Friday Five (complete fool edition)

Welcome to the second Friday in April!
I had a lot of fun at the virtual convention last weekend. I’ve spent the rest of the week scrambling at work, laughing at certain news stories, and taking delight in how many flowers are blooming on my veranda.
Which brings us to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: one story to wonderful it needs its own category five stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about seditious traitors, five stories about other deplorables, and five videos (plus something I wrote and notable obituaries).
This Week in Wonderful:
‘We found a baby on the subway – now he’s our son’ Every time I read about this I cry.
Stories of the week:
The French army is testing Boston Dynamics’ robot dog Spot in combat scenarios
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
North Carolina Bill Would Force School Staffers to Out Trans Kids For many queer kids, the most dangerous bully in their lives is a homophobic parent. This law will get kids killed!
Falcon and the Winter Solider fans think Bucky Barnes just came out as bisexual
And this, folks, is why Ian McKellen is one of the coolest guys alive
This Week in Seditious Traitors:
Like Matt Gaetz, Alabama GOP Senate candidate denied sexual allegations — until he didn’t
Confederate Flag-wavin’ Rioter Indicted On Five Counts
This Week in Haters and Deplorables:
An insider-trading indictment shows ties to Bloomberg News scoops
Catholics Responded to a Joke Account Asking When They Felt Unwelcome in Church Note: the real church that they complain about are the hateful and deplorable ones, not the people responding to the question.
‘Psychotic’ fundraising tactics show how unhinged the Republican Party has become
Things I wrote:
Sam and Bucky: the 80s Want Their Plot Cliches Back
In Memoriam
Japanese Nobel-prize-winning semiconductor pioneer Isamu Akasaki dies aged 92
James Hampton, ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘The Longest Yard’ Actor, Dies at 84
Videos
Click on the image to be taken to the video!
McConnell’s Hypocrisy On Corporate Speech Falls Flat As Big Brands Punish Georgia
Marvel Studios’ Loki – Official Trailer 2 (2021) Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson
Charli XCX & Christine and the Queens – Gone – Official Video
Friday Five (purple unicorn edition)

Welcome to the first Friday in April. This year falling on Good Friday. And on the second day of NorWesCon.
NorWesCon 43 is the third virtual convention I’ve attended since the pandemic began. The first day had a number of panels I enjoyed. One of the best parts was getting to see and hear a friend that I haven’t seen since Christmas 2019.
Which brings us to the Friday Five. This week I bring you: five stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about so-called Christians, and five videos (plus something I wrote and notable obituaries).
Stories of the week:
Former D.C. police chief: ‘There should be a higher standard for police’
The GOP’s feverish hunt for NC election fraud uncovers a shocking result – clean elections
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
Trans People Can Now Openly Serve In The US Military And Get Gender-Affirming Medical Care
Review: Lil Nas X’s “MONTERO” Music Video Is the Queer Visual We Didn’t Know We Were Waiting On
This Week in So-called Christians:
Oklahoma Pastor’s Midnight Execution Unravels Secret Threesome Love Affair
Matt Gaetz paid prostitutes using Cash App and Apple Pay — and there are receipts: NYT bombshell
A middle school teacher reportedly told students that LGBTQ people are “sinful”
Masterpiece Cakeshop Once Again in Court for Alleged Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
Things I wrote:
Confessions of an old white-bearded blogger
In Memoriam
Beverly Cleary, beloved children’s author, dies at 104
Larry McMurtry, Oscar Winner for ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and Author of ‘Lonesome Dove,’ Dies at 84
Larry McMurtry, author of ‘Lonesome Dove’ and other novels, dies at age 84
Videos
Click on the image to be taken to the video!
Stephen Colbert: The Establishment covers Matt Gaetz’s underage sex scandal
Trump’s Legal Tornado! Massive Lawsuits Put 45 In ‘Serious Trouble’
Rachel Maddow – Why Biden Infrastructure Plan’s Popularity May Represent A Political Turning Point
Seth Meyers – CNN Lost 45% of Its Audience Since Biden Took Office, though it’s not what you think
NSFW – Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) – Official Video
Friday Five (their solemn right to be dicks edition)
Washington Post’s flawed immigration coverage slammed as ‘pure hot garbage, beginning to end’.
