I was looking into the coronavirus testing methods. It seems the method developed by the CDC is based on PCR--they multiply the RNA in a sample and then test it somehow or other. That means the samples have to be sent to a central (probably public health) laboratory, and that lab evidently has to have the exact brand and model of PCR multiplier machine as the CDC. Once the lab gets the sample, they can do the test overnight. That's all very fine, and just the sort of thing ivory tower types would be likely to come up with. But there are tests for influenza A and B, Respiratory Syncticial Virus (causes diarrhea in infants) and several other diseases that take TEN MINUTES once the sample gets to the person doing the testing, and they have been done in regular hospital labs for quite some time. Such tests for the coronavirus are very new (natch), but are available in the UK and in China. That's what we need.
Most laboratories today don't buy their instruments because for tax and grant purposes it is far more effective to purchase them on a reagent (or supplies) rental basis. It is also far more profitable for the manufacturers. The cost of disposables (usually only available from the manufacturer) can eat you alive.
listener, to answer your question I think the snow will melt by 6/5. But please don't send me any chocolate if I win. I'm already the size of a small camper.
Listener, I just tried to send you an e-mail, which bounced. Also can't find Puddle's e-mail address. Pleas drop me a line (catreona [at] earthlink [dot] net) and include Puddle's address if you have it. Thanks a bunch! :)
With all the news about colleges and universities taking sometimes extreme steps to deal with coronavirus, it occurred to me to see what the Berkeley Student Cooperative is doing. They have an outstanding advice page. [Click] The BSC was founded in 1930 to provide economical housing for students with limited funds, and continues to do so. In several ways it is a better alternative to other types of student housing, and for about half the cost. They have had their problems over the decades (who hasn’t?), but remain true to their original purpose and method of governance. (All residents are co-owners and participants in governance of the co-op as well as of their own particular residence halls. Part of their rent is participation in maintenance and services; everybody helps in one way or another.)
There are too many [ahem] interesting items today at politicawire.com [Click] to link to. It seems that Trump and his close associates are likely to come down with coronavirus sooner rather than later. The question has arisen of what will happen when the virus gets into Congress, particularly the Senate, given that so many members are at high risk because of their ages. (It is reasonable to assume that no small number of them also have some sort of chronic health conditions as well.) I shall have to see what I can find out about the Spanish Flu and congress—but that particularly affected people in the 20-40 age group.
I once participated in the trial of a fellow who had unquestionably committed multiple counts of murder and mayhem. He couldn't ever be allowed out of custody again; the question was whether he would be confined in a prison or a mental hospital. (In court he seemed to be the most mild mannered and well behaved person you could imagine--but he was taking his medicine.) Drug intoxication was a complicating factor. But the number of people he killed will be as nothing compared to those who will die because of Trump. But it's like the old observation that if one steals a few hundred dollars one gets a prison sentence; if one steals hundreds of millions of dollars one gets an award from the Business Roundtable. Pardon my attitude-I'm kind of morose today. On the positive side, I sent Bernie a bit of love.
I just got my hair cut and the barber had Trump's coronavirus speech on the TV. This was the first time I had ever seen Trump talk and I was struck by how poor a speaker he is. I'm not talking about his rambling or his gaffs. I'm talking about the lack of normal inflection. How did he ever, EVER make it as a TV personality?
We have 16 confirmed cases in Ohio, two or three of them in my county. The most distressing thing to me is that libraries are closing. Schools are closed for at least three weeks and all gatherings over 100 people are discouraged. Churches are streaming their Sunday services.
One case, origin not yet established, has been reported in Tulare County, two counties south of us. At the junior college where Naomi and I are taking a beginning art printing class, in-person lecture classes are suspended beginning next week. Lab classes (including our printing class) are to continue, but presumably with such precautions as can be arranged. Since I have a chronic cough and sneeze occasionally, I will wear a mask to class as a reasonable courtesy to my classmates.
There is no evidence yet of person-to-person transmission in our part of California, but that case down in Tulare County *could* be part of a chain of local transmission.
