Covid update 12/18

 I was diagnosed with Covid on November 20th.  I self-tested Covid free on November 25th and officially clean (through a doctor's office) on November 29th.  Today is December 18th and I am still recovering.

I lost most of my sense of smell while I was positive and I had a lot of nasal congestion.  Thank God I didn't develop a cough or have shortness of breath.  I was told that it can take you a long time to recover from this.  I always had bad sinuses, so I am used to being congested.  To this day, I may not have the runny nose or sneezing, but I am still occasionally stuffy and I am blowing my nose.  I still use my saline solution and I am on Flonase.  

For people reading this who either still don't want the vaccine or refuse to mask up or still doubt this is serious, reportedly, it can take days, weeks or even months for you to fully recover from this if you don't die.

Mask up.  Get the vaccine.  TRY and make space between yourself and others, especially indoors..

BACK IN THE DAY

 Once upon a time, not long ago, people used to smoke cigarettes everywhere.  And when I say everywhere I mean exactly that.  People would light up in the theater, the mall, the restaurant, and even the plane.  Then one day an elected official (I want to say Michael Bloomberg) came up with a law banning smoking indoors.  People (mostly nicotine fiends) had a fit.  It was perfectly reasonable for them to smoke anywhere they pleased and if you didn't like the smoke, then you should be the one to move away.  You would be amazed at the people who felt that way then and still feel that way today.  in any case, the law picked up steam in other states and jurisdictions, and before long it was illegal to smoke in most indoor venues across the country and today you cannot smoke in a movie theater and definitely not on public transportation.  The "rights" nazis complained, but after some time, they got over it.  The same thing has to happen with masks and vaccine mandates.

While we are in the pandemic, New York City has a mask mandate as well as a vaccine mandate.  If you have the vaccine, you do not need to wear a mask indoors and restaurants are required to check your vaccination record in order for you to eat inside the restaurant.  Anti mask wearers and anti-vaxxers of course feel they should be able to do what they want and could care less if you pick up covid from them or anyone else.  They have a right to not wear a mask and "fuck you" if you feel you are not safe.  People have fought bus drivers, store clerks and restaurant owners for asking them to put on a mask.  Consequently, some owners aren't following the law because it is too hard for them.  For me, it is just like the old cigarette law.  For now, offenders will hate it, but in the long run the law will protect lives.

HEADING TO FLORIDA

12/9/2021 

8:30 AM

On AMTRAK on my way to Florida.  I am ON AMTRAK because I was originally supposed to fly via Jetblue today, however, even though I am Covid free, my body is still recovering from having the virus.  I get congested and I am occasionally stuffy and for flying that is a bad combination.  If my sinuses aren’t correct then my ears won’t “pop”.  So, being that I am supposed to be in Florida today (Thursday), I had to get on AMTRAK yesterday, so I could be here.  This is normally not a bother since when I am in Florida I usually go back to New York by AMTRAK.

This trip though so far has been a near disaster.  It was already stressful because it is Florida, one of the leading states in Corona virus and a state led by a governor who is hell bent on ignoring mask and vaccine mandates.  I have absolutely no desire to visit this state or to go anywhere while I am in this state.  

My train is late.  So far it is about two hours late.  We were supposed to arrive in DeLand at 11:30 this morning.  It is 9:45 and we just got to Savannah GA.  It’s looking like we won’t get to DeLand until 2 or 3.

Next, there are people riding who won’t adhere to the mask mandate.  AMTRAK requires that everyone on the train where a mask at all times unless they are actively eating or drinking or if they are under 2 years of age.    There are some idiots who won’t keep their mask on.  One lady in particular keeps her mask off and has talked on her cellphone for most of her ride.  She boarded the train in Philadelphia.  Most of the passengers though have complied with the mandate.  Except for eating my food and a brief phone conversation, I have kept my mask on.  I am not trying to get re-infected.  Human behavior and these variants though are going to keep this pandemic going for decades.

THE AGE OF APATHY

First, the good news:  I OFFICIALLY tested negative for Covid-19 on Monday, November 28.  I did the self-test on the 25th or 26th and tested negative then, but I will treat the test done by the doctor as official.   I am not symptomatic, but I am still recovering, in that, I still have some nasal congestion.  As a person who suffers from bad sinuses, I can tell.  I never really lost my sense of taste, but I lost some sense of smell and that is gradually coming back.  I can smell things more now than I did a week ago.

Now the bad news:  I now have nothing but apathy for people.  I mentioned that while I was recovering I had no choice but to go to the pharmacy and while I was there I stopped at the supermarket.  I had no fever and I definitely masked up and I avoided isles with people.    You would be amazed at the maskless people in the pharmacy and the supermarket. Last night  I went to a Fairway and stopped at a McDonalds.  Fairway had a couple of non-maskers and McDonalds had a few of them.  Now, I have no idea how many of them had the vaccine, but to me, that doesn't matter.  In public masking may be more important than the vaccine, especially being that it is not impoossible for you to have and transmit the virus even with the vax.  In public, you shouldn't be allowed to put others at risk.  And as I have learned it is not impossible to get Covid while fully vaccinated.

So now I am at a point of apathy.  I am listening to the news now for reports of the variants and for information on the vaccines and if I need to get yet another booster, but I am caring less and less for my fellow citizen.  If I read that the person in the hospital did not get the shot, I make it point to not read any further.  Ok, I still care if the person suffering had his or her vaccine.

The omicron variant is already here.  Not just in the United States, but in New York City.   Unlike when Covid initially hit and New York essentially overcame it, I don't see that happening this time around. People are too undisciplined.  Wearing a mask IN PUBLIC is too much for them to do.  This will mean even more infections and more variants.  I am at the point where I feel Covid is a new way of life.  I will be avoiding people and getting Covid vaccinations until I die.

