Just so we have it on the record.
Also, congrats. Now where are the pictures of your niece?
Readership Capture
Monday Morning Open Thread: Readership Capture
Whoever edited this has a sense of humor… don’t miss the deadpan Russian or the elderly Brit…
Crank this up and put on your dancing shoes — one of the world's greatest musicians takes on #COVID19 — "no pata pata". Thank you, @angeliquekidjo ! (Drumming & bass are amazing…Up your subwoofer for this.) https://t.co/KE7rl6VWoZ
— Laurie Garrett (@Laurie_Garrett) May 10, 2020
South Korea and the US had their first reported case on the same day.
Today, South Korea has reduced daily cases by 90%. In the US, 70,000 Americans have died and unemployment has hit 14.7%.
The difference: competent government that heeds experts. Vote for that in November.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 8, 2020
If you’re wondering here it is pic.twitter.com/gtCGrjzftu
— thegimik (@thegimik) May 9, 2020
… you postadolescent mic-jockey.
President Obama continues to be correct:
Former President Obama slams President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic as an “absolute chaotic disaster” during a conversation with ex-members of his administration, according to a recording obtained by Yahoo News. https://t.co/6s1HFAZGkM
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 9, 2020
Former first daughter Malia Obama makes a rare appearance on Michelle Obama's Netflix documentary, where she gets emotional after seeing the crowd for her mom's book tour https://t.co/1xJdVQbrQv pic.twitter.com/izDFYOcQ9E
— CNN (@CNN) May 10, 2020
Monday Morning Open Thread: Readership CapturePost + Comments (172)
The Youtube Videos Made It Seem So Easy
Because I love my pets so much, it was driving me crazy that I could not get Steve a lion cut in April like I normally do, so I tried on my own a couple weeks ago and it was a complete failure. Undeterred, I ordered special clippers and a cheap grooming table from the great online Satan, and today was spa day:
Because this is a full service blog, I even paused for videos:
He is not totally perfect like the groomers do, but it will do until it is safe to get him in for an appointment. He has (well, had) a lot of hair:
He was actually pretty well behaved, although he did not like the clippers near his nether regions, but really, who does (NOT THAT I WOULD KNOW MIND YOU). Bathtime was a different story:
I think that picture speaks for itself. I am going to go shower and then soak my arms in bacitracin.
Wednesday Morning Open Thread: Summon the Heroes
Full video at the bottom of this post:
In celebration of music’s power to connect us, enjoy this special Boston Pops’ performance, with #JohnWilliams himself, of “Summon the Heroes”, dedicated to all of the front-line workers: https://t.co/xc65Bf64vP
Keep the music playing and give now: https://t.co/2UXyXpLUjA pic.twitter.com/zZCEQIQ1BD
— Boston Pops (@TheBostonPops) May 5, 2020
If The Notorious RBG can deal, you can deal:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg has an infection from a gallstone and expects to be hospitalized for a day or two, the Supreme Court says. The 87-year-old justice still plans to take part in the court’s arguments, which are being held by phone during the pandemic. https://t.co/HDfJZruZ0X
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 6, 2020
RBG is still taking part in tomorrow’s oral arguments, despite hospitalization. Meanwhile, many of us probably won’t get out of our pajamas tomorrow. This lady has grit.
— City of Chicago (@chicago) May 6, 2020
Happier news, for those of you who haven’t celebrated it already:
The commencement speaker for the high school class of 2020? Barack Obama will headline a prime-time #GraduateTogether TV tribute.https://t.co/UP2scxJgX1
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) May 5, 2020
Former President Barack Obama will deliver a televised prime-time commencement address for the high school Class of 2020 during an hour-long event that will also feature LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai and Ben Platt, among others.
ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC will simultaneously air the special [Saturday] May 16 at 8 p.m. EDT along with more than 20 other broadcast and digital streaming partners, according to the announcement Tuesday from organizers.
Several high school students from Chicago public schools and the Obama Youth Jobs Corps will join, as will the Jonas Brothers, Yara Shahidi, Bad Bunny, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe and H.E.R…
“This high school graduation season will be anything but ordinary — but that’s all the more reason why the Class of 2020 deserves extraordinary advice, heartfelt encouragement, and hard-won wisdom about facing new challenges in an uncertain world,” Russlynn Ali, CEO and co-founder of XQ Institute, said in a statement…
Wednesday Morning Open Thread: Summon the HeroesPost + Comments (264)
Tuesday Morning Open Thread
Good Omens the book is 30. This is our present to all of you. It's to make people happy, because too many of us are sad. #GoodOmens30 https://t.co/3q4FVnj3tq
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) May 1, 2020
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“Becoming,” debuting Wednesday on Netflix, is the fullest documentary portrait yet of Michelle Obama, @jakecoyleAP reports. The film captures the former first lady in settings both public and intimate, navigating her post-White House life.https://t.co/SRMLki1VZi
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 4, 2020
… “My life is starting to be mine again,” she says in the film. “There’s another chapter waiting for me out there.”…
The movie, itself, was a secret until last week when Netflix announced is upcoming premiere. Hallgren typically worked with small crews or just by herself. Much of “Becoming” takes place either in arenas crowded with cameras or in private settings — the back seat of an SUV, the childhood home of Obama — so few would have spotted her.
