The Weekly Watch
Continuing COVID Chaos
As R. Ann says, this virus is an agent of change. What we know (and what we don't know) is also in flux. I learned more about T cells this week. They may be our primary defense against this disease. There's some news about new fast and inexpensive tests. Some are seeing an end point to the crisis, and others think we're in this for a few years. Part of the problem as one virologist said - there's quite a bit of poor quality information out there. Science uses evidence to reach understandings, but like the old adage, garbage in, garbage out. I heard one scientist say masks don't work and may make things worse. However, his assumption was that the mask was to protect the wearer. In that case he is correct. Having a clear understanding of the question is as important as the conclusion. So lets look at the evidence that emerged this week and see what we can make of it.
The US isn't a monolith and looking a total cases and deaths is somewhat misleading. So here's the state data as well. (also from CDC)
Increasing death rates expected in:
Arizona, Alabama, Florida, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and West Virginia
John Campbell looks at the situation in the US in the first 10 minutes or so of this clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zATAO1pLXs0
He also had a global update this week, and updates the US situation at the beginning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKfWR_QmPe0
So as the COVID burns across the US can we see an end point?
How This Pandemic Might End | A Doctor Explains (10 min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZpw3qllNhc&t=9m20s
Chris has a different understanding...
Sadly, covid-19 increasingly looks like it’s going to be with us for a LONG time to come. Globally, cases are mounting fast, with the time it takes to hit the next million infected shorter than ever.
And not only are we learning people can contract the virus a second time, it’s looking like a meaningful number of patients can get it even more times than that. And successive infections appear to have symptoms that are every bit as intense as the first.
Even among those who ‘recover’ — even those cases that were asymptomatic — numerous patients display long term organ damage (heart, lungs, kidneys, etc).
Chris walks through the latest findings on each of these worrisome topics, yet also shares the more optimistic data indicating the cheap and widely-available drug Ivermectin makes any important positive difference in reducing the damage covid-19 inflicts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfDpuouYUFc
He has links to all the articles below the video at the link above.
But even in asymptomatic cases, people are impacted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqrA6ojnhJQ (5 min)
https://www.newsweek.com/coronavirus-damages-lungs-asymptomatic-patients...
We need quicker easy tests. They exist but have not been approved because of their sensitivity. As this scientist and doctor explains... (10 min or so)
These new test just involve spiting on a strip of paper and getting a rapid read.
Last week we learned antibodies against coronavirus appear to be short lived, but perhaps this isn't as critical to herd immunity as we thought...
The best COVID news of the week to me has to do with T cells.
Ever since the outbreak of covid-19, we’ve wondered why the virus hits some people like a ton of bricks while barely inconveniencing others. Now we think we have a clue.
New data suggests that the specific types of T-cells you have in your immune system determine how severely your body will react to the coronavirus upon infection. As this dynamic becomes better understood (lots more research needed!), we’ll hopefully start to be able to better identify the folks truly at higher risk and prioritize their protection.
(40 min)
Memory T cells induced by previous pathogens can shape the susceptibility to, and clinical severity of, subsequent infections. Little is known about the presence of pre-existing memory T cells in humans with the potential to recognize SARS-CoV-2. Here, we first studied T cell responses to structural (nucleocapsid protein, NP) and non-structural (NSP-7 and NSP13 of ORF1) regions of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 convalescents (n=36). In all of them we demonstrated the presence of CD4 and CD8 T cells recognizing multiple regions of the NP protein. We then showed that SARS-recovered patients (n=23) still possess long-lasting memory T cells reactive to SARS-NP 17 years after the 2003 outbreak, which displayed robust cross-reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 NP. Surprisingly, we also frequently detected SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells in individuals with no history of SARS, COVID-19 or contact with SARS/COVID-19 patients (n=37). SARS-CoV-2 T cells in uninfected donors exhibited a different pattern of immunodominance, frequently targeting the ORF-1-coded proteins NSP7 and 13 as well as the NP structural protein. Epitope characterization of NSP7-specific T cells showed recognition of protein fragments with low homology to “common cold” human coronaviruses but conserved amongst animal betacoranaviruses. Thus, infection with betacoronaviruses induces multispecific and long-lasting T cell immunity to the structural protein NP. Understanding how pre-existing NP- and ORF-1-specific T cells present in the general population impact susceptibility and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is of paramount importance for the management of the current COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2550-z_reference.pdf
So having had a coronavirus cold may provide us some immunity to COVID.
Here's another T cell study-
One sentence summary:
SARS-CoV-2induces robust memory T cell responses in antibody-seronegative and antibody-seropositive individuals with asymptomatic or mild COVID
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.29.174888v1.full.pdf
Children seem to have a native immunity.
https://www.ovg.ox.ac.uk/news/ovg-study-sheds-light-on-coronavirus-immun...
COVID and children
Oxford Vaccine Group, Public Health England, National Institute for Health ResearchHad 750 families in the trial checking for coronavirus antibodies
3 % to 4 % of children tested positive for antibodies,but that is a possible underestimate.
There was a higher percentage in London.Of those who tested positive, fewer than 10 % showed any symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore children have similar infection rates to adults but a higher proportion are asymptomatic.
Very few children and teenagers are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. They have less ACE-2 receptors, and may have cross immunity with other recent coronaviruses (colds).Children are very good at spreading the influenza virus, but not so good at spreading COVID-19
This bodes well for the possibility of opening schools.
Lot of controversy about masks. They are now required here in Alabama. The data supports their use.
