huffpost--2020-04-23--Trump Tweets Threat To 'Shoot Down' Iranian Gunboats Amid Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions

The launch was a first for the Guard , revealing what experts described as a secret military space program that could accelerate Iran ’ s ballistic missile development .
American officials said it was too early to know whether an operational Iranian satellite was successfully placed into orbit .
Trump ’ s top diplomat accused Iran of violating U.N. resolutions .
After Iran ’ s announcement , Trump wrote on Twitter , without citing any specific incident , “ I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Navy reported that 11 Guard naval gunboats had carried out “ dangerous and harassing approaches ” to American Navy and Coast Guard vessels in the Persian Gulf .
The Americans used a variety of nonlethal means to warn off the Iranian boats , and they eventually left .
Such encounters were relatively common several years ago , but have been rare recently .
“ We don ’ t want their gunboats surrounding our boats , and traveling around our boats and having a good time , ” Trump told reporters Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re not going to stand for it .
...
They ’ ll shoot them out of the water.
” Conflict between Iran and the U.S. escalated after the Trump administration withdrew from the international nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions .
Last May , the U.S. sent thousands more troops , including long-range bombers and an aircraft carrier , to the Middle East in response to what it called a growing threat of Iranian attacks on U.S. interests in the region .
The tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s most powerful general , Qassem Soleimani , in January .
Iran responded with a ballistic missile attack on a base in western Iraq where U.S. troops were present .
No Americans were killed but more than 100 suffered mild traumatic brain injuries from the blasts .
At the Pentagon on Wednesday , the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , Gen. John Hyten , welcomed Trump ’ s tweet as a useful warning to Iran .
He drew a parallel between last week ’ s naval encounter in the Gulf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which said was “ just another example of Iranian malign behavior.
” “ And it goes right along with the harassment from the fastboats .
... You put those two things together and it ’ s just more examples of Iranian malign behavior and misbehavior , ” Hyten said .
“ The president issued an important warning to the Iranians , ” David Norquist , the deputy secretary of defense , said at a Pentagon news conference when asked about the tweet .
“ What he was emphasizing is , all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The president ’ s continued issuing of orders to our military via tweet is a threat to our national security and , if followed without clear guidance and rules of engagement , will unnecessarily escalate tensions with Iran and possibly lead to all-out-conflict , ” she said .
Hyten said he thinks the Iranians understand what Trump meant .
Asked whether the tweet means a repeat of last week ’ s incident in the Gulf would require a lethal U.S. response , Hyten said , “ I would have to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make that determination.
” The nature of the response , he said , “ depends on the situation and what the captain sees.
” Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi , a spokesman for Iran ’ s armed forces , accused Trump of “ bullying ” and said the American president should focus on caring for U.S. service members infected with the coronavirus .
The U.S. military has more than 3,500 confirmed cases of coronavirus , and at least two service members have succumbed to COVID-19 , the disease the virus causes .
Using a mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard said it put a “ Noor , ” or “ Light , ” satellite into a low orbit circling the Earth .
Iranian state TV late Wednesday showed footage of what it said was the satellite , and said it had orbited the earth within 90 minutes .
State TV said the satellite ’ s signals were being received .
Hyten said it was too soon to know whether the launch had successfully placed a satellite in orbit .
He said U.S. tracking technology showed the launch vehicle had traveled “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has the ability once again to threaten their neighbors , their allies , and we want to make sure they can never threaten the United States .
”

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions between Washington and Tehran flared anew Wednesday as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard conducted a space launch that could advance the country’s long-range missile program and President Donald Trump threatened to “shoot down and destroy” any Iranian gunboats that harass Navy ships.
The launch was a first for the Guard, revealing what experts described as a secret military space program that could accelerate Iran’s ballistic missile development. American officials said it was too early to know whether an operational Iranian satellite was successfully placed into orbit. Trump’s top diplomat accused Iran of violating U.N. resolutions.
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After Iran’s announcement, Trump wrote on Twitter, without citing any specific incident, “I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea.”
I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2020
Last Wednesday, the U.S. Navy reported that 11 Guard naval gunboats had carried out “dangerous and harassing approaches” to American Navy and Coast Guard vessels in the Persian Gulf. The Americans used a variety of nonlethal means to warn off the Iranian boats, and they eventually left. Such encounters were relatively common several years ago, but have been rare recently.
“We don’t want their gunboats surrounding our boats, and traveling around our boats and having a good time,” Trump told reporters Wednesday evening at the White House. “We’re not going to stand for it. ... They’ll shoot them out of the water.”
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Iran said the U.S. was to blame for last week’s incident.
Conflict between Iran and the U.S. escalated after the Trump administration withdrew from the international nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers in 2018 and reimposed crippling sanctions. Last May, the U.S. sent thousands more troops, including long-range bombers and an aircraft carrier, to the Middle East in response to what it called a growing threat of Iranian attacks on U.S. interests in the region.
The tensions spiked when U.S. forces killed Iran’s most powerful general, Qassem Soleimani, in January. Iran responded with a ballistic missile attack on a base in western Iraq where U.S. troops were present. No Americans were killed but more than 100 suffered mild traumatic brain injuries from the blasts.
At the Pentagon on Wednesday, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Hyten, welcomed Trump’s tweet as a useful warning to Iran. He drew a parallel between last week’s naval encounter in the Gulf and Wednesday’s space launch, which said was “just another example of Iranian malign behavior.”
“And it goes right along with the harassment from the fastboats. ... You put those two things together and it’s just more examples of Iranian malign behavior and misbehavior,” Hyten said.
Iran considers the heavy U.S. military presence in the Middle East a threat to its security.
Trump did not cite a specific Iranian provocation in his tweet or provide details. Senior Pentagon officials gave no indication that Trump had directed a fundamental change in military policy on Iran.
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“The president issued an important warning to the Iranians,” David Norquist, the deputy secretary of defense, said at a Pentagon news conference when asked about the tweet. “What he was emphasizing is, all of our ships retain the right of self-defense.”
Rep. Elaine Luria, a Virginia Democrat and Navy veteran, said Trump’s tweeting could lead to war.
“The president’s continued issuing of orders to our military via tweet is a threat to our national security and, if followed without clear guidance and rules of engagement, will unnecessarily escalate tensions with Iran and possibly lead to all-out-conflict,” she said.
Hyten said he thinks the Iranians understand what Trump meant. Asked whether the tweet means a repeat of last week’s incident in the Gulf would require a lethal U.S. response, Hyten said, “I would have to be the captain of the ship in order to make that determination.” The nature of the response, he said, “depends on the situation and what the captain sees.”
Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesman for Iran’s armed forces, accused Trump of “bullying” and said the American president should focus on caring for U.S. service members infected with the coronavirus. The U.S. military has more than 3,500 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and at least two service members have succumbed to COVID-19, the disease the virus causes.
The space launch has potentially bigger implications for conflict with Iran. U.S. officials believe it is intended to advance Iran’s development of intercontinental-range ballistic missiles that could threaten the U.S.
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Using a mobile launcher at a new site, the Guard said it put a “Noor,” or “Light,” satellite into a low orbit circling the Earth. Iranian state TV late Wednesday showed footage of what it said was the satellite, and said it had orbited the earth within 90 minutes. State TV said the satellite’s signals were being received.
Hyten said it was too soon to know whether the launch had successfully placed a satellite in orbit. He said U.S. tracking technology showed the launch vehicle had traveled “a very long way, which means it has the ability once again to threaten their neighbors, their allies, and we want to make sure they can never threaten the United States.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United Nations needs to evaluate whether the space launch was consistent with Security Council resolutions. “I don’t think it remotely is, and I think Iran needs to be held accountable for what it’s done,” Pompeo said.
In a letter Wednesday to Trump, 50 former senior U.S. officials and experts on Iran accused Tehran of using COVID-19 as a reason to pressure the U.S. to ease sanctions while continuing to spend money to bankroll malign activities in the region. The administration has repeatedly said humanitarian aid to Iran is not affected by the sanctions.


huffpost--2020-05-01--Mike Pence Dons Mask For GM Tour After Mayo Clinic Backlash

Vice President Mike Pence wore a face mask as he toured a General Motors plant in Indiana on Thursday , days after he was criticized for not wearing the protective gear during a tour of the Mayo Clinic .
Pence went to the GM facility in Kokomo , which is now making medical ventilators , with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Indiana Gov .
Eric Holcomb to see the ventilator production and testing lines .
GM has partnered with Ventec Life Systems to produce the medical equipment to help with the shortfall of ventilators across the U.S. amid the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday ’ s visit , Pence can be seen talking to GM executives and staff while wearing the face mask and protective glasses .
Pence , Chao and other officials who toured the facility removed their protective gear during a roundtable discussion .
Today , Vice President @ Mike_Pence , @ SecElaineChao and @ GovHolcomb visited our Kokomo , IN , facility to meet the team who made it possible for us to deliver more than 600 @ MyVOCSN critical care ventilators in only a few short weeks .
Read more : https @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GM ) April 30 , 2020 At the Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minnesota , on Tuesday , Pence did not wear a mask while meeting with staff members and patients , who were all wearing masks .
The clinic ’ s policy calls for protective gear .
The Mayo Clinic initially said in a tweet that it had informed Pence of their mask policy before he arrived .
The tweet was later deleted , but the clinic confirmed to HuffPost that it had indeed notified the vice president of the policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have posed a risk to staff and patients after photos of his visit circulated on social media .
News reports , including one by HuffPost , also highlighted Pence ’ s decision to forgo the mask .
Pence defended his lack of a mask at the clinic , saying that he and the people around him are regularly tested for COVID-19 .
“ As vice president of the United States , I ’ m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis , and everyone who is around me is tested for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And since I don ’ t have the coronavirus , I thought it ’ d be a good opportunity for me to be here , to be able to speak to these researchers , these incredible health care personnel , and look them in the eye and say thank you .
”

