Sunday, March 15, 2020

And another day of thinking “Man, R.E.M. sure miscalculated how I’d feel at the end of the world” comes to a close:

“For a while, life is not going to be the way it used to be in the United States. We have to just accept that." — Dr. Fauci

***Important Read*** This so-called exponential curve has experts worried. If the number of cases were to continue to double every three days, there would be about a hundred million cases in the United States by May. That is math, not prophecy.

The Coronavirus Called America’s Bluff. I am not writing this in order to praise Chinese communism—far from it. I am writing this so that Americans understand that our government is producing some of the same outcomes as Chinese communism. This means that our political system is in far, far worse shape than we have hitherto understood. — Very good read. Well worth your time.

New CDC guidelines: for the next 8 weeks, events in the US with 50 or more people should be canceled or postponed

Daily life came to a grinding halt around much of the world Sunday amid new travel restrictions, border shutdowns and sweeping closures of restaurants and bars aimed to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Federal Reserve cuts rates to zero to support economy during coronavirus pandemic.

Italy reports record 368 new coronavirus deaths in one day — The government’s extensive measures were taken too late.

Inslee orders all restaurants, bars shut down in Washington state in wake of coronavirus

It appears that a Massachusetts coronavirus cluster with at least 82 cases was started by people who were not yet showing symptoms, and more than half a dozen studies have shown that people without symptoms are causing substantial amounts of infection. — Stay home!

From an Italian to the rest of the world: you have no idea about what's coming. If it plays out similarity to Italy, the US is woefully unprepared.

Top infectious disease expert doesn't rule out supporting temporary national lockdown to combat coronavirus. — It’s coming. 

Austria bans all gatherings of more than five people.

New York City Schools Will Finally Close—and May Not Open the Rest of the School Year.

At drive-through COVID-19 testing centers in South Korea, the test takes 10 minutes at most. Results are texted to you, usually the next day. And it's free — paid for by the government.

Trump offers 'large sums' for exclusive access to coronavirus vaccine. According to an anonymous source quoted in the newspaper, Trump was doing everything to secure a vaccine against the coronavirus for the US, “but for the US only”.

Germany tries to stop US from luring away firm seeking coronavirus vaccine. Berlin is trying to stop Washington from persuading a German company seeking a coronavirus vaccine to move its research to the United States, prompting German politicians to insist no country should have a monopoly on any future vaccine. — How is this even a fucking thing right now. Trump is an asshole.

Infected people without symptoms might be driving the spread of coronavirus more than we realized.

California governor directs all bars and nightclubs to close as coronavirus spreads.

When asked by KOMO News if she was told what warranted a test or what the testing protocol entailed, Helen Teixeira says a doctor told her, “You have to be hospitalized, like on a ventilator.” — Unbelievable, and unacceptable.

A transatlantic cruise ship carrying more than 600 passengers with at least five confirmed coronavirus cases on board is frantically searching for somewhere to dock after it was refused entry at multiple Caribbean ports.

Coronavirus closed this school. The kids have special needs. 'You can't Netflix them all day.'

How Do You Quarantine for Coronavirus on a College Campus?

“Social distancing and mitigation, they’re not to protect the 30-year-old or 20-year-old from getting coronavirus. They’re to protect your nana. They’re to protect your granddaddy. They’re to protect the people you love in your life and we need your help.”

No-Touch Greetings Take Off: People Are Getting Creative About Saying 'Hi'.

Coronavirus School Closings Expose Digital Divide.

Trump considering full pardon for ex-adviser Michael Flynn. Of course he is. He thinks he’s king.

Thousands of foster children were sent out of state to mental health facilities where some faced abuse and neglect. “I felt so worthless,” said the girl, who has bounced between living arrangements since returning to the Chicago area. “I felt like I was never going to make it out. I thought I would never get to freedom, that I would be locked up forever like an animal.”

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

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Saturday, March 14, 2020

And another day of watching it all go to Hell in a hand basket comes to a close:

“The species will continue, whatever apocalypse we manage to unleash. It just won't be much fun to live through.” -- Naomi Alderman

Happy Pi Day!!

I ran the White House pandemic office. Trump closed it. When President Trump took office in 2017, the White House’s National Security Council Directorate for Global Health Security and Biodefense survived the transition intact. Its mission was the same as when I was asked to lead the office, established after the Ebola epidemic of 2014: to do everything possible within the vast powers and resources of the U.S. government to prepare for the next disease outbreak and prevent it from becoming an epidemic or pandemic. One year later, I was mystified when the White House dissolved the office, leaving the country less prepared for pandemics like covid-19.

World closes borders, restricts travel to contain coronavirus spread.

Social Distancing: This is Not a Snow Day. Here are some steps you can start taking now to keep your family safe and do your part to avoid a worsening crisis.

School closures of 8 weeks or more may better mitigate coronavirus spread, CDC says.

Coronavirus: who’s most at risk, what we can do and will we see a vaccine soon?

How the US stacks up to other countries in confirmed coronavirus cases. The United States is more in line with Italy and Iran than Singapore and Hong Kong.

