There are now 26,676,998 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the USA. There have been 455,733 deaths from the virus here as well. January was the deadliest month for COVID-19 in US with more than 95,245 lives lost. Coronavirus deaths in the United States have now surpassed 450,000 as of Thursday, and daily deaths remain stubbornly high at more than 3,000 a day, despite falling infections and the arrival of multiple vaccines.
VIRUS NEWS:
An infectious disease expert warns that the next 6 to 14 weeks could be the ‘darkest’ of the pandemic.
President Biden set a bold timeline for a return to normal life.
The CDC director says the federal government does not know how much COVID vaccine the U.S. has.
A recent study found that of the 1,733 coronavirus patients treated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, 76% were still experiencing at least one symptom six months after their symptoms began. Medical professionals are working to understand more about "long COVID."
A recent study found that of the 1,733 coronavirus patients treated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, 76% were still experiencing at least one symptom six months after their symptoms began. Medical professionals are working to understand more about "long COVID."
Harvard Medical School's Dr. Abraar Karan says the US can end the COVID-19 pandemic in four weeks if everyone wears N95 masks.
Biden’s COVID plan is simple. Trump could have done it and saved more than 130,000 lives.
As further proof that Trump rallies were super spreaders, a Stanford study links them to 30,000 COVID-19 cases and 700 deaths. He literally killed his voters. (There's the votes in Georgia he was looking for...)
The US is in an 'absolute race' with new coronavirus strains as experts differ on vaccine strategy.
Those who had COVID-19 could get reinfected if the variants become dominant, Dr. Fauci says.
A more infectious COVID variant has been detected in UC Berkeley students.
Why a particular coronavirus mutation has scientists' attention. The tiny spike proteins that cover the outside of the virus are crucial to vaccine efficacy. They're also changing.
Dolly Parton, who helped fund the COVID vaccine (Really!), says she’ll wait to get vaccinated ‘until some more people get theirs.’
Politics:
True Stories:
Nearly 3 months after giving birth while in a coma with CoOVID-19, a Wisconsin woman met her newborn child for the first time last week.
GLOBAL:
There have been 104,869,210 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 2,284,221 deaths from the virus globally.
Last Saturday, anti-vaccine protesters shut down a mass COVID vaccination site in Los Angeles.
And here are the political ads:
My former co-worker Christina sent me a brief text updating me on some celebrations at my old workplace:
Christa in Santa Monica, sent a brief note about her experience getting the vaccine:
ME:
As boring as my life seems, I keep on existing. I also have been to several doctor appointments (of course). UGH! At my cardiologist's office, I got the results of the stress test. Despite my weird ad-lib rhythms my heart beats, they said it was strong. Okay...
I talked to my neurologist. Now that I've had my third series of IVIG doses (and the third time is supposed to be the charm), he wanted to know if I had made any improvement. Alas, although my physical therapists say I am improving, I (who lives with myself 24/7) have not seen or felt a difference. I still have tremendous difficulty at times getting up, sitting down, or just walking. My arms are now often in pain far more than they ever were before and they are weak as well. So, Dr. Bahtia wants me to see him again in three more months time, after my April infusions. Swell. I did ask him again how long I'd have to be on IVIG once it works. He told me I'd be on it the rest of my life.
The other day I was thinking about the documentary LIFE IN A DAY 2020, which filmed last summer. Although I didn't have much to do on the assigned day, I participated. However, I realized that I had never heard back from the filmmakers, so I guessed I wasn't going to be included. I really didn't think anything I had submitted was all that interesting, but I was hoping Shirley would at least be featured and immortalized on the silver screen. Oh well.
Boris Johnson says there is evidence that the new UK virus strain is more deadly.
Increasing data suggests UK variant may be deadlier, says the CDC director.
Berlin in Germany has put an entire hospital under quarantine lockdown and is diverting all new patients after 20 patients and staff tested positive for the more infectious B117 variant of SARSCoV2 (COVID) virus from the UK.
The CDC director says that community spread of the South African strain is here. "The presumption is, at this point, that there has been community spread of this strain," Dr. Rochelle Walensky told NBC's "TODAY" show last Friday morning.
The Brazil variant is exposing the world’s vulnerability.
Three coronavirus variants are spreading in the US. Here’s what we know about them.
The most worrying mutations in five emerging coronavirus variants.
How worried should we be about the coronavirus variants?
Even with coronavirus vaccine distribution set to increase, upcoming months could be rough with the new emerging variants.
This may be a secret weapon to fight the mutating coronavirus
The FDA is considering new rules to speed up approvals for vaccines targeting the new virus variants.
The Moderna CEO offered a bleak assessment of COVID-19: The virus is going to stay with the world 'forever.'
Vaccines:
The Moderna CEO offered a bleak assessment of COVID-19: The virus is going to stay with the world 'forever.'
