Hello — is it Fauci you’re looking for? (+ a summer blog break)

~ jama

 

I can see it in your eyes
I can see it in your smile
He’s all you’ve ever wanted
And your arms are open wide . . .

 

via Andy Andersen/Instagram

 

Thought we needed a little Dr. Anthony Fauci fix today since we haven’t been seeing as much of him lately.

When it comes to the pandemic, he’s the voice of calm, reason, and truth. He’s the one we trust, the one who makes us feel better even when the news is bleak.

 

hubba hubba

 

More than a brilliant public health expert, Dr. Fauci is now a pop culture icon, a sex symbol, and a personal hero to many. Brad Pitt played him on SNL, and Julia Roberts was totally starstruck when she interviewed him on her Twitter account. There’s even been talk of a Nobel Prize and Time Magazine Person of the Year. Oh, and did you notice he has blue eyes? All the best doctors do. 🙂

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“Dr. Fauci Starry Painting” by haris0250

 

THE NIGHT OF CORONA
by Ann Barber

‘Twas the night of Corona when all through the world
Not a creature was stirring as the nightmare unfurled
The face masks were missing, the gloves and the gowns
The nurses and doctors were all falling down
The children and old folks were scratching their heads
To wonder what mayhem this virus could spread
Pa gathered his strength, Ma stuffed down her worries
Pulled courage together to start their new journey
When throughout the world there arose such a clatter
Of singing, and loving, though hearts were in tatters
We stood at our balconies, doorways, and windows
To let out the love Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus
The moon lit the green of the fresh budding Spring
Giving Hope for Rebirth we yearned it would bring
We opened our hearts and expanded our characters
Knowing our children would be the inheritors
When who to our wondering eyes did appear
But the good Dr. Fauci dispelling our fear
A lively old doctor so truthful and wise
We knew in a moment he’d tell us no lies
More rapid than eagles his interviews came
Knew we needed to hear him so he could explain
The virus, the distance, how not to transmit it
The challenge we’re up for, no doubt we can do it
The world just got smaller but we’re growing bigger
Our hearts and our souls demonstrate we’re no quitters
Our Heroes are Healers, not killers of Life
And many strong Women in the thick of the strife
May All who draw breath see God in Each Other
Embracing Our weakness As Sisters and Brothers
Stronger Together

~ Adapted on April 10, 2020 from “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement Clarke Moore, via Daily Hampshire Gazette (4-27-20).

 

“Faster Than a Speeding Fauci” by Andee Axe

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Though he and the coronavirus task force have been essentially sidelined, Dr. Fauci continues to toil on our behalf, working 16-18 hour days keeping tabs on vaccine development, viable therapies and treatment options.

 

Dr. Fauci fine art print by Greg Joens (click to purchase)

 

You have to give him huge props for his amazing equanimity in the face of all the disinformation, grandstanding, politicizing, and scapegoating coming from the WH. Dr. Fauci has never compromised the facts and isn’t afraid to contradict the President.

 

“Dr. Fauci Face Palm” by Jon Lion (click to order signed print).

 

To quell some of my Dr. Fauci withdrawal symptoms, I’ve been reading more about him. By now you probably know about his impressive credentials as one of the world’s leading experts in infectious diseases, that he advised six Presidents, has 30+ honorary doctorates, has earned numerous awards (including the Presidential Medal of Freedom), and is known for his invaluable contributions to HIV/AIDS, SARS, Ebola and Zika research. He’s been Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984.

 

“Stay Home” by Elisabeth McGinn

 

But what of Dr. Fauci’s personal life? Here are a few tidbits:

 

Dr. Fauci’s father Stephen (PharmD), opened the Fauci Pharmacy in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

 

  • Born on Christmas Eve, 1940, he’s the grandson of Italian immigrants. Grew up in Brooklyn, where he lived above a pharmacy owned by his parents. He delivered prescriptions on his bike while his mother and older sister worked the register.
  • Attended Catholic grammar and high schools, and graduated first in his class from Cornell University Medical College.
  • A lifelong sports lover (baseball, basketball and football). Has been a Yankees fan since childhood.
  • Met his wife Christine Grady (Chief of the Bioethics Department at the NIH Clinical Center), when she was asked to serve as a translator during a conversation Dr. Fauci had with a patient from Brazil. He gave strict instructions for the patient to take it easy after being discharged from the hospital, but the patient refused to comply. Christine played a joke on Dr. Fauci by assuring him his patient would do just as he was told. When she was later summoned to Fauci’s office, she feared he had discovered her deception — but he actually wanted to ask her out on a date. They married two years later and have three grown daughters.
  • Though Dr. Fauci is a diehard workaholic, he’s always been deeply devoted to and most proud of his family. When his daughters were growing up, he insisted on the family ritual of having dinner together every night, which often took place between 9-9:30 p.m.
  • Although his daughters sometimes gave him a hard time for working so much, when he was home he was a “fun dad,” a “goofball,” who sang opera in the kitchen and danced around.
  • His idea of a good time is being with his wife and daughters, noshing on wine and fried calamari, and going fishing.
  • He loves to run daily if possible, either during his lunch break or after work. He claims it’s a great stress reliever.
  • In a recent interview with Chef José Andrés, he mentioned his love for Italian food (al dente pasta with pesto or meat sauce), as well as a good old fashioned hamburger with french fries.