END OF QUARANTINE....SORT OF

 Today is November, 28.  One full week after my positive Covid result and a full two weeks since the day I think was my contamination date.  According to one of the physicians, today should be the last day I have to isolate.  Another physician told me December 1.  Yet someone else told me that I am no longer contagious if I go 24 hours straight without a fever. 

The closest I came to having a temperature was Monday when I had a temperature of 100 after I had the mask on.  After that, my temperature was between 97-99.

I did go out earlier today.  I had to go to the supermarket to get essentials since my refrigerator is not functioning properly.  I masked up for the trip and avoided other shoppers, however, there were at least six people in the store not wearing a mask.  This is the wake of a reported omicron variant of the virus.

Maybe I am rushing to judgment.  It is quite possible the six (I am positive there were more) people I counted got their vaccine and that is why they appear to be careless.  I keep my mask on when I am in public, except to eat.  And I still got it.

This new variant reportedly started in southern Africa and was found in a few countries.  Seems similar to the original strain that started in China almost exactly two years ago and was going through Washington State and New York by March, three months later.  I expect the United States to be dealing with the omicron variant in January.  And with no immediate data showing if the current vaccines will be useful, I am not optimistic.

ACTUALLY THANKFUL

 The day after Thanksgiving Day

Naturally, I was in quarantine for Thanksgiving.  I spent the day resting and playing MLB-The Show on PS-4.   I got a few messages and a couple of phone calls, so believe it or not I had a quiet day.  I normally spend the holiday with my cousin, but this is how I would actually like to spend the day.  Despite being shut in recovering from a virus that has killed millions, I am pretty thankful.

I am thankful to the folks who knew I was sick and checked on me.  I am normally extremely low maintenance, however, it was nice to have folks chime in and change the mood.

I am thankful for my cousin and my next-door neighbor who thought of me and brought me a plate of food. 

I am thankful I got the vaccine.  Even though I am among the skeptics, I think it was better to get it.  With all the talk and criticism there are no alternate solutions.  I can only stay in the apartment but for so long.  And I was fully vaccinated and still got covid so I could have gotten this quicker during a necessary trip to the supermarket.

I am thankful that even though I am not in the greatest shape, I did not abuse and/or misuse my body.  Yes, I am overweight and need to exercise more.  At the same time I rarely drink, never smoke or do illegal drugs.  I don't misuse the drugs I have a prescription for.  I say all of that to say that had I damaged my body in the past, it may not have helped me during that covid period.

I am thankful I did not lose my sense of taste.

I am thankful that even though I lost my sense of smell, it appears to already be coming back, slowly but gradually.  On Wednesday I could smell nothing.  Yesterday I was able to smell the ginger in my tea and a piece of chicken.  Today, even though i could not smell the bleach and the pine in the mop water, I could smell something foreign.  I could fully smell my deodorant.

I am thankful I have healthcare and that I have the resources to follow-up with it.

I am thankful I have the knowledge and the diligence to act on preventative care. People think I am crazy but my normal routine for my usual sinus issues (and the vaccine if you want) probably kept me out of the intensive care unit.

I am really thankful my parents and a few other close relatives and friends aren't alive now.  I used to shiver thinking about managing in this pandemic with my parents.  It would have been even worse had I had to through Covid AND worry about my parents.

NASAL NUTTINESS

I am remembering little details when it comes to catching this.  Like, I have a GOOD idea where I was when I came in contact with the virus.   With work and everything going on, I didn't realize until this week that I was probably exposed 11/14.  But, I am remembering some strange things happening regarding my nose.  Before I started sneezing I recall my nose acting weird.  One nostril would close, then reopen.  That never happened to me before.

Don't be paranoid, but pay attention to your body.   

ANOTHER COVID DAY

 11/25/2021

I will call this day 5 of the Covid Chronicles and on this day I received a little blessing.   A small amount of my sense of smell apparently returned or was accessed.  I made some ginger tea this morning with honey and a Halls cough drop and as I lifted the teacup I actually smelled the ginger.  My mouth was closed.   This is significant to me because last night I couldn't smell the bleach or the pine cleaner at all and those are normally strong scents for me.  It is definitely a sign that I may regain this sense.

For years I have proclaimed that sinus solutions are essential.  Even though they are not supposedly scientifically proven, I think they are not only highly valuable in day-to-day life, but a key tool in this pandemic. They should definitely be considered if you are anti-vaccine or if you don't trust the medications offered to you.

Think about it.....salt is a purifier.  It disinfects.  And just as it has been said that the stomach is the key to key things in our life, the sinuses are just as important.  Throughout the pandemic, we have been told to keep our hands clean and to keep them away from our eyes, nose, and mouth.  The ears, nose, and throat are connected.  In my past, anything that starts in my throat, if unstopped travels to my throat, and if not stopped moves to my lungs.  I normally use a saline wash every day or every other day if I feel absolutely no symptoms of sinus distress.    When I felt ill this past Thursday evening I used it. I increased the usage Friday and Saturday.  I didn't cough very much through all of this and the only mucus I produced came from my nose blowing.  I am still using the solution three or four times a day during this positive period..  I have a little mucus in my throat.  I gargle with salt water and occasionally clear my throat but I have not coughed up any phlegm.

I sincerely feel that my use of this solution made it easier to deal with Covid.  Some of you may say it was the vaccine, but in theory, I should not have gotten sick because I have both doses of the vaccine.  I never completely trusted the vaccine to work.  I had more faith in masks, social distancing and my saline solution along with having the vaccine.  I do feel that if my sense of smell comes back 100% it would be because of that saline solution I use, plus a few other holistic treatments.

This is what I use  https://www.neilmed.com/usa/index.php

SMELL YOU LATER...I HOPE

 I didn't mention in my last post that I lost my sense of smell.  Actually, I JUST noticed it about an hour ago.  Days ago I didn't really pay attention to the fact I didn't notice certain scents.  I can't smell bleach, pine or anything .  The anxiety is UNreal.  In reading about it I am finding that it is APPARENTLY temporary and the sense of smell and taste (which I have not lost yet) come back, though some go a long time without it.