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
Pantene doubles down on support for transgender youth after backlash to ad featuring LGBTQ family.
Poll: Majority of Republicans support same-sex marriage for the first time.
Small-Town Sandy, Oregon Hosts a Public Standoff Over LGBTQ Rights—and the Proud Boys Resurface.
Dr. Rachel Levine makes history, becomes first openly transgender person confirmed by Senate.
This Week in Haters and Deplorables:
Top Senate Republican says Americans don’t need ‘alternative versions’ of January 6 Capitol attack.
This Week in the Pandemic:
Global COVID-19 deaths up for first time in six weeks, WHO says.
De Blasio Urges N.Y. to Follow N.J. in Pausing Reopenings.
Covid cases are rising in 21 states as health officials warn against reopening too quickly.
In Memoriam:
Jessica Walter, ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Archer’ Star, Dies at 80.
Things I wrote:
Bucky and Sam try to find their place in the “New World Order”.
Tuesday Tidbits 3/23/2021: Some useful info and a lot of WTF.
There is only coffee time and cocktail time.
Videos!
Biden Holds First Press Conference, Ted Cruz Refuses to Wear a Mask: A Closer Look: https://www.youtube.com/embed/3aIa9BBdm4c
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Kamala Harris’s Salute Scandal & Utah’s Porn Block | The Daily Social Distancing Show: https://www.youtube.com/embed/XxzCokceBMI
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Now’s Not The Time To Fix America’s Gun Problem, Says GOP In Familiar Refrain: https://www.youtube.com/embed/CAlMS4fG37w
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Dr. Anthony Fauci Loves Kate McKinnon’s SNL Impression of Him: https://www.youtube.com/embed/IXvqdITeXa4
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Good Omens: Lockdown (Yes, I this is a bit over 13 months old and I posted it back then, but it came around in my stream and made me laugh again): https://www.youtube.com/embed/quSXoj8Kob0
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Friday Five (their solemn right to be dicks edition)

It’s hard to believe that it’s already the third Friday in March!
Still trying to get into the groove of things. One of the lavender plants on the deck is starting to show so buds. I need to get some spot colors for some of the other pots and planters.
Meanwhile, we have the <em>Friday Five</em>. This week I bring you: the top five stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about haters and deplorables, five stories about the pandemic, and five videas (plus things I wrote and some notable obituaries).
<h4>Stories of the Week:</h4>
<a href=”https://www.king5.com/article/news/verify/verify-covid-19-or-allergies-how-to-tell-the-difference-between-symptoms-do-i-have-covid-or-allergies-flu-cold/65-77c8912f-576a-43ef-9088-eccaa26a54ab”>VERIFY: COVID-19 or allergies? How to tell the difference between symptoms – With springtime around the corner, people are starting to question whether coughs and sniffles are mere allergies, or something more scary</a>.
<a href=”https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/editorial-template-for-every-time-a-white-person-commits-an-atrocious-crime”>Editorial Template for Every Time a White Person Commits an Atrocious Crime</a>.
<a href=”https://crooksandliars.com/2021/03/why-can-t-irs-just-send-americans-refund”>Why Can’t The IRS Just Send Americans A Refund – Or A Bill? – Taxes should be a simple matter of paying through the year and reconciling at the end. There’s a reason they aren’t</a>.
<a href=”https://www.dailykos.com/story/2021/3/22/2022254/-Washington-Post-s-flawed-immigration-coverage-slammed-as-pure-hot-garbage-beginning-to-end”>Washington Post’s flawed immigration coverage slammed as ‘pure hot garbage, beginning to end'</a>.
<a href=”https://lawandcrime.com/second-amendment/ninth-circuit-goes-back-to-english-law-in-the-middle-ages-says-pre-u-s-law-in-hawaii-allows-states-open-carry-restrictions/?utm_source=mostpopular”>Ninth Circuit Goes Back to English Law in the Middle Ages, Says Pre-U.S. Law in Hawaii Allows State’s Open Carry Restrictions</a>.
