1. Now with the interviewees on cable news shows providing their insights from home, I find my interest in what they have to say slaughtered by what can be seen of their residential interiors. It seems that in front of the book shelf is a favorite spot from which to opine, and I am always squinting over their shoulders trying to make out a title. No luck so far, but I feel I'd have a better idea of whether I should listen to them if only I could tell what books they own. A volume on astrology: who set the channel to Fox? The Bible, I'm sorry to say, is sort of a crap shot: could be a sign of either earnestness or crackpottery. A textbook on a basic science subject, like Introduction to Organic Chemistry: you have my ear, sir or madam!
2. When I used to tell my mom something she'd made to eat was delicious, a pretty common response was: It's so easy! You could make it yourself! Well, it's probably not that easy, but I thought of her confidence in me today when for lunch I opened a small can of salmon and, after draining off the water, mixed in Miracle Whip and some chopped red onion. Then I smeared it on top of Ritz crackers. I think the lives of people who haven't had young kids for awhile are impoverished by an insufficient appreciation of the Ritz cracker. I added carrot sticks, some cherry tomatoes, and, since it was already afternoon in the eastern time zone, a glass of Carlos Rossi burgundy ($15.99 for the 4 liter jug). Times might be bad, but food still tastes good, and I don't want to be stone cold sober for the daily coronavirus briefing.
3. Why would it be a good idea to adopt a law that would give the man pictured above $500 billion to distribute as he saw fit to America's captains of industry, with no requirement that he divulge what he did with the money for at least six months? A reporter asked Trump that question at this afternoon's briefing and he answered:
Jabberclackdockerywingbizniskabangfrildinkeldoperyetcetera.
But what about oversight, the reporter persisted, and Trump, looking like that was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard, assured her that he'd supply the oversight—which brings me back to the question of why anyone would think it's a good idea.
4. It's odd the way that Trump is often completely incoherent when he appears to be reading prepared remarks. Is Jared's handwriting that bad? Is the President of the United States just a weak reader? If he's speaking the words that are written on the paper . . . oh boy. Did you notice that Dr Fauci was not at the briefing today? Over the weekend, he was quoted in the press to the effect, What do you want me to do? Just shove him off the dais when he starts saying stupid stuff?
Speaking for myself, yes, that's what I'd like you to do.
Comments