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You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Things I Have Learned During Quarantine, Part 2

Things I Have Learned During Quarantine, Part 2

by John Cole|  April 23, 20205:39 pm| 287 Comments

This post is in: Balloon Juice, Dispatches From the Quarantine, John Cole Presents "This Fucking Old House"

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Y’all have not lived until you have opened a can of sauerkraut that apparently did not seal correctly, because yowza.

I have also learned a little bit about myself in that even though my personal life has not changed very much, I apparently really feed off the emotions of others and it impacts my mood. Since this started, I thought it would be a snap because I never really go anywhere anyway, but everyone has been so depressed and so miserable that even I am getting sick of it. I want things to go back to normal, with you all out there doing fun things and living your lives and inviting me to things I will never attend. I find myself withdrawing inward even more- reading less news, viewing fewer blogs, etc. Just sort of walling myself off. Other than work related stuff, talking to the family and Tammy, I’m just sort of being non-communicative in the real world. I still interact with my online family inside of games and what not, but in meatspace I really am isolating myself.

Weird, hunh?

I have not summoned up the courage to try to shave Steve again.

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Previous Post: « Excellent (Horrifying) Read: “The Coronavirus Truthers Don’t Believe in Public Health”
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Reader Interactions

287Comments

  1. 1.

    schrodingers_cat

    April 23, 2020 at 5:44 pm

    I have not summoned up the courage to try to shave Steve again.

    Discretion is the better part of valor

  2. 2.

    R-Jud

    April 23, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    You’re still bigfooting Anne Laurie, though, so that’s consistent. ❤️

  3. 3.

    trollhattan

    April 23, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    Is fermented sauerkraut anything like kimchi? Confess to not be completely sure how kimchi is made.

  4. 4.

    jeffreyw

    April 23, 2020 at 5:51 pm

    I was pleased to see that the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy is on Prime so I’m good for 2 more days.

  5. 5.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 5:56 pm

    The BBC News chyron says that the God-Emperor says “we are very close to a vaccine”, so this will probably all be over, oh, I dunno, next week is my guess.

    Just thought you should know.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  6. 6.

    David ? ☘The Establishment☘? Koch

    April 23, 2020 at 5:56 pm

    Cincinnati is on the clock

  7. 7.

    cain

    April 23, 2020 at 5:58 pm

    My (long distance) girlfriend is like this now. She’s been withdrawing more, and started doing more personal projects for herself like painting and making masks and all that. But she used to be one of those people who used to be going out all the time – either creating and designing events or attending them.
    But she doesn’t apparently like people and is ecstatic to be home alone for the most part. She is kind of putting our long distance relationship a bit out too but that’s cool. We’ll see how things go with us, but it’s interesting to see how she’s having these revelations.
    The interesting bit is that the place she worked out found out that they are much more productive from remote than in person. haha. :)

  8. 8.

    Yutsano

    April 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm

    @trollhattan: It’s not that far off. The process starts off the same, with salting the cabbage. Kimchi gets a more elaborate brining solution with hot pepper flakes, vegetables, and often some kind of protein. I’ll defer to the expert here, but it’s an interesting process.

  9. 9.

    Comrade Scrutinizer

    April 23, 2020 at 6:05 pm

    Social distancing is kinda my norm so I’m not feeling especially housebound or lonely, but like you I’m seeing other members of my family and the students in my classes all starting to go “mree, mree, mree” and I  really feel for them.  I’m surprised that so many people have been able to keep up the distancing routine, however imperfectly, but the fractures are starting to show and I wonder how much longer people are going deal with it before sheer boredom drives them into the streets.  Then there’s the economic impact. Ms. Comrade Scrutinizer and I are fortunate to have jobs right now that are keeping us employed (she’s a nurse practitioner and I teach), but others in the family aren’t as lucky. We try to take care of them, but that’s not viable long term.

  10. 10.

    hells littlest angel

    April 23, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    RIP Don Reed (Senator Warren’s brother).

  11. 11.

    Ella in New Mexico

    April 23, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    I find myself withdrawing inward even more- reading less news, viewing fewer blogs, etc. Just sort of walling myself off.

    Kacey Musgraves “Oh What a World” will lift anyone’s gloom. Sweet reminder of just how incredible it is we exist at all. And a trippy little video for added fun ;-)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tgspkNRIcc

  12. 12.

    wvng

    April 23, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    If you DO try to shave Steve again, a video would be appreciated.

  13. 13.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    @Another Scott: trump will decide that a vaccine from England is not good enough for us.    All the CEO’s will fly to London in private jets to get it though    For the rest of us.. suckers.

  14. 14.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 6:08 pm

    @wvng: If he wants us to improve our moods, that would do it.   just sayin

  15. 15.

    Comrade Scrutinizer

    April 23, 2020 at 6:08 pm

    @trollhattan: Ah.  Check out the kdrama “Fermentation Family”. Kimchi and soap opera, very nice, especially when the lead actress gets hammered and there’s a drunken singalong.

  16. 16.

    schrodingers_cat

    April 23, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    Listening to Sufi music since Ramadan is beginning

    Allah hi reham (Allah is empathy/forgiveness) in the voice Ustad Rashid Khan composed by Shankar-Ahsan-Loy from the movie, My name is Khan.

    Rashid Khan is perhaps the one of the greatest living exponents of Hindustani classical music.

  17. 17.

    sherparick

    April 23, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:  Besides, there are cleaner ways to commit suicide then being savaged by a Maine Coon.

  18. 18.

    RepubAnon

    April 23, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    @sherparick: Yes, shaving Steve would seem to be a form of elective emergency medical care. If one elects to undertake a task that will inevitably result in severe injury…

  19. 19.

    cmorenc

    April 23, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    I hope the extended diminution of face-to-face contact with other people doesn’t render me too weird for other people to relate to well after this is over – I’m speaking of the kind of weird that tends to accompany excessive introversion, even though the introversion comes from the unique circumstances of social distancing-lock-down.

  20. 20.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    being non-communicative in the real world

    For some, a concise description of heaven.

  21. 21.

    JoyceH

    April 23, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    I’ve been going through my pantry finding and pitching stuff that’s {mumble} years past their “best by” dates. Hope that the next supply run will all fit into the pantry; that will be innovative! Next week I’m going to get up at oh-dark-thirty to try Walmart’s old people’s hour; try to get some TP before it’s all gone.

  22. 22.

    Seanly

    April 23, 2020 at 6:19 pm

    This is, unfortunately, going to be our new normal for a while. I fully expect to stay out of the office for the month of May. All I can think to say is that even if we’re all separated by distance and walls, we’re all still in this together.

    And once it’s over, let’s break out the guillotine…

  23. 23.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    @schrodinger’s_cat

    Heh. Fueled by so far but a single mug o’ java, at first read that as “listening to scifi music since Ramadan is beginning.”

  24. 24.

    Zelma

    April 23, 2020 at 6:22 pm

    I was an only child so I had lots of practice being alone and I liked it fine.  Chose a semi-solitary career and did fine.  I’ve been widowed for almost six years and never had any problem.  I made a point of getting out every day and saw people but spent most of the day alone with just the cat and the dog.

    If anyone should be able to deal with this, it’s me.  But I find that I am increasingly unnerved by the lack of human contact.  Phone calls and FaceTime just aren’t the same.  So I understand where John is coming from.

    It doesn’t help that everything is going crazy out there.  I got horribly depressed when I read about the latest attack on the Post Office.  If I didn’t have this blog, I don’t know what I’d do.

  25. 25.

    Yutsano

    April 23, 2020 at 6:23 pm

    @Seanly: Washington’s official end date is May 4th. I just listened to Governor Inslee on The View, and I’m not expecting that to end in just over a week. This also won’t dictate when I go back to the office either.

  26. 26.

    schrodingers_cat

    April 23, 2020 at 6:26 pm

    @NotMax:

    Sufi (mystic) and scifi not much difference really. It is other wordly.

    Arziyaan.

    From Delhi 9

    Its beautiful poetry. Urdu is such a  beautiful language.

  27. 27.

    daize

    April 23, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    John, have you posted pictures of your house with blooming spring flowers that I missed?  Would love to see some…

  28. 28.

    A Ghost to Most

    April 23, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    Well, you could have had a construction crew laying a 66″ pipe through your yard. That’s been my week.

  29. 29.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    @Comrade Scrutinizer:

    Ms. Comrade Scrutinizer and I are fortunate to have jobs right now that are keeping us employed (she’s a nurse practitioner and I teach), but others in the family aren’t as lucky.

    We are similarly fortunate. Mrs. SFAW is a nurse (although the flip side is the perceived increased potential for exposure), I deliver meds for a local pharmacy (the pay isn’t great, but I get out of the house without feeling guilty for not self-isolating), our daughter is also in what’s considered an essential job.

    ETA: BRyan’s comment (just below) reminds me that I am not much of an extrovert, and for years I worked at/from home, so this whole reality is a little weird for me.

  30. 30.

    BRyan

    April 23, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    one of the things that has become increasingly clear to me over this last month and a half of enforced solitude is how much our society and day-to-day life are structured around and for extroverts. Those of us who are not particularly extroverted spend our whole lives working within the accepted norms of the social system, and understanding that there’s just something sort of vaguely wrong with us that we’re not most comfortable in a crowd of people yakking at us. But the people to whom everyday life with constant socialization and constant interaction is what they’re wired for, those people are having fucking nervous breakdowns about having to stay in their homes. One of my friends told me if this goes on much longer “it’s just going to be the end” for her. I’ve seen a number of online commenters saying pretty much the same thing. And I don’t get it, although I acknowledge it, I understand that they are just wired differently, and I feel somewhat sorry for them.  At the same time, I can’t help feeling sort of vaguely schadenfreude-ish over them being confronted with the flipside of what I’ve put up with all my life from people like them. ?

  31. 31.

    rikyrah

    April 23, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Leave Steve be, Cole.

    Leave him be.

    I am not having a hard time with this. My sister, however…I’m tired of debating with her on the merits of why she thinks it’s ok to leave the house. If we didn’t live in the same building, then we wouldn’t get into these ‘ debates’.

