Tag Archives: friday links

Friday Five (murderer convicted edition)

I want to give whoever wrote this headline for this Australian newspaper an award!

It’s hard to believe that it’s already the fourth Friday in April!

We’ve had a bit over a week of warmer than usual days for this time of year. We have already set a new record for the number of days in April with a daytime high of 70 or more! Rain is supposed to come back on Saturday.

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 deplorable people, five stories about the pandemic, five stories about latest mass shooting, five stories about the pandemic, five stories from the world of tech, and five videos (plus things I wrote and some notable obituaries).

This Week’s Story That Made Me Laugh:

In this Tik-Tok Lil Nas X Reveals a Childhood Crush

Stories of the Week:

NASA’s Mars helicopter Ingenuity successfully completed its historic first flight

Why Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder when so many other officers are not – The same factors that spurred millions of people to protest were the same points prosecutors repeatedly made in court to convince a jury to convict

Italian hospital employee accused of skipping work for 15 years …and kept drawing his salary the whole time!

A Texas Rancher Illegally Cloned Deer For Years. Some Lawmakers Want To Legalize It – The Lone Star State has long muddled the line between hunting and farming. Now cloning may help game ranches breed big bucksv

Even Street Artists Don’t Like Seeing Their Work Tagged. Now, Chemists Have Developed New Methods to Clean Murals of Graffiti – The chemistry is complicated, but the resulting product is easy to use and could revolutionize the field of street art restoration

Stories of Interest to Queers and Our Allies:

Scottsdale becomes 8th Arizona city to provide LGBTQ protections

4th grader who shamed Texas Republicans for attacking her rights is now getting death threats – A mother who testified at the same hearing has now filed a police report after getting so many death threats for standing up for trans youth

Texas business leaders say Legislature’s anti-LGBTQ bills could hurt the state’s economy – Texas Competes, which is made up of more than 1,450 Texas employers, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus and industry associations, is advocating the “economic case for equality.”

Gay teen was suspended for wearing nail polish. He finally won – Trevor Wilkinson’s Texas school banned boys from wearing nail polish. Now their dress code is gender-neutral. "I’m at a loss of words for the joy I am feeling."

‘Yep, America’s Good With a Gay President’; New Study Also Finds Pundits’ Predictions Wrong On Black-Voter Homophobia

This Week in Deplorables, Haters, and Obstructors

A more nauseating than titillating gay scandal has possibly engulfed Tucker Carlson

Rep. Val Demings Yells At Jim Jordan: ‘Did I Strike A Nerve?’ – Fireworks erupted when former police chief Rep. Val Demings smacked down Big-Lie-supporter Rep. Jim Jordan’s accusations that Democrats don’t support police

How Josh Hawley and Marjorie Taylor Greene Juiced Their Fundraising Numbers – Politicians get the veneer of grassroots support, while shadowy consultants get rich

Church sends divorced lesbian a letter saying she’ll be shunned by community unless she “repents” – The church elders were hostile in their letter to the woman, but now they’re hiding from the media who want to know why they did something so incredibly offensive

Elephants trample suspected poacher in South African park; second poacher injured and missing

This Week in the Pandemic:

Is herd immunity to COVID-19 possible? Experts increasingly say no

Biden Helps Employers Give Paid Time Off For Vaccination – Employers under 500 employees can provide paid time off to their employees to get vaccinated AND recover from side effects if necessary

COVID-19 hospitalizations among older Americans have plunged more than 70 percent since start of the year

23 Dogs Test Positive for COVID-19 Antibodies in Washington, Study Finds

New Covid variant detected at Texas A&M lab shows signs of antibody resistance and more severe illness in young people

This Week in Tech:

How To Ditch Facebook: A Guide | Part 1: Hit Them In The Wallet

Apple’s Gay Rainbow Product Launch Was A Coming-Out Party For A Couple of VGL, No-Drama, Well-Endowed, Transgressive, Iconic Tech Products Looking to Hook Up on 4/20

The whole story of the FBI iPhone fight only shows how right Apple was – If someone really wants to get into your iPhone they’re going to have a hard time. That’s a good thing

