THE SPACE ALIEN PREPARES FOR HOLIDAYS IN DANGEROUS TIMES

 The Space Alien always looks forward to holidays, especially those that brighten dark winter days. 

But this year it would be hard to celebrate.  Some human friends had become ill with COVID-19, and others were rightly afraid to enjoy holiday gatherings.  

Hanukkah began the evening of December 10, and while the Space Alien customarily lights the menorah candles each of the eight nights of this holiday, and loves to play with a dreydl, somehow it now seems quite dreary because it would not be safe to have friends over for a wonderful party with special songs and foods to celebrate.

 

And soon it would be Christmas.  In years past the Space Alien would join friends to wish them joy at this special season.  But this year such gatherings would not be safe.      

To express these concerns, the Space Alien wrote these words to a popular holiday tune:*  

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, 

But there’s no jingle-belling, 

And who can be telling us words of good cheer,

As in past wonderful times of the year!

It’s the most worrisome time of the year!

Can we be celebrating,

if we’re also hating and living in fear?

At this most feverish time of the year!

It’s the most pitiful time of the year.

When we all should be shopping,

Until we are dropping, at malls far and near.  

It’s the most frustrating season, that’s clear! 

It’s the most blunderful time of the year.

Our leaders have failed us, 

A dire ill ails us, and leaves us in fear!

At this most dangerous time of the year!

Your Editor was doubtful.  "This isn't the sort of depressing message we like to print in the Space Alien Gazette!" she insisted. 

"But didn't you say we only produce the most honest journalism?" asked the Space Alien? 

"I guess you're right," agreed Your Editor, "but can we still wish our Loyal Readers a better, brighter 2021?" 

"Of course we can!" said the Space Alien. "That's the best thing we can do!"  

And with that, the Space Alien began to sing some beautiful, traditional holiday songs, and hopes you will join in!  

All of us here in the unbelievably busy offices of the Space Alien Gazette wish you, our Loyal Readers, a bright, and healthy year ahead!

___________________

* When you are done reading this post, you can hear The Most Wonderful Time of the Year sung by Andy Williams:   

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFGC_YgeQ5w

And read some history of this holiday favorite!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_the_Most_Wonderful_Time_of_the_Year  

###

THE SPACE ALIEN CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING 2020

 The Space Alien looked at the calendar and realized that it was almost Thanksgiving!   

Quickly the Space Alien picked up the phone and dialed Your Editor.  

"What are we doing for Thanksgiving this year?" cried the Space Alien.  "It's just days away and we haven't even begun to plan a gala dinner for family and friends!"  

Your Editor answered sadly "Don't you understand?  There is an epidemic this year!  It is called COVID19!  Why, we even carried a story about that!  It's at: http://www.spacealiengazette.com/2020/04/the-space-alien-and-queen-elizabeth-ii.html "

"You're right!" answered the Space Alien.  "I guess that's why I'm still wearing this mask!  You know I'm immune to this virus, but I've wanted to set a good example.  Now I've almost forgotten I'm wearing it.  It just seems natural now!"

"And don't forget," added Your Editor, "You even wrote a lovely poem about wearing a mask!" 

But the Space Alien still wanted to know about Thanksgiving. 

"How will we celebrate this year?  Will we still get together with family and friends and have lots of yummy food and share great memories?" 

Your Editor shook her head sadly. 

"I'm afraid not," she answered.  It's just too dangerous this year."  

"But maybe we can get together on the internet!" Your Editor continued.  "At least we could see and hear each other!"  

"It won't be the same," observed the Space Alien, "but if we love each other we can still have a meaningful Thanksgiving.  We can be thankful for each other!"

"You're right," answered Your Editor.  "We may not have a holiday table but we'll have Zoom!"

And here, Loyal Readers, is the poem written by our very own Space Alien.  We know you will appreciate its sentiment!   

You don't have to ask,
I'll still Wear a Mask!
At home or in space,
I'll cover my face!
Our friends will admire us,
And not catch this virus!
It's fashionable too!
And shows I love you!

All of us here at the busy and socially distancing offices of the Space Alien Gazette wish you the best Thanksgiving possible!  

THE SPACE ALIEN GETS OUT THE VOTE!

The Space Alien reminds Loyal Readers to vote on Tuesday, November 3!  

Vote cheerfully and thoughtfully!