An examination of how the Trump admin. responded to the coronavirus outbreak that was first documented in December reveals a story of missed opportunities, mismanagement and a president who resisted the advice of experts urging a more aggressive response.—Never forget.

Google says it is developing a nationwide coronavirus website.

Newborn baby tests positive for coronavirus in London.

Tokyo Olympics will go ahead, says Japan's PM Shinzo Abe, despite coronavirus concerns.

Spain imposes Italy-style lockdown in bid to contain coronavirus.

The Elegant Mathematics of Social Distancing. But people have lives: weddings to attend, kids’ birthday parties to endure, commutes to make, bonkers grocery store lines to stand in. What is safe right now? What isn’t? The answer isn’t clear, given what researchers know—and don’t know—about the disease. And even experts aren’t united in their responses.

Dale Hansen: “I have to believe that life will return to normal someday, and hopefully that someday is soon. But it's a scary time right now, and the president isn't helping.”

Hindu group offers cow urine in a bid to ward off coronavirus.

Raising Kids Who Love Math — Even If You Don't. And certainly don’t tell them that you don’t!

Astronomers discover scorching hot planet where it rains liquid iron. That is freaking cool.

“Life beats down and crushes your soul and art reminds you that you have one.” -- Stella Adler

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

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Friday, March 13, 2020

And another day of not taking responsibility comes to a close:

“No I don’t take responsibility at all.” -- Donald Trump

“The country did not reach this point by accident. The right got the diminished government it wanted, led by the diminished president it celebrates and supports.” — David Corn

How the GOP’s War on Government Paved the Way for Trump’s Deadly Incompetence. That is quite a judgment to hang on one man. But Trump deserves it. And the Republican establishment and conservative movement share the blame. They devoted decades to spreading the anti-government virus.

The Trump Presidency Is Over. One can hope.

Trump administration blocks states from using Medicaid to respond to coronavirus crisis.

The Trump Administration Will Move Ahead With Its Plan To Kick People Off Of Food Stamps Despite The Coronavirus Outbreak. He does not give a shit if people suffer or die.

People with diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and other serious underlying conditions are more likely to develop “serious outcomes, including death,” top CDC official says.

The northern town that recorded Italy's first coronavirus infection offers a virtuous example: Stay home, and trends can reverse. Infections have not stopped in Codogno, but they have slowed.

Mexico frets about U.S. coronavirus spread, could restrict border. Oh the irony.

Contrary to Trump’s claim, Google is not building a nationwide coronavirus screening website.

Shock, Fear, and Fatalism: As Coronavirus Prompts Colleges to Close, Students Grapple With Uncertainty.

Sex workers are losing money because of the coronavirus. Advocates say that means they’re more likely to face exploitation.

Utah passes new abortion rules, could mean felony charges for doctors and women.

Ice loss in Antarctica and Greenland increased sixfold in the last 30 years.

'Minor planet' bonanza: 139 new objects discovered beyond Neptune.

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

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

And another broken day comes to a close:

“If there ever was a time in the modern history of our country when we are all in this together, this is that moment. Now is the time for solidarity. Now is the time to come together.” -- Bernie Sanders

Trump Voters Wanted to Blow up the System. Well, Here We Go. Some 63 million Americans voted for a man who wanted to smash the system to smithereens, either because they felt it wasn’t doing enough for them or because breaking glass just feels so primitively satisfying. Or maybe it's because the Republican Party has been peddling a dystopian anarchistic anti-government pipe dream to them for the last four decades. Now, it turns out, a functioning government is a good thing to have when a global pandemic arrives on your shores. It turns out that maybe reforming an imperfect system is wiser than just taking a sledgehammer to it, better to trust people who have dedicated their lives to being public servants than trashing them in favor of a one-man, megalomaniacal savior, better to have a functioning system than dancing on its rubble while crowing about the death of the “deep state”—or “the political establishment.”

The Coronavirus Shows Us America Is Broken. Things will get worse from here.

Max Boot: The entire country is now paying for those colossally irresponsible decisions—to elect Trump and to dismiss the articles of impeachment—as we face the worst crisis since 9/11 under the bungling leadership of the worst president in modern times.

Coronavirus: what happens to people's lungs when they get Covid-19?

Trump Doesn’t Grasp What Americans Are Going Through. As news about the coronavirus worsens, Americans need good information and a realistic basis for hope. But the president shows little evidence of empathy. He’s never shown empathy. Why would his actions during this crisis be any different?

How three stories in one hour changed America's perception of coronavirus.

Satellite images show Iran has built mass graves amid coronavirus outbreak.

Blood donations are plummeting as coronavirus cases continue to rise, raising the alarming possibility of a national blood supply shortage. The resounding message from blood banks: If you’re healthy, give blood now.

Ohio, Maryland become first states to shut all K-12 schools.

Rome's Catholic churches are ordered to be closed because of coronavirus, a move believed to be unprecedented in modern times.

A federal judge says Chief Justice John Roberts is "undermining democracy".