<h4>This Week in News for Queers and Allies:</h4>
<a href=”https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/pantene-support-transgender-youth-after-backlash-171024373.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9yLnNlYXJjaC55YWhvby5jb20vX3lsdD1Bd3JYbkNiUHgxdGdMQjRBX2huUXRETUQ7X3lsdT1ZMjlzYndObmNURUVjRzl6QXpJRWRuUnBaQU1FYzJWakEzTnkvUlY9Mi9SRT0xNjE2NjU2NDYzL1JPPTEwL1JVPWh0dHBzJTNhJTJmJTJmd3d3LnlhaG9vLmNvbSUyZmxpZmVzdHlsZSUyZnBhbnRlbmUtc3VwcG9ydC10cmFuc2dlbmRlci15b3V0aC1hZnRlci1iYWNrbGFzaC0xNzEwMjQzNzMuaHRtbC9SSz0yL1JTPXJtZnZZeldmVDhaSndmbkNSRlJOVk1nQXFHVS0&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKHVXM_NCkcobg-X7UlP0ss_dPn7FdX5_6sMMdZriEUhC_KIAs7TCPVPqTsfniLdCZ7yrnDBMUl2DfLt4tlLrke75OlKgL0KazLZ1I0BWZj_w2FgLRfYdgtTayfCJUlh_k_ARaZd5QhVW4CZZmj16hmIuvsSFStYskeoi0aG6pKj”>Pantene doubles down on support for transgender youth after backlash to ad featuring LGBTQ family</a>.
<a href=”https://thehill.com/homenews/news/544500-poll-majority-of-republicans-support-same-sex-marriage-for-the-first-time”>Poll: Majority of Republicans support same-sex marriage for the first time</a>.
<a href=”https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/03/arkansas-legislature-passes-bill-allow-emts-doctors-refuse-treat-lgbtq-people/”>Arkansas legislature passes bill to allow EMTs & doctors refuse to treat LGBTQ people – The bill to allow health care providers to turn away patients due to their religious beliefs is headed to the Republican governor’s desk</a>.
<a href=”https://www.wweek.com/news/2021/03/21/small-town-sandy-hosts-a-public-standoff-over-lgbtq-rights-and-the-proud-boys-resurface/”>Small-Town Sandy, Oregon Hosts a Public Standoff Over LGBTQ Rights—and the Proud Boys Resurface</a>.
<a href=”https://holybulliesandheadlessmonsters.blogspot.com/2021/03/dr-rachel-levine-makes-history-becomes.html”>Dr. Rachel Levine makes history, becomes first openly transgender person confirmed by Senate</a>.
<h4>This Week in Haters and Deplorables:</h4>
<a href=”https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/capitol-riot-investigation-plea-deals/2021/03/19/161221bc-88ca-11eb-8a8b-5cf82c3dffe4_story.html”>Justice Dept. prepares to engage in plea talks with many Capitol riot defendants</a>.
<a href=”https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/21/politics/roy-blunt-january-6-capitol-insurrection/index.html”>Top Senate Republican says Americans don’t need ‘alternative versions’ of January 6 Capitol attack</a>.
<a href=”https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boulder-shooting-witnesses-describe-king-sooper/”>Colorado mass shooting witnesses describe terrifying moment gunman opened fire: “At that point, it was just run”</a>.
<a href=”https://crooksandliars.com/2021/03/biden-calls-weapons-ban-wake-shootings”>Biden Calls For Assault Weapons Ban In Wake Of Shootings – “It was a law for the longest time, and it brought down these mass killings.” said the President</a>.
<a href=”https://sam.crooksandliars.com/2021/03/boulder-police-believed-king-sooper”>Boulder Police Acted On Belief King Sooper Shooter Was White – Don’t be gaslit into thinking all of a sudden color doesn’t matter to police</a>.
