I don't know, is TMTTT (To Much Time To Think) possibly a new Messaging short cut? Let's face it, in these trying times as we shelter in place to practice social distancing, it sure would come in handy.
As I think back on my conversations with friends this week, it's obvious this stay at home period is beginning to wear thin on people and pets.
(We have been warned, we may get the disease from our cats. As Jimmy Kimmel said, "This is the worst thing to happen cats since the movie.)
Many of us are dealing with this situation by multitasking the most mundane chores you can imagine. Fresh air and gardening. We've been told we can get out of our houses and get some air as long as we practice social distancing.
Pam Frautchi, confirms she is out clearing the path for new growth in her notoriously grand upper east side Milwaukee garden. It is sometimes referred to as traffic-stopping. By admitting to me that she is scrapping a section of fence, an ordinarily low on the task list, she's inferring that planting season better get here soon or she will roll the dice and start early. Challenging Mother Nature is not smart. But then, Mother Nature might just give Pam a pass based her body of work over the years.
Michelle Mooney is venturing into unknown territory on the internet. I am one of her advisors on matters such as venturing onto the internet. I'm going to write a book on how to delete a Facebook page that somebody in your family set up for you. It will be, as they say, based on an actual event. The story is of a highly dramatic journey into the ether sphere that is part British barroom humor and part Le Mis. In this case, it is based on Michelle's experience and the many people who rallied to her side. You know, you'll laugh, you'll cry...you'll want a S'more.
Michelle's first steps in Zooming have been ably guided by knowledgable people. However, for a deacon at St Mark's Episcopal Church, worshipping, praying, teaching, and communicating on the internet... let us just say, it's one small step that feels like a giant leap for mankind. In the meantime, she is somewhat hesitant to perform her duties at the hospital as Chaplin because of the COVID 19 pandemic, which has created these trying times, where we are sheltering in place, to practice social distancing.
On the upside, Michelle's fellow parishioner and film buff John Hickey has organized a virtual night at the movies. Michelle told me he picked "The Two Popes." I saw this film during the Milwaukee Film Festivals Secret Showing for Members only. It's available on Netflix and well worth watching even if you have to use your laptop or pad.
(Please note. I didn't include Phone even though it is technically possible. Let me tell you something. It's technically feasible to watch your colonoscopy in progress. Yes, literally put your head up your ass, so to speak. But I don't recommend either of these.)
Bill Sell is threatening to garden despite that it is generally considered too early to plant or sow. Bill is still recovering from his accident and subsequent surgical repair to his pelvis. Seeing that he can't go to physical therapy, he is walking. He's walking like two miles at a time. That makes my puny one half to one-mile stumbles look like a walk in the park. Actually part of my walk is in the park.
Three weeks ago, I had never heard of Zoom. For a day or two, I began getting worried. I've had experiences like this before that seemed to indicate symptoms of an aging person, a reality that, with my Peter Pan complex, I routinely dismiss. But it is hard to ignore when you're reading about some pop music awards and not knowing who any of the winners are. How did that happen?
Anyway, it soon became apparent that I am not the only one, and it is not just old people who aren't aware of Zoom. My first Zoom experience was a dry run with Kathrine Wilson with the Zeilber Group. While facilitating group discussions is traditionally a face to face experience, unlike some politicians and election procedures, the Zeilber group determined that it was not going to insist on large gatherings. Most of us had not worked with this software before. It's a little like learning to play the guitar. You can learn a few chords and strum along, or you can try to become BB King or Clapton.
At the strumming a few cords levels, you get a link to report to the virtual meeting site. There are options you can exercise. You can choose to watch everyone in the room or concentrate on the person speaking. You signal when you wish to talk, and the host will open your microphone, allowing you to speak.
Some hosts leave the control of your audio to you. Leaving it on assures everyone will know when your dog, cat, child or mate will feel free to interrupt you. It's also helpful for everyone on the site to know when emergency services with full-on lights and sirens visit your neighborhood. And then there's always a Harley or two out there. You know this is Wisconsin, right?
At the Clapton level, hosting a Zoom meeting gives you access to wonderful bells and whistles to play with. You can record and share the entire meeting. The host can organize a breakout room where groups are sent to a private spot to work out solutions to questions, rejoin the larger group and report. The host can set up a meeting that reoccurs regularly. All of this and more is available from online training sessions and practice tools at Zoom.us. Try this training session as a warm-up.
When you see the possibilities of this software, it is stunning. Just one example. Let's imagine you're hosting the family holiday gathering.
Find peace in your life. Stay safe. Care for someone other than yourself. Be thankful for the people risking their lives to make you safe. And for crying out loud, if you're not going to get dressed until your online meeting a 1:30 pm, close the curtains. There is a good reason why people over thirty wear clothes.
As I think back on my conversations with friends this week, it's obvious this stay at home period is beginning to wear thin on people and pets.
(We have been warned, we may get the disease from our cats. As Jimmy Kimmel said, "This is the worst thing to happen cats since the movie.)
Many of us are dealing with this situation by multitasking the most mundane chores you can imagine. Fresh air and gardening. We've been told we can get out of our houses and get some air as long as we practice social distancing.