The Mac and the iPad aren’t meeting in the middle yet

Ransomware gang tries to extort Apple hours ahead of Spring Loaded event

In Memoriam:

Walter ‘Fritz’ Mondale, former vice president under Jimmy Carter, dead at 93

Walter Mondale: The Last Old-School Democrat – His 1984 campaign was a political obituary for a party

Walter Mondale Sent A Touching Farewell Message 48 Hours Before His Death – “Well my time has come,” the former vice president wrote to his staff

Hester Ford, the oldest living American, has died

Things I Wrote:

Sam and Bucky Face the “Truth”

Tuesday Tidbits 4/20/2021: Sometimes bad (white) men face consequences

If Good Days Start With Coffee, Then Bad Days…

Videos

Click on the image to be taken to the video!

Helicopter Ingenuity’s flight on Mars in 4K with dust swirling (enhanced video + sound) Helicopter Ingenuity’s flight on Mars in 4K with dust swirling (enhanced video + sound)

Now You Know: Being Black in America | The Daily Show Now You Know: Being Black in America | The Daily Show

Trump Praises Biden’s Decision to Withdraw U.S. Forces from Afghanistan Trump Praises Biden’s Decision to Withdraw U.S. Forces from Afghanistan

Did the Mars Helicopter Really Fly? Did the Mars Helicopter Really Fly?

Cher Recounts The Story Of Sneaking A Drugged Up Music Producer Onto A Plane Cher Recounts The Story Of Sneaking A Drugged Up Music Producer Onto A Plane

Friday Five (new cephalopod edition)


Welcome to the third Friday in April!

We’re getting rather warm dry days in Seattle. The curent long-term forecast says no rain for the next eight days. The sky has been so clear that at some times in the day, even with the blinds closed, some parts of the house are so brightly lit I sometimes have to wear sunglasses indoors!

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 videos about fairly serious topics, and five videos or a slightly more lightweight nature (plus something I wrote and notable obituaries).

Stories of the week:

Enjoy a little restoration of your faith in humanity

The Pandemic’s Wrongest Man – In a crowded field of wrongness, one person stands out: Alex Berenson

The Sand Octopus Was Hiding in Plain Sight

Maxine Waters cuts off Jim Jordan after he keeps arguing with Dr Fauci after his time was up at hearing: ‘Shut your mouth’

Biden civil rights nominee fends off Republican attacks at hearing

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

Biden Picks Gay Police Chief to Lead Border Protection. Known for BLM Pic, Sanctuary Support, and Being First Gay Chief to Marry

How a Georgia pastor practiced what he preached by accepting LGBTQ members into his Southern Baptist church

Meet Rebekah, a Trans 14-Year-Old Who Just Wants to Play Sport

Tearful mom begs Texas lawmakers not to throw her in jail for supporting her trans child – Amber Briggle is "terrified… that my words will be used against me" and her son "will be taken from me."

Florida’s new ban on transgender students in sports would allow schools to subject minors to genital inspections – The legislation has passed the state’s House of Representatives

In Memoriam

Winfred Rembert, 75, Dies; Turned Painful Memories Into Art – Decades after nearly being lynched in rural Georgia, he began recreating vivid scenes from his life by carving figures into leather

Things I Wrote:

Weekend Update 4/10/2021: Hypocrites, volcanoes, vaccines, and humor

Weekend Supplement 4/11/2021: Images and Ideas that Need to be Shared

Adventures in Memories of the Poorly Educated

Bucky and Sam are reminded that “The Whole World is Watching”

Tuesday Tidbits: Tools Who Have Outlived Their Usefulness

We Have the 2021 Hugo Ballot… and a really looooooooooong time to fill our our ballots!

Eye-rolling from a White Homo Devil, or, Not-So-Hot Take Misses the Point

Heavy Topic Videos

Click on the image to be taken to the video!