<h4>This Week in the Pandemic:</h4>
<a href=”https://thehill.com/homenews/news/544387-global-covid-19-deaths-up-for-first-time-in-6-weeks-who-says”>Global COVID-19 deaths up for first time in six weeks, WHO says</a>.
<a href=”https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/29/vaccine-mystery-why-j-js-shots-arent-reaching-more-arms-477292″>Vaccine mystery: Why J&J’s shots aren’t reaching more arms – The single-shot vaccine was supposed to be the catalyst for the country’s return to normalcy. Instead, it’s sparking confusion and finger-pointing</a>.
<a href=”https://www.foxnews.com/health/a-rapid-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-backfired-in-some-us-states”>A rapid COVID-19 vaccine rollout backfired in some US states – Conspiracy theories, poor communication and undependable shipments slowed vaccination efforts</a>.
<a href=”https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-22/n-j-will-pause-further-reopenings-as-covid-case-counts-rise”>De Blasio Urges N.Y. to Follow N.J. in Pausing Reopenings</a>.
<a href=”https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/20/covid-cases-are-rising-in-21-states-as-health-officials-warn-against-reopening-too-quickly.html”>Covid cases are rising in 21 states as health officials warn against reopening too quickly</a>.
<h4>In Memoriam:</h4>
<a href=”https:/<a href=”untitled%20text%205.html”>untitled text 5.html</a>/variety.com/2021/film/news/jessica-walter-dead-arrested-development-archer-1234938246/”>Jessica Walter, ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Archer’ Star, Dies at 80</a>.
<h4>Things I wrote:</h4>
<a href=”https://fontfolly.net/2021/03/22/bucky-and-sam-try-to-find-their-place-in-the-new-world-order/”>Bucky and Sam try to find their place in the “New World Order”</a>.
<a href=”https://fontfolly.net/2021/03/23/tuesday-tidbits-3-23-2021-some-useful-info-and-a-lot-of-wtf/”>Tuesday Tidbits 3/23/2021: Some useful info and a lot of WTF</a>.
<a href=”https://fontfolly.net/2021/03/25/there-is-only-coffee-time-and-cocktail-time/”>There is only coffee time and cocktail time</a>.
<h4>Videos!</h4>
Biden Holds First Press Conference, Ted Cruz Refuses to Wear a Mask: A Closer Look:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click <a href=”https://youtu.be/3aIa9BBdm4c”>here</a>.)
Kamala Harris’s Salute Scandal & Utah’s Porn Block | The Daily Social Distancing Show:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click <a href=”https://youtu.be/XxzCokceBMI”>here</a>.)
Now’s Not The Time To Fix America’s Gun Problem, Says GOP In Familiar Refrain:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click <a href=”https://youtu.be/CAlMS4fG37w”>here</a>.)
Dr. Anthony Fauci Loves Kate McKinnon’s SNL Impression of Him:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click <a href=”https://youtu.be/IXvqdITeXa4″>here</a>.)
Good Omens: Lockdown (Yes, I this is a bit over 13 months old and I posted it back then, but it came around in my stream and made me laugh again):
(If embedding doesn’t work, click <a href=”https://youtu.be/quSXoj8Kob0″>here</a>.)
Friday Five (don’t believe murderers edition)
It’s hard to believe that it’s already the third Friday in March!
The weather was warming for several days, and no the rain came back. And hay fever was virtually non-existent until the first rainy day.
Meanwhile, we have the Friday Five. This week I bring you: one story that made me laugh, the top five stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about restoring the nation, five stories about the pandemic, five stories about latest mass shooting, five stories about the pandemic, and five videos (plus things I wrote and some notable obituaries).
This Week’s Story That Made Me Laugh:
Texas museum removes wax Trump figure after visitors kept punching it.
Stories of the Week:
Aplets & Cotlets candy maker to close after 100 years. Oh, no!
Generation X Is Sick of Your Bullshit.
Washington state, Canada team up to eradicate Asian giant hornets. The fight continues!
Girl who spotted Irish walrus has ideas for names – depending on if it’s a boy or a girl.
Rachel Maddow Wins Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album.