Covid-19: How the Virus Gets in and How to Block It: Aerosols, Droplets, Masks, Face Shields, & More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cio3rh6ta3w
In this Covid-19 Medical Grand Rounds (July 16, 2020), three world experts discuss a variety of issues surrounding how the coronavirus moves from person to person, how best to block viral spread, and the potential that mask-wearing may not only prevent infection but also lead to a milder clinical course. The questions regarding aerosol vs. droplet transmission and the value of wearing masks and/or face shields are central to formulating public health strategies as well as to informing the personal decisions that each of us makes every day. The session is hosted by UCSF Department of Medicine chair Bob Wachter.
There is a link to the topics below the video at the link above.
In contrast to the previous scientists, in this clip one of the scientist suggests masks don't work, but he was talking about protecting you from infection.
Tom Jefferson: “Aside from people who are exposed on the frontlines, there is no evidence that masks make any difference, but what’s even more extraordinary is the uncertainty: we don’t know if these things make any difference…. We should have done randomised control trials in February, March and April but not anymore because viral circulation is low and we will need huge number of enrolees to show whether there was any difference”.
Carl Heneghan: “By all means people can wear masks but they can’t say it’s an evidence-based decision… there is a real separation between an evidence-based decision and the opaque term that ‘we are being led by the science’, which isn’t the evidence”.
These scientists emphasize the importance of evidence. Perhaps they need to listen to the California scientists in the previous clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3plSbCbkSA
https://unherd.com/thepost/oxford-epidemiologists-suppression-strategy-i...
So there's great cover in a COVID pandemic to do evil around the world.
How about the latest Russiagate myth?
OMG you guys Putin hacked our coronavirus vaccine secrets!
Today mainstream media is reporting what is arguably the single dumbest Russiavape story of all time, against some very stiff competition.
Caitlin Johnstone
https://consortiumnews.com/2020/07/17/covid-19-putin-hacked-our-vaccine-...
Not to mention our aggression toward China...
For the second time this month, the US has sent two carrier strike groups, representing the USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan, into the South China Sea. The Navy says they are showing a commitment to “international order.”
https://news.antiwar.com/2020/07/17/us-has-two-carrier-strike-groups-in-...
Then there's the rush to create a war with Iran...
A large fire broke out at a shipyard in the southern Iranian port city of Bushehr on Wednesday, burning seven ships and sending plumes of black smoke billowing above the city skyline, according to videos and Iranian media reports.
The fire followed dozens of recent fires and explosions across Iran’s forests, factories and military and nuclear facilities in the past three months that have rattled ordinary Iranians. Iranian officials have said that some of the episodes may have been acts of sabotage but blamed weather, accidents and equipment malfunctions for the others.
On Tuesday an aluminum factory in the industrial city of Lamard, in Fars Province, caught fire. On Sunday, a fire broke out at petrochemical plant in Khuzestan Province.
An explosion at the country’s top nuclear facility in Natanz two weeks ago damaged the structure where centrifuges were assembled and has been attributed to Israeli sabotage.
There have also been explosions at two power plants, a chlorine gas leak at a chemical plant and an explosion at a missile production factory at a military complex in Tehran.
Some Iranian officials have said privately that they suspect that at least some of the fires and explosions were part of an American and Israeli military campaign against Iran, but no official has publicly said whether any of the incidents are linked or blamed any country or group for them.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/world/middleeast/iran-ships-fire-expl...
There are claims that the CIA and Israel are responsible.
Recent rounds of sabotage attacks against Iranian targets have been consistently blamed on Israel. It’s not just Israel being Israel, according to some officials familiar with the situation, but rather, Israel trying to start a war while Trump is still in power.
https://news.antiwar.com/2020/07/16/israel-hoping-to-start-a-war-with-ir...
Here at home we have endless money creation as our economy crumbles. Max and Stacy explain in the 1st 15 min.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2afv87pMhIs
So round we go in this strange new world. The US continues to illustrate incompetence dealing with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic...And at the same time manages to stir up trouble around the world. I've been staying busy. It is that time of the year when everything needs doing at once. I'm hoping you are well and dealing with the current situation as best as possible.
Comments
Hello, Lookout,
Most of the time, I don't watch the news. So I am very thankful for those, like you, who do and find and present the best information we've got in a kind and rational way.
Thank you.
"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha
"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver
My pleasure...
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Good news about T cells this week. And the new paper swab tests could be a game changer.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
I second CStMS’s comment.
Rec’d!!
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
I second CStMS’s comment.
Rec’d!!
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
Glad you dropped by
...and found something useful.
all the best!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Morning lo
And everyone
A new study says
Older Children Spread the Coronavirus Just as Much as Adults, Large Study Finds
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/18/health/coronavirus-children-schools.h...
Link to original study
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/10/20-1315_article?referringSource=...
All good here in the garden. Thanks for this.
Take good care and have a good one.
Stop Climate Change Silence - Start the Conversation
Hot Air Website, Twitter, Facebook
good morning
It is indeed a complicated story. I sure am glad I'm not facing a classroom of kids this fall. I don't really have a good answer about schools, but generally like the idea of letting families choose from an array of options...from online learning to part time attendance to full time attendance. Older at risk teachers could handle the online piece and younger healthier teachers work with the student at school.
Agent of change indeed!
Good news about your garden. Cukes, squash , and tomatoes are keeping us busy ...trying to keep up.
Be well and take care!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
An excellent idea!
We have become too used to all kids (and teachers) doing the same thing.
