“The AP said white people in general have much less shared history and culture, and don’t have the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color.”
Said the AP as it literally discriminated against white people:
Reflections on Cape Charles and the Eastern Shore
“The AP said white people in general have much less shared history and culture, and don’t have the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color.”
Said the AP as it literally discriminated against white people:
This COVID stuff is like the show ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ The rules are all made up and the points don’t matter.
In May, a public radio station in Miami broke a story about how he US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had been conflating antibody and viral testing, obscuring key metrics lawmakers use to determine if they should reopen their respective economies.
The story was soon picked up by NPR, who spoke to an epidemiologist who condemned the practice.
“Reporting both serology and viral tests under the same category is not appropriate, as these two types of tests are very different and tell us different things,” Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security told NPR.
Note: Hospitals can get $39,000 for each patient with Coronavirus… There shouldn’t be huge massive hidden fees with no explanation. Prices should be transparent. It’s common sense.
“How could the CDC make that mistake? This is a mess,” said Ashish Jha, the K. T. Li Professor of Global Health at Harvard and director of the Harvard Global Health Institute.
Two weeks earlier, Dr. Deborah Leah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus task force response coordinator, reportedly ripped the agency in a meeting, saying “there is nothing from the CDC that I can trust.”
Whoops the real child positivity rate in Florida was always lower than overall population. They say “data error.”
In a March 17 STAT article, Ioannidis warned the world was looking at what could turn out to be a “once-in-a-century evidence fiasco.” He worried central planners were making sweeping and reflexive changes without sufficient data.
Locking people up without knowing the fatality risk of COVID-19 could have severe social and financial consequences that could be totally irrational, Ioannidis warned.
“It’s like an elephant being attacked by a house cat. Frustrated and trying to avoid the cat, the elephant accidentally jumps off a cliff and dies,” said Ioannidis, one of the most-cited scientists in the world.
A lab in Connecticut where researchers said they discovered a flaw in a testing system for the virus. The flaw resulted in 90 people receiving false positives. The test is used by labs across America.
Texas has removed 3,484 cases from its positive Covid-19 case count because the San Antonio Health Department was reporting “probable” cases. None of the people had actually tested positive for COVID-19.
Reader Submitted
A new group, The Middle Virginia Freeholders, has offered the New Virginia Plan for any community to adopt.
As Freeholders, the group states through the powers listed in the Declaration of Rights, sections one, two and three, the Virginia Constitution’sArticle One, sections one, two and three and the space allowed in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, that Virginia united counties, towns, and cities are of right ought to be, free and
restructured into a new Virginia, that any allegiance to the State Government, run from the City of Richmond, is to be totally dissolved.
Here is the full declaration:
Join us on Saturday, July 25th from 10:00-12:00 to learn more how you can homeschool through high school using Classical Conversations to help and support you through your journey.
Amy Campillo, the Eastern Shore Classical Conversations Support Rep, will be leading the event. She is a veteran homeschooling mom who has used Classical Conversations for 10 years and has directed many of the Challenge levels (junior high and high school).
Open to all families considering homeschooling this fall. The event will be held at Cape Charles Baptist Church.
Contact Jordan Dail at 757-754-5362 or 215grayson@gmail.com or register for the event at https://members.classicalconversations.com/events/get-event/node/222824
Photographer Jim Baugh captured an image of Comet Neowise 7/15/20 over the Chesapeake Bay as seen from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Cape Charles.
From Jim Baugh: I had been plagued with cloudy skies for several shoots this week and was filming and editing Jim Baugh Outdoors TV last week so this was the first opportunity to shoot the comet on a clear night.
Well, the north west was clear at least, also tried to shoot the Milky Way but clouds were hovering south south east. For at least this location if you are planning on viewing the comet, I suggest binoculars, telescope, or best a dsler. It is hard to see with the naked eye until it gets night, and then the window is not that long. But WOW it is something, and if it last, will not be around for another 6000 + years.
Jazz and I had another great nighttime adventure out filming, great dog. For the record, I did have a shot of rum or two when this was over.
Photo Info:40 RAW exposures, approx. 13 minutes exposure time. ISO 3600, lens 18 to 200 Tameron(shot around 24mm). Stacked in DSS. Cannon 200d/SL2. Ioptron Sky Tracker. Location, Mermaid Bay Cape Charles Virginia.
Thursday, the Town of Cape Charles signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Northampton County and Canonie Atlantic, undertaking an ANPDC funding application for work associated with Phase IV of the Southern Tip Bike and Hike Trail.
The agreement is an extension of the trail approximately 900 feet south along the west side of Route 13 to where the new traffic light will be installed to enter the Food Lion shopping center.
This change was considered a safety upgrade to avoid the high volume of traffic already occurring at Routes 13 and 184.
At this time, there is no cost estimate.
As part of the agreement, the town commits to maintaining this portion of the trail for the entirety of its lifespan.
