Watched Biden give out those medals today and couldn't help but cry. Still so angry at those who tried to overthrow the government. I think of Rusty Bowers of AZ, who stood up to Trump's pressure, and I'm so grateful to him. At the same time, how low is this bar now? He did what I would do, and what I would expect anyone in his situation to do.

He did have health issues, and his family says it was cirrhosis that killed him. Genetic issues that I do know he had. But he was on the vent twice, he actively discouraged others from wearing masks and he publicly stated he was not getting vaccinated. He wanted herd immunity, so if Covid pushed him over an edge that he would have otherwise survived, that's on him. I do feel sadness, and it does suck that he was born with a genetic disease. Additionally, a part of me says, "That's one less Republican voter" and then I feel some amount of shame for thinking that. Anyway, RIP to the fake Republican who was really a Libertarian who I'm sure was so happy about Roe being repealed and jfc I don't know if I can get through another season of The Handmaid's Tale.

The latest entry, Angie Maksem, works at a place where they claim their staff is 100% vaccinated. Did they allow a "religious exemption" or is she lying about not being vaccinated? What's your best guess?

Mr. Monster and I were walking the pups the other day, and I told him I wanted to donate to a couple out-of-state races, and he said he was thinking the same thing. Turns out we both want to contribute to Warnock and Abrams. Kismet!

Mr. Monster and I went to see a Japanese movie called Battle Royale, which was Hunger Games before Hunger Games was written (it's 20 years old) for Terror Tuesday at our local theater. It was alright. Going to see Bob's Burgers movie on Thursday. Wear masks when we aren't eating popcorn. Gotta leave the house for something.

NYT The Daily podcast had an episode on Long Covid on the 20th. It's about 30 minutes long. The most surprising part for me was hearing that a lot of people end up with LC, despite their Covid case being mild, moderate or EVEN ASYMPTOMATIC. Also, they referenced a paper where a researcher says there are over 200 possible LC symptoms. The host referred to LC as something like a "pandemic within a pandemic" and I think that is valid. Interesting listen. Podcast is free.

Washington Post podcast about vaccinated who die from Covid. Only 20 minutes long. The basic takeaway is that being vaccinated is not enough. Get boosted. Wear a mask. Social distance. All that shit. I wish it were not the case. You can listen anywhere you get your podcasts. https://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/bq5y3-7d09c/Post-Reports-Podcast

Just discovered this, if you need a pick-me-up:

I like stuff that is slightly fucked up, because I find it funny. But I don't like super-fucked-up, like Human Centipede. Some of my current favorites: Pen 15: Show on Hulu about being a middle school girl. The leads in the show are played by grown women (who look young), but the other middle school cast is played by real kids. It is so weird and so REAL. My husband doesn't really get it because he was never a 13 year old girl. Observe and Report: This movie is whack. It is darkly comedic, and I think it is Seth Rogen's best work. Young Adult: Movie with Charlize Theron playing a ex-high-school-cheerleader who goes back to her home town to try and steal her ex from his current wife and mother of their baby. This is not a rom-com. Fucked up dark comedy with a terrific performance by Patton Oswalt, and an ending that defies Hollywood formulas. Sausage Party: The trailer makes it look really dumb, but it's actually clever, smart, politically incorrect, and a real skewering of religion. Also, it's appealing to 12 year old boys. World's Greatest Dad: Written by Bobcat Goldthwait. This is my favorite Robin Williams movie. Darkly funny. Broaches topics people often avoid. Ingrid Goes West: Weird, kind of sad. A real skewering of social media culture. Totally Aubrey Plaza. She is a real life weirdo. If you like one of these, perhaps you will like others. Do you have any weird recommendations?