Politics as Usual

Lots of kvetching: Campaigning for the Democratic nomination he proclaimed a "new" era in politics; now that Obama has clinched the nomination he's beginning to sound as "old" as the hills. Placating religious and other groups, the big money givers and more.
How sad that politics takes away the courage to say what you really think or do what you really believe is right.
Kvell: Returned to Caramoor Music Festival (Katonah, NY) after a 50 year absence. Music is not only alive and well there - it's exciting, exhilarating and therapeutic. Heard El Amor Brujo sung by Vivica Genaux; fantastic dramatic performance. Hard to believe that this magnificent mezzo hails from Alaska - she sounded and looked like a true Spanish gypsy.

So What Else is New?

A recent scientific paper from a prestigious Medical School released figures on a large study of maternal and infant deaths in Nepal due to lack of handwashing (water and soap) by persons delivering babies or the moms. Wow - in 1847 Dr. Semmelweis suggested that obstetricians washing their hands in between deliveries could reduce puerperal fever - cut down on maternal and infant mortality.
Fast forward to the present: we're still oblivious to the benefits of washing hands - really washing - using soap and water for about 20 seconds!
And especially food handlers - love the signs in washrooms - advising workers they "Must wash hands before returning to work" - so how many follow the rules? If what I encounter in public restrooms where so many women just leave without going near the sink - not enough!