Matador Network's Blog, page 812

How to see the full ‘sturgeon’ moon

August is arguably the most exciting month out of the year for stargazers. Starting at 11:59 AM EDT on Monday, August 3, you’ll be able to see August’s most spectacular full moon, also known as the “sturgeon” moon. Yes, that’s “sturgeon” like the fish.

“The Maine Farmer’s Almanac first published ‘Indian’ names for the full moons in the 1930s, and over time these names have become widely known and used,” explains NASA, adding, “As the full moon in August and the second full moon of summer, the Algonquin tribes in what is now the northeastern USA called this the Sturgeon Moon after the large fish that were more easily caught this time of year in the Great Lakes and other major bodies of water.” Alternative names used for this moon include “barley,” “green corn,” and “fruit” moon.

The “sturgeon” moon corresponds with a few annual festivals around the globe. India celebrates Raksha Bandhan, which is all about the brother-sister connection. In Sri Lanka, the moon corresponds with the Nikini Poya holiday that remembers the first Buddhist council dating back to around 400 BCE. This full moon also happens to be in the middle of the sixth month of the Chinese calendar, as well as the 15th day of Av, which in the Hebrew calendar is similar to Valentine’s Day.

The bright celestial body will be visible from all corners of the planet all through the weekend.

More like thisAstronomyWatch the Perseid meteor shower light up the sky this August

The post A full ‘sturgeon’ moon will illuminate the sky this week appeared first on Matador Network.

Is pandemic travel ethical?

“Pandemic” and “leisure travel” are almost mutually exclusive terms. We’ve been hunkered down for five months now, many of us daydreaming about vacations that fell by the wayside. Our logical brain knows we’re in a global health crisis, and traveling comes with countless risks, but the restless part of our brain — the part that once impulsively booked a flight to Bali at 3:00 AM — tells us traveling is worth the risk. This tug-of-war creates more questions than answers. More than anything we want to feel normal again, to remember what it was like before the world changed. If done responsibly, a vacation with our friends or family can give us that jolt of normalcy we’ve been craving.

Deciding to travel during a pandemic is no easy choice, and there are several new considerations in play. If you choose your destination carefully, and abide by its health requirements, traveling can not only be a much-needed reprieve from lockdown life but also a great way to support the tourism industry and its workers.

Destinations need tourism

Right now, there’s a tendency to view traveling as a selfish endeavor. It’s something you can do, but maybe not something you should do. The reality is, your vacation isn’t just a personal “treat yo’ self” experience. Travel doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The money you spend on flights, accommodation, food, and excursions is integral to the functioning of the tourism industry. Right now, that industry needs all the help it can get.

Travel options for US citizens are limited. Much of the Caribbean is open to us, as well as some states in Mexico, but maybe you feel guilty chilling on an Aruban beach while your friends back home settle for Zoom calls and contactless UberEats dinners. Well, don’t. Caribbean islands rely on tourism — primarily US tourism — for their economic well being. In Aruba, nearly 80 percent of the island’s workforce is employed in the tourism industry. When travel grinds to a halt for five months, think about what that means for their livelihood. Hoteliers, restaurant workers, and tour operators find themselves unemployed or in limbo.

The same goes for European countries closed to international travel. Germany’s economy might be strong enough to skip tourism season this year, but countries like Portugal, Italy, and Greece rely heavily on tourism to keep their economies afloat. That’s why Portugal and Greece, earlier this summer, held firm in their intention to welcome US travelers. Although eventually deciding to abide by EU recommendations and close their borders, they did so reluctantly and at great peril to their economy.

As long as a destination has relatively low case numbers and appropriate sanitation measures in place that make you feel safe, there’s no reason to feel skittish. When you consider the thousands of workers relying on your tourism dollars to make ends meet, the ethical dilemma of travel assumes a more human face and becomes easier to answer.

If you’re gonna do it, do it responsibly

Like everything else during this pandemic, travel is perfectly acceptable as long as you do it responsibly. Even though our freedom of movement has been seriously curbed the past few months, you probably haven’t been a complete hermit or turned into an agoraphobic recluse that won’t even venture outside for the mail. Restaurants are open with outdoor seating, and most parks and beaches are open. If you’ve been taking advantage of the small freedoms we do enjoy, there’s no reason exploring another destination should be any different — as long as you follow the rules.

