Open Thread – 11/18/2020

Posted by TomCat at 10:21 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Nov 182020

It’s a busy day here in the Cat Box, as I expect Molly to arrive before I finish this. That means I miss my morning nap and get a pain increase. When Molly is here, I’ll have to ask her what Lona is like in person. [later: Molly says Lona is at least 80% nice and 10% feisty.] Happy Hump Day to all!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:46 (average 6:42). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Breakfast in the CatBox:

I’ll post an occasional pic so you can see how I’m eating with the stent.

1118Breakfast

Short Takes:

From Common Dreams (Hat-Tip Mitch [ours: not BBMMM]): Taking cues from former Presidents Gerald Ford and Barack Obama—who pardoned or ignored their predecessors’ crimes in the name of national unity and healing—President-elect Joe Biden has privately signaled to advisers that he is unlikely to pursue federal investigations of the Trump administration’s policies and actions, NBC News reported Tuesday.

According to the report, the president-elect has expressed concerns that investigating President Donald Trump or holding members of his administration accountable for wrongdoing would further divide a nation already deeply riven by political tensions, and that focusing on Trump would distract Biden from his forward-looking agenda.

Biden is said to be especially wary of probing Trump’s taxes or trying to undo any immunity the president may grant to his associates during his final weeks in office.

Put simply, one adviser said Biden “just wants to move on.”

“He’s going to be more oriented toward fixing the problems and moving forward than prosecuting them,” another Biden confidant told NBC News.

I do agree that Biden should be more oriented toward “fixing the problems and moving forward”. However, part of fixing the problem is appointing an AG who will do his/her job and prosecute the people responsible for worst crime wave by public officials in our nation’s history. Failure to do so guarantees that we will be moving backward, not forward! RESIST!!

From Alternet: Jesse Barrett, husband of newly confirmed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, recently said he will continue private practice despite the ethical concerns that may arise due to his wife’s new position.

On the SouthBake Legal website, there is a congratulatory statement to the new Supreme Court justice. It also details what Jesse Barrett’s near future holds.

“SouthBank Legal enthusiastically congratulates Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett on her confirmation to the Supreme Court of the United States,” the statement began.

The statement, which commended Jesse Barrett for his work, also suggested that he will continue private practice.

It later added, “SouthBank Legal also congratulates Justice Barrett’s family, in particular her husband, Jesse. Since joining SouthBank Legal two years ago, Jesse has broadened the firm’s commercial litigation expertise, while building an impressive white-collar defense practice. Like Justice Barrett, Jesse has top-shelf legal ability, a relentless work ethic, and a resolute commitment to his professional obligations. About his practice, Jesse commented, ‘I look forward to continuing to help grow and lead SouthBank Legal’s litigation-related practice groups and serve our clients.'”

Injustice Amy Coney Bullshit ought to recuse in any case the firm of her husband, lord, and master participates, as her pseudo-Catholic cult believes she must decide as he orders. I don’t think she will. RESIST!!

From YouTube (Robert Reich Channel): Georgia Runoffs: How You Can Help Flip the Senate

Of course the Reich on the left, Robert Reich, is right. Both Loffler and Perdue typify the Reich on the right, the Republican Reich. Both govern for personal gain. Both are racist to a Republican extent. I fully agree with Robert’s suggestions! RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast of protest): We Stand With You

This is a perfect example of how we must all stand together for social justice. RESIST!!

62 Days Until the Big FLUSH!!

SoINeedAName Medical Update – Doing WELL!

Posted by SoINeedAName at 8:51 pm Politics

Nov 172020

GREETINGS PP Folks!

null

Just a (maybe more than) brief Update Note!

I’m home since Sunday afternoon – and boy does it feel GOOD!

When triaged into the ER on Tuesday morning (God, I am glad I drove myself there ASAP & not wait for ambulance) as the sickest patient.

(NOTE: No one likes to wait in the ER – but trust me … you do NOT want to be at the top of the list to be seen … “Please, take SOMEONE else first if possible”!) and saw my VS monitor screen.

(Not to be overly dramatic, but I honestly thought I was going to die looking at those numbers!!)

