There are over 160,000 known winged insects, moths primarily, in the order Lepidoptera. Moths are generally nocturnal and as you likely know are attracted to light. There are a few species that are crepuscular or diurnal—they are active in the day. Some are beautiful some are yet to be categorized and at least one species is very poisonous. I took the time to learn about moth’s as Karen showed me a facebook post about the Venezuelan Poodle Moth. This creature was first photographed in 2009 by Dr.Arthur Anker, is known for its “fluffy, poodle-like appearance, large dark eyes and feathery antennae. The body is covered in a “dense, white, scale-like hairs that give it a plus poodle-like look. A bit of sleuthing and you find out all of the images available on the internet are not actually the moth. Like everything these days, you must do the work to validate you are seeing the real deal, there are artful images and some that are simply misnamed kin of the moth. I suppose President Reagan had it right, “trust but verify” is critical in our world today.
Sir David Attenborough turned 100 this year. He is noted for his many studies of nature and the planet on which we live. Reading a list of his documentary work is beyond impressive. In the early 2000’s he turned his focus toward environmental advocacy. Attenborough is still active in working to protect our ecological diversity and nature which has supported it. Neil deGrasse Tyson writes, “Attenborough spent a century reminding us that the greatest measure of civilization is not power or wealth, but compassion, the ability to live gently on a planet shared with countless other forms of life…he teaches that humanity’s survival depends on humility, the recognition that we are part of nature, not above it.” As we see the “all men are created equal” in the preamble to the Declaration of Independence being threatened by the Orange Wanker, the Republican Party and now the Supreme Court we must take swift action to protect our democracy. We continue to ignore the climate damage created by our excesses—will we stand by as we re-write past history and return to a country that does not ‘outlaw discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.’ The Voting Rights Act has been gutted and Gerrymandering is the order of the day!
I serve in the Committee structure of a health system in Idaho. The financial challenges created by the Cheto Czar and his minions, the complexities of regulation, cyber threats, the costs of providing the facilities and quality of care our patients deserve is daunting. Our CEO stated, “the only thing that is certain, is uncertainty.” So many issues a provider has little control over fill each day with anxiety. The State of Idaho added to this burden with the changes to Medicaid and other lifeline programs. We are very fortunate in the Treasure Valley to have excellent health care systems and independent practitioners. Ask your legislators what they are doing to protect our health networks in the State of Idaho and at the National level.
I think I may have mentioned I retired after 32 years from the Board of Delta Dental of Idaho. I enjoyed a very nice going away party and I got a plaque, not one for my wall but on the bench in the park we built next to our campus. As an older person, I should be able to go there sit on my bench without a worry in the world. As you know, you would have to be oblivious or well medicated to ignore the challenges we face. If you ever see or hear of me sitting on my bench in the afternoon sun you will know that all is right with the world.
I hope you will take the time in know the candidates before you vote in the upcoming primaries. Enjoy the week end. Mike
Lepidoptera