Getting tested for COVID-19 is always a good idea as it gives you some peace of mind before you travel. Many destinations, especially Caribbean islands, actually require a negative COVID-19 test before they’ll allow you to enter. If you do test negative, it’ll confirm that you’re not introducing the virus to your gracious hosts and should erase any feelings of guilt you may have when boarding the plane.

When you arrive, it’s important to follow all the safety protocols outlined by the destination. Wear a mask in public places, wash your hands as often as possible, take advantage of all the hand sanitizer stations, and social distance wherever possible. As long as you’re following the rules, and exercising the same precautions on vacation as you would at home, there’s no reason you shouldn’t travel.

Travel keeps us sane

The one thing we all need right now is a dose of sanity. Travel reminds us that a world exists beyond the confines of our self-isolation. For those who are stir crazy, burnt out by the work-from-home lifestyle, or who have gone months without seeing their family or friends, a vacation can keep you emotionally balanced.

There’s a lot of talk about physical health these days and the potential risks of going to your school, office, grandma’s house, and favorite restaurant. But the psychological effects of not going to those places is equally significant. Sure, staying home for five months guarantees the health of our immune system, but it also deals a serious blow to our mental health. As naturally social, curious animals, we lust for experiences that remind us the world isn’t a dreary shade of gray all the time.

When I traveled to Boston from Denver a few weeks ago — the first time I’d been on a plane in seven months — the airport felt like an oasis. Check-in, TSA, gate changes, crummy airport food, all of it was like a nostalgic tradition I’d given up for dead. Traveling is the perfect way to glimpse backward and forward at the same time — backward to a more normal existence and forward to a hopeful future. It’s the shot of adrenaline that reminds us we’re alive, and everyone could use that right now.

More like thisRoad TripsWhat it’s like to drive cross country during the pandemic

The post Traveling during a pandemic is a heart-wrenching dilemma appeared first on Matador Network.

House on the Rock near Milwaukee

Americans love a good sense of kitsch. The world’s largest frying pan (Brandon, IA), the Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz, CA), the Corn Palace (Mitchell, SD) — every iteration of “funky roadside attraction” is a good one, holding a cozy place in our collective hearts. They’re simple, innocent, nostalgic. They require no vast spectacle, no budget-busting entrance fee, no unmet expectations.

For years, I put Wisconsin’s House on the Rock safely in this territory, hearing about its extravagant Christmas displays, its creepy often-topless mannequins, its bizarre collection of automated music machines — it sounded like a place one resorts to on a rainy afternoon or a desperate attempt to salvage an awkward second date.

The first hour or two of my first visit proved to be exactly that. I laughed, I judged, I squinted and furrowed my brows until my face hurt. But upon emerging from a dark hallway and into a room that holds the world’s largest carousel (nary a horse is present, by the way), it hit me hard: I became jealous, inspired, awestruck. Whoever created this place got to live out their wildest fantasies — and charge others $26.00 for the privilege of walking through them.

Architect of a dream

Photo: Doubletree Studio/Shutterstock

Alex Jordan Jr. is the man behind the House on the Rock. He used to just sit in quiet corners and watch the faces of visitors, delighted in every eyebrow raise, every smile, every blank stare. He loved the reactions — all of them — from sheer, childlike joy to heebie-jeebies to terror.

That being said, the House on the Rock didn’t start out as a tourist attraction. Jordan fell in love with the land as a young man, eventually buying the property from a farm family, the Christiansons. The land was and is called Deer Shelter Rock, and the house is both on and in the limestone bluff it sits on — the sunken orange-and-brown living rooms straight out of Austin Powers are lined with actual trees and actual rock faces. How it works, I still do not know.

The massive complex started out small, Jordan working with small teams room by room, year by year, each corner not necessarily similar to the next. It was originally built in Japanese style, though those notes faded as construction went on. Fourteen years in, he realized he could supplement his funds — building the thing wasn’t cheap — by charging a fee. Though the House on the Rock has technically been open since 1959, it’s always been a work in progress. The collections get grander, more eccentric, more accumulated (and not necessarily curated). Some are authentic, many are not, but it doesn’t matter: You are not there for the artifacts. You’re there to see what a wild, child-like fantasy looks like built into a hill, dream room after dream room, unconcerned with reality and logic. Maybe, if you’re honest, you’re there to find out what his vision looks like to get a better handle on yours.