It was surreal today to drive on I-89 and see a light up sign declaring: “COVID 19 info: healthvermont.gov” (Good to get the word out, but I was driving and certainly in no position to write it down or go to the link! 🙄 I only know the address because I bookmarked it a few weeks ago.)
Governor Phil Scott declared a state of emergency today. There is a ban on non-essential travel out of state. People may not visit loved ones in nursing facilities unless those persons are children or are dying. No meetings larger than 250 persons may take place.
These measures are in place until April 15th. They may be lifted sooner or extended, depending on the actual situation.
Schools are not being asked to close at his time, due to the hardship it creates for working families. However, any parent who is uncomfortable sending their child to school may pull them out with impunity, and the state will attempt to help with academic assistance.
No. I was driving when I heard the news conference, so missed the important detail that it's only state employees who are banned from going to other states unless absolutely necessary.
According to various e-mails I've been getting, Bernie trails Biden in the delegate count by some one hundred and fifty, while over half the delegates have yet to be allotted. So, courage, friends!
This Should Focus Our Attention on the Vulnerable (News From Italy) [Click] Today I went looking for face masks in hardware stores selling paint. They were completely sold out. It turns out that we have a pretty good stock accumulated years ago, although not hospital respiratory isolation quality.
Well, in the local newspaper reports, the biggest Protestant churches in Fresno (which are of an "evangelical" bent) are reported to be continuing with all normal activities. Ditto their associated schools. As for the smaller ones, there is no mention at all. I checked the web page and Facebook page for the local Episcopal diocese, and there was no mention of either coronavirus or suspension of any activities. I just now checked the Unitarian Universalist Church, and they are going to online services for the next four weeks.
Well, I sat with two clergy members today and all the churches here in Vermont are changing by this Sunday to live streaming their services and disallowing outside groups to use their space for meetings, and keeping necessary congregation meetings very small. For most of the last month, in fact, Episcopal churches have been advocating sitting well spaced, bowing to one another at The Peace (instead of shaking hands), and Communion is being done very carefully, while also being clear that it's okay to receive just the Bread and still one would have received Communion fully. And so on. Many clergy are offering texts of their sermons online, too. This is really hard on churches that have dwindling populations. But they are picking up the challenge creatively, and I dare say many parishioners are finding anew just how much being able to worship has meant to them. Congregations are setting up Phone Trees and advocating checking in one one another, calling or writing to stay in touch, and so on. Clergy are on the front lines of making sure those in need have supplies delivered. The more introverted among the faithful are receiving social distancing as Retreat At Home! Ha! I think I'm going to love it, (until someone I love gets ill or worse, of course).
The funny thing is that border crossing guards would be super easy in Vermont. We are bordered on the north by Canada, so those crossings are already covered. We are bordered on the east by the Connecticut River so most of those crossings involve metal bridges. We are bordered on the West by Lake Champlain and the Hudson River, so again bridges and even ferries are involved. It would only be a little work at the short (42mi) border with Massachusetts, and where the two interstates cross through...I91 into MA and I89 into NH.
I was looking into the coronavirus testing methods. It seems the method developed by the CDC is based on PCR--they multiply the RNA in a sample and then test it somehow or other. That means the samples have to be sent to a central (probably public health) laboratory, and that lab evidently has to have the exact brand and model of PCR multiplier machine as the CDC. Once the lab gets the sample, they can do the test overnight. That's all very fine, and just the sort of thing ivory tower types would be likely to come up with. But there are tests for influenza A and B, Respiratory Syncticial Virus (causes diarrhea in infants) and several other diseases that take TEN MINUTES once the sample gets to the person doing the testing, and they have been done in regular hospital labs for quite some time. Such tests for the coronavirus are very new (natch), but are available in the UK and in China. That's what we need.
ReplyDeleteOh, and the ten-minutes (or less) tests don't require any machines or instruments--just a human eye to read them.
DeleteWhat? No machines for some company to make money off? Fancy that. :P
DeleteThe money isn't (usually) in the machines. It's in the reagents.