And here, Loyal Readers, is a song you can sing as you march to the polls!  Your Editor wrote the words and you can sing them to the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic.  

Tuesday Morning Patriots 

Our loyal troops in uniform are on the line for you,

They do their job at any cost, I’m grateful that they do.

But all of us can join the fight wherever we may be,

‘Cause Tuesday Morning Patriots will keep our country free.

Chorus: 

Yes, Tuesday Morning Patriots are marching to the polls,

To exercise their voting rights with fire in their souls,

With ballots, not with bullets, they’ll send their message clear,

Our country needs good leadership, the time is now,  it’s here!

Our right to vote has been secured by fire, blood and sweat,

Millions struggled, fought and died, and we must not forget!

Don’t let your country slip away!  Let your voice be heard!

Just SHOUT into that ballot box, they’ll hear your every word!

Chorus:

Yes, Tuesday Morning Patriots are marching to the polls,

To exercise their voting rights with fire in their souls,

With ballots, not with bullets, they’ll send their message clear,

Our country needs good leadership, the time is now,  it’s here!

Never say that one small vote can’t turn this land around,

One plus one, a million strong, will make a mighty sound!

You have the choice, do nothing, and nothing’s what you’ll get,

But take a small step to the polls, you’ll make a winning bet!

Chorus:

Yes, Tuesday Morning Patriots are marching to the polls,

To exercise their voting rights with fire in their souls,

With ballots, not with bullets, they’ll send their message clear,

Our country needs good leadership, the time is now,  it’s here!

Make no complaint November fourth* when we get the news, 

Of who will be sworn in to lead and who gets walking shoes;

Don’t wait!   November third* join voters proud to serve,

And let the slackers who stay home get just what they deserve! 

Chorus: 

Yes, Tuesday Morning Patriots are marching to the polls,

To exercise their voting rights with fire in their souls,

With ballots, not with bullets, they’ll send their message clear,

Our country needs good leadership, the time is now,  it’s here!

Plan your Vote -- and Vote!

-----------------------------

* Revised For the 2020 National Election. 

See more about Tuesday Morning Patriots at 

https://joansoccasionalpoems.blogspot.com/2020/08/tuesday-morning-patriots-2020.html 

© 2004 Joan D. Levin.  

May be used freely for any non-commercial purpose.

THE SPACE ALIEN PREPARES FOR ELECTION DAY 2020

     Election Day 2020 is just around the corner on Tuesday, November 3rd.  Absentee voting has already begun!

     The Space Alien is not a citizen of the United States and therefore cannot vote, but can still show voters where to get the information they need to cast absentee ballots and help the postal workers deliver them!  

      Because of COVID-19, so many voters have decided to vote by mail that the Space Alien fears the post offices will be swamped.  

     Fortunately the U. S. Postal Service says it is prepared and not to worry about this!  

     If you have not yet voted, here are some resources the Space Alien recommends: 

1. The U. S. Government website where you can find your state's rules: 

https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting

2. The United States Postal Service information on voting by mail: For this link, please Click Here

We urge Loyal Readers to take advantage of these resources and be sure to VOTE!   

                                      ###   

THE SPACE ALIEN GREETS 5781

The Space Alien has been busy in the kitchen baking a delicious Honey Cake to welcome the New Year, 5781!  (This year this will begin at sunset on the evening of Friday, September 18.)

Here is the Space Alien's delicious honey cake! 

And for a sweet year, the Space Alien has Apples to dip into Honey!

All of us at the Space Alien Gazette wish everyone a good, sweet and healthy year!

To all our Loyal Readers: Shanah Tovah!

A Good Year!

THE SPACE ALIEN EXECUTES A THRILLING RESCUE AT SEA!

(Note: While this may not go out as a separate issue of the Space Alien Gazette, it will surely be of interest to Loyal Readers!)  

A Loyal Reader sent Your Editor this article from the  New York Times dated September 5, 2020, about a thrilling rescue of boatloads of Trump supporters at a large reservoir lake in Texas.  

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/05/us/Texas-boat-parade-trump.html?action=click&module=Latest&pgtype=Homepage

Your Editor believes the picture in this New York Times article may have been "doctored" to remove a very important element: the role of the Space Alien in rescuing people from the foundering boats.

As the article above notes: "Firefighters pulled some people out of the water" but it does not say exactly how the others were rescued.  