What to expect

Photo: Lost_in_the_Midwest/Shutterstock

Tickets can be purchased online or at the main entrance to the complex — bring a few dollars cash to exchange for tokens. Visiting during the Christmas season is an especially memorable experience, with decorations practically a collection of their own.

From the lobby, the “house” is divided into three sections, and you’ll work your way through the one-way maze pretty directly, though staff are available if you get turned around. (Note: The house has many staircases.) The first section takes about 45 minutes and is almost completely unlike the other two. Though the Asian Garden — feel free to sit amongst the waterfalls and koi ponds if you’d like — and the original house are highlights, it’s the Infinity Room that takes the cake. Yes, it goes on forever.

Section two can take a solid two hours, if for no other reason than the fact that you’ll be kept busy trying to unsear your brain. Heritage of the Sea — a blimp hangar if empty — houses a 200-foot-long sea creature (a whale?) battling an octopus (maybe?), its edges lined with multi-story levels and maritime memorabilia. Eventually, section two leads to the magnificent carousel room, the piece de resistance that somehow isn’t the end. To exit, you’ll walk through the red-carpeted throat of a demon.

You’re now in section three, thoroughly confused, delighted, or scarred, now navigating the even-more-gigantic Organ Room, the Doll House Room, the Circus Room, eventually winding your way to Inspiration Point. Don’t miss this bit — it’s an outdoor breather and a moment with the beautiful bluffs of central Wisconsin. Another one or two hours later (that’s right!), you’ll finish in the Japanese Garden, wondering what the hell you just experienced, if it was even real, and if you loved it or hated it. But most importantly: If you had a billion dollars, what kind of fantasy would you build? Would you welcome others into it? And if so, what would they think?

Getting there

Photo: Lost_in_the_Midwest/Shutterstock

The House on the Rock is in Spring Green, Wisconsin, about an hour west of Madison (two hours from Milwaukee). In addition to the “attraction,” there’s an inn and resort on site, should you need a place to stay the night.

Nearby is the American Players Theatre (APT) — a nationally known company with a great outdoor amphitheater — and Governor Dodge State Park, both worth a stop if you’re making a day or weekend trip. The town of Spring Green itself has a few cute shops and restaurants, though it’s largely escaped becoming a tourist hotspot, despite its crowd-inducing attractions.

More like thisParks + Wilderness9 epic places in the US to visit on your first #vanlife trip

The post Wisconsin’s House on the Rock isn’t a kitschy roadside attraction — it’s a walk through a dream appeared first on Matador Network.

Cruise ships hit with COVID

Cruising has been one of the most contentious forms of traveling since the start of the pandemic, with cruise ships being viewed as petri dishes for the virus’ spread. In the United States, cruising is banned through September, but in other parts of the world, sailing has resumed — with unfortunate consequences. On one cruise ship in the Arctic and another in French Polynesia, there have been new outbreaks of COVID-19.

When the MS Roald Amundsen docked in the Norwegian port of Tromsø on Friday, four crew members were hospitalized with COVID-19 and tests showed 32 other staff members were also infected. Of the 387 passengers aboard, four tested positive for the virus so far, though contact tracing is still underway.

This isn’t the first time the Roald Amundsen has struggled with COVID-19. Back in March, the ship was stranded for several days with over 100 passengers on board, when Chile refused to allow it to dock because of COVID-19 cases on board.

Similarly, the MS Paul Gauguin docked in Papeete, Tahiti, is also grappling with the virus. A crew member tested positive when the ship was sailing between Bora Bora and Rangiroa, and it immediately returned to its home port. Every passenger on board is now going to be tested.

More like thisCruisesWhy I plan to keep cruising as soon as we get the all-clear

The post Two cruise ships hit with COVID-19 shortly after resuming operations appeared first on Matador Network.

American boaters sneaking in Canada

With any restriction comes people trying to find loopholes. The United States-Canadian border has been closed for months, yet US travelers are trying to circumvent the closure by getting in via boats. Canada’s border patrol monitors the land border between the two countries, but those crossing by boat can be difficult to track.

Many Americans are attempting to take their boats from Washington state to British Columbia’s waters, and it’s not going unnoticed.

George Creek, whose house overlooks Nanaimo Harbor in British Columbia, told NPR, “A number of us that are retired boaters and still members of the Council of BC Yacht Clubs started looking at the number of American boats that were crossing our border, in spite of the prohibition by the federal government.”

