Flu -- April 18, 2020

I'm clearing out my in-box.

Wuhan flu articles.

First: moving the goalposts -- four reasons it's safe to "open America." I agree with the writer, but it is interesting to note that the writer is an anesthesiologist, perhaps the specialists most hard hit by the virus.

Second: here's how much downstate New York is skewing the United States' coronavirus numbers. The data is staggering. I was aware of this, but did not know to the degree. Much could be said.

Third: this story is being reported "everywhere." If the data and the analysis is/are accurate, and I believe it is, it suggests to me that Trump's initial "hunch" was right on target. This does not mean he did the "wrong" thing in dealing with this issue but it speaks volumes about the CDC and the mainstream media wagging the dog.

Speaking of which, the most inappropriately named federal agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I can think of better names.

Later: overnight, a few more Wuhan flu links came in.

Fourth: half the homeless at Boston shelter tested positive, none had symptoms. See #3 above.

Fifth: purely coincidental. CDC posted job requirement for "advisor to quarantine program" on November 15, 2020, well ahead of the pandemic. Link here. The position was for a fairly low level (by government standards) position, a GS - 9/11, an annual salary ranging from $51K to $93K.

Sixth: update of the Swedish model where the economy was left open. In direct contrast to that of Norway. The fact that we may never know which model is better suggests that Sweden has bragging rights on this one.

Speaking of Swedish models: link here. Does anyone believe that Ella Rose is her given name? Not that it matters.

Seventh: they're reading the blog. PowerLine contributor is doing the same thing I'm doing -- watching TCM during the lock down -- and we both watched Network last night. Incredibly prescient, if a bit hokey. William Holden: from Sunset Boulevard to Network and everything in between. And this time (Network) opposite Faye Dunaway. At the wiki entry, if you are a romantic, read the bit on Dunaway and Mastroianni. Then look up the definition of limerence.

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Horses

A reader sent me this story.

I replied, not edited:

We live in a very, very urban area, but this is Texas and there are a few "farms" nestled within city limits.

There is a farm about eight acres, I suppose, we drive by almost every day, going to and from something or other.

There are "always" six horses out in pasture on "nice days." I don't see them out and about on hot days.

I can't say for sure, but it seems the six horses change over time. I notice them when they are scrawny, ribs showing, and then later, healthy and fat. I am absolutely convinced the "owner" loves horses and takes in abandoned, sickly horses for whatever reason and then nurses them back to health, and then once back to full strength are sent on -- I have no idea where -- and then he/she brings in six more sickly horses. I can only assume he/she is a real horse lover and this is her/his passion.

The land has to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars (if not more) for residential development but it looks like this will remain a convalescent place for horses for as long as possible.

Anyway, time to listen to some Burt Bacharach -- Alexa. LOL.

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Alexa

I simply love Alexa. Without moving from my easy chair, without lifting a finger, I ask Alexa to play "Burt Bacharach" and for hours I will get the "entire" catalogue.

Keeps me company.

Mexican Divorce, Burt Bacharach

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Connecting Dots

Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach.

From wiki:

While she was performing background on the Drifters' recording of "Mexican Divorce," Warwick's voice and star presence were noticed by the song's composer, Burt Bacharach, a Brill Building songwriter who was writing songs with many other songwriters, including lyricist Hal David...

During the session, Bacharach asked Warwick if she would be interested in recording demonstration recordings of his compositions to pitch the tunes to record labels. 

Warwick was signed to Bacharach's and David's production company, according to Warwick, which in turn was signed to Scepter Records in 1962 by Greenberg. The partnership would provide Bacharach with the freedom to produce Warwick without the control of recording company executives and company A&R men. Warwick's musical ability and education would also allow Bacharach to compose more challenging tunes.

In November 1962, Scepter Records released her first solo single, "Don't Make Me Over,” the title of which (according to the A&E Biography of Dionne Warwick) Warwick supplied herself when she snapped the phrase at producers Burt Bacharach and Hal David in anger. 

From the phrase "don't make me over", Bacharach and David created their first top 40 pop hit (#21) and a top 5 U.S. R&B hit. Warrick's name was misspelled on the single's label, and she began using the new spelling (i.e., "Warwick") both professionally and personally.

But there's more. At least for me.

I've always been fascinated by Jennifer Warnes. She seems to pop up everywhere.

So, now we go over to "Don't Make Me Over" -- over at wiki:

"Don't Make Me Over" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in August 1962 and released in fall 1962 as her debut single.

The song reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. It was also a top-forty hit in Canada, reaching number 38.

Various covers of the song have been made. Jennifer Warnes recorded a version which reached number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979.

Don't Make Me Over, Jennifer Warnes
I hear a little of Linda Ronstadt in Jennifer Warnes voice in this particular song. [Wow, someone posted the same comment over at YouTube.]

Someone wrote about Jennifer Warnes: "the incomparable Jennifer ... one of the greatest female singers of her generation."

Wow, I love this blog. This thread all started with a link from a reader about horses and one thing led to another and before I knew it I was listening to one of my favorite singers singing one of my favorite songs. Wow, doesn't this sound like a song Phil Spector could have produced with the Shirelles?