Do you remember the television show and computer game “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?” Carmen was an international thief who stole treasures from many locations throughout the world. She’d leave clues and based upon those hints, you would try to find her. Fun stuff!

This week our current vice-president is doing his version of Carmen. No, he’s not stealing jewels…maybe… he’s just missing in action. He also has been leaving little clues. Let’s try to find him.

Well she sneaks around the world from Kiev to Carolina
She’s a sticky-fingered filcher from Berlin down to Belize
She’ll take you for a ride on a slow boat to China
Tell me where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?

The news broke on May 8, 2020…just nine short days ago. Katie Miller tested positive for Covid-19. She well known for marrying Stephen Miller, the confidant and speech writer for Donald Trump. Her real job is being the press secretary for Vice-President Mike Pence . She spends a lot of  her time in close contact with the Vice-President.

Katie went into self-quarantine. Although she was asymptomatic, she went home. Good job, Katie! Way to keep yourself safe, as well as not passing on the virus to others. Part of the deal with Covid-19 is if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with it, you also go into self-quarantine mode for two weeks. Fourteen short days!

Mike Pence didn’t buy into that. He told reporters, who in turn told the public, that he was going back to work immediately. No lying low in a room by himself. Doesn’t matter how many people at the White House he might infect, he’s going to fight through it. You see, working while infected shows strength. Being self-quarantined shows weakness. That’s not allowed in Trump-land. It might even cost you a place on the upcoming presidential election ticket.

So Mr. Tough guy is supposedly going to show up at the White House, but on Monday, no Pence. Tuesday, no Pence. Wednesday, still no sign of the VP. Hmmmm….is Mike coming to work or not? Is he actually under a self-quarantine? Isn’t that a show of weakness? And if he is at home, is he keeping away from “mother?”

Hmmmm…..this is a guy who thought it wasn’t necessary to wear a mask at the Mayo Clinic. Blowing off work for a week because of a little old virus isn’t like him, right?

So I just have one little question….Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego……errrrr……Mike Pence?

Steal their Seoul in South Korea, make Antarctica cry Uncle
From the Red Sea to Greenland they’ll be singing the blues
Well they never Arkansas her steal the Mekong from the jungle
Tell me where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?

You know…I’ve kinda missed the guy. In the early days of the coronavirus task force, he would usually give us one piece of useful information at those daily press briefings. You’d get to work your brain to sort that out from the other twenty or so minutes he spent sucking up to his boss. It was a good way to keep your mind from atrophying.

So again I ask….Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego….errrr….Mike Pence?

She go from Nashville to Norway, Bonaire to Zimbabwe
Chicago to Czechoslovakia and back!
Ooh, Botswana to Thailand, Milan via Amsterdam,
Mali to Bali, Ohio, Oahu…!

Rumor has it that he was part of the presidential retreat at Camp David over the weekend. Have you seen any pictures of him? I haven’t! Besides, the Don is scared of germs and was supposedly livid that his underlings let the virus into the White House. He wouldn’t let an infected Pence anywhere near him, right?

Stories have now surfaced that the Vice-President will be making a trip to Orlando, Florida this Wednesday. He’ll be meeting with their Governor, who is another Trump lackey…a true kindred spirit of Pence. They’ll discuss how to get tourism back to the sunshine state. Then Mike will be doing another photo op at another nursing home. You think he’ll wear a mask?

Ahhhh…now these stories makes sense because:
a) It’s close to the amount of time he should have been under self-quarantine conditions. Even it’s not the full fourteen days, what’s a day or two to this administration.
b) It’s Florida. They’ve been taking their chances with Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic. An infected Vice-President is nothing to them. It’s just a minor nuisance in their state’s ignoring the virus.

Welcome back, Mike. It hasn’t been the same without you. But just one question….Katie’s hubby seems to missing in action, too. Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego...errrrr….Stephen Miller?

Well she glides around the globe and she’ll flimflam every nation
She’s a double-dealing diva with a taste for thievery
Her itinerary’s loaded up with moving violations
Tell me where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?

Related Post: It’s scarier than usual to work in Donald Trump’s White House

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In response to the health pandemic, Idyllwild Arts announces that the 2020 Summer Program is moving online. While so much has changed so rapidly, Summer Program Reimagined is expanding on Idyllwild Arts’ role as a leader in 21^st century arts education. For the first time in the program’s 71-year history, Idyllwild Arts pivots to virtual learning, determined to continue inspiring artistic and creative spirit, particularly in these challenging times where art is vital to both expression and healing. The Summer Program runs from May 23, 2020 with virtual workshops for students, aged 5 to adult, with a range of creative interests. Registration is now open for workshops at https://www.idyllwildarts.org/summer/summeronline/ and new workshops are being added daily. Scholarships are available for qualified teens and kids, Native Americans and Inland Empire teachers.