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
Many major news outlets highlighted anti-trans voices in coverage of the Equality Act.
Winners and losers in LGBTQ sports one year into the pandemic.
I am not 50% gay and 50% straight. I am 100% bisexual.
Ireland’s Incredible Transformation Into an LGBTQ+ Haven.
This Week in the Repairing Democracy:
Deb Haaland Confirmed As 1st Native American Interior Secretary.
Senate narrowly confirms Becerra as health secretary.
Judge: Arizona GOP must pay $18K in groundless election suit.
Biden’s new Interior Secretary Deb Haaland strikes fear into the heart of the GOP — here’s why.
Hate Crime of the Week:
The Atlanta shootings can be both an anti-Asian hate crime and a sexist one.
Fetishized, sexualized and marginalized, Asian women are uniquely vulnerable to violence.
The truth about the Atlanta shooter’s supposed excuses.
A trip to the spa that ended in death. These are some of the victims of the Atlanta-area shootings.
This Week in the Pandemic:
Is It OK To Drink Between Vaccine Doses? What Does ‘Vaccine Efficacy’ Mean? :.
CDC identifies public-health guidance from the Trump administration that downplayed pandemic severity – The analysis was done to promote public trust and ensure that the agency’s coronavirus guidance ‘is evidence-based and free of politics,’ a memo says. The Trump administration lied? Shocked! Shocked! (not)
In Memoriam:
RIP Yaphet Koto: ‘Alien’ Star Dies At Age 81 .
Yaphet Kotto, Bond Villain and ‘Alien’ Star, Dies at 81.
Remembering Yaphet Kotto, and the screen career Hollywood didn’t accommodate.
Things I wrote:
Sunday Update: Closing so many open tabs.
Socially acceptable chemical dependence in the morning.
Videos!
Fox News Demands Biden Give Trump Credit for the COVID Vaccines: A Closer Look – Seth Meyers Just Invited Everyone To Tucker’s House July 4:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Jimmy Kimmel Says Don Jr. Really Shouldn’t Use That Word – Don Jr. Angry at Biden and Tucker Carlson Attacks Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Stephen Colbert – The Answer Is Simple Yet Strangely Difficult: Don’t Hate Each Other:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Tucker Carlson: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO):
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Why We Should’ve Seen the Atlanta Shootings Coming | The Daily Social Distancing Show:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Friday Five (gotta keep vaccinating edition)
And here we are at the second Friday in March!
I mentioned last week how my hay fever was kicking up. This week it got much worse. There was one day that the sinus headache was so bad I had to take a break in the middle of the work day to lie in a dark room for a couple of hours.
Meanwhile, we have 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 restoring the nation, five stories about the pandemic, five stories about haters and other deplorables, and five videas (plus things I wrote and some notable obituaries).
Stories of the Week:
Kentucky judge dismisses charges against Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker III.
A quick guide to the birds you’re hearing now in Seattle area.
Man Arrested After Police Find 400-Pound Playground Slide In WA Mobile Home.
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
College athletes demand NCAA cancel tournaments in states that ban trans athletes.
Biden issues executive order against gender discrimination in education including LGBTQ people.
Some Faith Leaders Call Equality Act Devastating; For Others, It’s God’s Will.
Amazon, Nissan among businesses speaking out against Tennessee bills targeting LGBTQ communities.
This Week in the Repairing Democracy:
White House fires Trump EEOC official after she refuses to step down.
Labor Department moves to reverse Trump rules that narrow worker protections.
This Week in the Pandemic:
Fauci: CDC will release new guidance for vaccinated Americans ‘very soon’.
Pres. Biden addresses nation on first anniversary of Covid shutdown.
Study: Higher pollen counts could increase COVID-19 infection rates.
This Week in Haters, Seditionists, and Other Deplorable People:
Trump’s own Defense secretary says Trump was responsible for Capitol riot.
Capitol riot suspect pictured at Pelosi’s desk screams ‘It’s not fair’ in courtroom tantrum.
In Memoriam:
Robert Ashby, One of Three Last Surviving Tuskegee Airmen in Arizona, Dies at 95.
