huffpost--2020-03-23--The View From Seattle, Which Is A Week Ahead Of The Rest Of Us On Coronavirus

Michelle , a program manager working the heart of the nation ’ s novel coronavirus outbreak , had seen it coming .
She had already started working from home to distance herself from her colleagues and was anticipating a notice soon since there were more reports of coronavirus cropping up around Seattle .
( Michelle asked to be identified by only her first name , for fear of retribution from her employer . )
The school closures meant that her first-grader would be at home full time with her , her husband and her 4-year-old son .
For the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many other families — would have to take over many of the day-to-day responsibilities that were once outsourced to educators and child care providers .
Over the last two weeks in Seattle , institutions that had once given residents a sense of normalcy have shut down .
Workplaces have encouraged employees to work from home as much as possible , if not made it compulsory .
As it stands , schools will be closed through April 24 .
( California recently announced that its schools will be closed through the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve never had an event like this , ” Sarah Jane Glynn says of the coronavirus pandemic and its effects .
The senior fellow at the Center for American Progress who focuses on economic policies that impact working families adds : “ Lots of parents are now expected to work remotely and at the same time , they ’ re home-schooling their children or providing child care during the day .
That ’ s an impossible thing to expect people to do.
” Every night , after the kids are in bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney , get their phones and laptops and talk about the next day .
With their 6-year-old now at home , they take turns keeping him entertained and trying to not let him turn into “ a YouTube zombie.
” Sharing schedules between her and her husband was “ not a thing we ’ ve ever worried about , ” Michelle said ― until now .
What times can they alternate child care ?
And if both of them have a meeting at the same time , how can they keep their son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city are still open , and Michelle has still been sending her 4-year-old to one to get a bit of reprieve at home .
The day cares that remain open have implemented measures to reduce the number of germs that could be transmitted , including by having kids spend more time outside , reducing the number of kids at the center , removing toys and other potentially germ-ridden surfaces , and ensuring only one parent is in the facility at a time .
Even if parents pull their kids from day care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tuition , to hold their spot for when things go back to normal .
Michelle at first wondered if continuing to go to day care was the right choice .
“ We ’ ve had a few hard conversations as parents , ” says Michelle .
“ Should we pull him before recommendations say so ?
We ’ re not there at this point.
” While access to day care has provided some relief , Michelle is also “ waiting for the other shoe to drop ” — for the guidelines on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not all working parents , however , want their children still going to day care for fear of community spread of the virus .
Kate Brumage , a founder of a social enterprise nonprofit living in Seattle , pulled Helen , her 2-year-old , out of a private Spanish day care on March 11 , after the day care center asked for those who worked at home to consider not bringing in their children .
On the other hand , Christin Camacho , a content marketer in Seattle , has considered flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of her toddler and 6-month-old since getting a nanny might not be financially viable for her .
“ The economy needs to continue , and people need to make money .
What are you going to do ?
Those are your options , ” Camacho says .
Some families have hired nannies to come to their homes to watch their children while they work ; others are deterred not only by the cost but the possible risk of getting the coronavirus by bringing others into their home .
Ann Marie Ogle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that her phone was “ ringing like a drug dealer ’ s ” last week , when families were suddenly confronted with having to work from home and take care of their children .
In her 20-plus years of being a nanny , Ogle has never been so busy .
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act , which was already signed by Trump , allows workers to get paid medical leave or family leave with help from the government .
Unfortunately , it excludes workers if their company employs more than 500 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which can apply for a waiver if they need leave to care for their children .
“ That still excludes 50 % to 75 % of the private sector workforce , ” Glynn says .

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SEATTLE ― Michelle was home when her phone buzzed with an automated text message from the school district: All K-12 schools will be closed for the next six weeks.
Michelle, a program manager working the heart of the nation’s novel coronavirus outbreak, had seen it coming. She had already started working from home to distance herself from her colleagues and was anticipating a notice soon since there were more reports of coronavirus cropping up around Seattle. (Michelle asked to be identified by only her first name, for fear of retribution from her employer.)
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The school closures meant that her first-grader would be at home full time with her, her husband and her 4-year-old son. For the first time, she and her husband — and many other families — would have to take over many of the day-to-day responsibilities that were once outsourced to educators and child care providers.
Over the last two weeks in Seattle, institutions that had once given residents a sense of normalcy have shut down. Workplaces have encouraged employees to work from home as much as possible, if not made it compulsory. As it stands, schools will be closed through April 24. (California recently announced that its schools will be closed through the rest of the school year.)
Social gatherings of more than 50 people have been canceled, including the annual Womxn’s March. Last Sunday evening, Gov. Jay Inslee ordered a temporary closure of bars, restaurants and all places of entertainment.
“We’ve never had an event like this,” Sarah Jane Glynn says of the coronavirus pandemic and its effects. The senior fellow at the Center for American Progress who focuses on economic policies that impact working families adds: “Lots of parents are now expected to work remotely and at the same time, they’re home-schooling their children or providing child care during the day. That’s an impossible thing to expect people to do.”
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Michelle, and everyone else in Seattle, is already a week into what is about to become the national reality amid closures and social distancing.
Working From Home, With Tiny Colleagues
Every night, after the kids are in bed, Michelle and her husband, an attorney, get their phones and laptops and talk about the next day. With their 6-year-old now at home, they take turns keeping him entertained and trying to not let him turn into “a YouTube zombie.”
Sharing schedules between her and her husband was “not a thing we’ve ever worried about,” Michelle said ― until now. What times can they alternate child care? And if both of them have a meeting at the same time, how can they keep their son occupied?
Many private day cares around the city are still open, and Michelle has still been sending her 4-year-old to one to get a bit of reprieve at home. The day cares that remain open have implemented measures to reduce the number of germs that could be transmitted, including by having kids spend more time outside, reducing the number of kids at the center, removing toys and other potentially germ-ridden surfaces, and ensuring only one parent is in the facility at a time. Even if parents pull their kids from day care, most centers still have families pay for tuition, to hold their spot for when things go back to normal.
Michelle at first wondered if continuing to go to day care was the right choice. “We’ve had a few hard conversations as parents,” says Michelle. “Should we pull him before recommendations say so? We’re not there at this point.” While access to day care has provided some relief, Michelle is also “waiting for the other shoe to drop” — for the guidelines on closures to extend to child care centers.
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Kate Brumage's husband and daughter, Helen, video chat with family members. A tent has been set up in their living room for her daughter to play in. Kate Brumage
Not all working parents, however, want their children still going to day care for fear of community spread of the virus. Kate Brumage, a founder of a social enterprise nonprofit living in Seattle, pulled Helen, her 2-year-old, out of a private Spanish day care on March 11, after the day care center asked for those who worked at home to consider not bringing in their children.
At home, Brumage and her husband negotiate space and meetings in the confines of their 750-square-foot apartment ― with a portion of their living room set up with a tent so her daughter can video chat with her friends.
“It’s not that fun right now,” she says.
There is only one desk at home: hers, since she usually works from home. Brumage and her husband switch in and out of the office, depending on who has to hop on a call.
She used to work from cafes, but with the restaurant closures, there’s nowhere to go. “It’s claustrophobic,” Brumage says. And keeping her daughter entertained during normal working hours means that she is frequently still pulling a few extra hours of work after her daughter goes to bed at 7 p.m.
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Brumage needs the work to support her family, and she feels a moral obligation to her clients.
“If I stopped doing my job, there would be financial consequences because I wouldn’t be able to fund the budget of the operation that pays me,” she says.
The Worker’s Reality
This ultimately ties into views of capitalism, says Glynn, which in essence make you feel like you need to be monetarily productive in order to be valuable.
Ordinarily, Brumage would have her 75-year-old mom come over ― she lives just three blocks away ― but given the recommendation that older people stay away from children or any other possible carriers of coronavirus, Brumage can’t call on her to help.
On the other hand, Christin Camacho, a content marketer in Seattle, has considered flying in her 65-year-old mother-in-law to help take care of her toddler and 6-month-old since getting a nanny might not be financially viable for her. “The economy needs to continue, and people need to make money. What are you going to do? Those are your options,” Camacho says.
Some families have hired nannies to come to their homes to watch their children while they work; others are deterred not only by the cost but the possible risk of getting the coronavirus by bringing others into their home. Ann Marie Ogle, a nanny in Seattle, told HuffPost that her phone was “ringing like a drug dealer’s” last week, when families were suddenly confronted with having to work from home and take care of their children. In her 20-plus years of being a nanny, Ogle has never been so busy.
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Currently, the Trump administration is assembling a stimulus package valued at $1 trillion. Of that, $500 billion is projected to go toward U.S. tax-paying families.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was already signed by Trump, allows workers to get paid medical leave or family leave with help from the government. Unfortunately, it excludes workers if their company employs more than 500 or less than 50 people — the latter of which can apply for a waiver if they need leave to care for their children. “That still excludes 50% to 75% of the private sector workforce,” Glynn says.
Glynn says the legislation is a good first step in making sure American citizens have cash on hand as we’re heading into a global recession, largely caused by the coronavirus pandemic. “What we really need is paid leave for everyone,” she says.
Michelle acknowledges how privileged she and her family are to have employers who understand the challenges of balancing work with life. But she’s not sure how much longer this will go on, or how sustainable it will be to try to keep her son engaged in learning ― with scant instructions from the school ― while she and her husband are both expected to be productive at their jobs.
“I think that’s on everyone’s mind: Is this sustainable? Is this a pattern that we can maintain? I don’t know if we can honestly answer that without actually being in that situation,” she says.


huffpost--2020-03-23--Coronavirus Rescue Talks Churn Late Into Night After Dems Reject GOP Bailout Bill