The Biden Administration and COVID-19 vaccine producers are discussing ways to ramp up manufacturing over the next several months, including partnering with additional pharmaceutical firms to help bottle the vaccine for distribution.
Biden's COVID response team is scrambling to find 20 million coronavirus vaccine doses the Trump administration didn't bother tracking.
Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine is 72% effective in the U.S., and 66% overall in a large trial. The single-shot vaccine is also 85% effective against severe COVID-19 disease.
Johnson & Johnson asked the FDA to approve its one-shot coronavirus vaccine.
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine works, but less so against the new variants.
Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, criticized for its early rollout, is 91.6% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effective against serious illness.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former leader of the Food and Drug Administration, says the COVID vaccinations "should be a backstop" to protect against virus variants.
Vaxart disappoints with coronavirus vaccine trial update.
Merck has stopped the development of its COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine may reduce transmission of the virus, rather than simply reducing the severity of disease, UK researchers have suggested.
More than one in three people in the U.K. study reported side effects from the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.
A look at COVID-19 vaccines -- in use and in development -- around the world.
A comparison of the five leading COVID-19 vaccines,
Development of new coronavirus vaccines may be hitting critical mass. Here's how they work.
Why it's hard to make COVID-19 vaccines and boost supplies.
Only half of COVID-19 vaccines delivered to states have been used, CDC data shows.
Governor Cuomo of New York state blames Trump for the vaccine shortage in his state.
President Biden announced the purchase of 200 million additional vaccine doses.
Joe Biden wants to ramp up to 1.5 million vaccinations each day.
From seniors lining up overnight to states canceling appointments, one expert says the vaccine rollout is like "The Hunger Games."
'My 81-year-old dad would have never figured this out:' Inside America's vaccine sign-up process.
At the current supply rate, it would take Kaiser 4+ years to get enough vaccines for all California patients. Kaiser's CEO says Kaiser cares for 9.3 million Californians and has so far received only 300,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses.
A study found that 60% of Americans don't know where or when to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
'We're left high and dry': Vulnerable seniors struggle to get the vaccine.
A new website will help you find COVID vaccine slots at Walgreens + Duane Reade.
US pharmacies could administer up to 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine a month.
Local reporters are a lifeline helping readers find the vaccine.
The Biden administration says it will soon begin direct shipments of coronavirus vaccines to retail pharmacies in an attempt to speed up vaccinations.
I.C.E. won't make immigration enforcement arrests at COVID-19 vaccination sites, federal officials say.
In Canada, a couple who jumped the COVID vaccine queue could face prison time.
In Canada, a couple who jumped the COVID vaccine queue could face prison time.
A Texas doctor, who was charged with stealing a vial of COVID-19 vaccine, was trying to use leftover doses, an attorney says.
Philadelphia's Philly Fighting COVID's 22-year-old CEO defended giving vaccines to friends after the city severed ties with the organization.
A hospital in the Seattle area invited those who had donated at least $10,000 to register for invite-only vaccine appointments. The hospital later apologized after inviting donors to sign up ahead of others.
Are other hospitals playing favorites? More hospitals have been accused of allowing board members and donors to jump lines for COVID vaccines.
Young, immunocompromised people are not being seen as a priority for receiving the vaccine, and federal and state governments need to reconsider the ways in which they are leaving sick and disabled people behind.
The rate of Black Americans receiving COVID-19 vaccines lags behind the general population.
COVID-19 vaccination for kids could start by late spring or summer, Dr. Fauci says.
Several hundred White House employees have been vaccinated, with more expected in the coming weeks.
Oregon health workers that were stuck in snow, gave other drivers the COVID-19 vaccine.
Only 10 people out of the 4 million vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine had a severe allergic reaction, the CDC reported.
The Better Business Bureau warns against sharing COVID-19 vaccine cards on social media.
Could post-vaccine life mean we return to normal? Not just yet.
Dr. Fauci says that getting the vaccine doesn't mean you have free pass to travel.
An epidemiologist called out Trump for another exit sabotage of the COVID-19 vaccination.
Hoarding COVID vaccines "could cost wealthy countries $4.5 trillion."
‘I was so shocked:’ Health care worker denied Moderna vaccine because county says it will not give it to pregnant or breastfeeding moms.
According to Fox News, a California resident died several hours after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
A Wisconsin pharmacist was expected to plead guilty to sabotaging vials of COVID-19 vaccine. He thought COVID-19 was a hoax, and also believes the earth is flat and the sky is a “shield put up by the government to prevent individuals from seeing God.”
How to prepare for your COVID-19 vaccination — advice from Dr. Wen.
Can I take painkillers before or after a COVID-19 vaccine?
Can you drink alcohol after getting the COVID-19 vaccine? Doctors set the record straight.
Here's why that second coronavirus shot can be such a doozy.