 While there’s been a lot of focus on virtual academics, Idyllwild Arts wants to ensure that arts education is not abandoned during these trying times, presenting the opportunity to practice art at home. Summer Program Reimagined will offer virtual programs in place of on-site instruction with personal access to working artists, world-renowned musicians, writers, filmmakers, dancers, visual artists and Native American arts creators. Summer Program is even expanding into new areas, with Math Skills & Arts, ESL & Arts and culinary arts.

Workshops will range from one-day to two weeks, and will take place via Zoom with global access, carefully balancing online screen time with guided projects as well as one-on-one instruction.  All of the Summer Program’s disciplines – acting, musical theatre, theatre design, creative writing, dance, visual arts and filmmaking – will be represented in the summer program. Upcoming workshops include Digital Photography, Ballet & Modern Dance, Electronic Music Production, Native American Arts, Songwriting (for adults and teens), Audition Bootcamp for Theatre Performers. Look for more workshops in Classical Orchestra Performance, Jazz Performance, Piano Performance (for adults and kids!) and Musical Theatre. 

Under the Native American Arts Center, Summer Program Reimagined workshops will include traditional arts, sometimes with a contemporary spin, including Drawstring Bead and Quill Medicine Pouch, Navajo Loom Beading, Cahuilla Basketry, Cahuilla Pottery, and a series of free online demonstrations.

Idyllwild Arts has thoughtfully built many workshops around objects and items people may already have at home. Other workshops might include Art Packages filled with art supplies, which will be delivered to students. Many courses will include performance elements and classes will be recorded to ensure nobody misses out (even if your internet goes on the blink).

For over 70 years, Idyllwild Arts has provided a foundation, platform, and space for artists to engage with one another and build meaningful and successful careers while making a difference in their communities. Located on a 205-acre campus in the San Jacinto Mountains, the Idyllwild Arts Academy was recently voted #1 High School for Arts in America. Idyllwild Arts is legendary with alumni including Shepard Fairey, Casey Abrams and inventors and scientists Clay Alexander and Amber Pairis.

With the working world rapidly evolving, you may find that it’s time to upgrade your office space. Perhaps, with more people telecommuting, you decided to downsize and make more use of the remaining room. Maybe you expanded your operations and want to make your improved area more ergonomic and productive.

You can take advantage of several critical factors when designing your space for maximum productivity. Sights, sounds and body position all impact how much work gets done. Here are six upgrades to consider when making your improvements.

1. Start at the Bottom

The din of hard-soled shoes on tile floors in an open space with high ceilings can create a racket that makes concentration impossible. Plus, it can cause headaches, which hinders productivity even further.

Carpeting is the quietest choice, but proceed cautiously, as rugs can harbor germs from everyone’s shoes. Some varieties can also present accessibility challenges — it’s tough to push a wheelchair over shag. A Pergo floor with sufficient padding to muffle sound is your best bet for maximizing both inclusion and productivity.

2. Let the Light Shine

One of the most effective methods for increasing productivity is to improve the amount of natural light in your space. This may include hiring a general contracting company to enlarge existing windows or add skylights to a warehouse-type building. Exercise caution and get recommendations — shady contractors might quote one price, then gradually tack on additional fees to cover unforeseen “problems.” A reputable company will make allowances for contingencies.

If a substantial overhaul isn’t in the budget, consider replacing glaring overhead fluorescents with track lighting. The former style contains invisible pulsing, and many migraine patients report that it is a trigger for their symptoms. Overly bright lights can also cause fatigue.

3. Think Ergonomics

Over 20% of the U.S. population has chronic pain, and the ache can interfere with their productivity. Paying attention to ergonomics can help minimize the amount of sick time your staff requests. When you are already hurting, you don’t want to report to an uncomfortable desk.

Many users say that variable-height desks that let them move between sitting and standing substantially ease back pain. Some staff may also prefer to sit on inflatable fitness balls to improve their posture. At the very least, invest in quality chairs.

4. Choose Your Colors Wisely

Color has the power to influence your mood, which in turn affects how much you accomplish. When choosing your color scheme, consider your logo and branding as well as your industry.