“ This bill is going to affect this country and the lives of Americans , not just for the next few days , but in the next few months and years ― so we have to make sure it is good , he said .
’ “ There were some serious problems with the bill leader McConnell laid down .
Huge amounts of corporate bailout funds without restrictions or without oversight ― you wouldn ’ t even know who is getting the money .
Not enough money for hospitals , nurses , PPE , masks , all the health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local government , many of whom would go broke .
Many other things.
” Trump urged Congress to get a deal done and , during the Sunday briefing , responded to criticism that his administration was sluggish to act .
He cited his cooperation with the three states hardest hit — New York , Washington and California — and invoked a measure to give governors flexibility in calling up the national guard under their control , while the federal government covers the bill .
But even as Trump stressed federal-local partnerships , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas , expressed unhappiness with Washington ’ s response .
The president himself took a swipe hours earlier at Gov .
J .
B. Pritzker , D-Ill. , saying that he and “ a very small group of certain other Governors , together with Fake News ” should not be “ blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings.
” Two days after he lashed out at a reporter who asked about his message to frightened Americans , Trump said , “ For those worried and afraid , please know as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel confident that you have a leader who will always fight for you.
” Central to the package is as much as $ 350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home .
There is also a one-time rebate check of about $ 1,200 per person , or $ 3,000 for a family of four , as well as the extended unemployment benefits .
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus .
According to the World Health Organization , people with mild illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Top-level negotiations between Congress and the White House churned late into the night over a now nearly $2 trillion economic rescue package, as the coronavirus crisis deepened, the nation shut down and the first U.S. senator tested positive for the disease.
As President Donald Trump took to the podium in the White House briefing room and promised to help Americans who feel afraid and isolated as the pandemic spreads, the Senate voted Sunday against advancing the rescue package. But talks continued on Capitol Hill.
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“I think you’ll get there. To me it’s not very complicated: We have to help the worker. We have to save the companies,” Trump said.
Later, the Republican president suggested the remedies may be more harmful than the outbreak, vowing to reassess after the 15-day mark of the shutdown. “WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF,” he tweeted.
WE CANNOT LET THE CURE BE WORSE THAN THE PROBLEM ITSELF. AT THE END OF THE 15 DAY PERIOD, WE WILL MAKE A DECISION AS TO WHICH WAY WE WANT TO GO! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 23, 2020
Inside the otherwise emptied out Capitol, the draft aid bill was declared insufficient by Democrats, who argued it was tilted toward corporations and did too little to help workers and health care providers. Republicans returned to the negotiating table.
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Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, exiting the Capitol just before midnight, struck an optimistic note: “We’re very close,” he said, adding negotiators would work through the night.
“Our nation cannot afford a game of chicken,” warned Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., his voice rising on the Senate floor Sunday night. His goal is to vote Monday. The Senate will re-convene at noon.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y, sounded an optimistic note.
“This bill is going to affect this country and the lives of Americans, not just for the next few days, but in the next few months and years ― so we have to make sure it is good, he said. ’“There were some serious problems with the bill leader McConnell laid down. Huge amounts of corporate bailout funds without restrictions or without oversight ― you wouldn’t even know who is getting the money. Not enough money for hospitals, nurses, PPE, masks, all the health care needs. No money for state and local government, many of whom would go broke. Many other things.”
But Schumer said they were making progress in dealing with those issues. “We’re getting closer and closer. And I’m very hopeful, is how I’d put it, that we can get a bill in the morning.”
In this image from video, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks on the Senate floor at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday, March 21, 2020. (Senate Television via AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS
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With a population on edge and shell-shocked financial markets poised for the new work week, Washington labored under the size and scope of the rescue package that’s more ambitious than any in recent times — larger than the 2008 bank bailout and 2009 recovery act combined.
Democrats say the largely GOP-led effort did not go far enough to provide health care and worker aid and fails to put restraints on a proposed $500 billion “slush fund” for corporations. They voted to block its advance.
Democrats won a concession — to provide four months of expanded unemployment benefits, rather than just three as proposed, according to an official granted anonymity to discuss the private talks. The jobless pay also extends to self-employed and so-called gig workers.
While the congressional leaders worked into the night, alarms were being sounded from coast to coast about the wave of coronavirus cases about to crash onto the nation’s health system.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had dire, urgent news from the pandemic’s U.S. epicenter: “April and May are going to be a lot worse,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
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De Blasio, a Democrat, all but begged Washington to help procure ventilators and other medical supplies. He accused the Republican president of “not lifting a finger” to help.
Trump urged Congress to get a deal done and, during the Sunday briefing, responded to criticism that his administration was sluggish to act. He cited his cooperation with the three states hardest hit — New York, Washington and California — and invoked a measure to give governors flexibility in calling up the national guard under their control, while the federal government covers the bill.
President Donald Trump speaks during a coronavirus task force briefing at the White House, Sunday, March 22, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) ASSOCIATED PRESS
But even as Trump stressed federal-local partnerships, some governors, including Republican Greg Abbott of Texas, expressed unhappiness with Washington’s response. The president himself took a swipe hours earlier at Gov. J. B. Pritzker, D-Ill., saying that he and “a very small group of certain other Governors, together with Fake News” should not be “blaming the Federal Government for their own shortcomings.”
This came as Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky announced he tested positive for the coronavirus. Paul, who is a doctor and close ally of the president, said in a tweet he was not showing symptoms and was in quarantine.
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Paul was seen at a GOP senators’ lunch on Friday and swimming in the Senate gym pool on Sunday morning, heightening concerns. His office said he left the Senate immediately after learning his diagnosis.
A growing list of lawmakers have cycled in and out of isolation after exposure, and two members of the House have said they tested positive. Five senators were in self-quarantine Sunday evening and could not vote.
In recent days, Trump invoked the Defense Protection Act, a rarely used, decades-old authority that can be used to compel the private sector to manufacture needed medical supplies like masks and ventilators. Officials said Sunday that it would be used voluntarily and businesses would not be compelled to act.
“We are a country not based on nationalizing our business,” said Trump, who has repeatedly railed against socialism overseas and among Democrats.
Two days after he lashed out at a reporter who asked about his message to frightened Americans, Trump said, “For those worried and afraid, please know as long as I am your president, you can feel confident that you have a leader who will always fight for you.”
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But minutes later, when he learned that rival Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, was one of those in isolation, he declared, “Romney’s in isolation? Gee, that’s too bad.”
Trump said he was not being sarcastic.
The urgency to act is mounting, as jobless claims skyrocket and the financial markets are set to re-open Monday eager for signs that Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare crisis and what experts say is a looming recession. Stock futures declined sharply as Trump spoke Sunday evening.
Officials late Sunday put the price tag of the ballooning rescue package at nearly $2 trillion. That does not include additional measures being taken by the Federal Reserve to shore up the economy.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who was leading a third day of nonstop talks on Capitol Hill, said the plan was meant to prop up the nation’s weakened economy for the next 10 to 12 weeks.
Central to the package is as much as $350 billion for small businesses to keep making payroll while workers are forced to stay home. There is also a one-time rebate check of about $1,200 per person, or $3,000 for a family of four, as well as the extended unemployment benefits.
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Hospitals, Mnuchin said, will get approximately $110 billion for the expected influx of sick patients.
The treasury secretary said a significant part of the package will involve working with the Federal Reserve for up to $4 trillion of liquidity to support the economy with “broad-based lending programs.”
But Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have pushed for add-ons, including food security aid, small business loans and other measures for workers.
They warned the draft plan’s $500 billion for corporations does not put enough restraints on business, saying the ban on corporate stock buy-backs is weak and the limits on executive pay are only for two years.
“We’re not here to create a slush fund for Donald Trump and his family, or a slush fund for the Treasury Department to be able to hand out to their friends,” said Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “We’re here to help workers, we’re here to help hospitals.”
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The president, when pressed by a reporter, dodged a question as to whether his own business would seek federal funds.
With Sunday’s failed vote, McConnell angrily blamed Pelosi, who returned to Washington for a top-level meeting, saying she “poured cold water” over the draft plan. But any measure from the Senate also needs to pass the House.
The details are coming from drafts of both bills circulating among lobbyists but not yet released to the public. They were obtained by The Associated Press.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
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Bev Banks contributed. Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Hope Yen, Mary Clare Jalonick, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Alan Fram and Padmananda Rama contributed to this report.
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huffpost--2020-03-23--Dua Lipa To Release New Album Early: 'I Hope It Makes You Dance'

To satisfy your pop cravings in these uncertain times , Dua Lipa is releasing her new album “ Future Nostalgia ” ahead of schedule .
The British singer , who ’ s been burning up the charts for months with synth-heavy , disco-influenced hits like “ Don ’ t Start Now ” and “ Physical , ” announced via her Instagram Stories on Monday that her sophomore effort will drop a week early on Friday , March 27 .
The decision was an emotional one , as the “ New Rules ” hitmaker tearfully broke the news to her fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to do this.
” “ What I wanted to talk about is my album and every time I talk about my album , I get quite emotional and I feel like I have been welling up a little bit , just a lot over the past couple of weeks , just because of the uncertainty over everything , ” Lipa said , referencing the current coronavirus pandemic .
“ I have been conflicted about putting music out , whether it is the right thing to do , because people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DuaLipa pushes forward the release of her sophomore album , ‘ Future Nostalgia , ’ to THIS Friday - March 27 - amid the Coronavirus pandemic : “ I hope it brings you some happiness , and I hope it makes you smile , and I hope it makes you dance .
I hope I make you proud.
” pic.twitter.com/tZOCZTnSSo — Pop Crave ( @ PopCrave ) March 23 , 2020 The pop star went on to explain that she hopes the album will “ bring joy in a time like this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in times of adversity .
“ I hope [ the album ] brings you some happiness , and I hope it makes you smile , and I hope it makes you dance .
I hope I make you proud , ” the singer said .
The announcement follows the leak of the 11-track record over the weekend , which some fans suspected could also be a factor in the early release .
The album ’ s next single , “ Break My Heart , ” has also been pushed forward to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing global health crisis , the 24-year-old has postponed dates for her upcoming European tour , which was set to kick off in Madrid on April 26 .
“ Nothing ’ s been canceled – the shows have been postponed for the health and safety of everyone , ” she said on Instagram , adding that new dates are set to be announced on Tuesday .
The Grammy Award-winning artist has been encouraging fans to stay safe and practice social distancing , sharing a tweet on social media about “ HOW TO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from her hit “ Don ’ t Start Now .
”