Maybe sometimes ignorance IS bliss. But knowing what the numbers meant I honestly thought this was my “Hello, Jesus” moment.

That was reconfirmed a day before my discharge when the nurse for the Hospitalist told me I was blue, mottled, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. (I was there – I remember!)

I have NEVER been so scared in all my life!

As my Vital Signs (VS) deteriorated, I do not believe I would NOT be here if it were not for the BIPAP machine!

GIF

It was literally a lifesaver!

As you are all aware, Trump’s gross mismanagement of the COVID Pandemic has put literally MILLIONS of Americans at risk – and is the cause of TENS of THOUSANDS of DEATHS! (That is NOT hyperbole!).

Given the COVID crunch, on Wednesday morning they tried to wean me off the BIPAP to make it available to someone else. (Understandable – all the BIPAP & AIRVO machines were in use.

At least at this hospital, you get a 4-hour window to see if you can tolerate being off the BIPAP before they take it away.

After an hour, I could tell I was NOT going to make it. My ER nurse told me to think “positive thoughts”.

I told her I was – and I was POSITIVE I was NOT going to be able to tolerate being OFF the BIPAP. (She was not pleased – understandable given the crunch … but survival is a damn strong force.)

When I was gasping again & my O2 saturation dropped below 80% (Normal: 95-99%), she put me back on the BIPAP

Second time that machine literally saved my life!

On Thursday they moved me to a Telemetry floor and started to SLOWLY wean me off the BIPAP machine.

By Friday I was off the machine, and just on nasal FiO2 starting at 7 Liters.

They slowly weaned me down & by Saturday morning I was on Room Air (RA).

When you’re on the BIPAP you cannot eat or drink. (They give you tiny sponges soaked in water to suck on.)

So I fasted from Tuesday morning to Friday.

Not that I couldn’t use a fast weight-wise, but I’d rather be more proactive in selection.

My Hospitalist (assigned – no chose) was really pretty good.

The Cardiology & Pulmonology consults he ordered were EXCELLENT!

The entire hospital system – from doctors to dietary personnel – were excellent! I was VERY pleased w/ the care I received!

My only major complaint is that I felt a GREAT deal of pressure to get me OFF the BIBPAP and OUT of the hospital.

I can understand the pressure – but I wonder what happens to folks who don’t have the background knowledge I bring to push for my own interests.

(WRONG – no, I really do not wonder … THEY DIE!)

I lost 20+ pounds during my hospitalization per my scales. (I believe them)

Mostly just fluid loss I’m sure. BUT the good news is I’m glad to get rid of the weight no matter how!

The bad new – wonder if all the fluid retention is a possibility for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

My BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide) was only 1,020 – which is right on the margin of normal. But most folks in CHF have BNP values ot 20k-30k!

So 1k is just on the border of normal.

The Hospitalist thinks I have CHF. My Cardiologist does NOT!

The Cardiologist does NOT believe my acute onset & fulminant course could be explained by a BNP of only 1,020.

It is what it is, but I’m certainly in a gray area.

I have a Pharmacological Stress Test scheduled for mid-December w/ a F/U (medical Follow/Up – NOT the other F/U) w/ my new Cardiologist.

I really liked my original cardiologist – but he’s at a different Medical Center. I haven’t decided which one I’m going to go with.

(Nice to have choices that are BOTH good.)

Makes sense to consolidate all my care around the new Medical Center – particularly WRT communication/sharing of info.

Will have to wait and see how it goes – but that’s the direction I’m leaning.

(Hard to leave folks who’ve I liked & worked hard for me. We’ll see …)

Bottom Lines:

Felt like I was on the brink of death – LITERALLY (I know it’s chewing-the-curtains dramatic-wise, but I honestly believe it) – so happy to be posting this.

Glad to be alive

Very pleased with my care

Still questions down the road.

I deeply missed you guys!

Going back, I’ve been in the hospital overnight four (4) times previous to this – going back to being hit by a car as a 5 y/o kid.

This is the FIRST time I’ve been in longer than overnight!

It was a true eye-opening experience (which I would have been HAPPY to forgo).

But I had NO idea how energy-sapping a hospitalization (when you’re really not doing anything) can be.

