I remember Jiffy Pop a product of my childhood.  Popcorn kernels are contained in a lightweight, disposable aluminum pan, a wire handle, with a slightly twisted piece of aluminum foil serving as a cover.  The pan-container is placed upon a stove burner.  As the kernels begin to pop, — the attached aluminum foil cover expands to a spherical dome, trapping the radiating heat, and the steam, moisture emanating from the kernels of corn.  I remember what a delight to watch as the dome grew, my mouth watering as the aroma of popcorn filled the kitchen.

Many resist the idea of climate change, a concept that implies making radical changes to our way of life.  The standard reply is always that science has not “proven” that the activity of humankind is altering climate patterns.  As these “deniers” are “waiting” until science proves beyond doubt to their satisfaction that the climate and the oceans are irremediably impacted by human civilization, — the only reasonable response to their denial is a sad silence.

I live in the Midwest, in a small river town along the Fox River.  Here in the middle of the country is a paradisial place to live.  Odds are, that will change.

What has happened in the Pacific Northwest is horrifying.  Yes, that is the correct term for characterizing days of triple digit heat.  There’s simply no amount of cooling technology, or application of water from a hose that would mitigate the damage to fields of vegetables, to fruit orchards, to buildings, to infrastructure.  Lest this seem unreal, because such has not happened to us, the imagination unable to grasp the severity, failing to recognize the suffering, and the lasting damage caused by the heat dome,  — I offer this series of photographs.  Without doubt you will become speechless as was I, upon viewing these photos captured during the last few days in the Pacific Northwest.

Sizzling in the extreme heatwave.

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Something to relieve mood of sadness, of loss that must be felt upon viewing the photos.  This tune by U2, written by the Beatles is a commentary upon our lives on this planet.  Each of us gets one shot, one ticket to take the ride.

Make the best of it!

Helter Skelter
By U2

When I get to the bottom
I go back to the top of the slide
Where I stop and I turn
And I go for a ride
Till I get to the bottom
And I see you again

Do you, don’t you want me to love you?
I’m coming down fast, but I’m miles above you
Tell me, tell me, tell me, come on tell me the answer
Well, you may be a lover, but you ain’t no dancer.

Helter skelter, helter skelter
Helter skelter

Lyrics composed by John Lennon and Paul McCarthy