huffpost--2020-03-16--'Westworld' Is Back Online For Season 3, But Is It Functioning?

Bill Bradley : Leigh , Season 1 of “ Westworld ” was confusing with a purpose .
Season 2 felt confusing to be confusing .
Now , Season 3 is ready to “ make money , motherfuckers.
” To be honest , the first episode almost felt like the greatest hits of “ Black Mirror ” mixed with “ Avengers ” and a little bit of Bravo ’ s “ Below Deck.
” People have to keep their stats up , there ’ s a crime-sharing app , Bernard seems to be Thanos working on a farm and chef has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s still confusing as heck .
LB : Still confusing ?
That rundown was confusing , Bill .
But yes , let ’ s break down that crime app RICO and Aaron Paul ’ s new character , construction-working criminal veteran Caleb .
What are your thoughts ?
I ’ m into Cal and find his storyline to be the most compelling so far .
BB : I wonder if “ Black Mirror ” exists in “ Westworld ” ?
Because I think if Aaron Paul ’ s Cal saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , “ Why the hell is my life on Netflix ?
” Caleb is every “ Black Mirror ” character rolled into one , and I ’ m into it .
He ’ s talking with dead friends , he ’ s got shitty stats and he ’ s on a Task Rabbit app for crime , which is my favorite thing of the new season .
In his initial gig , we see from the app , he meets up with Lena Waithe and Marshawn Lynch to rob an ATM .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but , like , is it free to sign up ?
Also , Lynch seems to have his NFL number , 24 , in his crime app screen name , assuming he ’ s g1ggl3s24 , and a shirt which seems to reveal his moods .
Do you get a free shirt with a download ?
Does anyone know ?

Bill Bradley: Leigh, Season 1 of “Westworld” was confusing with a purpose. Season 2 felt confusing to be confusing. Now, Season 3 is ready to “make money, motherfuckers.” To be honest, the first episode almost felt like the greatest hits of “Black Mirror” mixed with “Avengers” and a little bit of Bravo’s “Below Deck.” People have to keep their stats up, there’s a crime-sharing app, Bernard seems to be Thanos working on a farm and chef has dinner ready! All that being said, it’s still confusing as heck.
LB: Still confusing? That rundown was confusing, Bill. But yes, let’s break down that crime app RICO and Aaron Paul’s new character, construction-working criminal veteran Caleb. What are your thoughts? I’m into Cal and find his storyline to be the most compelling so far.
The Characters Are Back Online
BB: I wonder if “Black Mirror” exists in “Westworld”? Because I think if Aaron Paul’s Cal saw the show, he’d be like, “Why the hell is my life on Netflix?” Caleb is every “Black Mirror” character rolled into one, and I’m into it. He’s talking with dead friends, he’s got shitty stats and he’s on a Task Rabbit app for crime, which is my favorite thing of the new season. In his initial gig, we see from the app, he meets up with Lena Waithe and Marshawn Lynch to rob an ATM. I’m not a criminal, but, like, is it free to sign up? Also, Lynch seems to have his NFL number, 24, in his crime app screen name, assuming he’s g1ggl3s24, and a shirt which seems to reveal his moods. Do you get a free shirt with a download? Does anyone know?


huffpost--2020-03-16--Grocery Store Anxiety Is A Real Thing. Here's How To Overcome It.

And that ’ s without a global pandemic .
The coronavirus outbreak is sending shoppers to the store in doomsday-like droves .
Packed aisles , noisy carts and decision-making overload ― which cause pit-in-the-stomach stress on an ordinary grocery trip ― are now at an all-time high .
A general misunderstanding of how the virus spreads doesn ’ t help .
Supermarket industry expert Phil Lempert also attributes in-store stress to the overwhelming number of options .
“ If we take a look at an average store , it has about 40,000 different products , ” he told HuffPost .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ among grocers , they do have their eye on it .
“ What we ’ re seeing now , for example , is retailers curating offerings .
They may not have 100 bottles of olive oil .
They may have 10 that are more relevant.
” While having fewer options can help those who struggle with decisions , it ’ s only a fraction of the larger problem — a problem that Chapman said affects shoppers across a spectrum of stress .
“ Grocery store anxiety is on a continuum , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the people who can ’ t wait to go to the grocery store .
On the other end would be the extreme cases , like agoraphobia.
” Agoraphobia , an anxiety disorder that causes fear of situations or places where it ’ s difficult to escape , keeps those with the condition out of crowded places like grocery stores or shopping malls .
The National Institution of Mental Health estimates 1.3 % of U.S. adults struggle with agoraphobia during their lives , which means that same percentage either suffers through grocery store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Most people who avoid going places like the grocery store do so not necessarily because of , say , food selections , it has more to do with being in a place where escape might be difficult or embarrassing in the event of having a panic attack , ” Chapman said .
According to the Mayo Clinic , agoraphobia often develops after a person has experienced a panic attack , which typically stems from a biological predisposition paired with “ generalized and specific learning experiences that teach the individual to perceive the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Chapman said .
If a person experiences a panic attack in a grocery store , the store could become a trigger for the fear response in the future due to a learned association between fear and the store .
Lempert said stores across the country are attempting to curb anxiety through welcoming aesthetics .
Some stores now use wood interiors , warm lighting and wall ivy to make shoppers more comfortable while muffling anxiety-triggering sounds like shopping carts and loud speakers .
Others , like ShopRite , even offer in-store registered dieticians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ ll be bold and say it is fixable , ” he said .
“ You can program the memory structure in your brain to see grocery stores as shrug emoji instead of ‘ Jaws ’ music .
First , you have to change your anxious appraisals about the grocery store in and of itself.
” This is cognitive behavioral therapy at its core .
Chapman tells his clients to pick more flexible , neutral thoughts about going to the grocery store .
“ It could be that the grocery store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , but it ’ s not that big of a deal , ” he said .
“ The generation of different thoughts leads me to be more confident in my approach.
” From here , he urges exposure therapy by facing the grocery store multiple times — in all types of circumstances ( yes , even on Super Bowl weekend or Sunday afternoons ) .
“ Vary the day of the week , whether you ’ re going with or without someone , leaving your phone in the car — these are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Speaking of variables , Chapman is not a believer in solely shopping during off times or having a grocery buddy .
This triggers what he describes as “ safety signals , ” which make anxious shoppers feel better in the moment , but can backfire in the long run .
“ It ’ s best to get used to any variable that occurs because it ’ s kind of like you ’ re saying to your brain , “ Even if I face 25 variables — and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack — that must mean grocery stores aren ’ t dangerous , ” he said .
Chapman suggests a similar approach for his agoraphobia clients , although he recommends they confront their physical limitations , too .
“ If someone is sensitive to their heart racing [ before grocery shopping ] , I might get that person to run in place for a whole minute before going to Kroger , because they ’ re confronting the symptoms and the situation , ” he said .
“ People in higher-weight bodies tend to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ re going to be judged , ” she said .
“ There are all kinds of nightmare stories out there , like people commenting on what the person is buying , or the silent judging.
” To help those struggling , Turner said a smile or non-food-related conversation with fellow shoppers could help .
“ If you notice someone is having a difficult time in the grocery store , have a positive conversation with them , ” she said .
“ Don ’ t get into their business , just be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