  32. 32.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    @Zelma:

    I was an only child so I had lots of practice being alone and I liked it fine.

    My brother was an only child. [Sorry, an old … joke? Reference? Whatever]

  33. 33.

    gene108

    April 23, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    The only thing that gets to me about staying at home is the fear that when I go out to get a prescription refilled, for example, I’m taking my life into my hands.

    I really don’t want to step out.

    Plus this chilly ass April doesn’t help. I still have to bundle up a bit to go out, and that’s getting annoying.

  34. 34.

    lgerard

    April 23, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    I had a little trouble following trumps new miracle cure, but it seems we all now have to swallow light bulbs (not the new socialist ones though) and illuminate our insides in order to kill the virus.

    He assures us that the science guys are looking into it.

  35. 35.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 6:35 pm

    I cannot say how well this would work chez Cole.  But it’s a free click, and you might laugh.

    https://nypost.com/video/dogs-entertained-by-diy-whac-a-mole/

  36. 36.

    FlyingToaster

    April 23, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    @Yutsano: In theory, May 4 is also supposed to be open day for MA, but they’ve already closed the schools for the academic year, the MFA is closed until September (likely the MoS, NEAQ and BosChildrensMuseum as well) and most municipalities have cancelled all May and June events.

    Right now the Commonwealth is trying to ramp up testing (we went from 5K results yesterday to 15K today), ramp up contact tracing, figure out which things we can safely open next, and then start those up.  Then we have to wait 3 weeks to see what the impact of those openings are while we figure out what to open next.  Rinse, repeat, all summer long.

  37. 37.

    trollhattan

    April 23, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    @Another Scott:

    “Next week” is the new Friedman Unit? Just great.

  38. 38.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    @JoyceH: Either the NYTimes or the Washington Post had an article about sell by dates and most are meaningless.   Unless they have fat or oils they will last forever.   A couple of examples, whole wheat flour won’t last, but white will.  The same goes with rice.

  39. 39.

    schrodingers_cat

    April 23, 2020 at 6:37 pm

    @rikyrah:

    I am not having too bad a time of this either. I miss going to movies and out to dinner. But otherwise I don’t really mind it.

  40. 40.

    Paul M Gottlieb

    April 23, 2020 at 6:38 pm

    It turns out that the difference between very little social life and no social life is amazingly large

  41. 41.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 6:38 pm

    If you hadn’t given up football you could watch the draft.

  42. 42.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 6:38 pm

    @gene108:

    The only thing that gets to me about staying at home is the fear that when I go out to get a prescription refilled, for example, I’m taking my life into my hands.

    Some pharmacies deliver, some do curbside pickup. If yours doesn’t, you might think about looking for one that does. [I realize what a pain in the ass changing pharmacies can be, so maybe asking your current pharmacy to get with the times might work, especially if enough people make the same request.]

  43. 43.

    trollhattan

    April 23, 2020 at 6:38 pm

    @Yutsano:

    Thanks. I’m no aficionado but know some kimchi is amazing and some is life-threatening. One suspects there are ten-million family recipe variations in Korea itself and my attempts at lumping it together would get well-earned derision.

  44. 44.

    rikyrah

    April 23, 2020 at 6:39 pm

    I do seesaw between depression and rage. The rage is so powerful,I don’t feel like I’m in control, so I gotta try and find anything to get away from it. I can’t get past that it didn’t have to be this way. I can’t get past all the muthaphuckas that put that sociopath in office. I can’t get past what President Hillary Clinton would be doing when confronted with a pandemic. I just can’t. I see the death toll and the rage comes back. People not only dying, but they are dying alone, and then after suffering that, we can’t even honor them with a proper funeral. All because they were mad that a Black man did a more than competent job as President for 8 years. I don’t wanna hear it. The muthaphuckas responsible for that piece of shyt at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue WILL NEVER BE FORGIVEN.

  45. 45.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 6:39 pm

    @A Ghost to Most: Hey, me too!  They are running gas lines down our whole street.  The people on my side of the street “get” to have all the holes dug in our yards.

    Thank goodness I have all the tulips in the back yard to keep me happy while they tear up the front!

  46. 46.

    Old Dan and Little Ann

    April 23, 2020 at 6:39 pm

    I spent all day putting a metal bunk bed together.  As always, I fucked up the directions. I Allen wrenched 4 separate pieces of the frame in the the wrong places AND upside down so that set me back about 45 minutes.  A handy person could have put the whole bed together in an hour.  It took me about 4. Beer time.

  47. 47.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: I am although I am use to living alone..   I miss my grandson who makes me laugh even though he is only one.   He is definitely a mover and a shaker.  Facetime with a one year old is not the same.

  48. 48.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    Besides woodworking projects my main function is procuring and preparing food for the two of us. Oh yea, taking care of a couple of really old dogs.

  49. 49.

    zhena gogolia

    April 23, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    @rikyrah:

    That’s where I am. So I try not to let myself think about it. I focus on my own governor and don’t watch Twitler at all.

  50. 50.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    @Paul M Gottlieb: If only that were short enough to be a rotating tag.

  51. 51.

    gene108

    April 23, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    @SFAW:

    Mine will do delivery. I do need to get out, and it’s as good a reason as any to do something routine.  I shouldn’t let myself get overwhelmed with fear and anxiety.

  52. 52.

    trollhattan

    April 23, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    @raven:

    Goddamn sports kabuki. Hard to imagine NFL even happening this year.

    At least they had to ditch the live audience for the draft bit. Like going to the print shop to see menus being made for your favorite restaurant.

    Who will John Schneider pants this year? Taking bets in safe-distance bar.

  53. 53.

    A Ghost to Most

    April 23, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    Wuttafuckin maroon:

     

    At Thursday’s White House coronavirus press briefing, President Donald Trump said that his administration was looking into the possibility of putting ultraviolet light and disinfectant inside people’s bodies in order to “shorten” the life of the coronavirus.

  54. 54.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    @raven: Finch is tired of me hanging out all the time..

  55. 55.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    @lgerard:

    I had a little trouble following trumps new miracle cure, but it seems we all now have to swallow light bulbs (not the new socialist ones though) and illuminate our insides in order to kill the virus.

    It’s a sad commentary on the state of our “leadersh-” (sorry, I can’t write that word when referring to the Murderer-in-Chief), or maybe a re-affirmation of Poe’s Law, that I can’t tell if you’re serious, because Trump is just that fucked up

    ETA: And I see A Ghost to Most has confirmed it. Jesus H. Christ, what a fucking moron the Murderer-in-Chief is.

  56. 56.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 6:43 pm

    @JPL: As you know, I worked form home the 14+ years we’ve had these two so it means nothing to them.

  57. 57.

    danielx

    April 23, 2020 at 6:43 pm

    I have not summoned up the courage to try to shave Steve again.

    That would seem to be a most prudent decision.

  58. 58.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    @trollhattan: You got something better to do?

  59. 59.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    @raven: lol   Finch tried to go home with the dog walker, but truthfully he has cat instincts ..   No dna test for him.

  60. 60.

    gene108

    April 23, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    @JPL:

    I miss my grandson who makes me laugh even though he is only one.

    I found, when my nephew was around 1 year old, I laughed so much more watching him just doing things, then I would otherwise.

    They bring a certain joy to a room you are in with them.

  61. 61.

    danielx

    April 23, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    @A Ghost to Most:

    Disinfectant? Is that whole drinking Clorox thing coming around again?

    One can only hope (he says piously).

  62. 62.

    JMG

    April 23, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    Tomorrow morning is grocery day. I’ll be at the supermarket bright and early, full of both excitement and a modest amount of anxiety. At least it’s activity. A case of wine we have on order might arrive at our wine store across town and I would pick that up in the afternoon. Another thrill. No human contact there, though. Order online, pay same way, open the back of the Forester and a nice young store employee wearing a mask will come out and put it there. There’s talk of takeout pizza tomorrow night. We live for adventure!

  63. 63.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    @gene108:

    Mine will do delivery. I do need to get out, and it’s as good a reason as any to do something routine.  I shouldn’t let myself get overwhelmed with fear and anxiety.

    Thanks for clarifying. Dealing with overwhelming anxiety is certainly difficult, to put it mildly.

  64. 64.

    trollhattan

    April 23, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    @raven:

    Goin’ for a bike ride as soon as I’m sure no more work emails are coming my way today. All doped up with antihistamines and ready to roll.

  65. 65.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    @A Ghost to Most:   What?!  Can’t we all just hold our breath?

    A new to me term that’s perfect:

    IMPOTUS

  66. 66.

    Calouste

    April 23, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    @A Ghost to Most: You know what we’ve been saying here about Obama making a PSA telling people not to drink bleach? There were already some morons eating fish tank cleaner because it sounded like the previous miracle cure. Bonus for the shitgibbon: if some of his cultists die from drinking bleach, they won’t count for the Covid-19 statistics.

  67. 67.

    lgerard

    April 23, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    @SFAW:

    Trump says he asked DHS science officials, upon hearing light can kill the virus, if the light can be used to “hit the body” or even used “inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way.” He says they’ll test it. pic.twitter.com/UUmYNrEeIP— Daniel Dale (@ddale8) April 23, 2020

    He just discovered that UV light can kill the virus, even though it has been used for several weeks to recycle PPE, so this is his new miracle cure

  68. 68.

    Calouste

    April 23, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    @SFAW: Why can’t you write “leadershit”?

  69. 69.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    It just occurred to me: You know how I/we used to joke that a lot of our political problems would be solved if President Obama went on prime time TV and said “Please DO NOT drink antifreeze! It’s poisonous.” I’m wondering if the Murderer-in-Chief recommending drinking Clorox (or whatever) might have the same effect.

  70. 70.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    @trollhattan: We got our walk in earlier and it’s raining again so. . .

  71. 71.