Pam Frautchi, confirms she is out clearing the path for new growth in her notoriously grand upper east side Milwaukee garden. It is sometimes referred to as traffic-stopping. By admitting to me that she is scrapping a section of fence, an ordinarily low on the task list, she's inferring that planting season better get here soon or she will roll the dice and start early. Challenging Mother Nature is not smart. But then, Mother Nature might just give Pam a pass based her body of work over the years.
Michelle Mooney is venturing into unknown territory on the internet. I am one of her advisors on matters such as venturing onto the internet. I'm going to write a book on how to delete a Facebook page that somebody in your family set up for you. It will be, as they say, based on an actual event. The story is of a highly dramatic journey into the ether sphere that is part British barroom humor and part Le Mis. In this case, it is based on Michelle's experience and the many people who rallied to her side. You know, you'll laugh, you'll cry...you'll want a S'more.
Michelle's first steps in Zooming have been ably guided by knowledgable people. However, for a deacon at St Mark's Episcopal Church, worshipping, praying, teaching, and communicating on the internet... let us just say, it's one small step that feels like a giant leap for mankind. In the meantime, she is somewhat hesitant to perform her duties at the hospital as Chaplin because of the COVID 19 pandemic, which has created these trying times, where we are sheltering in place, to practice social distancing.
On the upside, Michelle's fellow parishioner and film buff John Hickey has organized a virtual night at the movies. Michelle told me he picked "The Two Popes." I saw this film during the Milwaukee Film Festivals Secret Showing for Members only. It's available on Netflix and well worth watching even if you have to use your laptop or pad.
(Please note. I didn't include Phone even though it is technically possible. Let me tell you something. It's technically feasible to watch your colonoscopy in progress. Yes, literally put your head up your ass, so to speak. But I don't recommend either of these.)
Bill Sell is threatening to garden despite that it is generally considered too early to plant or sow. Bill is still recovering from his accident and subsequent surgical repair to his pelvis. Seeing that he can't go to physical therapy, he is walking. He's walking like two miles at a time. That makes my puny one half to one-mile stumbles look like a walk in the park. Actually part of my walk is in the park.
Three weeks ago, I had never heard of Zoom. For a day or two, I began getting worried. I've had experiences like this before that seemed to indicate symptoms of an aging person, a reality that, with my Peter Pan complex, I routinely dismiss. But it is hard to ignore when you're reading about some pop music awards and not knowing who any of the winners are. How did that happen?
Anyway, it soon became apparent that I am not the only one, and it is not just old people who aren't aware of Zoom. My first Zoom experience was a dry run with Kathrine Wilson with the Zeilber Group. While facilitating group discussions is traditionally a face to face experience, unlike some politicians and election procedures, the Zeilber group determined that it was not going to insist on large gatherings. Most of us had not worked with this software before. It's a little like learning to play the guitar. You can learn a few chords and strum along, or you can try to become BB King or Clapton.
At the strumming a few cords levels, you get a link to report to the virtual meeting site. There are options you can exercise. You can choose to watch everyone in the room or concentrate on the person speaking. You signal when you wish to talk, and the host will open your microphone, allowing you to speak.
Some hosts leave the control of your audio to you. Leaving it on assures everyone will know when your dog, cat, child or mate will feel free to interrupt you. It's also helpful for everyone on the site to know when emergency services with full-on lights and sirens visit your neighborhood. And then there's always a Harley or two out there. You know this is Wisconsin, right?
At the Clapton level, hosting a Zoom meeting gives you access to wonderful bells and whistles to play with. You can record and share the entire meeting. The host can organize a breakout room where groups are sent to a private spot to work out solutions to questions, rejoin the larger group and report. The host can set up a meeting that reoccurs regularly. All of this and more is available from online training sessions and practice tools at Zoom.us. Try this training session as a warm-up.
When you see the possibilities of this software, it is stunning. Just one example. Let's imagine you're hosting the family holiday gathering.
- No one missed a flight because of weather or other airline F ups.
- It is not necessary to go over the river and through the woods.
- No one has to worry about getting home early to put the kids to bed or... you know, things adults like to do in bed.
- There are hardly any dishes to do. Particularly if you order Pizza for your family. Let the rest of them eat what they want.
- Everyone can make the stuffing they prefer instead of what your spinster aunt insists on bringing even though everyone knows it contains sheep's guts.
- And this is really important, as soon as that Uncle starts slurring his words and starts calling all the women "Sweetie," you can send him and the Aunt with the stuffing to a break out room.
You're going to love this software. It's how people are praying together from home (See above). I've seen examples of folks conducting interactions for any number of reasons to gather but doing from their homes.
It's so timely to use this technology as we face these trying times while sheltering in place to practice social distancing. Four actors did a scene from a play. An orchestra performed while everyone was playing from their own home. I've seen birthday parties, weddings and any number of recitals, which are good and some of them are outstanding. Here's the best I've seen
And with that I leave you for this week, This is Poppa Jeff from Camp Jeff high above the gentle environs of the lower east side of Milwaukee, a Hop (Milwaukee streetcar) and a skip from Metro Mart.
Find peace in your life. Stay safe. Care for someone other than yourself. Be thankful for the people risking their lives to make you safe. And for crying out loud, if you're not going to get dressed until your online meeting a 1:30 pm, close the curtains. There is a good reason why people over thirty wear clothes.
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