Republicans Want to Cancel Dr. Fauci and Major League Baseball: A Closer Look Republicans Want to Cancel Dr. Fauci and Major League Baseball: A Closer Look

Trevor Noah Speaks Truth On Policing: No ‘Bad Apples,’ A ‘Rotten Tree’ Police in America - Where Are The Good Apples? | The Daily Social Distancing Show

John Oliver explains the industry behind nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and why long-term care needs fixing Long-Term Care: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

The Daily Show’s Brutal Montage Of Tucker Carlson Using Language Of Mass Murderers Tucker Carlson: White Supremacist Mass Shooter Copycat

The FBI Seized Matt Gaetz’s Phone Amid Sex Trafficking Investigation: A Closer Look The FBI Seized Matt Gaetz’s Phone Amid Sex Trafficking Investigation: A Closer Look

Less Heavy Videos

Click on the image to be taken to the video!

Saturday Night Live Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic – Bowen Yang Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic - SNL

Stephen Colbert: Quarantinewhile… Another Giant Jesus Statue Rises In Brazil Quarantinewhile... Another Giant Jesus Statue Rises In Brazil

Lil Nas X Answers Kids’ Questions | Arts & Raps | All Def Music Lil Nas X Answers Kids' Questions | Arts & Raps | All Def Music

Years & Years – It’s A Sin (Official Audio) Years & Years - It's A Sin (Official Audio)

Rag’n’Bone Man & P!nk – Anywhere Away From Here (Official Video) Rag’n’Bone Man & P!nk – Anywhere Away From Here (Official Video)

Friday Five (new cephalopod edition)


Welcome to the third Friday in April!

We’re getting rather warm dry days in Seattle. The curent long-term forecast says no rain for the next eight days. The sky has been so clear that at some times in the day, even with the blinds closed, some parts of the house are so brightly lit I sometimes have to wear sunglasses indoors!

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 videos about fairly serious topics, and five videos or a slightly more lightweight nature (plus something I wrote and notable obituaries).

Stories of the week:

Enjoy a little restoration of your faith in humanity

The Pandemic’s Wrongest Man – In a crowded field of wrongness, one person stands out: Alex Berenson

The Sand Octopus Was Hiding in Plain Sight

Maxine Waters cuts off Jim Jordan after he keeps arguing with Dr Fauci after his time was up at hearing: ‘Shut your mouth’

Biden civil rights nominee fends off Republican attacks at hearing

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

Biden Picks Gay Police Chief to Lead Border Protection. Known for BLM Pic, Sanctuary Support, and Being First Gay Chief to Marry

How a Georgia pastor practiced what he preached by accepting LGBTQ members into his Southern Baptist church

Meet Rebekah, a Trans 14-Year-Old Who Just Wants to Play Sport

Tearful mom begs Texas lawmakers not to throw her in jail for supporting her trans child – Amber Briggle is "terrified… that my words will be used against me" and her son "will be taken from me."

Florida’s new ban on transgender students in sports would allow schools to subject minors to genital inspections – The legislation has passed the state’s House of Representatives

In Memoriam

Winfred Rembert, 75, Dies; Turned Painful Memories Into Art – Decades after nearly being lynched in rural Georgia, he began recreating vivid scenes from his life by carving figures into leather

Things I Wrote:

Weekend Update 4/10/2021: Hypocrites, volcanoes, vaccines, and humor

Weekend Supplement 4/11/2021: Images and Ideas that Need to be Shared

Adventures in Memories of the Poorly Educated

Bucky and Sam are reminded that “The Whole World is Watching”

Tuesday Tidbits: Tools Who Have Outlived Their Usefulness

We Have the 2021 Hugo Ballot… and a really looooooooooong time to fill our our ballots!

Eye-rolling from a White Homo Devil, or, Not-So-Hot Take Misses the Point

Heavy Topic Videos

Click on the image to be taken to the video!