Fortunately Your Editor was able to obtain an original copy of this photograph making it clear that the Space Alien played an important role in this thrilling rescue!    

As you can see, the Space Alien bravely places saving lives above political considerations!  

THE SPACE ALIEN HONORS LABOR DAY

The Space Alien works hard on the assembly line when this plant is short-handed, performing assigned tasks with speed and precision.

On Labor Day, the Space Alien joins workers everywhere, celebrating the advances workers have made while considering goals yet to be met.    

This year the Space Alien will march in parades, and then then relax with friends at a picnic to say goodbye to summer.

Here are some interesting websites about Labor Day: 

https://parade.com/1081089/jessicasager/labor-day-history/

and: 

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1

and:

https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-labor-day-holiday/

and:

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-labor-day

and:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveodland/2012/08/29/10-labor-day-facts/#6225b1775af3

While puzzled by seeming inconsistencies between these accounts, the Space Alien was still fascinated to learn more about this holiday honoring our workforce, and hopes that as Loyal Readers enjoy these last days of summer, they will also think about the meaning of Labor Day.

Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, will be observed this year on September 7th.  Whatever your plans, the Space Alien and Your Editor wish you a wonderful weekend!

THE SPACE ALIEN MAKES A BIG MOVE

One of many executive decisions the Space Alien recently made was to move internet hosting from Jacksonville, Florida to Mountain View, California, nearly 3,000 miles away! 

(Loyal Readers may recognize these cities as the homes of Register.com and Google.com, not a surprising coincidence given the Space Alien's long interest in modern technology.)  

The Space Alien normally travels at tachyonic velocities exceeding the speed of light, but there was concern that bringing needed information from Florida to California in this manner could totally vaporize these valuable files!     

Commercial airline travel was not practical because many commercial airlines had cut back on flights due to COVID-19, and also because the Space Alien has encountered difficulties with commercial airlines (mainly involving disputes over bags of peanuts).   

So the Space Alien decided to take a leisurely drive to the new internet headquarters with the valuable files safely packed in the trunk!   

Hopefully not too many of these valuable files will be lost in this move, and the Space Alien looks forward to many more years of producing the very highest quality journalism for Loyal Readers of the incomparable Space Alien Gazette!  

THE SPACE ALIEN CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

Your Editor encountered the Space Alien viewing past issues of the Space Alien Gazette.

"Look how proudly I marched on July 4th last year!" cried the Space Alien.  "I beat the drum in a Spirit of '76 reenactment so all the marchers could keep in step!"

http://spacealiengazette.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-space-alien-celebrates-our-nations.html

"And this July marks the completion of our fourth year of online publication of the Space Alien Gazette," added the Space Alien. "I think we should have a big party to celebrate that as well!"

"But you know we can't have a big party now because of COVID-19," said Your Editor.

"So what shall I do instead on July 4th?" cried the Space Alien.

Your Editor paused before answering.
"Do you know what the Fourth of July is all about?" she asked.

"I'm not sure," answered the Space Alien. 
"Maybe the invention of firecrackers?"

"Not at all," said your Editor.  "Just look at this!" she continued, taking a framed reproduction down from the wall.  

"This document, written over 200 years ago and signed on July 4, 1776, declared the independence of the United States of America from the British Empire," she explained.

And you may read it here:
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript


The Space Alien looked over this document thoughtfully, and then read these words aloud:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." 

"These are very important words!" said the Space Alien.  "I am going to spend the rest of the day studying them and thinking about their meaning!" 

"That's a good idea," agreed Your Editor.  "I'll join you -- we'll do this together!  And then we'll act to assure that our government today will actually live up to these words with fairness for all!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This issue of the Space Alien Gazette is lovingly dedicated to the memory of my dear Uncle Al who reminded us each year to re-read the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July. 

THE SPACE ALIEN SHOWS UP FOR JUSTICE

Your Editor came upon the Space Alien carrying a small case neatly packed with containers of food.

"Where are you going?"  She asked. 

"I don't know," answered the Space Alien, "but I'm leaving here and I may never come back!"

"What?" cried Your Editor.  "But why?"

"Just look at this picture!" cried the Space Alien pulling out a cell phone.  "I took it the other day!"     