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To satisfy your pop cravings in these uncertain times, Dua Lipa is releasing her new album “Future Nostalgia” ahead of schedule.
The British singer, who’s been burning up the charts for months with synth-heavy, disco-influenced hits like “Don’t Start Now” and “Physical,” announced via her Instagram Stories on Monday that her sophomore effort will drop a week early on Friday, March 27.
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The decision was an emotional one, as the “New Rules” hitmaker tearfully broke the news to her fans, explaining that she “really didn’t want to do this.”
“What I wanted to talk about is my album and every time I talk about my album, I get quite emotional and I feel like I have been welling up a little bit, just a lot over the past couple of weeks, just because of the uncertainty over everything,” Lipa said, referencing the current coronavirus pandemic.
“I have been conflicted about putting music out, whether it is the right thing to do, because people are suffering,” she added.
.@DuaLipa pushes forward the release of her sophomore album, ‘Future Nostalgia,’ to THIS Friday - March 27 - amid the Coronavirus pandemic:
“I hope it brings you some happiness, and I hope it makes you smile, and I hope it makes you dance. I hope I make you proud.” pic.twitter.com/tZOCZTnSSo — Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 23, 2020
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The pop star went on to explain that she hopes the album will “bring joy in a time like this,” noting how powerful music can be in times of adversity.
“I hope [the album] brings you some happiness, and I hope it makes you smile, and I hope it makes you dance. I hope I make you proud,” the singer said.
The announcement follows the leak of the 11-track record over the weekend, which some fans suspected could also be a factor in the early release.
The album’s next single, “Break My Heart,” has also been pushed forward to this Wednesday, March 25.
BREAK MY HEART - SAVE THE DATE - 25 MARCH 2020 - 💔🔐💔🔐💔🔐 pic.twitter.com/chieHNuEzy — DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) March 23, 2020
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Due to the ongoing global health crisis, the 24-year-old has postponed dates for her upcoming European tour, which was set to kick off in Madrid on April 26.
“Nothing’s been canceled – the shows have been postponed for the health and safety of everyone,” she said on Instagram, adding that new dates are set to be announced on Tuesday.
The Grammy Award-winning artist has been encouraging fans to stay safe and practice social distancing, sharing a tweet on social media about “HOW TO AVOID CORONAVIRUS” using the all-too-relevant lyrics from her hit “Don’t Start Now.”


huffpost--2020-03-23--45 Tweets From Parents About Social Distancing With Kids

Teachers , many of you have posted that I could come to you for help .
Thank you !
I @ @ @ @ @ out the perfect home school schedule and I need advice .
What time should I @ @ @ @ @ , is it usually before or after morning snack ?

Teachers, many of you have posted that I could come to you for help. Thank you! I’m trying to figure out the perfect home school schedule and I need advice. What time should I pencil in my first martini, is it usually before or after morning snack?


huffpost--2020-03-23--Can Eating Sugar Weaken Your Immune System? Here's What To Know.

While a strong immune system is no match for the power of social distancing when it comes to limiting the spread of COVID-19 , it ’ s certainly top of mind these days .
As coronavirus spreads at an alarming rate in the United States , we ’ re all doing our best to stay healthy — and relying on our immune system to help make that happen .
At the same time , most of us are spending our days and weeks at home now , which can mean frequent visits to the cupboards for cookies and the freezer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for all the comfort we can get these days , so what ’ s the harm in a little sugar ?
“ Consuming too much sugar can affect the cells in your immune system that target bacteria .
... Sugar affects the way your white blood cells attack bacteria.
” explained board-certified internist and gastroenterologist Niket Sonpal .
“ Nutrient deficiencies can increase your risk level when warding off infection , and food items with high levels of refined sugar are usually nutritionally obsolete .
Sugar triggers low-grade inflammation in the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can contribute to diseases that are chronic in nature , things as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
” Nate Favini , medical lead at Forward , added that it would be misleading to say that we fully understand the relationship between sugar and our immune system .
“ What we do know is that diabetes appears to be common in people confirmed to have COVID-19 , ” he noted .
“ This suggests that having higher levels of sugars in your blood could make it easier to contract COVID-19.
” So how much sugar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should we back slowly away from the ice cream pint and not even consider touching it until this is all over ?
According to Sonpal , you probably have to consume a lot of sugar to see a real impact — but grams of sugar can add up very quickly .
“ Research does show that consuming 75 to 100 grams of a sugar solution can hinder the body ’ s immune functions , ” he said .
“ I should note that 75 grams sound like a lot , and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consuming 75 grams of sugar , but really all it is is the equivalent of two cans of your soda.
” Again , the very best thing you can do for your health right now is practice social distancing .
But if you do need to do something that will require you to be around other people — like go to the grocery store — it may be worth waiting until at least five hours after you consume sugar .
You can ’ t be too safe these days .
How to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As long as you keep an eye on those grams , having a little bit of sugar every day probably isn ’ t the worst idea .
But there are other ways to boost your immunity other than cutting back on sugar — like loading up on healthy foods .
“ Citrus fruits such as grapefruit , oranges , and tangerines are great along with vegetables like broccoli , garlic and spinach , ” said Sonpal .
“ Other helpful items to pick up and incorporate in your diet are ginger , yogurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , poultry and shellfish .
The better we nourish our bodies over time , the better prepared it is to protect itself against illness .
”

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While a strong immune system is no match for the power of social distancing when it comes to limiting the spread of COVID-19, it’s certainly top of mind these days. As coronavirus spreads at an alarming rate in the United States, we’re all doing our best to stay healthy — and relying on our immune system to help make that happen.
At the same time, most of us are spending our days and weeks at home now, which can mean frequent visits to the cupboards for cookies and the freezer for ice cream. We’re looking for all the comfort we can get these days, so what’s the harm in a little sugar?
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Potentially a lot, as it turns out. The studied harmful effects of sugar run the gamut from increased anxiety to early death. Oh, and a suppressed immune system.
Yes, there’s some research to back up the idea that sugar wreaks havoc on the immune system. But just how seriously should we take it? Let’s take a closer look.
Your Body On Sugar
While sugar found in fruit or other natural sources can give the body a little boost (mostly because it’s paired with great-for-your body things like fiber and vitamins), processed sugar tends to have some unpleasant effects on the body as a whole.
spukkato via Getty Images Consuming 75 to 100 grams of a sugar solution can hinder the body’s immune functions.
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“Consuming too much sugar can affect the cells in your immune system that target bacteria. ... Sugar affects the way your white blood cells attack bacteria.” explained board-certified internist and gastroenterologist Niket Sonpal. “Nutrient deficiencies can increase your risk level when warding off infection, and food items with high levels of refined sugar are usually nutritionally obsolete. Sugar triggers low-grade inflammation in the body and also increases the mass. This can contribute to diseases that are chronic in nature, things as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.”
Nate Favini, medical lead at Forward, added that it would be misleading to say that we fully understand the relationship between sugar and our immune system. “What we do know is that diabetes appears to be common in people confirmed to have COVID-19,” he noted. “This suggests that having higher levels of sugars in your blood could make it easier to contract COVID-19.”
So how much sugar is too much sugar?
So, should we back slowly away from the ice cream pint and not even consider touching it until this is all over? According to Sonpal, you probably have to consume a lot of sugar to see a real impact — but grams of sugar can add up very quickly.
“Research does show that consuming 75 to 100 grams of a sugar solution can hinder the body’s immune functions,” he said. “I should note that 75 grams sound like a lot, and it’s hard to think you may be consuming 75 grams of sugar, but really all it is is the equivalent of two cans of your soda.”
Sonpal is right: A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 39g. And soda isn’t the only culprit. A grande chai latte from Starbucks, for example, contains 42 grams of sugar, which gets you more than halfway to lowering your immunity.
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He added that the suppression of the immune system starts as soon as 30 minutes after the consumption of sugar and can last up to five hours.
Again, the very best thing you can do for your health right now is practice social distancing. But if you do need to do something that will require you to be around other people — like go to the grocery store — it may be worth waiting until at least five hours after you consume sugar. You can’t be too safe these days.
How to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
As long as you keep an eye on those grams, having a little bit of sugar every day probably isn’t the worst idea. But there are other ways to boost your immunity other than cutting back on sugar — like loading up on healthy foods. “Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, and tangerines are great along with vegetables like broccoli, garlic and spinach,” said Sonpal. “Other helpful items to pick up and incorporate in your diet are ginger, yogurt, almonds, turmeric, green tea, poultry and shellfish. The better we nourish our bodies over time, the better prepared it is to protect itself against illness.”
Marion Nestle, a nutrition and food studies professor at NYU, added that eating a veggie-rich diet is key, along with other lifestyle factors. “Don’t drink much alcohol, don’t smoke cigarettes, get plenty of sleep, and, these days, keep your social distance,” she said.
Long story short: A lot of factors go into building a resilient immune system, including limiting processed sugar and filling up on good-for-you fruits, vegetables and proteins. As a nice bonus, eating a healthy diet helps you feel better both physically and mentally, which we all desperately need right now. Why not try it?
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huffpost--2020-03-23--Photos Show How People Of Faith Are Adapting To The Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted religious congregations to make sweeping and often unprecedented changes to the ways they worship and gather .
Churches , mosques , synagogues and temples have had to move quickly to adapt to social distancing to avoid spreading COVID-19 , the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus .
Houses of worship have been deep-cleaning their buildings , canceling in-person meetings and livestreaming services online .
A handful of American Catholic priests are offering drive-thru confessions , allowing their parishioners to take part in this important sacrament while maintaining a safe distance .
Some rabbis are breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shabbat services .
And Sikh temples , or gurdwaras , in the U.S. , U.K. , Canada and Australia have started delivering langar instead of having the traditional communal meal take place in gurdwaras .
As the virus spreads , it ’ s likely that it will continue to reshape religious practices across the globe ― especially as communities approach important holidays like Passover , Easter and Ramadan .
Here ’ s a glimpse of how people of faith around the world are adapting to the coronavirus pandemic so far .
Above : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church of Robbiano , adjusts photos of his congregation at empty pews before celebrating Sunday Mass in Giussano , Italy , on March 22 , 2020 .
Rev .
Scott Holmer of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Bowie , Maryland , makes the sign of the cross while holding confession in the church parking lot on March 20 , 2020 .
Attendees distance themselves during Friday prayers at the Baitul Futuh Mosque on March 20 , 2020 , in London .
The mosque usually attracts around 7,000 people to Friday prayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week .
Pastor Billy Jones of Northern Ireland ’ s Dunseverick Baptist Church leads a drive-in service as churchgoers sit in their cars in the church ’ s parking lot on March 22 , 2020 .
Volunteers use disinfectant to clean the Wat Traimit temple in Bangkok on March 18 , 2020 .
Wat Traimit is home to Buddha statues that are made of 11,000 pounds of pure gold , and it normally attracts thousands of tourists each day .
A member of Jesus ’ Church , a nondenominational congregation in Cambridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a service at Great Marsh Park on March 22 , 2020 .
A medic screens devotees with an infrared thermometer at the main entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar , India , on March 18 , 2020 .
Rev .
William A. Mentz , pastor of St. Francis and Clare Progressive Catholic Church , wears a mask and gloves while distributing prepackaged Communion to parishioners attending Mass in their cars at a shopping center parking lot in Moosic , Pennsylvania , on March 22 , 2020 .
Parishioners hold up signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from inside their vehicles while Rev .
Rod Clark of St. John ’ s Episcopal Church holds mass in the parking lot of the church on Sunday , March 22 , 2020 , in McAllen , Texas .