Republicans Want to Cancel Dr. Fauci and Major League Baseball: A Closer Look Republicans Want to Cancel Dr. Fauci and Major League Baseball: A Closer Look

Trevor Noah Speaks Truth On Policing: No ‘Bad Apples,’ A ‘Rotten Tree’ Police in America - Where Are The Good Apples? | The Daily Social Distancing Show

John Oliver explains the industry behind nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and why long-term care needs fixing Long-Term Care: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

The Daily Show’s Brutal Montage Of Tucker Carlson Using Language Of Mass Murderers Tucker Carlson: White Supremacist Mass Shooter Copycat

The FBI Seized Matt Gaetz’s Phone Amid Sex Trafficking Investigation: A Closer Look The FBI Seized Matt Gaetz’s Phone Amid Sex Trafficking Investigation: A Closer Look

Less Heavy Videos

Click on the image to be taken to the video!

Saturday Night Live Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic – Bowen Yang Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic - SNL

Stephen Colbert: Quarantinewhile… Another Giant Jesus Statue Rises In Brazil Quarantinewhile... Another Giant Jesus Statue Rises In Brazil

Lil Nas X Answers Kids’ Questions | Arts & Raps | All Def Music Lil Nas X Answers Kids' Questions | Arts & Raps | All Def Music

Years & Years – It’s A Sin (Official Audio) Years & Years - It's A Sin (Official Audio)

Rag’n’Bone Man & P!nk – Anywhere Away From Here (Official Video) Rag’n’Bone Man & P!nk – Anywhere Away From Here (Official Video)

Friday Five (complete fool edition)

If only they had sense enough to feel like a fool…

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:

Europe’s oldest known humans mated with Neandertals surprisingly often – The two species regularly interbred by about 45,000 years ago

The French army is testing Boston Dynamics’ robot dog Spot in combat scenarios

Jordan Peterson Is Angry That He Inspired Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Take on Red Skull and We Have To Laugh – Have you tried…not being a nazi?

Pete Buttigieg had to go on TV to tell ignorant Republicans “you need water to live” – The anti-LGBTQ Gov. Kristi Noem was at the top of his list.

Macalope: Tim Cook isn’t always right, but his Facebook fight is right on – Apple’s privacy stance is more than marketing fluff

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

LGBTQ Conversion Practices Cause More Severe Trauma and PTSD Than We Thought …Study Also Find Faith Helps With Recovery

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!

Repost – Sterilization, irreversible surgeries and chemical castrations – How religious right lies corrupts the conversation about trans children

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:

Key figure in Matt Gaetz probe likely cooperating with federal prosecutors – “I am sure Matt Gaetz is not feeling very comfortable today,” Joel Greenberg’s defense attorney said

Ted Cruz Allegedly Bought Book Ads With Campaign Funds – Ted "Cancun" Cruz is in trouble for using campaign funds to buy Facebook ads to promote his "book."

Like Matt Gaetz, Alabama GOP Senate candidate denied sexual allegations — until he didn’t

Seattle Police Department had the most officers in DC on January 6. An investigation is underway to determine if they breached the Capitol, but advocates say the problem runs deeper

Confederate Flag-wavin’ Rioter Indicted On Five Counts

This Week in Haters and Deplorables:

White nationalist "groyper" movement links up with anti-vaxxers, threatens use of weapons – "Manipulate my DNA or inject satan juice, nah, I’m good," wrote a follower of young white nationalist Nick Fuentes

Nearly 200 cops with credibility issues still working in Washington state – A Crosscut investigation found at least 183 police officers flagged for issues such as dishonesty, bias and excessive force remain in law enforcement.

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

Songwriter who was mentor and uncle of Dolly Parton, Bill Owens,I t dies at 85 – ‘I wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t been there’

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 McConnell's Hypocrisy On Corporate Speech Falls Flat As Big Brands Punish Georgia

Marvel Studios’ Loki – Official Trailer 2 (2021) Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson Marvel Studios' Loki - Official Trailer 2 (2021) Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson

Charli XCX & Christine and the Queens – Gone – Official Video Charli XCX & Christine and the Queens - Gone

Pose | Season 3: Official Trailer | FX Pose | Season 3: Official Trailer | FX

TED and LINDSEY! – A Randy Rainbow Song Parody TED and LINDSEY! - A Randy Rainbow Song Parody