(TC – I yield to your “expertise”.)

I’m EXHAUSTED!

I’ll see how it goes, but right now I doubt there will be a “Friday Fun” for a week or two.

I’m just all done-in.

Hugs & “THANK YOUS” for all the thoughts & prayers sent my way!

But I hope I NEVER have to call on your powers again!!!

Video Thread 11/17/2020

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 2:40 pm Open Thread, Politics

Nov 172020

Brent is so good that it’s not always clear that he is being satirical. This time, however …

Now This News – Voter Fraud (and you can skip the ad at the end.)

Now This News – Meet Biden’s Chief of Staff

Brand new Roy Zimmerman

Trae – I missed this last week, and it’s important – “Parler”

Keith from Monday (I miss ONE day …)

Keith today – a Flashback

I’ll only add what I seem to have been posting and re-posting all over the internet every two minutes this afternoon: Presidents don’t prosecute. Nor do they order their Justice Department to prosecute, Donald Trump* notwithstanding What a President may do is instruct her Department of Justice to investigate (and if that Department decides prosecution is warranted, not get in its way.) President-elect Biden has already said he will not interfere with his DOJ.

Investigate Lindsey Graham
Common Cause

Open Thread – 11/17/2020

Posted by TomCat at 11:17 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Nov 172020

It’s another crazy day here in the CatBox. I slept poorly and got up early to be ready for Diana’s visit. Last night WWWendy left her boots in the throne room by mistake and I dang near killed myself tripping over them to Republicate this morning. Tomorrow, Molly is coming to check my back. I promise to give her back to Lona as soon as I’m done. Tuesday is Flush your Republicans day, and today, I flushed them all.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:11 (average 4:24). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

The Republican will never solve the maze, because Republicans are too stupid to turn left.

Short Takes:

From Crooks and Liars: Former VP candidate Sarah Palin is none too happy with former President Barack Obama for — heaven forbid — pointing out the fact that maybe we wouldn’t have had to live through 4 years of Trump if someone like Palin hadn’t already laid the groundwork for the anti-intellectualism that’s taken root in the party.

In an interview with the right-wing Newsmax TV, former Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) attacked former President Barack Obama for calling her out as part of the Republican Party’s “anti-intellectual” wing.

Barf Bag Alert!!

Actually, I’m not too sure about that. Bloody Bullseye Barbie, aka Drill Baby Dingbat, may have been an anti-intellectual beacon in her day, but these days, she’s just about the most intellectual that any Republican can get. RESIST!!

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Graham Denies Pressuring GA Official To Throw Out Legal Votes

Lindsey Poo was just as KKK before Trump* arrived. He just wears hid sheet and hood with a name tag now. RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): The Times They Are A-Changin’ (Live) (2003 Remaster)

I like this version better than Dylan’s version. We need to make the times change in the left direction. RESIST!!

63 Days Until the Big FLUSH!!

Video Thread 11/16/2020

Posted by Joanne Dixon at 11:34 am Open Thread, Politics

Nov 162020

My grocery delivery yesterday was kind of late, and therefore, so was I getting this together – and then forgot to actually post it. Oh well.

A new Founders Sing today! (And I did see the Parody Project, but left it fot TC

Stacey Abrams on Colbert – GEORGIA GEORGIA GEORGIA

“Marching Through Georgia” – metaphor.

I’m really coming to like Chris Hayes (not that I disliked him, you understand.)

Beau on Florida’s new minimum wage

Petitions for Trump* to concede
Fight for Reform
Daily Kos for National Democratic Training Committee

Open Thread – 11/16/2020

Posted by TomCat at 10:54 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Nov 162020

It’s another crazy day here in the CatBox. I’m eating well. This morning I cooked hamburgers and scrambled eggs. The last time I texted was Nameless was yesterday afternoon. He was home enjoying Nike’s company. This afternoon WWWendy is coming a day early to destink the and help cook, because of her work schedule. Tomorrow Dianna is coming to change my patch, and Wednesday Molly is coming to check my back support. Oh God, its Monday!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:07 (average 6:05). To do it, click here. How did you do do?

