We’ve reached the first Friday in April.

I’ve started on Camp NaNoWriMo, but my word count so far is pathetic. On the other hand, at one point on Thursday evening I realized that it was like the umpteenth time that day that I had shared a whiny story related to my work (I’m working from home in an industry that is considered essential, whereas my husband was furloughed last week and we’re both trying to adjust to being housebound together more than ever before)… so I recognized the expression on his face as being less than thrilled at my topic of discussion. So I said, “I need to stop talking about work, or you’re going to either divorce me or strangle me.” And he responded with: “Oh, I won’t DIVORCE you…” Which made me observe: “I see strangling is still on the menu…”

He did not contradict my conclusion.

So… I put on my headphones, picked one of my more compelling playlists, and started working on this post while trying very hard to resist any urge I had to pause and talk to him.

Meanwhile, welcome to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about the pandemic, and five videos (plus notable obituaries and some things I wrote).

Stories of the Week:

Fox News purportedly bracing for “legal bloodbath” after peddling coronavirus misinformation. Couldn’t happen to more deserving people, business, or network…

Authors, Publishers Condemn The ‘National Emergency Library’ As ‘Piracy’. Let me correct this headline: “vMedia Fails to Recognize The ‘National Emergency Library’ As Piracy Until Called Out.”

A Neighborhood Celebrated A Teen’s Last Chemo Session With A Coronavirus-Appropriate Parade.

It is not ethical to pirate an author’s work without their permission.

Craving Canon Is Killing the Way We Talk About Movies and TV.

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

‘We both rolled over in bed. Me: ‘I’m gay.’ Her: ‘I’m transgender.’ Silence. Now what? I’m married. HAPPILY married!’: Couple stays together despite realizing sexual preferences weren’t as they initially thought.

U.S. Eases Restrictions on Gay Men Donating Blood Amid Covid-19.

Gay Men Barred from Donating Potentially Lifesaving Blood Plasma to Critically Ill Coronavirus Patients.

Gay Man Tearfully Recalls Husband, First ER Doctor to Die from Coronavirus, in Gut-Wrenching Interview.

California’s Same-Sex Marriage Foes Press to Keep Trial Video Under Wraps. Hateful bigots know that when their arguments are shown to the public the public embraces our side…

This Week in COVID-19:

What We Know So Far About Possible Coronavirus Treatments Promoted by Trump.

AOC Blasted the “Shameful” Corporate Bailouts in the Senate’s Coronavirus Relief Bill.

Global condom shortage looms as coronavirus shuts down production – World’s biggest producer says lockdown has already caused shortfall of 100m condoms.

Trump’s coronavirus response is a failure by his own standards.

‘Religious liberty’ argument, once hindering LGBTQ rights, is now endangering COVID-19 prevention.

In Memoriam:

Their Mom Died Of The Coronavirus. They Had To Say Goodbye Via Walkie-Talkie – “She was a supermom, you know?”.

Terrence McNally, acclaimed gay playwright, dies at 81.

Terrence McNally, Tony award-winning playwright, dies of coronavirus complications.

Rage for Terrence McNally.

Things I wrote:

Star Trek: Picard wraps season one in a retro doozy.

Sunday Night Update: We need some good news.

“You’re going that way”.

Tuesday Tidbits: No joke, some people don’t understand….

No foolin’ — and let’s go to Camp!.

A little brain dead.

Videos!

Stephen Colbert Returns With A Message: America, You Got This:

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Trump Fights with Governors, Reporters Over Coronavirus Response: A Closer Look:

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Coronavirus III: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO):

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Trump’s “New Tone” On Coronavirus | The Daily Social Distancing Show:

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:Dua Lipa – Break My Heart (Official Video)

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