Dutch inventor of the audio cassette tape dies aged 94.
Joan Weldon Dies: Actress Terrorized By Giant Ants In ‘Them!’ Was 90.
Things I wrote:
WandaVisions Wraps Things Up in the Awesome “The Series Finale”.
The State of the State of the Union Address.
Videos!
Meteor Over Northern Vermont Seen By People Around New England:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Brooke Eden – Sunroof (Music Video):
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
MR. BIDEN (Bring My Vaccine) – A Randy Rainbow Song Parody:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
And here’s the original – The Chordettes – Mr Sandman (Live 1958):
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
NSFWL Rebecca Black – Friday (Remix) ft Dorian Electra, Big Freedia & 3OH!3 [Official Video]:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Friday Five (cancelled doesn’t mean that edition)
Welcome to the first Friday in March! It’s March! That means that I have been in quarantine for one year and 12 days!
Truly it is spring! My hay fever is worse, we’ve had a few days of sunny weather but still cold nights, and then it went back to buckets of rain. Don’t get me wrong, I love the rain. It’s just that the switching back and forth as quickly as it did a few times this weeks makes it difficult to plan anything.
Meanwhile, we have 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, five stories about haters and other deplorables, and five videas (plus things I wrote and some notable obituaries).
Stories of the Week:
The real reason for the Dr. Seuss freakout.
Universal basic income experiment results in more full-time jobs.
Opinion | The worst-kept secret: Conservatism has no value(s).
Human origins: ‘Little Foot’ fossil’s big journey out of Africa.
Predatory octopuses were drilling into clamshells at least 75 million years ago.
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
Jen Psaki masterfully shuts down reporter’s dumb question about trans people.
Gay Blogger Andy Towle Exits Towleroad.
Major Christian adoption agency in U.S. to start working with LGBTQ people.
The Equality Act is important but it won’t solve workplace discrimination.
This Week in the Pandemic:
COVID-19 vaccine confidence grows as side effect worries fade.
Why kids are hitting the pandemic wall.
Texas Gov. Abbott stalled federal offer to test migrants then blamed them for spreading Covid.
h4>This Week in Haters, Seditionists, and Other Deplorable People:
CPAC Engaged in Bitter Behind-the-Scenes Feud With Company That Built Its Controversial Stage.
In Memoriam:
Vernon Jordan, activist and former Clinton advisor, dies at 85.
Things I wrote:
WandaVision gives us some answers and fills in Wanda’s backstory.
Tuesday Tidbits 3/2/2021: Stop being doormats.
Hey, it’s March Fourth! So, let’s March Forth.
Videos!
Republicans Unleash A Tidal Wave Of Anti-Voting Legislation:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Trump, Cruz and Noem Repeat Their Insane Lies at CPAC: A Closer Look:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Biden’s Vaccine Announcement, Texas Ditches Masks | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Dr. Seuss Is Not Cancelled, It’s Just Time To Retire Books With Racist Imagery:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Spoiler Alert: AGATHA ALL ALONG REMIX – AFROBOIYT:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click https://youtu.be/Wb1nQuIMS7Y.)
Friday Five (so frucking proud edition)
Temperatures are warmer here, although there is a lot of snow still coming down in the mountains not that far away. And I know much of the rest of the country is still dealing with the fallout of those severe winter storms. Our state wildlife department is still urging us not to put our bird feeders and such back up, and I must say I really miss seeing all the birds outside my window. Also, the coolest of the Valentine’s Day gifts my husband gave me was a hanging bird bath for our veranda, and as of now I’m not allowed to put it up until April.
Meanwhile, we have 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 stores from my local news, five stories about the pandemic, five stories about haters and other deplorables, and five videas (plus things I wrote and some notable obituaries).
This Week in News to Just Be Happy About:
I Miss My Bar – Recreate Your Favorite Bar’s Atmosphere. Yes, this link was in my Monday Update post, but I think it is worth linking to once again a free web site that allows you to generate a customized sound ambience as if you are out at a bar or restaurant rather than quarantine…
Stories of the Week:
Baffled Canadians Spread Reports Of ‘Hard’ Butter.
