Tag: new_normal

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SPORTS SPRINGS ETERNAL

By Nelson Dacier, author of The March to Madness

 

The term “Sports” can be defined as an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others according to a specific set of guidelines or rules. In addition, some commonplace synonyms for the word “Sports” include amusement, diversion, frolic, pleasure and recreation. It is in this fundamental form, rather than the former, that I will be discussing. 

The world was shaken several months ago by the Covid-19 crisis, and initially, it was quite difficult to grasp the widespread impact that the virus would have on all our lives. My first thought went to the safety and security of my family and friends and what the correct course of action would be to protect those closest to me. Then, during a phone call with my twenty-year-old son, who is currently attending a prestigious West Coast university, he said eight words that would alter my world forevermore, “What are we going to do without sports?” 

It had never occurred to me that I would live an extended era of my existence sans sports. Sure, there had been spans and stretches when strikes subverted seasons or incidents of inclement weather deferred and delayed performances for some brief period of time, but nothing had ever eradicated all events and shut down all sports, both professional and amateur, across the globe. I felt as if I had lost an intrinsic part of my essence.

Previously, on plenty of occasions, I would find myself sitting and channel surfing for something worthwhile to watch on TV, and, lo and behold, when all else failed, there was always a game to gaze upon. It was my father who invariably advocated for the action and uncertainty of any given sporting event over the predictable and typical inane sitcom, soap opera or dramatic series. “I never know the ultimate outcome of a sporting contest in advance,” he barked, continuing, “but I can surely submit the scenario of any given popular program that is presently on the air.” Thankfully, the reappearance of sports is on the horizon. 

Oh how I long for the camaraderie of crashing on the couch with my cohorts as we relish the comeback of competitive contests. Whether it is the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB or even perhaps the PGA, ATP or collegiate challenges, I can assure you that hordes of fans will once again be reminiscing in their resourceful recliners. You may ask, “Why are sports so intertwined with today’s society as a whole?” Perhaps it is the hope, promise, and escape that sports allow us to achieve, if only for a few fleeting hours a day or a week. And while most of us are athletic supporters rather than actual athletes, the feeling of community, the sense of association, and the authentic bonding with our brethren will once again be proud and prevalent. 

We lost several significant happenings over the many past months including my personal favorite the NCAA Men’s Collegiate Basketball Tournament, more affectionately known as “March Madness” or “The Big Dance.” There was no madness in March. Nor were there any decisive dances or celebratory ceremonies. The arenas were empty, the stadiums were silent and our hearts were left hungry and hankering for seasons more satisfying. 

And now the debate rages on regarding how, when, and where a return to regulation will occur. But does it really matter? I think not. What truly matters in the long run is that the games regenerate, that hope once again springs eternal, and that we can all get back to our cozy confines and the cheers of competition. 

 

LONG LIVE SPORTS!!! 

Continue reading “SPORTS SPRINGS ETERNAL”

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Top 5 Advice for Wearing Masks for an extended period

It has now been a few months since most of us first laid hands on our masks.  During the lockdown, they were used while we ventured out to Publix, and to other stores that were still open.  Now as we have a wider range of activities to draw us out of our homes, the use of masks is increasing.

Masks were not initially designed for continual use.  Now, with more and more activity, and COVID-19 still a threat, work environments are mandating masks.  A lot of folks are facing 8 hrs or more of mask use.  It is a challenge to keep a mask on for a whole day, so we want to share some of the top advice regarding mask use:

 

Protect your Ears

Masks that hook around your ears are now a common sight around the community.  The ear hooks eventually irritate the back of your ear after using it for a couple hours; you can relieve this by getting a mask with straps that tie behind your head vs your ears, or with a single tie behind the head.  You can also get ear guards that will protect your ears.