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Vice President Mike Pence wore a face mask as he toured a General Motors plant in Indiana on Thursday, days after he was criticized for not wearing the protective gear during a tour of the Mayo Clinic.
Pence went to the GM facility in Kokomo, which is now making medical ventilators, with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to see the ventilator production and testing lines.
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GM has partnered with Ventec Life Systems to produce the medical equipment to help with the shortfall of ventilators across the U.S. amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In videos and photos of Thursday’s visit, Pence can be seen talking to GM executives and staff while wearing the face mask and protective glasses.
Pence, Chao and other officials who toured the facility removed their protective gear during a roundtable discussion.
Today, Vice President @Mike_Pence, @SecElaineChao and @GovHolcomb visited our Kokomo, IN, facility to meet the team who made it possible for us to deliver more than 600 @MyVOCSN critical care ventilators in only a few short weeks. Read more: https://t.co/km9By4Ugna pic.twitter.com/6wX1dh8Id2 — General Motors (@GM) April 30, 2020
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At the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on Tuesday, Pence did not wear a mask while meeting with staff members and patients, who were all wearing masks. The clinic’s policy calls for protective gear.
The Mayo Clinic initially said in a tweet that it had informed Pence of their mask policy before he arrived. The tweet was later deleted, but the clinic confirmed to HuffPost that it had indeed notified the vice president of the policy.
People were concerned that Pence may have posed a risk to staff and patients after photos of his visit circulated on social media. News reports, including one by HuffPost, also highlighted Pence’s decision to forgo the mask.
PENCE flouts Mayo Clinic policy that everyone on campus wear a mask, even as he meets with staff and a patient. pic.twitter.com/kfo64KQDhU — Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) April 28, 2020
Pence defended his lack of a mask at the clinic, saying that he and the people around him are regularly tested for COVID-19.
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“As vice president of the United States, I’m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis, and everyone who is around me is tested for the coronavirus,” Pence said.


huffpost--2020-03-20--In The Time Of Coronavirus, This Is How We Party

Mike and Sami Jacobson , both 33 , were in the middle of their cheese order when they found out the double date that they had been planning with their couple friends was indefinitely postponed .
They had already canceled a coveted dinner reservation , and were planning to just have wine and cheese together at an apartment , but by Sunday afternoon it became apparent that even that level of human contact was inadvisable .
The two couples then went about creating the date they would have had in person , just over FaceTime at their respective New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fancy cheese plate , pulled out wine glasses — the “ nice ones that we use when company comes over , ” Sami quipped — and popped open a bottle of good wine .
They sat at their tables and cheersed screen-to-screen , and really , truly caught up .
“ It was actually so much fun , ” Sami said .
She was also surprised to discover how substantive and special the date felt , even though they weren ’ t all in the same room .
“ There ’ s something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels like a proper date or a proper hangout where you don ’ t have other distractions , ” Sami said .
“ You can really focus on the people you are trying to catch up with.
” They planned another double date — this time with their Los Angeles-based friends — soon after .
For Gwen Schroeder , 40 , the idea that video would help keep people together during social distancing felt like a given .
She has worked in video production for a decade and more recently has been telecommuting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mom ’ s group joked that they should have a dance party , she took the idea and ran with it .
“ Virtual is not the same but I am convinced it ’ s better than nothing , ” he said .
“ One of the most difficult things about this [ pandemic ] is that the things that normally sustain us through very stressful times — social connections — are not only removed , but the people we care about could become a threat.
” Spiegel is feeling the social separation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at-risk age bracket and can not see his grandchildren in person during social distancing .
But he has been able to see them as well as some of his friends over video , and he said that he “ found it remarkably sustaining and uplifting.
” Ruti Wajnberg , 35 , also had big plans for this weekend to throw her younger sister a bridal shower in New Jersey .
The couple ’ s wedding was supposed to be in May , but has now been postponed due to the pandemic .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bridal shower happen and help her sister and her fiancé “ feel special in any way possible .
”

On Saturday night, I went on a date with my boyfriend.
We usually spend weekends together despite living in different New York City boroughs, and this one was no exception. I got a glass of ice cold sour beer, and we caught up on our respective work weeks. We laughed a lot and took dumb photos that will never see the light of Instagram.
On Sunday night, I attended a debate watch party with a group of my most politically passionate friends. We dissected the 2020 election, discussed the contrast between Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden, and a handful of us drank a glass or two of wine to unwind. The affair lasted a few hours, as friends popped in and out.
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In its retelling, the weekend sounds normal — except I spent the whole time inside of my 400-square-foot apartment alone. The date happened over Apple’s FaceTime; the watch party via remote conferencing app Zoom. Two weeks ago, I lived in a city and worked on the internet. Now I live on the internet too, my friends and family members a revolving set of floating digital heads.
As it sinks in around the United States that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will require us to take drastic measures for months — including an indefinite closure of schools, offices, restaurants, bars and theaters as people in nonessential jobs social distance — people have scrambled to cling to a sense of normalcy (and sanity) using technology. The New York Times reported that nearly 600,000 people downloaded Zoom on Sunday alone.
I spoke to people across the country who have initiated virtual book clubs, dance parties, wine nights, double dates and 15-person group hangs.
This is the new normal.
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For millennials, Gen Xers and boomers who don’t normally work remotely, the coronavirus outbreak has presented an opportunity to jump on the video-chatting bandwagon that Gen Zers have long been using for work and for play. (Some college students have begun joking that they now attend Zoom University.) And for office-based professionals now trapped at home, they are adapting their social behaviors quickly.
Tyler Chatz, 29, described the last couple weeks as “surreal.” He and his large group of friends, mostly based in Chicago, keep in touch over a group text. After the NBA suspended its season, the text chain exploded.
“People started panicking, talking about what we should be doing. And then the topic shifted to social distancing,” Chatz said. They wanted to avoid getting vulnerable populations sick, so Tyler suggested a group video chat on FaceTime, which they affectionately referred to as a mandatory “all-hands meeting.”
Tyler and his friends on their FaceTime party, affectionately referred to as an all-hands meeting. Courtesy of Tyler Chatz
Mike and Sami Jacobson, both 33, were in the middle of their cheese order when they found out the double date that they had been planning with their couple friends was indefinitely postponed. They had already canceled a coveted dinner reservation, and were planning to just have wine and cheese together at an apartment, but by Sunday afternoon it became apparent that even that level of human contact was inadvisable.
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So the Jacobsons suggested a digital double date. “We’d been joking about this, but this time was serious,” Mike said.
The two couples then went about creating the date they would have had in person, just over FaceTime at their respective New York City apartments. Each couple made a fancy cheese plate, pulled out wine glasses — the “nice ones that we use when company comes over,” Sami quipped — and popped open a bottle of good wine. They sat at their tables and cheersed screen-to-screen, and really, truly caught up. “It was actually so much fun,” Sami said.
Sami (left) and Mike, both 33, have a double date via FaceTime with their friends. Courtesy of Mike Jacobson
She was also surprised to discover how substantive and special the date felt, even though they weren’t all in the same room. “There’s something about carving out a time so it feels like a proper date or a proper hangout where you don’t have other distractions,” Sami said. “You can really focus on the people you are trying to catch up with.” They planned another double date — this time with their Los Angeles-based friends — soon after.
For Gwen Schroeder, 40, the idea that video would help keep people together during social distancing felt like a given. She has worked in video production for a decade and more recently has been telecommuting. So when someone in her Brooklyn mom’s group joked that they should have a dance party, she took the idea and ran with it.
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She set up a Zoom link and a digital flyer to get the word out, and on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. they turned on music and prepared to party. Right away, about 10 other friends joined the Zoom, and at its peak, there were 40 different streams dialed in. Schroeder and her toddler daughter had a blast.
“I haven’t felt that happy in awhile,” she said. “Everything from my work is really bad right now. And I just forgot about it for a solid hour.”
She paused for a second, and then added: “Why did we wait for a pandemic to get on Zoom and hang out with each other?”
Gwen and her friends have a raucous dance party via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of Gwen Schroeder
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Given that much of our lives already happens online — our banking, our work, our daily communication, our leisure time, our shopping — it’s unsurprising that people would turn to digital tech for solutions and comfort during a deeply uncertain time.
Dr. David Spiegel, Willson professor and associate chair of psychiatry at Stanford University, says that we should lean in to the technology that is available to us, because social contact is essential to our health, both mentally and physically.
“Virtual is not the same but I am convinced it’s better than nothing,” he said. “One of the most difficult things about this [pandemic] is that the things that normally sustain us through very stressful times — social connections — are not only removed, but the people we care about could become a threat.”
And in the absence of the daily structures that most of us are used to, Spiegel says pre-planned Zoom hangouts can provide that social structure. “If you have to plan something, it’s sort of like going to dinner,” he said. “Without that structure it makes you feel at very loose ends.”
Spiegel is feeling the social separation firsthand, since he is in the at-risk age bracket and cannot see his grandchildren in person during social distancing. But he has been able to see them as well as some of his friends over video, and he said that he “found it remarkably sustaining and uplifting.”
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“Why did we wait for a pandemic to get on Zoom and hang out with each other?” - Gwen, 40, Brooklyn
As the CDC has recommended canceling all events that involve gathering more than 50 people together for at least eight weeks, digital platforms have also provided a way to create a stand-in for larger-scale celebrations that had to be canceled or postponed.
Alex Sangeorge, who turns 32 this week, was supposed to celebrate his birthday with a long weekend in Mexico City. The trip got canceled due to coronavirus, and his work quickly moved from an office in Manhattan to Zoom. So this weekend, he’ll be throwing himself a virtual happy hour birthday party on Zoom or Google Hangouts — batched cocktails and all.
Ruti Wajnberg, 35, also had big plans for this weekend to throw her younger sister a bridal shower in New Jersey. The couple’s wedding was supposed to be in May, but has now been postponed due to the pandemic. This made Ruti even more determined to make the bridal shower happen and help her sister and her fiancé “feel special in any way possible.”
“Our family is Jewish and our parents immigrated from Poland in their 20s; [my sister’s fiancé’s] family are immigrants from Greece,” Wajnberg said. “Both factions are loud, fun-loving and have huge, hilarious families. There were 60 people invited to the shower, most of whom will try to join virtually.”
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The party will include a series of activities, including origami flower-making, toasts, performances and a quiz specific to her sister. They plan to wrap up with a remote Greek circle-dancing lesson.
Many of the people I spoke to wondered if they might use Zoom and Google Hangouts to sustain relationships with people even when the world isn’t on pause in order to slow the rapid spread of the virus.
Elisa Davis, 34, used Zoom last weekend to catch up with a group of childhood friends from her Maryland summer camp. “We usually just text each other and it was really really nice to see everybody’s face,” she said. “It felt nice that everyone had devoted time for it. It wasn’t texting while doing seven other things.”
The group is spread out across the country from Baltimore and New York City to Austin and Washington, D.C., and has talked about keeping the Zoom chats going every week.
Halfway through his double date, Jacobson wondered why they didn’t do this kind of thing more often. Perhaps this would open doors to new ways to sustain relationships with people, especially those who live far away.
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“It kind of changed my perspective on catch-ups with people,” he said.
Though the ability to video chat is providing socially isolated people a virtual lifeline, even the most enthusiastic users expressed hope that they’d be able to see their loved ones IRL soon — and wondered whether the novelty of Zoom chats might quickly wane.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” said Schroeder. “Social media is gonna make you crazy but also help you stay alive.” (As a friend and former colleague pointed out to me, they did not have video chat during the 1918 influenza outbreak.)
Regardless of whether it’s a totally satisfactory replacement for in-person get togethers, Spiegel said that we should be taking advantage of the technology that’s available to us. After all, it’s the best avenue we’ve got to sustain the social connections that make life worth living in the first place.