By Jane McKinley, McK Designs
As a member of the Cape Charles Tree Advisory Board (TAB), I am excited about the town’s interest in maintaining and enhancing its urban tree canopy. Through the TAB’s legwork and commitment, we are now ready to submit the application to become a Tree City USA under the auspices of the Arbor Day Foundation. In this series of ongoing articles, you will learn about the benefits of trees, how to select and plant a tree, town guidelines for trees in the historic district, and what trees are well suited for a residential space on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
If you are interested in learning more about the mission of the Tree Advisory Board or would like to obtain landscape design services, you are welcome to contact me at mcklandscapedesigns@gmail.com.
There are no two ways about it – trees are good! They reduce air pollution, provide shade and cooling and slow down stormwater runoff. They support wildlife, provide health benefits, and add value to the individual homeowner and the community. In this first in a series of articles, we will explore the beneficial life functions of trees and the many ways they add value to our lives.
Trees are Good for the Environment
Trees are good for the environment in many ways. One of the biggest ways that trees impact the environment is through the reduction of air pollution, a serious health threat that causes asthma, coughing, headaches, respiratory and heart disease, and cancer. This is done by removing harmful gases that contribute to smog, acid rain, and the greenhouse effect, a proven contributor to climate change. Trees “breath in” these gases, through their leaf stomata, which are like little pores in the leaf, and “exhale” life-giving oxygen. Two medium-sized, healthy trees can supply enough oxygen for a single person for a year, and an acre of forested land supplies four tons of oxygen, enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.
They sequester (“lock up”) carbon dioxide in their roots, trunks, stems and leaves while they grow, and in wood products after they are harvested. Although it varies by size and type of tree, on average a single tree sequesters about 48 pounds of CO2 per year and, according to the US Department of Agriculture, one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide. It was reported (New York Times, July 7, 2020) that, in June, the Arctic fires released 59 million metric tons of planet-warming carbon dioxide, most of which came from releasing carbon sequestered in the trees. And the estimates of carbon released from the raging fires last year in the Amazon are around 140 million metric tons (as reported by NPR). Although a single tree does little to offset the annual carbon consumption of the average American (up to 21.8 tons), planting the right tree in a strategic location can be an important component of a multifaceted approach to reducing our individual carbon “footprints.”
Trees block the solar radiation that produces heat, helping to reduce the “heat island effect.” Trees near buildings can reduce heating and air conditioning demands which, in turn, not only saves money but reduces emissions associated with power production. These benefits are evidenced by a 2017 NOAA study which measured the amount of heat in the Washington DC area. It was discovered that, on a hot summer day, temperatures were as high as 102o in the areas where there were primarily buildings and concrete surfaces, whereas, in Rock Creek Park, a heavily treed area, temperatures were much cooler at 85 o.
Trees help to slow down stormwater runoff and create a natural filtration system that cleans the water, making it healthier for consumption and the overall environment. Runoff creates erosion, moves damaging chemicals from our streets into our bodies of water, and contains particulate matter from the burning of fossil fuels. Trees reduce this problem by intercepting and holding rain in their canopy, branches, and bark or lifting it out of the ground through their roots. In one day, a single large tree can lift up to 100 gallons of water out of the ground and discharge it into the air.
With all these beneficial attributes, the Town of Cape Charles is very lucky to have so many beautiful, majestic trees growing within its historic boundaries. In 2017 Town Council commissioned a group of Master Naturalist volunteers to update the inventory of trees in the town’s public spaces. A total of 2, 510 trees were identified, including 850 crepe myrtles. While crepe myrtles are one of our towns’ signature trees, there are many old, native trees that tower over 50 feet tall and provide cooling shade and habitat. One of these is the stately pecan tree growing behind the library. This tree looms over 60 feet tall with a trunk diameter of approximately 40 inches.
Wondering how much value this tree adds to our environment, I entered the tree’s location, trunk diameter and other information into the easy Tree Benefit Calculator sponsored by iTree, a website which offers a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite based on research from the USDA Forest Service. Although the site states that the benefits are estimated and are meant for guidance only, it helps to give an understanding of the environmental impact of an individual tree. Results of this search indicate that, in a single year, this tree sequesters 550.47 lbs of carbon (CO2 equivalent), intercepts 5,890.87 gallons of rainfall and prevents 86.66 gallons of stormwater runoff. The calculator also provides an estimate of the amount of carbon monoxide, ozone and other harmful gasses that are removed each year.
Trees are Good for Wildlife
Trees are good for wildlife, supporting it through all stages of a tree’s life. When mature they are used for food, shelter, and sites for reproduction. Many animals also use trees for resting, nesting and for places from which to hunt or capture prey. During times of extreme heat or precipitation, animals can seek shade and shelter under the trees’ canopy.
Standing dead and dying trees, called “snags,” are just as important. Birds, small mammals, and other wildlife use them for nests, nurseries, storage areas, foraging, roosting, and perching. Live trees with snag-like features, such as crevices and dead branches can provide similar wildlife value. Snags occurring along streams and shorelines eventually fall into the water, adding important woody debris to aquatic habitat. Snags enhance local natural areas by attracting wildlife species that may not otherwise be found there.