Comfort

Now that you have protected the back of your ears, it’s time to consider the materials of which the mask is made of; polyester and synthetic material traps more heat vs cotton.  The N95 masks are typically made with thin synthetic fibers, but may not be as comfortable as a cotton mask.  Other moisture can also get trapped behind the masks, so one suggestion is to put a tissue on your nose behind the mask, it may help with some irritation.  If you feel suffocated with your mask, you can try mints or chewing gum, as they will help regulate your breathing.

Also, try out your masks at home before you use them for an extended period of time.  This will help you figure out the more painful areas and give you a chance to address it.

Credit: Stanford University / 4C Air

Make it Smell Better

You will be spending a bit of time with your mask when you venture out.  So, if you are sensitive to smells, consider using Menthols, or scented antibacterial sprays inside your mask. These will give it a pleasant smell, and reduce germs accumulating inside your mask.  You may also consider a few drops of essential oils.  For example, lavender oil is used to relieve anxiety; peppermint may help with mental focus; eucalyptus will help open your lungs, and bergamot has antioxidant properties, and can be a herbal option to ward off germs.

Foggy Glasses

For the 64% of Americans wearing glasses, especially in the South Florida humidity, foggy glasses are another annoyance you will face with masks.  First, make sure you have a tight fit on top of the mask.  If you have a metal strip in your mask, make sure it sits snugly on your nose and skin.  You can also try to wear your glasses lower, and thus down your nose.  For masks that tie behind the head, criss-crossing the straps can also be used to keep the fabric pressed closely against your face. 

Style

Since you are already customizing your masks to make them more comfortable, you might as well personalize it with your style.  The choice of masks now is ever expanding, and you can get them custom made for you.  You can choose a different mask based on your mood or outfit.

Credit: Katie May Masks

In Closing

Living with a mask on your face is now a part of everyone’s daily routine, you might as well try to make it as comfortable as possible.  There are masks for every purpose and occasion, so get a few styles and use them based on your activities.

 

Personally, I enjoy taking mask breaks when I can, but please wear a mask when you can not be socially distant in public.  You are protecting me by wearing a mask, and I am protecting you by wearing mine.

Submit your comments and your stories on masks to us.

 

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Travel has changed – Rafting trip upended

Let’s go Rafting!

A friend on the west coast texted the invitation. The annual gathering for rafting is on, with Colorado allowing those activities based on their reopening. After holing up at home for 3 months, never venturing beyond 2 miles from where I sleep, it was exciting. Soon I was searching for flights… 

Changes in Flying

I have lived through change in travel. During spring break over 25 years ago, I was with a group of college dorm mates and driving south from Canada. Crossing the border, the only question the friendly agent asked the 5 of us was, “Are you all Canadians?”.  A quick nod, a verbal yes, and we were off, speeding down I-95 to Florida for the first time.

Since then, I have travelled often between Canada, the US, and overseas. Air travel felt not much different than hopping on a bus. The world felt smaller.

Just over a month after the horrible attack on 9/11, I was flying through London on my way to Rome, and for the first time, I experienced the enhanced security that was being established. Over two hours in a line to go through the security check during transfer was very stressful.  Times had changed forever.

Over time, things have improved.  I was travelling regularly, and sometimes I would go two weeks around the world internationally.  I got used to spending more time in airline lounges.  TSA Precheck and Global Entry made my life going through security easier.  I again started to be comfortable arriving less than one hour before the gate closed.

Limited flights

A 3-4 hour flight with my trusty mask, and quick in and out through the airport, separated me from a fun weekend with guys I had only seen on video chat, rafting down the cold waters in Colorado. Or so I thought.  

Soon I realized, the number of direct flights to Denver from Florida is near zero.  In fact, there was only one flight and it landed near midnight.  Which means I would need to stay a night that I wasn’t planning, or take a chance at a connection at one of the hubs.

After a day of back and forth, playing out the odds in my mind, I decided to drop out.  Beaten not by the rapids, but lack of travel options.

The world no longer feels small

I started to wonder, will traveling change after this? 