    CaseyL

    April 23, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    I have an office meeting via Zoom tomorrow, and I just realized that means I should wear real clothes and maybe comb my hair for the first time in *mumble.*

    I wish I had something helpful or useful to tell the folks who really miss in-person human interaction.  I always knew I had introvert tendencies, but never could have realized they were this strong.  I’ve been happy as a clam, staying holed up at home.  Mind you, if I didn’t have a job and wasn’t getting a regular paycheck, I’d be going insane with anxiety – but that would be purely financial, not social.  And I have my kitties, so I’m not entirely without physical company.  But still…

  72. 72.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 6:53 pm

    @lgerard:

    Tanning beds for all!

  73. 73.

    danielx

    April 23, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    @Paul M Gottlieb:

    Truth. Once a week or so I’ve been visiting friends for driveway cocktail hour (BYOB, BYO Chair) – we all stay at least six feet apart, but at least I get to see people outside the house. At this point it feels like going on vacation.

    There was one hitch in the social gitalong; one of the old acquaintances who showed up one evening is a Trumpite. First thing she said was “no politics, we aren’t going to discuss politics”. I said cheerfully “no problem, I didn’t want to talk about that fucking incompetent oaf in the White House anyway”. Kind of like dropping a turd in the punch bowl, but…I gotta be me.

  74. 74.

    debbie

    April 23, 2020 at 6:57 pm

    Deleted. Wrong state.

  75. 75.

    m.j.

    April 23, 2020 at 6:57 pm

    You could try one of those razor combs. If your cat likes to be combed maybe he wouldn’t notice that he’s getting a trim.

  76. 76.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 6:57 pm

    @A Ghost to Most

    a construction crew laying a 66″ pipe

    Old, old joke you’ve probably heard in the past, a touch non-PC now so shall not go into detail, involving a newspaper headline and one “Virginia Pipilini” comes to mind.

    ;)

  77. 77.

    lgerard

    April 23, 2020 at 6:57 pm

    @Baud:

     

    Our new national hero

  78. 78.

    trollhattan

    April 23, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    @raven:

    We’re near to closing out the ’19-20 rainy season. It’s the love/hate part of a Mediterranean climate–you don’t miss it at first but by midsummer everything is dirty, dusty, sticky or all three and you’d pay money for a simple thunderstorm. Instead we have to wait for November (or whenever it decides to return).

  79. 79.

    debbie

    April 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    @A Ghost to Most:

    I suppose Trump will start deploying that treatment on citizens of blue states, confident that no one will see through his ruse to shorten the lives of the people who won’t vote for him in November? //

  80. 80.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    @raven:   Light rain here in central VA too.  I love listening to it.

    Got an extra long walk in yesterday, and beautiful sunset, too.  Can’t take those for granted.

  81. 81.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    @lgerard:

    She is definitely immune from the virus

  82. 82.

    trollhattan

    April 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    @lgerard:

    Thank god vitamin D also comes in pill form.

  83. 83.

    TS (the original)

    April 23, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    @JoyceH:

    I’ve been going through my pantry finding and pitching stuff that’s {mumble} years past their “best by” dates.

    Thank you for mentioning this – amid all my cleaning I had forgotten the pantry & it surely needs a clean out.

  84. 84.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    @Calouste:

    Why can’t you write “leadershit”?

    Amazingly enough, it never occurred to me. So, thanks very much for a new word in my “repertoire.”

  85. 85.

    Patricia Kayden

    April 23, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    Ditto.

    Watching Donald Trump's maniacal monologue ending today's press rally is making me REALLY wish I could #VoteBiden right the heck now.We need a real president, not someone who @CNN has to #StopAiringTrump because he's filled with lies.@JoeBiden will be a real president. pic.twitter.com/oDZQ1teEJH— Grant Stern (@grantstern) April 23, 2020

  86. 86.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    @Elizabelle: You know my wife is from Appomattox?

  87. 87.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    April 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    @A Ghost to Most: So he wants his followers to drink bleach?

  88. 88.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    @Baud: Those pictures are horrifying.

  89. 89.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    @NotMax:

    Landsmann!

  90. 90.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    @Baud

    UV rays? When do the Falwells or others of their ilk start shiliing for lotions to slather on with a negative SPF number?

    //

  91. 91.

    gbbalto

    April 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    @CaseyL: Always remember that they won’t be able to tell whether you are wearing pants.

    GBB +3

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    @CaseyL:

  92. 92.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    @raven:   Did not know where precisely.  Cool.

  93. 93.

    cain

    April 23, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    @rikyrah:  Yeah, I also feel enraged.. but also feel helpless. But I believe that this virus is changing the world – and that it is exposing the human condition in very stark terms.

  94. 94.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 7:06 pm

    @NotMax:

    The Burning Bush®

  95. 95.

    Seth

    April 23, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    He hasn’t been talking to his family either.

  96. 96.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    @Baud

    “Give me blisters or give me death.”

    :)

  97. 97.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    @Elizabelle: “Where the nation reunited”!

  98. 98.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 7:09 pm

    If you guys have a click for the WaPost, this is a wonderful photo essay of jackals roaming free in a Tel Aviv park.

    Someone mentioned it here the other day, and it’s really some good photography of interesting animals. Who are surprised to be out and about, perhaps.

  99. 99.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    I love BJ meetup photos.

  100. 100.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 7:11 pm

    @Baud:   These are some particularly fetching ones.  LOL.

  101. 101.

    realbtl

    April 23, 2020 at 7:13 pm

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: Much better, he was musing about injections.  Hot shots all around.

  102. 102.

    sacrablue

    April 23, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    Our Spot has needed a shave since he got too lazy to gtoom himself over winter. I was waiting for for Spring to make the vet appointment. He requires sedation because he will kill the groomer otherwise. I’ve attempted to cut out the worst bits while he is sleeping and my arms aren’t sliced up too badly.

    On the quarantine depression front, I think it would be worthwhile to do meetups when we are finally allowed to escape confinement because we all could use someone to lean on for the second quarantine this winter.

  103. 103.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    @gene108:  They are so funny at that age..

  104. 104.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 7:18 pm

    There were four deer running up and down the street earlier.   I haven’t seen deer for awhile since they put up additional fences behind me, but glad they are back and reclaiming their territory.

  105. 105.

    middlelee

    April 23, 2020 at 7:20 pm

    I’m doing all right with the isolation, Zooming for sangha (Buddhist church kinda thing) and for talking to friends, as well as for Democratic fundraiser meetings.  Five weeks ago I was sure I would deep-clean my house, write several brilliant short stories, describe self-isolation and social distancing, mask-making, all of it in my journal for future historians.  I have done none of those things.  I spend hours every day on the computer (Balloon Juice), I read books although not as many as I use to, and I watch movies and TV shows.  So far, I’m not depressed and apparently my friends aren’t.  It could be they just aren’t sharing their real feelings because they are polite.

    What I realized this week is that I can’t visualize an end to my isolation.

    I was supposed to go to the Lone Pine Film Festival in Lone Pine, CA in October and I told my friends Tuesday that I just can’t do it because I would not be comfortable going into auditoriums, restaurants, even my hotel unless I had been vaccinated or tested for antibodies and shown to have them.  I doubt I’d be able to share a car to drive to Lone Pine.

    It may be a year or more before I resume anything resembling a social life and maybe not then.

    God only knows what Trump will do between November and Biden’s inauguration to further endanger our lives.

    For now, it’s very unsettling for me to not be able to envision a future not in isolation.  And I’m very fortunate in that I live in the ranching part of Grass Valley with not very many houses on our road and a 100 or more mile view to the Coastal Range.  Plus, in addition to several stacks of books, I have Amazon Prime, Netflix, Britbox, and Acorn with long watchlists on all four.  Should I run through the watchlists it might get crazy around here.

  106. 106.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    @danielx: Don’t forget sunbathing in the back yard.

  107. 107.

    CaseyL

    April 23, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    @realbtl:  How can we convince T* supporters that they’re the only ones worthy of trying out this amazing new cure?  Especially the injecting-isopropyl-alcohol part?

    I am perfectly willing to start a tweetstorm advocating for this.

  108. 108.

    TriassicSands

    April 23, 2020 at 7:22 pm

    John Cole:

    I have not summoned up the courage to try to shave Steve again.

    Cats don’t need to be shaved unless the vet thinks it is necessary. If you have to do it, it is better to have a professional groomer do the shaving. That may be difficult right now.

    When Governor Inslee issued the stay at home order, I was already staying at home. It doesn’t help to dwell on how much we want to be out and about doing fun things. That is what children are supposed to do and the adult’s job is to reassure them.

    Instead of focusing on how much we want this to be over, we should try to concentrate on all the things we can do during the changed circumstances. I realize this may be easier for me than other people, but the time will pass more quickly if we make the most of what we can do and worry less about what we can’t. This is probably a great time for millions of people to learn to meditate. The pandemic probably would have been a far greater challenge when I was young, since as a kid my life revolved around going to school and playing outside with friends. Now, we have the Internet, video games, and so much more. This is a great time to read more, something fewer and fewer people do. Some people might even discover why reading can be so much more rewarding than watching a video, especially if the reading material is first rate.

    I wish everyone the best in coping with this difficult time in the best way they can. By the way, locking the kids in a closet is only a temporary solution — or so I’ve been told.

  109. 109.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 7:23 pm

    @CaseyL: Start with nextdoor, cuz there are some whackos there.  The site will kick you off but not before you can influence some of them.   just sayin

  110. 110.

    BR

    April 23, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    @lgerard:

    Just mind blowing to me, despite all the things he’s said and done over the years.

    After hearing presentation President Trump suggests irradiating people's bodies with UV light or injecting them with bleach or alcohol to deal with COVID19. pic.twitter.com/cohkLyyl9G— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) April 23, 2020

  111. 111.

    FelonyGovt

    April 23, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    @rikyrah: I do seesaw between depression and rage.

    That describes how I feel perfectly. And I didn’t realize I’m as much of an extrovert as I apparently am.

  112. 112.

    Jay Noble

    April 23, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    I did some checking on The UV stuff way back when this all started because I knew it used to sanitize water, food and food processing areas going back over a century. Hospitals use robots to sterilze rooms, surgery areas and so on. But there’s a catch – humans can’t be in the rooms. Blindness being one of the deterents. In short, the UVC lights would kill the virus by basically burning you from the inside out.