 

Dr. Fauci Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella on Focaccia by Celebs on Sandwiches (click to order print).

 

 

Also cool: Dr. Fauci has inspired some wonderful art, and we can also “get our Fauci on” with Dr. Fauci prayer candles, cocktails, mugs, t-shirts, socks, donuts, cupcakes, candy, bobbleheads, and plush dolls.

 

Click to pre-order your Dr. Fauci bobblehead.

 

Dr. Fauci donuts are available exclusively from Donuts Delite of Rochester, NY (call to order; yes they ship).

 

 

$5 from every plush doll purchased goes to charity (click to pre-order)

 

And there’s even some fun Dr. Fauci music. Enjoy this parody of “Mr. Sandman” by Carrie Dahlby:

 

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Thank you for all you’re doing, Dr. Fauci. You are a light of wisdom and a beacon of hope!

 

“Use Hope As Needed” by alfonsoruiz/Instagram

 

“A Reassuring Presence” via fauciart/Instagram

 

With that, we’ll be signing off for the summer. Who knows what the world will be like when we return in late August/early September? Let’s hope for the best of all possible outcomes: a flattened curve with schools reopening, fewer people having to work from home, more restaurants, non-essential retail businesses and entertainment venues open, the economy picking up.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, peaceful, enlightening summer.

In Fauci We Trust,

jama
Mr Cornelius
Blue Bear
60-something Paddingtons
all the other furry kitchen helpers

xoxoxoxo

 

“Uncle Tony Has a Message for the American People” via quietman56/Instagram

 

*ETA: In recent months, Dr. Fauci has been going on daily walks with his wife in lieu of running.

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🎈 BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNER! 🍓

Happy to announce that the lucky person who has won a signed copy of MORE THAN MARMALADE: Michael Bond and The Story of Paddington Bear by Rosanne Tolin is:

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🥁 drum roll, please 🥁

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🎺 trumpet fanfare 🎺

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🤸🏼‍♂️extra cartwheels and backflips 🤸🏼‍♂️

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🌺 LINDA BAIE! 🌼

WOOHOO!! CONGRATULATIONS, LINDA!!

👏 👏👏 🎉  🎉 🎉

 

The 60-something resident Paddingtons are ecstatic because they know you will love Rosanne’s book!

Thanks and virtual bear hugs to all who entered the giveaway.

❤️ ❤️  ❤️  ❤️  ❤️

 

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The lovely and multi-talented Tricia Stohr-Hunt is hosting the Roundup at The Miss Rumphius Effect. Tap dance, cha cha, or sashay on over to check out the full menu of poetic goodness being served around the blogosphere this week. ENJOY!

 

 

Copyright © 2020 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.

 

43 thoughts on “Hello — is it Fauci you’re looking for? (+ a summer blog break)”

  1. Oh, Jama. What a finale! You are a researcher extraordinaire. I love the post of all things Fauci…but especially the donuts. GolLY you make life fun. Please enjoy your summer break with all your little friends. I will miss you and look forward to you coming home in the late summer.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Those donuts are definitely fun, but I probably wouldn’t want to eat them (and destroy Fauci’s face?). 😀 Hope you have a nice summer, Linda!

      Like

  3. Oh Jama, this is such a divine post–thank you! And I thank you for choosing to be hopeful and optimistic; it’s not the “go to” attitude these days, and sometimes one is even chided for it I’ve noticed. . . sigh. But you are not afraid to believe the best–thank you! I will miss your blog terribly! But we shall be in touch! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The recent Supreme Court rulings prove that there’s always hope. It’s good we have each other to lift ourselves up — nothing to do but keep moving forward, working for change in any way we can.

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    1. I’m tempted to make a Dr. Fauci sandwich just to celebrate his goodness. Fauci on Focaccia has a delicious ring to it!

