Pre-Pandemic: New York City Subway

Posted on by Thor

In October of 2019, Pam and I traveled to NYC because she was meeting with colleagues at the 9-11 Museum. I got to attend the 9-11 museum for the first time, but don’t have a window in which to get a sketch done. The huge 9-11 Memorial reflecting pools inhabit the footprints where the towers used to stand. They were a moving tribute to those who were lost. Names were etched in the granite surrounding the dark voids. Photos never quite capture the immensity of this memorial.

I believe this sketch as done as we went up to my old neighborhood, Washington Heights to visit the Cloisters. Pam was disgusted by what she saw on the subway ride. Some guy using his cell phone, wiped his runny nose with the back of his hand, then pinched more snot out of his nose with his thumb and pointer finger. He then played with his phone and reached out with the snot covered hand to grab a support bar. As she said, “He was F%&king gross.” She said she could never live in the big apple after seeing that guy on the subway.

We both got sick on this trip with what we called the plague. It was a really bad cold that lasted for months. It started to clear up by New Years day of 2020. Who knew that 2020 would be the start of the very real world wide plague of COVID-19.

COVID Cytokine Storm

Posted on by Thor

COVID-19 can cause a strange lingering condition referred to as Brain Fog. People have reported feeling not like themselves: experiencing short-term memory loss, confusion, an inability to concentrate, and just feeling differently than they did before contracting the infection. About a third of patients will have some type of neurological illness associated with COVID-19.

Neurological symptoms have been reported as a common symptom of COVID-19. Coronavirus can enter the brain.

Researchers identified Brain Fog to be a condition medically called encephalopathy. This condition is also experienced by patients who undergo a kind of immunotherapy called chimeric antibody receptor T cell therapy, which is a treatment for blood cancer. The therapy causes immune cells to release molecules called cytokines.In the study, 18 patients had spinal taps to look for the virus, but it was not found. In the rest of the fluid, researchers saw persistent inflammation and high levels of cytokines. A cytokine storm is a well-observed symptom in many COVID-19 cases. Brain fog may be caused by the release of cytokines by immune cells.

Preliminary data shows that COVID-19 is neuro-invasive, meaning the virus itself can invade the brain and nearby nerves. Something as simple as loss of smell, which is a symptom of COVID-19, indicates a neuro invasion because the nerves that are responsible for smell are in direct connection with brain.

A third of people will have complete recovery with no issues. Roughly another third will have lingering effects that improve after therapy and time, and then another third may have permanent effects, especially in cases where the patient has been intubated, has had multiple organ failure or has been under anesthesia for a while.

Bugs to the Zapper

Posted on by Thor

“In many ways, Jan. 6, was a bug light. It brought extremists from all areas. And they all came with different skill sets,” Seamus Hughes, deputy director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, told NBC. “You have the militias on one side. On the other side, you have the merely curious, people wrapped up in the moment.”

Donald Trump lured the bugs to the light with his big lie, that the election had been stolen. He incited the insurrection with this lie even before the election that he lost. The lie was simple though not based on any facts, he claimed he had won in a landslide though hos opponent had more votes. For months he paid for an ad campaign built around the tag line, “Stop the Steal.” He still insists that his lawyers refer to him as the 45th president rather than the former president.

On that fateful day he whipped up the crowd saying, “And we fight, we fight lie hell, and if you don’t fight like hell you aren’t going to have a country anymore.” But this was only one of hundreds of comments aimed at inflaming the hate red of his followers. He had convinced them over the months that their votes had been stolen. He claimed in a tweet “Dead people voted.” He didn’t offer evidence, he didn’t need to. The lie would incite his followers. On December 30, 2020 he tweeted “JANUARY SIXTH, SEE YOU IN DC!” The bugs flew to the light believing they were doing their patriotic duty.

Travel Ban

Posted on by Thor

The Joe Biden administration is considering whether to impose domestic travel restrictions, including on Florida, fearful that COVID-19 mutations are threatening to reverse hard-fought progress on the pandemic. Discussions in the administration over potential travel restrictions  focus on how to prevent the spread of variants that appear to be surging in a number of states, including Florida and California.

The U.K. variant, known as B.1.1.7, has recently surged in Florida, where over a third of all cases in the United States have been identified. “This is a war and we’re at battle with the virus. War is messy and unpredictable, and all options are on the table,” the White House official said.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said “It would be unconstitutional. It would be unwise and it would be unjust,” February 11, 2021 at a vaccination site in Port Charlotte, on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Florida leads the nation in the number of known cases of the B.1.1.7 strain of the coronavirus, the variant that emerged in the U.K. Researchers says the variant now accounts for up to 15% of the new cases statewide. Because it is more contagious, public health experts worry the emergence of the variant could accelerate spread of the disease. Florida had 202 deaths per day on January 11, 2021 and those numbers are slowly settling with a seven day average of 170 deaths a day on February 10, 2021. A Boeing 732 has 174 seats so the state is still experiencing the deaths of a commercial airplane crash every day.