DeleteSell the razor cheap. The money's in the blades.
Most laboratories today don't buy their instruments because for tax and grant purposes it is far more effective to purchase them on a reagent (or supplies) rental basis. It is also far more profitable for the manufacturers. The cost of disposables (usually only available from the manufacturer) can eat you alive.
DeleteWhat a cute photo! The kitty in the picture looks just like our Mr. Campion.
ReplyDeleteBREAKING NEWS: At 3pm ET today, Bernie Sanders will be addressing the current health and economic crisis, and the response required. WATCH - Click
ReplyDeleteThe YouTube screen opened, but the video wouldn't play. :)
Deletelistener, to answer your question I think the snow will melt by 6/5. But please don't send me any chocolate if I win. I'm already the size of a small camper.
ReplyDelete...and I don't mean a small person going camping. I mean one of those fat little campers you tow behind your car or truck.
Delete😉 So noted!
DeleteListener, I just tried to send you an e-mail, which bounced. Also can't find Puddle's e-mail address. Pleas drop me a line (catreona [at] earthlink [dot] net) and include Puddle's address if you have it. Thanks a bunch! :)
ReplyDeleteCat--keep trying; I have had problems with e-mails to listener bouncing back once in a while.
DeleteHmmm. Curious. Okay, I'll try again.
DeleteCheck your email, Cat. 🙂
DeleteWith all the news about colleges and universities taking sometimes extreme steps to deal with coronavirus, it occurred to me to see what the Berkeley Student Cooperative is doing. They have an outstanding advice page. [Click] The BSC was founded in 1930 to provide economical housing for students with limited funds, and continues to do so. In several ways it is a better alternative to other types of student housing, and for about half the cost. They have had their problems over the decades (who hasn’t?), but remain true to their original purpose and method of governance. (All residents are co-owners and participants in governance of the co-op as well as of their own particular residence halls. Part of their rent is participation in maintenance and services; everybody helps in one way or another.)
ReplyDeleteThere are too many [ahem] interesting items today at politicawire.com [Click] to link to. It seems that Trump and his close associates are likely to come down with coronavirus sooner rather than later. The question has arisen of what will happen when the virus gets into Congress, particularly the Senate, given that so many members are at high risk because of their ages. (It is reasonable to assume that no small number of them also have some sort of chronic health conditions as well.) I shall have to see what I can find out about the Spanish Flu and congress—but that particularly affected people in the 20-40 age group.
I don't find any mention of the Spanish Flu interrupting the work of Congress.
DeleteCoronavirus: Why You Must Act Now [Click] A long column, but good basic and applied science IMO.
ReplyDeleteDonald Trump is the very worst person to handle the coronavirus crisis - Click
ReplyDeleteI am sure that one could find numerous people who would be worse--if you sought them in asylums.
DeleteI once participated in the trial of a fellow who had unquestionably committed multiple counts of murder and mayhem. He couldn't ever be allowed out of custody again; the question was whether he would be confined in a prison or a mental hospital. (In court he seemed to be the most mild mannered and well behaved person you could imagine--but he was taking his medicine.) Drug intoxication was a complicating factor. But the number of people he killed will be as nothing compared to those who will die because of Trump. But it's like the old observation that if one steals a few hundred dollars one gets a prison sentence; if one steals hundreds of millions of dollars one gets an award from the Business Roundtable. Pardon my attitude-I'm kind of morose today. On the positive side, I sent Bernie a bit of love.
DeleteThat's okay, Alan. I've been kind of morose for several days.
DeleteI'll go with May 17 for the snow melting. My mom's birthday.
ReplyDelete🌷So noted, Renee!
DeleteI just got my hair cut and the barber had Trump's coronavirus speech on the TV. This was the first time I had ever seen Trump talk and I was struck by how poor a speaker he is. I'm not talking about his rambling or his gaffs. I'm talking about the lack of normal inflection. How did he ever, EVER make it as a TV personality?
ReplyDeleteYes, he always rambles in a monotone, except at his MAGA rallies where he name-calls and trashes others.
