Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Brazilians in Turmoil

Focus is on Brazil with the political climate in chaos, the Zika virus, doping linked with other issues that face a nation in turmoil less than three months before the 2016 summer Olympics - which many people have chosen not to attend.

Many of my Brazilian clients are nannies - some legal, some not. Some stay here after their visas expire often marrying to become legal or having a child who up to this point is a naturalized citizen - that will change after Trump becomes president. One of the nannies I've read lives in Connecticut. Before she had a baby in 2015, she worked for a lovely family for 10 years and was very happy. After her baby was born - time restraints did not allow her to go back to being a nanny. Over the past year, she has struggle to make a living because the father of the child is not in her life (it was a brief affair). She has many friends here but that is not enough. Though the situation is dire in Brazil, she finds that her best option is to return home to her family - moving back next month. The plight of immigrants - both legal and illegal - is not easy. Actually, life for most Americans is often overwhelmingly challenged.




Upfronts and Rating Sweeps

Upfront week is moving along with many new additions and cancellations. I've been trying to keep up with the season/series finales of many of my favorite shows - to conclude by the end of the month.

Watching Donald Trump has really boosted the ratings of many talk shows - which he often gloats about it. People are following him as if he was president-elect. One has to wonder if his interview with Megyn Kelly last night was staged from the beginning. Once again she pushed his buttons but not too hard this time ... yet we know he enjoys the challenge. One thing we have come to understand about Donald Trump is that he changes his mind from moment to moment and hopefully will have an formed group of advisors to help him out when he becomes president. We know he doesn't work and play well with others so we have to hope for the best. In case you missed the memo - Trump won in Oregon as did Bernie - though the Democratic race still belongs to Hillary.


Remaining Primaries




New England's "Dark Day" - Science and Pseudoscience


Could this have been a glitch in the hologram?


May 19, 1780

New England's "Dark Day"   Wikipedia

New England's "Dark Day"   Google Videos

New England's "Dark Day"   BBC

Darkness at Noon Enshrouds New England Wired

Remembering New England's "Dark Day" History.com

Unravelling the Mystery of New England's Day of Darkness   Ancient Origins

In the midst of the American Revolutionary War, darkness descended on New England at midday, the darkness so complete candles were used. Many people thought Judgment Day was at hand. Diaries of the preceding days mention smoky air and a red sun at morning and evening. Birds sang their evening songs, farm animals returned to their roosts and barns, and humans were bewildered. Some went to church, many sought the solace of the tavern, and more than a few nearer the edges of the darkened area commented on the strange beauty of the preternatural half-light. The primary cause of the event is believed to have been a combination of smoke from forest fires, a thick fog, and cloud cover. It did not disperse until the middle of the next night.