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Groceries are an essential part of life, but food shopping is no walk in the park for those with anxiety.
And that’s without a global pandemic. The coronavirus outbreak is sending shoppers to the store in doomsday-like droves. Packed aisles, noisy carts and decision-making overload ― which cause pit-in-the-stomach stress on an ordinary grocery trip ― are now at an all-time high. A general misunderstanding of how the virus spreads doesn’t help.
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Even without an outbreak, psychologists can attest: Grocery store anxiety is absolutely real — and many are struggling with it now more than ever.
According to Kevin Chapman, a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety-related disorders, grocery store anxiety is common. Like other forms of anxiety, it stems from the inability to control the experience.
“The essence of anxiety is thoughts of uncontrollability and unpredictability of a future event,” Chapman told HuffPost. Grocery stores are filled with uncertainty — think parking spots, crowds, food decisions, malfunctioning self-checkout scanners and unbearable cashier lines. That’s why they’re a hotbed of anxiety triggers, Chapman said.
Supermarket industry expert Phil Lempert also attributes in-store stress to the overwhelming number of options. “If we take a look at an average store, it has about 40,000 different products,” he told HuffPost. While anxiety is not a top concern among grocers, they do have their eye on it. “What we’re seeing now, for example, is retailers curating offerings. They may not have 100 bottles of olive oil. They may have 10 that are more relevant.”
Advertisement
Grocery store anxiety is on a severity continuum.
While having fewer options can help those who struggle with decisions, it’s only a fraction of the larger problem — a problem that Chapman said affects shoppers across a spectrum of stress. “Grocery store anxiety is on a continuum,” he said. “On one end you have the people who can’t wait to go to the grocery store. On the other end would be the extreme cases, like agoraphobia.”
Agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder that causes fear of situations or places where it’s difficult to escape, keeps those with the condition out of crowded places like grocery stores or shopping malls. The National Institution of Mental Health estimates 1.3% of U.S. adults struggle with agoraphobia during their lives, which means that same percentage either suffers through grocery store trips or avoids the store altogether.
RapidEye via Getty Images The National Institution of Mental Health estimates 1.3% of U.S. adults struggle with agoraphobia during their lives, which means that same percentage either suffers through grocery store trips, or avoids the store altogether.
“Most people who avoid going places like the grocery store do so not necessarily because of, say, food selections, it has more to do with being in a place where escape might be difficult or embarrassing in the event of having a panic attack,” Chapman said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, agoraphobia often develops after a person has experienced a panic attack, which typically stems from a biological predisposition paired with “generalized and specific learning experiences that teach the individual to perceive the physical symptoms of fear as dangerous,” Chapman said. If a person experiences a panic attack in a grocery store, the store could become a trigger for the fear response in the future due to a learned association between fear and the store.
Advertisement
Can you overcome grocery store anxiety?
Lempert said stores across the country are attempting to curb anxiety through welcoming aesthetics. Some stores now use wood interiors, warm lighting and wall ivy to make shoppers more comfortable while muffling anxiety-triggering sounds like shopping carts and loud speakers. Others, like ShopRite, even offer in-store registered dieticians to help customers with food decisions.
While these adjustments are all well and good, Chapman said facing even the worst grocery stores head-on is the only long-term cure for this kind of anxiety.
“I’ll be bold and say it is fixable,” he said. “You can program the memory structure in your brain to see grocery stores as shrug emoji instead of ‘Jaws’ music. First, you have to change your anxious appraisals about the grocery store in and of itself.”
This is cognitive behavioral therapy at its core. Chapman tells his clients to pick more flexible, neutral thoughts about going to the grocery store. “It could be that the grocery store is not that crowded, or it is, but it’s not that big of a deal,” he said. “The generation of different thoughts leads me to be more confident in my approach.”
From here, he urges exposure therapy by facing the grocery store multiple times — in all types of circumstances (yes, even on Super Bowl weekend or Sunday afternoons). “Vary the day of the week, whether you’re going with or without someone, leaving your phone in the car — these are all variables that manage the associated distress,” he said.
Advertisement
Speaking of variables, Chapman is not a believer in solely shopping during off times or having a grocery buddy. This triggers what he describes as “safety signals,” which make anxious shoppers feel better in the moment, but can backfire in the long run. “It’s best to get used to any variable that occurs because it’s kind of like you’re saying to your brain, “Even if I face 25 variables — and I still don’t have a panic attack — that must mean grocery stores aren’t dangerous,” he said.
RapidEye via Getty Images The average grocery store offers about 40,000 different products, according to supermarket industry expert Phil Lempert.
Chapman suggests a similar approach for his agoraphobia clients, although he recommends they confront their physical limitations, too. “If someone is sensitive to their heart racing [before grocery shopping], I might get that person to run in place for a whole minute before going to Kroger, because they’re confronting the symptoms and the situation,” he said.
Judgment is a lesser-known grocery store stressor.
According to Chevese Turner, chief policy and strategy officer at the National Eating Disorders Association, another form of grocery store anxiety stems from judgmental glances cast by fellow shoppers. This is particularly tough for those in higher-weight bodies, due to internal and external stigmas and pressures.
“People in higher-weight bodies tend to be anxious about grocery shopping because they know they’re going to be judged,” she said. “There are all kinds of nightmare stories out there, like people commenting on what the person is buying, or the silent judging.”
Advertisement
To help those struggling, Turner said a smile or non-food-related conversation with fellow shoppers could help. “If you notice someone is having a difficult time in the grocery store, have a positive conversation with them,” she said. “Don’t get into their business, just be friendly. It could make their day.”


huffpost--2020-03-16--Box Office Craters As Coronavirus Pandemic Keeps Moviegoers At Home

LOS ANGELES , March 15 , ( Variety.com ) - Much of public life in the United States essentially ground to a halt this week .
In the entertainment world , theme parks shut down , Broadway went dark , studios pulled major tentpoles from their release calendar , and virtually all Hollywood movies and TV shows halted production as coronavirus continues to rapidly spread across North America .
The exhibition industry , a sector of the film business reliant on the communal experience , has been the one institution reluctant to entirely close its doors amid the ongoing public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears of coronavirus didn ’ t appear to impact moviegoing .
But this weekend ’ s box office results display that significantly fewer people are going to their local multiplex .
Ticket sales in North America hit the lowest levels in over two decades , generating roughly $ 55.3 million between Friday and Sunday .
Only one movie , Disney-Pixar ’ s “ Onward , ” made more than $ 10 million over the weekend .
The last time revenues were this depressed was a weekend in mid-September of 2000 ( $ 54.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the year-to-date box office down almost 9 % , according to Comscore .
Domestic receipts were inevitably going to plummet this weekend because AMC and Regal , two of the biggest movie theater chains , and several other circuits like Alamo Drafthouse and Arclight , cut capacity in individual auditoriums by 50 % to avoid crowding .
Reducing the number of tickets sold per theater helped multiplexes comply with Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for “ social distancing.
” Theaters also kept room between rows and seats to ensure patrons had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champion , Disney-Pixar ’ s “ Onward , ” remained the No .
1 movie at the domestic box office , as three new films opened to varying degrees of disappointment .
“ Onward ” pulled in $ 10.5 million in its second outing , a brutal 73 % decline from its inaugural weekend .
After two weeks of release , “ Onward ” has made $ 60.8 million in North America and $ 101 million globally .
Faith-based drama “ I Still Believe , ” from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and placed second on box office charts .
The film , starring KJ Apa as Christian singer Jeremy Camp , earned $ 9.5 million from 3,250 theaters , slightly below expectations .
“ I Still Believe ” was directed by brothers Andrew and Jon Erwin , whose last collaboration , 2018′s “ I Can Only Imagine , ” debuted to $ 17 million and ended up grossing $ 86 million .
“ I Still Believe ” has an “ A ” CinemaScore and is performing strongest in the south and midwest .
Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female and 73 % were over the age of 25 .
Sony ’ s superhero thriller “ Bloodshot , ” starring Vin Diesel , launched at No .
3 , bringing in $ 9.3 million from 2,861 venues .
Though only slightly behind the studio ’ s projections , it ’ s still a disappointing result for a film that cost $ 45 million to produce .
“ Bloodshot ” ― which earned a “ B ” CinemaScore from audiences ― was co-financed by Columbia Pictures , Bona Film Group and Cross Creek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds to non- “ Fast and Furious ” endeavors , although in this case , the virus certainly didn ’ t help draw ticket buyers .
“ The Hunt , ” an R-rated political satire from Universal and Blumhouse , came in fifth place with $ 5.3 million from 3,028 locations , about half of what was expected heading into the weekend .
It carries a $ 14 million price tag .
“ The Hunt ” had been the subject of controversy since it was initially slated for last September .
But Universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass shootings , as well as intense media scrutiny after President Donald Trump criticized it on Twitter .
The film , meant to poke fun at the divide between red and blue states , follows elites who kidnap and prey on average Americans for sport .
In an early trailer , those being hunted were referred to as “ deplorables.
” Universal turned the turmoil into a marketing play , calling it the “ most talked about movie of the year that nobody has seen ... yet.
” However , once moviegoers did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed somewhat apathetic .
It has a “ C+ ” CinemaScore and a 54 % average on Rotten Tomatoes .
“ The Hunt ” came in behind fellow studio release , “ The Invisible Man , ” now in its third frame .
The Elisabeth Moss-led sci-fi thriller generated $ 6 million , enough for the No .
4 spot .
So far , “ The Invisible Man ” has a cumulative tally of $ 64.4 million in the U.S. and Canada and $ 122 million worldwide .
Though most theaters in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China , South Korea , Italy and other areas greatly impacted by coronavirus have either completely or partially have shuttered multiplexes for weeks .
The mass closures have already resulted in billions of dollars in lost revenues .
In light of concerns over coronavirus , exhibitors in the U.S. that stayed open for business took extra precautions to increase sanitation .
That included sterilizing seats , arm rests and cup holders more frequently and disinfecting all hand-contact surfaces during peak times .
Studio executives and media analysts recognize the global box office is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfolding at a rapid pace .
By last Thursday , most major Hollywood films that were set to hit theaters over the next two months ― including Disney ’ s “ Mulan , ” Paramount ’ s “ A Quiet Place Part II , ” Universal ’ s “ Fast 9 ” and MGM ’ s “ No Time to Die ” ― had been removed from release calendars as the virus ’ s infection rate continues to increase .
That means even if theaters do keep the lights on , the volume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