The coronavirus pandemic has prompted religious congregations to make sweeping and often unprecedented changes to the ways they worship and gather.
Churches, mosques, synagogues and temples have had to move quickly to adapt to social distancing to avoid spreading COVID-19, the illness resulting from the novel coronavirus. Houses of worship have been deep-cleaning their buildings, canceling in-person meetings and livestreaming services online.
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A handful of American Catholic priests are offering drive-thru confessions, allowing their parishioners to take part in this important sacrament while maintaining a safe distance. Some rabbis are breaking with years of tradition by livestreaming virtual Shabbat services. And Sikh temples, or gurdwaras, in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia have started delivering langar instead of having the traditional communal meal take place in gurdwaras.
As the virus spreads, it’s likely that it will continue to reshape religious practices across the globe ― especially as communities approach important holidays like Passover, Easter and Ramadan.
Here’s a glimpse of how people of faith around the world are adapting to the coronavirus pandemic so far.
Above: Don Giuseppe Corbari, parson of the Church of Robbiano, adjusts photos of his congregation at empty pews before celebrating Sunday Mass in Giussano, Italy, on March 22, 2020.
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Patrick Smith via Getty Images
The Washington National Cathedral’s pews are empty as Sunday Mass is livestreamed on March 22, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
Rob Carr via Getty Images
Rev. Scott Holmer of St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Bowie, Maryland, makes the sign of the cross while holding confession in the church parking lot on March 20, 2020.
Dan Kitwood via Getty Images
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Attendees distance themselves during Friday prayers at the Baitul Futuh Mosque on March 20, 2020, in London. The mosque usually attracts around 7,000 people to Friday prayer, but only a few hundred came this week.
Ezra Acayan via Getty Images
A Sunday church service is livestreamed on a mobile phone on March 22, 2020, in Manila, Philippines.
Jason Cairnduff / Reuters
Pastor Billy Jones of Northern Ireland’s Dunseverick Baptist Church leads a drive-in service as churchgoers sit in their cars in the church’s parking lot on March 22, 2020.
Vladimir Gerdo via Getty Images
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A woman sanitizes the synagogue at the Moscow Jewish Community Center.
MLADEN ANTONOV via Getty Images
Volunteers use disinfectant to clean the Wat Traimit temple in Bangkok on March 18, 2020. Wat Traimit is home to Buddha statues that are made of 11,000 pounds of pure gold, and it normally attracts thousands of tourists each day.
JIM WATSON via Getty Images
A member of Jesus’ Church, a nondenominational congregation in Cambridge, Maryland, prays in her car during a service at Great Marsh Park on March 22, 2020.
Brian Snyder / Reuters
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Rev. Carey Anderson preaches during a webstreamed Sunday service at First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Seattle on March 22, 2020.
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
A medic screens devotees with an infrared thermometer at the main entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, on March 18, 2020.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rev. William A. Mentz, pastor of St. Francis and Clare Progressive Catholic Church, wears a mask and gloves while distributing prepackaged Communion to parishioners attending Mass in their cars at a shopping center parking lot in Moosic, Pennsylvania, on March 22, 2020.
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SOPA Images via Getty Images
A volunteer from a COVID-19 prevention task force in Indonesia sprays disinfectant at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque as a preventive measure against the spread of the disease in North Aceh.
Delcia Lopez/The Monitor/AP
Parishioners hold up signs of “Peace be with you” from inside their vehicles while Rev. Rod Clark of St. John’s Episcopal Church holds mass in the parking lot of the church on Sunday, March 22, 2020, in McAllen, Texas.
mpi04/MediaPunch/IPx/AP
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huffpost--2020-03-27--This Is What Dating Is Like During The Coronavirus Pandemic

These days , first dates are eerily similar to pod-style dating on “ Love Is Blind ” ( but at least you can see your Hinge match with FaceTime ) .
Dating profiles are full of quips about toilet paper .
And burgeoning relationships are being tested by self-distancing orders .
( But then again , so are long-term ones .
Have you tried self-quarantining with your significant other ? )
“ It ’ s a hard time to be a single .
It sucks to have no opportunity to meet other singles in person while much of the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones.
” - Kevin Lewis , associate professor of sociology at the University of California , San Diego According to data supplied to HuffPost from the Bumble , the app has seen a 21 % increase in video call usage over the past week and a 21 % increase in messages sent .
The average video call or phone call time is 14 minutes , which is pretty impressive , given that these are essentially cold calls between perfect strangers .
“ All of the conversations I ’ ve been having over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things like ‘ How are you doing in the quarantine ?
’ or ‘ What are you doing to keep yourself busy lately ?
’ ” she said .
“ It ’ s been a good way to learn about guys ’ hobbies and personality types.
” “ So now , we ’ re currently describing ourselves as ‘ casually dating , ’ ” he said .
“ The guy is currently in self-isolation after a housemate showed symptoms , and I ’ m headed back up to Newcastle to avoid being stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s a lot of not knowing when I ’ ll be able to see him again.
” Cassidy and his love interest went on their first FaceTime date this week , sharing dinner and drinks over the screen .
It was lovely , he said , with the exception of one thing .
“ I ’ m usually someone who likes to try whatever food my date is having , so having two separate meals with no chance to steal whatever they ’ re eating was probably the hardest part about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re getting used to it , ” he said .
“ We miss the whole holding hands aspect of it , but it ’ ll just make it all the more exciting when the lockdown is lifted !
”