And finally, decaying logs from dead trees store carbon, fix nitrogen in the soil, retain moisture and nutrients that aid in new plant growth and support wildlife and soil organisms such as earthworms, beetles, and other insects. I am reminded of a majestic pileated woodpecker that visited for weeks on end to feast from a fallen tree in my yard’s natural area. What a delight it was to watch!
Trees are Good for Health
In addition to cleaning the air and water, trees are good for health in other ways. Research has shown that increased green space has been linked with decreased strain and improved health outcomes and immune responses. When given an opportunity to experience a tranquil forest scene, the stress of sustained concentration is lessened, resulting in higher student and employee performance levels. In research performed by Dr. Roger Ulrich of Texas A&M University, visual exposure to settings with trees produced significant recovery in high blood pressure and muscle tension within only a few minutes.
Trees are Good for the Homeowner
In addition to being a beautiful addition to one’s landscape, trees increase home values and help to save on heating and cooling costs. Healthy mature trees have been shown to improve overall property values by up to 10% and, when located in the front of the house, by up to 15%. Jim McGlone, Urban Forest Conservationist, recently commented on a beautiful shade tree that his neighbor removed. He noted that “this guy just spent $2,000 to cut down a tree that added $3,000 to his property value!”
Strategically placed trees can increase home energy efficiency. According to the USDA Forest Service, trees properly placed around homes can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20–50% in energy used for heating. Planting a deciduous tree on the west or south side of a home will provide cooling shade in the summer and will allow warming solar energy to enter the home in the winter. Conversely, planting an evergreen tree on the north side protects it from chilling winter winds.
When I used this tool to assess the value of the 31” pecan tree overhanging my back yard, I learned a lot! First of all, to determine the diameter, measure the circumference and divide it by 3. I learned that my pecan tree provides overall benefits of $280 per year. It will intercept 11,964 gallons of stormwater runoff this year, will conserve 257 kilowatt hours of electricity for cooling and will reduce atmospheric carbon by 1,146 pounds.
And, of course, it provides a plethora of delicious pecans in the fall!
Trees are good for the Community
A tree-filled community has increased income, jobs, worker productivity and customers. By controlling erosion and reducing urban runoff, trees help communities to save money on storm damage repair and on water storage costs. They help to reduce energy costs to the public by lowering temperatures in urban areas. Trees and the atmosphere they create raise the value of homes and attract businesses and tourism, thereby increasing tax revenue. Consumers have a 12% higher willingness to pay for goods and services in retail areas that have streetscape greening such as street trees and sidewalk gardens.
Trees encourage people to exercise and interact. By creating safe, shaded open spaces for children to play and adults to congregate, trees enrich our lives. They reduce stress by filtering unwanted noise and replacing it with bird songs and rustling leaves. And, not surprisingly, domestic abuse, including child abuse, is lower in homes near trees.
Take a Walk
So, next time you are walking through your yard, neighborhood or in town, take a moment to look up and thank all the lovely trees that improve our lives aesthetically, economically and spiritually. They give back so much and ask so little.
The Historic District Review Board will meet on July 21 to discuss renovations for 324 Jefferson Avenue.
Historic District Review Board pre-meeting report lists the following:
• This is not a contributing structure.
• Existing hip roof. Proposed to add 4 dormers one on each side of the structure.
Converting 3rd floor to living space.
• Existing window style is 6 over 6. Applicant would like to change to 3 over 1 or 2 over 1.
• Front porch is currently enclosed. Applicant wishes to open to a typical front porch.
• Rear covered deck that extends on both sides of the structure.
• Deck boards proposed are salt treated. Advised applicant that board may require alternative material.
• Porch posts will be 5” square columns. Advised applicant to provide detail prior to meeting.
• Front porch stair detail will be provided for meeting.
• No porch or deck railings provided. Advised applicant that if they plan to use railings they must be provided for approval.
• Vinyl siding proposed except for dormers and under porches would be vinyl shakes.
This Thursday, Allyson Finchum was appoint as Zoning Administrator.
Allyson Finchum currently serves as the Town Planner. During the advertisement phase, the town requested that the planner also have zoning administration experience.
The Planner serves as the staff liaison for the Planning Commission, Historic District Review Board, the Harbor Area Review Board, Wetlands and Coastal Dune Board, and the Board of Zoning Appeals.
And now there are six! We have a new, sweetheart of a pup looking for a loving family! Call us Tuesday-Saturday (10am-3pm) to make an appointment to meet Josh or one of the other five sweet dogs we have up for adoption! 787-7385.
About Josh
Hi I’m Josh and if you’re looking for a cuddler, then look no further because I am a loving, kissing and lap-sitting boy!I’m fully grown and weigh 25 lbs, am 7 years old so you know I’m through with the puppy stage. I’m a Beagle/Jack Russell Terrier. I am a nice, settled down guy, but I’ve still got lots of play and energy in me.I am up to date on vaccines and am heartworm negative.
I am not neutered and will have to be in August, but if you live in Accomack or Northampton county, you can get an adoption application on me. Unfortunately, following state law, I can’t be adopted to any other location until after I have been neutered.