LOADING ERROR LOADING
LOS ANGELES, March 15, (Variety.com) - Much of public life in the United States essentially ground to a halt this week. In the entertainment world, theme parks shut down, Broadway went dark, studios pulled major tentpoles from their release calendar, and virtually all Hollywood movies and TV shows halted production as coronavirus continues to rapidly spread across North America.
The exhibition industry, a sector of the film business reliant on the communal experience, has been the one institution reluctant to entirely close its doors amid the ongoing public heath crisis. Prior to Friday, fears of coronavirus didn’t appear to impact moviegoing. But this weekend’s box office results display that significantly fewer people are going to their local multiplex.
Advertisement
Ticket sales in North America hit the lowest levels in over two decades, generating roughly $55.3 million between Friday and Sunday. Only one movie, Disney-Pixar’s “Onward,” made more than $10 million over the weekend. The last time revenues were this depressed was a weekend in mid-September of 2000 ($54.5 million). The steep decline pushed the year-to-date box office down almost 9%, according to Comscore.
Domestic receipts were inevitably going to plummet this weekend because AMC and Regal, two of the biggest movie theater chains, and several other circuits like Alamo Drafthouse and Arclight, cut capacity in individual auditoriums by 50% to avoid crowding. Reducing the number of tickets sold per theater helped multiplexes comply with Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for “social distancing.” Theaters also kept room between rows and seats to ensure patrons had ample space.
So in all, low ticket sales were a combination of audiences staying home and theaters capping seating capacity.
“The impact of this unprecedented situation was apparent across many industries,” said Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst with Comscore. “Of course, movie theaters, amidst reduced capacity and an ever-evolving set of circumstances, had a very challenging weekend.”
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Last weekend’s champion, Disney-Pixar’s “Onward,” remained the No. 1 movie at the domestic box office, as three new films opened to varying degrees of disappointment. “Onward” pulled in $10.5 million in its second outing, a brutal 73% decline from its inaugural weekend. After two weeks of release, “Onward” has made $60.8 million in North America and $101 million globally.
Faith-based drama “I Still Believe,” from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company, pulled in the biggest haul among newcomers and placed second on box office charts. The film, starring KJ Apa as Christian singer Jeremy Camp, earned $9.5 million from 3,250 theaters, slightly below expectations. “I Still Believe” was directed by brothers Andrew and Jon Erwin, whose last collaboration, 2018′s “I Can Only Imagine,” debuted to $17 million and ended up grossing $86 million. “I Still Believe” has an “A” CinemaScore and is performing strongest in the south and midwest. Among opening weekend audiences, 74% were female and 73% were over the age of 25.
Sony’s superhero thriller “Bloodshot,” starring Vin Diesel, launched at No. 3, bringing in $9.3 million from 2,861 venues. Though only slightly behind the studio’s projections, it’s still a disappointing result for a film that cost $45 million to produce. “Bloodshot” ― which earned a “B” CinemaScore from audiences ― was co-financed by Columbia Pictures, Bona Film Group and Cross Creek Pictures. Diesel has had trouble attracting crowds to non-“Fast and Furious” endeavors, although in this case, the virus certainly didn’t help draw ticket buyers.
“The Hunt,” an R-rated political satire from Universal and Blumhouse, came in fifth place with $5.3 million from 3,028 locations, about half of what was expected heading into the weekend. It carries a $14 million price tag. “The Hunt” had been the subject of controversy since it was initially slated for last September. But Universal scrapped its release in wake of three mass shootings, as well as intense media scrutiny after President Donald Trump criticized it on Twitter. The film, meant to poke fun at the divide between red and blue states, follows elites who kidnap and prey on average Americans for sport. In an early trailer, those being hunted were referred to as “deplorables.” Universal turned the turmoil into a marketing play, calling it the “most talked about movie of the year that nobody has seen... yet.” However, once moviegoers did watch “The Hunt,” they seemed somewhat apathetic. It has a “C+” CinemaScore and a 54% average on Rotten Tomatoes.
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“The Hunt” came in behind fellow studio release, “The Invisible Man,” now in its third frame. The Elisabeth Moss-led sci-fi thriller generated $6 million, enough for the No. 4 spot. So far, “The Invisible Man” has a cumulative tally of $64.4 million in the U.S. and Canada and $122 million worldwide.
Though most theaters in North America remain open to some degree, China, South Korea, Italy and other areas greatly impacted by coronavirus have either completely or partially have shuttered multiplexes for weeks. The mass closures have already resulted in billions of dollars in lost revenues.
In light of concerns over coronavirus, exhibitors in the U.S. that stayed open for business took extra precautions to increase sanitation. That included sterilizing seats, arm rests and cup holders more frequently and disinfecting all hand-contact surfaces during peak times.
Studio executives and media analysts recognize the global box office is in uncharted territory, with crucial developments unfolding at a rapid pace. By last Thursday, most major Hollywood films that were set to hit theaters over the next two months ― including Disney’s “Mulan,” Paramount’s “A Quiet Place Part II,” Universal’s “Fast 9” and MGM’s “No Time to Die” ― had been removed from release calendars as the virus’s infection rate continues to increase. That means even if theaters do keep the lights on, the volume of content available will have dramatically shrunk.


huffpost--2020-03-16--White House Cancels Annual Easter Egg Roll Out Of COVID-19 Concerns

The White House Easter Egg Roll , scheduled for April 13 , will not take place this year out because @ @ @ @ @ The annual event was officially canceled Monday morning in a statement by first lady Melania @ @ @ @ @ and safety of all Americans must be the first priority , especially right now , @ @ @ @ @ I deeply regret this cancellation , but we need to make difficult decisions in the @ @ @ @ @ country for the long-term .
“ During this time , I encourage everyone to listen @ @ @ @ @ and follow ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) guidelines in order to help @ @ @ @ @ of everyone.
” The White House Easter Egg Roll has been a tradition since 1878 @ @ @ @ @ was in office .
The White House website says it was canceled between 1917-20 because @ @ @ @ @ again in 1943-45 because of World War II .
In addition , no Egg Rolls @ @ @ @ @ of food conservation concerns and White House construction , according to the website .

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The White House Easter Egg Roll, scheduled for April 13, will not take place this year out because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual event was officially canceled Monday morning in a statement by first lady Melania Trump. “The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now,” she said. “I deeply regret this cancellation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short-term to ensure a healthy country for the long-term.
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“During this time, I encourage everyone to listen to state and local officials and follow (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone.”
White House Easter Egg Roll cancelled... pic.twitter.com/XM40VvmlDY — Paul Bedard (@SecretsBedard) March 16, 2020
The White House Easter Egg Roll has been a tradition since 1878, when Rutherford B. Hayes was in office. The White House website says it was canceled between 1917-20 because of World War 1 and again in 1943-45 because of World War II.
In addition, no Egg Rolls were held between 1946-52 because of food conservation concerns and White House construction, according to the website.


huffpost--2020-03-16--Ariana Grande Tears Into Fans Downplaying COVID-19: 'Dangerous and Selfish'

Ariana Grande schooled her fans on Sunday , lambasting those who continue to dismiss the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and urging vocal support for the coronavirus relief bill that is pending in the Senate .
The singer shared a series of messages on social media about the pandemic , blasting people who speak and act irresponsibly because they ’ re not in the high-risk group ― elderly people or those suffering from pre-existing medical conditions ― who are more likely to suffer severely or die from the disease .
“ Please don ’ t turn a blind eye , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredibly dangerous and selfish to take this situation that lightly.
” “ The ‘ we will be fine because we ’ re young ’ mindset is putting people who aren ’ t young and/or healthy in a lot of danger .
You sound stupid and privileged and you need to care more about others .
Like now.
” “ well some of us have to work !
” i understand and entirely support your frustration .
i do not mean to disrespect anyone who doesn ’ t have the privilege of cancelled work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their work .
but , this is a national emergency and a pandemic of global proportion .
— Ariana Grande ( @ ArianaGrande ) March 15 , 2020 Grande asked people to channel their “ understandable ” frustrations and focus on constructive measures in response to the outbreak , such as calling their senators to voice support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act .
The bipartisan economic relief bill , passed by the House Saturday , would guarantee free coronavirus testing , paid leave , enhanced unemployment insurance and other measures to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support h.r.6201 which has passed the house .
this bill will provide people w necessary financial support in terms of paid sick leave / unemployment due to corona virus / isolation / prevention !
please contact your senate to support the passing of this bill !
urgently — Ariana Grande ( @ ArianaGrande ) March 15 , 2020 After days of negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , President Donald Trump eventually endorsed the bill in a tweet late Friday night , ensuring GOP support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-Ky. ) decided to keep the Senate in session this week despite a scheduled recess , and the bill is expected to pass .
As governors across the country announced closures of restaurants , bars and schools , and numerous music , sporting and cultural events were canceled , Grande also threw in a reminder to those continuing with everyday activities or complaining about being inconvenienced by social distancing measures : The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced later on Sunday that they recommend a ban on all gatherings of 50 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because large events can fuel the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus .

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Ariana Grande schooled her fans on Sunday, lambasting those who continue to dismiss the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and urging vocal support for the coronavirus relief bill that is pending in the Senate.
The singer shared a series of messages on social media about the pandemic, blasting people who speak and act irresponsibly because they’re not in the high-risk group ― elderly people or those suffering from pre-existing medical conditions ― who are more likely to suffer severely or die from the disease.
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“Please don’t turn a blind eye,” Grande wrote. “It is incredibly dangerous and selfish to take this situation that lightly.”
“The ‘we will be fine because we’re young’ mindset is putting people who aren’t young and/or healthy in a lot of danger. You sound stupid and privileged and you need to care more about others. Like now.”
“well some of us have to work!”
i understand and entirely support your frustration. i do not mean to disrespect anyone who doesn’t have the privilege of cancelled work or being able to call out of their work. but, this is a national emergency and a pandemic of global proportion. — Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) March 15, 2020
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Grande asked people to channel their “understandable” frustrations and focus on constructive measures in response to the outbreak, such as calling their senators to voice support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
The bipartisan economic relief bill, passed by the House Saturday, would guarantee free coronavirus testing, paid leave, enhanced unemployment insurance and other measures to assist Americans during the pandemic.
please support h.r.6201 which has passed the house. this bill will provide people w necessary financial support in terms of paid sick leave / unemployment due to corona virus / isolation / prevention ! please contact your senate to support the passing of this bill ! urgently — Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) March 15, 2020
After days of negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, President Donald Trump eventually endorsed the bill in a tweet late Friday night, ensuring GOP support.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) decided to keep the Senate in session this week despite a scheduled recess, and the bill is expected to pass.
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As governors across the country announced closures of restaurants, bars and schools, and numerous music, sporting and cultural events were canceled, Grande also threw in a reminder to those continuing with everyday activities or complaining about being inconvenienced by social distancing measures:
like your hip hop yoga class can fucking wait i promise — Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) March 15, 2020


huffpost--2020-03-16--Healthy Eating Is Key To Well Being. So Why Is Hospital Food Always So Bad?

SACRAMENTO , Calif. — The terrible food in hospitals has long been one of the greatest contradictions in health care .
Over the past few years , several doctors have spoken out about the lack of healthy food options and how frustrating it can be to tell their patients to make dietary changes , only to have that guidance undermined by the very hospital treating their patients .
Across the country , medical centers are hiring executive chefs , working closely with nutritionists and dietitians , and striving to ensure that patients with a wide range of dietary needs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need while in the hospital , but the information they need to keep from coming back .
And while the issue of malnutrition in hospitals has been a concern in the United States since the 1970s , it hasn ’ t been studied widely enough to make formal recommendations .
But according to the researchers , approximately 1 in 3 patients in the U.S. are at risk of malnutrition .
Hospitals are already overwhelmed by constrained budgets and competing needs , and now they are also scrambling to cope with the rapidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , providing their patients , staff and visitors with healthier food is one way they can ensure a better overall experience during trying times .
Plus , Rimm said , it ’ s “ such a great opportunity ” for doctors to teach their patients about eating healthier in their daily lives .
This can hopefully reduce or even eliminate diet-based health risks like heart attacks , diabetes , obesity and more .
“ The message and delivery of a healthy diet starts in the hospital during early recovery , ” said Rimm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would expect for physical rehab after a heart attack.
” A number of hospitals in the U.S. are redesigning their food programs for staff , patients and visitors alike , ranging from in-room , patient-centered menus and healthier options in the cafeteria , to more catering options for events like new-hire orientations , graduations and board meetings .
The hope is that healthier food will make hospitals more competitive for recruiting top talent , cut down on staff health care costs associated with unhealthy diets , and enhance patient well-being and recovery .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs of the new program nearly the same as before by replacing disposable plastic cutlery with reusable flatware , by hiring full-time staff instead of relying on hourly employees subject to overtime , and by leveraging the hospital ’ s buying power as one of the largest purchasers in the area .
While the changes cost a little more at the beginning of the program , long-term , he ’ s hoping he can prove that healthier food served on a more convenient schedule will also result in less food waste , saving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keep in mind , if it was easy , everybody would do it .
It ’ s not easy , ” Diaz said .
“ If it was cheap , everyone would do it as well .
It ’ s not cheap .
We need to go in knowing that it ’ s going to cost more.
” The goal , Diaz said during a tour of the facilities at UC Davis , is to rethink “ that plate of food that the patient is receiving , which is colorless , and maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color on the tray is a cup of Jell-O , and maybe it ’ s delivered at times when they ’ re not in their room because they ’ re getting a test , or they ’ re not hungry because of chemo , or because they just received some bad news.
” Instead , he said , health facilities should ask , “ Is it possible that we can source some cool food locally , still adhere to the 38 different diets that we adhere to for patient care , maybe present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , and have it taste like something so they actually consume it and receive the nutrients the hospital is trying to give them ?
” In the two years since Diaz joined UC Davis , the hospital meal program has grown , now serving 71,000 meals a day to patients , staff , residents and even locals who come in to dine in the renowned cafe .
It ’ s the only hospital cafe in the nation to be awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader designation , which recognizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with environmentally responsible methods .
But Diaz and his team aren ’ t operating in a vacuum .
“ We are not some rogue entity , ” he said .
Although Diaz is only making these changes at UC Davis right now , he ’ s hoping his program will ultimately serve as a pilot for all 19 hospitals and health care facilities in the UC system .
“ When we look at the system as a whole , can we show that this can work ?
” “ We ’ re very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coast , and be able to bring in a lot of fresh seafood , a lot of organic products , from grass-fed beef to hormone-free and antibiotic-free poultry from a facility less than a mile from us , ” Dickens continued .
“ People have their preconceived notions of what hospital food is , and we want to break those .
”

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The terrible food in hospitals has long been one of the greatest contradictions in health care. Over the past few years, several doctors have spoken out about the lack of healthy food options and how frustrating it can be to tell their patients to make dietary changes, only to have that guidance undermined by the very hospital treating their patients.
But now, some hospitals are taking note.
Across the country, medical centers are hiring executive chefs, working closely with nutritionists and dietitians, and striving to ensure that patients with a wide range of dietary needs and restrictions are getting not only the nourishment they need while in the hospital, but the information they need to keep from coming back.
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“It is embarrassing in this era of nutritional knowledge and disease prevention that any hospital not offer a range of healthy food options during recovery,” said Dr. Eric Rimm, director of the cardiovascular epidemiology program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Hospital malnutrition affects 30-50% of patients worldwide, according to a September 2019 study published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. “Often patients enter the hospital malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and experience nutrition decline during their stay, placing them at higher risk for adverse outcomes following hospital discharge,” the study says.
And while the issue of malnutrition in hospitals has been a concern in the United States since the 1970s, it hasn’t been studied widely enough to make formal recommendations. But according to the researchers, approximately 1 in 3 patients in the U.S. are at risk of malnutrition.
An increased risk of malnutrition “often leads to poorer outcomes for both the patient and the healthcare system,” states the study, concluding that “patients who have diminished meal intake experience increased mortality risk.”
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Hospital food is often bland and colorless. And studies show that up to 50% of hospital patients around the world are at risk of malnutrition. japatino via Getty Images
Hospitals are already overwhelmed by constrained budgets and competing needs, and now they are also scrambling to cope with the rapidly unfolding coronavirus outbreak. So for some, providing their patients, staff and visitors with healthier food is one way they can ensure a better overall experience during trying times.
Plus, Rimm said, it’s “such a great opportunity” for doctors to teach their patients about eating healthier in their daily lives. This can hopefully reduce or even eliminate diet-based health risks like heart attacks, diabetes, obesity and more. “The message and delivery of a healthy diet starts in the hospital during early recovery,” said Rimm, “in the same way you would expect for physical rehab after a heart attack.”
And it all begins in the hospital’s kitchen.
A number of hospitals in the U.S. are redesigning their food programs for staff, patients and visitors alike, ranging from in-room, patient-centered menus and healthier options in the cafeteria, to more catering options for events like new-hire orientations, graduations and board meetings. The hope is that healthier food will make hospitals more competitive for recruiting top talent, cut down on staff health care costs associated with unhealthy diets, and enhance patient well-being and recovery.
“We’re changing the stigma of hospital food as frozen, bland, not fresh. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.” - Jet Aquirre, executive sous chef at UC Davis
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At the University of Wisconsin Health, patients can order fresh, made-on-demand meals like Asian chicken salad, flatbread pizza or a roast beef sandwich if it’s within a patient’s diet profile. In-room service also extends to people visiting a patient who isn’t able to leave their room to eat.
Meanwhile, MaineHealth, the largest health care provider in the Pine Tree State, has redesigned its cafes to downplay desserts, emphasize fruit and vegetable options on daily menu boards, and prioritize water over sugary drinks.
And some, like UC Davis Medical Center, are taking it one step further.
Two years ago, the hospital, part of the University of California system, hired executive chef Santana Diaz, who had previously served as the founding executive chef at the Golden 1 Center, a sports arena and concert venue in downtown Sacramento.
Diaz was committed to bringing the Sacramento area’s famed Farm to Fork philosophy to the UC Davis food program, which meets a wide range of dietary needs, including for people with heart problems or diabetes. This meant overhauling every aspect of the program, from purchasing to waste, to ensure the entire program was healthy, sustainable and regionally sourced.
Diaz has attempted to keep the overall costs of the new program nearly the same as before by replacing disposable plastic cutlery with reusable flatware, by hiring full-time staff instead of relying on hourly employees subject to overtime, and by leveraging the hospital’s buying power as one of the largest purchasers in the area. While the changes cost a little more at the beginning of the program, long-term, he’s hoping he can prove that healthier food served on a more convenient schedule will also result in less food waste, saving the hospital even more money.
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“Keep in mind, if it was easy, everybody would do it. It’s not easy,” Diaz said. “If it was cheap, everyone would do it as well. It’s not cheap. We need to go in knowing that it’s going to cost more.”
Two members of the UC Davis Health food team who have worked with Diaz to help make healthier hospital meals. Molly McCluskey
The goal, Diaz said during a tour of the facilities at UC Davis, is to rethink “that plate of food that the patient is receiving, which is colorless, and maybe a little bland, and the only color on the tray is a cup of Jell-O, and maybe it’s delivered at times when they’re not in their room because they’re getting a test, or they’re not hungry because of chemo, or because they just received some bad news.”
Instead, he said, health facilities should ask, “Is it possible that we can source some cool food locally, still adhere to the 38 different diets that we adhere to for patient care, maybe present it more colorfully, at more convenient times, and have it taste like something so they actually consume it and receive the nutrients the hospital is trying to give them?”
In the two years since Diaz joined UC Davis, the hospital meal program has grown, now serving 71,000 meals a day to patients, staff, residents and even locals who come in to dine in the renowned cafe. It’s the only hospital cafe in the nation to be awarded the prestigious James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader designation, which recognizes dining establishments serving seafood caught and prepared with environmentally responsible methods.
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“We’re changing the stigma of hospital food as frozen, bland, not fresh,” Jet Aquirre, executive sous chef, told HuffPost. “It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.”
And patients have taken note. Diaz said he and his team have received personal thanks from staff, patients and visitors.
But Diaz and his team aren’t operating in a vacuum. “We are not some rogue entity,” he said. Although Diaz is only making these changes at UC Davis right now, he’s hoping his program will ultimately serve as a pilot for all 19 hospitals and health care facilities in the UC system. “When we look at the system as a whole, can we show that this can work?”
UC Davis Health prioritizes healthy food for all patients. Molly McCluskey
How to prioritize healthy food is a question that chef Christopher Dickens at Southeast Health in Alabama is also asking as the hospital and the food facilities go through a ground-up renovation that’s putting healthier options at the forefront.
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“Our patients can’t choose where they are, how they feel. They just don’t have a lot of choice,” Dickens told HuffPost. “If we don’t do everything in our power to make sure that’s a great experience, then shame on us.”
He explained that the hospital is trying to move away from processed foods, refined sugars and excess oil “so that we can produce a product that truly helps our patient, and our community and our staff, with overall health.”
“We’re very fortunate to be so close to the coast, and be able to bring in a lot of fresh seafood, a lot of organic products, from grass-fed beef to hormone-free and antibiotic-free poultry from a facility less than a mile from us,” Dickens continued. “People have their preconceived notions of what hospital food is, and we want to break those.”
“We know that food is medicine,” said Dickens, “and we need to be ahead of the curve.”
“Our patients can’t choose where they are, how they feel. They just don’t have a lot of choice. If we don’t do everything in our power to make sure that’s a great experience, then shame on us.” - Christopher Dickens, chef at Southeast Health in Alabama
Ultimately, it’s all about trust and helping improve patients’ diets even once they’ve left the hospital, Diaz said. “If you can trust where our food comes from, and you trust that what we’re creating out of our kitchen tastes great, then you can trust that down the road you can eat a little healthier because you’ve been shown and educated that good food, healthy food actually tastes good.”
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At both UC Davis and Southeast Health, teams work with dieticians and nutritionists during the meal planning process in-house as well as engaging in community outreach through local farmers markets or cooking classes targeted toward people with medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Neither hospital has completely overhauled its system yet ― Southeast Health has an on-site Chick-fil-A with a restricted menu, and UC Davis still has some unhealthier options in its grab-and-go cafe, like chips and desserts ― but it’s an ongoing process.
“It’s going to take some training, and it’s going to take more labor,” said Diaz. “but the end goal could be huge.”
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huffpost--2020-03-16--Meghan McCain On GOP's COVID-19 Response: Americans Have 'To Call Out B.S.'