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
I think this sums up opening schools
Add in the co workers of the parents that get exposed and then their coworkers families and then their coworkers and another family keep going. Worse case scenario is that COVID spreads like wildfire and then there is even more economic damage. It’s like a Möbius strip.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
The daily saliva test could be a game changer
Worth a few minutes to listen to the TWiV clip talking with the guy that developed them. All the virologists are big on the idea. Cost about $1 each and could be used every time before going out to work (or to school).
Currently opening schools would be risky. Thanks for the tweet.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
austerity and neoliberalism/capitalism brought to us by tptb
when we should/could have this, it's up to the people
https://www.reddit.com/r/WayOfTheBern/
I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish
"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"
Heard from Margaret Kimberley
great cartoon
..and I really like your sig line...
“Awesome! I always wondered what it was like to live during the times of the Civil War, Spanish Flu, Great Depression, Civil Rights Movement, Watergate, & the Dust Bowl. Not all at once mind you, but ya know, ‘beggars/choosers” and all.”
Thanks for the visit. Be well!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Thanks LO and back at ya!
I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish
"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"
Heard from Margaret Kimberley
Good morning Lookout, thanks for the Weekly Watch,
and all of the Covid-19 info contained therein.
It is interesting in this day and age to be this far along into something of this nature and still be as ignorant as we are. Of course, doing experiments on human subjects with real, live, potentially fatal pathogens is something that we don't and shouldn't do, so that is a limiting factor. So too is the varying degree across the globe and in the US to which this has become politicized, right up to and including denial being affirmatively reinforced by withholding and restricting information, research funds, support funds and simple basics like tests and PPE.
I thought that I'd simply note the availability of certain supplies and let them speak for themselves:
https://boingboing.net/2020/07/18/devo-energy-dome-with-face-shi.html
As to all the rest, Russia, China, Iran, and whoever is next, what can one say, the empire feels threatened, as well it should, since it has no real economy any more.
Also feeling threatened: Joe Biden who seems to be re-launching Russiagate with new assertions that Russia, China and others are already meddling with the 2020 elections and working to destroy their credibility, and that he knows this to be a fact because is once again privy to national security
propagandabriefings.be well and have a good one.
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
The empire does indeed feel threatened
But sadly it is the empire that is the threat to most of the world.
The Devo shields and mask look fun. If anyone wants a face shield they're pretty easy to make https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9FSDSc76q4 3 min
Have a good day, and thanks for coming by!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Interesting info about T-Cells,
since COVID can cause Pneumonia and Sepsis, maybe I might be better able to fight it off after having almost died from both, and developed the necessary T-cells...? Who knows at this point...
I've commented in other posts, I do not trust the CDC. What follows is not to throw water on this Essay, only a reflection of the surface indicators (quick search) of why I do not trust the CDC or Dr. Fauci.
Their early tests were contaminated. From the Hill:
From ScienceMag.Org:
From UCDavis:
From POGO:
From theAtlantic:
(bold emphasis mine)
Of course then there's Dr. Fauci himself, who lied early on about the need for masks because "he was afraid that front line medical professionals would not have enough PPE". So, "fear" caused him to lie, rather than tell the truth to "the American people".
A fucking jackoff comedian explains...
[video:https://youtu.be/Cq8iQ65p9B0]
From Dr. Fauci's own mouth to your ears...
[video:https://youtu.be/0XHC5Kxxv_w]
Even from Joe Rogan...
[video:https://youtu.be/f51ihrtpoSE]
And from those Darlings at the Hill on-line, Krystal and Saagar: Fauci ADMITS LIVE government lied about masks to preserve supplies.
[video:https://youtu.be/_2MmX2U2V3c]
So, in order to "preserve" supplies of PPE, he straight up lied! That circle is hard to square for me!
C99, my refuge from an insane world. #ForceTheVote
I've been calling him Dr. Falsey
He was on TWiV this week too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Vy6fgaBPE
about 35 min of Falsey talking with other doctors and researchers.
Didn't feature it on purpose.
The TWiV piece on testing was quite good.
As to CDC data...
Warnings of Possible Cover-Up in Progress as Trump Orders Hospitals to Stop Sending Coronavirus Data to CDC "While many governments suppress the virus, the U.S. suppresses information about the virus."
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/07/15/warnings-possible-cover-pro...
I think the CDC has long been a tool of the AMA and big pharma.
Where else can we go for data?
Chris' data looked pretty good for similarities of many parts of corona virus colds and SARS-CoV-2 are similar.
Thanks for the links and clips.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
I've been using
Johns Hopkins CoronaVirus Resource Center data.
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
I went to go buy food yesterday and while people were wearing masks, they were not social distancing, which I hate with a passion. I hated how close people got to me waiting in lines, BEFORE this all started. I didn't want to look behind me...
People just don't "think". When I got closer to the checkout, which took FOREVER, a guy tried to cut beside me to get to the back of the line, requiring him to brush up against people, instead of having two brain cells to figure out, go around the fucking ISLE moron!
But then there's this... (I wanted to kick it over!)
People's behavior is not changing. They might put on a mask, but they still take up an entire isle, because they walk beside their shopping cart, rather than behind it. They get pissed if you ask them to move. Sometimes I just want to throw a can of beans at these stupid people!
C99, my refuge from an insane world. #ForceTheVote
Thanks for the John Hopkins tip
People ain't doin' right here either. Very few masks.
I try to grocery early before lots of people have been there spreading their droplets.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
The stores were designed for maximum density (to lower costs)
They have to be re-engineered, but they won't be.