COVID-19 vaccine reactions: Here’s why they happen.
I've had my COVID-19 vaccine -- now what can I safely do?
In Florida, a car was stolen with 30 vials of COVID-19 vaccine inside.
Ineligible walk-ins got the COVID vaccine at a Tucson, Arizona site due to scheduling problems.
Washington state is averaging 28,000 COVID-19 vaccinations a day.
When will life return to normal? In 7 years at today's vaccine rates. Our new calculator shows how long it will take states and countries to vaccinate 75% of their populations.
Dolly Parton, who helped fund the COVID vaccine (Really!), says she’ll wait to get vaccinated ‘until some more people get theirs.’
Masks:
COVID-19 vaccines are great — but here’s why you also still need to wear a mask for now.
For flight attendants, getting people to wear masks is now one of the hardest parts of the job.
While grieving the loss of a loved one due to COVID-19, a Louisiana family says they were mocked at a funeral home for asking the funeral home officials to tell others to wear a mask, as
the Louisiana governor had ordered.
Florida grocery store bucks mask mandate; owner says COVID death toll is 'hogwash.' The owner of Oakes Farms Seed to Table Market in Naples said he knows masks do not work.
Wisconsin's Republican legislature repealed Governor Tony Evers' mask mandate. He issued a new one.
N95s--the face mask that could end the pandemic.
The CDC does not recommend that the general public wear N95 masks.
The CDC says travelers must wear masks on all forms of public transportation to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Is there a benefit to wearing two masks? We asked a doctor.
The US may soon have its first standards for consumer face masks. Are they strict enough?
Republicans can’t mask their idiocy about masks.
Democrats signaled they could take the next steps on a third COVID relief package as soon as next week.
‘What’s wrong with these people?’: Elizabeth Warren slammed the GOP for blocking COVID relief.
Senate Democrats say the $600 billion COVID stimulus offer from 10 Republican Senators isn’t worth wasting time on.
Should fewer Americans get a $1,400 stimulus check?
The White House open to scaling down stimulus checks to families making more than $150,000 in COVID-19 relief bill.
The White House reaffirmed its commitment to $1,400 relief payments. But eligibility for the payments based on income is still subject to negotiation.
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the GOP and Biden coronavirus relief bills.
Biden’s COVID rescue package would restore the economy by summer.
Nearly 70% of Americans support Biden's stimulus plan.
Joe Manchin and Susan Collins want to bar stimulus checks for people who made $50,000 and over.
FEMA is preparing to cover $2 billion in COVID-19 funeral costs across the US.
Trump officials actively lobbied to deny states money for vaccine rollout last fall.
A Georgia Republican was removed from the state House chamber after refusing to take a COVID test. "The member in question had been advised numerous times about the requirements and had refused to be tested."
Virginia's gubernatorial candidate, Amanda Chase, who has been referred to as 'Trump in heels,' says the Capitol attack was justified — because of COVID rules. (UGH! Please let her LOSE!)
Biden gave the boot to the White House doctor who gave misleading information on Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis.
Trump's COVID lies were a tragedy. Were they also a crime? His lies about the virus very likely killed Americans. Where's the accountability?
A federal watchdog is investigating Ted Cruz and Steven Mnuchin for throttling emergency pandemic lending.
Schools:
Biden chief of staff, Ron Klain, said that President Biden wants schools open, but the US must 'make the investments' needed to safely return.
The reckoning over the nation's schools and COVID is coming.
Teacher unions are flexing their power in COVID school reopening chaos.
Teachers have lost colleagues to COVID-19 and worry about being next. But, they say, no one's listening.
How school bus transportation has changed during the pandemic.
True Stories:
Nearly 3 months after giving birth while in a coma with CoOVID-19, a Wisconsin woman met her newborn child for the first time last week.
A mom of 3 died of COVID-19 weeks after giving birth.
A dinner date in a hospital brought together a couple -- married for 63 years -- that had been separated by COVID-19.
After a big breakfast at a Colorado restaurant, a generous customer left employees a $1,400 tip and a message that said "COVID Sucks!"
COVID destroyed lives spent together. Now those left behind must say farewell by Zoom.
A gorilla at the San Diego Zoo got the monoclonal antibody therapy after being infected with COVID-19.
Virus Misc:
Some states begin easing restrictions as COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases decrease.
Some states begin easing restrictions as COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases decrease.
Monoclonal antibodies, corticosteroids, and other COVID-19 treatments aren't getting to patients.
The U.S. cut a $231 million deal to provide 15-minute COVID-19 at-home tests.
LGBTQ Americans are at a heightened risk for severe coronavirus symptoms, the CDC says.
Indigenous Americans are dying from COVID at twice the rate of white Americans.
A new study points out the strange new way you could get COVID.
A new study reveals that it's possible to contract COVID via food and drink if you have this condition.