  113. 113.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    @middlelee: My friends in Paradise are rebuilding their house.

  114. 114.

    jimmiraybob

    April 23, 2020 at 7:27 pm

    @Another Scott:

    At his mini MAGA rally this afternoon he was prompting his professional expert medical advisers to look into how to get UV light and disinfectant into the body to fight the infection.  So really, any day now.

    Apologies, I see someone beat me to it.  But still, I had no idea how much he know about medical science.  Breathtaking.

  115. 115.

    Brachiator

    April 23, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    @cain:

    Yeah, I also feel enraged.. but also feel helpless. But I believe that this virus is changing the world – and that it is exposing the human condition in very stark terms.

    The virus is changing the world, but we will get through it.

    I was talking with my brother the other day, noting that I had read about plagues and pandemics, but never imagined that we would be living through one. The plague at Athens, the plague that ravaged the Roman Empire. The Great Plague and the Spanish Flu. The periodic outbreaks of yellow fever in the US.

    We had forgotten that the world can be a dangerous place, and we have not learned how to control nature. But we know how to survive and how to rebound from whatever is thrown at us.

  116. 116.

    Avalune

    April 23, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    I’ve been feeling the same John and Zelma. I didn’t even want to come out of my hole to finish off our guest post but I couldn’t bear the disappointment of Watergirl. I only check here like once a week. My current knitting project is meeeeh. I’m getting a lot of Animal Crossing and reading done though.

  117. 117.

    MomSense

    April 23, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    @rikyrah:

    Right there with you.

  118. 118.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    @Jay Noble: Remember, this is from the president who looked directly into the sun during an eclipse.

  119. 119.

    CaseyL

    April 23, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    @JPL: Heh heh heh… I’m a member!  I need to look up exactly what he said; don’t want to accidentally pass on any useful information.

  120. 120.

    dmsilev

    April 23, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    @lgerard:

    Trump says he asked DHS science officials, upon hearing light can kill the virus, if the light can be used to “hit the body” or even used “inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way.” He says they’ll test it.

    I suggest that President Trump and/or his supporters try jamming a blacklight tube up their ass and turning it on. To quote a certain President, what do they have to lose?

  121. 121.

    debbie

    April 23, 2020 at 7:32 pm

    I’m enjoying being able to swear at co-workers without their hearing me. Hopefully this won’t be a problem when it comes time to go back to work.

  122. 122.

    Roger Moore

    April 23, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    @JPL:

    A couple of examples, whole wheat flour won’t last, but white will. The same goes with rice.

    Which is exactly why people invented white flour and white rice.  They’re less nutritious, but they store so much better than people who lived in constant fear of a bad harvest preferred them.

  123. 123.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    Grr…  I’ve reached my breaking point with the BBC News broadcasts in the US.

    Jane O’Brien was just giving a report on how “so many feel the need to have a gun” because so many police have COVID-19 (citing 20% in NYC).

    They seem to have transferred the infection that Tony Jay tells us afflicts the Tory coverage over there to this side of the pond, with the RWNJs taking the place of the Tories.

    So, where is France24 on the cable dial…  WTF??!!  It’s now in some optional “International” package??!!?!!11ONE  Grrr…

    Fortunately, it’s on https://www.youtube.com/c/FRANCE24English/live

    We’ll see how it goes…

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  124. 124.

    debbie

    April 23, 2020 at 7:34 pm

    @dmsilev:

    ?

    If only that would come up at the next press conference!

  125. 125.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 7:34 pm

    @Roger Moore: yup..

  126. 126.

    Mohagan

    April 23, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    YMMV, but my vet (I’m in N CA) is open as an essential business. I have an annual exam for one of the cats scheduled for next  Monday. I will call them from the parking lot when I arrive, they will take the cat inside and do the exam/vaccines,  and then bring her out to me. Don’t know how the payment works. So maybe you could drop Steve off to get shaved like a reasonable person. I admire your effort to shave him yourself but it wasn’t a reasonable act IMO. Two people minimum, and I bet the vet uses sedation.

  127. 127.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    @debbie: Better make sure you’re on mute!

  128. 128.

    bemused

    April 23, 2020 at 7:39 pm

    @lgerard:

    I try not to pay attention when he’s on but noticed this segment and he turned to look at Birx as he posed the question. She looked uncomfortable and a little miserable.

  129. 129.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 7:39 pm

    @Mohagan: I just give them my cc on the phone.

  130. 130.

    Robmassing

    April 23, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    John-

    You are seeing this as all or nothing. Either I lose myself in other people’s needs/emotions or I protect myself by walling myself off completely. This is me to a T. It’s a very difficult thing to conquer since you’ve probably defined yourself this way forever.

  131. 131.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    April 23, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    @WaterGirl: Stable genius that one.

  132. 132.

    debbie

    April 23, 2020 at 7:42 pm

    @JPL:
    From Google:

    For white flour, it should last in good quality for about a year if stored at room temperature, and two years if chilled in the fridge or freezer. Whole wheat flour, as mentioned earlier, is more volatile, and will retain its quality for only about 3 months, 6 months if chilled in the fridge and about a year if frozen.

    Good. I bought a 5-lb bag of white flour and ended up not needing any of it. Gah!

  133. 133.

    jimmiraybob

    April 23, 2020 at 7:42 pm

    On a side note.  I saw a video somewhere today of a person that put a plastic bag on their head and then smeared peanut butter all over the front side.  This was a distraction while she trimmed a dog’s nails – I think a Great Dane.  The dog was so enthralled with licking the peanut butter that it apparently didn’t even know the human was doing the nails.

    Come on.  This is certainly on par with a UV light and bleach lung cleanse.

  134. 134.

    debbie

    April 23, 2020 at 7:43 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    No worries. My camera is “broken,” as I tell them every day.

  135. 135.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 7:44 pm

    @jimmiraybob: There’s such a fine line between brilliant and insane.

  136. 136.

    Scout211

    April 23, 2020 at 7:45 pm

    Our Vet’s office is open for appointments. We had to take our cat into the Vet because he started wheezing instead of purring. You bring your animal in a carrier and call to let them know you’ve arrived at the parking lot. A tech comes out and picks up your pet and brings it inside for the appointment. They call if there are problems during the exam and when the visit is done they bring your pet back to your car and take your card for payment. Our cat needed antibiotics, so they brought those out, too.

    I have no idea if most Vets  are making  grooming or shaving appointments, but it may be worth a try to call your Vet’s office to see if they will make an appointment if shaving is needed right now for your pets. It could be a medical issue, maybe.

    ETA:  I just saw someone posted the same message.

  137. 137.

    EthylEster

    April 23, 2020 at 7:45 pm

    @cmorenc: what is this “excessive introversion” you speak of?

    I didn’t really discover that I was an introvert until about 5 years ago. Now it seems obvious but I had to read “Quiet” before the light bulb went on. I test as INJT but I never appreciated all the behaviors and feelings that went with the “I”. Anyway now that I know my I/E status, I feel more comfortable bugging out of gatherings. Like at the last Seattle meetup. ;=)

  138. 138.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 7:46 pm

    @debbie:   I bought a little crepe pan (at Aldi’s) weeks before the quarantine.  Keep meaning to learn how to use it.

    Have to get used to cooking and baking with flour again …

  139. 139.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 7:47 pm

    @Scout211:

    Our Vet’s office is open for appointments. We had to take our cat into the Vet because he started wheezing instead of purring. You bring your animal in a carrier and call to let them know you’ve arrived at the parking lot. A tech comes out and picks up your pet and brings it inside for the appointment. They call if there are problems during the exam and when the visit is done they bring your pet back to your car and take your card for payment. Our cat needed antibiotics, so they brought those out, too.

    That’s exactly what our vet is doing.  But they are one of the two emergency vets for the area.  So I have no idea if regular vets are even open.

  140. 140.

    JPL

    April 23, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    @jimmiraybob: cleansing the world of the magas

  141. 141.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    @Elizabelle: My crepe pans are awesome.  I don’t make crepes often, but they are splendid.  And the recipe is so simple.

  142. 142.

    EthylEster

    April 23, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    @BRyan commented about how much our society and day-to-day life are structured around and for extroverts

    And by extroverts!   I learned those things from “Quiet”. I hadn’t really noticed it before.

  143. 143.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 7:50 pm

    @Elizabelle

    Holy crepe, Batman!

    ;)

  144. 144.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    NOTICE: Hospital Service Changes in Response to COVID-19 Outbreak
    Emergency services will continue to operate 24/7 for life-threatening emergencies
    Specialty services will shift to limited services for medically necessary procedures only
    Owners must ask their primary care veterinarian to call the hospital regarding the case before an animal can be seen
    Reduced services will likely be in place for the foreseeable future. As soon as we know of a change in status, we will update this website. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding.
    Medical Dispensary will be open Monday—Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.@WaterGirl:  U of I Vet Med

  145. 145.

    Martin

    April 23, 2020 at 7:52 pm

    Good news: Trump stopped talking about hydrochloroquine

    Bad news: He’s suggesting an injection of a disinfectant will clean your lungs. Bleach maybe? Formaldehyde? Worcestershire sauce?

  146. 146.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    @WaterGirl:   I will give it a try, and email you if in trouble.  It’s probably been two years since I’ve made pancakes … let alone tried crepes.  But, must learn …

  147. 147.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 7:54 pm

    @EthylEster:   Yes, that was a great point.

    Also: consumerism.  And just spending money because you’re out and about and what’s $5-10-15?

    I wonder if Americans will learn that, yes, we can indeed live quite well with less.

    Will be interesting to see what was really, truly missed.

  148. 148.

    zhena gogolia

    April 23, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    @Martin:

    Just replace him with Cuomo, stat. I don’t care which one — Andrew, Chris, Matilda, Mario for God’s sake.

  149. 149.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    Damn, they are doing the draft remotely but there is some serious non-social distancing goin on, especially at Tua’s house.

  150. 150.

    jimmiraybob

    April 23, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    @Martin:

    To give credit where credit is due he did add, “You’re going to have to use medical doctors, right?”