 

 

Pre-Pandemic: Mexican Gastronomic Festival “Ven a Comer”

Posted on by Thor

LCHA and the Mexican Consulate in Orlando hosted the5th Annual Mexican Gastronomic Festival at Lake Eola 512 E Washington Street Orlando, Florida 32801.  Featured were many Mexican favorites like, Tacos, Elotes, Aguas Frescas, Guacamole and more.

Pam and I stood in a long line for Elotes, (Grilled Mexican Street Corn). We started joking with the people in line with us wondering if the street corn cold possibly be worth the long wait. There were rumors of a shorter street  corn line but we stood our ground. We inched our way to the head of the line until there were just two couples in front of us. Then it was announced that the vendor had run out of corn. Disappointment under those circumstances is an understatement. Luckily a riot didn’t break out. We decided to get the hell out of there. We would not be standing in another line. We went back home and made our own Elotes. The street corn we made was delicious, probably better than what was made a the festival.

I would never return to this festival for the food. However having the chance to draw a huge crowd and a taco wearing a dress would be a welcome pastime if this pandemic ever ends.

New Strain Hurricane

Posted on by Thor

Epidemiologist Michael Osterholm recently told NBC that the new COVID-19 strains could create a new wave of cases. “The surge that is likely to occur with this new variant from England is going to happen in the next six to 14 weeks,” he said.

“The hurricane is coming. Because of this surge, we have to call an audible,” he said. “If we get a number of first doses in people, particularly 65-years-of-age and older, we can really do a lot to reduce the number of serious illnesses and deaths in this next big surge, which is coming.”

“We do have to call an audible. I think there’s no doubt about it. The fact is that the surge that is likely to occur with this new variant from England is going to happen in the next six to 14 weeks, and if we see that happen, which my 45 years in the trenches tells we will, we are going to see something like we have not seen yet in this country,” Osterholm said Sunday.

“That hurricane is coming. So I think we have to understand that because of this surge, we do have to call audible,” he said. This means he is advising that the distribution plan delay the second vaccine dose to prioritize first doses for as many seniors 65+ as possible.

“You and I are sitting on this beach where it’s 70 degrees, perfectly blue skies, gentle breeze,” Osterholm said. “But I see that hurricane five, category five or higher, 450 miles offshore. And, you know, telling people to evacuate on that nice blue sky day is going to be hard.”

Researchers from the University of Washington warned over the weekend that the new COVID-19 strains — like those from South Africa, the United Kingdom and Brazil — could create a deadly spike in the U.S. this spring, according to The Boston Herald. The U.K. variant, dubbed B.1.1.7, was first identified in the U.S. in late December but is thought to have been around as early as October. It’s soon expected to become the dominant strain of virus in the U.S.

While the strain has shown to be significantly more infectious and may cause more serious illness, the current vaccines being distributed seem to be effective in combating the variant.

Super Spreader Bowl

Posted on by Thor

The 55th Super Bowl is sure to be the cause of an increase in COVID-19 cases nation wide. The NFL tried to make the stands safe in Tampa, by limiting attendance to 22,000 fans, 7,500 of which were vaccinated health care workers. It seems a strange idea to honor health care workers while packing 22,000 fans into a stadium. Other seats had been sold for $100 and fans sent in photos which were made into cut outs to fill the empty seats.

In a video message before the Super Bowl, President Joe Biden called for a moment of silence for the 460,000 Americans who had died from COVID-19. Boos could be heard from fans in attendance. In the few televised views of the stands fans could be seen without masks or wearing them as chin straps. It became clear at game time that fans were seated too close together in the stadium defying any possible 6 feet of social distancing.

In Tampa, Mayor Jane Castor announced a temporary ordinance requiring that masks be worn outside in several popular gathering spots. The order states that violators could be fined $500 as a “last resort.” Another ordinance requires masks at any indoor location when social distancing is not possible. That would include many bars and restaurants but not private residences. It became clear that these ordinances were ignored and not enforced. Thousands of mask less fans flooded the streets of Ybor City in Tampa after the game. This scene was played out all across the country in bars and pubs.

Case numbers are finally dropping all across the country but new variants are arriving which make the virus much more efficient at infecting more people. Health officials fear the game could seed new cases at exactly the wrong time. Mask It Or Casket said on Twitter, “There are too many people in this stadium. Go crawl in a hole and disappear, DeSantis.” Florida Governor Ron DeathSantis who was at the game did not wear a mask. Rep. Ron Wright (R of TX)  died of COVID-19 on Super Spreader Sunday.

The CDC urged fans not to hold Super Bowl parties this year. They advised fans to have outdoor viewing party using a projector screen and of course wear a mask with two or more layers, avoid direct contact like handshakes or hugs, bring in fresh air through windows and doors, and encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks. Even if fan at Super Bowl parties started with good intentions they are sure to have let their guard down after taking a drink any time an announcer said, “Sukup.” Though the CDC advised watching the game at home, there were many local bars and pubs which held Super Spreader Bowl Parties.