Hundreds of National Guard members, who poured into Washington after the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, have tested positive for COVID-19 or are quarantining in nearby hotels.
If you call 911, it can take 2-3 minutes longer to get help now.
The U.S. ‘anti-science’ movement sacrificed ‘tens of thousands’ of lives to COVID.
The COVID virus may prompt the body to attack itself.
'Don't treat this lightly': Coronavirus survivors discuss experience with reinfection.
A team of World Health Organization investigators in Wuhan are visiting a laboratory that has been the focus of conspiracies and speculation about the origin of the coronavirus pandemic.
A timeline of China’s response in the first days of COVID-19.
Are the Olympics still going to happen in 2021 in Tokyo? Here’s what we know.
President Biden plans to reopen 'Obamacare' markets for COVID-19 relief.
President Biden plans to reopen 'Obamacare' markets for COVID-19 relief.
Oklahoma wants to return $2 million in hydroxychloroquine it hoarded after Trump said it cured COVID.
The son of the polio vaccine creator Jonas Salk got the COVID-19 vaccine. He wants you to do it, too.
Family warns of a rare illness linked to COVID-19 after their 8-year-old son is hospitalized.
Congressman Stephen Lynch tested positive for COVID-19 after receiving both vaccine doses prior to Inauguration Day.
Andrew Brooks, a research professor at Rutgers University who led the development of the first FDA-approved COVID-19 saliva test, died suddenly on January 23, according to a Rutgers statement.
Eight experts shared how they would advise the Biden Administration to handle COVID-19.
Dr. Fauci finally revealed what he was thinking when Trump suggested using bleach for the coronavirus.
Dr. Fauci opened up about the threats made against him and his family because of his scientific stance on the virus.
Dr. Fauci opened up about the threats made against him and his family because of his scientific stance on the virus.
Dr. Fauci shared to MSNBC's Rachel Maddow about the Trump Administration blocking him from her show.
Dr. Birx says she thought of quitting the Trump administration 'always' before retiring.
Dr. Birx says that Trump was showing public COVID charts that she never made.
Cleavon Gilman, M.D., is an Iraq-war veteran and an emergency-medicine physician in New York City, where he worked through the shocking rise and deadly peak of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Those two experiences—warfare and pandemic—share striking similarities. This is his survival guide, told, in part, through his own words.
Biden's COVID plan has to work. The economy depends on it.
What 'vaccine passports' mean for your summer vacation.
Sweden is launching a digital coronavirus 'vaccine passport' to allow travel. The certificate will likely be required for other activities when Sweden reopens.
Where can I travel internationally and do I need the COVID-19 vaccine? Virus restrictions for international trips are more complicated than ever. Before you dust off your passport, a few words of caution.
The Coachella and Stagecoach festivals, initially scheduled for April, have been canceled again due to COVID-19.
Dr. Anthony Fauci warned against Super Bowl parties to avoid coronavirus spread.
How COVID-19 ended flu season before it started.
Target is giving $200 million worth of bonuses to employees for working through the pandemic.
Teen sexting app gains popularity during COVID-19 pandemic.
An 81-person French orgy was broken up for violating COVID-19 curfew.
A dog in Cedar Rapids, became the first animal in Iowa with COVID-19.
Dr. Fauci discussed vaccinations and Biden's 'refreshing' approach to COVID-19.
Reasons for cautious optimism amid COVID-19 crisis: 'The news about the future' is really promising.
There have been 104,869,210 confirmed cases of the virus around the world. There have been 2,284,221 deaths from the virus globally.
The race for COVID-19 vaccines is on and policymakers in South America are scrambling to catch up. It accounts for roughly 15% of the world's reported COVID-19 cases, but less than 3% of vaccine doses administered so far, according to Oxford University.
Ecuador approved the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19.
New protests in Brazil seek President Bolsonaro's removal over his COVID response.
Mexico's coronavirus death toll has passed 150,000.
More than 10 million people have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the UK.
The United Kingdom warned the European Union against ‘vaccine nationalism’ in a spat over vaccine supplies. The country has recently detected the South African coronavirus variant in people in the UK with no travel links.
France remains 'fragile' but there are no new COVID-19 lockdowns for now.
Danish scientists see tough times ahead as they watch more contagious COVID-19 virus surge.
AstraZeneca will deliver 9 million more coronavirus vaccine doses to the European Union. The drugmaker will also expand manufacturing capacity in Europe.
Stop hoarding COVID vaccines, South Africa's President Ramaphosa tells rich countries.
Zimbabwe, beset by soaring COVID-19 cases, has gotten vaccine offers from Russia and China.
53 doctors have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kano, Nigeria.
Zimbabwe, beset by soaring COVID-19 cases, has gotten vaccine offers from Russia and China.
53 doctors have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kano, Nigeria.