For example, forest green tones inspire the mind, making them ideal for creative teams, like marketing. Stay away from institutional-looking hues, however. Blue-gray tones are relaxing and also inspire confidence — think your local bank branch.

5. Bolster Security

When your employees burn the midnight oil, do they fear to walk to their cars? Security should be a critical concern of all businesses. A video surveillance system helps prevent crime on the premises and gives police leads to follow if theft or vandalism occurs. It can also potentially mitigate your liability from injuries resulting from criminal activity.

Consider other relatively low-cost improvements, too. For example, keyless entry systems let your staff gain access without fumbling with keys. If they suspect someone is following them, seconds count. Security gates protect your merchandise or office equipment from burglars.

6. Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors

Research indicates that spending time outdoors helps to improve memory and increase energy levels. Don’t neglect your courtyard — provide ample seating in various areas, designating one space for smokers. Another idea involves converting your building’s rooftop into a garden, maybe even an outdoor eating space. If you share real estate with several other companies, ask around — you might not need to foot the improvement bill solo.

Improve Your Office Building With These Six Tips

The business world is changing, and you may decide to improve your company’s real estate while prices remain low. If you do, consider the six improvements above to maximize your team’s comfort and productivity.

Some people imagine Mike Pence is on lockdown.

Maybe checking the Dow Jones to see any stock down?

Or dreaming another

Was married to Mother?

Or internet slumming and sloshing a bock down?

In the pro-mask versus anti-mask war, I stand somewhere in the middle. In late March, when almost no one was wearing a mask in public, I went out a couple times wearing one and got funny looks from other shoppers, who assumed I must be sick. Now you’re likely to get a dirty look if you’re not wearing one.

People can hardly be blamed for being skeptical of their value and resentful about being made to wear one. The guidance from the beginning from the CDC and other so-called experts has been, as it has with so many other things surrounding this pandemic, extremely inconsistent and contradictory.

Guidance like: “In order to get infected, someone has to cough or sneeze directly on your face, or you have to touch a contaminated surface and then touch your face.”

And this: “If you don’t have dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, or a combination of all three, it’s not coronavirus.”

Add those words of wisdom to the ash heap of misinformation surrounding this pandemic.

Then there is the inconsistent use and non-use of masks by politicians and other supposed leaders.

I personally feel their health benefits are minimal, especially outdoors. Added to the fact that my sinuses are continually congested and on a given day are 50 percent clear at best, I hate the damn things as much as anyone. Then there’s the fact that I’m constantly having to adjust it because it always seems loose.

Once states and businesses started getting more authoritarian about them, I empathized with the mask-resisters. It should be my choice, not some fiat.

But lately, as more things begin to open up, I’ve started to see them in a new way: as a civic duty.

Judging by the numbers of people wearing masks in public even in Wisconsin, which doesn’t mandate them, and even in businesses that don’t require them of customers, it seems that given the choice between staying secluded in their homes maskless and going out into the world and seeing other people while masked, most people choose the latter. Because they, like me, have recognized that it may be the price we have to pay to get—and keep— some semblance of our lives back.

Maintaining six feet of distance from others is not always possible in public situations. If most people refuse to wear or stop wearing masks, then many of the state restrictions that we’ve waited so long to be lifted may be imposed on us again, and that will be the final nail in the coffin for many businesses, large, medium and small. Not to mention the final blow to our sanity as we are once again barred from parks, jogging paths, beaches, and any other place where strangers gather.

If it’s what I have to do so businesses can survive and people can keep their jobs, the inconvenience and discomfort to me is a small price to pay. It’s the way that I can play my little part in supporting local commerce and jobs, even if I’m unconvinced that it’s keeping me or anyone else safer.

Once I realized that, then I didn’t mind the confinement of the mask as much. You probably won’t either.

So I’ll wear a mask when I go to a store, a hair salon, a farmers market, a movie theater.  But I also expect the people working in those places to do the same, which isn’t always the case. They should set the example for their customers.

And as for the “mask police,” both literal and self-appointed: Please back off. If someone is resistant to wearing a mask, it will only make them more so if they feel they are being bullied or harassed into it. It’s better to lead by example than by intimidation. I was in several stores the other day, where it was about 60-40 masked versus unmasked, and no one was hassling or guilting anyone else. People may have breathing and other medical issues that we don’t know about. Don’t assume anything.

If nothing else works for you, then just think of wearing a mask as an excuse not to shave, not to put on makeup, not to have to clip those pesky nose hairs or chin hairs. Or put on a black mask and pretend you’re channeling Michael Jackson.