Old Dogs, New Tricks

Earlier this week, for the first time in its history, the U.S. Supreme Court 1) heard arguments by telephone; and 2) allowed the world to listen in live. Things went fine.

Also earlier this week, I got an email from my sorority, Delta Delta Delta, announcing that the 59th biennial convention will take place online for the first time.

And my alma mater, the College of William & Mary, has been holding alumni networking events and other functions online. (Actually they’ve been doing that for awhile now, even before the pandemic.)

All of the above organizations are known for being extremely traditional. And yet here they go, breaking new ground to keep serving their constituencies.

In other news, a Mom & Pop dairy farm in Pennsylvania started bottling and selling milk direct to customers rather than have to dump its milk when the retail trade ceased amid the pandemic. They sold out in hours. And Florida farms, too, are selling direct to customers to avoid dumping produce. (Both stories from ReturnToNow.net)

Speaking of my home state: Brava to Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried for approaching supermarkets in our state and asking them to carry more Florida produce. The department even set up a “Florida Farm To You” page on its website to connect farmers with retailers and consumers.

Sensing a common theme here? I call it Hashtag #YesWeCan ! or #OldDogsNewTricks

Some of you might be wondering if I’m ever again going to make a post not related to the pandemic shutdown. I will, I promise!! But — to share a meme I saw today on Facebook:

World: There’s no way we can shut everything down in order to lower emissions, slow climate change, and protect the environment.

Mother Nature: Here’s a virus. Practice.

So have you noticed any old dogs learning new tricks in your world? Do tell!

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