huffpost--2020-03-31--25 Funny Tweets About Coronavirus Cooking Struggles

If you ’ ve spent any time on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic , you ’ ve likely noticed @ @ @ @ @ this time of social distancing as an opportunity to hone their cooking skills .
But @ @ @ @ @ at home while limiting trips to the grocery store and dealing with various ingredient shortages @ @ @ @ @ .
Still , many Twitter users have found levity in the kitchen challenges they ’ @ @ @ @ @ 25 funny tweets about cooking in the age of coronavirus .

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huffpost--2020-03-18--Hulu's 'Little Fires Everywhere' Just Can't Compete With The Book

“ Little Fires Everywhere , ” which debuted on Hulu Wednesday with a three-episode dump , might be a contender .
The show , based on Celeste Ng ’ s stellar 2017 novel of the same name , stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington as Elena Richardson and Mia Warren , respectively ― two mothers on opposite sides of the tracks in the predominantly white , highly privileged suburb of Shaker Heights , Ohio .
Elena , a working mother of four teens , lives a seemingly idyllic life : She ’ s beautiful , married to a wealthy lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job as a local reporter .
Single mother Mia , on the other hand , is new to town .
She is an artist and part-time waitress who takes up residence in Elena ’ s vacant apartment and soon becomes her house manager to make ends meet .
From The Page To The Screen Of course , the biggest thing for me is that the book never described the race of Kerry Washington ’ s character , Mia Warren , which made me assume that she was white .
There are plotlines that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight-up racist —with a Black actress as Mia .
But of course , I can see why for a television show set in the ’ 90s — and with today ’ s desire for more diversity on television — you ’ d want that race and class dynamic to be very clear .
LB : Of the decision to make Mia white in the book , Ng , an Asian-American , told Asia Society , “ I ’ ve grown up in white communities my whole life , and like most people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a pretty good understanding of what it ’ s like to be white in America — so I feel comfortable writing characters who are white .
On the other hand , I don ’ t claim to know what it ’ s like to be Black in America .
I can imagine some aspects of it , but I don ’ t feel I know that experience well enough to write about it.
” The writers ’ room for the show ― which includes Ng , showrunner Liz Tigelaar , Raamla Mohamed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the representation to push the storylines further by casting Washington and Lexi Underwood as Mia ’ s daughter , Pearl .
By doing that , everything seems a bit more heightened , especially when it comes to the dynamic between Mia and Reese Witherspoon ’ s character Elena Richardson .
EE : I don ’ t think the timing of the novel changes much about the relationships .
Lexie has a Black boyfriend , Brian , in the book and show , and their relationship is seemingly more fraught in the TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lens into how he thinks about Lexie ’ s whiteness ( and her relationship to Black people ) .
I think that kind of dynamic is just about as relevant in the ’ 90s .
Then , of course , seeing Elena call the cops on two Black people sleeping in their car outside her office definitely resonates today amid Permit Patty and BBQ Becky calling police on Black people across the country .
It ’ s set in the ’ 90s , but could be happening right now , too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ book is how nuanced it is .
I turned each page gripped by the storytelling , especially because she writes through every character ’ s viewpoint , leading you to feel you truly know each of them and what they believe and feel in major moments .
By the end of the novel I was rooting for all of these people in some way as I came to understand the values they possessed .
With the show , I ’ m finding it harder to look past the melodrama and see the deeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Performances Measure Up ?
EE : I agree with that 100 % .
It was so melodramatic , and a lot of that I ’ d put on the lead actresses .
Both Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon were over-the-top dramatic with a capital D. I mean , we both had to stop watching after the first episode to get a feel for the book , to see how it matched up to the series .
I thought the kids were fine actors though , and it ’ s kind of amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they could be related in real life .
What ’ d you think of the performances ?
And I ’ m behind you on the leading ladies ― their performances are a bit excessive .
It feels less premium content and more network soap ?
I also can ’ t picture Washington as anyone but Olivia Pope , which is my problem , and Witherspoon is playing a ’ 90s version of her “ Big Little Lies ” character , Madeline Mackenzie , which doesn ’ t help either .
Both are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their star power doesn ’ t save the series .
My hot take : Witherspoon is doing a tremendous job greenlighting and producing book-to-screen adaptations , but I feel she could step aside every once in a while when it comes to starring in them .
Now that predicted limited series like “ BLL ” and “ The Morning Show ” have turned into more seasonal fare , she ’ s balancing a lot of character arcs .
EE : Yeah , I just kept imagining if they ’ d casted some lesser-known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if that might have made for a better watching experience .
And I ’ ve loved Reese Witherspoon since “ Freeway , ” but this performance just wasn ’ t doing it for me .
And Washington ’ s lip quiver is too much .
Later in the series , Tiffany Boone ( “ The Chi , ” “ Hunters ” ) and AnnaSophia Robb ( “ The Carrie Diaries ” ) portray younger versions of Mia and Elena .
I love both of those actresses , and think they do a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , the main storyline that does carry over from the book to the novel more seamlessly ( in some ways ) is that of Mia ’ s coworker Bebe Chow , who had left her child at a fire station and the baby is ultimately adopted by Elena ’ s friend , Linda McCullough .
What ’ d you think of how that all translated from book to screen ?
LB : Back to the nuance argument ... Bebe ’ s storyline is so powerful in the book and makes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motherhood but of love in general .
Both Bebe and Linda have a case for why they deserve to be the legal guardian of May Ling/Mirabelle .
They both adore her .
They both want what ’ s best for her .
One is her biological mother , one has raised her to her first birthday .
But ultimately the court ― plus the gossipy townsfolk of Shaker Heights ― gets to decide who the rightful parent is .
It ’ s heartbreaking and twisted and complicated and , described in Ng ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There ’ s no subtlety in the show .
At one point , Bebe screams bloody murder in the middle of May Ling/Mirabelle ’ s birthday party and it is a stark contrast to how it is handled in the book when she first sees her baby again .
But also , Mia ’ s character is so much more heavily involved in Bebe ’ s life than I remember in the book .
It ’ s like she ’ s on a personal crusade to help Bebe get her baby back !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon star in "Little Fires Everywhere." ILLUSTRATION: REBECCA ZISSER/HUFFPOST; PHOTO: HULU
As we’re all, hopefully, social distancing and staying quarantined in our homes amid the coronavirus outbreak, there’s only one thing to look toward: new TV series to binge-watch. (Also, the safety and well-being of the human race, but you get it.)
“Little Fires Everywhere,” which debuted on Hulu Wednesday with a three-episode dump, might be a contender. The show, based on Celeste Ng’s stellar 2017 novel of the same name, stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington as Elena Richardson and Mia Warren, respectively ― two mothers on opposite sides of the tracks in the predominantly white, highly privileged suburb of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Elena, a working mother of four teens, lives a seemingly idyllic life: She’s beautiful, married to a wealthy lawyer (Joshua Jackson) and maintains a job as a local reporter. Single mother Mia, on the other hand, is new to town. She is an artist and part-time waitress who takes up residence in Elena’s vacant apartment and soon becomes her house manager to make ends meet.
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The women end up ensnared in conflict when it’s revealed that Elena’s friend Linda McCullough (Rosemarie DeWitt) is unknowingly adopting the baby of Mia’s co-worker Bebe Chow (Lu Huang), a struggling Chinese immigrant who abandoned her daughter, May Ling/Mirabelle, at a firehouse in a moment of desperation.
The story examines motherhood in all its forms, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we love.
The Bottom Line
Hulu’s adaptation of “Little Fires Everywhere” is an off-kilter soap-opera-like retelling of a remarkable and heartbreaking story about motherhood and identity. The subtlety of Celeste Ng’s story is lost in the performances.
Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon in "Little Fires Everywhere." Hulu
From The Page To The Screen
Leigh Blickley: Erin, we both read Celeste Ng’s “Little Fires Everywhere” and loved it. Then, we watched Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere” and, well, we’re disappointed. Let’s get into it.
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Erin Evans: Yes, I thought the book was very well-written and we really got to know the characters, and then the series just ... amplified the drama times 10 to the point where some of the storylines were just implausible.
Of course, the biggest thing for me is that the book never described the race of Kerry Washington’s character, Mia Warren, which made me assume that she was white. There are plotlines that totally become more complicated — and sometimes straight-up racist —with a Black actress as Mia. But of course, I can see why for a television show set in the ’90s — and with today’s desire for more diversity on television — you’d want that race and class dynamic to be very clear.
LB: Of the decision to make Mia white in the book, Ng, an Asian-American, told Asia Society, “I’ve grown up in white communities my whole life, and like most people of color in the United States, I have a pretty good understanding of what it’s like to be white in America — so I feel comfortable writing characters who are white. On the other hand, I don’t claim to know what it’s like to be Black in America. I can imagine some aspects of it, but I don’t feel I know that experience well enough to write about it.”
The writers’ room for the show ― which includes Ng, showrunner Liz Tigelaar, Raamla Mohamed and Nancy Won ― clearly felt they had the representation to push the storylines further by casting Washington and Lexi Underwood as Mia’s daughter, Pearl. By doing that, everything seems a bit more heightened, especially when it comes to the dynamic between Mia and Reese Witherspoon’s character Elena Richardson.
As you mentioned, they do examine identity, and through a ’90s lens, but do you think it works well? I, for one, think it changes many aspects of the relationships and characters from the novel in interesting ways.
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EE: I don’t think the timing of the novel changes much about the relationships. Lexie has a Black boyfriend, Brian, in the book and show, and their relationship is seemingly more fraught in the TV series because there’s more of a lens into how he thinks about Lexie’s whiteness (and her relationship to Black people). I think that kind of dynamic is just about as relevant in the ’90s. Then, of course, seeing Elena call the cops on two Black people sleeping in their car outside her office definitely resonates today amid Permit Patty and BBQ Becky calling police on Black people across the country. It’s set in the ’90s, but could be happening right now, too.
LB: Completely. And yes, Lexie and Brian’s relationship definitely changed drastically from book to screen, as did others.
What I love about Ng’s book is how nuanced it is. I turned each page gripped by the storytelling, especially because she writes through every character’s viewpoint, leading you to feel you truly know each of them and what they believe and feel in major moments. By the end of the novel I was rooting for all of these people in some way as I came to understand the values they possessed. With the show, I’m finding it harder to look past the melodrama and see the deeper purpose of the story.
How Do The Performances Measure Up?
EE: I agree with that 100%. It was so melodramatic, and a lot of that I’d put on the lead actresses. Both Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon were over-the-top dramatic with a capital D. I mean, we both had to stop watching after the first episode to get a feel for the book, to see how it matched up to the series. I thought the kids were fine actors though, and it’s kind of amazing how much the Richardson children actually look like they could be related in real life. What’d you think of the performances?
LB: They’re mini Reese Witherspoons and Joshua Jacksons! (Pacey Witter Jackson, might I add, is great in this and also looks great in tighty whities.) As for my favorite performer on the show so far, it would have to be Megan Stott, who plays Elena’s “troubled” daughter, Izzy. She’s earned my attention.
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And I’m behind you on the leading ladies ― their performances are a bit excessive. It feels less premium content and more network soap? I also can’t picture Washington as anyone but Olivia Pope, which is my problem, and Witherspoon is playing a ’90s version of her “Big Little Lies” character, Madeline Mackenzie, which doesn’t help either. Both are talented actors, no doubt, but their star power doesn’t save the series. My hot take: Witherspoon is doing a tremendous job greenlighting and producing book-to-screen adaptations, but I feel she could step aside every once in a while when it comes to starring in them. Now that predicted limited series like “BLL” and “The Morning Show” have turned into more seasonal fare, she’s balancing a lot of character arcs.
EE: Yeah, I just kept imagining if they’d casted some lesser-known names for the leading ladies, and if that might have made for a better watching experience. And I’ve loved Reese Witherspoon since “Freeway,” but this performance just wasn’t doing it for me. And Washington’s lip quiver is too much. Later in the series, Tiffany Boone (“The Chi,” “Hunters”) and AnnaSophia Robb (“The Carrie Diaries”) portray younger versions of Mia and Elena. I love both of those actresses, and think they do a great job in the series.
The young actors of "Little Fires Everywhere," (L-R) Gavin Lewis, Lexi Underwood, Jade Pettyjohn, Megan Stott and Jordan Elsass, at ROSS HOUSE on February 19, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Erik Voake via Getty Images
The Question Of Motherhood
EE: Of course, the main storyline that does carry over from the book to the novel more seamlessly (in some ways) is that of Mia’s coworker Bebe Chow, who had left her child at a fire station and the baby is ultimately adopted by Elena’s friend, Linda McCullough. What’d you think of how that all translated from book to screen?
LB: Back to the nuance argument ... Bebe’s storyline is so powerful in the book and makes you ruminate not only on the measure of motherhood but of love in general. Both Bebe and Linda have a case for why they deserve to be the legal guardian of May Ling/Mirabelle. They both adore her. They both want what’s best for her. One is her biological mother, one has raised her to her first birthday. But ultimately the court ― plus the gossipy townsfolk of Shaker Heights ― gets to decide who the rightful parent is. It’s heartbreaking and twisted and complicated and, described in Ng’s words, beautiful.
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On the show, the adoption scandal is simply used as a plot device. All the connective tissue between Bebe and Mia is shoved in our faces rather than revealed eloquently. It’s maddening.
EE: There’s no subtlety in the show. At one point, Bebe screams bloody murder in the middle of May Ling/Mirabelle’s birthday party and it is a stark contrast to how it is handled in the book when she first sees her baby again. But also, Mia’s character is so much more heavily involved in Bebe’s life than I remember in the book. It’s like she’s on a personal crusade to help Bebe get her baby back!
LB: Exactly! It’s done with such little care. Less is more. (I’m getting angrier by the minute.)
OK, we don’t want to spoil the premise too much for people, so let’s get to the crux of the piece.
So, Should You Watch It?
EE: If you loved the book, I say skip this adaptation.
LB: Yeah. I urge people to read the book, then decide. You can love one and judge the other.