Meghan McCain usually believes conservative policies are the best way to handle problems , but even she has her limits .
On Monday , the co-host of “ The View ” lambasted the way the Trump administration and her fellow Republicans have handled the coronavirus outbreak .
“ The mixed messaging coming out of the White House now is not only irresponsible but it ’ s downright dangerous , ” she said .
“ We have Rep. Devin Nunes going on television saying , Oh , it ’ s OK. Go socialize .
It ’ s OK .
Hug people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also called out President Donald Trump for not following the recommendations made by health officials to minimize the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
“ When you have the president of the United States that can ’ t even handle not shaking hands during a press conference — lead by example !
” she said .
“ I ’ m not seeing a lot of profiles in courage in the White House right now and I think that ’ s what ’ s stoking anxiety.
” At one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News ’ chief medical correspondent and a guest on “ The View , ” suggested not “ pointing the finger ” at the people trying to deal with the crisis .
Although McCain agreed that she didn ’ t want to turn things into a right vs. left battle , she also felt it important to give credit where it was due : “ I also don ’ t like the idea of politicizing it in the sense that it ’ s all Republicans ’ fault or all Democrats ’ fault .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call out B.S .
when we see it.
” She added : “ And when you have people from the administration going on TV saying they don ’ t know if we ’ re going to have enough ventilators , we don ’ t know if our hospitals can handle it .
It is more than fair to have righteous indignation as American citizens that I don ’ t believe they are handling it as well as they should be .
”

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Meghan McCain usually believes conservative policies are the best way to handle problems, but even she has her limits.
On Monday, the co-host of “The View” lambasted the way the Trump administration and her fellow Republicans have handled the coronavirus outbreak.
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“The mixed messaging coming out of the White House now is not only irresponsible but it’s downright dangerous,” she said. “We have Rep. Devin Nunes going on television saying, Oh, it’s OK. Go socialize. It’s OK. Hug people. It’s fine.”
McCain also called out President Donald Trump for not following the recommendations made by health officials to minimize the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
“When you have the president of the United States that can’t even handle not shaking hands during a press conference — lead by example!” she said. “I’m not seeing a lot of profiles in courage in the White House right now and I think that’s what’s stoking anxiety.”
At one point, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News’ chief medical correspondent and a guest on “The View,” suggested not “pointing the finger” at the people trying to deal with the crisis.
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Although McCain agreed that she didn’t want to turn things into a right vs. left battle, she also felt it important to give credit where it was due: “I also don’t like the idea of politicizing it in the sense that it’s all Republicans’ fault or all Democrats’ fault. But it’s our job as citizens to call out B.S. when we see it.”
She added: “And when you have people from the administration going on TV saying they don’t know if we’re going to have enough ventilators, we don’t know if our hospitals can handle it. It is more than fair to have righteous indignation as American citizens that I don’t believe they are handling it as well as they should be.”


huffpost--2020-03-16--Mitt Romney Proposes Sending Americans $1,000 To Deal With Coronavirus Downturn

“ Every American adult should immediately receive $ 1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy , ” the Utah senator and 2012 GOP presidential nominee said in a statement .
“ While expansions of paid leave , unemployment insurance , and SNAP benefits are crucial , the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options.
” The direct payments were part of a package of ideas from Romney , who also proposed providing grants to small businesses , loan deferrals to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover telemedicine and beefing up Pell grants to take the recent epidemic into account .
With his proposal , Romney joins a chorus of economists urging the federal government to move now to send cash to Americans to deal with a severe economic downturn .
Jason Furman , former chief economist to President Barack Obama , recently wrote in The Wall Street Journal that the federal government should send out $ 1,000 checks .
Most economists now agree that the U.S. is likely headed into a recession because of the business slowdown tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun in sectors like travel and hospitality , and stock markets are falling .
The money gives people “ a little buffer .
And a little time , ” said Claudia Sahm , director of macroeconomic policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth and a former section chief at the Federal Reserve , who has researched the effectiveness of direct payments during recessions .
“ I ’ ve talked a lot in the last several weeks about how direct payments to households are a good idea in recession , ” Sahm said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s highly likely we ’ re in a recession and they ’ re a good idea now.
” Sahm noted that the federal government doesn ’ t quite have the infrastructure at the ready to simply mail out checks tomorrow .
She suggested a patchwork of options ― including letting companies adjust withholding in workers ’ paychecks and having the IRS send out tax rebate checks .
Sending out funds is not unprecedented .
Then-President George W. Bush sent out direct payments to Americans in 2001 after the dot com bubble burst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial crisis .
Subsequent research showed that the payments helped lessen the pain of the crisis .
While economists have keyed into the idea of sending out money , only three other lawmakers have so far proposed direct payments to Americans to deal with the pandemic .
Democratic Reps. Tim Ryan of Ohio and Rho Khanna of California proposed sending out checks to Americans earning less than $ 65,000 a year .
Sen. Sherrod Brown ( D-Ohio ) tweeted a similar proposal .
Little has been done for workers who face layoffs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of having their kids home from school .
The Senate is expected to vote this week on a package that would offer a boost to unemployment insurance and food stamps , as well as very limited paid sick leave for workers at small businesses .
“ The House coronavirus response package contains critical measures to help families in Utah and across the nation in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak , and the Senate should act swiftly on this legislation , ” he said .
“ We also urgently need to build on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families and small businesses meet their short-term financial obligations .
”

