Small Talk: Out of Genoa

[SweePea59]

On 4/17/2020 at 10:11 AM, boes said:

I've some good news to share.  My friend is recovering .  She's on day 5 now of no fever, day 4 of no real night sweats.  She's exhausted and weak, able to eat again though she has no sense of taste or smell.  The doctor, who continued to visit and monitor her has told her and us that from what he's seen, she's recovering.  It never did go to her lungs which is what saved her, what didn't overwhelm her heart.

She's finally feeling like she's can go to sleep and not fear she won't wake up. 

There's some light, every now and then at the end of this tunnel.

Stay strong, each and everyone of you, and be kind to yourselves when you're not feeling so great - like I am right now - because no matter what any of us is doing, this is exhausting in every possible way.

That's fantastic news! From what I understand, smell and taste will return. It has to my friends who have experienced this. Breathing a sigh of relief with you, boes.

[Petunia13]

My town now has a requirement anyone outside the home or working must be wearing a mask. I wore one today, it was weird like the breath trapped inside since it covers your nose tip and chin. 

George gave me the funniest look when I was wearing it 😂 the past 2 Halloween’s I was a dog and did special effect makeup and had ears and he didn’t react at all or even blink but the mask had him like ...

..

 

[SweePea59]

20 hours ago, bannana said:

Dry cleaners and laundromats are considered essential services here.  Go figure.

Printers (companies with printing presses) and office supply stores are essential in NJ. And liquor stores in NJ & NY, & I hope everywhere.

[Petunia13]

11 hours ago, Cupid Stunt said:

I think about our post-pandemic future; I don't think we'll return to what was before coronavirus, if ever, for many years to come. The pandemic will continue taking it's toll. It's a relentless enemy. And we have few tools, except common sense, to slow it's progress.

I don’t think this is or will be the worst thing in the US for 2020. Something bad will happen that’s completely different and we won’t be prepared like a natural disaster or attack. We will definitely have a recession that’s beyond obvious to even say at this point and the middle class is beginning to cease to exist. My mom saw something later coming suddenly like me... but she said it will be crash of the electric grid or mass outage. I asked how she came to it (if it was ancestors which told me it would be really shitty in the fall and different and the word “November” which I took to mean that would be the worst of the fall out) but she got dicey and started rambling about something else. It’s very hard to talk to her and have meaningful conversation. 

11 hours ago, Cupid Stunt said:

Our lives are relatively easy compared with health care workers on the front lines (like you) and laid-off workers struggling with unemployment.

People saw essential workers or those in healthcare are heroes. I don’t feel like a fucking hero. It does change how you interpret this though. Like I know I’m exposed to it everyday and have a huge responsibility not to expose others medically vulnerable. I’m not a nurse or doctor, I work in assisted living with elderly, handicapped, terminally ill hospice people.  A lot of healthcare shit isn’t cool or heroic it’s like making meals, listening, brushing hair, accepting or reading their mail, cleaning for them. 

@SweePea59 I think the term essential might change since known they’re talking about more grocery stores only being online delivery or curbside pickup. Now people without smart phones or on EBT or SNAP can’t order grocery delivery. So that’s going to be super cool for them. The food bank in my area all but shut down. I really miss dreams at the start of this year and serving in restaurants. Like if this is over all I want to do is work or volunteer at an animal shelter in the day and serve at night or weekends. And go to a gym again. And George have his play dates again. He doesn’t understand why. I don’t think if even this was magically cured or alleviated I could go back to serving especially in a fine dining setting. 

[bannana]

We have had an unspeakable tragedy this past 24 hours in Canada, the largest mass shooting in our history.  WTAF is going on.

So much sadness.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-timeline-of-nova-scotia-mass-shooting/

 

 

 

[Petunia13]

17 minutes ago, bannana said:

We have had an unspeakable tragedy this past 24 hours in Canada, the largest mass shooting in our history.  WTAF is going on.

So much sadness.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-timeline-of-nova-scotia-mass-shooting/

 

 

 

Girl that was my worst fear. I’m so sorry. Words are meaningless and pat. It’s so unfair and the terror those who die or survive have experienced evil. I knew once a man who was in the twin towers 9/11 and miraculously got out and he was never the same, even the lucky ones in these situations are traumatized beyond belief. And those who die I can’t fathon their fear and begging or bargaining with God or the ones who did it.  The worst thing in the world is torture. I’ve volunteered w torture survivors and inflictors and killers, it’s the lowest most demonic thing.

@bannana ❤️ 

 

[Cupid Stunt]

Rasmus Balstrøm - Los Angeles, California

 

SEYTON
The queen, my lord, is dead.

MACBETH
She should have died hereafter;
There would have been a time for such a word.
To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow,
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time,
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

-- Wm. Shakespeare, Macbeth: Act 5 Scene 5

 

Tracking the novel coronavirus in the U.S. -- At least 753,749 cases of the highly contagious novel coronavirus have been reported in the United States and its territories, according to a Reuters tally of state and local government sources. The U.S. diagnosed its first COVID-19 case in Washington state on Jan. 20. -- COVID-19 cases as of April 19, 2020, 11:55 P.M. (ET)

The “experts” don’t know everything. They can’t. -- We need to adjust our expectations of what scientists know -- Related: Why it’s so hard to see into the future of Covid-19 -- The most difficult thing for an epidemiological model to predict: human behavior.

 

Addressing the strain the coronavirus has put on America's food supply chain with José Andrés -- Getting food to people in the U.S. has become an enormous challenge since the country has been gripped by COVID-19. Anderson Cooper reports on the charge being led, in part, by world-renowned chef José Andrés to make sure Americans have something to eat.

 

The US won’t run out of food during the coronavirus pandemic -- Why shoppers don’t need to panic-buy at the supermarket. -- Related: Americans are using the #TwitterFoodBank hashtag to help each other buy groceries amid the recession -- It’s the latest evolution of crowdfunded charity, for better and worse.

 

Covid-19’s devastating toll on black and Latino Americans, in one chart -- The US health system has failed black and Latino populations for decades. Now they’re paying the price. -- Related: New CDC data shows Covid-19 is affecting African Americans at exceptionally high rates -- It underscores a broader trend showing that coronavirus isn’t an equalizer but a magnifier of inequality.

 

Navajo Nation makes wearing masks outside mandatory -- The Navajo Nation acted fast on coronavirus. It’s still more vulnerable to the effects.

 

A Cheaper Roof Over Your Head During the Pandemic?

 

New York mayor says lack of coronavirus testing may delay city reopening

 

Miami police disperse crowd by David Guetta’s relief concert

 

What led to Alberta's biggest outbreak? Cargill meat plant's hundreds of COVID-19 cases

 

Angela Merkel explains the risks of loosening social distancing too fast -- Germany doesn’t have much “wiggle room” in its hospital capacity. The US has even less.

 

How coronavirus hitched a ride through China

 

Why France has 4 times as many coronavirus deaths as Germany -- Germany followed the playbook for saving lives. France didn’t. -- Related: Clashes with police erupt in Paris suburb amid lockdown 

 

For Milan nurse, virus patients enter the soul

 

Ventilator from old car parts? Afghan girls pursue prototype

 

Russia tries again to win UN approval for virus resolution -- Related: Exclusive: In Russia, a black market for HIV drug to try on coronavirus

 

What we can learn from the “second wave” of coronavirus cases in Asia -- Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan show the challenges of fighting this pandemic.

