Newsletter Feb 25, 2021

The FDA called the new single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine "safe and effective," giving a real shot in the arm to the battle against COVID.

3 Things

No more tears?: The pharmaceutical company so nice they named it twice -- Johnson & Johnson -- is close to getting FDA approval for its COVID vaccine that requires only half the number of doses.
The FDA gave a preliminary green light to Johnson & Johnson's single-shot vaccine Wednesday, calling it "safe and effective" against the virus. The ruling on emergency use authorization is expected to come Friday, and the third approved drug could go out next week.
Although it is rated significantly less effective than the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson version is 66% effective against preventing the virus but scores much higher for preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine also has other benefits beyond the one-shot protocol. Unlike the two currently approved vaccines that require storage at sub-zero temperatures, this one can be kept in standard refrigeration. Most importantly, Johnson & Johnson says it had 4 million doses ready to go once it receives FDA approval.
"Basic refrigeration and the fact that it is a single dose vaccine could be a game-changer," in the fight against the virus, one analyst said.
CHECK OUT THE PROS AND CONS OF THE NEW J&J VACCINE

Big-money backing: President Joe Biden isn't above doing a little name-dropping to get things done (remember the drinking game based on how many times he said "Obama" during the debates?). He called on 150 of his new best friends to sign a letter to Congress.
Biden sent a loud and clear message to bipartisan leadership calling for swift action in approving his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. He had 150 business executives to add their John Hancocks in an attempt to counter GOP arguments that the price tag is too costly.
"Strengthening the public health response to coronavirus is the first step toward economic restoration," he wrote ahead of Friday's vote. "The American Rescue Plan mobilizes a national vaccination program, delivers economic relief to struggling families, and supports communities that were most damaged by the pandemic."
Biden got the backing of some heavy hitters in the business world like Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Goldman Sachs chairman David Solomon, and other leaders from major corporations such as Intel, Comcast, and United Airlines. The private sector muscle could be just the extra nudge Biden needs to get some bipartisan support.
SEE HOW THE VOTE WILL AFFECT YOUR STIMULUS CHECK

Zoomed out: As if the coronavirus hasn't given us enough to worry about, there's a new affliction sweeping the nation known as "Zoom fatigue" -- a disorder caused by spending too much time on Zoom.
We know what you're thinking; "Everything is a disease these days." It certainly seems that way in an era when playing too many video games is considered an addiction, and all tasty food is bad for you.
But according to researchers at Stanford University, Zoom fatigue is an actual condition that has become widespread during the pandemic. With millions of Americans working and socializing from home, all that time in front of a computer screen takes a mental toll.
â€œVideoconferencing is a good thing for remote communication, but just think about the medium â€“ just because you can use video doesnâ€™t mean you have to,â€ one researcher recommended.
GET SOME TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN BEAT THE ZOOM BLUES

Markets

DJIA	31,961.86	1.35%
S&P 500	3,925.43	1.14%
Nasdaq Composite	13,597.97	0.99%
Japan: Nikkei 225	30,119.33	1.51%
UK: FTSE 100	6,658.97	0.50%
Crude Oil Futures	63.26	0.06%
Gold Futures	1,797.10	-0.04%
Yen	105.91	0.06%
Euro	1.22	0.04%
* As of market close

What a Croc

The ugliest shoe brand ever to touch the planet's surface is performing beautifully during the pandemic as work-from-home fashion and come-as-you-are attitudes have sparked a big-time comeback for Crocs.

It seems high heels and wing tips are out and rubber shoes with holes in them are all the rage as comfort, not appearance, becomes the driving trend for fashion. Folks stuck at home who only get outdoors for a quick trip to the mailbox are favoring clogs they can kick on and off with ease.

Crocs reported record 2020 revenues of $1.4 billion, up 12.6% over last year, with a digital sales increase of 50.2% for the year. Much of the gains can be attributed to new customers discovering the unusual footwear for the first time and finding they fit to a tee. â€œThe pandemic has allowed us to reach new customers," said Crocs CEO Andrew Rees, "but I think consumers are also focused on what we can offer them in the future.â€

Part of Crocs' success stems from collaborations with celebrities such as singers Bad Bunny, Justin Bieber, and Post Malone. They each endorsed their own limited-edition pair of designer Crocs that sold out in record time. Crocs also have a loyal fan base and a a cult-like following for feet.

FIND OUT THE MASS APPEAL OF CROCS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Endangered Tiger

Now that we can breath a sigh of relief knowing Tiger Woods will survive his one-car crash in California on Tuesday, but is it too soon to wonder if he will ever play golf again? It's unthinkable that his legendary career would end in such tragic fashion, but early indications are not good.

Well-wishers finally received updates on Woods' condition Wednesday following emergency surgery to repair compound leg and ankle fractures, and the injuries were worse than initially suspected. In fact, one doctor said Woods' right leg could have been amputated if Woods hadn't been extricated from his vehicle and rushed into surgery so quickly.

Woods, who was "awake, alert and responsive" after undergoing hours of surgery, had rods and pins placed in his right leg that will require months and maybe even years of rest, recovery and rehab. It's too soon for a long-term prognosis, but it's never a good idea to count Tiger out.

Of course, his family, friends and fans are just happy he is alive and stable whether he ever picks up a 3-iron again for the rest of his life. But the crash is unlikely to take away the competitive drive that made him a 15-time major champion and perhaps the best to ever play the game.

THE ODDS ARE STACKED AGAINST WOODS PLAYING GOLF AGAIN

Free Bruce

Friends and fans of rocker Bruce Springsteen were shocked when "The Boss" was arrested for DWI in November, especially since the 71-year-old's blood-alcohol level on the night in question only registered a 0.02.

That's only a quarter of the 0.08 legal limit in New Jersey, or as Bruce put, "two small shots of tequila." We can only assume he was using a thimble as a shot glass because charges of DWI and reckless driving were dropped against Springsteen on Wednesday. However, he plead guilty to consuming alcohol in a federal park at Gateway National Recreation Area.

Springsteen paid a $500 fine for drinking on federal property and $40 in court fees, but he can afford it after his successful career and recent projects. His podcast â€œRenegades: Born in the USAâ€ with former President Barack Obama launched Monday, and he sang at President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony despite having the charges hanging over his head.

As The Boss once said in his song "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)," many years ago, "Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny."

FIND OUT HOW THE BOSS BEAT THE RAP AND WHAT'S NEXT