And then I read the comments on that post, and now I feel sick.

Don't read the comments! Also, I'm sorry people are so awful.

I hope today is a better day for you and Tim, Teppy!

Bad puppy indeed! Yes, my vet always says a tired dog is a good dog. Dog park is a good plan.

I'm looking into a DIY-at-home covid vaccine that's making the rounds of biohacker internet, so I asked a bio lab vaccine modeler about it, and I thought you guys might enjoy his mixed metaphor of a response. It's not a catchy song, but if facts were taught like this I could probably remember them:

I expect this is nothing more than snarfing a very expensive protein shake. Remember, a vaccine is supposed to be a battle simulation. It has to be realistic enough to fool your immune system into taking it seriously. What "radvac" seems to simulate is the aftermath of an infection. Lots of broken bits of dead orcs and goblins on the battlefield, while alarming, is not a reason to light the Bat Signal.

That is a delightful response. So, did he talk you into taking the DIY vaccine, or out of it, that is the question.

I have absolutely no intention of making and taking the DIY vaccine! I'm supposed to be reporting on biotech and synthetic biology trends for work, and this is a big one. Fun fact - you can order all the stuff you need to make it online, including the covid proteins (although there are some shipping restrictions).

That’s disturbing

I probably can spare some Covid proteins for anyone really committed to the DIY vaccine.

Timelies all!

My parents, Gary's dad and stepmom and Gary's mom have all had their first COVID vaccines.

My brother recently texted me an xkcd where the US map had 10 states strategically removed and asked whether I could figure out which ones were missing. In less than 5 minutes I had. He asked how I did it, had I cheated. And I said that no, i just know all 50 states in alphabetical order so I just went down the list. He thought that knowing all 50 states in alphabetical order sounded crazy - I replied that it was a song for 6th grade graduation, so I will know them forever.

I used the state capitols song from Animaniacs for that one.

And Columbus is the capital of O-HI-O

When I was in 2nd grade my family spent the year in Orange County (my dad was transferred temporarily), and I learned to sing the 50-state song because we had to sing it every week at assembly. 45 years later, I still remember it and use.

My employer, who fishes people out of the water and so forth, has decided that my office-mates and I are essential workers, and is making vaccines available to us. So I have an appointment on Thursday for the first shot. Sadly I have multiple meetings the rest of the day, so I hope it doesn't knock me out (as I hear it does for some people).

I'm pretty excited about being able to go back to dog class and maybe get my hair cut...