“I think if people saw me, it probably looked very unofficial,” chuckles Hallgren…
Unlike the interview-heavy Hulu doc-series “Hillary” on Hillary Clinton, Hallgren’s approach is mostly fly-on-the-wall, mixing glossy onstage footage of Obama’s talks with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Stephen Colbert with more personal scenes offstage. Obama reflects on her eight years in the White House and the often racist-tinged response they engendered. “You hope people were more ready for us than maybe they were,” she says.
Obama doesn’t analyze the 2016 election or the rise of Donald Trump except for one comment lamenting the turnout of African American voters. “That’s my trauma,” she says.
But the main trust of “Becoming” is not just Obama’s story but what she inspires — how one story begets others. Hallgren, drawing from the photography of Garry Winogrand, lingers on the faces in Obama’s crowds, and in some cases takes a moment to follow their lives. “Becoming” may be part concert film but it’s nearly as interested in the audience as it is in the showstopper on stage.
“Oftentimes when Mrs. Obama was on stage, I was not the main camera filming her,” says Hallgren. “So I had the opportunity to walk around. There was such an incredible energy in those arenas. The excitement that people had felt special. I thought: I want to capture this.”…
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A lot of us science writers realized at some point a while back that we were going to be full-time #covid19 writers for a while. Maybe a very long while. Still, this past week felt especially bizarre, story-wise. An ICYMI thread 1/8
— Carl Zimmer (@carlzimmer) May 3, 2020
We #covid19 writers all have an inexhaustible list of ideas for future stories. I wonder if this is what reporting in WW II felt like? Anyway, I’ll be doing a @NYTLive event on #covid19 on Tuesday. Here’s where you can register to listen & submit q's. https://t.co/426V606Bo0 8/8
— Carl Zimmer (@carlzimmer) May 3, 2020
Monday Morning Open Thread: Joy Will Find A Way
The single best WFH video I've ever seen. And probably one of the most inspirational online collaborations ever. Bravo @JuilliardSchool. https://t.co/SqKCrVgmdZ
— Christopher Michel (@chrismichel) May 1, 2020
Well worth clicking on the link to embiggen, or even go full screen, if you can.
Sky-high approval ratings on #COVID19 handling:
OH Gov. DeWine, 83%
KY Gov. Beshear, 81
MA Gov. Baker, 80
MD Gov. Hogan, 80
WV Gov. Justice, 78
RI Gov. Raimondo, 76
NH Gov. Sununu, 75
VT Gov. Scott, 75https://t.co/qHpc4xO1GX
NY Gov. Cuomo, 74— Reid Wilson (@PoliticsReid) April 30, 2020
On #WorldPressFreedomDay we say thank you to those around the world delivering the news during a global pandemic #ThankYouJournalists pic.twitter.com/mTOutBzh8L
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 3, 2020
No makeup? No pantsuit? No problem.
I’ve got the must-have accessory for spring.
I’m wearing a mask (and voting!) for my country, my community, and my grandchildren. #MaskingForAFriend @PandemicAction pic.twitter.com/68t8us5K1D
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 2, 2020
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Tuesday Morning Open Thread: Scheduling Notes
"Empathy is our lifeline here. It’s what will get us to the other side," Michelle Obama said of the coronavirus pandemic. https://t.co/vbXXTQ9veE
— Des Moines Register (@DMRegister) April 27, 2020
… The former first lady, whose 2018 best-selling memoir “Becoming” shared her experiences from growing up in Chicago to serving in the White House, is giving viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her experiences connecting with communities across the country during her book tour.
“It’s a whole new track,” Obama says in a clip released Monday, answering a young woman’s question about getting her life back on track after her time in the White House. “It’s just all different and it’s different forever. So it’s not getting back on track, it’s creating my next track. I’m doing what you’re doing: I’m figuring out ‘What do I want to do? What do I care about?’ ”
The documentary, from the Obamas’ production company, Higher Ground, has the same title as her book and will be released May 6 on the streaming service…
Singalongs with Sting and Sir Rod Stewart, a Shakespeare lesson with Sir Patrick Stewart and a virtual cocktail with Hillary Clinton offered in charity auction to raise funds for refugees during coronavirushttps://t.co/JQ55W7U5Eb pic.twitter.com/5nvdxhD08V
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) April 27, 2020
Tomorrow afternoon, I'll be hosting a town hall on how COVID-19 is impacting women — and I'll be joined by a special guest. Tune in at 3 PM ET to watch: https://t.co/xk0GcSpr50 pic.twitter.com/nw44aea7UP
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 28, 2020
Alicia Keys' new song "Good Job" has a message of gratitude and thanks for essential workers who have stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic https://t.co/x0wwi9D1te
— CNN International (@cnni) April 25, 2020
Tuesday Morning Open Thread: Scheduling NotesPost + Comments (303)
Thursday Morning Open Thread: Blessed Ramadan!
