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Got Plans? Maybe Not.

 



It’s Saturday in the summertime. The top story in the Banner is not the usual “What to do this weekend.” It’s this:

How to protect yourself as wildfire smoke blankets Maryland, Sara Ruberg, Baltimore Banner

Nota bene: a doctor quoted in the article states that wearing a mask won’t help. A reader comment disputes that.

The doctor quoted is rejecting the advice of many public health officials who say a well fitted N95 or KN95 mask can significantly help reduce exposure to these type of fine particulate. Please be more accurate when reporting on public health emergencies. Even Fox is reporting that those masks can help. - - reader comment

In my opinion you should limit outside time as much as possible but, if you must leave the house, wear a high quality, well fitting mask. 

Lung damage is no joke. This air is ugly stuff right now. Food for thought - - I noticed this comment in a Bluesky conversation about outdoor events this weekend:

I'm starting to think that in our lifetimes we just won't do stuff outside July/August. Sports, concerts, etc. It'll be too hot or too smoky too much of the time to reliably schedule events. We were supposed to camp outside tonight ahead of Phish at Merriweather this wknd and thought better of it.

So, what to do?

There’s tons of materials available on Libby courtesy of the Howard County Library. I happen to be reading a book called Pocket Bear right now. It was recommended by (former) HoCoLocal creator barbiesandbabydolls on YouTube. Yes, it’s a children’s chapter book but it has some fascinating history in it. (You already know I’m a sucker for bears.)

Other indoor suggestions:

I’m officially “home, sweet home” after five months so I have a ton of housework on my to-do list. But I’d much rather do something fun. If you have any other fun indoor suggestions, let me know. 


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