 

Shake Shack returns $10 million emergency loan to the US government

 

The coronavirus crisis behind bars

 

TV doctors Oz and Phil explaining controversial Fox comments -- When I said 'Smother your children in their sleep and sell their organs for Oxy,' I meant 'Puppies are cute.' I apologize for the misunderstanding. I blame the Oxford comma. 

 

Coronavirus scammers are flooding social media with fake cures and tests -- Your guide to the scam-filled digital black market for Covid-19 products.

 

Amid virus gloom, glimpses of human decency and good works

 

Deserted Thai beaches lure rare turtles to build most nests in 20 years

 

Coronavirus accelerates decline of slumping coal industry

 

Layoffs and pay cuts are now striking more white collar jobs

 

Businessmen: New Orleans must reopen to save its economy

 

‘Cartels are scrambling’: Virus snarls global drug trade

 

Exclusive: Neiman Marcus to file for bankruptcy as soon as this week - sources

 

Erykah Badu is revolutionizing at-home concerts -- Related: Badu World Market

 

‘A stroke of luck’ to be on global cruise during pandemic

 

Kabuki: Inside the Japanese artform with its biggest star, Ebizo -- For centuries, Japan has celebrated a unique art that brings together acting, singing and athleticism, performed before audiences that, at times, act like they're at a sporting event rather than a theater. Jon Wertheim reports on the "off-kilter" world of Kabuki.

 

If colleges cut sports programs, could new models emerge?

 

More than Swag: Nichols leaves indelible mark on gymnastics -- Related: Maggie Nichols PERFECT 10 Compilation (Vault, Beam, Bars, Floor)

 

Lori Vallow changed password on husband’s account before he took her off life insurance policy: report

 

Afghan officials: Taliban attacks on checkpoints kill 29

 

David Bowie bassist Matthew Seligman, 64, dies of coronavirus -- Musician played with Bowie and the Thompson Twins in the 1980s before retraining as a lawyer

 

[Snaporaz]

21 hours ago, SweePea59 said:

Printers (companies with printing presses) and office supply stores are essential in NJ. And liquor stores in NJ & NY, & I hope everywhere.

Liquor stores in PA have been closed since mid-March.  Wine and beer are available in only a small handful of grocery stores here.  Thank gods I'm not much of a drinker!

21 hours ago, Petunia13 said:

People saw essential workers or those in healthcare are heroes. I don’t feel like a fucking hero. It does change how you interpret this though. Like I know I’m exposed to it everyday and have a huge responsibility not to expose others medically vulnerable. I’m not a nurse or doctor, I work in assisted living with elderly, handicapped, terminally ill hospice people.  A lot of healthcare shit isn’t cool or heroic it’s like making meals, listening, brushing hair, accepting or reading their mail, cleaning for them.

That sounds like pretty heroic stuff to me, especially when these patients can't have family visit them.  What you're doing could be invaluable to them.

Edited April 21, 2020 by Snaporaz

[bannana]

12 hours ago, Cupid Stunt said:

When I said 'Smother your children in their sleep and sell their organs for Oxy,' I meant 'Puppies are cute.' I apologize for the misunderstanding. I blame the Oxford comma. 

Oh yeah, this was my most out loud laugh I have had in a long time!

 

[peacheslatour]

10 hours ago, bannana said:

Oh yeah, this was my most out loud laugh I have had in a long time!

 

Yeah, we're screwed.

[Cupid Stunt]

Mid-April in America is an unforgiving time, and now this

 

Charting the coronavirus pandemic state by state -- In cases, deaths, and tests per capita, here’s how each US state’s coronavirus situation compares.

 

Supreme Court: Criminal juries must be unanimous to convict -- Same as it ever was? -- Related: Justices rule against Montana homeowners near Superfund site

 

Barcelona, Spain - By Tvboy

Silicon Valley’s favorite charity is asking its donors to give away hundreds of millions of dollars. Right now. -- Advisers to Silicon Valley billionaires are usually scared to anger them. The coronavirus changed that. -- Related: Up to 4% of Silicon Valley is already infected with coronavirus -- A study from a noted pandemic skeptic suggests the virus is more widespread but less deadly than people think.

 

Amazon’s warehouse workers feel unsafe amid Covid-19. Amazon’s solution: infrared cameras.

 

How the coronavirus is disrupting US air travel, in 2 charts -- The TSA screened more than 2 million people per day in April of last year. Now, it screens about 100,000 daily.

 

What 2 new studies teach us about our socially distant future -- New research shows social distancing works and why we must relax it gradually.

 

2 types of testing look for COVID-19 infections new and old

Coronavirus antibody testing -- Related: Coronavirus Contact-Tracing Teams Grow, as States Hope to Reopen

 

New Zealand could pull off bold goal of eliminating virus

 

‘It made a world of difference:’ UK doctor hails ex-students

 

Coronavirus very likely of animal origin, no sign of lab manipulation: WHO -- One conspiracy theory down. 2,276,199 to go.

 

Hundreds of thousands in LA County may have been infected with coronavirus, study finds -- Second conspiracy down. 2,276,198 to go.

 

Nick Danger: What kind of a chump do you take me for?

Rocky Rococo: First class.

 

4/20 uncertainty: Marijuana industry tested in virus crisis -- Related: What it’s like to deliver weed in a pandemic -- California declared marijuana dispensaries an “essential” business. Here’s what selling during coronavirus is like for drivers.

 

Publicly traded firms get $300M in small-business loans

 

Corporate America seeks legal protection for when coronavirus lockdowns lift

 

Massachusetts becomes coronavirus hot spot as cases surge

 

States work to keep meat plants open despite virus outbreaks -- Related: US pork farmers panic as virus ruins hopes for great year -- Everything but the squeal.

 

The Emerald City, in the magical Land of Oz -- Irving Oil Refinery, the worlds largest oil refinery

- Oil at two-decade lows, price of U.S. crude for delivery below zero

- A hunt for any storage space turns urgent as oil glut grows

- Explainer: What is a negative crude future and does it mean anything for consumers?

 

Associated Press PHOTOS: Small businesses pivoting during pandemic

 

Nobody’s buying clothes right now. So stores are filing for bankruptcy.

 

The right way to play Monopoly -- If there were ever a good time to learn … I'm always the racecar

 

- Deepwater Horizon oil platform explosion

- Baseball to beaches: Coast is different 10 years after spill

- Sparkling waters hide some lasting harm from 2010 oil spill

 

Dealing with the dead: The female undertakers of Harlem

 

Coronavirus protests test Facebook's free speech pledges

 

Afghan prisoner exchanges, U.S. peace plan threatened by coronavirus

 

'Like a time bomb': Tijuana's hospitals under pressure and understaffed as coronavirus spreads

 

China rattles sabres as world battles coronavirus pandemic -- In the mean time: Man Who Called Ohio's Lockdown Order 'Bullshit' Has Succumbed To COVID-19

 

How Muslims are preparing to observe Ramadan during the coronavirus pandemic -- “A lot of community activities will probably be curtailed, but the show must go on.”