"This is a land of cruel and murderous people who torture and kill people who don't look like them, or who don't think like them!  Even some who promise to serve and protect people commit murder as if it were a commonplace event!   How can I stay in a place like this?  I'm leaving!"

Your Editor was silent.  For a moment she considered asking the Space Alien to take her along, to take her far from a place where small children could sing about "crowning good with brotherhood" while their elders did exactly the opposite.  An image of another woman came into her mind.  

Then she spoke:  "Space Alien, please stay!  You are needed here!  I need you here!  We have work to do!  We may not finish this work in my lifetime, but we still need to do the work!"   

"Just look!" she continued.  "There are lots of good people!  They are marching right now and we can join them!" 

"More and more will join us!   This is where change can start!  This is not the time to leave!  This is the time to remember why we are here and to take back our country for justice!"

And together, with millions of others, they did!

Never Forgotten!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For more information, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_George_Floyd

###

THE SPACE ALIEN ENTERS A "WEAR A MASK" CONTEST

[Editors Note: This post, intended for early June, 2020, was not sent to subscribers, as the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police officers rightfully preempted it.  It may be sent to e-mail subscribers at some future date, but for now it is only here on the website.] 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a campaign to stop the spread of COVID-19, New York  Governor Andrew Cuomo recently sponsored a "Wear a Mask" contest to produce a Public Service Announcement (PSA).     

Hundreds of people submitted entries, and a reported half-million voted!   

On May 26, 2020, Governor Cuomo announced a tie for winner, and both will be used in PSA's.

You may view the top entries here: 
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/wear-mask 

While immune to the terrible COVID-19 virus, the Space Alien nevertheless wears a mask to set a good example for human friends and decided to write a poem for Governor Cuomo's contest.

Unfortunately the deadline for entries had already passed, but the Space Alien wrote a poem anyway and put on a brand new mask to celebrate.    

Here's the poem the Space Alien wrote and recited as a rap wearing the brand-new mask!  

You don't have to ask,
I'll still Wear a Mask!
At home or in space,
I'll cover my face!
Our friends will admire us,
And not catch this virus!
It's fashionable too!
And shows I love you!

The Space Alien is sure this would have won a prize in Governor Cuomo's contest and believes Loyal Readers would agree!  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A note from Your Editor:

Loyal Reader, if the COVID-19 situation is still with us as you read this, please follow the Space Alien's lead and protect those around you by wearing a mask!  

This post is repeated at Your Editor's COVID-19 blog: 

https://joanscovid19blog.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-space-alien-enters-new-yorks-mask.html

And to read more about the importance of wearing a mask -- especially to protect others -- see https://joanscovid19blog.blogspot.com/2020/05/to-mask-or-not-to-mask-and-if-so-how.html

###

THE SPACE ALIEN OBSERVES MOTHERS' DAY 2020

Mother's Day is special for the Space Alien, who doesn't recall having a mother but in general thinks mothers are wonderful and sometimes sees Your Editor in that role.  

Last year the Space Alien had taken Your Editor out for a lovely dinner and given her a beautiful framed self-portrait. 
http://spacealiengazette.blogspot.com/2019/05/the-space-alien-celebrates-mothers-day.html.

But this year restaurants were closed, and the Space Alien's official photographer was on assignment for major news outlets taking pictures of those showoff but oh-so-dangerous Corona Viruses! 

"I could visit her," thought the Space Alien.  "I'm imaginary so it wouldn't really be breaking her building's COVID-19 rules against visitors."

"But that doesn't seem fair; and how would I get one of my special cakes to her if I couldn't deliver it myself?"

"I think I'll give her a call on Mother's Day," concluded the Space Alien, getting out an old but serviceable cell phone. 

"She likes to talk a lot," thought the Space Alien.  
"Sometimes she can be a little repetitive and even boring but that's ok!"  

The Space Alien and the entire staff of the Space Alien Gazette wish you and yours a Happy, Healthy and SAFE Mother's Day!  

###

THE SPACE ALIEN TAKES BAD COVID-19 ADVICE

The Space Alien showed up at Your Editor's house ready to work on the next issue of the Space Alien Gazette.  

Your Editor was shocked by the Space Alien's appearance.  
"What happened to you?" she cried.  "You've become quite pale!"



