Special Friday Edition! Groundhog Speaks, and Covid Updates

Greetings. The Groundhog has predicted 6 more weeks of winter, and it certainly seems like that little devil may be correct after the cold temps we have been having.

At least we have some things to look forward to with the Sewe Expo right around the corner and the Super Bowl this weekend. And don't forget Valentines Day on Monday!

I was having a bit of a writers block recently until I heard the "The Logical Song" by Supertramp

The song dates back to 1979, but the words are applicable to today (see below).

A funny thing happened to me last week when having dinner with my daughter. We stopped by a local restaurant for a quick, easy dinner. We arrived early, and the restaurant was pretty empty. That being said, we were seated next to another couple.

I made the horrible mistake of coughing after having choked on some water. The couple then asked to have their table moved. In the world of Covid, I completely respect the couples' fears, since sadly, people still do not always act responsibly, and go out and about when sick.

I was a bit taken aback because I personally have been testing myself frequently with this Omicron surge, and have been feeling fine; but in fairness, those other patrons did not know this. The restaurant, however, was small.

So if I HAD had Covid, I do not think the move to another indoor table at this small restaurant would have helped prevent contracting Covid.

Then, the couple was happy to see several groups of friends come to the restaurant, greeting their friends with hugs and kisses.

Did I miss the memo that Covid can only be contracted from strangers several feet away and not friends whom you hug and kiss?

And as I ponder these thoughts, the "Logical Song" keeps running through my head.

Last week, a study from a professor at John's Hopkins was released, claiming that the Covid lockdowns and restrictions did not effectively prevent Covid deaths, but instead we saw increased deaths from other causes, such as cancer.

Additionally, the lockdowns exacerbated the mental health crisis and we are seeing a rise in suicides and drug overdoses. Many states are seeing staggering numbers of deaths from Fentanyl use.

In the words of Supertramp, "Can you please, please tell me what we've learned?" The study or ":working paper" is coming under fire by some, such a Bruce Lee, a writer at Forbes Magazine, who pointed out the the report was not a peer review article.

But as we reflect back on the last 2 years (it's hard to believe that we have been dealing with this virus for 2 years) and really analyze the data, hopefully the answers to questions about lockdowns and masks will become even more clear.

But it does appear that restrictions are easing, as several northeast and west coast states lifted some remaining restrictions even this week.

So if we assume we are living in an illogical world, I feel that all we can do is focus on what we can control: our own personal health. Time for a little personal responsibility. One of the things we have learned about Covid is that diabetes and obesity negatively affect Covid outcomes.

So, let's make 2022 the year of good dietary habits and fitness. I, myself, have been spending more time at home and have been cooking more in an effort to be healthier. Sadly, I am not much of a chef.

Exercise is also key, and I am happy to provide the names of some trainers if anyone is interested. One also offers remote services.

And Coolsculpt or liposuction can address those difficult areas that diet and exercise never seem to touch!

I hope everyone has a great weekend. I hope we have an exciting game for the Super Bowl, and try to resist the urge to over-indulge in all of that tempting Super Bowl food!

When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical And all the birds in the trees, well they'd be singing so happily Oh joyfully, playfully watching me But then they send me away to teach me how to be sensible Logical, oh responsible, practical And they showed me a world where I could be so dependable Oh clinical, oh intellectual, cynical There are times when all the world's asleep The questions run too deep For such a simple man Won't you please, please tell me what we've learned I know it sounds absurd Please tell me who I am I said, watch what you say or they'll be calling you a radical Liberal, oh fanatical, criminal Won't you sign up your name, we'd like to feel you're acceptable Respectable, oh presentable, a vegetable Oh, take it take it yeah But at night, when all the world's asleep The questions run so deep For such a simple man Won't you please tell me what we've learned I know it sounds absurd Please tell me who I am, who I am, who I am, who I am 'Cause I was feeling so logical D-d-digital One, two, three, five Oh, oh, oh, oh It's getting unbelievable