Not able to just travel to NYC to see my sister, or Pennsylvania to visit my parents, or the wedding of a friend in Canada; makes me realize the vast distance that now separates us. We are all fighting our individual battles against both COVID-19, the illness and the mental / psychological stress.

In a couple of years, I hope we will look back to the current day as a blip in our ever-shrinking world.  But for now, we are blessed to live where others come to vacation, and expand your local connections.  It’s amazing what you can find in our little corner of south florida, and many interesting experiences that you can have and still obey the safety rules to minimize risk.  We will continue to share our experiences in adapting in the New Normal, and you can send in yours, if you want to share by sending an email to submissions@theparklander.com, or click on submit on our homepage.

 

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New Normal – Concierge Fitness

The gym, where we exercise to burn off our excessive consumption, has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic shut down.  During the pandemic, personal concierge trainers have become a popular way for folks who are looking for professional guidance to continue their training.

As we reopen, gyms have established protocols to protect the customers.  Equipment has been moved so people will be socially distant from each other, mask use is mandated, regular cleaning regimens are increased, and reservations need to be made to meet capacity limitations.

These are all prudent protocols which should reduce the risk of exposure.  However, for those wanting to continue their workouts at home, a spectrum of services are available.  They include, visiting your trainer at their personal garage gym and trainers coming to you.  

For folks looking for specialty training, like kickboxing training, check out HB Kickboxing.  It’s a great way to workout, and improve confidence and discipline.  According to Harry from HB Kickboxing, “learn how using kickboxing can be your most effective weight loss strategy”

If you lack equipment, yet still want to train at home, you will also find mobile gym services available for you to reserve.  One serving the Parkland and Coral Springs area is Trainstation, which allows you to reserve a fully equipped gym.  It’s a great way to work with your trainer, right at home.

 

Source: http://trainstationfla.com

With all the options, there should be little excuse not to get back to your exercise schedule due to COVID-19.  Stay safe and thrive!

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New Normal – Art Exhibition

It feels strange… After months of cocooning in my home, I ventured out to an event with strong apprehensions.  What is the expectation, what is the new norm, when you meet strangers?

Art was an early casualty of the pandemic response.  Not often associated with an essential activity, these exhibitions effectively fully shut down.  With the reopening of south Florida, a local event in Fort Lauderdale, is showing works by local artists revolving around the quarantine theme.  Desiring to see what the New Normal will look like for the artist community, I took my mask, and embarked on my longest journey since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Artists picked a character from the word quarantine, to create art capturing the mix of emotions associated with the lockdown.  The organizer, Chen H. Bitton of Painting Picnik, wanted to give the artists who have been in isolation for the past several months a venue to show the work they have been creating.  Proceeds from sales will go to help fund COVID-19 relief.

Caption: LOVE PREVAILS
By Chen H. Bitton and Joey Ace

The exhibit, showing between June 13 to 17th at the Painting Picnik in Fort Lauderdale, is one of the first in the area.  The public is invited to appreciate the works and discuss with the artists about their recent experiences. 

Everyone at the first night of the exhibit was cautious, even though many know each other well.  People overcame the uneasiness quickly by discussing the works in the exhibit. Everyone enjoyed being able to chat with each other about the works of art around us and share recent experiences.

For Painting Picnik, the gallery and studio has been open to clients by appointment.  Clinics are still being held, for individuals or families.  More events are starting to get planned, so please check in with Chen for details if you are interested in taking a class. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a drastic impact on the art world.  Social distancing has separated the artists and eliminated opportunities to gather and share.  Patrons are also often staying home.  I hope with this initial kick off, more patrons and artists will start defining the new norm for the art community.

Like all things new, we will feel strange for a while.  Art will thrive, the stress of 2020 will surely be explored by artists. I believe many masterpieces have or will be produced, and I look forward to appreciating them… And reflecting.

 

link to the live bidding of the art exhibit http://artistrelieftree.com/artgallery

Contact Chen @ Painting Picnik – https://paintingpicnik.com 

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