Pandemic changes funeral business permanently: https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-has-changed-funeral-business-forever-11664048796 . We are all well aware that funeral homes were totally overwhelmed by the major surges of deaths early in the pandemic. But there have been long-lasting effects on the staffs and the business models that have resulted in permanent change.
Progress on Lou Gehrig’s disease: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-62851186 . We call it ALS (amyotrophic-lateral disease). The British call it Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The drug works on only 2% of patients, but 20% of those where genetic factors cause the disease. The drug tofersen stops defective mRNA from making the body produce toxins which kill motor neurones (neurons to Americans).
Putin’s mobilization causing major backlash from Russians: https://www.aol.com/news/putin-allies-express-concern-over-074913217-103613643.html . This feels like Putin’s time in power is coming to an end. I realize this is a bold claim, but that’s the way it feels. Western sanctions are already putting considerable pressure on the Russian economy and people. The 3 day victory invasion has become a 7 month losing war. So the fake referenda look quite desperate.
And Putin is also conscripting Ukrainians in Russian-held areas of Ukraine: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russia-begins-mobilizing-ukrainians-to-fight-against-their-own-country/ar-AA12ejuU?cvid=580d11ec982b46ea85e2dff7ddc12174 . Denazification of Ukraine? This is more like the Nazification of Russia.
WSJ: Ukraine shoots down 4 Russian planes and 8 Iranian drones: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-downs-9-russian-aircraft-boosting-battlefield-pressure-on-moscow-11664103886 . As previously discussed here, Russia lacks both quality and quantity of armaments now. In this situation, the new conscripts are unlikely to change the battlefield situation. More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/russias-annexation-moves-nuclear-threats-raise-stakes-in-ukraine-11664142541 .
WSJ: Meanwhile, Ukrainian advances continue: https://www.wsj.com/articles/pushing-east-of-kupyansk-ukrainian-forces-expand-offensive-11664111037 . One hopes that Russian troops continue to flee from the Ukrainian forces. This could end the war.
The Full Monty: https://www.yahoo.com/video/eric-idle-masked-singer-cancer-battle-rutles-george-harrison-david-bowie-kate-bush-movie-queen-elizabeth-ii-003948398.html . Eric Idle tells some pretty great stories about his life with the stars. Definitely worth your time.
WSJ: NASA tries to move an asteroid: https://www.wsj.com/articles/nasas-asteroid-deflection-mission-spotlights-planetary-defense-effort-11664081582 . So this planning is necessary if we want to avoid the fate of the dinosaurs.