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Weather is the new politics
I wish I could think/talk/post about literally ANYTHING else besides the terrible air, but it is difficult. The AQI (Air Quality Index) in San Francisco ticked up into the Very Unhealthy range yesterday afternoon, and there it is expected to stay for at least a little while. Turns out one problem with having bad air for a prolonged period is that the inside air also starts to turn bad, especially if -- like me -- you live in a place without filtered A/C. Ever stayed in a smoking room at a hotel, in the parts of the world where you can still smoke in hotel rooms? It's kind of like that, with the smell lingering in the air and sticking to your skin and getting in your mouth (seriously, I feel like I'm constantly tasting it, although I concede that this may be at least partly in my head).
Stanford cancelled classes today, but indoor events will go on, so our concert will continue as scheduled. At least it's in one of the newer buildings with a high-quality air filtration system, and the doors are meant to be light- and sound-tight, which limits the amount of outside air that can leak in. Our director sent an email letting us know that we could cancel if we felt it unhealthy to sing; I am unsure, but I was already down here by the time I saw it (I decided to work this afternoon, in part to catch up on things and in part to get out of my hours), so I figure I'll give it a try. I have water and cough drops, and can drop out if I have to.
It astounds me when I'm reminded that some people live in parts of the world where these AQI levels are just a fact of life. (The AQI page I linked above has a link to a FAQ about dealing with levels that are off their index, and it specifically mentions Beijing.) This live world map is both fascinating and terrifying. Not that I was exactly dismissing this danger before, but it will never not be real to me again.
Stanford cancelled classes today, but indoor events will go on, so our concert will continue as scheduled. At least it's in one of the newer buildings with a high-quality air filtration system, and the doors are meant to be light- and sound-tight, which limits the amount of outside air that can leak in. Our director sent an email letting us know that we could cancel if we felt it unhealthy to sing; I am unsure, but I was already down here by the time I saw it (I decided to work this afternoon, in part to catch up on things and in part to get out of my hours), so I figure I'll give it a try. I have water and cough drops, and can drop out if I have to.
It astounds me when I'm reminded that some people live in parts of the world where these AQI levels are just a fact of life. (The AQI page I linked above has a link to a FAQ about dealing with levels that are off their index, and it specifically mentions Beijing.) This live world map is both fascinating and terrifying. Not that I was exactly dismissing this danger before, but it will never not be real to me again.