Stadium seats. Stepping up.

That dog may not hunt, but he’s ready to hit some cooties out of the park.(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org

Football stadiums are cathedrals – or disaster relief locations – around here. In some ways, all the same.

The game plan has changed yet again.

Jerry Jones has offered the Arlington AT&T Stadium for high school graduation ceremonies.

With the tons of room for social distancing, an open roof and doorways swooshing in breezes as well as people, it’s perfect.

Nice also, since the taxpaying public contributed a hefty amount to get the stadium built. Taxpayers have shelled out all across the country over the last 20 years. Plus the Federal subsidies. (For once people may actually get what they pay for?)

And as one high school girl said, “It’s cool not only because we will get a ceremony after all, but we all go there for games.”

If that helps make up for their crummy senior year, good. (Article and video)

Star studded (self serving?) TV shows, organized car parades, or virtual ceremonies by school districts are at least something, but nothing like gowning up, marching in to fanfare, sitting forever waiting for your name to be called. And the traditional pictures.

Common experiences bind us.

Getting the facilities cleaned up/decontaminated between ceremonies could be tricky: time consuming by hand and costly.

Where there’s will there’s a way.

“I am sooo tired of ZOOM. Need actual human contact.”(USPD/Commons.wikimedia.org)

There’s new technology designed just for situations like this by EagleHawk, a drone company in Syracuse, NY. 

Originally the company was part of the state’s 2019 Drone Accelerator program and focused on using drones and infrared technology to inspect structures, including roofs for possible leaks. But then everything changed.

Being bunch of engineers and thinkers, they thought, “Why not add disinfectant sprayers on drones instead using of people hazard suited up using spray bottles and hand wipes?”

Off the shelf drones weren’t quite up to the task, but now they are up and flying after working with the FAA and EPA. Their nimble drones have done successful tests indoors (basketball stadiums and arenas) and in large outdoor venues.

People are always a little nervous about sprays. Mosquito sprays are done mainly at night when to avoid contact with people – and still people hate their use.

The disinfectant chemicals EagleHawk is using must stay wet long enough to kill the COVID-19 virus, but dry fast enough to the touch and must not cause any health issues. Their solution is one used effectively against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (approved by the EPA and New York DEC).

Interesting article and video here from local Syracuse News9.

Maybe there is hope of a return to performances and celebrations.

You saw it happen with COVID-19 masks. Bet It won’t be long before disinfecting ceremonial drones for weddings, birthdays, funerals, and sporting event will be redesigned with costumes to camouflage and enliven their service.(USPD/ commons.wikimedia.org)

Yes, life’s different. Well, good. All sorts of potential and reinvention possible.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

While some amateur inventors are being creative, not all ideas are equal.

• The Hug Curtain? Close, but no. (Unless you are trying out spread the cooties to deelope herd immunity mindset.) Video and analysis here.
• Swim noodles on hats to enforce social distancing – now that’s funny! (Video of German cafe) Laughing boosts the immune system, so yeah! (But the blow-up dolls and mannequins in restaurants are a bit creepy – a little too “The Shining” for me.)

How about if things got patched up? The medical community is getting stuck on some new ideas.

The VitalPatch by Vital Connect, which is about the size of a band aid, can be applied by patients themselves over their heart. The device can detect 22-different types of arrhythmia’s, or irregular heartbeats (including atrial fibrillation), plus all of the other major symptoms of COVID-19, then send the information to doctor or caretaker. No wonder the disposable patch has been fast tracked by the FDA and is currently in use at Methodist Hospital here and in recovering COVID-19 patients in their homes. (News article/ video here)

Life Signal also has a new wireless medical biosensor patch which also remotely monitors patients’ vital signs and relays data to Medical staff in who can quickly see which patients (at hospital or home) need the most/immediate attention for intervention without even risking getting infected by entering a patient’s room. Less chance of cross-contamination between patients, too..The disposable patches, which may be good up to five days, can be applied by patients themselves at home where it is more comfortable, and leaves more hospital beds available. (Read more about their remote monitoring patches here.)

Spry Health is just loopy with their new patient monitor. COVID-19 causes respiratory damage, but also does serious damage to the heart. Often cardiac problems do not show up until the patient is recovering at home. Patients can slip on Spry’s The Loop to keep everyone in the loop. a wrist-worn device that remotely tracks heart rates, pulse oximetry, and breathing of patients already is FDA-cleared. Not just for COVID-19 but for any chronically ill patient.

Others like the company with bluetooth enabled thermometers that uses apps to connect patients and doctors are stepping up in this challenging new world.

Graduating to thoughts flying. Ball’s in each’s field.

March on.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Talk about the ingenuity and determination to make things happen. Astronauts playing baseball on Space Station. Watch that game here. Astronauts also play soccer on board. You have a front row seat! (USPD. NASA/Space.com)

 

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