Yesterday, I visited Virgil. It was special to be able to see him on Christmas, and he returns all greetings including special holiday greetings. The Sergeant who heads up the visitation team got the day off (and I really can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. For part of the time, the warden personally filled in for him. Don’t get me wrong – prison is still prison and no one wants to be there.. But there are some employees who have hearts and consciences. Although the time of sunset hadn’t changed (or rather it changed and then changed back) I left a little later and it didn’t work badly. There are still some (and one in particular) dangwr spots, but with proper equipment most of the drive is much better. The mast ten minutes of my drive were in “civil twilight,” which is when the sun is over the horizon, but there is still enough light to see by – you don’t need your lights on to see better, but you do to be seen better.) I can handle that. It only lasts a half hour, though (both morning and evening). Then there’s another half hour of “nauticak twilight” where there is still some reflected light but you need headlights. There might be more light reflected off of a water surface, but on land it’s not the best time to driver. Sunrise is still getting later, abd some of the drive out is becoming a bit more hazardous, but it should start getting earlier soon, which will also help.
Cartoon –
Short Takes
Crooks and Liars – HERO: All In A Day’s Work For Sixth-Grader Davyon Johnson
Quote – His principal, Latricia Dawkins, told the local paper, “He is just a kind soul and well-liked by his peers and staff alike.” His mom, LaToya Johnson, is proud but not surprised. She said her son wants to be an EMT, just like his uncle Wendell Johnson.
Click through for story. One more good news story can’t hurt.
Democratic Underground – The President and First Lady stop their motorcade to look at a Biden themed Christmas tree...
There are a few words, but mostly pictures Great pictures. Click through for them.
Mother Jones – The Mother of All Vaccines May Be Closer Than You Think
Quote – Now, after three coronavirus-sparked health crises in the last 20 years—SARS, MERS, and COVID-19—researchers are working to develop so-called universal coronavirus vaccines for the next outbreak. While COVID-19 vaccines are an incredible feat of science—they were created faster than any vaccine in history—researchers say it wasn’t fast enough. Kevin Saunders, the director of research at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, points out that hundreds of thousands of Americans died from COVID-19 infections while vaccines were being developed and approved. If we have a universal coronavirus vaccine ready to go in the future, even if it isn’t perfect, he says, it could cut down on hospitalizations and deaths, and buy researchers time to hone a virus-specific vaccine.
Click through for much more. The Walter Reed team has gone the farthest to date, but they are not alone, and others are also getting close. Now THAT’s good news.
Food For Thought:
14 Responses to “Open Thread for December 26, 2021”
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Aww…..so glad to read that your visit went well, with Christmas wishes, and that the Warden filled in for the Sgt. All of our guests enjoyed themselves, (memorable for them, I hope, and we/they all had a wonderful time, went by too fast. A family member made batches of ‘Christmas Crack’ as a side, it was a winner, and gone in a day. Made more.
Cartoon: Sad looks like he needs that rest, and on a beach, no less.
C&L: Yes, this young man is a Hero to many! Congratulations, Davyon !
DU: How very, very sweet !
MJ: Good article. The researchers are working hard in building their ‘arsenal(s)’ re: the next outbreak.
FFT: Awww…sweet!
THIS JUST IN: “I know facts are uncomfortable to some, but just ask leading retailers, the mayors of port towns, and port operatives, and they’ll tell you the same thing. @POTUS was a key player in getting this done and easing supply chain burdens.” ~ Jen Psaki ~
2. “I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown. It places me on a far higher plane than any politician.” ~ Charlie Chaplin ~
3. “”I have just enough hope left in the reservoirs of my heart to believe that joy can still surprise, that hidden goodness is now preparing itself in secret, that love is close and on the way to mend and heal and lift.”
~ John Pavlovitz ~
Good moring, Pat! I think what happened was that just before you stated posting there were three comments (in Russian) attempted which of course were not allowed to post – and a fourth in between your attempts. No naturally the site went nuts and decided it wasn’t going to approve anything until someone could take a look. You didn’t do anythong wrong. I’ll address all the TJIs since they are all more than worty.
TJI #1 – Facts are definitely uncomfortable for Republicans, But the saddest part is that the truth is not getting out unless you know what to look for. The MSM are – I guess – trying so hard to be “fair” that they are strangling the trutn in its crib, whether they are trying to or not (and some are trying.)
TJI #2 – Yes, I find myself frequently typing some comment like “Don’t insult clowns.”