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Before stay-at-home orders became widespread across the country, Kaitlyn McQuin, a 28-year-old comedian from New Orleans, was still dodging date requests on dating apps.
“Their openers would be like, ‘Hey, want to get coffee/drinks?’ and I was like...no,” McQuin told HuffPost. “It was shocking, with social distancing.”
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McQuin jumped on Twitter to share her thoughts about how dating might begin to change in a tweet that’s since gone viral.
You know who’s really gonna suffer during this social distancing?
Dudes on dating apps
Welcome back to courtship, Brad. Welcome back to talking to a gal for WEEKS prior to meeting.
We’re pen pals now, my dude.
We bout to get Jane Austen up in here.
Now, write me a poem. — Kaitlyn McQuin (@kaitlynmcquin) March 15, 2020
Jokes aside, the comedian really does hope our current global pandemic leads to some great love letters. (Or hey, at least some horny John Donne-esque poems.)
McQuin is one of many singles navigating the brave new world of dating during the COVID-19 crisis.
These days, first dates are eerily similar to pod-style dating on “Love Is Blind” (but at least you can see your Hinge match with FaceTime). Dating profiles are full of quips about toilet paper. And burgeoning relationships are being tested by self-distancing orders. (But then again, so are long-term ones. Have you tried self-quarantining with your significant other?)
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Given all the changes, who’s to say love letters ― the kind your grandfather used to send to your grandma while stationed overseas ― won’t come back into vogue?
“The one thing I can think of it being like is during the two world wars, actually,” said Terri Orbuch, author of “Finding Love Again: 6 Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship” and a professor at Oakland University in Michigan.
“Back then, relationships progressed and developed without [couples] ever seeing each other,” she said. “And they weren’t even able to text or call each other like we can now.”
“It’s a hard time to be a single. It sucks to have no opportunity to meet other singles in person while much of the rest of the world is hunkering down with loved ones.” - Kevin Lewis, associate professor of sociology at the University of California, San Diego
Bumble, Hinge and other dating apps are actively encouraging their users to make their dates virtual and not meet up in person, and users seem to be taking their advice.
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According to data supplied to HuffPost from the Bumble, the app has seen a 21% increase in video call usage over the past week and a 21% increase in messages sent. The average video call or phone call time is 14 minutes, which is pretty impressive, given that these are essentially cold calls between perfect strangers.
The cities most affected by coronavirus are messaging the most, with a 21% increase in messages sent in Seattle, a 23% increase in New York City, and a 26% increase in San Francisco.
The inclination to hop onto dating apps doesn’t surprise Kevin Lewis, an associate professor of sociology at the University of California, San Diego, who’s studied online dating.
“It’s a hard time to be a single,” he said. “It sucks to have no opportunity to meet other singles in person while much of the rest of the world is hunkering down with loved ones.”
This situation forces people to communicate more digitally before meeting in person than they would normally, which could have a mixed effect on post-quarantine bonds, Lewis said. You may vibe over DMs but feel no physical sparks when you meet IRL.
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“But hey, at least this makes people feel less isolated for the moment,” Lewis said.
Isabella Carapella/ HuffPost; Photos: Getty Images Singles are talking to their dates over FaceTime, Zoom and other video apps.
Dating without the possibility of going on an actual date in the near future has actually been a breath of fresh air for some.
Shyla Watson, a 26-year-old associate editor at BuzzFeed in Los Angeles, admits she’s guilty of not putting herself out there. Because of the coronavirus, she’s talking to guys without having to worry about going on any real first dates anytime soon.
“If I’m being honest, I actually think that our new circumstances have made me a little bit braver and more comfortable with dating apps,” she told HuffPost. “I actually didn’t download Tinder until my first or second day of quarantine.”
“I’m usually very hesitant to meet people in person unless we’ve been talking for a while, but now, literally not being allowed to go out has removed all the risk,” she said.
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With so much attention put on an intellectual connection, Watson figures she and her matches have a chance to truly get to know each other ― and hopefully, establish real connections that’ll last after the stay-at-home orders are lifted.
Coronavirus has also helped some singles weed out people who weren’t relationship material. Meghan Adams, a 23-year-old environmental engineer in Chicago, said she’s come across far too many guys who aren’t taking the pandemic seriously.
For instance, this undeterred world traveler:
Hinge It's going to be a nope.
“Things like that have been frustrating, but it’s telling about their willingness to follow the rules,” said Adams, who’s also tweeted about her COVID-19 online dating experiences.
dating during the coronavirus? HAH I DONT THINK SO IM NOT DYING BECAUSE OF SOME CHAD WHO ONLY LOVES FISH AND THE OFFICE — meg-Han Solo (@red10meg) March 14, 2020
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Once past the “swipe right” or “like” stage, Adams said COVID-19 is pretty much all she and her matches talk about at first.
“All of the conversations I’ve been having over the past two weeks have started with things like ‘How are you doing in the quarantine?’ or ‘What are you doing to keep yourself busy lately?’” she said. “It’s been a good way to learn about guys’ hobbies and personality types.”
Indeed, COVID-19 has fueled some highly entertaining conversations. Take, for instance, this one sent to HuffPost from a single woman in Los Angeles:
HuffPost
Ah, nothing like Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis drilling a deep shaft into an asteroid to get you all hot and bothered.
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Online dating profiles have also been edited accordingly.
Hinge has a prompt that says, “You should *not* go out with me if...”
McQuin changed her answer to: “Hand-washing wasn’t a part of your daily routine prior to coronavirus.”
Watson has left her Hinge profile as is, but she did make some quarantine quips on Tinder.
“Currently my profile says: ‘Looking for a corona bae: Together we could quarantine and chill, stay six feet apart, and wash our hands a lot.’”
The most popular tagline in the days of COVID-19 (besides “I have toilet paper”)? “Let me take you out before corona does.” Romantic!
Of course, the pandemic has tossed some cold water on burgeoning relationships, too.
Michelle Elman, a 26-year-old life coach from London, started seeing someone new a week before social distancing began in the U.K. She’s been quarantined for 14 days; without in-person dates, she’s starting to feel like she’s in a long-distance relationship.
“The conversations have definitely kept my mind off my illness at the moment and it’s a great distraction, but it’s also frustrating because without seeing each other, it will probably result in it fizzling out eventually,” she said.
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Andrew Cassidy, an insight researcher from London, had just gotten back into the dating scene in January. He’d met a cute guy and the two planned several theater dates. They even managed to nab some highly sought-after “Dear Evan Hansen” tickets.
“Of course, then they suspended production ― cue dramatic crying,” Cassidy joked.
Me: I’ll give dating another go
Me: plans a lot of cute dates with man over the next couple of months
Coronavirus: pic.twitter.com/TmO9m8b6Bt — Cassididdly 🏳🌈 (@_ACasso) March 19, 2020
“So now, we’re currently describing ourselves as ‘casually dating,’” he said. “The guy is currently in self-isolation after a housemate showed symptoms, and I’m headed back up to Newcastle to avoid being stuck in London during a lockdown, so it’s a lot of not knowing when I’ll be able to see him again.”
Cassidy and his love interest went on their first FaceTime date this week, sharing dinner and drinks over the screen. It was lovely, he said, with the exception of one thing.
“I’m usually someone who likes to try whatever food my date is having, so having two separate meals with no chance to steal whatever they’re eating was probably the hardest part about this whole thing,” he said.
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“We’re getting used to it,” he said. “We miss the whole holding hands aspect of it, but it’ll just make it all the more exciting when the lockdown is lifted!”


huffpost--2020-03-27--Haunting Drone Footage Of Empty San Francisco Looks Like An Apocalypse Movie

San Francisco is practically empty ― and it ’ s looking a little like the set of an apocalyptic movie @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of the coronavirus .
Six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area @ @ @ @ @ save for essential services , to comply with a shelter-in-place order that took effect on @ @ @ @ @ of the City by the Bay seem to be taking those orders to heart .
@ @ @ @ @ and below , shows a mostly empty city , punctuated only by an occasional pedestrian @ @ @

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San Francisco is practically empty ― and it’s looking a little like the set of an apocalyptic movie as people stay inside to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area shut down nearly everything, save for essential services, to comply with a shelter-in-place order that took effect on March 17.
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And residents of the City by the Bay seem to be taking those orders to heart.


huffpost--2020-05-17--The Best Activities, Products And Hacks We Tried This Week

Enter this weekly guide .
Every Sunday , we ’ ll bring you a short list of products , routines , workouts , recipes , apps and other things we tried the previous week that are making life easier during this universally stressful time .
Take a look at this week ’ s suggestions from our editors below .
Everyone ’ s doing tie-dye right now , which means you ’ ll look just like everyone else when you wear yours .
So make it different !
One of my favorite DIY blogs , Honestly WTF , has a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less fussy than tie-dyeing and way more magical .
You just ball up a cotton shirt , cover it with ice cubes , sprinkle on powder dye and let the colors melt through the fabric in the warm sun .
It takes a few hours of waiting before you reveal unicorn-like swirls of color .
Honestly WTF ’ s tutorial contains links for the dyes you ’ ll need .
― Kristen Aiken , Senior Editor , Food & Style I ’ ve never been a big fan of chicken piccata ; it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food at a wedding buffet .
But WOW did I change my mind with this incredible recipe from NYT Cooking .
My whole family loved the juicy , flavorful dish , and the leftovers were even better .
I ’ d pair it with a tart green salad and call it a ( fabulous ) meal .
― Kate Palmer , Head of HuffPost Life Gon na recommend FX ’ s “ What We Do in the Shadows.
” I didn ’ t expect a deadpan comedy about bloodthirsty vampires rooming together in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be one of the funniest hours of my week , but these vampires are stuck indoors during the day , and so am I. Filmed like a mockumentary , the absurd show balances life-or-death stakes with mundane roommate squabbles to dark comedic effect .
As energy vampire Colin Robinson ( who literally bores people to death ) puts it , “ vampire roommates are forever.
” The actors , who play Nadja , Laszlo , Colin and Nandor the Relentless as out-of-touch , centuries-old vampires , all look like they are having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew .
The way English actor Matt Berry cosplays as human Jackie Daytona in a recent episode was a theatrical , comedic delight .
Hurry up and catch up with season two : Human familiar and vampire-slayer descendent Guillermo , who is played by Harvey Guillén , takes center stage as the emotional heart of the show .
― Monica Torres , Work/Life Reporter I started following Jordan Firstman on Instagram , and his account is bringing me so much joy !
He makes hilarious short videos that he posts in batches .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ my impression of summer 2020 ” and “ This is my impression of banana bread ’ s publicist.
” He is incredibly clever and entertaining ― my favorite quarantine follow .
― Caroline Bologna , Parenting & Culture Reporter For anyone who might be working from home for the long haul , I highly recommend adding some touches to your workspace that help to make it feel a little less temporary and makeshift .
I grabbed a few items from my old workspace and it ’ s made a world of difference to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the old days .
They include : my computer stand , so I ’ m not hunched over my sofa ; a cute little plant , to make the space feel alive ; and my old notebooks from work .
Almost feels like being back in the office .
― Palmer I have stopped lying to myself that my home workspace is only a short-term situation , and started treating my area like a real office .
I purchased a wireless mouse , a nice notebook and some cute ballpoint pens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desk .
Not going to lie , I feel more productive using them and they ’ ve made “ going to work ” a little bit more exciting ― kind of like the magical feeling you used to have when you got new school supplies .
( Does that make me a nerd ?
Old ?
All of the above ? )
― Lindsay Holmes , Senior Wellness Editor One of my great joys in life is walking around New York City with my friends on a beautiful day drinking an iced coffee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not possible right now , but as it starts to get warmer , my hankering for cold coffee has grown exponentially .
I usually make a cold brew concentrate ( Adeena Sussman ’ s recipe ) in a pitcher and use a cheesecloth to strain the grounds , but last week I purchased a cold brew pitcher .
You fill the filter chamber with coarse grounds and cover with water , then let sit for 24 hours and you have delicious cold brew in the morning .
It ’ s not quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hitting the spot for now .
― Jamie Feldman , Personal & Lifestyle Reporter I have been spending a lot of time on my floors ( doing workouts , quietly sobbing ) ( just kidding ) ( kind of ) , which provides a great opportunity to see how dirty the floor seems to get EVERY DAY , no matter how often I sweep or dust .
I recently thought out loud to myself , “ Why aren ’ t dustpans better in the year 2020 ?
” Help .
This week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up highly rated brooms and dustpans .
I purchased this broom and this dustpan and I ’ m so simultaneously excited and sad about being excited over a dustpan I don ’ t know whether to laugh or cry .
But either way , at least I ’ ll be doing it on a cleaner floor .
― Feldman I ’ ve spent a lot of time during this lockdown stressing about my 5-year-old ’ s needs : how will she deal with not seeing friends , remote learning , explaining all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that my little 1-year-old had kind of taken a back seat , which really isn ’ t fair !
Luckily , I came across this awesome new product from the woman who launched Happy Baby foods .
It ’ s called Healthy Nest , and in addition to diapers , they make these really lovely activity cards for babies and parents .
My little one loves the games they suggest , like dance mimicking .
They have been really helpful in reminding me that she needs some attention right now , too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ all my exercising at home ( shoutout to Pilates by Amanda , the best pilates workouts you ’ ll ever do ) , I decided it was time for a new yoga mat .
I found this small business with a genius concept : The makers of Koru Mat realized that when you roll up a traditional yoga mat , you roll whatever germs are on the studio floor right onto the side of the mat that you use for class .
Instead , their mat has a small indentation down the center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in half and then roll the clean side onto itself ( here ’ s a video ) .
Perfect for any time , and especially perfect for the coronavirus era .
Plus , they are donating $ 10 from each mat sale to coronavirus relief .
Win-win !
― Ashley Rockman , Senior Relationships Editor