huffpost--2020-03-31--Las Vegas Making Homeless Sleep In Socially Distanced Parking Lot

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) — Homeless people in Las Vegas have been directed to sleep in rectangles painted on the pavement in a makeshift parking lot camp as a way to limit the spread of the coronavirus , a move that is stirring outrage by some on social media .
Former Obama administration housing chief Julian Castro suggested in a post on Twitter that the city ’ s homeless should be temporarily placed in empty hotel rooms .
The white-lined patches of pavement were created by officials in the city known for its hospitality after a homeless shelter closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the coronavirus .
City officials said they decided to temporarily place the homeless in a parking lot of a multi-use facility rather than inside buildings that include a stadium , a theater , exhibit space and meeting rooms , because officials planned to reserve them for potential hospital overflow space if needed .
The makeshift shelters come as officials in other states look to protect homeless people .
In California , which has the nation ’ s largest homeless population , Gov .
Gavin Newsom has pledged thousands of hotel rooms to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officials in Nevada have not yet proposed putting the homeless in vacant hotels , including the famous casino resorts of the Las Vegas Strip , which began emptying two weeks ago when Gov .
Steve Sisolak ordered a monthlong halt to gambling and closure of casinos .
The resorts were allowed to keep their hotels open to avoid displacing guests or for emergency purposes .
The city of Las Vegas said in a tweet Monday night that it initially tried to provide padded carpeting for those staying in the open-air shelter , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitized and officials instead tried to offer mats for some .
“ We don ’ t have enough mats for everyone .
We are trying to get more but are having a hard time , ” the city said in another tweet .
“ We ’ ll continue to provide this temporary respite , while practicing social distancing , for anyone who is suffering from homelessness.
” Nevada health officials reported Tuesday that at least 26 people have died from the coronavirus .
More than 1,000 people in the state have been diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with the virus experience mild or moderate fever and coughing that clear up in two to three weeks .
Some , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , can face severe illness , including pneumonia and death .
Homeless people in Las Vegas have been directed to sleep in rectangles painted on the pavement in a makeshift parking lot camp as a way to limit the spread of the coronavirus .