Here's a link to an interesting article, in case anyone reading this is having the same experience

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/more-than-1-million-people-may-have-lost-their-sense-of-smell-due-to-covid-19-heres-what-they-can-do

ON THE SECOND FULL DAY

 Wednesday November 24, 2021

This is officially my second full day of quarantine.  I officially found out I was positive for Covid on Monday. It hasn't been too hard since i am used to staying to myself.  However, I needed Tylenol.  I also wanted to get a home Covid test.  And I needed some food.  So I got my mask, put on my coat, went out the back door and got to Walgreens.   I should say first, that I have not had a temperature since Monday, briefly in the afternoon and I haven't coughed at all,   One doctor told me that I was symptom free if I went 24 hours without a fever.

Walgreens was interesting for some other reasons I will get into another time.  From there I walked a few feet over to Stop and Shop to get  some things to tide me over for a few days.   I kept my mask on and did my BEST to walk into areas by myself.    People though as I mentioned a long time ago, are not taking this seriously.  Off the top of my head, about eight  people were in the supermarket without a mask that I noticed/.  And that is because they crossed my path.  The male shopper at the deli  kept walking near me.  He was just as free as the wind.

I mentioned I feel a little compassion for the non vaxxers.  I felt nothing for the non-maskers and I feel even less for them.  A part of me wants to wish that they would got the virus and just vanish.  The anti-vaxxers at least have a  reason for their philosophy.  Well some of them.  I still don't take the "right to not vaccinate" seriously, but those who don't trust the government for past atrocities get my ear.  There is still no reason not to wear a mask in public

MY DATE WITH COVID

 So I ended up testing positive for Covid-19 this weekend.

Actually, I have a better one for you...I received my COVID BOOSTER Wednesday and tested positive Saturday.

And no, I have no idea when or where I picked up this infection.

I was in Buffalo Veterans Day weekend, but I was by myself and not only did I wear a mask while I was in Buffalo AND Niagara Falls, I wore one the entire commute to and from western New York.  Granted, upstate NY is just like anywhere else in the country in that a lot of people don't want the vaccine and even more are tired of masks.

Back in New York City I was wearing my mask in public like I usually do.

As I mentioned, I got my booster shot on Wednesday and I felt no different than usual.  I met with my godson, his dad, and his brother that night at my diner.  My friend's brother and sister-in-law ate in a neighboring booth.  I did take my mask off there, but everyone at my table had the vaccine and I never left the table.  The next day I had sinus issues, but that is normal for me.  I have bad sinuses.  In fact, I thought my symptoms were because of dust.  On Friday, I didn't feel any better but I didn't feel bad.  When things didn't improve Saturday, I decided to get the antibody test across the street from my apartment.  Unfortunately, they weren't doing those anymore for the night so I had to do the nasal swab .  I got the results on Sunday, but I misread them.  I looked at them today and I realized I was positive for Covid.

The first thing I felt when I go the results was fear..  Almost as much fear as I felt wondering if I had the disease. I don't want to die on a respirator.  Well, that's obvious or I wouldn't have had all three shots of the Moderna.   So far though I am fortunate.  The saline solution most people ignore me about, has been a great tool.  It washed out a lot of the mucus and post nasal drip so most of that mess didn't get into my throat, which would have made its way to my lungs, adding to the pneumonia risk.  I had to do a little better with the vitamin D, but I have been keeping up with the vitamin C so that may have kept me not experience the brutal symptoms.  I coughed a little but not much.  I had a slight temperature earlier but no fever.

I will be spending Thanksgiving alone though.  My cousin and I were supposed to spend that day together but that was before I had to quarantine until December 1st.

This will be a bad ride.

BUFFALO

 I am on a mini-vacation in Buffalo.  I was here in July and I had to experience the area during the colder months.  I don't think I want to experience snow here.

The highlight of this trip was visiting Niagara Falls.  I was here about 30 years ago and went over the Falls by helicopter.  That was fascinating.  This time I kept in mind the memory of my late parents since they spent their honeymoon here back in 1959. I will post the pictures in my other blog.

  

Mean post

As I am writing this I am on the #2 train, on my way home.   At Times Square a young lady walked in the car with no mask on.  Ironically,  she took the seat another non masker was sitting in.  At the very next stop a lady boarded the same car.  She wasn't frail, but she had no hair on her head.  It looked like it qas crudely shaved off

  She made me think she qas a cancee patient.  She didn't have to be.  It os entirely possible it was a style.   In any case it immediately made me wish all public non maskers would get Covid.  They have no regard for anything except their personal freedoms.  Believe it or not, I can deal with the non-vaxers more than I can the non-maskers.  We will never get past this pandemic with them alive

That's it.  Not a nice thought, but there it is.

STILL NOT GETTING IT

So I stopped at a soul food restaurant here in the Bronx (I won't mention the name because it really isn't that relevant). I decided to treat myself to dinner since I tried the place last week and loved the food.

I get to the door and there are three people ahead of me.  The first guy was being helped and was out the door in a couple of minutes.  The guy after him was a Black guy, a little older than me.  What was really noticeable was that he wasn't wearing a mask.

When you walk into the restaurant there is a sign on the door requesting that you wear your face mask.    There is still a global pandemic out here and masks are required for people who haven't gotten their vaccination.  it is highly recommended that everyone wear a mask indoors.  The other customers had a mask on.  The server had his mask on.

Not only did this guy not have a mask on, but he was basically in the server's face.  And he took a long time for his order.  He got specific with his bbq chicken order, then wanted a desert and eventually got a large iced tea.

Then his debit card was declined. Twice.  He had to settle for just a plate of food with no extras.

No mask and half the money.  No respect.

This isn't the first time I saw something like this.

