Sunday, October 18, 2020

And another day of putting your right foot in and then putting your right foot out, then putting your right foot in and then shaking it all about comes to a close:

“You know an odd feeling? Sitting on the toilet eating a chocolate candy bar.” -- George Carlin

Deaths

US: 224,730 (+448)

World: 1,118,321 (+3710)

Cases

US: 8,387,799 (+45,134)

World: 40,278,207 (+321,876)

Countdown: 16 days.

Federal Appeals Courts Emerge as Crucial for Trump in Voting Cases. In appointing dozens of reliable conservatives to the appellate bench, Trump has made it more likely that appeals come before judges with legal philosophies sympathetic to Republicans on issues including voting rights. The trend has left Democrats and civil rights lawyers increasingly concerned that they face another major impediment to their efforts to assure that as many people as possible can vote in the middle of a pandemic — and in the face of a campaign by Republicans to limit voting. — Republicans suck. 

‘An unbelievable chain of oppression': America's history of racism was a preexisting condition for COVID-19. A team of USA TODAY reporters explored how the policies of the past and present have made Black, Asian, Hispanic and Indigenous Americans prime targets for COVID-19. They found:...Put simply, America's history of racism was itself a preexisting condition.

Rudy Giuliani's daughter endorses Biden to end Trump's "reign of terror". Writing in Vanity Fair, she called on voters to "end this nightmare" and "elect a compassionate and decent president." She said that she is hesitant to even acknowledge her last name, but explained that, in this election, "none of us can afford to stay silent."

Federal government to execute first woman since 1953. The Department of Justice announced Friday that it has scheduled the execution of Lisa Montgomery for December 8, 2020. Montgomery will be the first female executed by the federal government in nearly seven decades.

Colorado's largest-ever fire brings new round of evacuations. The Cameron Peak Fire, the largest wildfire in state history, burned through 187,537 acres with 57 percent containment, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The blaze west of Fort Collins thrived as gusty winds blew in ahead of a cold front.

Trump digs in on conspiracy theory over bin Laden raid. -- Can we just hurry up and get this man out of the Oval Office.

Black officers break from unions over Trump endorsements.

Trump signs law designating 9-8-8 as universal number for national suicide hotline starting in 2022.

Google Maps now lets you know how crowded public spaces are before you go.

Musician John Fogerty issues cease-and-desist order over Trump use of 'Fortunate Son'.

Shipping containers in Los Angeles becoming homes for the homeless.

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

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