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  5. Oh, you’ve made my Friday so good, Jama, & to win, too, wow! Thank you! I love that Sandman take, simply the best. It is new to me, needs to be everywhere. We are blessed with Dr. Fauci carrying on for us no matter the pressure from you know who. I also enjoyed the poem take: “A lively old doctor”, but going strong, blue eyes & all. Wishing you a break that gives some R & R as you take care of yourself but I know you’ll keep up with the news, hopefully will be getting better!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, Dr. Fauci keeps going no matter what. I was upset he was barred from appearing on Anderson Cooper and Sanjay Gupta’s Town Hall by the WH last night — as were all the other health experts on the task force. We have a RIGHT to updates and facts about the pandemic. 45 didn’t want Fauci warning people against going to the rally tomorrow. So wrong!

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  6. What a great post! I’ll miss you on your summer hiatus. Have a great, relaxing few weeks! See you when you get back! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Jill. With all that’s going on, it’s been harder to write these posts. Hope you have some fun things planned ahead despite the chaos and craziness.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Thank you, Jama, for this uplifting post and which took quite some bit of research on your part. Wishing you a happy, safe, healthy summer hiatus!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You have a good summer, too, Rosey. He’s definitely a national treasure — and he sings (or used to sing) opera in the kitchen? What’s not to love?

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  11. Fauci-licious post, Jama! Dr Fauci is dreamy on many levels – swoon! I love Barber’s poem and the note at the end of the song video: “The jaw-droppingly dumb quotes by Donald J Trump”. Giving credit where credit is due! Have a fabulous summer break. You will be missed. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Glad you enjoyed the post, Bridget! Dr. Fauci is certainly a charismatic figure, and as he himself says, has become a symbol to many people of truth and transparency, cherished ideals that are actually bigger than who he is as an individual.

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  13. I don’t miss the task force briefings, but I do miss Dr. Fauci. Not sure how he manages to stay so calm and sane given the current leadership (or lack thereof), but thank goodness he does. Love that song — yes, please shut up Trump (if only someone could!). Enjoy your break, Jama. Looking forward to better times ahead! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. If Pence had continued to run those briefings and let the experts speak, it would have worked out — but of course 45 had to step in to take center stage and run the show. That’s when he began to spin the facts and those briefings became performances and political ramblings. He hogged the spotlight for an hour and a half and gave only 20 minutes to the scientists.

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    1. LOL. Sounds like you’re a Red Sox fan. Choosing the Yankees was a bit unusual when everyone else rooted for the Brooklyn Dodgers at the time.

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  15. Wowza, what a wonderful post! You and Dr. Fauci make a dynamic duo. 🙂 I just ordered a bobblehead for Atticus. (Well, kinda for me, too.) 🙂
    Enjoy your blog break, and may the world be a healthier, kinder place when you return. (Of course, just your presence makes it a kinder place, so there’s that to be grateful for.) xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, I so WISH things will be better then. I’m anxious for my bobblehead to arrive — love that you ordered one too. 🙂

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  16. Okay, this post takes the cake! Loved every bit of your post Jama, beginning with the powerful poem, through all the serious and campy art images, bobblehead goodness, and backstory on the man of the hour, but… drum roll please… the creme de la creme is your Dr. Fauci Sandman video, Wow, Fantabulous!!! Have a wonderful summer despite the chaos in our small universe, I’ll miss you–see you when you return, thanks, xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The people who made the video are so clever. Hard to get the song out of your head once you’ve heard it, though . . . 😀 Happy Summer to you!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Jama, I LOVED this blog post so much that I showed my son the short parody right away and tweeted it out: “Hello — is it #Fauci you’re looking for? (+ a summer blog break) https://jamarattigan.com/2020/06/19/hello-is-it-fauci-youre-looking-for-a-summer-blog-break/ via
    @wordpressdotcom a #mustread #blogpost by Jama Rattigan for #PoetryFriday about #DrFauci, the #coronavirus #superhero!” Thank you for always pressing onward with amazing blog posts. Enjoy your summer.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks so much for sharing, Carol. The video provides some much needed comic relief during this time. Have you also been watching Randy Rainbow’s amazing videos? Political satire at its best.

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  18. Jama, you are amazing. I’m glad you posted about him because he’s being sidelines and disrespected by the president. Science is just a distraction. At least we see him on CNN.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The WH has been preventing Fauci from appearing on CNN. He’s been doing other interviews, but mainstream audiences are seeing less of him.

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  19. I love Dr. Fauci! God bless him and all his wonderful work for humanity! NYC loves you and your New York accent! We will miss your blog, Jama. See you in September!😷😷😷😷😷😷🥰

    Liked by 1 person

  23. I missed your post back in June, but can’t tell you how welcome it was when I stumbled upon it this morning. What a fabulous tribute to Dr. Fauci! I love the art work you shared and really, really want a bobblehead now. Thank goodness for this man! “In Fauci We Trust” indeed! Thanks Jama, for a wonderful post!

    Like

    1. So glad you found this post after all! My Dr. Fauci bobblehead finally arrived. 🙂

      Hope you can access this link.

      Like

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