I think all that legit does make you high risk for whatever they are saying is needed, Pix? It is enraging, though. I am constantly smacked in the face with shit I would have a hard time suspending disbelief for in fiction just months ago, and this is one of them.

So, I decided to open one of my garage wines - it’s the Friday before a three day weekend, what the hell. I don’t remember when this was but it was more than 5 and probably less than 10 years ago that I subscribed to some service that sent me some wine samples that I rated and then they sent me a curated case of wine 4 times a year. Which seemed reasonable, a bottle a week more or less, but turned out to be way too much so apparently I stashed what is (I assume) my last case from them in the garage and forgot about it.

But it turned up when I was looking for something else and the 2013 Beachcomber Chardonnay called to me tonight after work, so I’m drinking it. I got curious and googled and it’s apparently a $7-10 bottle which frankly makes me like it more, but even before that it’s pretty good! Fruity but not sweet. You never know with chardonnays and this one is neither heavy on the tannins nor buttery but it’s very nice. Tastes like grapes, which seems like a ridiculous thing to say about a wine, but they don’t usually, do they?

If I could remember what the name of the service was I would try and enter a rating. I think that’s how it worked.

Anyway, it seems like all the packaging insulated it ok, does not seem ruined from being stored under very not climate controlled conditions.

Not really a full case anymore, potentially interesting bottles in my future.

I think all that legit does make you high risk for whatever they are saying is needed, Pix?

Nope. You would think so, but it’s not about people working in high risk environments — just those 65+ or who have with medical conditions like suppressed immune systems, diabetes, etc. I don’t have a condition that qualifies, technically. I also don’t care. I was happy to wait for my turn back in 2021 when the first vaccines came out and there were severe shortages, but there’s no shortage here (except, maybe, a shortage of scientific validity).

Really? Well, you are obviously ethically in the right, it’s not like your getting the shot will mean anyone else won’t. And it’s clearly a worse outcome if you don’t. So.

Everything is so stupid.

I just checked “yes, I’m high risk” without thinking about it very much because I am selfish like that.

I thought the risk conditions included depression, which I can totes check off (even if my meds are doing well for me these days)? I mean also you could just lie. But it’s still stupid.

Happy belated, meara. I'm glad you're here.

Parker, it's good to see your pixels.

Yay for good news for Erika's mum!

I've been a little skippy and skimmy lately. Everyone else, please be assured of my continuing affection and esteem.

Hi Karl! Good to see you.

And hey, meara, turns out you’re right! It took me forever to track down the official list, but apparently the FDA pointed to this CDC one, and depression is on it. Huh. Thanks, depression?

My code isn’t working above, so here’s the link if anyone wants it: [link]

Obesity is also on the official CDC list of risk factors so yay me, I also qualify.

Ex-smoker too, so I have no qualms about it. As you say, there is no actual shortage, just an abundance of dumbfuckery.