Things that are increasing: the temperature, COVID cases, cabinet members. Things that are decreasing, both literally and figuratively: everyone’s chill.

Happening in the World: November 2020 has broken previous records set in 2016 and 2019 for the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the 11th month. European scientists with the Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that global temperatures over the course of November were 0.1 degree Celsius higher than previous records, on average. According to the Copernicus Service, 2020 is on track to tie with 2016 for the hottest year on record (NYT).

Happening in the US: Present-elect Joe Biden announced his pick for Secretary of Defense: retired Army General Lloyd Austin. If Austin is confirmed by the Senate, he will be the first Black man to lead the Pentagon. Previously, defense advisor Michèle Flournoy and former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson were considered front-runners for the position (Politico).

Happening in NYC: In a press conference Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo indicated a strong possibility that indoor dining in the city will be shut down within the week. The decision to close indoor dining will hinge on hospitalization rates over the next 5 days. According to Cuomo, if hospitalization rates stabilize rather than increase, it is possible that restaurants will be allowed to stay open (Gothamist).

Happening in Our Community: Tomorrow afternoon from 2 pm to 4:30 pm, there will be a screening of Isaac Julien’s 1989 film Looking for Langston as a celebration of Queer Harlem and in support of Harlem Renaissance 100. The screening will be followed by a roundtable discussion with the director. You can register for the event here. 

Lame Limerick of the Week:  Missing The Tree Lighting

I just think that it’s rather rude 

After the ways I’ve been screwed 

I can’t even see 

Lights that fill me with glee

I want to see College Walk, dude! 

The Hot Planet Via Bwog Archives