  151. 151.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    @debbie: I’m just hearing this.  Hmm…

    I’ve got some air-tight ~ 1 gallon tupperware cannisters that I store whole wheat and bread flour in.  I’m sure both are much more than a year old.  I’ve never noticed any issues with the flour somehow being “old” when I’ve made bread in our bread machine.

    I’ve got even older pancake mix…

    YMMV!!

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  152. 152.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    April 23, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    @Martin: I wonder if there isn’t a glimmer of self-awareness as he realizes the gesture he’s making here

    Pod Save America @PodSaveAmerica · 1h

    Trump defends sunlight as a potential treatment (???) and points to his head: “I’m not a doctor but I’m like a person that has a good… you know what.”

    Or he’s so lost looking for a word that he just kind of gives up, and you almost feel sorry for Birx desperately looking over at colleagues to toss her a life preserver. Also featured is him saying the CDC is going to test means of introducing UV light under the skin

  153. 153.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    let alone tried crepes.

    I keep getting e-mail talking about “Crepe erase.” Would you like me to forward them to you? I usually just delete them without reading, but I don’t mind saving one or two.

  154. 154.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    Mom has long had an appointment for this month with the eye doctor to remove the stitches he put in her eye 6 months ago after an injury.

    I don’t have a clue if there are any downsides to keeping them in place longer. She gets a message that the office is closed. But there is an emergency number to call, and I strongly suggested she do so.

    Response? “Well, it isn’t really an emergency. They’d call me if there was a problem.”

    Le sigh.

  155. 155.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    @Martin:   Did anyone here watch the press conference, or that part of it?

    Is it worth chasing down on C-Span for giggles?  (Like that meltdown about his “authority” a week or so back.)  Who were the health professional /hostages on site?  And what were their expressions?

  156. 156.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:00 pm

    @SFAW:   One weird trick …

  157. 157.

    zeecube

    April 23, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    Not weird at all.  Sort of a semi-sanctuary retreat experience.

  158. 158.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    @Elizabelle: crepes are easier than pancakes!  just make sure that whatever you want to put in them is ready to go FIRST.  ’cause you don’t want cold crepes.

  159. 159.

    EthylEster

    April 23, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    @Elizabelle: Everything tastes better in a crepe. And they are easy and fun to make. Go for it.

  160. 160.

    danielx

    April 23, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    @JPL:

    Don’t want to scare the livestock.

    Note: this totally made the daughter unit’s day.
    Scientists discover a new snake and name it after Salazar Slytherin

  161. 161.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    April 23, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    Pierce has the best reaction gifs for today’s shitshow

    Charles P. Pierce @CharlesPPierce
    “The disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute, and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside, or almost a cleaning. It gets in the lungs”

  162. 162.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    @Another Scott:   During the impeachment hearings, Katty Kay was smirking because not only would Trump be acquitted, she had heard that some Democrats would cross the lines to do so.

    Did not happen.  And she’s no doubt plugged into Republicans anyway.  I really do not like her.

    The non Katty Kay BBC was OK, but hardly a word about Brexit …  this was during my cruise in January, and they were all about coronavirus.  Appreciated it.

  163. 163.

    Gvg

    April 23, 2020 at 8:04 pm

    I don’t really miss people that much but I do miss control. Grocery delivery and drive up are getting flakier and I am getting the wrong stuff or more things are listed as out. I didn’t expect to have problems getting chocolate non fancy or Diet Coke to be out or limited. I may have to order a case of lo mein noodles in order to make one of my preferred dishes…toilet paper is only available if you go in a store and I have been really clever at avoiding that while still getting what I wanted. There are limits to on line and while i wasn’t really fond of shopping I have always been kind of picky. I stocked up ahead of time so i haven’t had to compromise and go in a store for weeks. I am trying to stay cheerful but it’s annoying when my orders are screwed up.

    i like my co workers, it was nice to chat when I felt like it, but socially I am ok. Down side of having a job that could go online is I don’t have more time for projects.

  164. 164.

    TS (the original)

    April 23, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    @A Ghost to Most:

    At Thursday’s White House coronavirus press briefing, President Donald Trump said that his administration was looking into the possibility of putting ultraviolet light and disinfectant inside people’s bodies in order to “shorten” the life of the coronavirus.

    Is this for real? How many of the deplorables will start drinking disinfectant (assuming they can buy it)? I know he has passed rock bottom but I have trouble believing anyone would say this.

  165. 165.

    mrmoshpotato

    April 23, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    @NotMax: @schrodingers_cat: I read it as “surf music.”

  166. 166.

    dmsilev

    April 23, 2020 at 8:09 pm

    @Martin: A sure-fire virus killer is to incinerate the patient.

    Has a few minor side effects of course.

  167. 167.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:09 pm

    @WaterGirl:  @EthylEster:

    I will check the flour tomorrow morning.  Thinking just lemon and sugar and maybe jam, at first.

    Eventually:  crepes Suzette.  Love those things.

  168. 168.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:09 pm

    @dmsilev:   Shhhhhhh.

  169. 169.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    @Another Scott

    Bought these (currently unavailable) several years ago to store flour, shortly after getting the super duper bread machine. Two of them just the right total capacity to hold the contents of a 25 lb sack of flour.

    Very happy with them, as well as with a few other storage containers have gotten over the years from the same company. Quite durable products.

  170. 170.

    catclub

    April 23, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    I think there are probably large parts of Steve that you get in a swipe or two with a beard trimmer.

    accent on large.

     

    His upper hindquarters? Not so much.

  171. 171.

    dmsilev

    April 23, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    @TS (the original): We spent all those years begging Obama to make “don’t drink bleach” PSAs, and apparently that was all backwards.

  172. 172.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    The Washington Post item in full.  Oh gawd.
    Trump suggests injecting coronavirus patients with light or disinfectants to cure them

    After an administration official presented findings from a lab study that showed direct sunlight helps to kill the coronavirus, Trump had ideas.

    “Supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way,” Trump said to Bill Bryan, the undersecretary for science and technology at the Homeland Security Department during the evening White House briefing. He urged him to test it.

    The president then mused that perhaps bleach or another disinfectant can also be injected into the body to kill the virus.

    “Is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets on the lungs, and it does a tremendous number on the lungs,” the president said.

    He encouraged Bryan to test that theory too, but noted the government should involve medical doctors on that one.

    Trump also reminded everyone that he had once suggested that heat would kill the virus.

    “I just threw it out as a suggestion, but it seems like that’s the case, because when it’s on a surface, that would last for a long time. When that surface is outside, it goes very quickly. It dies very quickly with the sun,” Trump said.

    Later, the president again mentioned that Bryan should test whether light and heat could be used to cure the coronavirus.

    “If you could and maybe you can, maybe you can’t. Again, I say maybe you can. Maybe you can’t. I’m not a doctor. I’m like a person that has a good you know what,” Trump said, pointing to his head.

  173. 173.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    @TS (the original): Yes, it’s for real.  I watched the short clip from a link in either this one or the previous one.

    https://twitter.com/joshtpm/status/1253451487415619586

  174. 174.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    @Elizabelle

    Best crepes ever had were filled with a concoction very close to apple pie filling and bleu cheese.

  175. 175.

    catclub

    April 23, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    @dmsilev: give  a man a match and he is warm for a moment

    Light him on fire and he is warm for the rest of his life.

  176. 176.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    @Elizabelle: Sour cherries with sugar and cornstarch?

    Apples and cinnamon?

    When it’s asparagus time, roast or grill the asparagus and make a little cheese sauce.  I made a little batch of cheese fondue and drizzled it across the asparagus, and rolled up the crepes.  So good!

  177. 177.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    Remember when Obama was tired that one time and said “57 states” and wingnuts got a hard on thinking about how dumb Obama was….

    Good times.

  178. 178.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 8:15 pm

    @catclub: Nice.

    ETA: Two words: Active volcano.

  179. 179.

    mrmoshpotato

    April 23, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    @Elizabelle: Hahaha, points off for the NY Post not using the original audio.

  180. 180.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    @NotMax: @WaterGirl:

    I think we are going to have to do a crepe thread one of these days.

    And I have the sour cherries, etc.  Needs some almond extract, maybe … yum.

  181. 181.

    Sab

    April 23, 2020 at 8:17 pm

    @Another Scott: My whole wheat flour is in a Rubbermaid container and is between 5 and 10 years old and it’s fine. I made some soda bread with it last week.

  182. 182.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    I first made this on Oregon St in Urbana!

     

    Julia’s Gateau of Crepes is a creation of vegetable layers bound with a cheese custard separated by crepes, with crepes encasing the whole. It is quite a handsome dish. The three vegetable layers are: Sauteed julienned carrots with fresh dill. Blanched broccoli. Mushroom duxelles. After cooking and letting it rest for the custard to set, you invert it and take off the casserole dish. Then, slice into wedges. This takes a bit of preparation, but it’s worth every minute.

  183. 183.

    catclub

    April 23, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: : “I’m not a doctor but I’m like a person that has a good… you know what.”

     

    I hope the reporters are yelling out “insanity defense?”, “Combover?”

    “ear infection?”

  184. 184.

    Jay

    April 23, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    Being an underpaid, overworked “essential” worker, most days I am done with people. Every other day somebody comes in that makes it worth it. I spend a lot of time trying to keep my coworkers sane and calm, talking them down off the metaphorical bridge, trying to make them laugh.

    Then, on my days off I spend the early am as part of a street medic team for the unhoused, and that gives me so much more faith in humanity.

    On the bright side, I am with the Love of My Life, Lil’ Bit and Mellow, and the 4 of us have a proven track record of spending up to 6 months alone and isolated (Canadian Winters, Eh?) with nobody expiring from a bad case of the shack nasties, and only the odd, performative cat fight.

    On the not so bright side, due to economics and Covid we are sharing a house with 7 others, and they are not taking the isolation well. It’s become very feral indoors.

  185. 185.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    @Baud:   And teleprompters.

    It’s all so sad.  I cannot believe anyone serious thinks Trump has a chance of winning this November.  As long as we have free and fair elections.  Big “if” there.