"I did what the President told us to do for COVID-19," answered the Space Alien.  "He told us to inject bleach!  You can even read about this here:"

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-disinfectants-covid-19/

"So I figured drinking it would be just as good.  The President also talked about using something called 'hydroxychloroquine.'  I thought this was what he meant!" 

"Oh no!" cried Your Editor!  "That could make you terribly sick!

"Don't worry," said the Space Alien.  "You know I'm imaginary so I'll be ok!"

"Well," replied Your Editor, "I only hope that some Loyal Reader won't try it and be terribly injured!" 

"You're right!" agreed the Space Alien, quickly returning to normal.  "I won't do that again!  Now I'll just wash up!"  

Dear Loyal Readers -- You are NOT the Space Alien so PLEASE do not do ANY of these things! 
(Just wash your hands and, if you wish, use hand sanitizer on your hands!)   

###

THE SPACE ALIEN AND QUEEN ELIZABETH II DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

The Space Alien was a trusted confidant of Queen Elizabeth I during the 16th Century. 

More recently, the Space Alien had the ear of British royalty when Queen Elizabeth II was a Royal Princess and, later, a beautiful young Queen!

But the Space Alien does not just lounge around Buckingham Palace, and never hesitates to volunteer wherever needed.

When one of the Palace Guards recently stubbed his toe and could not march, the Space Alien immediately donned the classic uniform and marched with military precision in the ceremonial Changing of the Guard.  

The absent Guard soon felt better and thanked the Space Alien for filling in!  

So it was no surprise that the Space Alien was right beside Queen Elizabeth this week when she exhorted the nation to be brave in the face of COVID-19, and to follow the advice of doctors to stay home and do whatever else might be needed to stay healthy during this scourge!    

Here is the Queen's Address of April 5, 2020: 

https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/queen

(We hope this will still be online!)

Be sure to turn on your computer speakers as well as the speaker icons at the lower left of the TV screen on this link to listen!

And Stay Well! 

###

In the Mailbag!

This issue of the Space Alien Gazette prompted an unusual number of comments from Loyal Readers.  

Could this be that because during the COVID-19 crisis, many Loyal Readers are at home with nothing but time on their hands?

A few of these comments are summarized here: 

1. Why is the U.K. (United Kingdom) not renamed the U.Q. (United Queendom):  A really good question.  Perhaps in happier, healthier times the Space Alien will take this up with the proper officials who will probably be pleased to spend some time pondering this!

2. From a Loyal Reader who is also a health care professional, as well as several other Loyal Readers:  Why isn't the Space Alien practicing Social Distancing during this time of COVID-19?  

This is a very good question and Your Editor was remiss in not explaining.  Happily, the Space Alien is blessed with a uniquely endowed immune system and neither transmits nor is subject to communicable diseases.  

This is why you can get as close as you wish to your computer, tablet or cell phone to read the Space Alien Gazette in perfect safety!  (Unless you are driving your car!)

3. Another Loyal Reader wrote to say that the Space Alien should have been wearing a mask to set a good example.  Your Editor cannot argue with this logic and neither can the Space Alien.  So the Space Alien is now wearing a mask -- it doesn't fit perfectly but we hope it will set a suitable example to remind Loyal Readers to wear theirs! 

The Space Alien Sets a Good Example!
Just be sure YOUR mask fits better!

###

The Space Alien Visits the Museum of Contemporary Art

Because of the outbreak of the Corona virus (COVID-19), a brunch with friends at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) to which Your Editor had been invited had to be cancelled.  

But the Space Alien, being a creature of fantasy, and whose passion is modern art, decided to make a fantasy visit to this important museum.     


Loyal Readers may recall reading about the Space Alien's earlier visit to Chicago's Art Institute.  
http://spacealiengazette.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-space-alien-studies-astronomy-at.html  
So this trip to yet another leading art museum was very special for the Space Alien. 

First the Space Alien enjoyed a lovely fantasy meal with fantasy friends at MCA's exquisite Marisol Restaurant. 

Next, adequately nourished, the Space Alien toured some of the famous artistic works in the quiet galleries. 

The Space Alien admired a portrait of an old friend.  

"It's a perfect likeness!" exclaimed the Space Alien.

Visitors,  young and old, listened attentively as the Space Alien helped the MCA staff by leading a fantasy guided tour (since real people would never stand in such close proximity given the current public health situation!). 

