Cutting through this week of worry
Yesterday, Russia invaded Ukraine. Yes, it’s not what Russia is officially calling it, but if it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck… Not only that, but the Omicron wave has officially crashed on New Zealand’s shores, and we wake up today here in Aotearoa in Phase 3 of the Covid Protection Framework. This issue is all about cutting through the noise to curate some analysis to make sense of this momentous week’s events, and to help you experience some other thoughts and emotions other than worry.
Afternoon walk earlier this week
Ukraine
After today's invasion, we've seen lots of people asking how Ukraine became the front-line of tensions between Russia and the West. Here’s 3 mins on how it happened – from the 90s to this week. Produced by Michael Cox, Priyanka, Deladia, Catherine Karelli https://t.co/BKGrSNRAzh https://t.co/DPBnp5zvJ3
Russia looms large over Big Tech
Not only were there direct cyber-attacks on Ukraine this week in the prelude to military action, but we also detected new malicious viruses around the world. We also have the problem of Russian propaganda, misinformation and disinformation. How should Big Tech handle this?
Male fantasies, triumphalism and peace
For 8 years ago - still worth reading today.
Covid this week
Chart of the decade. ‘Had NZ had the mortality experience of other countries on a per capita basis, we would have had additional deaths of 19,900 (USA experience), 13,700 (UK experience), 9,470 (Swedish experience), & 5,530 (Danish experience) compared to what we actually saw’ https://t.co/ikjrFHzk0s
There’s lots more below the paywall for subscribers and you’ll also get access to my 30,000 Days project too. Thanks to my paid subscribers who make all this possible.
Children ‘breathe out fewer aerosols’, which may reduce Covid risk
Primary-aged children produce about four times fewer particles than adults, which may help explain their lower transmission risk. This may reassure you in these pandemic times, with Omicron hitting NZ hard, or wherever you may be in the world.
We all have different expectations of behaviour as Omicron spreads in NZ – being considerate is key
I wrote an invited Op-Ed for The Guardian last week. I have had a lot of nice feedback from folk, including the teachers at my girls’ kindergarten. This might help you make sense of what may be going on around you.
Why We Need Stories of Strength not Division
The endless storytelling about this small group of protesters rejecting our collective pandemic action is causing us more harm than good. We don’t need our social conversations defined by extremism and fear. Take care of what you expose yourself to.
Eight changes the world needs to make to live with COVID
There is no going back to a pre-pandemic normal – only forward to a new one.
In case you’re going to be at home again a lot over the next few weeks, these might come in handy. As well as kid’s headphone recommedations, check out the link for good kid podcasts too
Not sure Elmo was enjoying time with Benji
Too many people are too embarrassed or reluctant to celebrate themselves for who they are and what they can do. Here's why they shouldn't be so shy. https://t.co/j3Mam08LEs
A load of bull?
Bull survives being swept 80km down a river, over a waterfall and almost out to sea
Farmer says his Hereford turned up one week after going missing when torrential rain hit his farm on New Zealand’s west coast
Bad Jobs — North & South Magazine
The labour market is red hot — so why are hundreds of thousands of workers poor, insecure and stressed? This long read is equally about so many places in the world, not just New Zealand. Is this your story too?
What Happens in Our Brain When We Die?
A new study reveals brain oscillations associated with memory retrieval alter in the moments before death, suggesting the brain may replay significant life events just before we die.
What I'm listening to
In recent years, I’ve found Eckhart Tolle inspiring and calming to listen to. Full of wisdom and insights, he’s been accompanying me on my daily walks this week.
What I've been watching
I loved the first series: Sarah (my wife) and I were big fans. The second series isn’t quite living up to the first, but it’s still very good, full of insights into the absurdities of life - and Rose Matafeo is excellent, as always. Also available on TVNZ on demand and other platforms around the world.
Number 3!
Last week, my book Finding Calm made number 3 in the New Zealand non-fiction bestsellers chart. Thanks to all who bought it for your support. And if you’re looking for it overseas, it’s available on eBook at the moment. Ever hopeful of an overseas rights deal any day now ….
Buy Sarb a Coffee. ko-fi.com/sarbjohal - Ko-fi ❤️
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"While you’re alive and able—be good." — Marcus Aurelius
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