    But we have Wisconsin primary voters as our model and patron saints there.

  186. 186.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    @Jay: Is your Lil’ Bit a cat?

  187. 187.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    @Another Scott: If you see bugs in the flour, throw it out.  Otherwise, you should be fine.

  188. 188.

    lgerard

    April 23, 2020 at 8:22 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    The first few minutes when trump takes over from pence and the cdc guy are pretty funny, with the crazy UV light talk and the last 5 minutes or so when he goes off on an insane rant about sleepy Joe and the witch hunt are somewhat entertaining.

    The rest is just the usual. He wouldn’t answer a question about the fired guy, and threw kemp under the bus repeatedly.

    Evidently Gavin Newsome must have complimented him recently because trump mentioned him a half dozen times

    I was hoping someone would ask him about whether or not The Insane Clown Posse were doing the right thing by canceling their 2020 imbecile fest, but that’s was just a passing dream I had.

  189. 189.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    It’ll be a fight every day.  We’ll see what happens.

  190. 190.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    @Elizabelle: I’ve got money that says my sister will vote for him again.  Not one family member has said anything resembling “boy, this is not what I thought I was voting for.”

  191. 191.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    April 23, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    You first, Donald.

  192. 192.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    @WaterGirl: We’re your family now, WG.

  193. 193.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    So how do you tell the difference between all the down in the dumps stuff people are relating and the virus?  I’m feeling a little goofy but I made the 2 mile walk this afternoon.

  194. 194.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    I just sent the UV twitter video to both of my sisters (who voted for Trump).  sent without comment.  I doubt it will be well received, but they should see what they voted for.  I imagine they will not be happy with me, but at least I didn’t say “THIS IS WHAT YOU FUCKING VOTED FOR.”

  195. 195.

    AnnMcC

    April 23, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    I resonate with your experience.  For me, I recognize those feelings as depression. If that applies to you, fight it.  Push yourself to get help in whatever way works for you.

  196. 196.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    @Baud: Nodding in agreement.  Thank you.

  197. 197.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    @WaterGirl

    If you smear hydroxychloroquine on a black light bulb it’s extra effective.

    //

  198. 198.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    @Elizabelle: I haven’t been able to listen to Katy Kay for years.  She always seemed overjoyed when she got to repeat St. John McCain’s talking points.  I used to like Jane, but recently she’s made a bunch of stupid mistakes (like calling Sen. Manchin a moderate Republican) and I’ve been seeing similar sloppiness, and the overwhelming slant that the GOP is reasonable and that St. Bernard was destined to win until …, that has forced my hand.

    The morning Newshour on NPR in the mornings has not been so bad, yet, probably because Razia Iqbal is generally so very good.

    (sigh)

    So far, France24 has seemed pretty good.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  199. 199.

    Seanly

    April 23, 2020 at 8:31 pm

    Also, you or other folks who are suffering from our current situation should consider getting anti-depressants. I am back on Wellbutrin after making it through my wife’s leukemia & ARDS event without meds or turning to drink.

    Humans are a social animal, even for self-described introverts like myself. I miss being in the office with coworkers or walking to lunch and seeing other people. Wondering where they’re going, who they are. Other than my wife I do see a few people out when I walk my dogs but it is instead wondering if I should cross the street or can we maintain distance if I go into the road. Or should I say something to the group of 5 kids in the park?

  200. 200.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:34 pm

    LOL.  Headline and blurb near the top of the FTF NY Times website at the moment.

    Analysis:  Alone at the White House, a Sour President Stays Glued to the TV

    As his administration grapples with reopening the economy, P … Trump is worried about his re-election and how the news media is portraying him.

  201. 201.

    middlelee

    April 23, 2020 at 8:35 pm

    @raven: That’s brilliant.  Most building materials probably aren’t needed for work with virus.  Doubt there are many people in the area so it could really work.  I just can’t seem to kick myself in the ass and do something, anything worthwhile.  well, except for reading hours of Balloon Juice everyday.

  202. 202.

    Ruckus

    April 23, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    I have been avoiding people pretty much as I usually do but the news, the blog, the twitter, they all are so negative, because really that is what there is, nothing but negative. And trump, with his extra layers of bullshit, bravado, lies and did I mention the bullshit…… It you weren’t taking this all negative, there really would be something wrong with you. It ain’t you, it’s life on this planet, this moment and the next many moments to go. A world pandemic, an absolutely moronic asshole as president, a political party that exists only to shoot themselves and hopefully only each other in the genitalia – for the thrill of being completely fucking stupid, should make anyone want to curl up in a little ball with a blankie.

    So if you aren’t curled up in a little ball with a blankie, sucking your thumb and crying for your mommy, you are ahead of where you should be.

  203. 203.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 8:37 pm

    @middlelee: I misspoke if I gave the impression THEY are rebuilding it. There was nothing left but the chimney so they are having it rebuilt.

  204. 204.

    debbie

    April 23, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    @Another Scott:

    Tupperware isn’t as air tight as you think. Nothing is, frankly. Have you ever smelled brown rice that’s gone rancid?  ?

  205. 205.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    April 23, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    @Baud: You’ve been assimilated into the Borg Balloon Juice collective.

  206. 206.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 8:39 pm

    @Another Scott

    For those with a Roku, there’s a free France 24 channel available. Same holds for Euronews, for Al Jazeera, for SkyNews Live, for NHK World Japan and for Newsy.

  207. 207.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    @WaterGirl:   My sympathies.  That’s awful.  I shall hope your sister surprises you.

    My rebel yell brother in law, who is still free roaming, told me a few months back that “don’t worry, because no one would ever vote for Trump again; everyone thinks he’s crazy” — I suspect he did in 2016 and know my nephew did.

    They were also talking about how “both parties” were awful, which I took as the backdoor confession they were upset with theirs.  Baby steps.

    He is susceptible to social media, though, and I don’t doubt there will be some “law and order” frenzy that drives him back into GOP arms.  To see.  He has pleasantly surprised me on a few occasions …

  208. 208.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 8:41 pm

    @NotMax: And if you are on Facebook my friend is doing a nice Beatles show on Abbey Road Live

  209. 209.

    Uncle Cosmo

    April 23, 2020 at 8:42 pm

    @JoyceH: I’ve been going through my pantry finding and pitching stuff that’s {mumble} years past their “best by” dates.

    Shit, you been pitching it?? I been eating it.

    (as they wheel me into the ER I hear the paramedic tell the admitting nurse, We can’t figure out if it’s COVID-19 or a half-eaten can of stewed tomatoes we found with a best-by date from the Ford Administration…)

  210. 210.

    Cheryl Rofer

    April 23, 2020 at 8:42 pm

    UV light? Injecting disinfectant?

    Here’s an idea, Mr. President: more tests. Now. And protective equipment for actual medical professionals. https://t.co/Zv4Mfs2Z4a

    — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 24, 2020

  211. 211.

    dmsilev

    April 23, 2020 at 8:43 pm

    @Elizabelle: According to the story,

    President Trump arrives in the Oval Office these days as late as noon, when he is usually in a sour mood after his morning marathon of television.

    He has been up in the White House master bedroom as early as 5 a.m. watching Fox News, then CNN, with a dollop of MSNBC thrown in for rage viewing. He makes calls with the TV on in the background, his routine since he first arrived at the White House.

    So, he starts the day with seven hours of television. Then, after his daily rally-substitute, there’s more TV. Can someone just lock him in a room with a faked-up TV feed?

  212. 212.

    Baud

    April 23, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    @Cheryl Rofer: That’s not entertaining at all.

  213. 213.

    HumboldtBlue

    April 23, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    I find myself withdrawing inward even more- reading less news, viewing fewer blogs, etc. Just sort of walling myself off. Other than work related stuff, talking to the family and Tammy, I’m just sort of being non-communicative in the real world.

    Those words apply to me as well, every single one, except for Tammy, I don’t have her number. I may be a loner and live like a monk but I at least got out of the house and met people every day. Again, it’s now been more than six weeks since I had a hug and a kiss and a meaningful physical interaction with another human being.

  214. 214.

    dmsilev

    April 23, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    @Uncle Cosmo:

    (as they wheel me into the ER I hear the paramedic tell the admitting nurse, We can’t figure out if it’s COVID-19 or a half-eaten can of stewed tomatoes we found with a best-by date from the Ford Administration…)

    ‘I Can Still Cook This, Right,’ Asks Woman Holding Up Writhing, Screaming Potato With 8-Foot-Long Roots

    Shrugging while pulling the several-months-old vegetable out of a bag on her counter, local woman Janice Freidman reportedly inspected a writhing, screaming potato with 8-foot-long roots Friday before deeming it “probably still good.” “I bet it’s fine—if I just cut off the spiked, muscular tendrils and peel the thick, green-ish skin, I can bake it and it’ll be good as new,” said Freidman, who, after taking a knife and stabbing the potato a few times, noted that despite the spud’s toothy, frothing mouth and constant shrieking, its texture and smell were not that concerning. “Sure, I probably should have used this like a week ago, but as long as I can free my wrist from these tendrils, it’ll be perfectly good to eat. Next time, I’ll definitely keep it out of direct sunlight, and—oh my God. It’s biting. Ow. Get it off of me!” At press time, the potato could be heard gurgling words in broken English, asking how to know exactly when a human has gone bad.

  215. 215.

    Ruckus

    April 23, 2020 at 8:48 pm

    @jimmiraybob:

    The sum total of what shit for brains knows would fit on the pointy end of a pin. The head of a pin has way more room than necessary.

    What he does “know” is that everyone has to suck his dick, figuratively is OK, literally is better for him, not the rest of the world of course. And the reason is that he thinks he’s the smartest person alive. He’s never proven to anyone that he’s smarter than a brick, and he’s certainly less useful. He’s gotten through life on daddies money and bullshit. Lots and lots of bullshit. If bullshit was worth something, he’d be a wealthy man. Still as stupid as a brick but a wealthy brick.

  216. 216.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 8:48 pm

    @dmsilev: rofl.  :-D

    Thanks.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  217. 217.