Since passenger boats must be equipped with automatic identification systems, it’s possible to track boats in real time and determine where they’re coming from, where they’ve been, and the like. Figuring this out, the crafty trespassers have been turning off their transponders to move undetected.

“They’re turning them off as they cross the border,” said Creek. “We see them on the computer, and at a particular point a few minutes later, they’re not there anymore.”

It’s not the first loophole exploited by American travelers keen to spend time above the 49th parallel. Earlier this summer, several Americans pretending they were traveling to Alaska by car were instead vacationing in the country’s national parks. Some were caught hiking in Banff and fined by the Canadian Mounted Police. The Canadian Border Services Agency has since tightened the rules for Americans traveling through Canada en route to Alaska.

The land border between the two countries is scheduled to stay closed until August 21, but a recent poll found that 81 percent of Canadians say it should remain closed.

More like thisNewsThis map shows how weak US passports are right now

The post US boaters are sneaking into Canada, and Canadians aren’t happy appeared first on Matador Network.

Exploring Valencia's architecture

Often thought of as just a neighboring city to Barcelona, Valencia doesn’t get nearly as much recognition as it deserves. The Mediterranean city has a rich history shaped by Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences that create a very unique, charming ambience with a strong sense of Old World European legacy. Peppered with cathedrals dating back to the 12th century, Valencia is a real treat for architecture lovers. The star of the city is St. Mary’s Cathedral. It draws a crowd from all corners of the world, eager to see the gemstone-embellished chalice that Jesus is said to have drank from during the Last Supper. This is just one of the city’s many old structures that look humble from the outside but have lavishly decorated interiors full of art.

A tour of Valencia’s old center feels much more like a journey through time as opposed to simply exploring a beautiful Spanish city. Here’s what to see and how to enjoy the city’s rich architecture.

You can soak up art at Valencia’s train station and post office

Photo: Razvan Ionut Dragomirescu/Shutterstock

The heart of Valencia is concentrated around a few key buildings — the post office, city hall, and the train station connected by the central square. Once a bustling flower market and a busy intersection, the central square was transformed into an exclusively pedestrian plaza in 2015 where locals come to relax, chat, and read the paper in the morning.

Across the street, you’ll find the central post office. This large building combines neo-Gothic and Baroque elements and looks more like a museum than a place to run errands.

Walking down the boulevard, you’ll arrive at Valencia’s favorite transportation hub — the train station. Even though the city has a modern airport, many still prefer to go to the station as it provides an opportunity to admire the 1917 trencadís (colorful mosaics) and modernist elements while waiting for the train. A vibrant, ceramics-clad entrance opens up into a luminous lobby where locals grab a bite to eat, read, and shop. The old cafeteria is the most impressive room here, decorated with mosaics and smooth dark wood that invites you to sit down and enjoy the art.

Valencia’s modernist markets are bursting with color

Photo: Tupungato/Shutterstock

As a bustling European seaport, Valencia has always been home to thriving markets, with Mercado Central being the most important. Initially designed as an open-air bazaar, it was enclosed in the 1830s and transformed into a 26,246-square-foot building. The chic modernist structure adorned with large stained windows and ceramics quickly became a place for the wealthy Valencian elite to gather. The structure’s roof is topped with a cockatoo bird which was a favorite 19th century pet for the wealthy. Today, the market is still a place to shop for fresh seafood, jamón (cured ham), cheese, and other produce.

Photo: trabantos/Shutterstock

Mercado Colón, the other historic shopping center in Valencia, is equally as beautiful but has a different atmosphere. While Mercado Central is a place to shop, Mercado Colón is a place to sit down, relax, and people-watch while sipping on an ice-cold aperitif. Instead of fish vendors and large legs of cured ham, here you’ll find cozy cafes and elegant restaurants. The market is full of life after six in the afternoon when locals finish their workday and head to the market’s bars to catch up with one another over a cold caña.

Valencia’s cathedrals may look humble but they’re lavishly adorned

Photo: FrimuFilms/Shutterstock

Valencia’s St. Mary’s Cathedral, known simply as “the cathedral,” is arguably the city’s most notable architectural landmark. An imposing Gothic structure, the cathedral was originally a Roman temple. To this day, the underground crypt has ancient stones, bones, and a human skull on display.