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Republican Sen. Mitt Romney on Monday proposed sending out a $1,000 check to every American adult to help deal with the increasingly painful economic fallout of the coronavirus.
“Every American adult should immediately receive $1,000 to help ensure families and workers can meet their short-term obligations and increase spending in the economy,” the Utah senator and 2012 GOP presidential nominee said in a statement. “While expansions of paid leave, unemployment insurance, and SNAP benefits are crucial, the check will help fill the gaps for Americans that may not quickly navigate different government options.”
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The direct payments were part of a package of ideas from Romney, who also proposed providing grants to small businesses, loan deferrals to recent graduates, mandating that health insurers cover telemedicine and beefing up Pell grants to take the recent epidemic into account.
With his proposal, Romney joins a chorus of economists urging the federal government to move now to send cash to Americans to deal with a severe economic downturn. Jason Furman, former chief economist to President Barack Obama, recently wrote in The Wall Street Journal that the federal government should send out $1,000 checks.
Most economists now agree that the U.S. is likely headed into a recession because of the business slowdown tied to the coronavirus. Layoffs have already begun in sectors like travel and hospitality, and stock markets are falling.
The money gives people “a little buffer. And a little time,” said Claudia Sahm, director of macroeconomic policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth and a former section chief at the Federal Reserve, who has researched the effectiveness of direct payments during recessions.
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“I’ve talked a lot in the last several weeks about how direct payments to households are a good idea in recession,” Sahm said Monday. “Now I think it’s highly likely we’re in a recession and they’re a good idea now.”
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) pauses to speak to media before a briefing on the coronavirus outbreak on March, 12, 2020. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Sahm noted that the federal government doesn’t quite have the infrastructure at the ready to simply mail out checks tomorrow. She suggested a patchwork of options ― including letting companies adjust withholding in workers’ paychecks and having the IRS send out tax rebate checks.
Sending out funds is not unprecedented. Then-President George W. Bush sent out direct payments to Americans in 2001 after the dot com bubble burst and in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Subsequent research showed that the payments helped lessen the pain of the crisis.
While economists have keyed into the idea of sending out money, only three other lawmakers have so far proposed direct payments to Americans to deal with the pandemic. Democratic Reps. Tim Ryan of Ohio and Rho Khanna of California proposed sending out checks to Americans earning less than $65,000 a year. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) tweeted a similar proposal.
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But thus far, the idea has not caught on more broadly in Congress.
The Federal Reserve, recognizing the economic slowdown, has cut interest rates drastically twice in recent weeks in emergency measures.
Little has been done for workers who face layoffs, cutbacks at work and the added pressure of having their kids home from school.
The Senate is expected to vote this week on a package that would offer a boost to unemployment insurance and food stamps, as well as very limited paid sick leave for workers at small businesses.
Romney said Monday that he supports the legislation but wants to do more.
“The House coronavirus response package contains critical measures to help families in Utah and across the nation in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, and the Senate should act swiftly on this legislation,” he said. “We also urgently need to build on this legislation with additional action to help families and small businesses meet their short-term financial obligations.”
Keep up with the latest updates on the coronavirus at our live blog.


huffpost--2020-03-16--Mar-a-Lago Gets A 'Deep Cleaning' After Party Guests Test Positive For Coronavirus

Mar-a-Lago , which hosted a fundraising weekend for Trump and the Republican National Committee that brought together nearly 1,000 donors earlier this month , was shut down Monday , according to an email obtained by HuffPost .
At least three of the event ’ s attendees later tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
“ Mar a Lago will undergo a thorough deep cleaning of the main house , guest rooms , and dining areas on Monday , March 16th .
Please take note that no one will be permitted to enter the main house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The beach club will remain open .
Deep cleaning of all other areas will follow in the days to come and we will keep you updated.
” The Mar-a-Lago “ deep cleaning ” email , which details which amenities will be available in the coming days , was sent to the club ’ s hundreds of members Saturday evening .
“ There will be no breakfast served in the main house this week , ” it reads .
“ Starting Tuesday , the beach club will offer continental breakfast beginning daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 11:00 am in both the main house and beach club , until further notice .
Dinner will be served as always Tuesday through Saturday evenings in the main house.
” A person who answered the number listed in the email confirmed that a “ deep cleaning ” was underway Monday , but would not say whether it was related to coronavirus .
“ I ’ m not authorized to answer that , ” said the man , who identified himself on the phone as “ Trump security.
” RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinner at Mar-a-Lago on March 6 , which brought in about 900 donors from all over the country .
Donors there gave as much as $ 560,800 .
The money was to be divided among Trump ’ s reelection campaign , the RNC and various state Republican parties .
“ That was the biggest event we ’ d seen for that , ” said one top RNC donor on the condition of anonymity , adding that he is feeling fine but is nevertheless self-quarantining .
Brazil ’ s authoritarian president , Jair Bolsonaro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The weekend also included a birthday party for Kimberly Guilfoyle , the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr. and an adviser to the Trump Victory fundraising committee .
McDaniel came down with “ fever and flu-like symptoms ” on Friday night , according to an RNC spokesperson .
Her doctor in Michigan ordered a test for the virus , but the results are not yet known , the spokesperson said Monday .
Trump announced Saturday that he had been tested for coronavirus , and the White House said hours later that the test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which straddles the barrier island between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean , doubled its initiation fee from $ 100,000 to $ 200,000 right after Trump was elected president in 2016 .
Its profits flow to the Trump Organization , and then to a revocable trust Trump created just before entering office in 2017 .
He is the trust ’ s sole beneficiary .
Exactly how much the resort puts into Trump ’ s personal bank account , however , can not be determined because he has refused to release his tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says he earned $ 22,692,146 from Mar-a-Lago in calendar year 2018 , but Trump appears to conflate net profit with gross revenues , based on a HuffPost analysis of figures he has filed on the document compared to other official filings .

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WASHINGTON — As the federal government grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, an early hot spot for the disease — President Donald Trump’s for-profit Florida country club ― is getting a “deep cleaning.”
Mar-a-Lago, which hosted a fundraising weekend for Trump and the Republican National Committee that brought together nearly 1,000 donors earlier this month, was shut down Monday, according to an email obtained by HuffPost. At least three of the event’s attendees later tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
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“Mar a Lago will undergo a thorough deep cleaning of the main house, guest rooms, and dining areas on Monday, March 16th. Please take note that no one will be permitted to enter the main house all day,” the email reads. “The beach club will remain open. Deep cleaning of all other areas will follow in the days to come and we will keep you updated.”
An email from President Donald Trump's for-profit Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, that details the "deep cleaning." HuffPost US
The Mar-a-Lago “deep cleaning” email, which details which amenities will be available in the coming days, was sent to the club’s hundreds of members Saturday evening.
“There will be no breakfast served in the main house this week,” it reads. “Starting Tuesday, the beach club will offer continental breakfast beginning daily at 10:00 am with lunch service following at 11:00 am in both the main house and beach club, until further notice. Dinner will be served as always Tuesday through Saturday evenings in the main house.”
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The note closes with: “Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!”
A person who answered the number listed in the email confirmed that a “deep cleaning” was underway Monday, but would not say whether it was related to coronavirus. “I’m not authorized to answer that,” said the man, who identified himself on the phone as “Trump security.”
Monday’s cleaning was first reported by CNN. The Trump Organization, the president’s family business that owns Mar-a-Lago, did not respond to HuffPost’s requests for comments.
Trump hosts a working dinner with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 7. Tom Brenner / Reuters
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Trump both went to a fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago on March 6, which brought in about 900 donors from all over the country. Donors there gave as much as $560,800. The money was to be divided among Trump’s reelection campaign, the RNC and various state Republican parties.
“That was the biggest event we’d seen for that,” said one top RNC donor on the condition of anonymity, adding that he is feeling fine but is nevertheless self-quarantining.
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Brazil’s authoritarian president, Jair Bolsonaro, was at the event as well. The weekend also included a birthday party for Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr. and an adviser to the Trump Victory fundraising committee.
On Friday, donors who went to a brunch at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, March 8, were notified that one person in attendance had tested positive.
A Brazilian diplomat stationed in Washington, D.C., who was in attendance later tested positive for COVID-19, as did Bolsonaro’s press aide.
McDaniel came down with “fever and flu-like symptoms” on Friday night, according to an RNC spokesperson. Her doctor in Michigan ordered a test for the virus, but the results are not yet known, the spokesperson said Monday.
Trump announced Saturday that he had been tested for coronavirus, and the White House said hours later that the test had come back negative.
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Mar-a-Lago, which straddles the barrier island between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, doubled its initiation fee from $100,000 to $200,000 right after Trump was elected president in 2016. Its profits flow to the Trump Organization, and then to a revocable trust Trump created just before entering office in 2017. He is the trust’s sole beneficiary.
The resort has charged Secret Service agents who must stay with Trump as much as $650 a night for rooms, according to The Washington Post.
Exactly how much the resort puts into Trump’s personal bank account, however, cannot be determined because he has refused to release his tax returns. His latest financial disclosure statement says he earned $22,692,146 from Mar-a-Lago in calendar year 2018, but Trump appears to conflate net profit with gross revenues, based on a HuffPost analysis of figures he has filed on the document compared to other official filings.