    NotMax

    April 23, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    @Uncle Cosmo

    There’s old food and then there’s old food

    ;)

  218. 218.

    rikyrah

    April 23, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    I needed that laugh

  219. 219.

    p.a.

    April 23, 2020 at 8:54 pm

    Not really enough time for a Constitutional Amendment requiring presidents who advocate ‘medical’ treatments to be test patient 1, is there? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

  220. 220.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    @dmsilev:   Goddamn amazing this is not 25th amendment territory.

    This is the stuff we need to haul out when people talk about him being “re-elected.”

  221. 221.

    dmsilev

    April 23, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    @Elizabelle: Problem with the 25th is that the bar to clear is higher than impeachment/conviction. It was really meant for the “Woodrow Wilson had a stroke” scenario.

  222. 222.

    rikyrah

    April 23, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    @dmsilev:

    Laziest Muthaphucka ?? to ever be in the White House

  223. 223.

    A Ghost to Most

    April 23, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    @Martin: The good news: lots of MAGAts are headed for the laundry supplies.

  224. 224.

    schrodingers_cat

    April 23, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    @rikyrah: How have you been? I haven’t been on here a lot.

  225. 225.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 9:10 pm

    @HumboldtBlue:

    …except for Tammy, I don’t have her number.

    Made me laugh.

  226. 226.

    Ruckus

    April 23, 2020 at 9:11 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    The bugs in the saltines on board the destroyer were considered extra protein. And you couldn’t get them without so………. Plus they tasted better than the meals we were supposed to eat.

  227. 227.

    schrodingers_cat

    April 23, 2020 at 9:11 pm

    @Ruckus: I thought the Navy has the best food!

  228. 228.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    April 23, 2020 at 9:12 pm

    @dmsilev: …or if JFK had survived.

  229. 229.

    WaterGirl

    April 23, 2020 at 9:13 pm

    @Ruckus: I’m going to pretend I didn’t read that. I just locked it in the bin with the last 20 minutes of the final episode of LOST.

  230. 230.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: Best MILITARY food maybe.

  231. 231.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Spotted on the LA Times website:

    Commentary:  Charmin’s bears are just cruel now.  How coronavirus has changed TV ads.

  232. 232.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    April 23, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    @schrodingers_cat: My dad loved the food in the navy, but he joined in 1937, so his standards may have been lower.

  233. 233.

    japa21

    April 23, 2020 at 9:16 pm

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: Or they may have had real food.

  234. 234.

    schrodingers_cat

    April 23, 2020 at 9:17 pm

    @raven: Yeah that’s what I meant.

    ETA: Well the limeys came to India for the spices and their food kinda sucked but I was talking about the modern American Navy.

  235. 235.

    A Ghost to Most

    April 23, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    @raven: Dolphins drafted Tua. I think they may regret that.

  236. 236.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    @japa21: Onboard a ship in the 30’s? Not likely.

  237. 237.

    Yutsano

    April 23, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    @japa21: Per my father who spent 21 years in the Navy, the best food was always on submarines. Especially if the cooks were Filipino. He got great exposure to pancit and lumpia that way.

  238. 238.

    mrmoshpotato

    April 23, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    @Jay Noble: What’s cooking?  ME!

  239. 239.

    SFAW

    April 23, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    @EthylEster:

    Everything tastes better in a crepe.

    Even tire rims and anthrax?

  240. 240.

    schrodingers_cat

    April 23, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    Went to the grocery store today. Chicken was missing.

  241. 241.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 9:21 pm

    @A Ghost to Most: And everyone is just not mentioning Andrew Thomas !!

  242. 242.

    Ruckus

    April 23, 2020 at 9:21 pm

    @debbie:

    Losing your sense of smell does have some advantages. Something been in the fridge a while? Check for mold, cause you can’t tell otherwise. The trash never stinks.

    The downside is that food has almost no taste because a lot of what we call taste is actually the smell. And if you forget your deodorant, you won’t know, but everyone else probably will.

  243. 243.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    Mouths agape at Wondermark.com

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  244. 244.

    dexwood

    April 23, 2020 at 9:28 pm

    @Martin: I’m going with hatch green chile salsa.

  245. 245.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    April 23, 2020 at 9:28 pm

    @japa21: He did have the story about how they couldn’t meet up with the supply ship and had beans for a month, but how he was amazed how creative the cooks were with beans.

  246. 246.

    A Ghost to Most

    April 23, 2020 at 9:32 pm

     

    @raven: I think the Giants are quite happy. I firmly believe good o line talent is where offense happens.

  247. 247.

    mrmoshpotato

    April 23, 2020 at 9:36 pm

    @catclub: Never heard that one before.  I like it!

  248. 248.

    Jay

    April 23, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    @raven:

    yeah, Lil’ Bit is a cat, so named because at little bit more than a handfull of dryer lint, but she took no guff from our dear, departed dogs, Casey and Digger and just loved our Mr. Personality elderly cat, Capra.

    She turned out to be 32 lbs of bigboned love.

    just as Mellow, the shed roof kitty, turned out to not be mellow at all.

  249. 249.

    Ruckus

    April 23, 2020 at 9:39 pm

    @schrodingers_cat:

    The first ship I was on, every thing served was amazing. The master chief retired 2 months after I reported on board and the food went down hill faster than a bobsled on ice. He was good and not just navy cook good. A few months later we were out to sea for a bit and the food was so bad we almost had a mutiny. And no I’m not kidding, some of the lifers were discussing breaking into the gun locker and forcibly taking over the ship – a mutiny. One of the lifers took his tray up to the wardroom and slammed it down in front of the captain and said, “This is my fucking dinner, and this is all of my fucking dinner and what the fuck are you going to do about it?” (I had a steward friend who told me that and I heard it separately from one of the ensigns who had been in the room, word for word.) So yes the food could be good, even great. My experience is that it was often eatable but nothing more, and sometimes not at all.

    Only time I ate frogs legs was while that master chief was still there. Absolutely fantastic. Every day there was soup that was a meal in itself. I have also had fillet of brontosaurus butt at Great Lakes. They made us go through the chow line at lunch – I was in advanced tech school there. Every Thursday these chunks of whatever the hell it was served and thrown out in the special barrel put out for them. I had a razor sharp 5 in sheath knife that I took with me one day and it wouldn’t cut whatever the hell that crap was. I was stationed there for  3 1/2 months and I never got an eatable meal for lunch, M-F. The rest of the time everyone ate at the club.

  250. 250.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    @Ruckus: Me as bat boy for the Great Lakes Naval Training Center Baseball team 1956.

  251. 251.

    mrmoshpotato

    April 23, 2020 at 9:47 pm

    @Elizabelle: Damn godless killing machines shitting all over the woods.

  252. 252.

    Dog Dawg Damn

    April 23, 2020 at 9:48 pm

    @middlelee: grass valley is beautiful. Excellent place to be locked down.

    used to live in Nevada City, close to downtown but out just a bit.  Was one of my favorite places.

  253. 253.

    andy

    April 23, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    i guess things have been easier for me since i’m ordinarily socially anxious anyway, i work second shift, and i’m still essential, so i still get the back and forth in the newsroom. most of the advertising department got the boot, though- print advertising just isn’t selling the way it used to since most places are closed. thank reason for auto dealers, liquor stores, groceries, and real estate companies.

    i’ve been cultivating a woman i know to join her poly group. she has no interest in anything sexual, and may not ever be interested in the after times, either, since it’s a pandemic on, but the good morning texts really make a difference, and it’s nice to hear “i love you”. We’ve met “accidentally” in the park for tea dates, with social distancing, of course, and air hugs.

    TBH, online has really heated up, creativity has gone into overdrive on instagram. youtube has been especially comforting. there’s the BA Test kitchen, Alex French Guy Cooking, Dr Hopes Sick Notes, Adam Savage, Caitlin Doughty, and strangely enough, Bernadette Banner giving me hope, information, and company.

    this is a big retail area, though, so a lot of people are essential in groceries, large an small, though the aggravating customers are pretty intolerable. this was a text i got today from one of them:

    “Seriously it has been a s*** show for customers today.

    Lady in scrubs with no mask who has to touch everything and then doesn’t buy a damn anything

    Old man who wants to talk about “the coloreds” causing problems in this country

    Another old man with an honest to god hook for an arm

    Annnnd the usual creeper who wants to take me away…..”

    I guess it’s possible to feel pretty normal, even if normal means lots of handwashing, keeping your distance, and sewing masks. people can get used to anything. i am soo glad in like in Minnesota, though. Governor Walz has really stepped up, and i guess we’ll be able to do mass testing like they did in South Korea soon, like early May, thanks to the Mayo Clinic, the U of M, and a lot of smaller institutions getting together and setting up a testing program. hopefully the “president” and his goons don’t sweep in and try to steal everything.

  254. 254.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    April 23, 2020 at 9:50 pm

    @mrmoshpotato: Go Bruins!

  255. 255.

    EmbraceYourInnerCrone

    April 23, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    @debbie: I am currently having the same issue. Except I am going into work while most of the people in my and the next department are working from home.  The lab workers are still working obviously which is why I am there.  Going to be challenging when I have to watch everything I say again.  I am tired.

  256. 256.

    raven

    April 23, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    A funny post on my friends FB after she said her salon would remain closed.

     

    I have stayed home a little longer than most. I was due a cut when I made this health decision for me. So here I am. Without hair color, brow color, brow waxing, nails done, Botox, filler etc. yes I look worse than my Sam’s club photo. MY HUSBAND DOES NOT EVEN NOTICE !! SO GLAD THAT HE HAS NOT HAD CATARACT SURGERY ??. MISS YOU GUYS!!!

     

  257. 257.

    mrmoshpotato

    April 23, 2020 at 9:51 pm

    @Ruckus: I have also had fillet of brontosaurus butt at Great Lakes.

    Go on.

  258. 258.

    mrmoshpotato

    April 23, 2020 at 9:56 pm

    Just saw an ad for that jawerciser thingy.  Because who isn’t obsessing over bite strength?

  259. 259.