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
I've been using
World o Meters Early on the CDC issued a statement that it would not be the up to date central reporting agency for COVID-19. Haven't a clue if that decision was based on lack of resources to take on the task and/or an effort to avoid WH meddling.
From what I've been able to deduce, World o Meters is collecting data as close to the front lines as possible. In S. Korea, that means the KCDC that has also been reporting the numbers of each of the provinces. The only source for many countries is at the national level and they aren't as transparent as S. Korea. And some do appear to be manipulated. In CA, World o maters is pulling the county public health reports, but doubt counties are independently issuing public reports and are required to submit to the state that then issues the numbers. Falsification is much easier at the state or national level than the county level.
In early June Brazil's Ministry of Health took down the cumulative numbers on its website, but still reports new cases and deaths on a daily basis which I'mm sure Bolsonaro is also trying to suppress.
Thanks for the data link
I'm in agreement that CDC ain't the best.
As to:
Bolsonaro's first visit to the US included a trip to CIA headquarters. Probably to thank them for imprisoning Lula who would have been elected. That coup happened under Obummer as the Olympics were happening.
South America's Trump as he is called.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
He's also promoted phony 'data' ...
to kneecap a cheap treatment option.
May 27:
June 4:
The current working assumption appears to be that our Shroedinger's Cat system is still alive. But what if we all suspect it's not, and the real problem is we just can't bring ourselves to open the box?
I think "lied" might
be a little strong. Fauci did say in an important public info interview in early March that "the essential point" about masks, at that time, was that there was concern that there wasn't enough PPEs in gov't stockpiles for HCWs.
https://youtu.be/PRa6t_e7dgI
Recently in discussing the early state of knowledge, Fauci, and other experts, also noted that 3-4 months ago, at the outset, little was known of the virus, its contagiousness and ability to be spread by asymptomatic carriers. Seems like 2 good enough explanations to me.
Btw, as there might have been some confusion above, Fauci isn't the head of the CDC but the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, since 1984. One Robert Redfield is head of the CDC -- appointed by Trump in 2018, and perhaps b/c of a controversial history in the early 90s with AIDS. Of the two, I find and wound continue to find Fauci much more of a reliable source for public health info and overall honesty.
Btw2, Dr Deborah Birx has apparently for a long while, early and often, been cheerleading in the WH, advising a more secret inside team on the virus, about how the US is doing such a great job beating back the virus. Heh.
Fauci recently made comments about Birx -- knows her well, likes her, and she's also "in her own universe", or similar, about the virus.
I find him suspicious
not only for the masks info, the misleading HCQ slant, but also the very pro Remdesivir stance. https://theintercept.com/2020/05/26/coronavirus-gileand-remdesivir-treat...
HCQ cost pennies. Remdesivir $3000+ per 5 day treatment.
Another point is the delay in US testing because we wanted the patent and profit instead of using existing tests.
Additionally, the US and Fauci were involved in funding the Virology lad in Wuhan.
https://www.newsweek.com/dr-fauci-backed-controversial-wuhan-lab-million...
Now that doesn't mean everything he says is wrong, just that I'm very suspicious of his motives.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
And while the study was fully repudiated...
the FDA still uses its discredited data to justify banning hydroxychloroquine (a ban still in place):
Notice that the date of the FDA bulletin is more than a week after the retraction.
No clearer example of phony science being used to justify government crony capitalism.
And they say not wearing a mask is dangerous....
The current working assumption appears to be that our Shroedinger's Cat system is still alive. But what if we all suspect it's not, and the real problem is we just can't bring ourselves to open the box?
Dunno about some
"HCQ slant" by Fauci, as I haven't read much in the literature, but do recall reading that HCQ was vastly overhyped as an effective treatment and this wasn't much debated by experts in the field. There was pushback by Trump Yesmen and others in the non-scientific area. (If there was a legit debate among scientists in this field, I missed it, but if it happened, it seems to have considerably died down now.)
Possible Fauci is just giving his best judgment about it as a health infectious disease expert. And somewhat courageously, as his boss, one Donald Trump, who loudly touted HCQ as a cure back in April, has a vested financial interest in the company producing it.
On Remdesivir, you might have a stronger argument if you could show Fauci has a similar financial stake in the cos making that. But I'm not aware of one.
Nor is Fauci the one to set prices. The US gov't, by contrast, was in a position to effectively set much lower prices when it was recently reported that the Trump régime had bought all the global supply of Rem. They just might have been in a good position at that time to negotiate for drastically lower prices. But it's Trump, what did you expect?
My position on official gov't experts on the virus is this: some are likely to have a lot of politics/wishful thinking/sucking up to Trump mixed into their science (Birx, Redfield) while a few like Fauci, while not perfect, overall are credible sources.
HCQ is a generic...
that's been around since the 1930's.
What are you talking about? Everybody already produces this stuff all over the world. Nobody has a patent on it.
Remdesivir on the other hand....
And frankly, people who cite Trump's bloviations to inform themselves of what NOT to take are IMO just as deluded as those who actually do listen to him.
The current working assumption appears to be that our Shroedinger's Cat system is still alive. But what if we all suspect it's not, and the real problem is we just can't bring ourselves to open the box?
There are positive HCQ studies...
Here's a couple:
A Henry Ford Health System study shows the controversial anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine helps lower the death rate of COVID-19 patients, the Detroit-based health system said Thursday.
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/07/02/michiga...
and...