Israel has vaccinated most of its population with the Pfizer COVID 19 vaccine. With only one dose, which is poor protection, only 30% in seniors got sick with the virus. After the second dose "just 0.04% of Israelis caught COVID-19," showing it to be 92% effective.
The mystery of India's plummeting COVID-19 cases.
New Zealand said its recent COVID-19 case is the South African variant.
Australia fell back to zero COVID-19 cases after hotel infection. However, Australian Open players are quarantining after a tournament worker tested positive for the virus.
Canada COVID restrictions include mandatory travel quarantine and flights south suspended in response to new variant.
Japan plans to extend its state of emergency as COVID-19 cases rise and the Olympics loom.
Taiwanese authorities said they will no longer fine a man for breaking quarantine because investigators discovered he was kidnapped in an unfortunate case of mistaken identity.
STATES:
Yesterday, Maine reported 301 new coronavirus cases and 3 deaths.
Yesterday, Maine reported 301 new coronavirus cases and 3 deaths.
New Jersey reported 101 new COVID deaths along with 2,503 new positive tests on Thursday.
Florida stopped reporting the numbers for those thousands of individuals overdue for their second COVID-19 vaccine shot. The state reported 7,711 new cases and 228 new deaths yesterday.
Florida stopped reporting the numbers for those thousands of individuals overdue for their second COVID-19 vaccine shot. The state reported 7,711 new cases and 228 new deaths yesterday.
There were 3,370 new coronavirus cases reported in Pennsylvania yesterday, with 146 more deaths.
Michigan officials reported 1,358 new COVID-19 cases and 74 deaths.
Wisconsin counted 1,518 new positive cases of COVID-19 on Thursday and 41 new deaths.
Minnesota reported that there are 475,200 people who’ve received at least one dose of the vaccine compared to 465,176 who have tested positive for the virus.
Iowa’s COVID-19 deathtoll passed 5,000 yesterday with 977 new cases reported. The state is ranked 47th in COVID-19 vaccine supply and Governor Kim Reynolds wants to know why.
Colorado reported 1,584 new cases on Thursday as well as 41 new deaths.
Wyoming added 180 new cases yesterday.
The Mormon Church plans to lift some COVID-19 restrictions at its Utah churches.
On Thursday, Oregon reported 730 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as well as 7 additional deaths.
Hawaii added 107 new cases with 2 additional fatalities on Thursday.
CALIFORNIA:
California revamped its plan for delivering and tracking COVID-19 vaccines. Governor Newsom thinks it's time for the state to simplify, standardize, and speed things up to get more COVID-19 vaccines in more arms.
California revamped its plan for delivering and tracking COVID-19 vaccines. Governor Newsom thinks it's time for the state to simplify, standardize, and speed things up to get more COVID-19 vaccines in more arms.
California is switching to age-based COVID-19 vaccine eligibility.
A new policy allows seniors to get COVID-19 vaccinations anywhere in Santa Clara County.
Vaccinate CA: Techies create a map showing all COVID-19 vaccine locations throughout California in the absence of a state directory.
A mass vaccination site at San Francisco’s Moscone Center is set to open.
Some CVS Pharmacies across California, including Clovis, will offer COVID-19 vaccines. One-hundred of company's pharmacies, including locations in Clovis, will administer approximately 81,900 doses starting on Thursday, February 11.
Governor Newsom signed a bill that provided rent relief for Californians impacted by the pandemic. Under the new bill, the state will cover 80% of the rent you missed between April 2020 and March 2021 -- as long as the landlord forgives the remaining 20% and does not pursue evictions.
California's 'stay home' orders have been lifted. Republicans accuse the governor of acting on whims and political pressure.
Orange County reported 602 new cases and 50 new deaths as of Feb. 4.
California prisons ignored COVID warning signs, sparking a 'health disaster' that led to 28 deaths.
A Bay Area gym stayed open to defy COVID-19 guidelines...and got hit with a $550,000 fine.
Last Saturday, anti-vaccine protesters shut down a mass COVID vaccination site in Los Angeles.
'We have been ignored': Local leaders say the Valley deserves more resources to fight COVID-19.
‘Please send more vaccines’: A COVID crisis has engulfed California’s farming heartland. Fresno County, a region in the state’s Central Valley made up of 999,000 people, is recording 450 new coronavirus cases per day.
Valley hospitals react to Governor Newsom lifting the stay home orders.
Fresno County hospitals are starting to see a lighter coronavirus load.
Farmworkers in West Fresno County received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Two Fresno police officers hospitalized, COVID-19 a possible factor.
Farmworkers in West Fresno County received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Two Fresno police officers hospitalized, COVID-19 a possible factor.
School employees across Central California have received vaccinations.
Sanger Unified has delayed bringing more secondary students back for in-person learning again. Some Sanger Unified students will have to wait a little while longer before returning back to campus for in-person instruction.