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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Homeless people in Las Vegas have been directed to sleep in rectangles painted on the pavement in a makeshift parking lot camp as a way to limit the spread of the coronavirus, a move that is stirring outrage by some on social media.
Former Obama administration housing chief Julian Castro suggested in a post on Twitter that the city’s homeless should be temporarily placed in empty hotel rooms.
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Added actress Alyssa Milano in a tweet: “In Las Vegas, homeless people are sleeping on concrete floor of a parking lot —six feet apart—while all the hotel rooms are empty.”
The white-lined patches of pavement were created by officials in the city known for its hospitality after a homeless shelter closed when a man staying there tested positive for the coronavirus.
City officials said they decided to temporarily place the homeless in a parking lot of a multi-use facility rather than inside buildings that include a stadium, a theater, exhibit space and meeting rooms, because officials planned to reserve them for potential hospital overflow space if needed.
The makeshift shelters come as officials in other states look to protect homeless people. In California, which has the nation’s largest homeless population, Gov. Gavin Newsom has pledged thousands of hotel rooms to help homeless people during the pandemic.
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Officials in Nevada have not yet proposed putting the homeless in vacant hotels, including the famous casino resorts of the Las Vegas Strip, which began emptying two weeks ago when Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered a monthlong halt to gambling and closure of casinos. The resorts were allowed to keep their hotels open to avoid displacing guests or for emergency purposes.
The city of Las Vegas said in a tweet Monday night that it initially tried to provide padded carpeting for those staying in the open-air shelter, but said the carpeting couldn’t be sanitized and officials instead tried to offer mats for some.
“We don’t have enough mats for everyone. We are trying to get more but are having a hard time,” the city said in another tweet. “We’ll continue to provide this temporary respite, while practicing social distancing, for anyone who is suffering from homelessness.”
Nevada health officials reported Tuesday that at least 26 people have died from the coronavirus. More than 1,000 people in the state have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 respiratory disease.
Most people with the virus experience mild or moderate fever and coughing that clear up in two to three weeks. Some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, can face severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
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huffpost--2020-03-31--Yosemite National Park Shares Adorable Social Distancing 'Advice From A Bobcat'

Yosemite National Park , one of many attractions closed amid the coronavirus pandemic , is using one of its resident critters to help illustrate social distancing .
With 4.5 million visitors last year , the park is not always a great option for any kind of social distancing , especially in the very scenic ― and often very crowded ― Yosemite Valley .
But with the park closed during the pandemic , some of its more elusive creatures are making an appearance ― including the solitary and noctural bobcat .
“ Secretive bobcats are not often seen , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closure , ” the park wrote on Facebook .
One of the park ’ s photos shows a cat on a boardwalk that would typically be teeming with people .
Given the elusive nature of the bobcat , the park shared some “ social distancing ” advice from the animal ’ s perspective : Timely advice from a Yosemite bobcat : 1 ) Avoid social contact ( 6ft ?
Not far enough by bobcat standards ) , 2 ) mark your territory , 3 ) shelter in a cozy den , 4 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 5 ) do n't let anyone pet you .
Are you living the bobcat life ?
pic.twitter.com/b78r4ympFL — Yosemite National Park ( @ YosemiteNPS ) March 31 , 2020 During Yosemite ’ s closure , a number of webcams remain in operation to give nature lovers a live glimpse of the park .
It ’ s as close as most people can get to Half Dome , El Capitan and Yosemite Falls for now .

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Yosemite National Park, one of many attractions closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, is using one of its resident critters to help illustrate social distancing.
With 4.5 million visitors last year, the park is not always a great option for any kind of social distancing, especially in the very scenic ― and often very crowded ― Yosemite Valley.
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But with the park closed during the pandemic, some of its more elusive creatures are making an appearance ― including the solitary and noctural bobcat.
“Secretive bobcats are not often seen, but they have become more conspicuous since the park closure,” the park wrote on Facebook.
One of the park’s photos shows a cat on a boardwalk that would typically be teeming with people.
Given the elusive nature of the bobcat, the park shared some “social distancing” advice from the animal’s perspective:
Timely advice from a Yosemite bobcat: 1) Avoid social contact (6ft? Not far enough by bobcat standards), 2) mark your territory, 3) shelter in a cozy den, 4) It's okay to nap all day, 5) don't let anyone pet you. Are you living the bobcat life? pic.twitter.com/b78r4ympFL — Yosemite National Park (@YosemiteNPS) March 31, 2020
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During Yosemite’s closure, a number of webcams remain in operation to give nature lovers a live glimpse of the park.


huffpost--2020-03-24--How To Make Kids' Birthdays Special In Spite Of Coronavirus

“ She asked us for a campfire in the backyard to roast marshmallows and a birthday cake .
But our friends and family came together to make her day even more amazing than she could have imagined !
I got a bit teary-eyed after every single thoughtful moment , knowing how loved our little girl really is and how many people care and are kind and oh-so-loving .
We are so very blessed .
Our friends really stepped up to make her day special.
” “ My son is celebrating his 9th birthday tomorrow .
His birthday sleepover last Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the morning with a yard sign and we are just going to try to make the day as special as we can regardless of the circumstance .
We always fill their rooms with balloons on their birthday and decorate the doors with streamers , so we will do that ( thanks to Amazon for the delivery of balloons and streamers ) .
” ― Sarah Cothren “ We had a special birthday breakfast and I recreated her favorite meal from her favorite place to eat ( mac and cheese and orange slices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means a chef ) .
We also FaceTimed with friends and family throughout the day .
We tried our best to make the day all about her .
While I don ’ t think this was her best birthday to date , I do think and hope that it is one she will never forget.
” ― Amber Griffith Autery “ My daughter is turning 13 this Wednesday .
We are putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it as a birthday tree with the ‘ Friends ’ theme because that is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Kylie Turns 13.
’ I thankfully ordered party supplies a few weeks ago and picked up ‘ 13 ’ balloons last week .
She also has a themed T-shirt we ordered weeks ago .
We are having ice cream sundaes for breakfast , playing Minute-to-Win-It games , watching the 13th episode from all 10 seasons of the show , and surprising her with a Zoom conference call with family and friends from as far as Thailand to sing ‘ Happy Birthday ’ all together !
” ― Sonja Brown

