Make no mistake – the heat was bad. We tickled 100F/38C for the past two days coupled with humidity approaching triple digits. Did you know that the corn we grow in Illinois contributes to the high humidity?
Can’t we genetically engineer corn so it doesn’t evapotranspirate? That would make the world, or at least Illinois, a better place. Meanwhile, I did my best over the past few days of the heat dome to change the world and make it a better place.
I may have eradicated the deadly disease of meningitis, but first, and possibly just as important, I may have been responsible for the introduction of a new snack food.
I was invited to a taste test for a chocolate, peanut butter Rice Krispie type treat. It didn’t matter which sample I tried, they were all great. If you ever come across them while shopping in the future, thank me, buy them, eat them, and enjoy. You’re welcome.
As for curing meningitis, I donated blood plasma which will be used to help develop a vaccine. I’m thrilled to be part of a future meningitis cure, but it came at great personal financial sacrifice. Two days after the plasma donation, I was offered a spot in a clinical trial for a new COVID vaccine to address new strains that pays over $400 a month for 7 months. Perfect! I am due for another COVID booster and can always use 400 bucks. Well, almost perfect. It turns out that the plasma donation disqualified me for at least the next month. I’m thrilled about being a hero that likely cured meningitis, but I feel guilty that I think I probably would have chosen the cash over the cure if given the choice.
We’re not out of the heat dome yet. One day left, although temperatures are normalizing a bit. I don’t have any more plans to improve the world, but I am focused on getting the pond fish through one more day of heat. Well, better go and buy more ice.
Jim Flanigan Looks at the World 