About two weeks ago I was riding the bus from Kentucky Fried Chicken.  After I swiped my metrocard a kid, about 17 or 18 boarded the bus and as is typical here nowadays, he did not pay his fare.  Not only ddi he not pay his fare but he had no mask on and decided to not move into the bus.  Instead he rode right next to the driver.  All the while not wearing a mask.We have to do better.

#146 The Era of punish

 Last week in Minnesota, a jury found former police officer Derek Caauvin guilty on all charges.  Chauvin is the officer responsible for the death of George Floyd by placing his knee on the back of Floyd's neck and back for over nine minutes.

https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2021/04/20/derek-chauvin-guilty-verdict-george-floyd-death-trial/

In the hours after the verdict, I got into an argument on Facebook with a few people who feltChauvin didn't get a fair trial.  After a few minutes, I realized that there are people who felt Floyd deserved to die.    They wouldn't have been satisfied if he was just arrested.  He had to be punished for doing something wrong, and if he resisted arrest he deserved to die.

When did police officers become executioners?

#145 Another police altercation

 A state trooper in Virginia just lost his job over a violent altercation with a black motorist.  I have the link below for the story and the video.  In the video, the motorist is taping the stop and is asking why the cop is forcing him out of the vehicle.  The state trooper also says on camera that he is going to whip the man's ass.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-trooper-viral-video-charles-hewitt-2019-traffic-stop/65-a160f5c6-73be-4198-ae6a-4c7df5d449e8

This is the second report I've seen from Virginia recently.

#144 WHY I TOOK THE VACCINE

So, I am on my way to the city a couple of days ago to get some seafood.  I was working all day and didn't eat lunch so I stopped at Burger King on the way and got two Whopper Jrs with cheese and an order of Cheesy Tots.  As ill-advised as it is I was going to eat that on the 35-minute ride on the 6 train.  I get on the train at Pelham Bay Park (the last/first stop)  and it was late afternoon rush hour and most commuters will be coming in as opposed to going out.

I got upstairs and a train was already about to depart, but there were a lot of people on it. Apparently, there was a train delay and this particular train was late so there were more riders.  I decided to wait for the next train so I could get an emptier car since I would have to lower my mask in order to eat my burgers.  As luck would have it, the next train left less than five minutes later and I had the entire car to myself.  Only one person got on the train in the next five minutes.  I was almost finished when we pulled into Parkchester Station.  I saw a handful of people ready to board, so I wrapped up the last small bite and pulled my mask up.  I understand it is not the safest to eat on the train, but with nobody on it, the risks were as low as eating in the park alone.

The train pulled into Parkchester and the doors opened.  About eight people ran into the car.  Now, I was sitting in the corner four seats, next to the door leading to the next car.   To my right was the rest of the train, which included two long benches on my side and the opposite side.  On my side the benches were empty.  So why did this lady run into the car and sit next to me?  Well almost right next to me.  There were three short seats separating us. Barely enough arm's distance between us.   And she had no mask on.  All that room she ignored to sit next to me maskless in the middle of a pandemic..  And she had the nerve to grab her purse and hold it close to her.  So I grabbed my knapsack and did the same.  I saw her through my peripheral vision giving me a dirty look..  I just snickered and held the bag tighter.

She ate ice cream during the trip (honest) and I could not understand why she would choose to sit next to somebody on a subway to do that.  

This is why I got the vaccine.  I wear my mask whenever I am near someone outside.  I keep away from other people as best as I can.  Almost nobody visits me and I don't really go out.  But...when I do I have to worry about idiots completely ignoring the rules so in addition to hoping the mask offers some protection, I took the vaccine for a little more security.  No, I still don't fully believe in this, but if something breaks through my mask defenses, then hopefully the vaccine will keep me from getting extremely sick or dying.

#143 VACCINE

 I got my vaccine shot mid-Sunday morning. Around Tuesday or Wednesday last week I looked up the locations where I could get an appointment.  There was nothing too close to my apartment except for Montefiore Hospital.  I figured they were a good site, so I applied. I found with them that they asked a lot of questions, only to find out that only had a waiting list.  They wanted my State ID and my insurance pictures.  a day later I went back to check on other places and I found A. Phillip Randolph High School in Harlem.  They had spots for about half a week, so I reserved Sunday.

Remarkably, everything was well run and organized.  Every employee was prepared to accept you from the previous one and to get you to the next step.  There was no drama and I was in and out of the school in 20 minutes.

So, how do I feel?

I should feel relieved, but instead, I feel a small part, relieved and a large part, angry.    Angry, because the actions of a few ignorant and selfish people have possibly extended the life of this virus and because they refuse to social distance or mask up, I have to take a vaccine I don't trust as extra security.  The small portion of relief I feel is knowing that even though I mask up and social distance if anything goes wrong or if I am exposed to the rebels, I may catch Covid-19, but it should be on a lesser scale.  I intend on wearing a mask and social distancing until this tie next year.  At least now though, I can travel a little more, using my precautions.

As for the side-effects, I so far, just have the sore-spot-by-the-injection pain.  I did feel tired yesterday afternoon and evening and I did sleep late today but I otherwise feel fine.

I am not going to recommend or not recommend taking the vaccine. I have heard both sides of the issue, however, the anti-vaccine folks have yet to instruct me on how to protect myself if I don't vaccinate, so I chose to take it.

#142 RATING THE CANDIDATES

As I write this, I don't want anyone to think I am being irresponsible by saying that I am not voting for anyone this year for mayor.  In fact, I may go vote for the other categories, like councilman, judge, etc.  However, as of now, nobody is getting my vote for mayor.

I gave the link to an article published by Curbed. In the February 3 article, they listed about 13 candidates for the 2021 mayoral election.  Interestingly, the Democratic primaries are in June, and since New York City is a mostly Democratic city, the person who wins the primary will more than likely officially become the mayor in November.  More than likely.  Though it is doubtful that a republican will win here, it is not impossible.  I can see a few scenarios, but I won't get into them in this entry.  Instead, I will look at eight of the candidates Curbed listed, what they are about, and my verdict, which is how I rate them on a scale of 1-10.