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There’s no “right” way to navigate the coronavirus pandemic — everyone lives and copes differently. That said, fostering a sense of community may make getting through this time a little bit easier.
Enter this weekly guide. Every Sunday, we’ll bring you a short list of products, routines, workouts, recipes, apps and other things we tried the previous week that are making life easier during this universally stressful time. Take a look at this week’s suggestions from our editors below. Activity Recommendations
Kristen Aiken One of our editors tried her hand at ice-dyeing this week. The results were awesome.
Tie-dye, but less basic.
Everyone’s doing tie-dye right now, which means you’ll look just like everyone else when you wear yours. So make it different! One of my favorite DIY blogs, Honestly WTF, has a great tutorial for ice-dyeing. It’s less fussy than tie-dyeing and way more magical. You just ball up a cotton shirt, cover it with ice cubes, sprinkle on powder dye and let the colors melt through the fabric in the warm sun. It takes a few hours of waiting before you reveal unicorn-like swirls of color. Honestly WTF’s tutorial contains links for the dyes you’ll need. ― Kristen Aiken, Senior Editor, Food & Style
Recipe Recommendations
A juicy chicken piccata that shockingly tastes even better as leftovers.
I’ve never been a big fan of chicken piccata; it just reminds me too much of dried-out food at a wedding buffet. But WOW did I change my mind with this incredible recipe from NYT Cooking. My whole family loved the juicy, flavorful dish, and the leftovers were even better. I’d pair it with a tart green salad and call it a (fabulous) meal. ― Kate Palmer, Head of HuffPost Life
Entertainment Recommendations
Binge something unexpected.
Gonna recommend FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows.” I didn’t expect a deadpan comedy about bloodthirsty vampires rooming together in Staten Island, New York, to be one of the funniest hours of my week, but these vampires are stuck indoors during the day, and so am I.
Advertisement
Filmed like a mockumentary, the absurd show balances life-or-death stakes with mundane roommate squabbles to dark comedic effect. As energy vampire Colin Robinson (who literally bores people to death) puts it, “vampire roommates are forever.” The actors, who play Nadja, Laszlo, Colin and Nandor the Relentless as out-of-touch, centuries-old vampires, all look like they are having a ball hissing and mugging for the film crew. The way English actor Matt Berry cosplays as human Jackie Daytona in a recent episode was a theatrical, comedic delight. Hurry up and catch up with season two: Human familiar and vampire-slayer descendent Guillermo, who is played by Harvey Guillén, takes center stage as the emotional heart of the show. ― Monica Torres, Work/Life Reporter
Follow some hilarious people on Instagram.
I started following Jordan Firstman on Instagram, and his account is bringing me so much joy! He makes hilarious short videos that he posts in batches. My latest favorites are “This is my impression of summer 2020” and “This is my impression of banana bread’s publicist.” He is incredibly clever and entertaining ― my favorite quarantine follow. ― Caroline Bologna, Parenting & Culture Reporter
Work Recommendations
Lindsay Holmes A snapshot of our wellness editor's desk in pre-coronavirus times. Incorporating parts of your office desk might help make your home setup feel a little more work-inspired.
Incorporate parts of your former office into your home.
For anyone who might be working from home for the long haul, I highly recommend adding some touches to your workspace that help to make it feel a little less temporary and makeshift. I grabbed a few items from my old workspace and it’s made a world of difference to have those things near me, just like the old days. They include: my computer stand, so I’m not hunched over my sofa; a cute little plant, to make the space feel alive; and my old notebooks from work. Almost feels like being back in the office. ― Palmer
I have stopped lying to myself that my home workspace is only a short-term situation, and started treating my area like a real office. I purchased a wireless mouse, a nice notebook and some cute ballpoint pens to partially mimic what I had at my desk. Not going to lie, I feel more productive using them and they’ve made “going to work” a little bit more exciting ― kind of like the magical feeling you used to have when you got new school supplies. (Does that make me a nerd? Old? All of the above?) ― Lindsay Holmes, Senior Wellness Editor
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Product Recommendations
A cold brew pitcher that makes your homemade coffee taste like a cafe’s.
One of my great joys in life is walking around New York City with my friends on a beautiful day drinking an iced coffee. Obviously a few of those things are not possible right now, but as it starts to get warmer, my hankering for cold coffee has grown exponentially. I usually make a cold brew concentrate (Adeena Sussman’s recipe) in a pitcher and use a cheesecloth to strain the grounds, but last week I purchased a cold brew pitcher. You fill the filter chamber with coarse grounds and cover with water, then let sit for 24 hours and you have delicious cold brew in the morning. It’s not quite the same effect, but it’s hitting the spot for now. ― Jamie Feldman, Personal & Lifestyle Reporter
A dustpan that actually does its job.
I have been spending a lot of time on my floors (doing workouts, quietly sobbing) (just kidding) (kind of), which provides a great opportunity to see how dirty the floor seems to get EVERY DAY, no matter how often I sweep or dust. I recently thought out loud to myself, “Why aren’t dustpans better in the year 2020?” Help. This week I reached my breaking point and looked up highly rated brooms and dustpans. I purchased this broom and this dustpan and I’m so simultaneously excited and sad about being excited over a dustpan I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. But either way, at least I’ll be doing it on a cleaner floor. ― Feldman
Activity cards for babies to help them through this crisis, too.
I’ve spent a lot of time during this lockdown stressing about my 5-year-old’s needs: how will she deal with not seeing friends, remote learning, explaining all of this, etc. But I realized that my little 1-year-old had kind of taken a back seat, which really isn’t fair! Luckily, I came across this awesome new product from the woman who launched Happy Baby foods. It’s called Healthy Nest, and in addition to diapers, they make these really lovely activity cards for babies and parents. My little one loves the games they suggest, like dance mimicking. They have been really helpful in reminding me that she needs some attention right now, too. ― Palmer
A yoga mat that’s designed to stay as germ-free as possible.


huffpost--2020-05-17--Obama Cheers On Teens, Takes Sly Digs At Trump In Special Online Grad Event

Former president Barack Obama made fun of his big ears and pointed some sly jabs at Donald Trump ( without mentioning his name ) as he called on teens to change the world in an online commencement speech for high schoolers across the nation .
He assured his audience that after this , they wouldn ’ t miss having a live graduation , warning that speakers like him can talk “ way too long.
” Besides , the caps don ’ t look that great , “ especially if you have big ears like me , ” he quipped .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grads to make the world a better place , and base their lives on “ honesty , hard work , responsibility , fairness , generosity , respect for others.
” “ Doing what feels good , what ’ s convenient , what ’ s easy , that ’ s how little kids think , ” he said , before adding what seemed like a reference to Trump .
“ Unfortunately , a lot of so-called grown-ups — including some with fancy titles and important jobs — still think that way .
Which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Barack Obama during # GraduateTogether : `` Doing what feels good , what 's convenient , what 's easy , that 's how little kids think .
Unfortunately , a lot of so-called grown-ups including some with fancy titles & important jobs still think that way .
Which is why things are so screwed up . ''
pic.twitter.com/FO8Hx8DHqj — Aaron Rupar ( @ atrupar ) May 17 , 2020 He called on young people to take action to address “ deep-seated ” problems in America , from “ massive economic inequality to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basic health care ” that have been “ laid bare ” by COVID-19 .
“ It doesn ’ t matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry and sick , ” he said .
“ Our society and our democracy only work if we think not just about ourselves , but about each other.
” A big problem is “ all those adults that you used to think were in charge and thought they knew what they were doing don ’ t have all the answers , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t even asking the right questions.
” This year ’ s graduating class will have to grow up fast because of the pandemic , Obama warned .
“ Don ’ t be afraid , ” he urged .
“ But if we ’ re going to get through these difficult times , if we ’ re going to create a world where everyone has opportunities ...
If we ’ re going to save the environment and defeat future pandemics , then we ’ re going to have to do it together @ @