The temple is a great place for art lovers to admire Renaissance paintings and priceless relics. In the chapel of San Pedro, there are works by the popular Spanish artist Goya. Another Renaissance work of art, “The Musical Angels” mural, was restored in 2005 and now graces the ceiling above the lavish central altar with its vivid blues. As for relics, the cathedral’s most popular artifact is the gemstone chalice located in the altar room on the first floor. According to the bible, Jesus drank from this chalice during the Last Supper.

Photo: Mauro Carli/Shutterstock

A panoramic view of the city is the reward for those who ascend the steep staircase to the cathedral’s roof. Its facade has gargoyles that serve as outlets for rainwater drainage from the roof, preventing any possible wall erosion.

The Silk Exchange building has over 1,000 unique ornaments

Photo: V_E/Shutterstock

The Silk Exchange, a massive, castle-like structure with thick stone walls, dates back to 1482 — a period known as the “golden age of merchants” in Valencia. Taking around 20 years to build, the structure is named after the prevalent industry in the area, namely the growth and production of silk. This industry employed over 5,000 local residents, including women, which was rare for the time.

Photo: Pabkov/Shutterstock

What’s most striking about the structure are the grotesque statues that number around 1,000 and represent the seven deadly sins. Each statue found on the building’s doors, nooks, and halls depicts bestiality, murder, or decay. Merchants didn’t exactly have the cleanest of reputations in the eyes of the priests, so they wanted to publicly demonstrate their dedication to remaining faithful and God-abiding. This is also why a Catholic chapel was built on the first floor, symbolizing their appreciation for the church.

More like thisCultureValencia is the best city in Spain to escape Barcelona’s crowds

The post Valencia has some of the richest architecture in Spain, here’s how to see it appeared first on Matador Network.

Emus banned from Australian hotel

People can get kicked out of a hotel for rowdy behavior, and apparently so can animals. The Yaraka Hotel in the Australian Outback just banned two emus from the premises, on account of their raucous behavior. Chris Gimblett, the hotel’s co-owner, said that the emu siblings were once welcome visitors who would occasionally show up for treats. The problem started when they learned to climb stairs.

“Travelers have to be very cautious with the emus,” Gimblett told CNN, “because they will poke their heads in a caravan door and drink all the coffee without spilling the mug and steal your toast, and if you have a barbecue watch out because they’ll take everything. When they finish breakfast at the caravan park they come down to the hotel, and last week they figured out how to walk up the steps of the hotel.”

Photo: The Yaraka Hotel/Facebook

The Yaraka Hotel consists of a campground, a pub, and just four hotel rooms.

Emus might seem harmless, but they can actually get quite aggressive around food and potentially dangerous to guests who get between them and their pinched meal. To solve the issue, the hotel put up a chain rope at the top of the steps, and a sign explaining that emus are banned from the property but humans are free to come in and close the barrier behind themselves.

“You don’t want to get between an emu and food,” Gimblett said. “They’ve got very sharp beaks and they’re a bit like a vacuum cleaner where food is concerned, so we were worried about them going into the dining room and causing havoc. Because they do eat so much food, their toiletry habits are very frequent…imagine a sloppy bowl of porridge that you turn over from a height of a meter — the splatter is very effective.”

Photo: The Yaraka Hotel/Facebook

This isn’t a one-strike policy. Last year the emus entered the hotel bar area and one stood behind the bar attempting to play bartender.

Emus are some of the world’s largest birds and can be as tall as 6.2 feet and weigh around 100 pounds.

More like thisWildlifeThe best 8 places to see some of the world’s most majestic animals up close

The post Two mischievous emus have been banned from an Australian hotel appeared first on Matador Network.

How to catch Perseid meteor shower

August is a thrilling time of the year for astronomers and enthusiasts alike. This month, the Perseid meteor shower is expected to reach its annual peak, meaning that you’ll get a front-row seat to a spectacular night sky lit up by hundreds of shooting stars. Here’s all you need to know to prepare for this year’s event.

What is the Perseid meteor shower?

Every year like clockwork, the earth passes through the Swift-Tuttle comet’s tail, a cloud of space dust emitted from the comet itself that forms a cloud in its wake. When that happens, burning debris from the comet is released into the earth’s atmosphere. The visual representation of that process is a series of bright shooting stars visible after sundown — the Perseids.