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As families practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, kids are dealing with disappointment over canceled trips, school events, sports seasons and more. For children celebrating their birthdays in the coming weeks and months, the absence of a fun party with friends may also be a letdown.
Of course, parents are prioritizing health and safety right now, but just because we all have to stay home for a while doesn’t mean kids can’t have memorable birthday celebrations. We asked the HuffPost Parents Facebook community to share their ideas for making children’s birthdays special during this time, and they delivered.
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“Our daughter just celebrated her 7th birthday yesterday. We thought it was going to be a bit of a letdown having her birthday during quarantine, but thanks to so many people, she has declared this her best birthday EVER!” wrote Emilee Mooney.
“From chalk drawings in the driveway, Easter Bunny deliveries, seeing friends, virtual hugs, social distance visits, homemade cards, presents, video chats, singing from patios, cards in the mailbox, texts, video texts, Facebook messages, drive-by wishes, horns honking, it was an all day celebration!” Mooney continued.
“She asked us for a campfire in the backyard to roast marshmallows and a birthday cake. But our friends and family came together to make her day even more amazing than she could have imagined! I got a bit teary-eyed after every single thoughtful moment, knowing how loved our little girl really is and how many people care and are kind and oh-so-loving. We are so very blessed. Our friends really stepped up to make her day special.”
“Kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. Just make it the best you can with what you can.” - Shelby Brown
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Many other parents shared similar stories, with some noting that they’ve eased the blow by telling their kids they’ll get to celebrate twice ― once on their actual birthday, and again with a bigger party after social distancing ends.
Others emphasized the value of keeping things in perspective.
“Kids are more resilient than we give them credit for,” wrote Shelby Brown. “Just make it the best you can with what you can. Love and happiness is all they really need. A cute cake is a bonus.”
Below, find more ideas for making kids’ birthdays special in the age of COVID-19.
Balloon Surprise
“A balloon waterfall! I tape a sheet up to their door frame and stuff balloons between the sheet and door while they’re sleeping. When they open their door in the morning, they are greeted by balloons falling on them. I did this for my kids when they were 4 and 3 ... They’re almost 10 and 9 now and still ask for this every year, even though it’s no longer a surprise!” ― April Lynnae
“Tape an open garbage bag to the top of their door and the ceiling to create a ‘bag,’ filled with balloons. When they open the door, the tape rips off and they have a ‘balloon waterfall!’” ― Nicole Desaulnier
“Every year, I blow up balloons the night before and wake her up the next morning by tossing them into her bed while I softly sing ‘Happy Birthday.’ She loves it and asks for it every year. We also have a special plate we use for special holidays that says ‘You are special.’” ― Mehgan Jeffers Boudreau
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“My son is celebrating his 9th birthday tomorrow. His birthday sleepover last Friday was canceled. We are surprising him in the morning with a yard sign and we are just going to try to make the day as special as we can regardless of the circumstance. We always fill their rooms with balloons on their birthday and decorate the doors with streamers, so we will do that (thanks to Amazon for the delivery of balloons and streamers).” ― Sarah Cothren
skynesher via Getty Images Filling the house with balloons or other decorations you have on hand can make the day special.
Car Parade
“Ask friends, neighbors and relatives to make signs and drive by your house at a designated day and time to honk and yell well wishes out the window while you are on your lawn at a safe distance.” ― Kristen Craig Carle
“Put a sign outside for people to honk for their birthday.” ― Abby Johnson
“One local town said their fire department will come by and ring the siren and shout out ’Happy birthday’ to the birthday kid! So fun and special!” ― Cindy E. Kim
“We had an impromptu parade ― neighbors, classmates and friends gathered at a designated time and paraded past our home, windows open, horn honks, homemade signs ... it was beyond amazing. No one got out of their cars, and my twins still got to see all of their friends! EPIC birthday despite canceled party and no fam gathering!” ― Sarah Burch Wiseman
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“Someone in our community had to cancel their son’s 9th birthday. They sat out on their front lawn while friends and family drove by and had a parade of sorts with signs and balloons. The police and fire department even came and sang ‘Happy birthday’ from their fire trucks.” ― Jennifer Moore
Zoom Celebration
“Zoom! I’m a kindergarten teacher and we started distance learning last week. On Friday, it was one of my student’s birthdays, so we threw him a ZOOMing birthday party with all the classmates who were able to join in on Zoom. It was super cute. His mom even baked a cake at home and he blew out his candles. They were all so happy, including him!” ― Maria Berisso-Santos
“My son is turning 6 and loves to video call. I’m trying to put together a group call with some of his friends to sing him ‘Happy Birthday.’” ― Stephanie Moran
“I’ll be having a Zoom surprise party next week for my daughter with all her friends who would have been at her party on the call.” ― Kathy Shurtz Steele
“We had a virtual singing of ‘Happy Birthday’ on Zoom with her cousins. A few days before, we shipped cupcakes from a bakery that had closed its storefronts but is still shipping nationwide. Everyone had a treat after we sang, and we supported a small business.” ― Jane Incardone
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Scavenger Hunt
“My daughter’s Sweet 16 was on Saturday. We did a scavenger hunt of riddles to find all of her hidden presents.” ― Tricia Slaton Williams
“We are planning a home scavenger hunt for our almost 4-year-old. And a virtual ‘party’ for her extended family to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ together while she blows out her candles.” ― Anne Colvin
“My granddaughter will be 6 tomorrow ... Since I have four gifts for her, I’m going to wrap them a few times, each in a bigger box and then hide them in their yard and leave her a map with hints to find them.” ― Monica Donajkowski Urban
“My daughter’s birthday was last Monday, right when everything closed down here in Dallas. We had to cancel her party and stay home. Family members sent her gifts via Amazon Prime and she loved having packages with her name on them. I made a scavenger hunt for the presents and hid them around the house.” ― Amber Griffith Autery
Video Message
“My son’s birthday is today and he’s a huge ‘Ghostbusters’ fan. A bunch of fellow GB enthusiasts have made and sent videos in full gear to wish him a happy birthday. It’s such an awesome community!” ― Amanda Kirkland
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“I created an online gallery where friends and family could upload photos and videos of birthday wishes.” ― Tricia Slaton Williams
“The princess company I had hired to entertain is sending a personalized birthday video because we had to postpone kiddo’s party.” ― Tami Lptn
“There is a local business that has amazing actors/singers who dress up like princesses and superheroes for parties. They are doing personalized videos and FaceTime calls, so my daughter is going to get to chat with Elsa and Anna for her birthday.” ― Kate Paradise-Taylor
“Older kids might not want a birthday wish from a princess, but there might be a famous person that could send them a birthday wish on Cameo.” ― Sara Petrick
Baking Treats
“Have some fun in the kitchen together. Make a cake decorating video together and watch it later.” ― Shonda Bowser
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“This was the first year my son was going to get a birthday party. He is adopted and has autism. He was so excited to get a party with his friends. We’re going to make a cake and have fun at home, and then hopefully plan a larger ‘make-up party with friends’ over the summer!” ― Jennifer Moore
“My daughter celebrated her 15th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day. The school is closed and our family is trying to protect their dad for COVID-19, so I baked her a homemade chocolate cake [and] also made a cake with a girl all dressed up using fondant (quinceañera since she’s 15). We made corned beef and potato soup and shared some [with] our elderly neighbors with a slice of chocolate cake. We spent the day looking at her old photos when she was so little. What a fun time!” ― Bam Korzan
kate_sept2004 via Getty Images Kids can take part in fun baking projects and even help make their own birthday cakes.
Yard Decorations
“My daughter had her birthday yesterday. Neighbors wrote happy birthday messages in sidewalk chalk on our porch. Also, balloons delivered to the house. It made her feel special.” ― Christy Fitzwater
“Today is my son’s birthday. I asked for beeps if people drove by, videos, FB posts or text me pictures of cards the kids make. The most hilarious was our friends’ two boys dressed in their inflatable dinosaur costumes and went for a walk to personally deliver a birthday yard sign. They are entertaining so many adults with their dino antics!” ― Michelle Geller
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“In my neighborhood, a kid’s mom asked people to write happy birthday messages in sidewalk chalk.” ― Danielle Esterley Fischer
Special Meals
“We made her favorite breakfast and got takeout from her favorite place.” ― Christy Fitzwater
“We did a Texas Roadhouse dinner at home. Dressed up like waitstaff and made the complete meal ― rolls and all.” ― Angela Hoffman
“We decorated her door, so she was surprised when she woke up. We made birthday pancakes, and she wanted to make her own cake, which she did.” ― Cheryl Rastelli
“We had a special birthday breakfast and I recreated her favorite meal from her favorite place to eat (mac and cheese and orange slices, people, I am by no means a chef). We also FaceTimed with friends and family throughout the day. We tried our best to make the day all about her. While I don’t think this was her best birthday to date, I do think and hope that it is one she will never forget.” ― Amber Griffith Autery
Yes Day
“Yes day! Ice cream for breakfast? Sure! Popcorn for lunch? Why not! Also, if allowed, we will either drive by her friends’ homes so they can shout or sing ‘Happy Birthday’ from a very safe distance or have her friends drive by our house for the same thing. If that’s not allowed, we will do the same but with Zoom!” ― Andrea Thomas Botham
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“The biggest thing is making it a ‘yes’ day. Want ice cream for breakfast? sure! Watch the same movie two times in a row? Sounds awesome! We also will have lots of video chats throughout the day.” ― Molly Harris
“My son turns 10 on Thursday. We plan a day where he gets to choose all meals, ordered a decorate-your-own-cupcakes kit, will make a fire in the chiminea and roast marshmallows, plus rotting our brains on YouTube, Switch and TV.” ― Denise Eckels Busch
Cards In The Mail
“My birthday boy will be 9 at the beginning of April. I’m going to ask family and friends to send him a card or letter in the mail. He loves getting mail.” ― Hayley Welch
“My 6-year-old daughter is making birthday cards for her classmates, and we are mailing the cards out to them. It was her idea to try to help brighten the day of her friends.” ― Jenna Schaefer
“We requested friends and family to mail cards. She has gotten a bunch and feels so loved!” ― Ashley Noveck Ortiz
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“I asked everyone I know to send a birthday card, email, or note to my son. I’ll print the notes and put them in a jar. All of the letters I’ll save for him to open at once. My son is very sentimental and not big on toys. I’m very excited!” ― Kyley Dehler
Movie Screenings
“Movie Day! My daughter has a full day of movies planned instead of her family adventure to Great Wolf Lodge. A day full of junk food and movies is not what she wanted, but she is enjoying the thought of making her siblings sit through her favorite movies!” ― Laura Michalik-Giacobbi
“You could borrow or buy a projector and project a movie on the back of your house using a sheet. Make popcorn over the fire, too!” ― Olivia Hair
svetikd via Getty Images Let the birthday boy or girl pick out their favorite films for a family movie night.
Themed Day
“We will celebrate my daughter’s birthday this weekend. We’re going to do an ‘inside beach day.’ We’re decorating, bringing our blow-up pool in the living room to fill with pillows and lay in while watching a movie, doing some beach crafts, and making snow cones!” ― Justine Gibbon
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“For my daughter’s birthday, she wanted a princess party, so we all dressed up as princesses or characters from a fairy tale or movie and had a tea party. She absolutely loved it.” ― Sarah Christian
“My daughter is turning 13 this Wednesday. We are putting up the Christmas tree and decorating it as a birthday tree with the ‘Friends’ theme because that is the theme she chose, ‘The One When Kylie Turns 13.’ I thankfully ordered party supplies a few weeks ago and picked up ‘13’ balloons last week. She also has a themed T-shirt we ordered weeks ago. We are having ice cream sundaes for breakfast, playing Minute-to-Win-It games, watching the 13th episode from all 10 seasons of the show, and surprising her with a Zoom conference call with family and friends from as far as Thailand to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ all together!” ― Sonja Brown
Family Slumber Party
“My son’s 7th birthday is today! We celebrated with a sibling slumber party in the living room with lots of pillows and blankets. We made cupcakes and had a video conference with family as he blew out his candles. He loved it!” ― Melissa Roldan-Stills
“Depending on where you live and the weather, if you own a tent you could have a backyard campout as a family. If you have a small fire pit, you could even make hot dogs and s’mores over a fire. Otherwise, you can buy those small Sterno cans and roast them over a smaller flame. My son loved doing this.” ― Olivia Hair


huffpost--2020-03-24--Trump Hopes Country Will Be Reopened By Easter After Lockdown