 

California pastor will plead guilty in $33M investment scam

 

Kentucky church that gathered in-person Easter sues over ban

 

How Formula 1 Brakes Can Stop a Car Going 200 MPH in Four Seconds

 

Texas, Florida eager for NASCAR to rev engines again

 

Tom Brady ejected from Tampa park closed because of pandemic -- Still an asshole in the middle of a pandemic.

 

Wildlife photographer Peter Beard found dead near his home

 

Jane Goodall talks coronavirus impact, Nat Geo documentary

 

 

Edited April 21, 2020 by Cupid Stunt

[Capricasix]

On 4/20/2020 at 1:43 AM, bannana said:

We have had an unspeakable tragedy this past 24 hours in Canada, the largest mass shooting in our history.  WTAF is going on.

So much sadness.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-timeline-of-nova-scotia-mass-shooting/

 

 

 

Yes, this is just devastating. 
 

My family and I had a wonderful vacation in Nova Scotia two years ago, and I felt like I left a little bit of my heart there. We have planned another vacation there this summer, and I am hoping that we can still go.

[jpagan05]

On 4/19/2020 at 1:33 PM, boes said:

I go there a lot!  Not lately, but usually once a month

His name is Thomas. He calls himself a unicorn because he was born, raised and still lives in the city. Say hi from his pals in Maui and grab a seat cos he's a talker but he's got great stories.

[OhioSongbird]

jpagan05 and boes....

I don't know what you two are smokin' but don't Bogart, man.

                                ....everybody sing.....

    "Don't Bogart that joint my friend.  Pass it on over to me" 

                                           😎 

[SweePea59]

10 hours ago, Cupid Stunt said:

Dealing with the dead: The female undertakers of Harlem

 

Sounds like a new tv show.

 

[Cupid Stunt]

A resident wearing a face mask amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus walks past a graffiti of Buddha wearing face mask, in Mumbai on March 16, 2020.

How does the coronavirus work? -- What it is, where it comes from, how it hurts us, and how we fight it.

 

Autopsies find first U.S. coronavirus death occurred in early February, weeks earlier than previously thought

 

CDC director warns second wave of coronavirus is likely to be even more devastating

 

NIH panel recommends against use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to treat COVID-19 -- Related: More deaths, no benefit from hydroxychloroquine malaria drug in VA virus study

 

Americans in recovery face another huge challenge: COVID-19

 

'Everyone Was Screaming at Them.' The Story Behind Those Photos of the Counter-Protesting Health Care Workers

 

UN food agency chief: World on brink of `a hunger pandemic’

 

Work From Home burnout is real. How to avoid it.

 

“I just can’t do this.” Harried parents forgo home school

 

Tracking the novel coronavirus in the U.S. -- At least 811,759 cases of the highly contagious novel coronavirus have been reported in the United States and its territories, according to a Reuters tally of state and local government sources. The U.S. diagnosed its first COVID-19 case in Washington state on Jan. 20. - COVID-19 cases as of April 22, 2020, 7:45 A.M. (ET)

 

Despite scattered protests, most Americans support shelter-in-place, Reuters/Ipsos poll shows

 

What Will Our New Normal Feel Like? Hints Are Beginning to Emerge

 

Back to work? Companies finding it easier said than done

 

Millennials are getting screwed by the economy. Again. -- Two once-in-a-lifetime crises have had devastating consequences for millennials.

 

Pandemic may force grocery stores to make big changes

 

Fannie, Freddie May Soon Buy Home Loans in Forbearance to Help Mortgage Firms -- Related: Wealthy Mortgage Borrowers Face Cold Shoulder From Lenders -- Jumbo credit tightened more than other home loans in March. Lenders grow cautious on big loans without government backing

 

U.S. oil prices plunge as coronavirus pandemic slashes demand -- Related: Wall Street tumbles as oil crash stirs pandemic fears

 

North Dakota regulators weigh financial help for state's oil producers -- Have them to open their books to find out where the money went first.

 

Macy’s weighs raising as much as $5 billion in debt to weather coronavirus crisis -- It will seek to use its inventory as collateral to raise $3 billion and real estate to raise $1 billion to $2 billion, they said. The people stressed that bankruptcy is not a focus for Macy’s at this time.

 

National Geographic -- 50 years of environmental victories, in photos

March had 24 days in Los Angeles with a daily air quality score below 50. -- Getty Images

Earth Day video challenge encourages doing 1 good thing -- Related: As people stay home, Earth turns wilder and cleaner

 

US lockdowns coincide with rise in poisonings from cleaners

 

This former maid turned bestselling author explains why you should keep paying your help now

 

While you're stuck at home, one group has been busy: Car thieves

 

Police call on public to help find a puppy stolen from the home of an ER nurse helping fight coronavirus -- Mean people suck.

 

Trimeresurus salazar, aka Salazar's pit viper.

Scientists discover a new snake and name it after Salazar Slytherin

 

A New Statistic Reveals Why America’s COVID-19 Numbers Are Flat -- Few figures tell you anything useful about how the coronavirus has spread through the U.S. Here’s one that does.

 

Navy delays plans to move sailors back onto USS Theodore Roosevelt after coronavirus outbreak

 

Victim toll in Canada's worst mass shooting rises to 23-police

 

In Pandemic, a Remote Russian Region Orders a Lockdown on Information

 

Syria refugees to face their torturers in German court

 

U.S. Warships Enter South China Sea Hot Spot as Tensions With China Escalate -- Spoiling for a fight.

 

The thermosphere becomes ever more crowed -- Guards say Iran successfully launches first military satellite

 

Theodore Gaffney, who photographed the Freedom Riders as they protested segregation, dies of Covid-19 complications

 

Pastor facing arrest warrant for allegedly backing his church bus toward a protester over coronavirus 

 

Ticketmaster announces it will offer refunds on postponed events after backlash from angry customers and lawmakers

 

Journey-Separate Ways (Heller Quarantine Edition) Side by Side

 

 

Edited April 22, 2020 by Cupid Stunt

[Cupid Stunt]

Earth Day 2020

 

Earth Day activities that are good for you and the planet during the pandemic

 

What Can Be Saved? -- On Earth Day, take a look back at the global environmental series produced by AP's Health and Science team in 2019. Heroic efforts to save or revive ecosystems are being waged around the world, reversing some of humankind’s most destructive past actions and preserving vital natural habitats in the face of climate change.

 

A handout picture of the Aletsch Glacier in Fieschertal, Switzerland taken between 1860 and 1890, is displayed at the same location on September 4, 2019. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse and Library of Congress/Handout via REUTERS

Our natural world on Earth Day

 

Reuters Energy & Environment Coverage on Earth Day -- Comprehensive coverage of the energy industry and environment, including global oil and gas markets, policy changes impacting climate and the latest developments in solar and wind power.

 

A coyote stands by the roadside as the spread of coronavirus continues, at Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point across from San Francisco, California, April 7, 2020.  REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Nature reclaims public spaces during lockdown

 

7 things we’ve learned about Earth since the last Earth Day --  It’s mostly bad, but not all bad.

 

A combo shows the India Gate war memorial on October 17, 2019 and after air pollution levels started to drop during a 21-day nationwide lockdown in New Delhi, India, April 8, 2020. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/Adnan Abidi

Pollution declines amid coronavirus lockdown

 

Every day is Earth Day.