The name of this meteor shower comes from the constellation Perseus where the meteors are said to originate. This meteor shower is one of the most highly anticipated all year, as you can see a whopping 150 shooting stars in a single hour.

When to see it

The Perseid meteor shower is visible from mid-July to late August. This year’s peak will be on August 11, 12, and 13, so mark your calendar and hope for a clear few nights. During this time the moon will be in its last quarter phase during the shower which makes viewing a bit harder than usual. Still, astronomers predict that you will still be able to spot between 40 and 50 meteors per hour on a peak night — as long as clouds don’t obstruct the view in your area.

More like thisWellnessThese astronauts gave their pro tips for surviving social isolation

The post Watch the Perseid meteor shower light up the sky this August appeared first on Matador Network.

Urban wildlife amid COVID-19

During the early months of the pandemic, anecdotal accounts of changes in animal behavior started popping up in Los Angeles. Locals and city staff noticed a more prominent presence of bobcats, coyotes, mule deer, and other mammals on LA’s hillsides while bird song and frog croaks ratcheted up along the Los Angeles River, as well as in other streams and wetlands in the area. A diversity of butterfly species fluttered through the canyons and over mountain ranges.

“In general, the wildlife living in and around Los Angeles appeared to take advantage of the improved air and noise quality, and the more balanced cohabitation with humans,” says Steve Garcia, a city planning associate with Los Angeles City Planning.

LA was far from alone. San Francisco saw an increase in reported coyote sightings as the animals used city streets, sidewalks, and dog parks during the shelter-in-place order, says Deb Campbell of San Francisco’s Animal Care and Control. There were turkeys in Harvard Square and bears in North Carolina. It’s not just in the United States, either. Reports from England, Mexico, India, and other countries showed animals using city streets like, well, humans used to.

Cities are typically designed with only one animal front of mind: us. This distance from wildlife has become a reality for more and more people over the years — only 40 percent of Americans lived in an urban area in 1900, versus 75 percent by 1990. For us, humans, out of sight may be out of mind, but that does not mean the wildlife is not in the natural environment in and around our cities. The main question is now that the movement restrictions for humans have loosened, does life go back to the animal-human relationship we once had, or if it gets more harmonious?

“I think the biggest takeaway is really the reminder of how much wildlife is around us,” says Jim Murphy, the director of the environmental advocacy clinic at Vermont Law School and the legal advocacy director of the National Wildlife Federation. “It’s really brought awareness that wildlife doesn’t just come out of nowhere.”

It’s fun to poke at the exaggerations through memes about nature reclaiming itself. It’s also entertaining to treat these animal sightings as if we were living in a real-world I Am Legend. Yet unlike Will Smith’s character, there will be life on the other side. Plesiosaurs won’t take our canals, but people will have to figure out how they want to live amongst the critters they’re just now realizing live next door.

An old conflict made new

Photo: Sue Smith/Shutterstock

Finding the right balance between humans and animals is newly pertinent, but it isn’t a new problem. Animal-human tension has simmered since the first human settlements. The difference now is how removed people in the built world are from the environment.

“Urban residents have come to learn that we too have an ecosystem, albeit an urban ecosystem, teeming with biodiversity,” Seema Thomas, an adjunct professor of urban sustainability at the University of the District of Columbia, says. “We often focus on the built environment in urban areas, but the pandemic has forced us to think about the intersection of the built and natural environment.”

Cities that are used to roaming wildlife have had an easier time than densely populated places like New York City. Bobcats, black bears, and mountain lions are fairly common in the city limits of Boulder, CO, says Valerie Matheson, the city’s senior urban wildlife conservation coordinator. There were more reports of mountain lions and bobcats in the last couple of months, but Boulder hasn’t changed its education-first approach to wildlife conflict management.

Murphy notes that it’s impossible to predict the future of how the animal-city relationship could change elsewhere, but a main concern is that wildlife will get too habituated to the norms of city life. City animals like rats and pigeons will return to eating people’s food refuse, but animals that used to be more on the periphery like coyotes might run into difficulties. This works out for the rats and the pigeons — it’s difficult to imagine anyone upset about rats in New York City returning to normal rather than being the “aggressive rats” that patrolled the streets during lockdown. It’s a different story for animals considered a threat to people and pets, however.

