not touched directly, knows someone who has been. And, NO ONE is unaffected in some way. Certainly, it's ALL bad.

Or, is it?

With all respect and reverence to those who have lost a loved one, is it truly accurate to say that our lives have become all bad because of this terrible virus?

I prefer to believe not.

In life, when you're given apples when you wanted oranges, and you're damned hungry, you eat the apples.

Well, because of - and, certainly in spite of - there are things happening now that I've never noticed before, i.e. the apples.

In addition to the incredible acts of kindness shown by most people during these trying times, some of the more subtle, positive things have also emerged, particularly from the natural environment. Because of the need to virtually shut down our daily lives, vehicular traffic has become extremely limited, if not almost non-existent. With that reduction, the noise level created by it has nearly disappeared. So, I feel like I've heard the Spring return of the songbirds like I haven't since I was a boy - if ever. Mornings and evenings are now filled with the cacophony of avian music. I can even hear the gentle rain on my roof now.

The decrease in vehicles, combined with reduced manufacturing production and air travel, has also contributed to much better air quality. When the early Spring sun is shinning, the sky has been striking - crystal clear and, oh, so blue. The result has been stunning. It has been reported that the Himalayas can be seen from India for the first time in decades.

Venus

On the local level, the effect has been almost as spectacular. Visibility has been virtually unlimited. The night sky has been nothing short of astonishing. Venus, the Western Star, dominates the late evening sky. Just before full darkness she shines boldly in the western sky - a goddess, indeed. We have also been blessed with the largest full moon of 2020; the so-called Pink Supermoon. It shone so brightly over the Tappan Zee that it drew me to the river like a magnet. It was as if the moon grew arms, grabbed me, and brought me into her bosom at the river. I don't think that I've ever seen it bigger or brighter. It was a simple AND spectacular experience.

Pink Moon over the Tappan Zee

Spring is also reaching its peak. EVERYTHING is exploding, or just about to, in color. While sitting on my porch, in divine isolation, I noticed the incredible variety of colors being presented in the landscapes. People's gardens are bursting with flowers of all shapes and colors. This area is rightly known for it's Autumn splendor. But, perhaps for the first time, I'm noticing that Spring is equally spectacular.

South Nyack, NY

I believe this new awareness is do to two factors:

1. Isolation brings a new appreciation of what we can have rather than stressing over what we are missing.

2. We've been forced to slow down. So, we now have the time to enjoy the things that a hectic lifestyle prevented us from even noticing.

So, it doesn't have to be ALL bad, especially if we learn from our experience. I'd like to believe that it's not too late to implement at least some of what we have now come to accept. Let's pledge to slow down. It will give us the chance to truly appreciate what is, or at least should be, most important in life - family, friends, peace, tranquility, silence, and caring for the environment that nourishes all of us.

South Nyack, NY

Today's MOZEN: Living a Full Life

F LoBuono

Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures.

We are in the midst of those times. The Corona Virus, COVID-19, has affected all of us to different degrees. Some have had to deal with the most serious consequence, i.e. the death of a loved one, while others are experiencing the difficulties of lost businesses and wages. All of us are feeling the effects of the changes in our social behaviors. These changes are so unique to our generation that we've even had to invent a new term to describe one of them: Social Distancing.

In order to slow the infection rate, medical experts have stressed the need to isolate ourselves and limit our exposure to one another. When interaction is absolutely necessary, in addition to other safety measures, we should maintain a minimum distance of of 6 feet.

As we are social beings, this isolation has caused varying degrees of distress. Certainly, for most of us, being prevented from engaging in simple, but essential, social interaction can be a cause for dangerous disorders like depression.

Speaking personally. I'm in better shape than most. As a highly social creature, I have an active social life with a fair amount of good friends and a solid family. But, I am also a single man and have been for the majority of my life. So, I'm quite used to to spending a good portion of my time alone, entertaining myself. Sure, I miss the so-called nightlife, the social interaction is stimulating, but it's only one part of a full life.

There's still:

Reading - writing - photography - cooking - binge TV watching - meditating - walking - nature - wine - whiskey - smoke - music - organizing - napping - napping - eating - exercising - napping - cleaning - eating - napping - computing - sitting - singing - napping - eating - and, napping.