1.  Scott Stringer:  He is currently the City Comptroller and according to Curbed, he has advocated for affordable housing, gun control, women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and campaign reform.  According to the profile, he is anti-Bill deBlasio.
My verdict:  No mention of police reform, crime, or homelessness, so not likely no vote.  3.5

2.  Eric Adams:  Adams is older than I thought (age 60) and had a career with the New York Police department.  He co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement and is currently the Brooklyn Borough President.  According to Curbed, he is an asset to immigrant communities and small businesses.  Curbed lists him as having "nuanced views on police reform"
My verdict:   I can see Adamsaddressing police brutality, which is good, however, I don't know how tough he would actually be on crime.  I haven't really heard his voice while shootings in the city have made me think of the 1980s.  Plus, I have no real idea of how the Borough President would handle the homeless issue or the related mental health crisis.  5.8

3.  Maya Wiley:  According to Curbed, Wiley is a Senior vice-president of social justice and professor of urban policy at the New School as well as a former top counsel for Mayor Bill deBlasio.   She is also the former chair of the Civilian Complaint ReviewBoard.
Verdict:  Wiley has a nice resume.  She appears to want to combat systemic racism and police brutality as well as economic inequalities.  However,  she is going to have to deal with a growing crime issue and will need NYPD to be successful.  Unless she has a strong relationship with them as a boss as well as a partner, she will fail. If she can't come up with a hard method of dealing with senseless violent crimes it will be a wrap.   And I still need to see her (or anybody's) plan to deal with the homeless situation.  5.7

4.  Kathryn Garcia:  Currently, Garcia is the NYC Sanitary Commissioner under the current mayor and according to Curbed, is credited with big reforms to the city's sanitation system and was tasked with leading the city's efforts to abate lead paint exposure in children.
Verdict:  According to Curbed, Garcia served as the city's emergency "food czar" to combat food insecurities during the pandemic.  That leads me to think she would have the compassion to at least deal with hunger in New York.  Hopefully, they won't get shot by either a cop or a gang member while they are getting fed.  3.5

5. Ray McGuire:  According to Curbed, McGuire is a 63-year-old vice-chair of Citigroup and is one of the highest-ranking and longest-serving Black executives on Wall Street.
Verdict:  McGuire makes me think of a Black Michael Bloomberg.  After this pandemic, New York City could use someone with knowledge of how to manage money.  New York also needs someone prepared to handle social issues.  4.5

6.  Loree Sutton:  According to the Curbed profile, "she is an advocate for military veterans, with a focus on homelessness and boosting mental health services."
Verdict:  She opposes defunding the police, which I agree with, but again, nothing on how to address the duel problems with cops and crime.5.1

7.  Curtis Sliwa:  At age 66, I didn't realize he was so old. I am just realizing he was in his 20s when he founded the Guardian Angels back in 1979.
Verdict:  GTFOH.  He is too right-wing for New York (or for most places). His so-called tough-on-crime rhetoric will be nothing more than fuel to charge up racist and radical cops to be even more arrogant than some are now.  I can see more unwarranted beatings and shootings and protests with Sliwa in as the mayor.  I can easily see him backing a cop for shooting a man with no arms.  Zero.  In fact, if he was even close in the polls I would vote for anyone else ahead to ensure this potential nightmare never happens.

8.  Andrew Yang:  I thought he had a public office position before, but Curbed has him listed as an entrepreneur and a former presidential candidate in the 2020 Democratic primary.  According to the profile Yang is for Universal basic income, something that is nice but unrealistic.
Verdict:  Truthfully, I like Yang but I don't know enough about him.  And again, he (and nobody) really address the issues I value.  4

In order for me to vote for mayor, I would like to rate someone 7 and above.  There are other candidates, believe it or not, but I never heard of them and nothing written about them made me interested.  The bottom line for me, I value someone who can keep New York above water financially, but the most important criteria for me are being tough on crime and the police, dealing with the homeless situation (including keeping affordable housing options), and an ability to deal with the city during this pandemic.  

For now, I'll wait for the elections for governor

#141 CHANGE OF HEART

 After months of serious thought, I have decided to take the vaccine.  If given a choice I would rather take the Moderna vaccine, even though I would have to take two shots compared to Johnson and Johnson.

I weighed the options and it is better to take the vaccine than to wait out the virus.  Though there seem to be similarities with the flu, Covid-19 has shown itself to be more severe.  Not only are the deaths concerning, but the side effects.  People have had strokes and heart attacks after contracting the coronavirus.  I have read where people were placed in comas and some have lost limbs.

I also listened to the other side as well.  There are doctors, not necessarily right-wing nuts who feel there is no virus, who are against vaccinations and are blasting the government for withholding information on the casualties to the vaccine.  These doctors are claiming that there are less expensive and less dangerous methods of treating covid-19. Some are also claiming preventive measures that the government is ignoring, like Zinc, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin C..

I was taking Vitamins D3and C for years but made them a regular diet plan last year..  I just added zinc back to my plan this year.  

I also continue to use my saline solution.  People look at me crazy when I theorize it is helpful, but you have to understand the logic.  

Doctors have claimed from the beginning that covid-19 was an upper respiratory disease.  According to them the virus is airborne and is passed mainly through the nose and mouth.  This means your nasal passage is key, and probably why the protocol is to cover your face and face masks must cover the nose and mouth.

I have nad sinuses and I have always been prone to infections.  I definitely know what they feel like.  Years ago, I had one of those sinus infections, didn't properly treat it and I eventually had bronchitis.  This happened to me at least twice.  It started with the sniffles, nasal congestion, then sneezing.  The postnasal drip then irritated my throat which led to a tickle,  then a dry cough.  If left alone that would cause phlegm to collect in my chest.  I eventually learned (from my mother) to gargle with saltwater and vinegar.  I had a Carribean ENT doctor who co-signed to doing that.  The saltwater supposedly would wash the phlegm from the throat area, cutting down on the problems.  I know I haven't had a chest cold since I started doing that years ago.