Edited April 22, 2020 by Cupid Stunt

[OhioSongbird]

snaporaz....you asked awhile back about looking for a band name.  Liked your ideas but then I heard this gem today.....

                               "Embers of Corona"

Ding, ding, ding-a-ling....we have a winner!

Edited April 22, 2020 by OhioSongbird

[lovemesomejoolery]

6 hours ago, Cupid Stunt said:

A combo shows the India Gate war memorial on October 17, 2019 and after air pollution levels started to drop during a 21-day nationwide lockdown in New Delhi, India, April 8, 2020. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/Adnan Abidi

 

 

Every day is Earth Day.

 

I am so glad you posted this picture of India.  I saw it this evening on the news and don't know what I'm more stunned by - the before or after picture!

Similar pictures of LA and other major cities in the US have been floating all over the web, too. 

It totally goes to show how we are destroying our earth.  And what could be achieved.  It is too bad it took a lockdown to prove it!

And yes, every day IS earth day!

[Petunia13]

I learned today 6 people at the grocery store I shop at have been diagnosed w Covid 19. I was just there the day before I learned this news. They’ve taken out postings for all those jobs on Indeed today. Needless to say I’m not going back to that store for a while.

Im looking for a job or high key prepared for when or if I will be laid off or fired from my AL one. I’m pretty sure that’s coming. 

[Cupid Stunt]

 

The essential worker revolution of 2020 will not wait -- When clinging to America’s individualistic ideals in a pandemic means letting poor people die in service of the economy, society cannot hold.

 

How the Coronavirus Could Create a New Working Class -- Experts predict the outbreak will lead to a rise in populism. But will workers turn their rage toward corporate CEOs, or middle-class elites?

 

The Crisis Could Last 18 Months. Be Prepared. -- The shutdowns happened remarkably quickly, but the process of resuming our lives will be far more muddled.

 

Flu and coronavirus will launch dual 'assault' on America next winter if we don't prepare now, CDC chief warns -- If COVID-19 resurges at the peak of flu season this winter, the health care system will be even more strained than it is now, CDC director Redfield warns.

 

Infectious disease expert Michael Osterholm: We're only in the second inning of the pandemic

 

How people without symptoms can still spread coronavirus -- Silent spreaders are playing a significant role in the pandemic.

 

In New York’s largest hospital system, 88 percent of coronavirus patients on ventilators didn’t make it

 

Inside America’s unending testing snafu -- Here’s the latest on why the testing problem isn’t solved yet.

 

The push to reopen states, explained -- Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee are about to show us whether the US is ready to start reopening. -- Related: There is no anti-lockdown protest movement

 

Tackling Covid-19: Bengaluru firm creates affordable ventilators that need no electricity

 

Tracking the novel coronavirus in the U.S. -- At least 842,391 cases of the highly contagious novel coronavirus have been reported in the United States and its territories, according to a Reuters tally of state and local government sources. The U.S. diagnosed its first COVID-19 case in Washington state on Jan. 20. - COVID-19 cases as of April 23, 2020, 3:19 A.M. (ET)

 

Elite colleges back away from rescue cash amid criticism of endowments -- Part of the money the universities are declining was intended to help students with emergency needs.

 

The legacy of the pandemic: 11 ways it will change the way we live -- Few aspects of life are untouched by coronavirus and resulting global lockdowns. From an emerging “quarantine state of mind” to a new era of frugality to expanding how we vote, here’s what next.

 

Financial doomsday: State, local governments face layoffs, service cuts, projects derailed -- The coronavirus crisis "will be even worse than the Great Recession by a factor of at least two," one mayor said.

 

America’s Middle Class Gets Hit With Office Jobs Disappearing -- Layoffs spread to U.S. offices after hospitality saw first hit. Even survivors take salary cuts, which could hamper recovery

 

The meat we eat is a pandemic risk, too -- “If you actually want to create global pandemics, then build factory farms.” -- Monoculture has always been a risky business model.

 

This study on “accidents involving flowers” is the most beautiful thing I’ve read during the pandemic -- What plants can teach us about survival

 

What would a second wave of coronavirus look like?

 

There’s a growing possibility of a W-shaped economic recovery — and it’s scary

 

Recovered, almost: China's early patients unable to shed coronavirus

 

Radar love -- California superspeeders are racking up 100 mph tickets

 

Why some states became coronavirus hot spots and others haven’t -- Here’s what we know about why the coronavirus took off in New York and Michigan but not in Ohio and Florida (so far).

 

How the Covid-19 pandemic will leave its mark on US health care -- From hospital closures to the rise of telehealth, these are 5 ways the system is already beginning to transform.

 

The stark differences in countries’ coronavirus death rates, explained -- Italy’s case fatality rate is four times higher than Germany’s. Learning why could help save lives.

 

Why you should wear a face mask to fight the coronavirus -- Masks don’t make you invincible, but they’re an important disease-prevention tool.

 

Orlando Baker, 50, wears a mask that he developed with an image from American rapper The Notorious B.I.G. debut album "Ready to Die", in Fort Collins, Colorado, April 14, 2020. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

Coronavirus couture: Custom face masks around the world

 

“A major outbreak and a major collapse”: South America’s worrying coronavirus future -- Many countries acted early to stop the spread. But larger structural problems in the region signal it will struggle to address the threat.

 

Why Iran is still attacking American troops during the pandemic -- Testing the waters? Iran is using the United States as a scapegoat amid the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Texas says its ban on abortion is over

 

Celebrity quarantine posts are inflaming tensions between the haves and have-nots -- Tone-deaf mask photos, ill-advised jaunts, and comparisons to “jail” are pitting the wealthy against, well, everyone else. -- Related: How did Ellen become one of the biggest villains of 2020? -- Recently, and not for the first time, the comedian’s public persona has appeared to be at odds with her private actions.

 

Shirley Knight, Adventurous Actress and Two-Time Oscar Nominee, Dies at 83

 

 

Edited April 23, 2020 by Cupid Stunt

[Cupid Stunt]

The neighbor quarantined with coronavirus is in the hospital. His family is ill as well. Mr.Stunt dropped off fresh food yesterday.

My employee's in self-quarantine are much better. The rehab lady is back to her accounting position, working at home. The garage guy is off oxygen. 

Corporate wants to reopen offices after Memorial Day/second week in June. There's plenty of lobbying from the station managers "to get back to work yesterday." Not all the states in my division have that promising of an outlook. 

School lunch delivery with Thing1 today. 

I sent my engineering doctorate to my thesis supervisor. 

My parents are in route returning home.

[Snaporaz]

How is your friend doing, boesy?  Does her condition continue to improve?

[Cupid Stunt]

On 4/22/2020 at 6:59 PM, OhioSongbird said:

snaporaz....you asked awhile back about looking for a band name.  Liked your ideas but then I heard this gem today.....

                               "Embers of Corona"

Ding, ding, ding-a-ling....we have a winner!

I like it!

 

I was thinking along the lines of "Corona Death Cult," with our lead singer and chickbait

 

All very child and family-friendly, and on regular rotation with the Mouse Ears Radio Network.