Republicans Go To War While Democrats Try To Negotiate.
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
Black & Gay Back In The Day: The Story Behind The Archive.
How Black LGBTQ talent helped shape the history of modern music.
What Trans Elder Miss Major Griffin-Gracy Wants You to Know.
This Week In News Local to Me:
Washington state wildlife officials: Leave bird feeders down until April.
Washington State Patrol worker arrested for child rape investigation in undercover sting.
WA Insurance Commissioner Calls for the Death of His Own Bill After Senate Democrats Gut It.
This Week in the Pandemic:
Covid Hospital Admissions Drop 72%, Led by Oldest U.S. Patients.
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine deemed “safe and effective” by the FDA.
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, flu has disappeared in the US.
Moderna says new version of vaccine is tailored to quell infection by South Africa variant.
Half Million US People Die Of The Coronavirus.
This Week in Haters and Other Deplorable People:
Southern Baptists oust 2 churches over LGBTQ inclusion.
Evangelical Leaders Condemn ‘Radicalized Christian Nationalism’. As my grandpa would say, “Y’all are closing the barn door long, long, long after the horses ran away.”
State judge rejects motion by right-wing robocallers to toss case.
In Memoriam:
Pioneering Lesbian and Feminist Activist Ivy Bottini Has Died at 94.
Farewell to Jan Morris, Groundbreaking Trans Explorer of Realms.
Lawrence Ferlinghetti, City Lights founder and champion of the Beat Generation, dead at 101.
‘It’s not in books, it’s in the world’: Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s shining legacy.
James Burke, Five Stairsteps Singer Who Crooned ‘O-o-h Child,’ Dead at 70.
Things I wrote:
WandaVision goes Modern while really breaking all the walls.
Monday Update 2/22/2021: For whom the subpoena tolls… plus some free ambience!
Videos!
NASA’s Thrilling Mars Landing Is The Good News Pandemic-Weary America Needs:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
The GOP Is Actively Working to Restrict Voting in Key States | The Daily Social Distancing Show:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Great Vaccine News Has Everyone Asking When Life Will Return to Normal: A Closer Look:
(If embedding doesn’t work, click here.)
Bernie Sanders on Raising the Minimum Wage, Big Lies from Republicans & Biden’s Health Care Plan:
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Tina (2021): Official Teaser:
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Friday Five (rickrolling upgrade edition)

Some editor at Huffington Post changed this headline to something less accurate than what the origionally posted. Meanwhile, may I remind you: Rush Limbaugh celebrated the deaths of gay men from AIDS on his radio show.
The snow here in the Seattle area started melting on Monday. Unfortunately most of the rest of the country is still experiencing much colder temperatures than usual, and then there is the disaster going on in Texas. So I’m feeling fortunate that right now we’re not worried about keeping warm or having safe drinking water.
Meanwhile, we have 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 related to science fiction, five stories about the future of democracy, and five videas (plus things I wrote and some notable obituaries).
Stories of the Week:
NASA’s Perseverance rover nails Mars landing, sends first images of Jezero Crater.
General Unstructured Thoughts On “Being Cancelled”.
Pentagon report reveals inroads white supremacists have made in military.
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Reintroduce LGBTQ Equality Act.
Hallmark to homophobes: More gay is on the way.
Texas lawmakers are trying to pass pro-LGBTQ proposals. Do they have a chance?
This Week in Science Fiction:
Baen Books Forum Being Used to Advocate for Political Violence.
Opinion: On Baen Books, Moderating Discussion Boards, & Political Expression.
Masks and Magic 2021 – A Round-up of Indie Mardi Gras Speculative Fiction.
2020 Locus Recommended Reading List.
This Week in the Future of Democracy:
A GOP donor gave $2.5 million for a voter fraud investigation. Now he wants his money back.
After Weeks Of Being Offline, Parler Finds A New Web Host.
FBI Informant Panic Is Ruining Friendships All Over the Far Right.