Former president Barack Obama made fun of his big ears and pointed some sly jabs at Donald Trump (without mentioning his name) as he called on teens to change the world in an online commencement speech for high schoolers across the nation.
Obama was the featured speaker Saturday night in the nationally televised event “Graduate Together: America Honors the Class of 2020.”
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He assured his audience that after this, they wouldn’t miss having a live graduation, warning that speakers like him can talk “way too long.” Besides, the caps don’t look that great, “especially if you have big ears like me,” he quipped.
But he also made an inspiring appeal to grads to make the world a better place, and base their lives on “honesty, hard work, responsibility, fairness, generosity, respect for others.”
Do the right thing, he advised.
“Doing what feels good, what’s convenient, what’s easy, that’s how little kids think,” he said, before adding what seemed like a reference to Trump. “Unfortunately, a lot of so-called grown-ups — including some with fancy titles and important jobs — still think that way. Which is why things are so screwed up.”
Barack Obama during #GraduateTogether: "Doing what feels good, what's convenient, what's easy, that's how little kids think. Unfortunately, a lot of so-called grown-ups including some with fancy titles & important jobs still think that way. Which is why things are so screwed up." pic.twitter.com/FO8Hx8DHqj — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 17, 2020
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He called on young people to take action to address “deep-seated” problems in America, from “massive economic inequality to ongoing racial disparities to a lack of basic health care” that have been “laid bare” by COVID-19.
“It doesn’t matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry and sick,” he said. “Our society and our democracy only work if we think not just about ourselves, but about each other.”
A big problem is “all those adults that you used to think were in charge and thought they knew what they were doing don’t have all the answers,” he said. “A lot of them aren’t even asking the right questions.”
This year’s graduating class will have to grow up fast because of the pandemic, Obama warned.
“Don’t be afraid,” he urged. “But if we’re going to get through these difficult times, if we’re going to create a world where everyone has opportunities ... If we’re going to save the environment and defeat future pandemics, then we’re going to have to do it together.”


huffpost--2020-05-16--Obama Rips The Trump Administration's Failed Pandemic Response In College Address

“ More than anything , this pandemic has fully , finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so @ @ @ @ @ charge know what they ’ re doing .
A lot of them aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ charge.
” The Trump administration has continually fallen short in its response to the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ Americans have died .
Following Obama ’ s speech , Trump tweeted a single response @ @ @ @ @ “ OBAMAGATE !
” — a reference to Trump ’ s vague accusation of crimes @ @ @ @ @ which Trump has declined to explain .

“More than anything, this pandemic has fully, finally torn back the curtain on the idea that so many of the folks in charge know what they’re doing. A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge.”
The Trump administration has continually fallen short in its response to the pandemic, in which nearly 90,000 Americans have died.
Following Obama’s speech, Trump tweeted a single response to the former president: “OBAMAGATE!” — a reference to Trump’s vague accusation of crimes by the former president, which Trump has declined to explain.
Read Obama’s full commencement speech here.


huffpost--2020-05-17--‘Stir-Crazy’ Penguins Get Taste Of Culture During 'Quarantine' Art Museum Visit

A group of penguins in Kansas City , Missouri , took a field trip to their local art museum to shake off some of their pandemic blues .
“ Quarantine has caused everyone to go a little stir-crazy , even the residents of the Kansas City Zoo , ” the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art said of their feathered visitors in a Facebook post last week .
“ So several of the penguins decided to go on a field trip to the Nelson-Atkins , which is still closed , to get a little culture.
” In a video capturing the visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the halls of the museum , pausing at times to gaze up at the art around them .
The museum ’ s director , Julián Zugazagoitia , quipped in the video that he spoke Spanish to the penguins — which are native to Chile and Peru — who he said appeared to “ appreciate art history.
” The birds “ seemed definitely to react much better to Caravaggio than to Monet , ” he added , referring to two painting greats .
The museum and zoo have both been closed since mid-March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoo ’ s executive director , Randy Wisthoff , said in the video that the penguins and other animals have really missed “ visitors coming up to see them ” during the shutdown .
“ We ’ re always looking for ways to enrich their lives and stimulate their days ... during this shutdown period , ” Wisthoff said , adding that the penguins “ absolutely loved ” their museum jaunt .

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A group of penguins in Kansas City, Missouri, took a field trip to their local art museum to shake off some of their pandemic blues.
“Quarantine has caused everyone to go a little stir-crazy, even the residents of the Kansas City Zoo,” the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art said of their feathered visitors in a Facebook post last week. “So several of the penguins decided to go on a field trip to the Nelson-Atkins, which is still closed, to get a little culture.”
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In a video capturing the visit, the Humboldt penguins are seen tottering about the halls of the museum, pausing at times to gaze up at the art around them.
The museum’s director, Julián Zugazagoitia, quipped in the video that he spoke Spanish to the penguins — which are native to Chile and Peru — who he said appeared to “appreciate art history.”
The birds “seemed definitely to react much better to Caravaggio than to Monet,” he added, referring to two painting greats.
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The museum and zoo have both been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The zoo’s executive director, Randy Wisthoff, said in the video that the penguins and other animals have really missed “visitors coming up to see them” during the shutdown.


huffpost--2020-06-20--50 Years After MLK, Pastors Lead A New Poor People's March

More than 50 years after the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. called for a Poor People ’ s March on Washington to demand economic justice , two pastors are attempting to revive King ’ s efforts for a new era ― using the technology available today to highlight the injustices currently plaguing the most vulnerable Americans .
Rev .
William Barber II and Rev .
Liz Theoharis are leading “ The Mass Poor People ’ s Assembly and Moral March on Washington ” on Saturday .
The assembly seeks to challenge what the pastors call the “ interlocking evils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ecological devastation , militarism and religious nationalism ― all of which they believe have the heaviest toll on poor people .
The event was initially supposed to gather people in person in the nation ’ s capital , but it was moved online in recent months , in light of the COVID-19 pandemic .
It will feature testimonies from people typically relegated to the margins of society ― service workers from the Midwest who have worked during the coronavirus pandemic without personal protective equipment , residents of Louisiana ’ s “ Cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apache elder trying to stop the government from destroying his sacred site in Arizona , and families devastated by police brutality .
Theoharis told HuffPost that the movement ’ s demands are “ radical , bold and visionary ” because she believes that ’ s “ exactly what the nation needs.
” She pointed to how the government could afford to give coronavirus bailouts to corporations while millions of Americans still don ’ t have health insurance and while stimulus checks aren ’ t reaching people who are too poor to file taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Right now , people are very aware that the institutions that are supposed to be there to serve are failing people and are making people fend for themselves , ” she said .
“ It ’ s not that we have a scarcity of resources , it ’ s not that things have to be the way that they are .
It ’ s that there ’ s a scarcity right now of political will.
” “ So what do you do in the face of that ?
You build power among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to change that will and make the power structures prioritize people , to lift from the bottom , which raises everybody up , ” she added .
King is remembered across the political spectrum for the pivotal role he played in securing civil rights for Black Americans .
The leader ’ s more controversial positions ― on redistributing wealth , calling out the failures of capitalism , ending war ― don ’ t get as much attention .
Nevertheless , in the final months of his life , King was actively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice are intricately tied .
In the fall of 1967 , King and fellow activists started planning for a Poor People ’ s Campaign and march on Washington to challenge elected officials to address the economic inequalities faced by poor Americans .
King ’ s vision for the march was for poor protesters from all backgrounds to join forces in demanding an “ economic bill of rights ” that would direct government funds toward full employment , a guaranteed annual income , more low-income housing and other anti-poverty programs .
His goal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gulf between promise and fulfillment , to call attention to the gap between the dream and the realities , to make the invisible visible.
” King was assassinated before he could see that march come to fruition .
The Poor People ’ s Campaign continued under the leadership of another civil rights leader , the Rev .
Ralph Abernathy .
Thousands of protesters occupied the National Mall for 42 days during May and June of 1968 , using a temporary encampment called “ Resurrection City ” as a base from which to petition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 19 with more than 50,000 people marching for economic justice .
There have been other civil rights marches on Washington since 1968 , but Saturday ’ s event is unique in its attempt to expand and adapt King ’ s goals to current crises ― and to build an even broader coalition .
Theoharis said that the modern Poor People ’ s Campaign has spent two years building momentum through state and local organizers .
The goals of the movement now include highlighting the injustices faced by Muslims , undocumented immigrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The organizers are also calling out Christians for focusing on issues like prayer in school , abortion rights and gun rights while ignoring poverty , health care and other crises facing poor Americans .
The initiative has found support among a broad range of religious leaders and faith-based advocacy groups ― evangelicals , Episcopalians , Roman Catholics , Methodists , Jews , Muslims , Hindus , Unitarian-Universalists .
Activists who were part of the original Poor People ’ s Campaign will be participating in Saturday ’ s event , Theoharis said .
Celebrities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Vice President Al Gore have signed up to introduce speakers at the rally , who will then testify about their personal experiences with poverty .