[boes]

11 hours ago, Snaporaz said:

How is your friend doing, boesy?  Does her condition continue to improve?

Hey, Snaporaz, thanks for asking.

Sheila is definitely recovering.  Today she was complaining about the state of the world and I told her that if her snark was returning, she must be feeling better.  

Physically this all really hit her hard.  Her strength is returning, but slowly.  Her sense of smell is back but her sense of taste is still off.  At her age and after what she went through, she may never get back to where she was - our doctor pulled no punches about that - but she's got her life back, she's got clear lungs and that's a great starting point.  

It all still boggles the mind that less than two months ago we were all just entering this new world scape.

Snaporaz, how are you doing through all this?  How's everyone in your life holding up?

Cupid Stunt, how are your neighbors?

[Cupid Stunt]

New York City, by Jilly Ballistic

U.S. coronavirus deaths top 49,000, averaging 2,000 lives lost a day: Reuters tally -- Related: California sees another record day of coronavirus deaths 

 

Coronavirus at meat packing plants

 

Coronavirus pandemic 'will cause famine of biblical proportions' -- Governments must act now to stop 265 million starving, warns World Food Programme boss

 

The chicken drumsticks made from cauliflower -- As we age our nutritional needs change, but our taste buds and appetites also deaden, limiting what many older people eat. Is it possible to make food better for the elderly? <whimper>

 

Essential workers are taking care of America. Are we taking care of them?

 

Virus pushes US unemployment toward highest since Depression -- Related: Jobless Numbers Are 'Eye-Watering' but Understate the Crisis

 

The Spiritual Crisis of the Modern Economy -- The main source of meaning in American life is a meritocratic competition that makes those who struggle feel inferior.

 

U.S. Fed balance sheet increases to record $6.62 trillion

 

Merkel warns Germany is on the 'thinnest ice' as Europe realizes social distancing is here to stay

 

Pandemic may spark permanent shift in offices -- Related: The Pandemic Has Made a Mockery of Minimalism -- Smaller, slower, fewer, isolated—the values of virus containment look eerily like modern luxury aesthetics.

 

Patients with heart attacks, strokes and even appendicitis vanish from hospitals

 

How your body will try to save you from Covid-19 -- Covid-19 immunity explained: antibodies, serological tests, reinfection, and immunological memory

 

This nurse used to read her children bedtime stories. Now she writes them essays in case she dies

 

This Hospital Has Only 8 Nurses. They Are Also the Janitors. -- Eight nurses are the overwhelming majority of employees who remain at Haskell County Community Hospital in Oklahoma. The future of the 25-bed hospital, which has been whittled down to operating only an emergency room since 2019, is increasingly grim.

 

Meet the ICU nurse who silently stood in protest at a rally to reopen Arizona -- Related: The Coronavirus Truthers Don't Believe in Public Health -- Social-distancing protesters, “medical freedom” advocates, and anti-vaccine activists all rely on deeply flawed ideas about how public health measures work—and how safe they are themselves -- Sacrifice the weak! Freedom for Free Refills!

 

Special Report: As virus advances, doctors rethink rush to ventilate

 

Doctors: Execution drugs could help COVID-19 patients

 

As doctors see coronavirus-kidney link, worry grows over dialysis machines -- The novel coronavirus exposes another potential shortage in U.S. healthcare.

 

Exclusive: Canada gets Biomerieux formula for free to produce virus testing chemicals

 

'A disaster': Roche CEO's verdict on some COVID-19 antibody tests -- Related: The scientists who made a 'home-brew' coronavirus test

 

Gilead disputes report that its drug flopped in leaked coronavirus trial

 

Legal battles loom as businesses hit by virus sue insurers

 

A tenant collects their belongings after being evicted from their rental home on February 2, 2009, in Adams County, Colorado. -- John Moore/Getty Images

The case for a massive federal aid package for states and cities -- States needs hundreds of billions of dollars to weather this crisis. The alternative is catastrophe.

 

The Second Phase of Unemployment Will Be Harsher -- For American workers displaced by recession, widespread public sympathy soon gives way to moralizing anger.

 

Why major food and hotel chains are getting stimulus money meant for small businesses -- Ruth’s Chris, Potbelly, and Shake Shack are just a few companies that have gotten small-business loans. -- Related: Ruth's Chris owner to speed repayment of $20 million federal rescue loan

 

A no-brainer stimulus idea: Electrify USPS mail trucks -- Electric vehicles for the US Postal Service would reduce noise, air, and carbon pollution in every community.

 

Poll: 53 percent of lower-income US households won’t be able to pay all of April’s bills -- A new survey shows just how crushing the pandemic has been for lower-income Americans.

 

2020 was supposed to be a big year for marijuana legalization. -- Then the coronavirus happened. More than a dozen states were considering marijuana reform. Now it’s down to a handful

 

American quandary: How to secure weapons-grade minerals without China -- Reduce, reuse, recycle?

 

2 Brothers Died of Covid. They’re Being Denied Their Last Wish.

 

Elizabeth Warren’s oldest brother has died of coronavirus

 

Coronavirus school shutdowns threaten to deepen U.S. 'digital divide'

 

Child sexual abuse images and online exploitation surge during pandemic -- With tech companies' moderation efforts constrained by the pandemic, distributors of child sexual exploitation material are growing bolder, using major platforms to try to draw audiences.

 

Flaw in iPhone, iPads may have allowed hackers to steal data for years

 

Facebook gets rid of 'pseudoscience' ad-targeting category

 

Taking one for the team -- I read Woody Allen's memoir so you don't have to

 

A woman wearing a handmade mask is seen near the Vessel in New York City, April 19, 2020. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

Anna Wintour calls on the fashion industry to 'rethink our values' -- "We are all in agreement that we need to show less, that we need to have more of an emphasis on sustainability and we need to have more emphasis on luxury and creativity and craft," Wintour said. "We needed this terrible event to make us understand that it's not about needing to change, we have to change, we are going to change."

 

 

Edited April 24, 2020 by Cupid Stunt

[Cupid Stunt]

6 hours ago, boes said:

Hey, Snaporaz, thanks for asking.

Sheila is definitely recovering.  Today she was complaining about the state of the world and I told her that if her snark was returning, she must be feeling better.  

Physically this all really hit her hard.  Her strength is returning, but slowly.  Her sense of smell is back but her sense of taste is still off.  At her age and after what she went through, she may never get back to where she was - our doctor pulled no punches about that - but she's got her life back, she's got clear lungs and that's a great starting point.  

It all still boggles the mind that less than two months ago we were all just entering this new world scape.

That's wonderful news, boes!

Recovery is slow in certain age brackets. My rehab employee that's recovered from The Corona is in her 50s, just back on her feet. She has clear lungs, tires easily, is being weaned off blood thinners, and is just returned to working at home. All I ask is that she doesn't wear herself out taking on too much.

Quote

Snaporaz, how are you doing through all this?  How's everyone in your life holding up?

I think of you often, Snap. And hope you are able to cope with The Corona precautions.

I know I've become a chronic cleaner, suspicious of everything, vivid dreams and interrupted sleep. I feel like I'm in a haze, a half-life of what was before The Corona.

Quote

Cupid Stunt, how are your neighbors?

