Category: The Current Situation

Thank you, Dr. Eileen de Villa

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date January 1, 2025

For the past eight years, my sister, Eileen de Villa has been Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, and yesterday was her last day on the job. She’s done a lot of great work for the city where we grew up, and is best known for defining Toronto’s swift and decisive response to COVID-19, and she’s my hero for having taken on that difficult task.

Those of you from Toronto and area may remember the cover article from the May issue of Toronto Life:

She announced that she would step down from her position at the end of 2024, where she’ll take some time off, travel with Mom (I hope to join some of those travels as well), and decide what to do next. With what she’s accomplished, she’ll be able to write her own ticket for the next step in her career, whatever it may be.

Here’s her farewell message to the city of Toronto:

Congratulations, Eileen, and well done!

New Year’s Eve mini-picdump

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date December 31, 2024

It’s New year’s Eve, and in celebration, here’s a mini-picdump of NYE-themed memes! If you go out to celebrate tonight (Anitra and I are), do it safely!

funny Music The Current Situation

The “Home Alone” Yule Log

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date December 25, 2024

How did I not know about the Joe Pesci Home Alone yule log stream until now? This version’s got 24/7 music, so you can put it on your TV as “video wallpaper” for your Christmas dinner or holiday vibes.

Tampa Bay The Current Situation

If you’re in crisis on Christmas, remember 211 and 988

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date December 25, 2024

As the lyrics say, all is supposed to be merry and bright during the holidays, but there are times when life has other plans. It’s been a while since I’ve faced a “Long Dark Christmas of the Soul,” but it has happened, and “merry” and “bright” were not words I’d use to describe that time.

If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and things for you are far from merry and bright, take advantage of First Contact (formerly 211 Tampa Bay Cares).

First Contact originated in the 1970s as the 2-1-1 Helpline, a crisis intervention hotline in Pinellas County, that offered support to individuals facing challenges like loneliness and thoughts of suicide. Over the years, it merged with the United Way’s Information and Referral line and evolved into a comprehensive resource for crisis intervention, family support, and referral services throughout the Tampa Bay region and across the state of Florida.

211 is a three-digit phone number that will connect you to information and referral services to health, human, and social service organizations. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, that service is First Contact, but if you’re elsewhere, it will connect you to the equivalent services in your area.

988 is a three-digit number that will connect you to a suicide and crisis lifeline. If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, call 988!

You can dial 988 to receive support and resources for thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

Here’s hoping that your holidays are safe and happy. If they’re not, please take advantage of 211 and 988 — that’s what they’re there for.

Editorial The Current Situation

The guy behind the “They’re eating the pets” blood libel slurs speech, passes out onstage

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date December 16, 2024

Here’s wishing Alex Bruesewitz a speedy recovery — yes, he’s behind a racist lie that endangers all of us who weren’t born here or who could pass as a Mayflower descendant, but he’s still a human being.

He’s reported to have asked after the event: “Did I at least look cool?” My answer: “No, brah. Get a doctor to look you over and get well soon.”

Here’s hoping that this doesn’t turn out to be a metaphor for the next four years.

funny The Current Situation

Special edition picdump for Thanksgiving 2024

Post author By Joey deVilla
Post date November 28, 2024

Here’s a special edition of my weekly picdump that features Thanksgiving-themed pictures, infographics, and meme. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the pics!