More Fresno County elementary students to return to campus. The announcement impacts schools which were already in the process of phasing students back to in-person learning prior to winter break.
Fresno Unified and Central Unified will continue with remote learning for now.
Clovis Unified launched a dashboard for families to track COVID cases in district.
School districts in Tulare County continue to face hurdles in reopening.
A COVID-19 testing bus arrived in Tulare County.
Adventist Health is providing vaccines to all Kings County law enforcement agencies.
The Fresno County jail has had the most COVID cases of any jail or prison in U.S.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo reopened after 6 weeks. Visitors ages 2 and up are required to wear a mask at the zoo.
An anti-face mask protest was held at Sprouts in North Fresno.
CREATIVITY:
Bernie Sanders unintentionally became a meme star at the Presidential Inauguration when a picture of the senator became an internet sensation. Here is an example that my friend Linda in Castro Valley sent. (The comments about each are from her friend, Marilyn):
An anti-face mask protest was held at Sprouts in North Fresno.
Bernie Sanders unintentionally became a meme star at the Presidential Inauguration when a picture of the senator became an internet sensation. Here is an example that my friend Linda in Castro Valley sent. (The comments about each are from her friend, Marilyn):
Bernie joins the Beatles for “Let it Be.”
Where’s Bernie?
Sunday in the Park with Bernie
Bernie with Bruce Springsteen
An herbal favorite…
No comment needed here!
Bernie’s such a cool guy, he sits in with the band wherever he goes.
Oops! This January 6 seditionist THOUGHT he was absconding with the podium from the House, but it turned out to be Bernie instead.
“Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper. I see Bernie likes all-night diner coffee…
Here is a new release from Puddles Pity Party. It's a cover of R.E.M.'s EVERYBODY HURTS:
I may have stopped reporting on all of the political news since the Trump Administration is gone and the federal response to this pandemic is now in the seemingly very capable (and active...and science-directed) Biden Administration. I still follow it all closely--and since the attempted insurrection, things seem to be almost as precarious as they were before Trump left.
While I'm not bringing the political news back, there is still enough creativity in the political arena to post here:
Funny actor Seth Rogen posted this website address. It may seem shocking, but go ahead and click it...and see where it takes you: SmallestDick.com
Funny actor Seth Rogen posted this website address. It may seem shocking, but go ahead and click it...and see where it takes you: SmallestDick.com
Even though I'm not covering the political scene as I did before, politics have been fodder for much creativity. Randy Rainbow and Bette Midler have new parodies and there are plenty of cutting, to-the-point new political ads.
Randy Rainbow is back with a satirical look at GOP QAnon nut job Marjorie Taylor Greene in this parody of Barbra Streisand's EVERGREEN:
Bette Midler has teamed with Meidas Touch for a parody about Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley (among others):
And here are the political ads:
This isn't an ad, but it does spell out the case for impeachment and the lies the GOP are basing their Constitutional defense on in a pretty straightforward way:
MAIL:
My friend Andrei in Italy sent me a brief note:
"Nothing new with me," he said. "I work very much. I really don't know how the vaccine is going here. A few peoples dies because of the vaccine."
My friend Andrei in Italy sent me a brief note:
"Nothing new with me," he said. "I work very much. I really don't know how the vaccine is going here. A few peoples dies because of the vaccine."
Art, who used to live in Boston, but has moved to Florida to be with his mother following his father's death this past fall, sent this update:
"Same old, same old here," he said. "I've come to the conclusion that Florida sucks! I'm working on getting my mom's Pfizer vaccine appointments. The crazy website bogs and crashes whenever more doses are made available. Well, it's only 65+ year olds, but my mom knows NOTHING about computers. It's really unfortunate. Due to age and lack of technical knowledge, she would never have gotten through on the phone. It's like every senior past a certain age needs help with the online process. Heck, I needed help. The state website keeps boggling and crashing from too many people trying at once. We need to travel a bit Friday. We're preparing to get there early and are anticipating spending a good long time there. Then we go for shot #2 on the 26th. Hang in there. Hopefully our numbers will come up too."
My friend Angel in Colombia sent a distressing update of his personal dramas. In the years that I've known Angel, I learned a bit of his story. I know he left Venezuela for a better life in Colombia and he worked his butt off saving money for a long time. He worked many jobs (and still does). He brought his family to Venezuela--but they have not been appreciative or helpful. His note details his recent frustration with them. His translated English is iffy, but here is his latest news:
I didn't hear from Angel for a while after that and I was concerned. Then I got this quick text:
My friend Angel in Colombia sent a distressing update of his personal dramas. In the years that I've known Angel, I learned a bit of his story. I know he left Venezuela for a better life in Colombia and he worked his butt off saving money for a long time. He worked many jobs (and still does). He brought his family to Venezuela--but they have not been appreciative or helpful. His note details his recent frustration with them. His translated English is iffy, but here is his latest news:
"Today I argued with my mother again and now she fights with me all the time," he said. "I'm fine, just very sad and disappointed. I left my house and I don't want to go back, or at least not for now.