Not well. The husband is in ICU on dialysis. His wife and two children are quarantined at home with fevers, exhaustion, bruised ribs from coughing, but not getting any worse. Mr.Stunt dropped off fresh food Wednesday, and I've got paper supplies, laundry detergent and analgesics for them. One of the neighbors is caring for their labradoodle. 

Edited April 24, 2020 by Cupid Stunt

[peacheslatour]

4 hours ago, Cupid Stunt said:

That's wonderful news, boes!

Recovery is slow in certain age brackets. My rehab employee that's recovered from The Corona is in her 50s, just back on her feet. She has clear lungs, tires easily, is being weaned off blood thinners, and is just returned to working at home. All I ask is that she doesn't wear herself out taking on too much.

I think of you often, Snap. And hope you are able to cope with The Corona precautions.

I know I've become a chronic cleaner, suspicious of everything, vivid dreams and interrupted sleep. I feel like I'm in a haze, a half-life of what was before The Corona.

Not well. The husband is in ICU on dialysis. His wife and two children are quarantined at home with fevers, exhaustion, bruised ribs from coughing, but not getting any worse. Mr.Stunt dropped off fresh food Wednesday, and I've got paper supplies, laundry detergent and analgesics for them. One of the neighbors is caring for their labradoodle. 

I like your neighbors. This is so hard. Is Petunia here today?

[jewel21]

So, I don't know if you can see this, but the other day Steve kind of flew into my bamboo and I was like wtf? Turns out, he apparently sideswiped my mirror first and left an impression on the glass before grazing the bamboo.

You can see the outline of his wing, face and beak, heh. Cockatoos and cockatiels have a fine layer of powder coating their feathers so that is what you're seeing on my mirror.

And excuse all the religious stuff, my grandmother was deeply religious, and after she passed I never had the heart to take any of it down which is why my room is a weird mix of Buffy, Supernatural, and saints, lol.

 

Oh, and today, I braved the outside world sans mask and gloves because we don't have any, and went to two pharmacies. In addition to getting my prescriptions, I found gloves and masks!!! I'm so happy. Now hopefully I did not catch the corona while getting masks and gloves, heh. 

[peacheslatour]

3 minutes ago, jewel21 said:

So, I don't know if you can see this, but the other day Steve kind of flew into my bamboo and I was like wtf? Turns out, he apparently sideswiped my mirror first and left an impression on the glass before grazing the bamboo.

You can see the outline of his wing, face and beak, heh. Cockatoos and cockatiels have a fine layer of powder coating their feathers so that is what you're seeing on my mirror.

And excuse all the religious stuff, my grandmother was deeply religious, and after she passed I never had the heart to take any of it down which is why my room is a weird mix of Buffy, Supernatural, and saints, lol.

 

Oh, and today, I braved the outside world sans mask and gloves because we don't have any, and went to two pharmacies. In addition to getting my prescriptions, I found gloves and masks!!! I'm so happy. Now hopefully I did not catch the corona while getting masks and gloves, heh. 

It's like rain on your wedding day. Is Steve ok? I hope he didn't hurt himself. Birds kind of make me nervous because they seem so fragile.

[jewel21]

3 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

It's like rain on your wedding day. Is Steve ok? I hope he didn't hurt himself. Birds kind of make me nervous because they seem so fragile.

Yeah, he's okay, thanks for asking. I only saw the impression like a day after the incident but he's good. He flew yesterday and didn't crash into anything. He's heavily molting and losing all kinds of flight and tail feathers. Makes me wonder if that's what's affecting his flying because he swiped my ceiling the other day. His nails are getting long and I usually bring him to the vet to get them clipped as I don't know how to clip a bird's nails. Not sure what we're going to do. He got stuck on a string toy earlier today and freaked out before pulling himself free. 

[peacheslatour]

1 minute ago, jewel21 said:

Yeah, he's okay, thanks for asking. I only saw the impression like a day after the incident but he's good. He flew yesterday and didn't crash into anything. He's heavily molting and losing all kinds of flight and tail feathers. Makes me wonder if that's what's affecting his flying because he swiped my ceiling the other day. His nails are getting long and I usually bring him to the vet to get them clipped as I don't know how to clip a bird's nails. Not sure what we're going to do. He got stuck on a string toy earlier today and freaked out before pulling himself free. 

Would he let you file down the pointy ends a little bit?

[jewel21]

4 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

Would he let you file down the pointy ends a little bit?

I've been pondering that for a few days now. It's definitely a two man job as someone would have to hold him in a towel while I grab his feet and file away. He'll put up a struggle for sure. My only option is asking my grandfather to help, but his reflexes are slow and Steve is squirmy. I don't want him wiggling away and flying around the house and possibly hurting himself. But, we might have no choice but to try. As his talons get longer, he gets hooked onto the bars of his cage and has hurt himself in the past. 

[jewel21]

So I'm kind of scared to admit this, but last night my throat felt a bit off but I woke up feeling fine today. However, after my trip to the pharmacy earlier today, my throat is feeling off again and my nose is bugging me and is cold which is usually the first sign of me getting sick. I really hope this is just a simple cold starting and not something else. 

[Cupid Stunt]

.

 

Edited April 25, 2020 by Cupid Stunt
Wut?

[PatsyandEddie]

8 hours ago, jewel21 said:

So I'm kind of scared to admit this, but last night my throat felt a bit off but I woke up feeling fine today. However, after my trip to the pharmacy earlier today, my throat is feeling off again and my nose is bugging me and is cold which is usually the first sign of me getting sick. I really hope this is just a simple cold starting and not something else. 

 

Keep us updated jewel!

[Capricasix]

8 hours ago, jewel21 said:

So I'm kind of scared to admit this, but last night my throat felt a bit off but I woke up feeling fine today. However, after my trip to the pharmacy earlier today, my throat is feeling off again and my nose is bugging me and is cold which is usually the first sign of me getting sick. I really hope this is just a simple cold starting and not something else. 

It’s probably just a cold, or allergies. The incubation period for COVID is between five to fourteen days, so there’s no way you would be feeling off now if you’d only just picked something up in the last day or so.

[peacheslatour]

Anybody heard from Petunia?

[boes]

29 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

Anybody heard from Petunia?

She posted on the Days board yesterday, I think.

[Cupid Stunt]

A funeral worker wears a face mask with an illustration of Jesus outside Los Ceibos hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador April 15, 2020. REUTERS/Santiago Arcos  

3 hours, 22 bodies;The long, lonesome shift of a crematory worker in the heat of COVID-19

 

The U.S. will need to do 20 million tests a day to reopen safely

 

Why America’s coronavirus testing problem is still so difficult to solve -- We need more testing to safely reopen the country, but there’s a lot standing in the way.

 

FDA warns against hydroxychloroquine outside hospitals, citing heart risk -- The FDA allowed doctors to prescribe the drug to treat coronavirus in hospitals, but there's little evidence of its effectiveness. 

 

Everyone for themselves -- Fight against malaria could be set back 20 years, WHO warns -- Related: Africa dangerously behind in global race for virus gear

 

Despite pandemic, global geopolitical currents stay strong

 

Social Security and Medicare funds at risk even before virus

 

Coronavirus relief pushing US deficits to staggering heights

 

Patients with heart attacks, strokes and even appendicitis vanish from hospitals

 

Another Navy warship at sea reports a coronavirus outbreak -- Related: Navy admiral advises reinstatement of fired carrier captain

 

How common is Covid-19? What 2 controversial antibody studies can and can’t tell us.-- Why two California surveys caused an uproar among researchers.