    Patricia Kayden

    April 23, 2020 at 9:57 pm

    Windmills cause cancer.Hurricanes should be nuked.Forests should be raked.Clorox should be injected.It's amazing that Trump hasn't straggled himself just putting on a tie.— JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) April 24, 2020

  260. 260.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 9:57 pm

    Virginia has ended prison gerrymandering!

    I wrote on what this means, and its new place in the voting rights agenda, and also where this leaves disenfranchisement. https://t.co/lX6LADsRda

    — Taniel (@Taniel) April 23, 2020

    The GOP will do everything in their power to tilt unfairly the playing field in elections. They know they cannot win fair elections.

    Eyes on the prizes.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  261. 261.

    Anotherlurker

    April 23, 2020 at 9:58 pm

    @CaseyL: I suggest a 7% solution of 90% Isopropol and 20% Lysol .

  262. 262.

    Poe Larity

    April 23, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    Cole, see George Clinton: Interview with the Legendary George Clinton

    Plus, George voices in the movie: Trolls World Tour

    Full circles, man

  263. 263.

    Ksmiami

    April 23, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    @Elizabelle: try Thomas Keller’s crepe recipe it’s foolproof

  264. 264.

    rikyrah

    April 23, 2020 at 10:13 pm

     

    @schrodingers_cat:

    Well, I got a new job, and it was taking up a lot of my time. That ended the first week of April . I have been able to work from home since then.

    I always knew that our luck would run out with regards to Dolt45. I didn’t know how. I honestly thought that it would be at the end of a nuclear bomb exploding in the Middle East.

     

    I didn’t imagine that it would be a PANDEMIC. As I said before, I go between depression, fear and rage.

    I have one sister who is an essential employee.

    I have another sister who is immunocompromised.

    Peanut’s mother is in Healthcare. When this became evident, she dropped Peanut off at her father’s house, and sees her via videophone chats.?

    I had to stop thinking about her job, because I wasn’t sleeping.

     

    I just….know it didn’t have to be this way. And, if I live to the age of 90, I will NEVER be able to forgive those responsible for Dolt45. Just never.

  265. 265.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 10:18 pm

    southpaw isn’t a fan…

    What would Larry Summers have to do to convince senior Democratic politicians that he’s a fuck up? https://t.co/d2WLfwzXiM

    — southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) April 24, 2020

    Summers, IIRC, undercut efforts to get a larger stimulus after the housing bubble burst. Here’s hoping that he has much less influence this time…

    Grr…

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  266. 266.

    Elizabelle

    April 23, 2020 at 10:32 pm

    @Ksmiami:   Thank you!  Will check out Thomas Keller.  French Laundry.

    @rikyrah:   Righteous.  You are not wrong.  Hugs.

  267. 267.

    Brachiator

    April 23, 2020 at 10:38 pm

    @rikyrah: 

    I always knew that our luck would run out with regards to Dolt45. I didn’t know how. I honestly thought that it would be at the end of a nuclear bomb exploding in the Middle East.

    I didn’t imagine that it would be a PANDEMIC. As I said before, I go between depression, fear and rage.

    I’ve mentioned that I thought much the same thing. I didn’t think it would be a nuclear war, but a military situation that Trump would fuck up.

    The crazy thing is that he doesn’t care that he is incompetent. Like an Orange haired Nero, he just wants to be praised and kissed up to. It’s sickening.

    We got to vote this guy out.

  268. 268.

    Cameron

    April 23, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    OK, Dr. Trump’s latest prescription opened my eyes – he’s gonna fire Fauci and replace him with that woman who told the Georgia House Judiciary Committee ten years ago that DoD had put a microchip up her ass.

  269. 269.

    geg6

    April 23, 2020 at 10:51 pm

    Haven’t read a single comment but I cannot believe no one had front paged Trump recommending his cult start drinking bleach and rubbing alcohol and swallowing lightbulbs to fend off C19.  A fervent wish I’ve had for a while, I must admit.

  270. 270.

    Mary G

    April 23, 2020 at 10:55 pm

    Georgia issues guidelines for safe reopening of hair salons:

    Have you seen the instructions for hair salons when they open? pic.twitter.com/vejkvB3yDt— Cara (@caraleeacs) April 24, 2020

    So as long as your stylist can lay his or her hands on a shitload of PPE, it should all be fine! ??‍♀️??‍♂️

    So salons probably won’t reopen, but the state can deny them help because they could open…

  271. 271.

    Martin

    April 23, 2020 at 10:57 pm

    @geg6: It’s not drinking bleach, that’s bad for you – it’s injecting themselves with bleach. Get it right libtard.

  272. 272.

    L85NJGT

    April 23, 2020 at 11:03 pm

    Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop eating dishwasher pods.

  273. 273.

    L85NJGT

    April 23, 2020 at 11:03 pm

    Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop eating dishwasher pods.

  274. 274.

    joel hanes

    April 23, 2020 at 11:15 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    Echidne explains what he’s up to

    here

    (in the context of the immigration ban, but also partly applies to today’s Trump episode of magical thinking)

  275. 275.

    Mary G

    April 23, 2020 at 11:18 pm

    @Mary G: One Georgia salon is making clients sign a hold harmless agreement that they won’t sue if they catch COVID19 there.

    This is a waiver that a hair salon in Georgia is making their customers. pic.twitter.com/mza4TsQFAi— ??Black??Aziz??aNANsi?? (@Freeyourmindkid) April 24, 2020

  276. 276.

    joel hanes

    April 23, 2020 at 11:21 pm

    @WaterGirl:

    The oils from wheat germ eventually go rancid if exposed to oxygen and warmth.

  277. 277.

    joel hanes

    April 23, 2020 at 11:24 pm

    @debbie:

    Have you ever smelled brown rice that’s gone rancid?

    Unfortunately, yes.

    Once tried to eat a saltine from a package that had apparently been open in the back of my mom’s cupboard for a very long time.   Rancid oils have a very distinct taste.

  278. 278.

    Another Scott

    April 23, 2020 at 11:39 pm

    @NotMax: Thanks.

    If I’m ever able to buy flour again, I’ll need something like that, I think.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  279. 279.

    tinare

    April 23, 2020 at 11:48 pm

    @CaseyL: Me too! I could be a hermit, really.  My stress level is actually less.  I’m happier. I never realized how hard dealing with other people really is for me.  But, I do still have a job and can work from home.  And our senior management is seeing that we’re actually able to be really productive while working from home. We’ve been told that we’re home at least until the end of May and they envision us phasing black in gradually.  Our office is open plan and they are now admitting that maybe that’s not such a great idea. My company has been really great through this.  I think it might help that the CEO’s wife is a doctor.

  280. 280.

    laura

    April 23, 2020 at 11:51 pm

    I keep ruminating on what Rikyrah said – the rage at this avoidable endless rolling catastrophe all because of the legitimate exercise of power and excellence by President Obama. The gall of those who would elect and support the lowest, vilest broke ass joke of a decades in the making failure of toxic masculinity and now try and shrug off their culpability. And now, the suffering and the inability to conduct a meaningful and dignified transition from this world to that which we bid ours into the beyond. I’m grateful to be able to hunker down. I’m trying my best to be of service to those I work on behalf of. I’m worried about every furtive venture out into the public square and i worry that by venturing out, I’m risking the health and well being of those who are working at the grocery. I’m full of sadness and rage. I don’t think I’ll ever get over this. And I’m grateful as hell to be able to shelter in a safe place. I am a flaming extrovert and I miss the day to day social intercourse. Lack of social interaction won’t kill me. CV19 could.

  281. 281.

    debbie

    April 23, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    @joel hanes:

    And they smell much worse than sour milk.

  282. 282.

    SWMBO

    April 24, 2020 at 12:19 am

    @rikyrah: Come sit a socially appropriate distance next to me.  My sister is a Trump cultist. She thinks it’s way overblown and is harmful to her 401k. She’s a cardiac step down nurse. She thinks it’s all to damage Trump since he wasn’t removed by impeachment. She can’t wait to vote for him again. She is turning Mom into a Trump cultist as well. The rage sometimes is incandescent.

  283. 283.

    SWMBO

    April 24, 2020 at 12:21 am

    @Seanly: This is someone who know how to PAR-TAY!  I’ll bring a hot dish and some sodas.

  284. 284.

    NotMax

    April 24, 2020 at 12:35 am

    @Another Scott

    25 lb sack of bread flour at Costco is a true bargain at $6.99.

  285. 285.

    SWMBO

    April 24, 2020 at 12:36 am

    @sacrablue: I commented on JGC’s Facebook about shaving the cat.
    Make a frame that’s big enough for Steve to stand on and small enough to fit on the table you’re using. Put chicken wire or hardware cloth on the frame. Cover the rough edges so no one gets scratched. Set up everything so it is readily available. Put Steve on the chicken wire. Pull his tail so there is tension. He will hook his claws in the wire and as long as you keep tension on his tail, he won’t let go. Use the free hand to shave him. Stand well back when you let go. If you bathe him at the same time, pick up the frame with the cat still attached and move it to the tub. (This is another reason you want to cover the edges so it doesn’t scratch the tub.) Wash the cat using the shower wand. Once again, when you release the cat, stand well back. Just remember there’s teeth in the other end when you pull on the tail. And each foot has small but excruciating swords. Good luck and may the odds ever be in your favor.

  286. 286.

    SWMBO

    April 24, 2020 at 1:11 am

    @NotMax:

    Those look a lot like the dog food storage my daughter uses.

  287. 287.

    Uncle Cosmo

    April 24, 2020 at 3:41 am

    @Ruckus: Every day there was soup that was a meal in itself.

    Soup is good food; good soup is great food.

    There’s a scene early in Heinlein’s Space Cadet – which could’ve been subtitled “My life at the Naval Academy, only in space a couple hundred years from now” –  where the older cadet questions why the newby isn’t having soup, then punches it up for him: It helps the cook clean up the galley.

    Fifty and more years ago the MD American Legion ran their Boys’ State summer programs at the USNA.  For a week we attendees, going into our last year of HS, bunked in Bancroft Hall & ate Academy chow same as the incoming plebes. Excellent food, and more than enough of it. Still brings back good gustatory memories!

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