Some rabid  fans dress eerily similar to the QAnon Shaman who was one of the many insurrectionists arrested after the attack on democracy.  The most impotent lesson from this game is that the team with the most points won the game. This is a simple concept most former presidential supporters don’t get.

Pre-Pandemic: Miami Beach

Posted on by Thor

In October of 2019, Urban Sketchers Orlando went to Miami Beach to do find sketch locations for our participation in the upcoming Art Deco Festival in Miami Beach. We went to the art Deco Museum to plan a series of workshops to be held during the festival and then as a group went to several sites to sketch.

Here we are sketching the Essex House, (1001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL) one block from the ocean. The Hurricane of 1926 wiped away the exclusive hotels of the past, and there was little cash flow available to re-build following the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Jewish families were able to lay claim to land south of Lincoln Road, developing what would become South Beach. The beach became accessible to middle-class families. Architects and investors favored terrazzo floors over costly marble and employed architectural features like “eyebrows” above windows to keep rooms without air-conditioning shaded from the Florida sun.

Henry Hohauser gained recognition for his unique architectural style and his work on other hotels that lined Ocean Drive. In 1938, he was tasked with designing and supervising the construction of the Essex House. Hohauser took on a nautical theme for the project. His work featured porthole windows, a tall spire, and decorative railings to reference the ocean liners of the 20th century. Local artist, Earl La Pan to paint an Everglades scene over the fireplace.

Miami was able to recover from the Great Depression much quicker than many other cities in America thanks to illegal gambling. In these Art Deco hotels, it was not uncommon to have “secret” gambling rooms tucked away behind the lobby.  Al Capone hosted his weekly card games at the Essex House. In January of 1942 the Essex House was raided and the owner was arrested on charges of operating an illegal gambling house.

In State

Posted on by Thor

Brian D. Sicknick, the Capitol officer who died defending the building from insurrectionists is just the fifth person to have that honor. He lay in state on February 3, 2021.

On January 6, 2021 at the direction of the former President a riotous mob stormed the building. The mob chanted that they wanted to kill Vice President Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi. Five people died that day.

The Senators and Congress were evacuated to safe locations just moments before the mob forced their way into the chambers. Lawmakers passes within 65 feet of the mob wandering the halls. Some insurrectionists carried zip ties to restrain lawmakers. Had Capitol police not put up the resistance the did the death toll might have been much higher.

“Blessed are the peacekeepers like Brian,” said Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader. “Let us be peacekeepers now in his memory.” The chief, as well as the top security officials in the House and the Senate, all resigned in the aftermath of the riot. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill placed their hands over their hearts in honor. “We must be vigilant as what President Lincoln referred to as the harsh artillery of time. We will never forget,” Ms. Pelosi said during the ceremony.

Citing two law enforcement officials, the New York Times reported that Sicknick was struck with a fire extinguisher at some point during the breach of Congress. However, reports of an attack have not been confirmed. “Nearly 140 Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police officers were injured in the assault. Some were not issued helmets, and one officer was stabbed with a metal fence stake. Another has two cracked ribs and two smashed spinal disks, and a third is going to lose his eye.” Gus Papathanasiou, the Capitol Police Union chairman, said in a statement. Two other officers have committed suicide since the attack on the capitol.

Phil Raia: A Look Back at Stonewall

Posted on by Thor

Phil Raia is an activist. 18 transsexual women of color were murdered and that is not being addressed. Transsexuals were barred from the military under the Trump administration. Religious rights were being put in the forefront ahead of human rights. The country was founded on the separation of church and state. When religious leaders preach sermons of hate and are embraced by the political elite that is concerning.

He went to NYC to attend a protest where about 50,000 people marched from Christopher Street up to Central Park. The main Pride Parade was a commercial enterprise and he preferred to be with old friends who raised their voices against injustice. The event was in honor of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. He knows some of the people who were a part of Stonewall. Stonewall was a raid on a club. He had been there many times. He lived across from the club on Christopher Street.

Three of the windows of his apartment faced Christopher street and he felt like he was on the runway. He was not in the Stonewall when the event actually happened. There are still questions about who threw the shot glass or who threw the brick. We may never really know exactly what transpired there. The reality is that the cops entered, which was happening more and more. There was a political rationale behind these raids. At the time you could loose your job if you were found to be in a gay establishment. It was something that happened at the right time because of the right circumstances. In the late 50s there was McCarthyism. Then came a time of thinking outside the box, followed by the peace movement, the women’s right movement, the civil rights movement. These were the bedrock behind the Stonewall movement. Really the part of the Stonewall occurrence that was most important wasn’t the event itself, it was the people who came around the next day and communed with those more directly effected by it. It was the awakening that they were oppressed.  The Gay Liberation Front (GLF) grew giving the movement the lift it needed.