 

Coronavirus shakes the conceit of ‘American exceptionalism’

 

Americans tend to see disease as a personal failure. That’s a terrible way of thinking about it. -- Americans have a history of linking disease with failure and blame. It’s happening again with the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

How Typhoid Mary left a trail of scandal and death

 

Italy, looking to lift lockdown starting May 4, considers advice from scientists, economists and psychiatrists

 

Coronavirus is spreading fast in states that may reopen soon, study finds

 

Hundreds expected at South Dakota auto races despite virus

 

Short on cash, scared of coronavirus, Georgia businesses grapple with reopening -- Related: “Hair can wait”: A stylist on what it’s like to go back to work in Georgia -- The coronavirus crisis isn’t over. This Georgia hairstylist has to go back to work anyway.

 

Alcohol Abuse -- New Problem Is Brewing in the Beer Industry: One Million Kegs Are Going Stale -- Related: 'It's like New Year's every day' as lockdowns drive increase in booze and pot sales -- Customers who used to come to the store a few times a month now get delivery three to four times a week, said one wine shop owner.

 

$310B for small business loans likely spoken for, banks say -- Related: The Government Is Offering Me $4 Million. I’m Turning It Down. -- That money should help truly small businesses and hundreds of their employees survive economically in a crushing pandemic.

 

Reeling Oklahoma oil producers win right to keep leases while wells shut

 

Facebook Reports Earnings on Wednesday: 3 Things to Watch For -- Related: Facebook’s latest ripoff product is a Zoom clone called “Rooms” -- The world’s largest social network has improved upon Zoom’s missteps for its newest familiar offering. -- Two cans and a string are more secure than Zoom.

 

Facebook to label national origin of popular posts

 

Why the government makes it hard for Americans to get unemployment benefits -- The system is dysfunctional. It was designed that way.

 

Why your pet is acting like a weirdo during quarantine, explained by animal behaviorists -- The psychology behind your dog or cat’s new eating habits, constant whining, or extra-loud purring. -- Too late. Weird before The Corona.

 

Can I get the coronavirus from my pet? -- Related: 2 cats in NY become first US pets to test positive for virus

 

Stating the obvious: Coronavirus highlights gap between the rich and poor

 

Associated Press: One Good Thing -- Stories about the kindness of strangers and individuals who sacrifice for others during the coronavirus outbreak.

 

Stop Looking on the Bright Side: We’ll Be Screwed By the Pandemic for Years to Come -- Unfortunately, the history of the past generation justifies pessimism about the next one. -- Related: Madeline Miller on myth, nostalgia, and how power corrupts

 

Officials probe the threat of a coronavirus bioweapon -- Defense and intelligence officials are throwing more resources at the possibility that adversaries will deploy the virus against U.S. targets. -- You mean how the U.S. can develop another bioweapon, without a vaccine. -- Related Snipe Hunt: How the 5G coronavirus conspiracy theory went from fringe to mainstream -- Despite what the internet might be telling you, cellphones did not cause the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

50 Food Storage Tips to Make Your Groceries Last as Long as Possible

 

Amid pandemic, charities and nonprofits face huge challenges

 

12 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings are now hosting virtual tours

 

Video shows thief stole van Gogh painting with sledgehammer

 

Astronomer files trademark lawsuit against American Girl

 

Canada mass shooting started with assault on girlfriend

 

U. of Michigan facing more legal action over alleged abuse

 

Amazon has been frustrating during the pandemic, but Prime is more popular than eve -- New data shows that Amazon Prime membership sales rose significantly as the coronavirus pandemic spread.

 

 

Edited April 25, 2020 by Cupid Stunt

[jpagan05]

16 hours ago, jewel21 said:

So I'm kind of scared to admit this, but last night my throat felt a bit off but I woke up feeling fine today. However, after my trip to the pharmacy earlier today, my throat is feeling off again and my nose is bugging me and is cold which is usually the first sign of me getting sick. I really hope this is just a simple cold starting and not something else. 

I hope you are feeling better. I wanted to share a personal experience with you. A couple of weeks ago I woke up with a sore throat. I was terrified. I kept taking my temp and imaging I had other symptoms. I ended up talking to a friend's mom who is a nurse in OR. Without even telling her that I occasionally experience reflux, she said my sore throat was most likely from acid. I know that you are a nervous person like me so I thought it might be the culprit for you too. I felt so relieved and started drinking a half teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a little water before bed and it definitely helps. Take care❤️

[Petunia13]

8 hours ago, boes said:

She posted on the Days board yesterday, I think.

I’m here @peacheslatour and everyone. It’s been a hard week and I just got some bad news tonight I don’t really want to talk about. 

[jewel21]

17 hours ago, Capricasix said:

It’s probably just a cold, or allergies. The incubation period for COVID is between five to fourteen days, so there’s no way you would be feeling off now if you’d only just picked something up in the last day or so.

I had gone into the bakery to get some milk on Monday so I was worried I had caught something there. One of the employees was outside smoking and I inhaled her plume of cigarette smoke as I went in. 

Well, after being low energy and cold yesterday, in addition to my sore throat and cold nose, I woke up feeling much better. Hopefully it was just allergies or acid reflux. I do get tonsil stones every once in awhile so maybe it's that. In any case, I took some Tylenol Cold and Flu and sprayed this throat spray I used and bought and Italy.

Guys, this thing is amazing. When my cousin and I landed in Italy, our throats were bothering us, and our cousin told us to use this spray she had. When we sprayed it on each side of the back of our throat, it burned but in a good way. It was like spraying Listerine directly in your throat. It also has a pain killer/anti-inflammatory of some sort that makes your throat stop hurting.

We each bought a bottle while in Italy and brought it home with us. Every time my throat bothers me, I give it a spritz. The sad thing is, it's not sold in North America. I asked my pharmacist and he had never heard of it and there doesn't appear to be an equivalent that I can find. Apparently you can order it online and it ships to a bunch of countries including the US but not Canada. Actually, I can't even find the link anymore. It was months ago and I swear there was a site where you could order it and have it shipped to a variety of countries. Anyway. I'm heartbroken already thinking about the day I run out. For anyone curious it's this baby right here.

[Cupid Stunt]

A woman wearing a face mask and gloves as protection against coronavirus walks past a closed shop in Madrid, Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

The week that was: Caught between safety, restarting economy

 

Virus Diary

 

Global death toll tops 200,000+ as some virus lockdowns eased

 

UN Security Council nears virus resolution, and perhaps a new path

 

What went wrong with the Paycheck Protection Program

 

Economist’s warnings on inequality draw attention with virus

 

Covid-19 has blown apart the myth of Silicon Valley innovation -- The pandemic shows that the US is no longer much good at coming up with technologies relevant to our most basic needs.

 

Living in an Extreme Meritocracy Is Exhausting -- A society that glorifies metrics leaves little room for human imperfections.

 

Virus lockdowns an extra ordeal for special-needs children

 

After Social Distancing, a Strange Purgatory Awaits -- Life right now feels very odd. And it will feel odd for months, and even years, to come.