TJI #3 – And all that s true. The problem is not that virtue isn’t there, and even strong. The problem is that evil is preventing it at every turn.
Glad that you had a great day with Virgil. Nice of the warden filling in for the sgt…that speaks volumes. Had a wonderful time with our guests, and it meant a lot for us all around, during the Holiday Season too.
Cartoon: Glad to see Santa at the beach…
C&L: This young man will be going places! Setting a wonderful example, too.
MJ: This is definitely great news. Our medical researchers are our Heroes!
FFT: Aww….
THIS JUST IN: “I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown.” It places me on a far higher plane than any politician.” ~ Charlie Chaplin ~
2. “Since taking office, President Biden has added more than 300,000 manufacturing jobs back to our economy— ensuring that more of what we buy in America is also made in America.” ~ The Democrats ~
3. “”The Koch Brothers still own a lot of real estate, but their best investment may be the Manchin they bought in West Virginia.” ~ Janet Valcho ~
TJI #2 – Absolutely correct. And needs to be shouted from the rooftops, because that message is not getting out.
TJI #3 – Except that it’s just Charles now, since David died, Somehow that seems even more obscene.
Hope that this goes through. If not, I’ll wait. 😉
Glad that you had a great day with Virgil. Nice of the warden filling in for the sgt…that speaks volumes. Had a wonderful time with our guests, and it meant a lot for us all around, during the Holiday Season too. Cartoon: Glad to see Santa at the beach…C&L: This young man will be going places! Setting a wonderful example, too. MJ: This is definitely great news. Our medical researchers are our Heroes! FFT: Aww….
THIS JUST IN: “I remain just one thing, and one thing only, and that is a clown.” It places me on a far higher plane than any politician.” ~ Charlie Chaplin ~ 2. “Since taking office, President Biden has added more than 300,000 manufacturing jobs back to our economy— ensuring that more of what we buy in America is also made in America.” ~ The Democrats ~3. “”The Koch Brothers still own a lot of real estate, but their best investment may be the Manchin they bought in West Virginia.” ~ Janet Valcho ~
Cartoon: Santa must be tired out with all of his deliveries. He deserves the rest.
C&L: Great story. Davyon certainly deserves being recognized for his quick actions helping resecuring ones in life threating emergencies. I wish him luck with his future endeavors.
DU: Sweet. Seen this on the nightly news last night.
MJ: Great news. Appreciate that these researchers are working hard at staying ahead of any new viruses that may be found.
Food for Thought: Making friends.
Nice reading that you had a great visit yesterday with Virgil. Glad to read that the Warden and others that work there are kind and caring.
Hope you have a pleasant day.
Take care. Thanks Joanne
There is currently a problem with comments. I am working on it. When your comment doen’t post, I will approve it as soon as I see it,(and I am watching for that. Be patient. Thanks!
Thanks Joanne for some news to celebrate along with the comments warning. I’ve always found I can find some good news and some at least promising news if I look among each day’s articles.
Another youngster providing hope for the future and another Biden story that is oh so human, to go with sharing new puppy picture with children, talking with those tracking Santa and members of the armed services to name a few others.Also, the prisons I’ve visited I have found have at least some warm, caring people that treat inmates with respect and compassion (more apt to show when not observed by other staff for some). I am glad you are finding several that are positive for you.
Usually not mentioned as a benefit, if the vaccines work on all coronaviruses that would also be a solution for the common cold.
Cartoon: all except the salt are good alternatives for those needing a lower salt diet.
Good to hear that both the drive in winter conditions and your visit on Christmas day were a success, Joanne.
Cartoon: Santa was lucky he wasn’t arrested for speeding in that hard-line state.
C&L: Sounds we have a little superhero in the making here. Davyon’s mother better start sewing him a costume soon.
DU: Nice to see the Bidens got some recognition for Christmas.
MJ: Unlike moist politicians, scientists look ahead and don’t stop thinking when they have one answer.
FFT: Cute.
I’ve approved my own comment, and put one spam attempt in the trash can while working behind the scenes, but I’ll have to wait and see PP takes my comment next time.
Apparently, it doesn’t.
Np, you’ll need to approve your own for a while (unless you want to wait on me. But I hope you won’t mind doing it.) I’m working on it.
I don’t mind and will approve myself and any left open from a serious commentor.
Love the cartoon and the Food for thought, thanks for visiting those who others forget too often.