"I told her again about the idea I have, I told her to teach cooking, to work on the king kon patacon project. [I'm not sure what he means. I looked it up and saw that king kong patacon relates to food/restaurants/eating.]
"That I will give her a commission for each leg with which I sell, and if she started working soon, with the man who told her that he would give her a job, then she would have two salaries, the first where she worked, and the second what I gave her for my sales from her.
"And she said to me: 'No. Do not count on me for anything of that, because she will work for the lord.'
"I told her, are you aware of what you say?
" 'Yes, and I told you no, I will work for Mr. Carlos and he will encourage me to eat.'
"I told her, 'Mom, I'll give you money anyway,' and she told me again no.
"I told her, 'Okay.' "
"I've been an idiot, because I spent so much money, to lift them out of poverty, to give them a home, food, to give them the opportunity to live. At my expense, I gave all my savings, and now not even to teach me something that would generate money for you, so they are sh*ts...selfish.
"But okay, here it was me who lost, his house, his business, and his future for giving everything to them and that way they appreciates it. I hope they save that NO forever in their mind and heart. They sucked all the salary from their son, and now I is a garbage for not giving them more, and the only support I asked for is this, and they told me NO.
"What a family disappointment I have and I repent to have brought them and spend all my money, give them a better life instead of having my own home to live.
"From now on, I will only think of myself. I already tied my heart. I lost the opportunity to have my own home, for bringing the whole family, and instead of being a hero, they were only a stone in the way, I had a savings of 25 thousand dollars, and I finished all that, and with that I would buy my house or my small apartment. But ..
"My heart was bigger, so I decided to bring them from Venezuela and now that I can't help them anymore, now I'm the bad guy in this story.
"How can I get that money amount back again? I sold my dignity for them, to help them have a better life, and none of that was worth or mattered to them. I love my family, but they already hurt me a lot, and I already lost the motivation I had to fight the whole world, I fought for the dream of bringing my family, and that same dream is the one that completely ruined me."
"I'm live."
At first I thought he was somehow broadcasting himself---and I didn't know who to catch that. But I think he meant to say "I'm alive." He sent these photos of himself in a medical facility.
"The stress makes me sick," he said about the photos. "But I already left the clinic yesterday."
"Our festivities today at work," she wrote. "Carla's 20th year at the hospital and..."
 |
| [Carla is on the right with Alexis our recreation therapist] |
"Surprise "post" baby showers for Sam and Rosina!"
[Sam(antha) is above and Rosina is below on the right. I can't remember her best friend's name who is with her. She is a PCT--Patient Care Technician, or a CNA--on another unit.]
"I got my first shot last Saturday at Dodger Stadium (the Moderna)," she said. "So far, no problem. No reactions. Just a little soreness at the injection area but that's gone."
ME:
As boring as my life seems, I keep on existing. I also have been to several doctor appointments (of course). UGH! At my cardiologist's office, I got the results of the stress test. Despite my weird ad-lib rhythms my heart beats, they said it was strong. Okay...
Later that day, I stumbled on the trailer for the new film. It looks marvelous---so much more interesting than anything I was doing that day. The trailer is below:
I was delighted to get to see my friend Shookie recently. The Shookster has had knee issues for years. Although she's gone with us on trips in the past, her bum knees have prevented her from getting to experience much. Just after Thanksgiving last year, she had her second knee replacement surgery and she is almost completely back to her old self again, Hopefully we will get to do some traveling again soon---if we can get our vaccinations and I get to the point where I( am able to walk again.
Before the pandemic and before my legs gave out on me entirely, I had gotten fat. Except for my time spent working and my occasional trips here and there, I really got very little exercise as the CIDP was already taking hold and everything hurt. Eventually, I started going keto...and very slowly (over about 8 months) I lost 40 pounds. Then my legs gave out and the pandemic hit...and so much for those 40 pounds. I've packed them back on PLUS! So I decided to eat healthier and started making soups. I made a chicken soup first, which I shared last time. It was okay. Mt friend Robin sent me some easy soup recipes (THANK YOU) and I've made a few more soups. My most recent one though, was an utter dis-ASS-ter. It was a butternut squash soup.
Here is TERROR IN THE JUNGLE is you want a campy kick. Trust me---just watch the first 30 minutes. You'll know when it's over without even having to check your watch. You can watch more, but I'd advise against it. (Erich watched the whole thing...and it put him to sleep. Just sayin....)
Have a swell (and socially distant) Valentine's Day and a super President's Day!
Stay SAFE! Stay HEALTHY! Stay ALIVE!
CHEERS!
