Philadelphia is up 18% for 2020. Most homicides are either drugs or family I believe. It’s likely the increase is not from people on the street but people cooped up together. No cause of death numbers turn up on Google but guns are an assumption. Lots of beatings, poisonings (some people simply can’t cook), and other causes (pushing off roofs and out windows). When numbers become available it will be interesting to see if guns are over or under-represented in the increased rate.
I feel unsafe. The A/C is out and the Wifeacita does not do heat well and it’s in the 90’s today in Houston. I’m exporting her to her brother’s house.
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My evidence is only anecdotal, but watching the news and reading the paper every day it seems like an awful lot of the shootings (and they are mostly shootings, with the occasional stabbing thrown in for some variety) are happening on the street. I guess the drug trade must go on, And with a surplus of time and a shortage of money, things seem to be heating up.
Here’s a recent article from the Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-homicide-stabbing-gunshot-victim-20200501.html
I’m a subscriber, so I’m not sure if there is a paywall.
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I can see that - looks like a limited number of views per month without a subscription. Address blocks are a common way of providing some privacy so we don’t know if either indoors or outdoors. The two stabbings to my warped sense of humor could well be poor judgment by the victims reflected in comments about wives/partners/SOs cooking. grin Gun shots could be really irritated housemates. We’ll see when the reports with analysis come out. Drugs and alcohol however are always a factor.
My fave coffee roaster is selling (roasted the day it’s shipped) and his coffee is divine:
https://www.georgehowellcoffee.com/
Never had a bad one; Tarazzu is a great go-to!
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I miss The Coffee Connection in the Boston area. 
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I know! Me too. 
Have you been to any of Howell’s coffee shops in Boston? There are three locations I think. They even have the original Frappuccino, though they are not allowed to call it that since Starbucks bought it out (and what starbucks serves is not the same thing by a long shot). Instead it’s called “the original “ on the menu.
I have been spoiled by howells’ coffee beans and order to brew at home. So so good.
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It sounds really great. Even buying in bulk with the free shipping, it’s a little bit outside my budget.
Really wish I could try a sample first!
My husband and I love George Howell’s coffee, and have many fond memories of gong to the Coffee Connection in Harvard Sq. We were really sad when he sold to Starbucks. We’ve been to a few of the local GH shops, and they are all excellent. (Time Out Market, Newton MA, Boston Public Market) It’s a little more expensive than we are willing to spend for everyday with three adult coffee lovers in the house, but it’s a wonderful indulgence on occasion. In fact, maybe it’s time to snag a few bags.
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Thanks @ChristinaM - he came home, all proud with his shopping prowess. He even took the store coupons due to expire that day. He may have outlearned his mentor at this point…we were low on a few pork items, he got a nice roast, as well as a loin, and a package of ground beef. We have everything we need, really, except for general purpose household ammonia, which he forgot to look for. Hoping to resume my position as alpha hunter-gatherer soon! As well, he’s taken over the entire kitchen. (Almost) Have decided to just enjoy it for awhile.
Sorry about your coffee source being closed, not good. Hope you find something you really like soonest.
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Oh too funny! I love the heat, especially the intense, humid heat of the Deep South - like being wrapped in a hot blanket…works as long as I don’t have to spend more than a few minutes in it before full blast A/C.
Spent a few weeks in desert Southern California during the summer months helping SIL journey through the end of her very fast terminal cancer Dx. Was quite naive at the time in the ways of that scenario, but glad to be there for her. Spent those weeks in a cramped, too hot apartment, near to the cancer center - power is really expensive, so a lot of people simply cool to just bearable standards. Also, BIL was totally checked out regarding his wife, spent all day, everyday on his lap top, while I was comforting/caring for his wife. Did I get even a verbal thanks? NO, but that’s ok, glad I could step up.
Long story short, when we gathered at his house after the funeral, the place was stultifying. I turned the temp down at least 10 degrees, every time I passed the thermostat. It was readjusted every time I passed back, so down it went again…only fair, the game went on for awhile, think I prevailed.
Your plan sounds like a good one. Hope your A/C is fixed by now.
As far as an upwards tick in crime goes, I think it’s down in all sectors of our area, excepting domestic, and child abuse, unfortunately. Last Friday, H and I were restless, with H pacing between teleconferences; I heard an extremely loud pop, sounding like gunfire, which sent the unsettled feeling through the roof. Looked at the clock, in case it was a god forbid, homicide or suicide. When H went out to our side yard he found a frisbee on our deck, which he threw back to the neighbor’s yard. We reckon it must have hit the side of our house, making a large pop sound. Thank goodness - no lights, sirens or police activity here. BTW, we’re in a very quiet suburban area. Shootings in Seattle were creeping up, but seem to be going down due to stay at home orders, and everything closed.
No I haven’t. I thought he was mail order only. The Lexington Coffee Connection was the closest to me when I lived in Woburn. I doubt there are any of his stores up near the NH border where I live now.
I agree, it’s spendy but figured since I always made my own coffee to bring to work instead of buying it at a coffee place for $3 a pop I was “saving money”. Also happier with the coffee 
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That’s for sure! We also make our own every morning (although I miss our Saturday brunches in Boston) and much prefer it to takeout coffee. Good point on the cost-savings and the ability to splurge a little on the beans.
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Just been reading about the murder of security guard at a shop in Flint, Michigan. What evil fuckwits shoot someone over his refusal to let someone in not wearing a face mask, as required by local restrictions.
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All three players have been identified. One arrest and two being searched for. Regardless of one’s politics and feelings on the subject I regret that Michigan does not have the death penalty.
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Sam’s Club (warehouse store) run this morning. Good news: less traffic, more masks, fewer people. Scored toilet paper. Bad news: consistent cultural issue associated with pants not secured at proper height “wearing” face masks around their necks.
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I’ve been to the grocery store maybe 6 times in the past 6 weeks in Houston and toilet paper has always been available.
Today at MY HEB they had a literal ass butt loads of it plus an entire aisle of paper products.
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I went to the store today and got a 6-pack of Kleenex (it’s allergy season so I can go through a box in a few days, especially when the weather is warm enough to open the windows and air out the house). Other than that, no paper products–the shelves were bare, And the Kleenex bundle was the only one of three available. Perhaps the northeast/mid-atlantic regions are either more paranoid or farther removed from the supply chain?
I also got the essentials . . . Russell Stover candy BOGO and Tastykakes 2/$5. And of course tuna, treats and litter for Malgato. I think my cat and I are going to have to go on a serious diet when this is all over 
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