Cartoon:

Religious Agony:

1115Broncos12-Raiders37

Stinking worthless orb!

Humor from Mitch (ours, not BBMMM):

0116Mitch

Short Takes:

From The Conversation: Conservatives tend to see expert evidence and personal experience as more equally legitimate than liberals, who put a lot more weight on the scientific perspective, according to our new study published in the journal Political Psychology.

Our findings add nuance to a common claim that conservatives want to hear “both sides” of arguments, even for settled science that’s not really up for debate.

We asked 913 American adults to read an excerpt from an article debunking a common misconception, such as the existence of “lucky streaks” in games of chance. The article quoted a scientist explaining why people hold the misconception – for instance, people tend to see patterns in random data. The article also included a dissenting voice that drew from personal experience – such as someone claiming to have seen lucky streaks firsthand.

Click through for much more info. I think the reason for that is that anecdotes tend to invoke responses from desires and fears, while scientific evidence invokes responses from reason. RESIST!!

From YouTube (Parody Project Channel)(H/T Squatch for the reminder): FIFTY WAYS TO LEAVE THE WHITE HOUSE

Amen Don! But all 50 come down to one thing. FLUSH!! RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast against the Republican Reich): Dear Mr. President

This song was written for Crawford Caligula, Fuhrer of the Fourth Reich. Just because Trump*, Fuhrer of the Fifth Reich is infinitely worse than Busk was, we must remember that the traits that made Trump* so hateful, were Republican traits long before Trump came. All those traits will still be Republican traits after Trump* is gone. RESIST!!

64 Days Until the Big FLUSH!!

Personal Update – 11/15/2020

Posted by TomCat at 9:53 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Nov 152020

It’s another hectic day here in the CatBox. The notary that was coming yesterday caught cold, so we need to reschedule. The Nameless News is good. His Echocardiogram was comparable to earlier versions. He gets to do hos pharmacological stress test as an outpatient. He goes home today. Both the OT and PT cleared him to get out of bed and walk around on hid own power. His view if that? “YIPPEE!” At last text, he was dressed, packed, and waiting to go home, so I trust we’ll be hearing from him before too long. This morning I have another video meeting with prison volunteers and former prisoners. My Broncos are playing the Raiders this afternoon, but it won’t be televised here. Have a great day.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:28 (average 4:56). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

A Fwd. from Mitch (Ours, not BBMMM):

Dear Red States,

If you manage to steal this election, TOO, we’ve decided we are leaving.

We intend to form our own country, and we’re taking the other Blue states with us.

In case your aren’t aware, that includes: California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and all of the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly:

You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states.

We get stem cell research and the best beaches.

We get the Statute of Liberty. You get Dollywood.

We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom.

We get Harvard. You get Ole’ Miss.

We get 85% of America’s venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama.

We get two-thirds of the tax revenue, You get to make the red states pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22% lower than the Christian Coalition’s, we get a bunch of happy families.

Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we’re going to want all our citizens back from Iraq and Afghanistan at once.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80% of the country’s fresh water, more than 90% of the pineapple and lettuce, 92% of the nation’s fresh fruit, 95% of America’s quality wines, 90% of all cheese, 90% of the high tech industry, 95% of the corn and soybeans (thanks Iowa), all living redwoods, sequoias, and condors, all the Ivy League and Seven Sister schools plus Stanford, Cal Tech, UCLA, Berkeley and MIT.

With the Red States, on the other hand you will have to cope with 92% of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100% of the tornadoes, 90% of the hurricanes, 99% of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100% of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the University of Georgia.

We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you.

Additionally, 38% of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62%believe life is sacred unless we’re discussing war, the death penalty, or gun laws, 44% say that evolution is only a theory, 53% that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61% of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals than we lefties.

Finally, we are taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed you get from Mexico.

Peace out,

Blue States

Short Take:

From YouTube (a blast from Woodstock): Jimi Hendrix The Star Spangled Banner American Anthem Live at Woodstock 1969

Seeing this in person at Woodstock, I felt swelled with pride that this is my country too, and I will not let Nazis take it away from me. During this transition, I feel the same thing. RESIST!!