huffpost--2020-03-16--Chuck Schumer Calls For At Least $750 Billion To Help Fight Coronavirus

Schumer said the proposal , which he plans to unveil in detail on Tuesday , would get money into the hands of the American people and include federal funding to fight the spread of the disease .
“ We will need big , bold , urgent federal action to deal with this crisis , ” Schumer said in a statement .
“ The kinds of targeted measures we are putting together will mainline money into the economy and directly into the hands of families that need it most.
” Schumer said the bill would “ ensure our medical professionals have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and equipment – they need to provide treatment and keep Americans safe , among other people-focused initiatives.
” The proposal represents the opening bid from Democrats for a larger federal response to the crisis .
However , what the package ultimately looks like will depend on Senate Republicans , who control the chamber .
“ The Senate stands with you .
We stand with American workers and families , ” McConnell said in a speech on the floor , acknowledging the many Americans across the country who are unable to telework to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Kentucky Republican did not take a stance on more modest legislation the House passed last week that included provisions to stem the financial fallout for families affected by the spread of the virus , including instituting paid sick leave for some employees .
He said the Senate would consider the bill when the House formally transmits it , something that is expected later on Monday after some last-minute changes .
“ We can not consider the legislation until we get it , ” McConnell said , adding that the bill “ can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s response to the crisis .
Some Senate Republicans have expressed concerns about the House bill , however , particularly with its provisions regarding paid sick leave .
Sen. Rick Scott ( R-Fla. ) , for example , said the way the bill would reimburse businesses for the cost of sick leave ― via tax credits issued by the government ― “ could take too long to get to small businesses that are struggling now to keep their doors open.
” Other Republicans floated more urgent and direct ways to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the economic effects of the virus .
Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) said Monday that he supported the House bill , even as he urged further action by the Senate , like sending all adult Americans a $ 1,000 check .
Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-Ark . )
also endorsed giving Americans “ cash stipends.
” However , he warned the House bill didn ’ t go far enough and suggested he wanted to see changes before he got on board .
Asked about the House bill during a press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump suggested broadening paid sick leave to employers with more than 500 employees ― something House Republicans and his own treasury secretary , who helped negotiate the bill , have opposed .
If the Senate does decide to make changes to the House bill , that could significantly delay its passage .
That ’ s why Democrats are calling on Republicans to focus on additional measures after the House bill has been signed into law .

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WASHINGTON ― Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced that Democrats are preparing a relief bill totaling at least $750 billion in response to the growing coronavirus outbreak that is battering the nation.
Schumer said the proposal, which he plans to unveil in detail on Tuesday, would get money into the hands of the American people and include federal funding to fight the spread of the disease.
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“We will need big, bold, urgent federal action to deal with this crisis,” Schumer said in a statement. “The kinds of targeted measures we are putting together will mainline money into the economy and directly into the hands of families that need it most.”
The plan includes measures that would boost hospital capacity, unemployment insurance, affordability of coronavirus treatments, forbearance of all federal loans, small business assistance, child care, remote learning, food delivery and public transportation costs, among other provisions.
Schumer said the bill would “ensure our medical professionals have all the resources – including physical space and equipment – they need to provide treatment and keep Americans safe, among other people-focused initiatives.”
The proposal represents the opening bid from Democrats for a larger federal response to the crisis. However, what the package ultimately looks like will depend on Senate Republicans, who control the chamber.
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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Monday that the Senate will take steps to assist Americans facing financial challenges, secure the economy, and bolster the nation’s health care system.
“The Senate stands with you. We stand with American workers and families,” McConnell said in a speech on the floor, acknowledging the many Americans across the country who are unable to telework to help fight the spread of the disease.
The Kentucky Republican did not take a stance on more modest legislation the House passed last week that included provisions to stem the financial fallout for families affected by the spread of the virus, including instituting paid sick leave for some employees. He said the Senate would consider the bill when the House formally transmits it, something that is expected later on Monday after some last-minute changes.
“We cannot consider the legislation until we get it,” McConnell said, adding that the bill “can only be the beginning” of the government’s response to the crisis.
Some Senate Republicans have expressed concerns about the House bill, however, particularly with its provisions regarding paid sick leave. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), for example, said the way the bill would reimburse businesses for the cost of sick leave ― via tax credits issued by the government ― “could take too long to get to small businesses that are struggling now to keep their doors open.”
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Other Republicans floated more urgent and direct ways to get money into the hands of people suffering from the economic effects of the virus. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said Monday that he supported the House bill, even as he urged further action by the Senate, like sending all adult Americans a $1,000 check. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also endorsed giving Americans “cash stipends.” However, he warned the House bill didn’t go far enough and suggested he wanted to see changes before he got on board.
Asked about the House bill during a press conference at the White House, President Donald Trump suggested broadening paid sick leave to employers with more than 500 employees ― something House Republicans and his own treasury secretary, who helped negotiate the bill, have opposed.
“I think they may make it even better,” Trump said Monday of the Senate’s potential changes to the bill.
If the Senate does decide to make changes to the House bill, that could significantly delay its passage. That’s why Democrats are calling on Republicans to focus on additional measures after the House bill has been signed into law.
“The Senate should take up this bill and pass it immediately by consent today,” Schumer said Monday in a speech on the floor.
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huffpost--2020-03-06--Want To Fend Off A Coronavirus Recession? Send People Money.

Just this week , fresh off an emergency call with central bank leaders around the world , the Federal Reserve cut interest rates ― a somewhat surprising move coming about two weeks before its next scheduled meeting .
It was the first emergency rate cut by the Fed since the financial crisis in 2008 and a strong signal that the central bank is taking the threat of the virus seriously .
Think of it like this : If more people get sick , more people can ’ t work .
Businesses become less productive and ailing workers without paid sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( They might also go to work sick . )
Meanwhile , others who are either sick or afraid of catching the virus stop going out and spending money .
Crucially , all the people out of work will still need money for food and housing costs .
The new record-low mortgage rates aren ’ t going to solve that immediate problem ― especially not for renters .
Nearly 4 in 10 adults would have trouble handling a $ 400 emergency expense , according to a recent study from the Federal Reserve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recession or when people have immediate financial distress is you want to give them the money right away , ” said Claudia Sahm , director of macroeconomic policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth and a former section chief at the Federal Reserve who has researched the effectiveness of direct payments during recessions .
It ’ s worth emphasizing that the first and most critical way to shore up the economy and calm a worried stock market is to aggressively contain the virus and treat the sick .
The sooner the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better it will be for people ’ s lives and pocketbooks .
The federal government has given out cash before .
In 2008 , as part of its stimulus efforts during the financial crisis , the George W. Bush administration sent out checks for $ 600 to single taxpayers and $ 1,200 to married couples ― with $ 300 extra for each child in the home .
In 2001 , Bush sent checks to manage the dip from the dotcom bust .
Subsequent research found that those checks worked : People spent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy .
To be clear , the economy is not in recession now .
But to fend off a downturn kicked into effect by the outbreak , one of the best things the federal government could do right now would be to get money to those who are sick or have to stay home with someone who is , Sahm said .
It ’ s tough to imagine the Trump administration , not exactly known for supporting efforts to help low-income workers or effectively implementing policy , pulling this off .
Yet there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to give people money .
The administration has floated the idea of a payroll tax cut , akin to the one implemented during the Obama administration .
This would boost workers ’ paychecks , but it isn ’ t a perfect solution .
First of all , a higher paycheck only helps people who are actually getting paid .
Those who are sick and home without paid leave and those who lose their jobs are out of luck .
Second , a payroll tax cut would put more money into the hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that puts 2 % of your income back in your pocket is worth $ 2,000 for someone making $ 100,000 a year , but just $ 600 for someone making $ 30,000 ― and that ’ s spread out over a year .
The idea of simply giving people money has captured recent public attention .
Annie Lowery , a writer at The Atlantic , published a book last year called “ Give People Money , ” making the case for a universal basic income .
Andrew Yang ran for president on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea for fighting off a virus-sparked recession would be a one-off , distinct from those proposals that involve long-term cash transfers from government to citizens .