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:

A Dog Who Kept Sneaking into a Dollar General for a Unicorn Toy Gets His Plush and a New Start – The animal control officer who moved Sisu from the Dollar General store to the shelter bought the stray dog his unicorn toy before bringing the canine in

Former D.C. police chief: ‘There should be a higher standard for police’

The Dark Tales of the Christian Sex Addiction Industry – There’s a reason so many young men believe their sexual desires make them depraved—or worse

The GOP’s feverish hunt for NC election fraud uncovers a shocking result – clean elections

Conservative Christians are driving more Americans away from religion altogether – A new book finds that the more conservative politics and religion are inseparable, the more people identify as having no religion at all

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

Nevada lawmaker Sarah Peters comes out as pansexual in moving speech – "Am I queer enough? Am I gay enough? What if I end up heteronormative, am I straight? Y’all, we are all enough and worth celebrating!"

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

Lil Nas X’s proud dad is a gospel singer. A rightwinger on Twitter found out the hard way – While the religious right is flipping out over the new "satanic" video, it is officially Dad Certified

Hate Group Leader Tony Perkins Furious That Blinken Axed Pompeo’s Anti-LGBT Policy: He Doesn’t Care About “Biblical And Moral Law”

This Week in So-called Christians:

Oklahoma Pastor’s Midnight Execution Unravels Secret Threesome Love Affair

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz under investigation over alleged sexual relationship with teen. Like No Other: TIMELINE of Gaetz Headlines

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

Beverly Cleary Wrote About Real Life, and Her Readers Loved Her for It – The creator of Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins constructed a world that children recognized — one that changed with the times

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 Stephen Colbert: The Establishment covers Matt Gaetz's underage sex scandal

Trump’s Legal Tornado! Massive Lawsuits Put 45 In ‘Serious Trouble’ 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 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 Seth Meyers - CNN Lost 45% of Its Audience Since Biden Took Office

NSFW – Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) – Official Video Lil Nas X - MONTERO Call Me By Your Name

Friday Five (their solemn right to be dicks edition)

Washington Post’s flawed immigration coverage slammed as ‘pure hot garbage, beginning to end’.

Ninth Circuit Goes Back to English Law in the Middle Ages, Says Pre-U.S. Law in Hawaii Allows State’s Open Carry Restrictions.

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.

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.

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.

Colorado mass shooting witnesses describe terrifying moment gunman opened fire: “At that point, it was just run”.

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.

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.

This Week in the Pandemic:

Global COVID-19 deaths up for first time in six weeks, WHO says.

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 rapid COVID-19 vaccine rollout backfired in some US states – Conspiracy theories, poor communication and undependable shipments slowed vaccination efforts.

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&gt;.)

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&gt;.)

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&gt;.)

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&gt;.)

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&gt;.)

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:

73 percent of people support trans kids in sports, new poll finds – A new report released Wednesday found that people support two of the biggest LGBTQ+ issues.

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.

Consumer bureau bans LGBT lending discrimination following Biden executive order – Hate Group Condemns Lending Protections For LGBTs.

Biden’s new Interior Secretary Deb Haaland strikes fear into the heart of the GOP — here’s why.

Hate Crime of the Week:

Atlanta-area shootings leave 8 dead, many of Asian descent – The killings came amid a recent wave of attacks against Asian Americans that coincided with the spread of the coronavirus across the United States.

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:

Vaccine passports pose ethical thicket for Biden administration – The White House says the government shouldn’t issue the credentials or store the data.

A Brooklyn pharmacist had spare vaccines. So he went to an LGBTQ senior center & got to work – Thanks to an independent pharmacist willing to work overtime, dozens of vulnerable seniors are getting their shots.

Shot Chasers: How Officials in Trump’s Lame-Duck White House Scrambled to Score COVID-19 Vaccinations – In December and January, a long-planned effort to vaccinate essential federal workers was thrown into turmoil, breeding suspicion, infighting, and “shameless” attempts to crash the list.

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.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

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:

Changing Your Mind Can Make You Less Anxious – Humans are programmed to think we’re right at all costs. Fighting that instinct will set you free.

