Coronavirus - The Lysol Effect

So, the weekend's here! Anyone have any big plans?

As we continue to trudge through these uncertain times, it's evident that people are starting to get a little edgy. As I made my way down the grocery store aisle earlier this week, I watched people literally back away and avoid me like I was Hannibal Lecter. I consider myself to have an engaging personality. I'm used to having spontaneous conversations with random people I cross in my daily journey. So, I when I see people intentionally avoiding me, I start to feel a little like the kid who always gets picked last for the schoolyard baseball game. 

There is also a lot of criticism on the way the COVID-19 situation is being handled by our local and national leaders. I have backed away from politics over the past few years for several reasons. The main reason being that it was taking it's toll on my well-being. I was walking around pissed off all the time, ready to argue with anyone within earshot. I'm not sure if it was directly related, but my doctor also put me on blood pressure medication about three years ago (I was taken off of them about a year ago). While I'm still passionate about what I believe, I'm just not as loud about it anymore. I have plenty of friends who will carry that torch for me. 😉

With this being said, I feel the need to address the provocative story that's been circulating around the news headlines recently. If I just woke up and turned on a random news channel, I would inevitably see a headline that says something like...."Makers of Lysol are issuing a warning about ingesting disinfectants after a recent suggestion by President Trump."

Several people have asked my take on it. First off, let me say that I am not a fan of the news networks. They all have a bias as they routinely digest and regurgitate soundbites. Case in point, I had search several new sites to get the President's complete quote on the subject. So, interpret it anyway you want but here is the complete quote:

"Question that probably some of you are thinking of if you're totally into that world, which I find to be very interesting. So supposing we hit the body with a tremendous, whether it's ultraviolet or just very powerful light. And I think you said that hasn't been checked but you're going to test it," Trump said, looking over to Bryan.

"And then I said, supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way. And I think you said you're gonna test that too. Sounds interesting, right?

He continued: "And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in  a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning?  Because you see, it gets into the lungs and it does a tremendous number, so it will be interesting to check that. So that you're going to have to use medical doctors. But it sounds, sounds interesting to me. So, we'll see"

So, there you have it. My assumption is that if you hate Trump, you're going to say that he's telling you to shoot up Lysol. If you like Trump, you're gonna argue that he was suggesting that we explore the possibility of using some type of internal disinfectant to combat the virus. 

I'm certainly no medical doctor and I doubt if I could even play one on TV. However, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if  you choose to inject yourself with a Lysol speedball, you probably won't have to worry about the coronavirus.

Fifty years after sending a man to the moon, we now have to tell people to not inject themselves with household disinfectants. What have we become?

Until next time, stay safe and be smart!

kw

Coronavirus - The Euphoric Journey

With the exception of taking an occasional emergency call for work or running out to pick up dinner, real-life society has been reduced to Tina and the random wildlife that lives in my backyard. But isolation can bring excitement from the strangest of places...

For example, earlier this week I actually looked forward to taking the trash out to the street. As I gathered up the trash bags from the various waste bins around the house, I could hardly contain my excitement as I anticipated the journey to the end of the driveway. As I pulled the trash can and recycling bin towards the street, I looked around for any other signs of life. To my dismay, there was none. However, other trash cans lined up along the street gave me hope that my neighbors were still alive and kicking.

Fully energized by the trash can run, I decided to keep the party going by swinging by the mailbox. Opening the mailbox as slowly as possible in an effort to preserve the moment, I was delighted to find a pile of junk mail waiting for me. I grabbed the assorted envelopes and advertisements and made my way back towards the house. Tina stopped me in my tracks and ordered me to leave my newfound bounty in the garage.  This was so I didn't bring any "corona bugs" into the house. So, I popped a beer from the garage fridge. And then I sat down and thumbed through a Harbor Freight Tools catalog. An impromptu Happy Hour. Woo-hoo! (I guess this would classify as one of those "When life gives you lemons" moments?)

Speaking of adventures in the garage, on Tuesday I was walking through the garage without my shoes on. (This is because Tina makes me leave my shoes outside to prevent "corona bugs" from coming into the house). As I turned and made my way back towards the house, my right foot violently slammed into the door step. The pain came fast and furious! I was afraid to look down as I imagined my pinkie toe pointing in some unnatural direction. When I finally gathered the courage to look down, I was somewhat relived to see the pinkie toe was still pretty much inline with it's siblings. But it was already beginning to swell and it was throbbing like a beast. So, feeling like I just got hobbled by Kathy Bates, I pulled myself up the step and slowly made my way into the kitchen. There, I grabbed a paper towel and filled it with ice. After preparing the ice pack, I prescribed my pain meds by pouring a generous glass of Woodford Reserve bourbon. With the ice pack in one hand and the pain killer in the other, I limped toward the back porch. Tina caught me in the corner of her eye from the living room and asked, "What's wrong with your foot?"

I replied, "Nothing really. I walked into the step in the garage. I think I broke my toe."

All I heard was laughter as I closed the porch door behind me. Through the years, I learned to accept this reaction from her. Is anyone still wondering why I drink?

Well, the weekend is finally here (like it really matters anymore). My foot is still a little tender but I can walk well enough on it. So, I'm planning a trip out to the shed today. I'm not sure what awaits me but I am up for the challenge. Stay optimistic and be safe, my friends!

kw

Coronavirus - The Social Distance

When I first heard the term "social distancing", it was like hearing nails on a chalkboard. For a person who enjoys being in the company of others, this was going to be a hard request to fulfill. But nonetheless, here we are..

As much as we're all trying to do our part to "socially distance" from each other, I don't think everyone is getting the message. For instance, yesterday I drove to my mothers house to cut her grass and look at a plumbing issue (No, I'm not actually a plumber but I play one on TV). Anyway, on the way there, I drove past a Home Depot. I noticed that there was a large group of people lined up outside the front entrance. From what I understand, many of the "essential" retailers are now limiting the number of people inside the store at any given time. While this might make sense on one level, it seems counter-productive when the people waiting outside are commingling like the contents of a recycling bin. There's no doubt in my mind that they would be practicing safer "distancing" within the spacious bowels of the Big Box.

While making my way into the city, I noticed several groups of people hanging out like it was a typical Saturday night at the club. On one corner, there was a bus stop with one of those plastic weather shelters. Although it was a relatively mild day weather-wise, people were huddled in the shelter like a herd of veal. A couple of them appeared to be coughing. I imagined coronavirus particles bouncing off the Plexiglas like superballs in a racquetball court.

Another group, whom I assume were unlicensed pharmacists, were flashing some kind of hand signals to passing motorists. A couple hours later, there would be a triple shooting along this very route. I'm not sure if any of these activities would be considered "essential business" but I don't think it really matters.

And speaking of essential business, I just found out that Baltimore City is quarantining all the officers who work out of the Southwestern District. This comes after one officer tested positive for COVID-19. I understand the need to take precautions. But shutting down an entire police district? In a city like Baltimore? Talk about extreme social distancing!

Last night, I played team trivia, social-distance style, via a live Facebook feed and text messaging. It wasn't quite the same as playing at a real bar/restaurant with my friends gathered around. But it was a nice break from the inevitable boredom of our current social distancing routine. I'd like to give a shout out to Ray Bachman for hosting last night's contest. There were also several local businesses who donated prizes for the contest, Bella Napoli and CRW Flags just to name a couple. Keep in mind, these folks are all hurting right now but they still donated. Ray and the people who own these businesses are truly awesome people. Remember all of them for your business needs in the future.

I don't know how long all of this is going to last. But when the dust finally settles. my wish is to never to hear the term "social distancing" again. Until then, be safe!

kw