Illustration: Rebecca Zisser/HuffPost; Photos: Getty
Interest rate cuts won’t blunt the economic impact of a pandemic. Yet as the threat of the coronavirus threatens to tip the U.S. economy into a slump, that seems to be the federal government’s preferred solution.
Just this week, fresh off an emergency call with central bank leaders around the world, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates ― a somewhat surprising move coming about two weeks before its next scheduled meeting. It was the first emergency rate cut by the Fed since the financial crisis in 2008 and a strong signal that the central bank is taking the threat of the virus seriously.
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The problem is that cutting interest rates, which were already very low, isn’t likely to do much to solve the kinds of economic problems posed by a virus.
Think of it like this: If more people get sick, more people can’t work. Businesses become less productive and ailing workers without paid sick leave don’t earn money. (They might also go to work sick.) Meanwhile, others who are either sick or afraid of catching the virus stop going out and spending money.
Restaurants, shops, movie theaters, hotels ― all see less business. More workers lose their jobs. Fewer people have money to spend. It’s classic cause-a-recession kind of stuff; the U.S. economy depends on people spending money.
Crucially, all the people out of work will still need money for food and housing costs. The new record-low mortgage rates aren’t going to solve that immediate problem ― especially not for renters. Nearly 4 in 10 adults would have trouble handling a $400 emergency expense, according to a recent study from the Federal Reserve.
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The solution is obvious and backed up by the latest economic research: Send people money.
“What you want to do in a recession or when people have immediate financial distress is you want to give them the money right away,” said Claudia Sahm, director of macroeconomic policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth and a former section chief at the Federal Reserve who has researched the effectiveness of direct payments during recessions.
It’s worth emphasizing that the first and most critical way to shore up the economy and calm a worried stock market is to aggressively contain the virus and treat the sick. The sooner the COVID-19 outbreak is under control, the better it will be for people’s lives and pocketbooks.
The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a sizable half-percentage point in an effort to support the economy in the face of the spreading coronavirus. Chairman Jerome Powell noted that the coronavirus "poses evolving risks to economic activity." Jacquelyn Martin/ASSOCIATED PRESS
The federal government has given out cash before. In 2008, as part of its stimulus efforts during the financial crisis, the George W. Bush administration sent out checks for $600 to single taxpayers and $1,200 to married couples ― with $300 extra for each child in the home. In 2001, Bush sent checks to manage the dip from the dotcom bust. Subsequent research found that those checks worked: People spent the money, boosting demand and bolstering the economy.
“Send thousand-dollar checks to everyone, along the lines of Bush in 2008,” said Josh Bivens, a director of research at the liberal Economic Policy Institute. “Of all the things Bush did economically, it was among the better ones.”
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Studies of the Bush checks convinced a lot of economists that giving people lump sums actually does help bolster an economy in slowdown. Previously, some economists pointed to models that suggested too many consumers would just hold on to the money.
Common sense never lined up with that view, of course.
To be clear, the economy is not in recession now. But to fend off a downturn kicked into effect by the outbreak, one of the best things the federal government could do right now would be to get money to those who are sick or have to stay home with someone who is, Sahm said.
“If you’re out of work for two weeks, in a lot of service sector jobs you lose your job,” she said. “There’s potential for a lot of financial distress if those people don’t get help.”
In fact, several economists are making the case for sending everyone, sick or not, a check.
“It’s tough to imagine the Trump administration, not exactly known for supporting efforts to help low-income workers or effectively implementing policy, pulling this off.”
“I’ve been making the argument as much as I can,” said Jay Shambaugh, director of the Hamilton Project and a senior fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution.
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Direct payments wouldn’t just keep people from going broke, Shambaugh pointed out. They would have public health benefits: The cash cushion they provide would give vulnerable low-income workers the means not to go to work while sick.
And that would likely be a better short-term solution to the problem of people spreading the virus on the job than trying to quickly implement a national paid sick leave policy, Shambaugh said. He recommends pulling the trigger now.
The unemployment numbers coming out Friday will represent the job picture in February. By the time we know what’s happening in March, it could be too late.
“You can’t time this perfectly,” he said. Big picture, this is about making sure that someone who is sick isn’t out driving for Uber next week, he added.
It’s tough to imagine the Trump administration, not exactly known for supporting efforts to help low-income workers or effectively implementing policy, pulling this off. Yet there are signs that maybe the White House wants to give people money. The administration has floated the idea of a payroll tax cut, akin to the one implemented during the Obama administration.
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“This is about making sure that someone who is sick isn’t out driving for Uber next week.”
This would boost workers’ paychecks, but it isn’t a perfect solution. First of all, a higher paycheck only helps people who are actually getting paid. Those who are sick and home without paid leave and those who lose their jobs are out of luck.
Second, a payroll tax cut would put more money into the hands of higher-income workers. A tax cut that puts 2% of your income back in your pocket is worth $2,000 for someone making $100,000 a year, but just $600 for someone making $30,000 ― and that’s spread out over a year.
Third, research has shown that the Bush lump-sum checks were more effective at boosting the economy than money that’s dribbled out through a tax credit or cut.
The idea of simply giving people money has captured recent public attention. Annie Lowery, a writer at The Atlantic, published a book last year called “Give People Money,” making the case for a universal basic income. Andrew Yang ran for president on a version of the concept. The current idea for fighting off a virus-sparked recession would be a one-off, distinct from those proposals that involve long-term cash transfers from government to citizens.
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Still, the appeal is similar.
Besides the payroll tax cut idea, Trump’s agriculture secretary suggested this week that the agency could dish out extra food benefits in an area particularly stricken by COVID-19. Republicans in the House seem open to paying for virus patients’ health care.
Jared Bernstein, a former chief economist for Vice President Joe Biden and a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, also recommends boosting Medicaid funding to the states and beefing up unemployment insurance.
But Bernstein warned the Trump administration remains a key obstacle to making any fiscal policy solution work in time. “They have terrible governance chops,” he said.
“I suspect [the Trump administration] would be willing to do fiscal stimulus. I just think they have more difficulty getting their act together than you’d like,” Bernstein said. “There’s never been any hesitation over there to spend money on stuff.”
Arthur Delaney contributed to this report.


huffpost--2020-03-06--NY AG Warns Televangelist Jim Bakker To Stop Selling Fake Coronavirus Cure

Lisa Landau , chief of the AG ’ s Health Care Bureau , sent a cease and desist letter to Bakker on Thursday threatening legal action if he fails to stop touting his “ Silver Solution ” as an effective treatment for the deadly virus .
Landau wrote that she was “ extremely concerned ” about his latest promotion because there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the novel coronavirus .
“ Any representation on the Jim Bakker Show that its Silver Solution products are effective at combatting and/or treating the 2019 novel coronavirus violates New York law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , Bakker interviewed Sherri Sellman , an integrative naturopathic doctor , on his program and asked her if his Silver Solution product would be effective in treating the “ influenza that is now circling the globe.
” “ Well , let ’ s say it hasn ’ t been tested on this strain of the coronavirus , but it ’ s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours , ” Sellman said .
“ Totally eliminate it , kills it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune system.
” An ad on the screen offered various forms of the solution for $ 125 , paid to JimBakkerShow.com .
New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement Thursday that her office was on alert for coronavirus scams like Bakker ’ s .
“ In addition to being mindful about our health , we must also beware of unscrupulous actors who attempt to take advantage of this fear and anxiety to scam or deceive consumers , ” James stated .
“ I encourage anyone who believes they are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contact my office and file a complaint.
” Bakker was a leading televangelist until 1987 when he resigned his ministry amid a sex scandal .
He later served more than four years in prison on federal charges that he defrauded his followers .
A statement from Bakker ’ s program to The Washington Post claimed Silver Solution wasn ’ t a fraud and could cure many illnesses , including HIV , and that links to documentation would soon be provided .
The Food and Drug Administration has warned that the colloidal silver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a liquid — in Silver Solution wasn ’ t safe or effective for treating any disease or condition .
The National Institutes of Health also warned it could be dangerous .

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The New York attorney general’s office has ordered disgraced televangelist Jim Bakker to stop misleading consumers about a fake cure for coronavirus.
Lisa Landau, chief of the AG’s Health Care Bureau, sent a cease and desist letter to Bakker on Thursday threatening legal action if he fails to stop touting his “Silver Solution” as an effective treatment for the deadly virus. Landau wrote that she was “extremely concerned” about his latest promotion because there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the novel coronavirus.
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“Any representation on the Jim Bakker Show that its Silver Solution products are effective at combatting and/or treating the 2019 novel coronavirus violates New York law,” the letter warned.
Last month, Bakker interviewed Sherri Sellman, an integrative naturopathic doctor, on his program and asked her if his Silver Solution product would be effective in treating the “influenza that is now circling the globe.”
“Well, let’s say it hasn’t been tested on this strain of the coronavirus, but it’s been tested on other strains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours,” Sellman said. “Totally eliminate it, kills it, deactivates it and then it boosts your immune system.”
The Jim Bakker Show is suggesting that the silver solution it sells can kill the coronavirus within 12 hours. pic.twitter.com/kbUGnUp69m — Right Wing Watch (@RightWingWatch) February 12, 2020
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An ad on the screen offered various forms of the solution for $125, paid to JimBakkerShow.com.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement Thursday that her office was on alert for coronavirus scams like Bakker’s.
“In addition to being mindful about our health, we must also beware of unscrupulous actors who attempt to take advantage of this fear and anxiety to scam or deceive consumers,” James stated. “I encourage anyone who believes they are the victim of a scam or predatory action to contact my office and file a complaint.”
Bakker was a leading televangelist until 1987 when he resigned his ministry amid a sex scandal. He later served more than four years in prison on federal charges that he defrauded his followers.
A statement from Bakker’s program to The Washington Post claimed Silver Solution wasn’t a fraud and could cure many illnesses, including HIV, and that links to documentation would soon be provided.