Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell
“Gonna miss that patio.”
“Come on Twiggy. We need the rain.”
“But why on Friday?”
“Just to torture you.”

 

Another week has flown by. It is Friday again, and time to prepare for the weekend. (YAY)

Before I forget, I have a post up on Story Empire today. I have listed the top ten books that have been banned or challenged in 2020. Also, there is a list of the banned or challenged books from the 100 most significant books written. Go HERE if you would like to visit.

The first 100 days of the Biden administration is now history. The scorecard on promises made vs. promises kept looks pretty good. I still wish the left and right would quit throwing insults at each other. It just doesn’t help anything.

The producer got her second shot, so after two weeks, it looks like we will have some immunity. We are still going to be careful on the three ways to protect oneself — wash hands, distance, wear a mask. We still don’t trust air travel, so we won’t be doing any of that.

I am very sorry for the outbreaks of COVID in India. Such a large population and so difficult to get every immunized quickly. The second outbreak comes after the first and is more severe. Lax preventive care such as masks and social distancing is being blamed on the current situation. I still feel COVID is going to be around a long time.

Today’s JohnKu talks about what is normal. I hope you. All have a great weekend.

Normal by John W.Howell © 2021

Protecting one’s self,

Against an unknown outcome . . .

Is the best normal.

73 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF”

  1. Apart from its vast population and the levels of poverty in which many of its people live, I fear India is suffering from a failure of leadership. It’s not helped by the fact that so many couldn’t afford the cost of the hospital treatment and medications. Socialised medicine in its many forms may be an anathema to some, but at least it gives everyone a reasonable chance. I fully agree with the sentiment of your haiku, too, John.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thank you, Keith. India leadership does seem to have let the people down. In administering the vaccine the US adopted a socialized approach which led to delays of distribution to segments of the population in senior centers and rural areas. Also the allocation process was so inept that finally the for profit groups (Pharmacy and hospitals) streamlined the system which made a breakthrough in access. Biden’s goals would never had been reached without the private sector. I always believed the first method of distribution should have been the primary care physicians and pharmacies backed up by whatever mass innoculation techniques the government chose. I was unable to get an appointment for a shot even though I was in the high-risk, age appropriate group. I finally turned to the pharmacy after additional ages were approved which further swamped the system, and got an appointment right away along with so many others in my class. It was only after the Feds lifted their tight control over supplies (Which had some political revenge motivations included) did real progress on numbers take place. Granted the US government doesn’t have a lot of experience in medical expertise but I’ll still vote for the private sector.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s a pity that there weren’t in place mature and efficient mechanisms to back up the good intentions in your country. My experience in UK (mostly public provision, some private) and France (an interesting, though complex system – largely private, funded by mostly state insurance with constrained private insurance backup) would lead me always to vote for the system that delivers zero bankruptcies.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. If anything, the virus has taught us about the preciousness of life. Your haiku beautifully captures the care that is needed. Have a great weekend, John. 😊

    Liked by 4 people

  4. You talk so much sense John. One thing that has pleased me is the response from other countries to the Covid outbreak in India. Much needed supplies of vaccine, and oxygen are getting through.
    Have a great weekend.
    Hugs

    Liked by 3 people

  5. so many great books banned… not surprising, tho. Greatest r always ahead of time. About covid – so sad with India, true, and our new normal is to care about ourselves and people who r around us 🔆have a nice weekend ☕️📚🤓🕺🕺

    Liked by 3 people

  7. The situation in India is heart-wrenching, while the situation in Washington is pathetic. However, the two biggest problems remain unchanged – the same two problems that have plagued governing for years – Ds and Rs. Cheers to vaccination complete at Howell Estate. Enjoy your weekend.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Have been watching the unfolding situation in India with horror. Such a tragic situation. And agree completely…must be one’s own best advocate. Wishing you and the Producer a happy, safe weekend!

    Liked by 2 people

  15. That was an interesting post you wrote about banned books. It’s a topic of great interest to myself, as you know John. India is the worst place imaginable for a Covid outbreak, what with the overcrowding and living in large family units. Have a good weekend.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. I totally agree that COVID isn’t going away anytime soon. I get my second shot today and ready to get it over with. I also agree that I am not comfortable with air travel and will take clorox wipes with me anywhere I go to stay overnight. Great JohnKu!

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Covid is definitely going to be part of the landscape for a good while. Glad both of you are doubly-shot! I don’t get my second until August 4th, unless there is some sort of change… Happy weekend, Boss!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. I think that most countries, certainly our own, handled the pandemic so poorly in the beginning that we let it get away from us and so … yes, it will be around for a while yet. My heart goes out to the people of India … I have a friend there who I haven’t heard from in weeks and naturally I am worried about her. It’s encouraging to see nations around the globe pitching in and helping where needed … that’s how it should be … it’s about life, not a competition. Have a happy weekend, John!

    Liked by 2 people

  20. How is the banning of some of our most important written works any different from the book burning in Germany? When are people going to speak up against this ‘woke-ism?”

    Liked by 2 people

  23. Perfect words, John, and I agree with you that Covid will be around for awhile. Glad the Producer got her second shot. I’m getting my second shot next week, then hubby and I will be fully vaccinated. The events in India are horrifying, to say the least. On a happier note, have a good weekend. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Nicely handled, John. Yes, I think COVID is going to be around for lots longer than anyone had hoped … largely due to doubts on who and what to trust, as well as to plain stupidity (and that we can’t fix, right??!)

    Liked by 1 person

  25. I just got my second poke today, John. The wife was been good for a month. We’re flying out to Montana in a week to see our son—only one visit in the last year. Have a great weekend! I don’t have to tell you that. Everyday is the weekend for retired guys like us.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, John. Yes, I’m well aware. We’ll still be social distancing and wearing masks, and taking all normal precautions.

        Liked by 1 person

  26. I’ve become addicted to covid stats. It’s really not healthy at all. And since I’m of the lies and damned lies end of the statistics spectrum I don’t really know what they tell me about precautions. Still currently the 7 day daily average for covid deaths across the UK is about 20 so even I feel more relaxed. We will see. Like you the idea of a plane is shudder inducing…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. An airplane is a hyperbaric chamber of germs. Even before COVID I would wear a mask while flying. Nice to have a row all to myself too. (one cough and the evacuation of the row began.)

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Hi John, we were just talking about how Covid is not going away anytime soon, despite the progress we’ve made. India’s situation is a sober reminder. We still have to be careful.

    Liked by 1 person

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