Life is what you make it. It always has been that way. So, in a sense, this is really nothing new. It may be grander in scale than what we are used to, but that does not make it insurmountable. There will ALWAYS be challenges because there always have been. It's all in the way we meet them.

Failure is not an option.

Today's MOZEN: Empathy Now

Words and Photo by F LoBuono

Empathy is the ability of a person to connect with another's (or, groups') feelings and circumstances in a way to not only understand those feelings but make them their own, without judgement.

In other words, we see ourselves reflected in the experiences of others.

And, what better opportunity to use that empathy than during this time of fear and uncertainty?

Our friends and neighbors have been greatly affected by the Global Pandemic of COVID-19. People are dying at alarming rates. Life savings have been lost. Businesses are being bankrupted. Our social lives are in complete disarray. And, we're not even sure when it will end.

One thing for certain is that our world has changed - forever. But, instead of seeing that as a curse, let's see it as an opportunity.

With that in mind, I hope that we will use our empathy to make that change for the better. Let's be more aware of how important we are to one another and the connections we share with so many elements of our communities. And, let's take it one step further - extend that love to all those suffering around the world. Remember, what we are experiencing now, many others encounter on virtually a daily basis. And, let's be better to our Earth Mother, too. Without her, we are nothing.

It's hard to see any good that may come from this scourge. But, there can be - if we make it so. 

Today's MOZEN: Persephone Returns

Words and photos f LoBuono

As we struggle with the specter that is COVID-19, it's easy to get overwhelmed and feel depressed. The fact that people are dying from what is commonly known as The Corona Virus is enough to send chills down one's spine. Add in the economic and sociological impact caused by the fact that in order to combat the disease and slow its spread we must avoid one another (the newly minted term, Social Distancing), and it is completely understandable that people will get down on the situation - and, themselves. We are social beings. In fact, it's in our DNA. Literally. To remove the human connection is to take our very souls.

So, what CAN we do to cope with this very trying situation?

Well, perhaps, what I always TRY to do when things get challenging may help: look for the small, positive things that are ALWAYS there to give you a new perspective - if you just make the effort to see them.

LOOK for the positive things. Some are right in front of our faces. Others may be more subtle. One of the most obvious is that at times of great challenge, a person's Strength of Character will reveal their true nature. And, from my experience, there are more kind, generous people than not. Their generosity inspires us to do more for others, as well (or, at least it should). Despite the fact that many a pizzeria and restaurant in my hometown are struggling themselves, they have still offered free meals to anyone in need. Sewing circles have dedicated their time to creating masks to be used by first responders. And, then of course, there are those on the front lines who are simply too essential to stop working. They are an inspiration to all of us.

And, then there are the little things that could only exist in such a time as this.

Because of Social Distancing and the subsequent closing of many businesses, our streets are virtually empty (and, rightly so) of vehicular traffic. People may walk for a variety of reasons but should only with an intimate partner or alone. And, they must avoid close contact with others. If it is necessary (like buying groceries), there are things that you can do to fend off the virus. It has certainly greatly reduced the activity in and around the village.

At times, it seems almost eerie, like the proverbial Ghost Town. However, at others, it is SO peaceful and sublime. It is so quiet that I've noticed the songbirds like I never have before. They wake me in the morning and introduce me to the evening with their serenades. Because of the great reduction in all kinds of vehicular traffic, the air is also cleaner - much cleaner So, when the sun is shining brightly, the sky is a spectacular blue and I can breath deeply.  

We are also entering the height of the Spring Bloom. Persephone is risen from the Underworld to spread her beauty throughout the land. If you are fortunate enough to live in a village as beautiful as mine, Nyack, NY, the glory of Spring is all around us - the flowers provide an almost endless variety of colors, the Magnolia tree blossoms are ready to burst, the Cherry trees are exploding in efflorescence. And, we also have that most rare of commodities; the time to do enjoy it. They remind us that, if we take care of her, the world can still be a beautiful place. 

So, in a sense, it is also an opportunity. Avail yourself of these small treasures (and, others like reading, writing, exercising, meditating, cooking, cleaning, organizing, napping, etc., etc.) whilst we have the time to do it. For better or worse, there will never be another opportunity to learn the lessons COVID-19 can teach us.

It all depends on us.