Trump left them to die. 43 Senate Republicans still licked his boots.
In Memoriam:
Pioneering Out Recording Artist Ari Gold Dies at 47.
‘Extraordinary, trailblazing and inspiring’ trans writer and historian Jan Morris has died, aged 94.
Things I wrote:
Weekend Update 2/13/2021: The truth eventually comes out.
Happy Day Before Discount Chocolate Day.
In which I pedantically remind you that today is NOT President’s Day….
WandaVision Brings Tricks, Treats, and a Growing Menace.
Videos!
The Next Pandemic: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO):
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Ted Cruz Jets To Cancun While Texans Freeze | The Daily Social Distancing Show:
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‘Brazen Lie’: Chris Hayes Calls Out Gov. Abbott, Fox News For Texas Power Grid Lies | All In | MSNBC:
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Reporters WILL NOT STOP Humiliating Themselves with Jen Psaki:
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Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ Video Was Remastered in 4K and It’s So Damn Crisp Fans are Flipping Out:
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Friday Five (needs more dinosaurs edition)
It has been getting colder and colder all week. We started getting snow Thursday. Overnight lows significantly below freezing, and much most snow is expected Saturday. And I live on a hillside with very steep hills the only way out of the neighborhood, so I probably won’t be leaving the house until next week when the temps are predicted to come back up.
Meanwhile, we have the Friday Five. This week I bring you: one story about why snow is such a catastrophe here, the top five stories of the week, five stories of interest to queers and our allies, five stories about the pandemic, five stories about threats traitos, five stories about bad people getting their due, and five videas (plus things I wrote and some notable obituaries).
This Week In News Local to Me:
Stories of the Week:
8-Year-Old Calls Out NPR For Lack Of Dinosaur Stories.
They Stormed the Capitol. Their Apps Tracked Them. This story is not really about the murder mob, rather it is a fascinating and chilling example of what can be learned by aggregating anonymized ad network data. The graphics alone are worth the click.
KUOW – The last youth jail in the country moves to end contract with ICE.
Dozens of states see new voter suppression proposals after baseless fraud claims.
Essex academic’s imposter ‘copied work and tattoos’.
This Week in News for Queers and Allies:
Federal agency to crack down on LGBTQ housing discrimination.
C.D.C. Report: Gay and Bi People at Greater Risk for Severe COVID-19.
This Week in the Pandemic:
Vaccinated workers at Massachusetts hospital volunteer to sit with Covid-19 patients.
This Week in Seditious Traitors:
Trump-supporting evangelicals should share blame for January 6 insurrection.
Justice Department says an Oath Keepers leader waited for Trump’s direction before Capitol attack.
At Trump Impeachment II, the Republican Party Is Also on Trial .
This Week in Deplorable People Facing Consequences:
Twitter Suspends Right-Wing Activist Group Project Veritas, James O’Keefe.
Tim Eyman violated campaign finance law, judge rules, is barred from controlling political committees Eyman is a horse’s ass, a grifter, and man who has devastated local government budgets.
In Memoriam:
Mary Wilson, longest-reigning original Supreme, dies at 76.
Remembering Christopher Plummer for so much more than ‘The Sound of Music’.
Porn Mogul Larry Flynt, ‘Hustler’ founder and 1st Amendment champion, dies at 78.
Things I wrote:
WandaVision Goes Even More Meta in “A Very Special Episode…”.
Monday Update 2/8/2021: Infamy, Defamation… but also a bit of good news.
Ask the Next Question, or how SF/F has always been confronting social issue.
Bullying, gender, and the importance of horses – or, more of why I love sf/f.
Videos!
One Billion Years of Earth’s Evolution in 45 Seconds:
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Dolly Parton on Funding Coronavirus Vaccine and Teaming up With Barry Gibb:
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Reality Sets In After A Weirdly Normal Super Bowl Sunday:
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Trump’s Impeachment Lawyers Are Very Bad: A Closer Look:
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Never-Before-Seen Capitol Riot Videos Provide Damning Evidence Against Trump:
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