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.

Why Apple’s security works: It locks out both the bad guys and the good guys – Apple’s supposed security conundrum is a feature, not a bug.

Man Arrested After Police Find 400-Pound Playground Slide In WA Mobile Home.

This Week in News for Queers and Allies:

Construction halted on Marsha P. Johnson park after family & Black trans activists object – They say no one was consulted before the park was closed and the state started construction on a design no one likes.

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.

Biden administration ditches Trump plan to limit immigration for those financially dependent on government.

On First Day, Garland Vows to Restore Justice Dept. Independence – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland was sworn in and briefed on the department’s investigation into the Capitol riot..

Labor Department moves to reverse Trump rules that narrow worker protections.

Marcia Fudge has ambitious plans for HUD — even though she didn’t want the job – She’s inheriting an agency in crisis after the Senate confirmed her Wednesday in a 66-34 vote.

This Week in the Pandemic:

States with Republican governors had highest Covid incidence and death rates, study finds – The study found that states with Democratic governors had higher death rates early on in the pandemic, but that trend was reversed by the Fourth of July.

Fauci: CDC will release new guidance for vaccinated Americans ‘very soon’.

The Covid-19 Relief Bill Has Passed. Now Biden and the GOP Both Plan to Tell Voters What’s in It – Democrats will tout stimulus checks, other aid while Republicans will focus on the scale of spending.

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 Lost His Last Post-Election Supreme Court Challenge – Trump argued a case he’d filed in Wisconsin wasn’t moot even after Biden took office. The Supreme Court refused to hear it.

Jacob ‘QAnon Shaman’ Chansley Kept Behind Bars as Reagan-Appointed Judge Hammers His Lawyer for ‘Publicity Stunt’ Interview on ‘60 Minutes’.

Trump’s own Defense secretary says Trump was responsible for Capitol riot.

The Daily Beast’s Lawyers Eviscerate Dan Bongino Over His Refusal to Accept That He Lost a Defamation Case and Has to Pay Up.

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.

Roger Mudd, Anchorman Who Stumped a Kennedy, Is Dead at 93 – A staple of CBS, NBC and PBS, he was best known for his interview with Senator Edward M. Kennedy in 1979, when he asked a simple question: “Why do you want to be president?

Norton Juster, Who Wrote ‘The Phantom Tollbooth,’ Dies at 91 – “Tollbooth,” about a bored boy’s fantastical journey, became a beloved touchstone of children’s literature when it was first published in 1961.

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:

Trans Youth Could Face Juvenile Detention Under 2021’s Worst Anti-Trans Bill – Students would be slapped with a misdemeanor under Minnesota law, resulting in possible criminal penalties.

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.

Biden’s Covid aid bill advances in Senate – Republicans are planning to make life as excruciating as possible ahead of passage.

Why kids are hitting the pandemic wall.

Texas Gov. Abbott stalled federal offer to test migrants then blamed them for spreading Covid.

Ron DeSantis Is Selling Vaccines To Rich Floridians – Florida’s only elected state-wide Democrat is furious about Gov. Ron DeSantis favoring donor communities in vaccine distribution.

h4>This Week in Haters, Seditionists, and Other Deplorable People:

National Guard General Testifies About SecDef’s ‘Unusual’ Limits On 1-6 – General Walker did not receive word that Pentagon officials had authorized his request until 5:08 p.m. — three hours and 19 minutes after he had received Chief Sund’s plea.

Listen: RNC Lawyer Makes Stunning Admission to Supreme Court Justices That GOP Needs Voter Suppression Laws to Win.

‘Un-Christian Liar’ Ted Cruz Pummeled for Lie Blaming Biden for Totally Non-Existent ‘Ban’ on Dr. Suess Books.

You Will Love Stacey Abrams’ Answer About Donald 2024 – Stacey Abrams should get a gold medal for her answer to James Corden.

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.

Statistics are seldom simple — or, a queer survivor unpacks survival, visibility, and feeling safe to be out.

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.)