The same ENT doctor along with some allergy specialists also co-signed on saline solutions.  These were used mostly to rinse out the sinus passage from allergy triggers like dust and other airborne problems.  These are things that collect in our sinuses and cause irritation.  This natural remedy is non-toxic and not only relieves stuffiness and congestion but may also rinse bacteria and viruses from the area.

I normally get a major sinus infection at least twice a year.  The last time I was sick with one was late 2019 (which was particularly bad and I could swear was covid-19).  Since then and definitely during the pandemic, I have used the saline rinse every day and I haven't caught anything.  My theory was and still is, that if you rinse at least once a day (I do a couple of squirts in the morning and a couple during the evening), not only can you avoid the pesky sinus infections, but maybe, just maybe you can catch the virus before it actually gets to your throat and your lungs.

Further proof for ME is the fact my cousin was recently diagnosed with having coronavirus and quarantined.  The odd thing was he felt fine.  In fact, the nasal swab had a positive result, but the blood test showed negative.  I don't think he uses a saline solution but there has to be some explanation for that. For me, it means that in the remote case the virus is not just spread through close contact, at least I am taking extra steps to keep myself safe.

I live by myself, have very few visitors, I wear my mask when I leave the apartment, and I social distance to a fault.I will not ride in the same area of the subway with you if you do not mask up.  Bur, I feel it is a matter of time before something catches up with me.  The vaccine may not keep me from getting covid-19, but according to everything I have heard, it should lessen the effects.

So I will add my name to the list and get my vaccine and pray my arm doesn't fall off.  

#140 The Candidates

 I decided to follow up on my earlier blog where I announced that I will not be voting for the first time in memory.  To be clear, whoever I vote for MUST satisfy me on the following:

A.  Bea mayor who is tough on crime but also tough on the police and not afraid to discipline and remove officers.  This includes not being afraid to have cops removed from the streets if they exhibit certain personality traits which may lead to them displaying unfavorable traits like abuse or racism.

B.  Have a plan to deal with the homeless situation which does not include simply incarcerating them.

C.  Have a Covid-plan which includes not being afraid to use legal action against those who violate pandemic procedures and social distancing policies.

D.  Work with the governor on a better way to deal with mental health issues.

E.  Come up with an effective plan for affordable housing.

Honestly, I would want all five of those ideas addressed before I commit to voting for anybody, however, I will settle for three out of the five.  The first idea is a must.  I am sick of hearing about a new shooting in New York City every day.  The city is starting to feel the way it did during the 1980s.  and while I want a more effective police department, I need one I can trust and not one that will shoot someone unarmed and get away with it.

Having said that, check out these links to the candidates for this year.  While I am looking for certain qualities I encourage you to find out what rocks your boat and to vote or not vote accordingly.

This link connects to an article listing the candidates and their individual sites:
https://www.thecity.nyc/22233474/the-race-for-nyc-mayor-whos-running-to-run-this-town-in-2021

This link to the Patch offers a list of the 38 candidates and a line or two regarding their platform:
https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/meet-30-candidates-nycs-2021-mayoral-race

This last link from Curbed offers the latest list so far (as of this month) and an easy to find and  slightly more detailed list of the candidates' platforms:
https://www.curbed.com/article/everyone-running-for-new-york-city-mayor.html

The Texas Weather Massacre

I was reading this Politico article (link below)  following up on the tragic weather situation in Texas which resulted in dozens of deaths.  Well specifically, this article follows up on Senator Ted Cruz's blunder, taking his kids on a trip to Mexico during the crisis. To be honest, I didn't follow the situation...because it was Texas until I heard how dire the situation had become.  I was truly sorry to read that people died and that so many lost power and had to sleep in cars.

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/19/ted-cruz-children-school-470341

Then I read that Texas was off the National Grid and whatever they have is privately owned..    Then I read that President Biden is going to send aid to the state, which is good but didn't the Texas Senator vote "no" when New York and California needed aid during similar times in the past?    For a moment I thought it would be interesting if Democrats voted against giving aid to a state which once denied aid for someone else.  Just for a moment.  Instead, I will pray for their recovery and pray that when the situation is reversed in the future that Republicans think the same way.

#139: Larry King dies

I woke up this morning to find out former CNN host Larry King passed away.  He was 87 and according to the news, had Covid-19.  As bad as 2020 was, 2021 may end up being worse as far as deaths go.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/01/23/larry-king-cnn-talk-show-legend-dies/331963002/

I read about a week earlier that actor Lou Gossett Jr had contracted the virus and was hospitalized in Georgia, but supposedly checked himself out after learning about patients dying on his floor.  According to the news, Gossett is isolating at home with his son.

I keep thinking back to the right-winger who angrily told me that this just a virus and that people should stop giving in to fear and reopen the country.

I wasn't aware the country was actually closed.  Next, even though society has faced deadly germs in the past and people do die from the flu, it is still asinine to dismiss the coronavirus like that.  We know some people are asymptomatic, but others, including those not in the high-risk groups have died.  It doesn't seem fair.

#138

Reluctantly, I will try and get the Covid-19 vaccination within a month or two.  Under the advice of a friend, I did a little research on the vaccine because I was hearing that some vaccines use a weakened version of the virus.  Unlike the vaccine for influenza, I am not interested in having any part of this coronavirus in me if I can avoid it.

I would prefer to wait this out and continue to social distance and wear a mask but it seems like we will never get past this pandemic.  Even if I get the vaccine I won't change my policies.  I saw an interesting article  (see link) that sums up my feelings.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/5-reasons-to-wear-a-mask-even-after-youre-vaccinated

#137

 So apparently Republicans are always supposed to win their elections,  If they don't win the the election was stolen.  So the next time the Democrats lose an election they can make the same claim?