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — With lives and the economy hanging in the balance , President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is hoping the country will be reopened by Easter , as he weighs how to refine nationwide social-distancing guidelines to put some workers back on the job amid the coronavirus outbreak .
As many public health officials call for stricter , not looser restrictions on public interactions , Trump said he was already looking toward easing the advisories that have sidelined workers , shuttered schools and led to a widespread economic slowdown .
“ I would love to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go by Easter , ” he said during a Fox News virtual town hall .
Health experts have made clear that unless Americans continue to dramatically limit social interaction — staying home from work and isolating themselves — the number of infections will overwhelm the health care system , as it has in parts of Italy , leading to many more deaths .
While the worst outbreaks are concentrated in certain parts of the country , such as New York , experts warn that the highly infectious disease is certain to spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Trump said during the virtual town hall from the Rose Garden .
He argued that tens of thousands of Americans die from the seasonal flu or in automobile accidents and “ we don ’ t turn the country off.
” “ We ’ ll assess at that time and we ’ ll give it some more time if we need a little more time , but we need to open this country up , ” he added .
“ We have to go back to work , much sooner than people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virtual town hall , Vice President Mike Pence said Trump has asked for recommendations from the White House coronavirus task force for how he can send people back to work while minimizing the public health risk .
He said Trump wants to find a way “ to open America back up.
” Trump ’ s enthusiasm for getting people back to work comes as he takes stock of the political toll the outbreak is taking .
It sets up a potential conflict with medical professionals , including many within his government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to slow the spread of the virus , not fewer .
“ The president has listened to what I have said and to what the other people on the task force have said , when I have made recommendations he has taken them .
He ’ s never countered or overridden me , the idea of just pitting one against the other is just not helpful , ” Fauci said .
“ Our people want to return to work , ” the president tweeted .
“ They will practice Social Distancing and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over protectively & lovingly .
We can do two things together .
THE CURE CAN NOT BE WORSE ( by far ) THAN THE PROBLEM !
” Pence said there would be no formal decisions made until the current 15-day period of social distancing was complete when pressed on a specific timeline for lifting restrictions , according to a conference call participant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of the private discussion .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — With lives and the economy hanging in the balance, President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is hoping the country will be reopened by Easter, as he weighs how to refine nationwide social-distancing guidelines to put some workers back on the job amid the coronavirus outbreak.
As many public health officials call for stricter, not looser restrictions on public interactions, Trump said he was already looking toward easing the advisories that have sidelined workers, shuttered schools and led to a widespread economic slowdown.
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“I would love to have the country opened up and just raring to go by Easter,” he said during a Fox News virtual town hall.
Trump on why he picked Easter as the day he wants to end strict social distancing and reopen American businesses: "Easter is a very special day for me ... Easter Sunday, and you'll have packed churches all over our country." pic.twitter.com/6cXEtW8LmR — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 24, 2020
Health experts have made clear that unless Americans continue to dramatically limit social interaction — staying home from work and isolating themselves — the number of infections will overwhelm the health care system, as it has in parts of Italy, leading to many more deaths. While the worst outbreaks are concentrated in certain parts of the country, such as New York, experts warn that the highly infectious disease is certain to spread.
The U.S. is now more than a week into an unprecedented 15-day effort to encourage all Americans to drastically scale back their public activities.
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“I gave it two weeks,” Trump said during the virtual town hall from the Rose Garden. He argued that tens of thousands of Americans die from the seasonal flu or in automobile accidents and “we don’t turn the country off.”
“We’ll assess at that time and we’ll give it some more time if we need a little more time, but we need to open this country up,” he added. “We have to go back to work, much sooner than people thought.”
The reassessment comes as the White House is encouraging lawmakers on Capitol Hill to pass a roughly $2 trillion stimulus package to ease the financial pain for Americans and hard-hit industries.
President Donald Trump speaks with Vice President Mike Pence as they arrive for a Fox News Channel virtual town hall, at the White House, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Appearing before the president at the virtual town hall, Vice President Mike Pence said Trump has asked for recommendations from the White House coronavirus task force for how he can send people back to work while minimizing the public health risk. He said Trump wants to find a way “to open America back up.”
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Trump’s enthusiasm for getting people back to work comes as he takes stock of the political toll the outbreak is taking. It sets up a potential conflict with medical professionals, including many within his government, who have called for more social restrictions to slow the spread of the virus, not fewer.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases and a member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, told WMAL on Tuesday that Trump has always heeded his recommendations.
“The president has listened to what I have said and to what the other people on the task force have said, when I have made recommendations he has taken them. He’s never countered or overridden me, the idea of just pitting one against the other is just not helpful,” Fauci said.
Larry Kudlow, Trump’s top economic adviser, told reporters Tuesday that “public health includes economic health.”
“That’s the key point. And it’s not either-or. It’s not either-or, and that’s why we’re taking a fresh look at it,” he said.
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Earlier Tuesday, Trump took to Twitter.
“Our people want to return to work,” the president tweeted. “They will practice Social Distancing and all else, and Seniors will be watched over protectively & lovingly. We can do two things together. THE CURE CANNOT BE WORSE (by far) THAN THE PROBLEM!”
During a private conference call with roughly 30 conservative leaders on Tuesday, Pence reinforced Trump’s eagerness to lift coronavirus-related work and travel restrictions “in a matter of weeks, not months.”
Pence said there would be no formal decisions made until the current 15-day period of social distancing was complete when pressed on a specific timeline for lifting restrictions, according to a conference call participant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of the private discussion.
Pence told the group that accommodations would need to be made for the highest-risk populations if and when restrictions begin to be lifted.
——
AP writer Steve Peoples in New York contributed to this report.


huffpost--2020-03-24--Why Cleaning And Organizing Is So Therapeutic When We're Stressed

Cleaning provides us with a sense of control over our environment .
The act of cleaning offers up a soothing @ @ @ @ @ endorphins .
The post-cleanup feelings of accomplishment can spill over into other areas of our @ @ @ @ @ the cleaning department , though , can stress you out more .
Here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ de-stress and better cope with your emotions .

fbxx via Getty Images Cleaning helps us filter out the larger picture by giving us something to have power over — even if it’s something as small as organizing our books by color.
Now that much of the population is working from home and self-quarantining to help curb the spread of COVID-19, you may have noticed a sharp increase in how often you clean your home — and not just because it’s a necessary aspect of staying healthy right now (or because your clutter keeps taunting you).
“People are feeling increasingly overwhelmed and powerless in the face of COVID-19,” said Maggie Vaughan, a New York-based psychotherapist. “The uncertainty about where the situation’s headed is intolerable for us.”
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When things feel far outside our control (like the infuriating number of people who still aren’t taking the pandemic seriously), we turn to rituals like cleaning to self-soothe.
As for what, exactly, makes cleaning such an effective stress-reliever during times like these, it goes a little something like this:
Cleaning provides us with a sense of control over our environment.
Anxiety starts brewing when you perceive a threat — in this case, a contagious and scary illness rapidly spreading around the world. But for anxiety to become a problem, you need to both perceive a threat and feel uncertain about your ability to effectively handle it.
“Humans crave structure and familiarity, especially during times of uncertainty,” said Jaime Zuckerman, a licensed clinical psychologist based in Philadelphia. “When we seek out ways to reduce feelings of helplessness, cleaning is one of the ways we might decide to do that.”
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If you’re someone who already uses cleaning as a go-to stress reliever, the threat of COVID-19 is likely to amplify the need to scrub your feelings away.
“We have a tendency to cling to our familiar patterns, especially during periods of heightened stress,” Zuckerman said, in large part because the brain takes mental shortcuts to conserve its power during times like these.
It’s easier to rely on already-existing behavioral patterns than use up the extra cognitive function necessary to pause, take an inventory of one’s situation and surroundings, and make a conscious decision to engage in a new behavior, Zuckerman explained.
Cleaning helps us filter out the larger picture, which is overwhelmingly uncertain, by giving us something to have power over — even if it’s something as small as organizing our books by color.
“We know the end result and we know how to get there,” Vaughan said. “That’s a very comforting notion.”
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Maskot via Getty Images When you scrub hard enough or vacuum briskly enough, cleaning can act as a mini-workout and bring about the same neurochemical benefits as exercise.
The act of cleaning offers up a soothing one-two punch of mindfulness and endorphins.
Cleaning is a form of ritual, or repetitive behavior that’s repeated and predictable (think: scrubbing or sweeping motions).
“People like to be able to predict things, to know what’s coming,” Vaughan said. “From a survival perspective, predictability allows us to plan and better protect ourselves from potential threats.” During times of increased chaos (like a pandemic), our penchant for cleaning often increases.
It ends up becoming an informal mindfulness practice of sorts. “In this state, you’re often able to observe outside thoughts, concerns, and fears with less reactivity and distress,” Vaughan said. “Not that we deliberately choose to practice mindfulness in this way, but it could be an unconscious reason why we gravitate toward cleaning in times of heightened anxiety.”
Plus, when you scrub hard enough or vacuum briskly enough, cleaning can act as a mini-workout and bring about the same neurochemical benefits as exercise. Besides reducing stress hormones, exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural mood-boosters and pain-killers.
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The post-cleanup feelings of accomplishment can spill over into other areas of our lives.
Pun totally intended. When you tackle — and conquer — a challenging cleaning project (say, overhauling that chaotic closet of yours), you’re more likely to also feel capable of tackling other areas of your life that feel daunting or out of control.
“This is a general principle that works no matter what coping mechanism is employed,” said Forrest Talley, a California-based clinical psychologist. “Greater confidence encourages people to tackle other challenges in life that may have seemed too far a reach in the past.”
“It’s healthy to use cleaning to clear your mind, gain perspective, and take a break from your worries. But it shouldn’t be used to hide from problems.” - Forrest Talley, California-based clinical psychologist
Of course, it helps if you’re intentional in applying the sense of accomplishment that comes from cleaning. “That requires you to reflect on having been able to take control of an anxious situation, take reasonable steps to deal with the problem, and succeed in bringing about an effective solution,” Talley said.
“The question you need to ask next is, ‘How can I use this same mindset or set of skills (logical problem solving, planning, taking action) in other areas of my life?’” he added, such as how best to protect yourself and your family from coming down with COVID-19.
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Going overboard in the cleaning department, though, can stress you out more.
If you’re cleaning to avoid internal discomfort such as worry or sadness, these feelings will only be temporarily relieved by your tidying rituals.
“However, as soon as you stop cleaning or start to mess up your newly cleaned space, your anxiety will rebound,” Zuckerman said. “But this time, a bit higher than before.”
This is because you’ve just taught yourself that you’re unable to handle these feelings, that they’re too scary and uncomfortable, so to feel better, they need to be avoided. And the fact that cleaning relieved these feelings before will compel you to use this modus operandi the next time icky feelings start to fester.
“It’s healthy to use cleaning to clear your mind, gain perspective, and take a break from your worries,” Talley said. “But it shouldn’t be used to hide from problems.”
If you clean primarily when you’re anxious about problems you’re facing and rarely take action to deal with them, that means cleaning is an avoidance response rather than a momentary way to relieve anxiety to effectively tackle your problems soon after.
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Maskot via Getty Images If you’re cleaning to avoid internal discomfort such as worry or sadness, these feelings will only be temporarily relieved by your tidying rituals.
Here’s how to use cleaning to de-stress and better cope with your emotions.
To make sure your cleaning habits continue to relieve stress and don’t morph into an avoidance tactic, experts recommend setting boundaries and being honest with yourself when things start to go awry.
Try setting aside a distinct time for cleaning, such as first thing in the morning. “Cleaning in the morning sets the stage for a literal new beginning, inspiring hope and facilitating a sense of well-being,” Vaughan said. “By clearing away environmental distractions, the mind feels more settled, freer to focus on other tasks.”
Make sure to limit the amount of time you dedicate to cleaning, and once the time you’ve allotted is used up, mosey on with the rest of your day.
“The mental health benefits of cleaning can be reversed if cleaning keeps you from tending to more important things, or when you become consumed with getting absolutely everything in order,” Vaughan said.
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If you find yourself getting carried away (attacking your grout with a toothbrush, perhaps), setting a timer for tasks can improve focus and efficiency.
It’s also important to call yourself out if you notice you’re using cleaning as a means of avoiding what really needs to be done, such as a looming project with a deadline.
“An easy way to determine that’s what you’re doing is to evaluate your anxiety level while cleaning,” Vaughan suggested. “If it hasn’t decreased since you started cleaning, you might need to level with yourself, limit your cleaning time, then commit to facing more important work.”
The idea is to learn how to sit with the uncomfortable feelings instead of cleaning to avoid them: “Notice the feelings, but don’t engage them, and don’t try to not have them, either,” Zuckerman said. “They will pass.”
And until they do, use grounding techniques to center yourself, such as focusing on your breathing, touching something in the room and focusing on its texture, or planting your feet firmly on the floor.
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Of course, breaking the avoidance cycle alone doesn’t always work, and that’s OK. “Understandably, COVID-19 has triggered OCD-like behavior in many of us,” Vaughan said. “For most of us, this new behavior points to increased anxiety caused by uncertainty and a real threat of getting sick.”
If your fears and anxiety last throughout the day or don’t let up after a few days, Vaughan recommends seeking emotional support from a mental health professional, since an excessive need to clean can point to an underlying anxiety disorder.