 

The tricky math of lifting coronavirus lockdowns -- Research groups are trying to calculate how much we can safely relax social distancing restrictions, but we’re still missing critical pieces of data.

 

COVID-19 tests hit milestone, Pritzker warns long way to go

 

Private Labs Are Fueling a New Coronavirus Testing Crisis -- Backlogs at private laboratories have ballooned, making it difficult to treat suffering patients and contain the pandemic.

 

Africa’s 43% jump in virus cases in 1 week worries experts

 

Burkina Faso struggles against COVID-19 and extremist threat

 

Indian Muslims face stigma, blame for surge in infections

 

Gaza factories roar back to life to make protective wear

 

US fencer subjected to racist abuse on Zoom call gets little support

 

What's 'Zoom fatigue'? Here's why video calls can be so exhausting

 

Pandemic complicates counting of refugees in census

 

These workers lost their jobs to the coronavirus pandemic. Here's how they are hustling to survive

 

Antigen testing could be a faster, cheaper way to diagnose covid-19 -- Current coronavirus testing is plagued by a lack of resources. An antigen test could be a useful alternative that bypasses supply-chain bottlenecks.

 

Many states fall short of mandate to track virus exposure

 

Tens of thousands descend on beaches amid Southern California heatwave

 

California’s ‘island of romance’ crippled by virus

 

Health workers at Madrid's La Paz Hospital hold a minute of silence to remember Joaquin Diaz, the hospital's chief of surgery who died because of the coronavirus. -- Manu Fernandez/AP

In pictures: The novel coronavirus outbreak

 

Despite risks, auto workers step up to make medical gear

 

VA health chief acknowledges a shortage of protective gear for its hospital workers

 

2 million chickens will be killed in Delaware and Maryland because of lack of employees at processing plants

 

Social distancing in 100 square feet: Hong Kong's cage homes are almost impossible to self-isolate in

 

WHO says no evidence shows that having coronavirus prevents a second infection

 

This is the most comprehensive map of the moon’s geology yet -- Cartographers merged Apollo-era maps and modern lunar observations to make the new graphic

 

Call to unify men’s, women’s tennis 50 years late

 

AP Interview: Darts champion on fame, equality and trailblazing

 

Defrocked ‘Spotlight’ priest’s convictions upheld in Maine

 

Online conspiracy theorists twist singer’s COVID-19 death

 

Hamilton Bohannon Dead at 78 -- The influential percussionist, bandleader, and disco innovator passed away on April 24th

 

 

Edited April 26, 2020 by Cupid Stunt

[Cupid Stunt]

5 hours ago, jewel21 said:

Guys, this thing is amazing. When my cousin and I landed in Italy, our throats were bothering us, and our cousin told us to use this spray she had. When we sprayed it on each side of the back of our throat, it burned but in a good way. It was like spraying Listerine directly in your throat. It also has a pain killer/anti-inflammatory of some sort that makes your throat stop hurting.

We each bought a bottle while in Italy and brought it home with us. Every time my throat bothers me, I give it a spritz. The sad thing is, it's not sold in North America. I asked my pharmacist and he had never heard of it and there doesn't appear to be an equivalent that I can find. Apparently you can order it online and it ships to a bunch of countries including the US but not Canada. Actually, I can't even find the link anymore. It was months ago and I swear there was a site where you could order it and have it shipped to a variety of countries. Anyway. I'm heartbroken already thinking about the day I run out. For anyone curious it's this baby right here.

I picked up a throat spray when in England a couple of years ago. Benactiv Throat Spray -- Made by the same company. In the US, there's Chloraseptic Sore Throat Spray; same company, slightly different formulation. They both have flurbiprofen as the active ingredient. It's very effective.

 

Last night we had an Alley Movie Party with the neighbors. Mr.Stunt set up a projection screen in the sick neighbors courtyard, and we watched the YouTube broadcast of Yellow Submarine, Our Gang, Warner Brothers cartoons. There was a singalong, snacks and games. The Corona neighbors appreciated the attention and distraction. Their dog was there to visit; the kids really miss her. Good times.

 

[OhioSongbird]

There's a spray product here called Chloraseptic that's a throat number/soother for sore throats.  Also friend to all singers who over-strain/use their vocal chords (used to keep a bottle in my mic case).  Might give that a try.....

Ooops....Cupid beat me to it!    😊

[MollyB]

17 hours ago, jpagan05 said:

Without even telling her that I occasionally experience reflux, she said my sore throat was most likely from acid.

I got this same diagnosis in December from my ENT.  I kept getting colds/flu that had major upper respiratory symptoms.  I'm on anti-anxiety meds so I couldn't figure why I had reflux.  She said it was what I eat and when.  No more chips and salsa before bedtime!  Also, wash your nasal passages (I use a special waterpik attachment) and salt water gargles.  Been pretty much symptom free since.  I still get a stuffy nose occasionally (the pollen has been brutal this spring) and I, too, panic that I've got the Big C.  Just breathe deep and say "Nope.  Not today."

[jewel21]

Thanks, guys. I seem to recall my mom using Chloroseptic on us in the 90s. It was green and didn't appear to do much at the time, but hopefully they've improved their formula over the years. The one I found on Amazon has Phenol as its active ingredient. I might give it a try and see how it holds up.

[peacheslatour]

1 hour ago, MollyB said:

I got this same diagnosis in December from my ENT.  I kept getting colds/flu that had major upper respiratory symptoms.  I'm on anti-anxiety meds so I couldn't figure why I had reflux.  She said it was what I eat and when.  No more chips and salsa before bedtime!  Also, wash your nasal passages (I use a special waterpik attachment) and salt water gargles.  Been pretty much symptom free since.  I still get a stuffy nose occasionally (the pollen has been brutal this spring) and I, too, panic that I've got the Big C.  Just breathe deep and say "Nope.  Not today."

I finally had to go to an ENT guy and he too recommended the saline rinse. I got a mist/sprayer thing and it really helps. And ye gods yes, the pollen has been brutal this spring.

[JasonCC]

Apologies for not coming up with something super clever--this is my first time starting a new topic. I've noticed over the years a lot of us like to analyze and/or mock the set pieces on the show. Now seems like a good time for a few reasons. The vintage episodes will provide some good contrast, and since the show has decided to become Boutique Hotel Wars on HGTV they are asking for some critiques (sorry Abby and Phyllis). 

To start: is GCAC officially no more? Even though Dina didn't torch it?

Anyone remember Glo-Worm? (was there a hyphen?) I wasn't watching much but was it a bar/restaurant like Society? Or did Nick buy it and just name it the Underground? There was also another dive bar set back in the day Mackenzie split her time between bartending and working at a homeless shelter. Anyone else remember that? I have a weird (fake?) memory of Nick making out with Christine there once. (I know...I know...anyone else remember this?)

It is April now but I noticed Nikki and Victor's fireplace was burning away during the recent Adam/Alyssa/Kansas plots. Possible Unpopular Opinion, but I don't mind that house really (thought the original Newman Ranch set had passed its prime and looked dated and tacky). I've noticed recently they've given it more height...rafters and skylights.....

 

Edited April 26, 2020 by JasonCC