At the Museum Store the Space Alien picked up a can of soup.  "I'm not sure why they are selling soup here, or why someone left a candle in it" said the Space Alien, "but it will be nice to have a can of soup in my pantry to enjoy some cold winter night!"

"And one more thing!" thought the Space Alien placing some purchases on the checkout counter.
"This is my gift for every single one of my Loyal Readers!"  

Hopefully the day will not be distant when Loyal Readers can safely enjoy this and so much more at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art.   More information is here:
https://mcachicago.org     

###

Note: Now that Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art is closed, a Loyal Reader responded with this URL with addresses for online tours of some great art museums all over the world!  The Space Alien plans to digitally visit them all!

https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours?utm_source=emailshare&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-share-article&utm_content=20200314

Note: On March 20, 2020, Your Editor received news from the Art Institute of Chicago (now closed) about their new "Interactive Features" which you may enjoy online!  
https://www.artic.edu/interactive-features?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=base&utm_content=base-interactive-feature-03-20-20

Note: Added March 23, 2020, another sign of the times from the Art Institute of Chicago:

The Space Alien Struggles with New Directions

The Space Alien's long-planned winter holiday was recently waylaid.   Despite carefully made plans to spend a week on a sunny Caribbean beach sipping non-alcoholic Mai-Tais, the Space Alien, traveling at customary velocities exceeding the speed of light, wound up in a dingy hamburger joint in freezing Chicago drinking a stale root beer.  

"How could this happen?" wondered the Space Alien.  "This is not the winter getaway I planned!  I followed my compass so carefully!  How could I have gotten so lost?"

The Space Alien soon noticed this article in a copy of the prestigious science journal Nature that another patron had left behind on the greasy counter.   

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00007-1

NEWS 09 JANUARY 2019
"Earth’s magnetic field is acting up and geologists don’t know why.  Erratic motion of north magnetic pole forces experts to update model that aids global navigation."

The Space Alien quickly set aside the stale root beer and began reading this article with alarm: 

"Something strange is going on at the top of the world. Earth’s north magnetic pole has been skittering away from Canada and towards Siberia, driven by liquid iron sloshing within the planet’s core."

Then the Space Alien turned a few pages and found this diagram:  


"Oh my goodness," thought the Space Alien.  "If the magnetic poles are moving, this must be why my compass doesn't work!   Without my compass, how will I ever find my warm, sunny vacation spot?" 

The Space Alien picked up a cell phone to do some research and saw that even Forbes had reported this movement of the earth's magnetic field!

https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2019/02/05/earths-magnetic-north-pole-has-officially-moved/#7ff08f2d6862 
"Earth's magnetic North Pole is quickly moving from the Canadian Arctic toward Russia."

Newsweek had also reported this at: https://www.newsweek.com/earth-magnetic-field-northern-pole-noaa-wmm-navigation-1318159

"Earth's northern magnetic pole is moving at an unexpectedly fast rate toward Siberia. Scientists discovered the pole was not where it should be in September last year, and, as a result, had to update the model that tracks its movements."

The Space Alien was flabbergasted by this news.  "What will happen to all the snowbirds heading for happy vacation trips to Florida or points south?" wondered the Space Alien. "They will have to unpack their swimsuits and pack Russian dictionaries instead!"

Then another post flashed on the Space Alien's cell phone:  
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160401075118.htm
Science News 

---

The Moon may play a major role in maintaining Earth's magnetic field

April 1, 2016  Source: CNRS  
Summary:

The Earth's magnetic field permanently protects us from the charged particles and radiation that originate in the Sun. This shield is produced by the geodynamo, the rapid motion of huge quantities of liquid iron alloy in the Earth's outer core. To maintain this magnetic field until the present day, the classical model required the Earth's core to have cooled by around 3 000 °C over the past 4.3 billion years. Now, astronomers suggest that, on the contrary, its temperature has fallen by only 300 °C. The action of the Moon, overlooked until now, is thought to have compensated for this difference and kept the geodynamo active.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Space Alien, momentarily stunned by new words like "geodynamo" and the possible role of the Moon, did a quick Google search to read about the effects of movements of the Earth's molten core upon the geomagnetic field. https://websites.pmc.ucsc.edu/~glatz/geodynamo.html .

"This is all much too complicated for me," thought the Space Alien, and immediately picked up the phone to book a  seat on the next commercial airline flight to Miami.

###