It looks like a neat look at the world on that one particular day last summer. I want to see it---even if Shirley or myself are not in it.
A day or two later I received this note from the filmmakers:
"I’m writing to you from the Life in a Day production team with an update on the film," the said. "Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in Life in a Day 2020. Having contributors from the original film take part again ten years on has been a highlight of this year’s project.
"The filmmakers decided that footage we received from 2010 participants should feature in their own mini-film, and a small contribution of your footage has been used. “Life in a Day: Now and Then” will premiere on YouTube on September 6th along with the feature-length documentary.
"Initially this short film will be part of the YouTube Premium service, but as a participant to the project, YouTube are able to offer you free access. In order to arrange this, we will pass your email address to the team at YouTube, but please let us know if you would prefer us not to by Friday January 30.
We can’t wait for you to see it!"
Zowie! So, even though we are not in the new film, I will be in the short it sounds like. I'm sure I'll be seen sitting on the toilet again. That's how I was seen in the original documentary---my 15 nanoseconds of fame. I recreated the shot for the new film's submission. I'm sure that's what they'll use this time. Ha!
I was delighted to get to see my friend Shookie recently. The Shookster has had knee issues for years. Although she's gone with us on trips in the past, her bum knees have prevented her from getting to experience much. Just after Thanksgiving last year, she had her second knee replacement surgery and she is almost completely back to her old self again, Hopefully we will get to do some traveling again soon---if we can get our vaccinations and I get to the point where I( am able to walk again.
I met up with Shookie to give her her Christmas gifts. Mine were poorly thought out as I didn't do much shopping because of my legs and the pandemic, etc. Here is Shookie in a pair of spooky spider glasses I got for her.
Shookie had some gifts for me as well. Knowing I am a Fake Jan Day fan (and that my favorite BRADY BUNCH episode is the one where Jan buys a wig), I was given the gift of Jan Brady. She gave me a fab-o-rama "Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!" mug and a T-shirt of Jan in the wig with "I am the real Jan Brady" written on it. Ha!
We tried to get coffee at the Starbucks we were near, but it was closed...so we chatted to each other from our cars for a bit.
When I was getting Shookie's gifts together, i had come across a few things I had meant to give Vye, including some Dame edna-like glasses. I sent them with Shook and she delivered them for me. Then she sent me this photo of the two of them donning their new eyewear. Fabulous!
The soup turned out rather anemic looking---not the delightful orange color you associate with butternut squash.
If it was "edible", why was it a "dis-ASS-ter"? Because, oh my God.... I never had such bad gas before. I think the (made up) Latin term for it is "gasius assius", known more commonly as "fart-o-rama"! Oh my stars! The horror of it all. I couldn't wait for it all to pass...
Once I pureed it, it looked like pancake batter. It had called for cayenne pepper---and that's really all you could taste. I needed to try to "fix" it. The recipe had called for two apples, which I had added. I didn't have any more apples, but i did have a pear...which I cut up and added---and that helped. I added more of the nutmeg it had called for and threw in a good amount of cinnamon (which was not on the recipe). It was edible, but not great.
My physical therapy, as I said earlier, continues. I usually work with Travis, but I sometimes work with new trainee Julissa (below). In fact, I worked with her yesterday. When she found out I am (was?) a nurse, she told me she was in the process of applying to nursing schools. Good for her. I'm sure she'll do well.
I don't remember exactly how or why it came to mind, but when Erich was visiting at Christmas time, I had him watch the first thirty minutes of this wonderfully trashy film from 1968, TERROR IN THE JUNGLE. The first few minutes are awful---about an annoying little kid (who can't act) with divorced parents who is being sent to visit his mother in South America--but after that, you find yourself at an airport and are introduced to all of these great characters heading out on the same flight. That lasts about 10 minutes or so until the plane takes off and the real doofy fun begins. The movie plays like a rabid, budget-hungry precursor to AIRPORT (1970). It's just jaw-droppingly bad movie nirvana (at least for that first half hour).
The man responsible for that first third of the flick (but not the other two thirds, which were done by two other directors) was a guy named Tom DeSimone. Being a fan of genre movies, I was familiar with some of his other works, like HELL NIGHT and SAVAGE STREETS (both with Linda Blair), REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS, and THE CONCRETE JUNGLE. He also directed episodes of the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET TV series, FREDDY'S NIGHTMARES among other things. I randomly looked him up and, at 81, he's still going strong apparently, in Palm Springs. Zowie! I found a way to contact him, got my fan-boy (fan-middle ager?) gush going and we've been chatting a bit now and again since. Yesterday, I received an autographed photo from him in the mail. How super nice.
That's about it for this time. Next week it's IVIG treatment week once again. UGH! Oh well.
Stay SAFE! Stay HEALTHY! Stay ALIVE!
CHEERS!
Continue to the next part HERE.
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