Friday, July 3, 2020

And another day where we are told to “learn to live with it” because the Trump administration has no clue what to do to help keep Americans safe from the virus comes to a dreadful close. Oh yeah, and the year 2020 is only half over:

“We’re flirtin’ with disaster, ya’ll know what I mean.” -- Molly Hatchet

Deaths

US: 132,101 (+616)

World: 529,127 (+5091)

Countdown: 123 days.

2020 has changed everything. And it’s only half over. We regret to inform you that 2020 is only halfway over, even though it feels like it’s been going on for half a century...What the rest of the year holds is anyone’s guess.

After several months of mixed messages on the coronavirus pandemic, the White House is settling on a new one: Learn to live with it. -- ‘The Art of Not Doing Anything’ by Donald J. Trump. I'm guessing the leaders of other countries didn’t read that book.

Texas Republicans to hold in-person convention amid spike in coronavirus. The party's executive committee on Thursday night passed a resolution, 40-20, in support of moving forward with its in-person convention in Houston. — Stupid is as stupid does.

New coronavirus cases skyrocket on Fourth of July weekend.

Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein and the women who abuse other women. We may never understand Maxwell's motivations. But it would be a good start to step away from the clichés and easy categories if we want to understand female aiders, abettors and enablers of men's sex crimes, or women at all. Women, it turns out, are just as complicated as men. And just as men are as capable as the stereotypical adult woman of temperance, nurturing and decency, women are as capable as men of genius and greatness, of naivete and stupidity — and of abuse, exploitation and evil.

Prince Andrew under fresh scrutiny after Maxwell arrest.

The Supreme Court has decided that Alabama's rules around absentee ballots, including requiring a notary or two witnesses, will stay in place during a lawsuit. Plaintiffs wanted the rules suspended during the pandemic, which is still peaking in Alabama.

Biden supporters are more worried about the health risks of voting. -- Which is what Republicans are counting on. Demand your state move to mail-in voting.

The Supreme Court blocks the House of Representatives from seeing Mueller grand jury documents for now, grants Trump administration's request to take up the case next term.

Gilead will charge a higher price for its Covid-19 drug remdesivir for most patients in the U.S. and a lower price for the rest of the developed world.

Mexico closes border in Arizona as coronavirus cases in both countries surge.

At least 8 Secret Service agents are stuck in Phoenix with coronavirus after preparing for a visit by Vice President Pence.

Conservatives are flocking to a new 'free speech' social media app that has started banning liberal users.

"Kill 'em." Houston GOP powerbroker Steve Hotze left Greg Abbott a voicemail requesting National Guard "shoot to kill" rioters.

A Florida university is backing off a notice requiring workers to seek outside child care days, according to an update sent to employees Thursday.

Schools want to reopen safely. Without federal funds, many worry they can't.

Black high school baseball player says fans yelled 'You should have been George Floyd' and 'Get back to the fields'.

Brazil's Bolsonaro waters down law requiring face masks.

MLB cancels All-Star Game for 1st time since 1945.

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Champ Jimmie Johnson has become the sport's first driver to test positive.

NFL to play Black national anthem in Week 1. -- Because that’s what the BLM movement is fighting for.

Washington Redskins Say Team Name Will Undergo A 'Thorough Review'.

Cleveland Indians "to determine the best path forward" regarding team name.

Arizona reels as three of the biggest wildfires in its history ravage state.

In the near future, you could get a heated steering wheel in your BMW through a software download. Then, a year or two later, if you decide that you no longer need the feature you can unsubscribe and stop paying for it.

Officials in the northeastern US are warning residents and visitors to be on the lookout for Lion's Mane jellyfish, which can reach sizes of four feet in diameter with tentacles over a hundred feet long.

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Stay safe and stay sane. Good night.