...our results suggest that hydroxychloroquine may have an important role to play in reducing COVID-19 mortality
https://www.ijidonline.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1201-9712%2820%2930534-8
Because Trump says it works, it must be bad... and the media jump on the megaphone misleading us again. Why isn't the MATH+ protocol being pushed as well? Money makes the world go around and it is cheap and effective.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Re the HFHS study,
here's a strong criticism of its methods and utility.
I'd suggest the problem was this: Trump was making wild and considerably premature claims back in Apr about HCQ which had no basis. Some studies have been done since, but as the above critique notes, they aren't all what they're cracked up to be.
But I'd suggest further that if a strong case could be made for its efficacy at given dose levels, etc, then by now the eager-to-please Birx and the compliant Trump-appointed CDC Director Redfield would be bringing such positive conclusions to Donald's desk like a polished apple to the teacher, esp as the skeptical Fauci has been sidelined by the Don, and he would off to the races about it in his public comments. This does not seem to have happened however.
But yes, Trump saying it works isn't exactly the sort of reliable endorsement I look for.
It isn't an ideal study...
for example no zinc was administered. I find peak prosperity a reliable reviewer of the data.
Chris looks at the study in a scientific rational way IMO
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1plkwhi5KUE]
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
I feel sorry for Fauci. Birx, I neither like nor trust.
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
I feel sorry for Fauci. Birx, I neither like nor trust.
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
Remdesivir Hijinks
Two things of note in the following. First, taxpayers are owed a gigantic thanks for helping pay for the development and testing of remdesivir. That's why Gilead is only charging a measly $3,000 [/snark off]. Second, Dr. Fauci, who praised remdesivir, heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Centers that has pumped millions of dollars into remdesivir. I won't insinuate there's a conflict of interest, but...
yes, with research at UAB
down in B'ham
https://www.uab.edu/news/health/item/11082-investigational-compound-remd...
And nary a mention of MATH+
https://covid19criticalcare.com/treatment-protocol/
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Nothing wrong
with the MATH+ effort from what I've seen. Seems responsible with some good outcomes.
It's a lie to me
when people like Facui says not to wear masks, but then "qualifies" his statements later, with some bullshit excuse about being afraid there wasn't enough PPE to go to front line health care professionals.
It's not that I disagree there wasn't enough PPE to go around, which could have been solved quite quickly, but, China already had a lot of experience with this Virus, and their lockdowns, masks and social distancing orders did tremendous help in "flattening" the curve, as they say.
I was reading a peer reviewed paper on it, but I'll be a mother fucker if I can find it at the moment. I'll update this comment when I do. The paper reviewed cases both before, and after the "totalitarian" lock down measures.
Here's one from the Lancet, not the one I mentioned above, still looking for it. (ugh) But does conclude China's measures worked!
(bold emphasis mine)
What we don't have is the "behavioral change", BECAUSE, at first Fauci was all about no need for masks. And here he is telling the USAToday audience, Feb 18th, 2020, "don't be worried about it"! He says flat out "people wearing masks now is just not relevant, you don't need to be walking around with a mask", which was obviously bullshit.
[video:https://youtu.be/Lhy2FgkP0Yw]
C99, my refuge from an insane world. #ForceTheVote
I'll say again I don't find him trustworthy
Like many doctors he may just be brainwashed by big pharma...or he may be even more deceitful.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Again, Tony F didn't
"later" come up with some bs excuse about HCWs not being able to get enough masks -- he was saying that back in early March, that it was a major concern at the time. Look at the CBS video I cited above -- twice he mentions this lack of enough masks for HCWS issue. That shows it was not a bogus ex post facto argument.
Note too that non-experts Krystal and Saagar, in their harsh video critique cited by someone above, said themselves If only Fauci had mentioned the need for HCWs to have enough masks given a gov't shortage then all would have been fine. But of course as I showed he did say that.
As to the other reasons for people not to bother with masks, again that was iirc the commonly shared view in the scientific community 4 months ago at the early stages. If it wasn't, I completely missed the public debate by other scientists calling him out for dispersing such harmful misinformation.
Of course we were selling masks to China at the time
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2020/04/02/us-exports...
another example of our for profit system.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Shh
Facts are pesky. They get in the way of minds already made up.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
Yes, Trump's
for-profit system. But there's no evidence that this April story, one month after Fauci's comments, represents facts that Fauci was aware of in March when he made his comments on mask shortages or Jan/Feb when those sales occurred. If you have a cite to show he was aware back in March or before, it would be very relevant.
Fauci outright lied to us
and his lies cost lives. Period. He said that there weren’t enough masks for health care workers, but I guess that there were plenty to send to China early in the epidemic. His lies are also responsible for many people to say that masks don’t protect us. Gasp! How can they say that? Because Fauci told them that. But he’s being made to look like a hero just because he goes against Trump. Welcome to the Resistance dude.
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
The most important stat ...
no one ever talks about.
Hint: It's the blue line.
The current working assumption appears to be that our Shroedinger's Cat system is still alive. But what if we all suspect it's not, and the real problem is we just can't bring ourselves to open the box?
Naturally, that's the one datum *no one* is reporting
Wonder why?
There is no justice. There can be no peace.
I dunno...
Enlighten me.
The current working assumption appears to be that our Shroedinger's Cat system is still alive. But what if we all suspect it's not, and the real problem is we just can't bring ourselves to open the box?
I inrended the question to be rhetorical
A panicked populace is easier to control and herd.
There is no justice. There can be no peace.
