I'm waiting to hear that my cousin has died from Covid-19

My oldest cousin is named Sharon. She’s my only cousin who grew up in the same town as me. She has special needs; her family was closer to mine than to any other relatives because we always included her and treated her as a person. Her parents have both passed and she’s lived in assisted living for several years. I love her.

Almost two weeks ago, I learned that she tested positive for Covid-19, but she had no symptoms and was in good spirits. Last Thursday she was taken to the hospital and given oxygen. There were signs she was getting better, but I learned today that she’s on “comfort measures only,” which means they are just trying to keep her comfortable until she dies.

In a competent democracy, there would be measures in place by now that might have saved her life, but we’re stuck with Trump. Damn you, Trump. Damn you to Hell.

Thanks for listening. I just really needed to vent to someone who would sympathize.

Was your flu shot less painful this year?

Usually I feel a little pinch when I get the shot, and then there’s a dull throbbing for awhile. I got my flu shot tonight and it didn’t even feel like a shot. I didn’t think much of it, until my mother and wife both said the same thing. I wonder if the shot, or the needle, are different this year. Was your experience similar?

This has to be one of the tweets of the night

'Totally Under Control' Trailer: Alex Gibney Uncovers Trump's Coronavirus Failings in New Doc

This looks really good.

https://www.indiewire.com/2020/10/totally-under-control-alex-gibney-documentary-trump-coronavirus-1234590075/

The Battle Over Dyslexia

Interesting article. It starts by suggesting that some people in the UK think dyslexia may not exist, but the real point seems to be that it is less likely to be diagnosed in families with lower incomes, thus creating a haves vs. have-nots system for children who struggle to learn how to read.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/sep/17/battle-over-dyslexia-warwickshire-staffordshire?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1

USPS had a plan to send 5 facemasks to every home in America - but the White House killed it

Exclusive: The Billionaire Who Wanted To Die Broke . . . Is Now Officially Broke

Hugh Laurie - St. James Infirmary

Most people will know Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House from the TV show “House.” Some of us remember him from earlier British shows like “Jeeves and Wooster” and “Blackadder.” What you might not know is that, whenever he was shown on “House” playing the piano or guitar, that was really him.

In 2011, Hugh Laurie recorded a love letter to New Orleans called “Let Them Talk.” The album featured contributions from Alan Tussaint (seen here), Irma Thomas and Dr. John. Just do yourself a favor, buy the whole album. This is the first cut and my personal favorite.

I think I like the virtual convention better, actually

It seems more genuine, somehow. No one is playing for applause, they’re just speaking from their hearts. And if feels like there is a wider range of speakers. Michelle blew it out the first night, but the best line was probably “His only preexisting condition was trusting Trump.” I got a chill when I heard that.

Anyone else feel the same way?

Sherrod Brown is the only person in America whose hair looks better now than before COVID19

I was just watching him interviewed on The Reid Out, and it looks like he actually combed his hair.