Very different from most this year, as with every other pillar of our lives…
How coronavirus has changed Ramadan for Muslims this year https://t.co/u60LlwW4pE pic.twitter.com/BK5ESqM04q
— CNN International (@cnni) April 23, 2020
But charity is always in season, regardless of faith, even if that’s just ‘faith in common humanity’:
Country star @BradPaisley explains how his free grocery store in Nashville has adapted to the coronavirus pandemic and expanded to incorporate deliveries. pic.twitter.com/NnxbFtja3s
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) April 22, 2020
Even in our crazy divided country, most people are (mostly) sensible…
Amid pockets of protest, only 12% of Americans say efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 go too far. About twice as many say they don’t go far enough. https://t.co/tbZOwCo04I pic.twitter.com/mgvx2125rz
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 22, 2020
And we’ve still got things to look forward to…
Former first lady Michelle Obama is a unique figure in a polarizing political environment. As Joe Biden looks to unite Democrats, her support could be key. https://t.co/2y2m2ezhI5
— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) April 22, 2020
Thursday Morning Open Thread: Blessed Ramadan!Post + Comments (164)
Things I Have Learned During Quarantine
As it turns out, shaving a cat is much harder than I anticipated.
Monday Afternoon Update
Current Mood: Everything is awful stay the fuck inside and wash your hands.
Also:
Tuesday Morning Open Thread: (Worthy) War on Many Fronts
“Please Don’t Stand So Close To Me” w/ @OfficialSting, @theroots, and instruments from home. pic.twitter.com/UYkUrRLdRA
— jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) April 10, 2020
For the first time in history our team has lost every game. We are winning, and will win, the war on victory! https://t.co/ZkuVfuzj7l
— Rex Huppke (@RexHuppke) April 12, 2020
24% of Americans said they don’t expect to feel comfortable going back to a shopping mall for at least six months
https://t.co/bcpvheFsfh— Catherine Rampell (@crampell) April 13, 2020
The key is going to be Democrats making a massive effort to get people to request ballots early so the system doesn’t get overwhelmed, as it did in Wisconsin. https://t.co/9Pqd3B5ksO
— Brian Rosenwald (@brianros1) April 13, 2020
Michelle Obama says in statement that expanding access to vote-by-mail, online voter registration, and early voting are long overdue “critical steps for this moment.” https://t.co/Q45upvdqLN
— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 14, 2020
A voter initiative led by Michelle Obama announced support Monday for making it easier for people to register to vote and cast ballots during the coronavirus pandemic.
When We All Vote, a nonpartisan voting initiative, says Americans should have greater access to voting by mail, early in-person voting and online voter registration…
When We All Vote’s announcement also comes amid vociferous opposition by President Donald Trump to mail-in voting.
The former first lady, a co-chair of the organization, said expanding access to vote-by-mail, online voter registration and early voting are long overdue “critical steps for this moment.”
“Americans should never have to choose between making their voices heard and keeping themselves and their families safe,” she said in a statement. “There is nothing partisan about striving to live up to the promise of our country: making the democracy we all cherish more accessible, and protecting our neighbors, friends and loved ones as they participate in this cornerstone of American life.” …
The organization will encourage Americans to lobby for access to these options before Election Day, Nov. 3.
Currently, five states — Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington and Utah — conduct all elections entirely by mail, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. At least 21 other states have laws that allow certain smaller elections, such as school board contests, to be conducted by mail.
Forty states, including the five with all-mail elections, and the District of Columbia offer in-person early voting, according to the state legislatures’ association. Delaware has enacted early voting, but it will not be in place until 2022. Nine states do not offer in-person voting before Election Day…
Tuesday Morning Open Thread: (Worthy) War on Many FrontsPost + Comments (134)
Happy Easter, You Dirty Heathens
It would not be Easter without the annual portrait of my sister’s beloved and dearly departed dog Irie in the clutches of a murderous Easter Bunny:
Stay home and wash your damned hands. Jesus died for your sins, don’t make anyone else.
Tomorrow Night: Artists in Our Midst
It’s been forever since we had one, so I wanted to give you all some warning that we are going to have one tomorrow night.
See The Difference Social Distance Makes
I have been thinking about writing another post about modeling the coronavirus epidemic, and one of the things I have wanted is an interactive model, so that people can see for themselves how social distancing helps.
I know most folks here are aware, but it may be revealing to see just how much of a difference social distancing can make.
Martin had a post up today on modeling and will have one tomorrow. I’ll be writing another post too, but for now just check this out.
Open thread!
See The Difference Social Distance MakesPost + Comments (56)