Recoveries are on the rise
...and that's a good thing. Seems they want people scared, very scared....instead of prepared.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Improved treatments,
more known about overrated/ineffective/harmful methods (ventilators), more known now overall about the virus than 4 months ago. It seems logical that in the early stages of the virus, HCWs would be stumbling about in the dark about how to treat it, and so the recovery rate would be poor early but inevitably improve as knowledge improved.
additionally more young people are being infected
with better recoveries.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Screw being scared. FRightwingnuts been pulling
that crap for 40+ years. Use your common sense and get informed!
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
Screw being scared. FRightwingnuts been pulling
that crap for 40+ years. Use your common sense and get informed!
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
For some weird reason, my comments
are duplicating themselves. Some sort of tech gremlin??
Inner and Outer Space: the Final Frontiers.
might be sd's comet
See her comment below...
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
That's an effective strategy
It is how they control the people ain't it
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Caught a cold during the Kincade fire last year
Not sure if I or anyone posted about the Kincade fire last year, I was really in the shit for that crisis. Totally stressed out and isolated. Multiple panic attacks in the dark, awful terrible. And then I caught a cold. LOL right on.
Ah, memories.
Cal Fire: PG&E transmission line sparked 2019 Kincade fire in Sonoma County
So then of course the power went out. Of course!
Cloverdale is almost directly west of The Geysers, we were lucky the firestorm went south. Largest evacuation ever performed on the west coast so far, a quarter million if I recall correctly. Insane chaos, but not nearly as bad as Tubbs for killing people and property, so that's progress.
This year Cloverdale is a planned cross-county evacuation zone I think, with bigly backup generators on order to run the city and everything near the Citrus Fair, training has occurred and articles have been written. Remain calm, that's what I tell those autumn winds. Wish for luck. What was the topic again? lol Oh yeah?
The Ones Who Get Us Through: Meet the Essential Workers of Sonoma County
etc..
More frustration., finally back on topic.
Collision course: Latino families in Sonoma County struggle with both distance learning, COVID-19 risks
Pretty long read following the second link, with a bunch of personal stories from real people, maybe. Or maybe it is a robot template (AI yi yi!) and each newspaper just fills in the blanks for its regional Aww factor. Cynicism ftw.
peace and love
I wondered if you were impacted by the fires
hecate wrote some pretty powerful piece about his experience in Paradise a while back.
Online learning is difficult when you don't have a computer nor internet. Maybe Betsy DeVos could use fed ed money to provide all kids with access.
Thanks for the visit and links.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
County summary reports are useful
coronavirus Sonoma County Although a lot of data is missing making it difficult to accurately determine where things stand. For example - cases by ethnicity. Only 69% of the cases include this information.
The Marin County coronavirus report is more complete, but ethnicity is still only 80% reported. However, Hispanic/Latino - 16.1% population, 77.2% COVID-19 cases, 51.5% COVID-19 hospitalizations, and 12.5% COVID-19 deaths.
Greetings WW ...
I don't know any teachers who think opening schools in August is a good idea.
'Welcome to Typhoid Mary Middle School': Why an Educator and Dad Thinks Reopening Our Schools Is a Non-Starter
Covid in the border country, remember when Trump said the wall would stop it ?
Border wall, touted as health protection, was useless as COVID-19 surged in region
I thought this was interesting, from Glen Greenwald:
How “Cancel Culture” Repeatedly Emerged in My Attempt to Make a Film About Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova
Glen has a video on the same topic:
Elites are Distorting the "Cancel Culture" Crisis - System Update with Glenn Greenwald, YouTube, 40 min.
The guys at The Duran are calling Russiagate an attempted coup, they have a point.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HRykMk3K7Y width:500 height:300]
We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.
Good afternoon!
I agree that there was an attempted coup. The Russiagate narrative was force fed repeatedly, but didn't make it real except for the rachel madcows of the world.
It really is a case of one president sabotaging the next. Wonder what Trump might do if he loses? Bad thing to get started.
Thanks as always for all the good links!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
I asked the question in another thread today
about the Duran video (in Signal Wave). Thanks to give your input.
https://www.euronews.com/
If Joe Biden is elected,
there will be no more investigations of Russiagate.
It will all be swept under the rug, nothing to see here.
We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.
If you are correct
that would come down as a plus for a vote for Trump. Could be a significant factor in an otherwise dead heat in the race to the bottom for the Oval Office.
I’d like to enjoy the novelty of voting FOR a candidate for President again before I die. In ‘08 I thought I was voting for Hope and Change, but we got Nope and Same. Sadly, trends are still moving in the wrong direction.
Capitalism is the extraordinary belief that the nastiest of men for the nastiest of motives will somehow work for the benefit of all."
- John Maynard Keynes
Who would (want to) elect Biden?
Honestly I hope there would be no elections.
I listened to the two Glenn Greenwald videos you linked and I am now looking among my books to the one I have from Bertrand Russell. I remember reading him in the seventies as a young student.
Thanks for making things clearer to understand.
https://www.euronews.com/
Check out the photos of NEOWISE
The comet is going to be seen just after sunset this week and people have been busy getting up in the wee hours to photograph it. You can see more on Sky & Telescope Locations and detail in article.
You can see the 2 tails of the comet in this photo.
Even more so here.
I want to see the dancing lights just once before I travel over the rainbow bridge to see my dawgs and yes it is for humans too. Hey folks where were you when Haley's comet lit up the night sky back in the 90's? I was living in a little farm house surrounded by a walnut orchard with dark skies and would sit in my hot tub watching it and looking for shooting stars and satellites.