huffpost--2020-03-23--About 1 In 5 Americans Have Gotten Into Arguments Over Coronavirus

Just shy of 1 in 5 Americans say they ’ ve gotten into an argument with someone over the way they were responding to the coronavirus outbreak , a new HuffPost/YouGov poll finds .
At the same time , a majority of people feel that they ’ re taking the outbreak about as seriously as most others around them .
Nineteen percent of Americans say they ’ ve argued with someone else about the coronavirus outbreak , according to the poll , either because they thought the other person wasn ’ t taking things seriously enough , or because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A few managed to end up on both sides of the argument .
“ My senior mom , who has diabetes , thought I was exaggerating when I told her it ’ s too risky to go to public places without using disinfectant wipes … [ and ] that she should not be touching doorknobs or gates with her bare hands , ” a woman in California reported .
“ After her doctor advised her to stay indoors , though , she ’ s come around.
” But the disagreements also came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , or grandparents worrying that their grandchildren weren ’ t taking the disease seriously .
“ My son left the house to go meet friends .
I told him he was vulnerable .
He said , ‘ I ’ m 17 , I ’ m fine , ’ ” wrote one father .
Others argued with siblings .
“ My brother went to a crowded bar the night before they were all closed , ” said a 22-year-old woman living in Washington state .
“ I told him to go home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told me to calm down.
” Neighbors also disagreed : “ One had been ill but he claims he ’ s healthy because he ’ s younger and exercises .
...
I am over 65 and have health issues .
I told him he needs to do his part as he could kill me if he doesn ’ t do his part .
He just yelled at me and cussed me out.
” So far , opinions on the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak are most starkly divided not by age or region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Given that people often tend to congregate in like-minded social circles , it makes sense that many Americans say their risk assessments are shared by those around them .
Roughly half of Americans ― 49 % ― say that , in terms of the precautions they ’ re taking against coronavirus , they ’ re about as concerned as most other people in their community .
A 54 % majority say their attitude is similar to that of most of their friends , and 57 % say their attitude is similar to most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a relationship , 62 % say that they are about equally concerned by the outbreak .
( Of those who disagree with their significant other , about one-third say the disparity has caused at least minor relationship problems . )
Democrats are twice as likely as Republicans to say they ’ re more concerned than most others in their family , and about one and a half times likelier to say they ’ re more concerned than most of their friends , with similar disparities not evident along gender or generational lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans ’ political views , but from their level of attention to the news .
People who say they follow what ’ s going on in government and public affairs most of the time are 12 percentage points likelier than those who pay less attention to see themselves as more concerned than those in the community around them ― a slightly wider gap than between Democrats and Republicans on the same question .
Use the widget below to further explore the results of the HuffPost/YouGov survey , using the menu at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the bottom to filter the data by subgroups :

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Just shy of 1 in 5 Americans say they’ve gotten into an argument with someone over the way they were responding to the coronavirus outbreak, a new HuffPost/YouGov poll finds. At the same time, a majority of people feel that they’re taking the outbreak about as seriously as most others around them.
Nineteen percent of Americans say they’ve argued with someone else about the coronavirus outbreak, according to the poll, either because they thought the other person wasn’t taking things seriously enough, or because they thought they were taking things too seriously. A few managed to end up on both sides of the argument.
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In some cases, the arguments reflected a modern role reversal: adult children begging their parents to stay home.
“My dad thinks that the coronavirus is exaggerated to discredit Trump,” wrote one 25-year-old man surveyed. “I said whether that’s real or not, he still needs to take precautions.”
“My senior mom, who has diabetes, thought I was exaggerating when I told her it’s too risky to go to public places without using disinfectant wipes … [and] that she should not be touching doorknobs or gates with her bare hands,” a woman in California reported. “After her doctor advised her to stay indoors, though, she’s come around.”
But the disagreements also came in reverse, with parents chastising their children, or grandparents worrying that their grandchildren weren’t taking the disease seriously. “My son left the house to go meet friends. I told him he was vulnerable. He said, ‘I’m 17, I’m fine,’” wrote one father.
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Others argued with siblings. “My brother went to a crowded bar the night before they were all closed,” said a 22-year-old woman living in Washington state. “I told him to go home and that he was being stupid and he told me to calm down.”
“So far, opinions on the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak are most starkly divided not by age or region, but along familiar partisan lines.”
Concerns about the virus also prompted arguments between friends: “My friend took her 94-year-old mother who is on hospice care to the casinos in Biloxi for a week. Stupid.”
Neighbors also disagreed: “One had been ill but he claims he’s healthy because he’s younger and exercises. ... I am over 65 and have health issues. I told him he needs to do his part as he could kill me if he doesn’t do his part. He just yelled at me and cussed me out.”
There was also conflict between co-workers: “A month ago I went to my bosses and asked them if we were getting ready for what was coming. They called me hysterical!”
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Meanwhile, some respondents said they felt overly hectored by family, friends or partners whose worries are more pronounced.
“I’m 66 and my oldest kid is 46,” wrote one Washington state woman. “He’s hounding me daily with articles and charts and warnings. We’ve hunkered down and are self-isolating and I’ve told him his tactics are causing anxiety.”
“I have perfectly healthy young friends/relatives fearing for their lives and afraid to death,” wrote an Idaho woman in her 50s. “I’m trying to convince them to be safe but live their life.”
Wrote one Texas man: “Wife is taking this way too seriously to the point where I am completely annoyed with her.”
So far, opinions on the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak are most starkly divided not by age or region, but along familiar partisan lines. Given that people often tend to congregate in like-minded social circles, it makes sense that many Americans say their risk assessments are shared by those around them.
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Roughly half of Americans ― 49% ― say that, in terms of the precautions they’re taking against coronavirus, they’re about as concerned as most other people in their community. A 54% majority say their attitude is similar to that of most of their friends, and 57% say their attitude is similar to most of their family.
Among those currently in a relationship, 62% say that they are about equally concerned by the outbreak. (Of those who disagree with their significant other, about one-third say the disparity has caused at least minor relationship problems.)
Roughly half of Americans say they're about as concerned as most other people in their communities about taking precautions against coronavirus, a HuffPost/YouGov poll finds. Ariel Edwards-Levy/HuffPost
Democrats are twice as likely as Republicans to say they’re more concerned than most others in their family, and about one and a half times likelier to say they’re more concerned than most of their friends, with similar disparities not evident along gender or generational lines.
An additional divide comes not from Americans’ political views, but from their level of attention to the news. People who say they follow what’s going on in government and public affairs most of the time are 12 percentage points likelier than those who pay less attention to see themselves as more concerned than those in the community around them ― a slightly wider gap than between Democrats and Republicans on the same question.
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Use the widget below to further explore the results of the HuffPost/YouGov survey, using the menu at the top to select survey questions and the buttons at the bottom to filter the data by subgroups:
Some quotes given in response to the survey were lightly edited for clarity and grammar.
The HuffPost/YouGov poll consisted of 1,000 completed interviews conducted March 17-19 among U.S. adults, using a sample selected from YouGov’s opt-in online panel to match the demographics and other characteristics of the adult U.S. population.
HuffPost has teamed up with YouGov to conduct daily opinion polls. You can learn more about this project and take part in YouGov’s nationally representative opinion polling. More details on the polls’ methodology are available here.
Most surveys report a margin of error that represents some but not all potential survey errors. YouGov’s reports include a model-based margin of error, which rests on a specific set of statistical assumptions about the selected sample rather than the standard methodology for random probability sampling. If these assumptions are wrong, the model-based margin of error may also be inaccurate. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the model-based margin of error.
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