Polar ice caps melting six times faster than in 1990s.

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

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

And another apocalyptic day comes to a close:

“One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.” -- Niccolo Machiavelli

Tests show new virus lives on some surfaces for up to 3 days. They found that viable virus could be detected up to three hours later in the air, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

Italy to close all shops and venues across the country. Only pharmacies and markets will stay open.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said social gatherings of 250 or more people, including sporting events, are banned through at least the end of March because of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Seattle area.

All Seattle Public Schools closed for at least two weeks starting Thursday due to coronavirus outbreak.

Officials understandably don't want to close schools unless they have to — and many closures in the U.S. so far have been triggered by a known case or exposure to coronavirus. But research suggests the best time to close schools is before that happens.

The coronavirus will cause a child care crisis in America.

24 states have declared a state of emergency due to coronavirus.

March Madness will be held without fans.

Dow enters bear territory, plunging by more than 1,400 points.

World 'way off track' on climate targets, UN experts warn after five hottest years on record.

Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 23 years in prison in landmark #MeToo case. Good. Bastard.

IBM wants to make computers fluent in human.

Skull of smallest known dinosaur found preserved in 99-million year-old amber. It’s smaller than the smallest living hummingbird and has more teeth in its mouth than any other known fossil bird.

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

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

And another day “full of shit” comes to a close:

“Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.” -- Winston Churchill

Here’s How COVID-19 Attacks The Human Body.

The coronavirus has spread to 10 nursing homes in one Washington county, prompting Gov. Jay Inslee to impose strict requirements for older adults at all long-term care facilities in the state.

Trump administration orders immigration courts to immediately remove coronavirus posters. WTF?

Mental Health Professionals Are Preparing for an Epidemic of Anxiety Around the Coronavirus.

Coronavirus is closing more schools. What happens to students who depend on school lunches? "There are some students whose food at school is the one or two meals they're getting that day. This situation is really highlighting how critical school meals are," one official said.

The University of Washington has opened a drive-through testing site for UW Medicine employees at its northwest campus, and the center could expand to test UW students and nearby first responders.

At least 44 dead from drinking toxic alcohol in Iran after fake coronavirus cure rumor.

In coronavirus fight, California restaurant is taking customers' temperatures.

"You're full of shit," Joe Biden tells a plant worker in Detroit after the man confronted Biden about his views on gun rights, asserting that Biden was trying to take away guns. “I support the Second Amendment," Biden told him, while naming guns he owns.

Russia's ruling party says it would back an amendment to the constitution that would allow Vladimir Putin to stay on as president until at least 2036, if he decided to pursue such a motion. Know that Trump is taking notes. Turn the Senate blue.

Prince Andrew has 'shut the door' on cooperating in Epstein probe, prosecutor says. Actions speak so much louder than words.

Bears Around The World Are Coming Out Of Hibernation A Month Early Because Of Warmer Winters.

Rare white giraffe and her baby killed by poachers in Kenya. Fucking humans.

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

Until next time, my friends. Good night.

Monday, March 9, 2020

And another day of watching so much of everything go all to Hell that I need a nap comes to a close:

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." -- Plato

Happy National Napping Day!

“He is definitely melting down over this.” The problem is that the crisis fits into his preexisting and deeply held worldview—that the media is always searching for a story to bring him down. Last week Trump told aides he’s afraid journalists will try to purposefully contract coronavirus to give it to him on Air Force One. -- What. The. Fuck? Who thinks that way?

Dow closes with decline of 2,000 points, almost ending 11-year bull market.

Italy extends quarantine measures nationwide. "We all must give something up for the good of Italy. We have to do it now, and we'll only be able if we all collaborate and adapt to these more stringent measures. This is why I decided to adopt even more strong and severe measures to contain the advance... and protect the health of all citizens."

I live in Kirkland, Washington, epicenter of the US outbreak. We need help. “All of this is in contrast to what we're hearing from the federal government.”

4 members of Congress -- including lawmaker [Doug Collins] who shook Trump's hand -- to self-quarantine after CPAC. The list also includes Matt Gaetz who was on Air Force One with Trump just hours before self-quarantine. CPAC: Conservative Politicians Aggravate Covid-19.

We analyzed more than 150 coronavirus deaths. Here's what we found.

Universities in Washington, California and New York cancel in-person classes due to coronavirus.

Empty shops, deserted streets as Italy imposes coronavirus lockdown.

New York is producing its own hand sanitizer due to shortages caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Trump said he didn't know people died of the flu. His grandfather did, according to a Trump biographer. Trump doesn’t know much about anything.

Schools can no longer use electric shock devices on students, says the FDA.

"A 20-minute nap can make up for one hour of lost sleep," according to a sleep researcher.

Amateur astronomers first spotted an anomaly in data captured by NASA's latest planet-hunting space satellite TESS. What they didn't realize was that they were looking at an entirely unknown type of star — the first of its kind.

Led Zeppelin wins latest battle of the bands in `Stairway to Heaven’ fight.

RIP Max von Sydow. He was 90.

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

Until next time, my friends. Good night.