Another day here in the high 90's, but hey at least it's a dry heat. Actually I can handled the heat for an hour or so since it is not humid. My thoughts are with those who live where it is high.
Really weird goings on. Lots of my words and the link weren't showing up without lots of editing on this comment. Wassup?
Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.
the comet interferred?
I remember the fuzzy ball of Haley's comet, but the best comet I've seen was Hyakutake
https://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/comet/hyakutake/
Hale-bop was pretty good too https://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/comet/
I'm with you snoop, aroara are on my bucket list...one day maybe.
Take care!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Couldn't see Haley
Too much light pollution from O'Hare Airport.
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
From the FDA....
Is Ivermectin recommended to treat the coronavirus?
No. While there are approved uses for ivermectin in people and animals, it is not approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. You should not take any medicine to treat or prevent COVID-19 unless it has been prescribed to you by your health care provider and acquired from a legitimate so
"Without the right to offend, freedom of speech does not exist." Taslima Nasrin
You can buy it at your local feed and seed
it is used for horses and cows. I wouldn't take any unless I was sympmtomatic
Ivermectin Study Reveals Fantastic Results: 100% of 60 Patients Better in an Average of Just Under 6 Days
https://www.trialsitenews.com/ivermectin-study-reveals-fantastic-results...
Effectiveness of Ivermectin as add-on Therapy in COVID-19 Management (Pilot Trial)
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.07.20145979v1
I'm a soil scientist not a MD. I give no medical advice. Just trying to parse out what we know from what we don't. If I was expressing symptoms I would take it, as well as HCQ which as NHK said above is banned in the US for COVID.
Glad you dropped by. Thanks for the word of caution.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Ivermectin edit
I was prescribed ivermectin, actually my kids were prescribed it in a shampoo form to kill lice. It's an insecticide.
Edit: I think it was ivermectin. It's been over 20 years since I used whatever it was called. I might be confusing it with dog/cat wormer. I don't think whatever it was is allowed to be used on humans anymore, so thanks, Ovals for jogging my memory sorta.
I knew I recognized the name but couldn't place it, until I looked it up. I can't imagine ingesting it. But if they say it works then I hope it does and doesn't kill anyone. Botox is a toxin and is used medicinally, so there's that lol.
Personally, I would prefer the hydrochloroquin + zinc if, god forbid, I actually get the Rona.
Medscape shows it being used for several
parasitic infections, orally. As with most medicines there are incompatibilities with some other drugs, but the interaction cautions and side effects do not seem particularly dire. Taken under supervision of a physician I would consider it for off label COVID19 treatment.
Capitalism is the extraordinary belief that the nastiest of men for the nastiest of motives will somehow work for the benefit of all."
- John Maynard Keynes
I did an edit
I think I'm confusing dog/cat wormer with whatever the poison was they prescribed for lice. Thanks for the heads up!
Oh, and I tossed it after I used it once, then found a peppermint based lice shampoo for the only other time we had to deal with gross lice. Worked perfectly and no possible neurological damage to young kids.
Both are probably helpful...
If you're symptomatic.
...and I hope we all can avoid that outcome!
Be well!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Well, one side effect of this treatment is that you absolutely
can not drink alcohol while taking it.
That eliminates it for me!
"Without the right to offend, freedom of speech does not exist." Taslima Nasrin
One problem ...
Why do we HAVE coronavirus secrets? Isn't the US government funding this rese4arch? Shouldn't everything be available to anyone? Why are there secrets? (I know, so someone can make a buck off of human suffering and death.)
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
Ain't that the issue with Russia hacking the vaccine data?
Even John Campbell saw through it... (2-3 min)
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=libhd7y8us0&t=17m30s]
He asks the question is the vaccine work cooperative or competitive? I think we know the answer.
Noticed your state is being hit hard. Take care and be well!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Thanks
Actually It's Chicago that's hit hard.
1. air pollution
2. dense population
3. mostly brown & black - the most vulnerable groups, which may be die to 1 & 2, but may be genetics too
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
[Edited] Hola, LO! As usual, appreciate your hard work
to bring us the latest news on COVID, and other topics!
At this point in time, agree with you about Dr Fauci--don't doubt his competency, but, increasingly, a tad suspicious regarding the motivation(s) behind some of his pronouncements.
Have you read the Vietnamese/Australian white paper? It's the one that casts doubts about the safety and efficacy of the wearing of cloth masks, period. We're taking it under advisement.
Having said that, just ordered several more cloth masks, to have on hand. (just in case) We use the pocket type, and a MERV-15 filter.
I think we're going to mostly wear dental/surgical masks, as long as they're available. Trying to stock up on them this week, now that so many businesses/corporations are 'mandating' their use.
Not that most folks wouldn't already know this, but, we're being very careful to read the 'reviews' for medical/surgical/dental masks. Sounds as though some companies are substituting non--medically-rated masks, with 'personal use' ones--when they run low/out. Obviously, we try to avoid those vendors. (I always do a few searches to check out the company, before I order anything. Especially, as it pertains to PPE.)
I don't care at all for "Wally World," but after reading RR's blurb about his experience at a grocery store, thought I'd remind folks that they offer a grocery home delivery service that is truly reasonable in cost.