#136: The 2021 Mayoral Elections

 I remember the election for mayor back in 1977.  I was too young to actually vote .  I recall the biggest thing about that election was that there were a lot of people running.  Incumbent Abe Beame was unpopular and running for reelection.  His opponents included Herman Badillo, Mario Cuomo, Percy Sutton, Ed Koch and Bella Abzug.  There were probably a couple more but I can't remember them.  The important detail is that Ed Koch was one of the lesser known candidates but won that election.  He was the mayor of New York until 1989.  The 2021 election for mayor in New York is starting to resemble the 1977 election with about 10 serious candidates listed with the actual list being close to 20.

As of this date (January 11, 2021) I have no intention on voting for mayor.  This would mark the first time I ever missed a major election.

I have about four issues I am concerned about and the current candidates haven't really addressed them.  In order of importance my issues are:

1.  Crime and cops combo:  Most people are for one or the other.  There is no reason New Yorkers cannot have both.  We need a mayor who is not only tough on crime, but one who holds police officers accountable.

2. COVID emergency mode:  I need to know what plans the future mayor has for the city during this pandemic.

3.  Homelessness:  New Yorkers need a mayor with solutions to dealing with the homeless issue.Arresting the homeless is not an answer.  Letting them sleep on the subway is not a solution.  Dumping them in one or two neighborhoods is no answer.

4.  Affordable housing:  This almost goes hand in hand with dealing with homelessness.

From what I have read nobody has addressed 1 and 2.  For me those are deal breakers, so for the next few weeks my eyes are open.  I can and will sit this one out.

#135

 Four days have gone since the riot at the Capitol.

1.  Still no word on a 25th Amendment

2.  No further word on impeaching trump.

3.  Lawmakers who were present during the siege have tested positive for Corvid-19.  Some people refused to wear masks.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/congresswoman-positive-covid-19-capitol-attack_n_5ffc92d5c5b6c77d85e8fc1a

#134

It's been a long week.

I'm not going to write a recap of the horrible events of the past four days, but I will provide links to the actual news stories of the riot at the Capitol which as of this writing left at least six dead, including two officers.

I have just a few words.  Just about everything that needed to be said has been said.  Well except what people really want to hear, which would be that Congress is filing impeachment charges against the President and that they were also invoking the 25th Amendment finding Trump unable to hold office.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/inside-house-chamber-capitol-was-overrun-angry-mob-n1253640

I was as appalled by what went down Thursday as most people.  However, I have this perspective-this is what happens when you put someone in office that unprofessional. People (mostly Conservative Republicans) took light to Trump's racist and xenophobic rhetoric.  The political incorrectness was one black eye for us. Eventually, that pattern of speech became the norm.  In simple terms, had it been dealt with in the beginning we may not have had a riot.  The hate speeches ignited his followers.

Republicans bare a lot of the blame for this.  I am probably the only person who feels this way, but I feel that the normally stiff and anal Republican party gave Trump several passes because they knew they felt they had the Supreme Court justices in the bag.  Conservatives wanted to overturn Roe v Wade so bad they would have sold there souls to the devil.  Putting up with Trump's bad behavior was nothing compared to the payoff.  And even if those politicians lose their jobs in the near future, they have the Supreme Court.

https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/white-rioters-capitol-got-police-respect-black-protestors-got-rubber-n1253408

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-capitol-police-chief-shares-thoughts-why-officers-appeared-let-n1253273

Watching the news on television it looked ridiculous seeing how inept the Capitol police were.  The first thought that came to my mind was "why hasn't anyone been shot for this?"  As soon as the breach happened shots should have gone out.  But then again, like most people have acknowledged, most of the rioters were white.  People, including my conservative friend who thinks he is on the right side seem to feel race plays no part in policing.  Think again.  I was never for defunding the police, but I do feel the police departments across the country need to be restructured and retrained.Police officers are human beings (no I am not being funny) and human beings make human mistakes.  So, it is pretty logical to me for a white officer to choose not to arrest or discipline a white offender while opting to go full force at an offender of color.  Once again at the Capitol, most of the officers were white and most of the rioters were white and we saw they got a free pass to create mayhem.  Black protesters this past summer couldn't get close.

So now I am at "wait and see" mode.I am waiting to see if the 25th Amendment is invoked or if someone attempts to impeach Donald Trump.  Some Republicans are still playing the loyalty game, not caring about the lives lost or the potential hundreds of lives that could have been lost.  Nor, apparently are they concerned with the precedent of having so many breach the security of the U.S. Capitol.

It's not over yet.

JOURNAL ENTRY #133 Steve Lightle

I woke up Friday morning to find out I lost a friend.  Steve Lightle, an artist who used to draw for Marvel and DC Comics passed away early Friday morning.  His son posted on Facebook that he had a cardiac arrest.  Steve's wife later posted that the doctor said that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and that the cardiac arrest was in connection with that.  

Lightle was one of my favorite pencillers.  He drew The Legion of Super Heroes during the 1980s.  I didn't know him personally though.  We were Facebook friends, and normally that is a totally different type of friendship.  However, unlike a lot of folks you meet on Facebook, Steve would interact with you.  He would regularly post and you could ask him anything.  Well, mostly anything.  Steve was one of the more human people on Facebook and he wasn't going to tolerate nastiness or bigotry on his page.  He would speak out against racial injustice and inequality.  He wold speak his mind against the right wing nuts who ranted on about their right to not wear a mask during this pandemic.  Ironically, it was the virus that helped take his life.

I feel cheated.  I lost a contact and a friend, though I never got to physically shake his hand.  And lost him to a virus he took seriously.  Meanwhile, there are people all over the country who refuse to wear a mask or socially distance themselves in hopes of getting this pandemic over with and they are still here.  Steve Lightle, a husband, father and grandfather, follows the rules and still gets sick.

Rest in Peace Steve.  I am glad to have met you, even if it was just Facebook,  My prayers go out to your family.

