Many years ago I read the Stephen King novel "The Stand". It scared the daylights out of me.
This is a description of the fictional horror story that Stephen King, the author of "Carrie" and many other horror stories, which I took from Wikipedia:
"The stand presents a breakdown of society after an accidental release of a strain in influenza that has been modified for biological warfare causes an apocalyptic pandemic, killing off more than 99% of the world's population."
I just got off FaceTime with Pat, who lives in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. We are/were scheduled to go to Palm Springs next month to prepare Pat's condo for sale. While I was on FaceTime with Pat the news came across that all travel between Canada and the United States would be restricted to "non-essential" travel. I think we can assume that preparation of Pat's Palm Springs condo for sale is "non-essential."
We both still have our airline reservations but I think that will change shortly. Pat can't get out of Canada and I don't think that situation will change by next month. I have a feeling this coronavirus pandemic crises is just amping up and will get even worse. I think we will be in this for months, not weeks.
While I was talking to Pat on FaceTime he looked out his tenth floor window of his Hamilton condo and saw few people on the streets below. That reminded me of the opening passages of the book "The Stand" where one of the few survivors walked the empty streets of a city that was depopulation by the fictional influenza virus.
I've always had the feeling something terrible would happen during my lifetime. I was brought up to fear the atom bomb. Remember that? Hide under your desk kids when the bomb goes off. Even then my eight year old mind knew that wasn't likely to happen. Sure, that Doomsday scenario came close during the Cuban Missile Crises. Folks, I think we're here now.
8 comments:
Sounds very scary, Ron. Gotta admit it. And how it fits in with today's situation worldwide... Crazy.
Hot Guys,
Just decided today we're not going to Palm Springs. Interesting times. Hope we survive.
Ron
Ron
I think you are correct .... I wish it wasn't so.... and Louisiana is dragging ass just like the rednecks who run the government., it will come to haunt them for sure..
Stay Safe... Social Distancing Please.
"Tommy",
Practicing all the safety measures. Only time I'm really at risk is when I work at the hotel twice a week. I wipe all surfaces, even more so now. No more hand shakes. Offer hand sanitizer to all new guests I'm checking in. Wipe off handlebars of shopping carts, the other time I'm exposed. I leave Bill in the car now when I go to the super market.
Ron
I read 'The Stand' soon after it came out in paperback (must have been around 1980?) but not again since. I'd already read his prior three ('Carrie', 'Salem's Lot', 'The Shining') and had been mightily impressed - and freaked out! - by all of them. But have to admit that 'The Stand' was my first disappointment. Maybe I was just overwhelmed by the sheer length of it. There were, however, at that stage many delights he was yet to write. Sounds like from what you say it might be worth giving 'The Stand' another go. It's been FORTY years, dammit!
Btw: I was also disappointed in a similar way with his 'Firestarter'. Maybe you've read that too?
Take care of yourself, Ron - and those around you, which I'm sure you will.
Mr. King sent a tweet (is that the word?) saying what we are having is NOT The Stand and knock it off everyone get real and get serious.
Ray,
Yes, I did read "Firestarter". I actually liked it but it was too long. I started reading "Cujo" but gave up on it. Haven't read a Stephen King book since. Too long. I had the same experience with "It". Way too long. Forty years, isn't it amazing at how fast time goes Ray? We won't be here forty years from now. We'll be history. Stay safe!
Ron
Ur-spo,
"Tweet" is a word. Actually, I get most of my news on Twitter now. It's unfiltered.d Lot of nonsense there too (Trump's crap) but I'm able to sort through the chat and find the real reeling and news as to what is gong on.
Ron
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