Unless it varies by region--dunno. Anyhoo, in our neck of the woods, it's only $98 annually. Hard to beat, since it eliminates so much risk. We feel we have no choice but to utilize it, unless the COVID situation changes. In our locale, the delivery radius is approximately 7 miles from the delivering-Walmart. Also, don't know if that applies to all locales. It is a third-party delivery service (so-called partnership
), but, 'shopped for' by Walmart associates, IIRC. (We miss shopping at Aldi, so, may check out Instacart, too. Of course, their inventory is considerably more limited.)
FWIW.
Hope your weather's not too miserable down there, LO. It's pretty bad in TN--high of 92 yesterday, and, 91, today.
Take care, and stay safe.
[Edited: Correction - "is" not "if." Added sentence.]
Mollie
"The leaders of this new movement are replacing traditional liberal beliefs about tolerance, free inquiry, and even racial harmony with ideas so toxic and unattractive that they eschew debate, moving straight to shaming, threats, and intimidation."
~~Matt Taibbi, The American Press Is Destroying Itself, June 12, 2020
"I know, I know. All passion; no street smarts."
~~Captain West, 1992 Rob Reiner/Aaron Sorkin Movie, A Few Good Men
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.”
~~Will Rogers, Actor & Social Commentator (1856-1950)
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
It has been hot the last few days...
Surprisingly we got a shower yesterday and a rain today. Steamed things up but glad to get something for the new trees and the garden.
Our insurance co. sent us some masks. Maybe they work. They are easier to wear than the bandana (weedeater mask) I was using. Wearing a mask is a hassle but if it helps (and I think it does) I'm wearing one.
Glad you came by and hope y'all are doing well!
Edit to add...
I noticed your Taibbi quote. This is rather long but interesting interview with him.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xojSWHrar9A]
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Thank you, LO - getting din-din ready, so, the Taibbi
video will be a perfect complement to our meal!
Mollie
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
Hope their service is better than Amazon or UPS
I'd hate for my groceries to be sitting on my porch for hours because no one rang the bell.
The only bell-ringer, actually a loud knocker, was a UPS guy who needed a signature. I ordered $1500 of computer parts from L.A. (Cina POE) and paid $4.25 for signature service. That much money I don't like laying on the porch for hours especially if we are not home.
Disgusting isn't it? Government gves $2400 to a retired couple with nothing to do but buy Chinese manufactures with it while young people are forced out of work and face evction even with the $600 supplement.
BTW, I've heard three stories on line:
1. The $600 is in addition to regule UE benefits
2. The $600 is the total benefit.
3. UE is capped at $600
Anyone know the Truth? Hey, $600 a week is only $15 an hour, barely a living wage. Doesn't help a professional making say $50 normally, budgeted on that basis and now getting less than half.
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
We used ours to buy gravel
Maybe I helped stimulate the local economy? Hope so.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Better than my use
Of course when I started building computers the parts were made in Northern California and Washington State. Oh and surprisingly, also Idaho,
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
The $600 is in addition to regular unemployment benefits.
Bernie got that in. It expires at the end of July.
Thanks.
Of course, many here in Illinois and elsewhere still haven't seen a dime because their applications have not been processed.
Isn't it a great time for UBI instead of Wall Street multi-trillion dollar bailouts?
Won't vote for Biden but I would for Yang, although I would expect him to fail.
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.
Hi, Voice! Actually, we've opted for a "contactless"
delivery--though, it's possible to meet the delivery person at the door, if preferred.
They (the delivery person) either knocks, or rings the doorbell upon delivery.
And, deliveries are by appointment - so far, only twice have they delivered more than 10 minutes after the delivery hour we selected.
(it's listed as "between the hours of"--as in 2-3 pm, 8-9 am, etc.)
There's a disclaimer that if you opt for 'contactless' deliveries, you need to be alert, and get in any refrigerated items ASAP.
Also, you have the option--which we've elected--to be sent a text message, as soon as the order's delivered.
Easy peasy!
Agree with Granma - my understanding is that the additional federal UE amounts are an add-on, to the base 'state stipend.'
Of course, I'm on board with an extension of the federal UE benefits. But, having heard several seniors call in to C-Span's Washington Journal because they are hungry, or, food insecure, and/or state that they have no transportation to get to food, or due to severe disabilities, cannot go into stores to shop anymore (due to COVID concerns)--I don't think that sending [at least some] seniors $2400 could possibly be classified as a waste of tax payer monies.
Remember, Meals On Wheels has 'waiting lists' in many locales--sometimes, for months and/or years. The program is partly funded only by federal 'grants' given to community organizations (and subject to cuts during economic downturns). Some of these organizations charge exorbitant prices for the meals.
So, while I want to see continued support for people in the workforce, I'm very concerned that lawmakers, including Dems, appear to be uncaring, when it comes to some of our most vulnerable members of society--the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Heh, hope you have better luck with your delivery people. We've got some great ones, especially, FedEx and USPS.
(Only had one package delivered UPS in past several years. But, no complaints with their service, either.)
Take care. Stay safe.
Mollie
"The leaders of this new movement are replacing traditional liberal beliefs about tolerance, free inquiry, and even racial harmony with ideas so toxic and unattractive that they eschew debate, moving straight to shaming, threats, and intimidation."
~~Matt Taibbi, The American Press Is Destroying Itself, June 12, 2020
"I know, I know. All passion; no street smarts."
~~Captain West, 1992 Rob Reiner/Aaron Sorkin Movie, A Few Good Men
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.”
~~Will Rogers, Actor & Social Commentator (1856-1950)
Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong.
That's what they DON'T do!
Most often, I am seated 10 to 12 feet from the front doors, but without a view.
I've seen lots of changes. What doesn't change is people. Same old hairless apes.