Photo: Matt Knoth/Shutterstock

One problem as we return to a more normal pace of life is one that was already a major issue: wildlife-involved car accidents. Murphy notes that car strikes are the leading threat to wildlife around towns and cities. It doesn’t take a cross-country road trip to know that deer and small mammals are hit by cars at an alarming rate. Animals that have newly ventured onto roads as traffic decreased will have an even harder time navigating our streets. It’ll take some time to strike a balance, but we shouldn’t be surprised if all these animals that people are now spotting are spotted more frequently on the side of the highway, too.

Cities have come up with solutions for this before. LA is working on protected pathways for its cougars with the largest wildlife crossing in the world near the 101 freeway. The city was already working on addressing biodiversity prior to the pandemic in others ways, too. There was a pilot wildlife study in 2019, a biodiversity index called the LA Index to measure wildlife populations, as well as efforts to “enhance the urban forest,” as Garcia puts it, and incorporate local and native plants on private property, as well as public property and parks.

“The pandemic has illuminated the need to continue the important work that many City departments have initiated,” Garcia says, “and further increase education about the city’s ecosystem and access to nature and open spaces for all Angelenos.”

What cities are doing for the animals now

Photo: Andrey Shcherbukhin/Shutterstock

Despite the increase in animal reportings, it’s not necessarily the case that there are more animals overall. Some of the increase can be attributed to people having a greater chance to see the animals because they’re at home more.

Still, cities are working to address this newly visible relationship with animals. In San Francisco, there’s been a wildlife education push, more signs alerting the public about coyotes, and “more neighborhood patrols to help ease fears that the coyotes are taking over,” Campbell says.

In Denver, the wildlife relationship appears to have become better and will continue to improve, says Denver Parks and Recreation’s wildlife program administrator Vicki Vargas-Madrid. Park usage and recreational activities increased, which didn’t seem to impact the wildlife in Denver’s parks in a negative way — “if anything,” Vargas-Madrid says, “I think it’s helped wildlife.” Closed streets and parking lots allowed wildlife to use more space with less human interference. Vargas-Madrid sent a list of 21 animals that are more visible, including a number of bird species, red foxes, turtles, rabbits, and American beavers.

“I attribute the increase in bird and wildlife diversity in some of our parks to these road and parking lot closures,” Vargas-Madrid says, adding that the parks and recreation department “is considering keeping some of these closures permanent.”

In LA, city officials are back to working on the animal studies already in progress after pandemic-related budget cuts, “underscoring that the city recognizes it will be even more important to find ways to protect our environment and natural resources in the future,” Garcia says.

In the end, it’s up to people to forge a better relationship with nature than we had before. Animals shouldn’t have to “come back” when it’s possible to coexist by including wildlife-friendly attributes like local plants and walkways into urban design.

“There’s a real opportunity to create a productive relationship with wildlife in our backyards and common spaces to ensure that wildlife can thrive,” Murphy says. “I hope people just gain a general awareness and appreciation of wildlife around us. Even if you don’t see them, they’re there.”

More like thisNewsIn these locked-down cities, animals are taking over the vacant streets

The post Animals ‘reclaimed’ cities during the pandemic. What happens to them now? appeared first on Matador Network.

‘60s and ‘70s lgbtq travel map

In the 1960s, California businessman Bob Damron started publishing travel guides for the LGBTQ community, covering queer-friendly spaces around the country. He published the pocket-sized Bob Damron’s Address Book annually to fill a void in the LGBTQ travel sphere. Now, historian Eric Gonzaba and co-primary investigator Amanda Regan are using Damron’s guide books from 1965 to 1980 to map queer spaces during those years, track the evolution of queer communities, and place them in the proper historical context.

“Mapping the Gay Guides” is an interactive digital map covering each year of Damron’s guides. Each listing takes the form of a blue pin, and through the map users can watch LGBTQ businesses appear and disappear over time. Click on the pin to obtain information about each queer establishement mentioned.

Photo: Mapping the Gay Guides

The project began in February and since then has pinned over 23,000 listings in 32 states and DC, providing a valuable resources of the landscape of queer spaces in the second-half of the 20th century. Right now the timeline ends in 1980, but Gonzaba hopes to eventually make the map accurate through the present.

More like thisLGBTQ TravelThe top 10 LGBTQ destinations for 2020

The post This map is an interactive digitization of old LGBTQ travel guides appeared first on Matador Network.