JOURNAL ENTRY #132: OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD...BORED WITH COVID

 As of today, over 21 million Americans have reportedly caught covid-19.    This includes over one million New Yorkers and nearly 457 K people from New York City.  More than 38 K New Yorkers have died from the virus.  We have been dealing with this pandemic for a little more than a year and have been hit specifically since March.    As of this date, people are still divided about how to respond to this.  People still don't want to mask up or socially distance themselves.  I am bored with it.

I have already stated that I have my doubts about everything I have heard.  No, I don't trust the government.  This doesn't mean I am going to take a chance and expose myself.

I have an occasionally intelligent right-wing African-American friend who recently told me that we should reopen the country and that we are living in fear.  According to him, we are always going to face viruses and we should just get on with our lives.  Like I said, occasionally intelligent.  The number of casualties and fatalities indicates we should be doing more.   The actions indicate that a lot more of us will get sick and die from the coronavirus.

When it comes to the reactions to covid-19 I have found that some of the biggest problems come from people who are resistant to change.  From March, people have dealt with this disaster as if it is temporary.  It may just be.  However, learning about recent new strains of the virus tells me that we may be in this routine for a very long time.  The vaccine that is being given out isn't a cure for covid-19.  Like the influenza vaccine, you can still get sick.  So even if 95% of the country gets vaccinated, we would still need to wear masks, and socially distancing would be the smart thing to do.  

I mentioned months ago that we should have been prepared for this. Teleworking is something we should have enforced a decade ago.  Maxi-flex hours and alternate work schedules should have been done by the majority of jobs, private industry, and civil service.  But why aren't we having a discussion about Covid in 2022?  Truth be told an intelligent society SHOULD be having that talk about a worst-case scenario meaning we never get rid of this virus.   We lost lives and jobs because we weren't prepared for today.    Why aren't we taking measures to make sure we aren't standing with our pants down in July, December, or next year.  How do we do this?  What should we be focused on?  

Well, the worry now is that hospitals are going to be overwhelmed by the number of infected.  I am no expert, but how about a long term plan on how to deal with the maximum amount of civilians, except placing them and treating them based on how sick they are?  We are doing that on some scale now, but we may need to start brainstorming more ways.  Off the top of my head, how about using some things not being used now?  How about using the ships and yachts which are no longer able to run cruises for patients needing basic care?  Or creating Urgent Care Facilities in neighborhoods, near the testing sites, to house people with mild symptoms?  

New York City restaurants are getting hit hard compared to restaurants upstate.   Why aren't we trying to develop ways the restaurants can do business in the cold?  You mean a group of people with money vested in that industry can't brainstorm how to make a living without people packing into a restaurant at the same time?

Sports baffles me the most.  Teams with players making millions of dollars to do something we dream of doing should be able to quarantine for the length of their season. I make less than a fraction of that to work from home and readjust my life and it works fine.  Getting 25 baseball players together for a few months into a reasonably sized bubble shouldn't be that hard for the salary they make.  We only think it is unreasonable because we believe the pandemic will be over during the summer.  What if it isn't?  Are we that stubborn to not deal with the future?  Or are some of us just like people who can't let go of their rotary dial telephones, thinking one day we will have a need for them?

JOURNAL ENTRY #131: Another New Year

I brought in the new year quieter than ever for 2021.    I have brought in the New Year by myself in the past but this is the first time I ever brought in the new year in the apartment, alone.  Thank the pandemic.

I have been arguing with right-wingers about the pandemic.  You know, folks who like to say things stern and mean so they make you think their way of thinking is the right way.  Anyway, their argument is to open the city and stop succumbing to fear. And "it's just a virus".  Stupid stuff like that. It's not just a virus.  Stop comparing it to the flu.  In my lifetime I don't recall any famous person dying from the influenza virus.  This is different.  Granted, there is a high survival rate, but the death toll is still staggering. And the flu never left as many people incapacitated.  People have had neurological problems after dealing with Covid-19.

As I mentioned in the past that I am for mask-wearing and social distancing.  I am also for creating new ways to do business.  It is called evolving.  It is 2021.  We should have been teleworking more for a decade now.  We should have broken up the workday a decade ago.  That wouldn't have been a cure, but it would have made stricter social distancing a lot easier.  And it is better than thinking we can just continue doing what we were doing two years ago.  Anyway, I put most of the blame on them for why the infection numbers are spiking as well as the deaths from this coronavirus.  In any case, because of the pandemic, I spent a very quiet New Year in the apartment by myself.

I didn't have any resolutions last year, partly because I was still dealing with my mother's death.  I have a few though for 2021:

1.  Try to eat better   Incorporate my vegetables and fruits into my diet.
2.  Prepare to retire.  I have a few years left, but now is the time to start preparing to go

3.  Lose a few pounds.  Difficult, but if I am successful at item 1, I can lose some weight.

4.  Visit four cities and one new place.

5.  Purge my apartment of excess crap.

6.  Blog more.  At least once a week for both of my blogs.

I have already set things up at my apartment to eat better.  I have a deep fryer, an air fryer, and a crockpot so I can cook in different ways..  I bought a freezer recently so I can get more chicken and fish and cook better options.  I can also get fruit and make my smoothies and probably juice more.

Losing weight will be hard since I now work from home.  I have to maintain, then during the spring, get a bike and exercise more.  Thankfully, I have not over-indulged since the pandemic started.  I do need to exercise more though.

Last year I visited Maine, Baltimore,  and toured Boston while I was traveling to Maine.  I am going back to Maine in 2021 and I might actually visit Boston for a couple of days.  I would like to revisit Detroit and Toronto, two cities I had to cancel last year because of the pandemic.  If the pandemic continues I am thinking about going to Buffalo

I did a pretty good job of getting rid of a lot of paper from my apartment during 2020.  I am doing more before May.

I feel like writing again and taking pictures, so look for more blogs during 2021.