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More than 50 years after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. called for a Poor People’s March on Washington to demand economic justice, two pastors are attempting to revive King’s efforts for a new era ― using the technology available today to highlight the injustices currently plaguing the most vulnerable Americans.
Rev. William Barber II and Rev. Liz Theoharis are leading “The Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington” on Saturday. The assembly seeks to challenge what the pastors call the “interlocking evils” of systemic racism, wealth inequality, ecological devastation, militarism and religious nationalism ― all of which they believe have the heaviest toll on poor people.
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The event was initially supposed to gather people in person in the nation’s capital, but it was moved online in recent months, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will feature testimonies from people typically relegated to the margins of society ― service workers from the Midwest who have worked during the coronavirus pandemic without personal protective equipment, residents of Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” fighting corporate polluters, an Apache elder trying to stop the government from destroying his sacred site in Arizona, and families devastated by police brutality.
The Revs. William J. Barber II and Liz Theoharis, co-chairs of the Poor People's Campaign, hope to challenge "interlocking evils." Mark Humphrey/Associated Press
Organizers have come up with a broad list of progressive demands for elected officials. Those demands include blocking new pipelines and refineries, bolstering voting rights and access, reforming the immigration system, providing free tuition at public universities, ensuring living wages for all, enacting single-payer universal health care and banning assault rifles.
Theoharis told HuffPost that the movement’s demands are “radical, bold and visionary” because she believes that’s “exactly what the nation needs.” She pointed to how the government could afford to give coronavirus bailouts to corporations while millions of Americans still don’t have health insurance and while stimulus checks aren’t reaching people who are too poor to file taxes, the homeless and undocumented immigrants.
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“Right now, people are very aware that the institutions that are supposed to be there to serve are failing people and are making people fend for themselves,” she said. “It’s not that we have a scarcity of resources, it’s not that things have to be the way that they are. It’s that there’s a scarcity right now of political will.”
“So what do you do in the face of that? You build power among the people that are most impacted to be able to change that will and make the power structures prioritize people, to lift from the bottom, which raises everybody up,” she added.
Organizers of Saturday’s online assembly have deliberately modeled it after King’s 1968 Poor People’s Campaign ― echoing not just his title but also his goals.
King is remembered across the political spectrum for the pivotal role he played in securing civil rights for Black Americans. The leader’s more controversial positions ― on redistributing wealth, calling out the failures of capitalism, ending war ― don’t get as much attention. Nevertheless, in the final months of his life, King was actively promoting his belief that racial and economic justice are intricately tied.
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In the fall of 1967, King and fellow activists started planning for a Poor People’s Campaign and march on Washington to challenge elected officials to address the economic inequalities faced by poor Americans. King’s vision for the march was for poor protesters from all backgrounds to join forces in demanding an “economic bill of rights” that would direct government funds toward full employment, a guaranteed annual income, more low-income housing and other anti-poverty programs.
An estimated 50,000 people joined in support of the Poor People's Campaign in Washington, D.C., on June 19, 1968. Arnold Sachs/Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images
His goal for the demonstration was to “dramatize the gulf between promise and fulfillment, to call attention to the gap between the dream and the realities, to make the invisible visible.”
King was assassinated before he could see that march come to fruition. The Poor People’s Campaign continued under the leadership of another civil rights leader, the Rev. Ralph Abernathy. Thousands of protesters occupied the National Mall for 42 days during May and June of 1968, using a temporary encampment called “Resurrection City” as a base from which to petition various government agencies. The campaign culminated on June 19 with more than 50,000 people marching for economic justice.
Solidarity Day at the Poor People's Campaign on June 19, 1968, on the National Mall. Henry Burroughs/Associated Press
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There have been other civil rights marches on Washington since 1968, but Saturday’s event is unique in its attempt to expand and adapt King’s goals to current crises ― and to build an even broader coalition.
Theoharis said that the modern Poor People’s Campaign has spent two years building momentum through state and local organizers. The goals of the movement now include highlighting the injustices faced by Muslims, undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ people and disabled Americans. The organizers are also calling out Christians for focusing on issues like prayer in school, abortion rights and gun rights while ignoring poverty, health care and other crises facing poor Americans.
The initiative has found support among a broad range of religious leaders and faith-based advocacy groups ― evangelicals, Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Methodists, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Unitarian-Universalists. Activists who were part of the original Poor People’s Campaign will be participating in Saturday’s event, Theoharis said. Celebrities including Wanda Sykes and Jane Fonda and former Vice President Al Gore have signed up to introduce speakers at the rally, who will then testify about their personal experiences with poverty.
Organizers are “fully recognizing that we are in a different moment than in 1968,” Theoharis said. Wealth inequality has increased, the pandemic has exposed issues around public health and America is grappling with the prevalence of police violence, she said.
“We’re not just commemorating or building what [Dr. King] was calling for back then,” she said. “We would have to build a poor people’s campaign today even if he had never.”


huffpost--2020-06-20--Florida Governor Ripped For Trying To Pin COVID-19 Spike On Hispanic Workers

Angry health experts and worker advocates fired back Friday after Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis ( R ) said that “ overwhelmingly Hispanic ” day laborers and agricultural workers are a key driver of a record spike in the state ’ s COVID-19 cases .
DeSantis , who was one of the last governors in the nation to issue a statewide stay-at-home order and one of the first to reopen the economy , told reporters Tuesday that the surge was mostly among nursing homes , construction workers and other day laborers and farmworkers .
Last week he said that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve seen is in agricultural communities.
” “ Some of these guys go to work in a school bus , and they ’ re are all just packed there like sardines , going across Palm Beach County or some of these other places , and there ’ s just all these opportunities to have transmission , ” DeSantis said Tuesday .
Check out his comments concerning the “ overwhelmingly Hispanic ” workers in the video below at the 10:00 and 23:30 marks .
He was fact-checked by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of farmworkers left the state weeks ago after harvests , and that cases are spiking in nonagricultural areas , The Tampa Bay Times reported .
Farmworker advocates ripped the governor for a racist blame-the-victims strategy in a state where employers are required to provide few protections for farmworkers and Florida has offered little outreach to a vulnerable population with poor access to health care and hygienic living conditions .
Antonio Tovar , executive director of the Farmworker Association of Florida , blasted the comments as “ shameful , ” and told The News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 groups had begged the governor for help for the community back in April .
“ From day one we asked for help for farmworkers , none came , ” Lourdes Villanueva , the director of farmworker advocacy for Redlands Christian Migrant Association , told The Tampa Bay Times .
“ It ’ s always about blaming the less fortunate and the ones that can not defend themselves.
” The Florida Health Department reported 3,207 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday , marking the largest daily increase since early March .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 85,000 cases and at least 3,061 deaths .
The recent spike is triggering concerns that Florida could become the new American epicenter for the virus .
The state health department did not provide data , case ZIP codes or maps to the Miami Herald to supply evidence backing the governor ’ s claim that COVID-19 is highest in Florida ’ s agricultural communities , the Herald reported .
Franco Ripple , a spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services , accused the governor of “ cherry-picking data ” to scapegoat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases since June 10 has occurred in counties where there is little agriculture , Ripple noted , according to the Herald .
“ Naming rural and farm communities as a main driver ” of the disease is “ not accurate , ” he said .
DeSantis last week seemed to downplay the growing number of cases in the state by noting that they were appearing largely in specific communities , such as among farmworkers — and in nursing homes .
He jokingly referred to Florida in April as “ God ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of elderly residents in the state , who are particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus .

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Angry health experts and worker advocates fired back Friday after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said that “overwhelmingly Hispanic” day laborers and agricultural workers are a key driver of a record spike in the state’s COVID-19 cases.
DeSantis, who was one of the last governors in the nation to issue a statewide stay-at-home order and one of the first to reopen the economy, told reporters Tuesday that the surge was mostly among nursing homes, construction workers and other day laborers and farmworkers. Last week he said that “the No. 1 outbreak we’ve seen is in agricultural communities.”
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“Some of these guys go to work in a school bus, and they’re are all just packed there like sardines, going across Palm Beach County or some of these other places, and there’s just all these opportunities to have transmission,” DeSantis said Tuesday.
Check out his comments concerning the “overwhelmingly Hispanic” workers in the video below at the 10:00 and 23:30 marks.
He was fact-checked by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a Democrat, who said the majority of farmworkers left the state weeks ago after harvests, and that cases are spiking in nonagricultural areas, The Tampa Bay Times reported.
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Farmworker advocates ripped the governor for a racist blame-the-victims strategy in a state where employers are required to provide few protections for farmworkers and Florida has offered little outreach to a vulnerable population with poor access to health care and hygienic living conditions.
Antonio Tovar, executive director of the Farmworker Association of Florida, blasted the comments as “shameful,” and told The News Service in Florida that a coalition of 50 groups had begged the governor for help for the community back in April.
“From day one we asked for help for farmworkers, none came,” Lourdes Villanueva, the director of farmworker advocacy for Redlands Christian Migrant Association, told The Tampa Bay Times. “It’s always about blaming the less fortunate and the ones that cannot defend themselves.”
The Florida Health Department reported 3,207 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, marking the largest daily increase since early March. As of Thursday, Florida has recorded over 85,000 cases and at least 3,061 deaths. The recent spike is triggering concerns that Florida could become the new American epicenter for the virus.
The state health department did not provide data, case ZIP codes or maps to the Miami Herald to supply evidence backing the governor’s claim that COVID-19 is highest in Florida’s agricultural communities, the Herald reported.
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Franco Ripple, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, accused the governor of “cherry-picking data” to scapegoat farmworkers. Much of the rise in new cases since June 10 has occurred in counties where there is little agriculture, Ripple noted, according to the Herald. “Naming rural and farm communities as a main driver” of the disease is “not accurate,” he said.