DeleteHe has great difficulty reading a script--that has in the past raised questions about his reading ability.
DeleteMy understanding is that he used to speak and behave more normally.
DeleteWe have 16 confirmed cases in Ohio, two or three of them in my county. The most distressing thing to me is that libraries are closing. Schools are closed for at least three weeks and all gatherings over 100 people are discouraged. Churches are streaming their Sunday services.
ReplyDeleteOne case, origin not yet established, has been reported in Tulare County, two counties south of us. At the junior college where Naomi and I are taking a beginning art printing class, in-person lecture classes are suspended beginning next week. Lab classes (including our printing class) are to continue, but presumably with such precautions as can be arranged. Since I have a chronic cough and sneeze occasionally, I will wear a mask to class as a reasonable courtesy to my classmates.
DeleteThere is no evidence yet of person-to-person transmission in our part of California, but that case down in Tulare County *could* be part of a chain of local transmission.
DeleteCoronavirus threat hovers over Illinois primary election as suburban voters hold key in Democratic presidential race.
ReplyDeleteThere is now evidence that the 1918 influenza started in rural Kansas. [Click] Recruits spread it to a recruit depot, then to other Army camps, then it was carried to France by soldiers on troop ships.
ReplyDeleteI knew it first spread widely through army camps, but not that it started in Kansas.
DeleteVERMONT STATE OF EMERGENCY
ReplyDeleteIt was surreal today to drive on I-89 and see a light up sign declaring:
“COVID 19 info: healthvermont.gov”
(Good to get the word out, but I was driving and certainly in no position to write it down or go to the link! 🙄
I only know the address because I bookmarked it a few weeks ago.)
Governor Phil Scott declared a state of emergency today. There is a ban on non-essential travel out of state. People may not visit loved ones in nursing facilities unless those persons are children or are dying. No meetings larger than 250 persons may take place.
These measures are in place until April 15th. They may be lifted sooner or extended, depending on the actual situation.
Schools are not being asked to close at his time, due to the hardship it creates for working families. However, any parent who is uncomfortable sending their child to school may pull them out with impunity, and the state will attempt to help with academic assistance.
Have they set up checkpoints at the border crossings yet?
DeleteNo. I was driving when I heard the news conference, so missed the important detail that it's only state employees who are banned from going to other states unless absolutely necessary.
DeleteHere's a great video!
ReplyDeleteJoe, What Are You Gonna Do? -Cllick
Donate to People's Action to help them air the video - Click
DeleteAccording to various e-mails I've been getting, Bernie trails Biden in the delegate count by some one hundred and fifty, while over half the delegates have yet to be allotted. So, courage, friends!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteWe meet today in freedom's cause
DeleteAnd raise our voices high;
We'll join our hands in union strong
To battle or to die.
CHORUS:
Hold the fort for we are coming.
Union men, be strong!
Side by side we battle onward;
Victory will come.
Look, my comrades, see the union
Banners waving high.
Reinforcements now appearing,
Victory is nigh.
See our numbers still increasing;
Hear the bugle blow.
By our union we shall triumph
Over every foe.
Fierce and long the battle rages
But we will not fear.
Help will come whene'er it's needed.
Cheer, my comrades, cheer.
This Should Focus Our Attention on the Vulnerable (News From Italy) [Click] Today I went looking for face masks in hardware stores selling paint. They were completely sold out. It turns out that we have a pretty good stock accumulated years ago, although not hospital respiratory isolation quality.
ReplyDeleteSchool closures, concerts, events, Catholic church services (all group activities including schools) etc. cancelled or postponed hereabouts. [Click] Interestingly, Protestant church services and activities are evidently not yet suspended. Muslim prayer services suspended.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you can say anything about "Protestant church services." It would be up to each denomination and in many cases each congregation.
DeleteWell, in the local newspaper reports, the biggest Protestant churches in Fresno (which are of an "evangelical" bent) are reported to be continuing with all normal activities. Ditto their associated schools. As for the smaller ones, there is no mention at all. I checked the web page and Facebook page for the local Episcopal diocese, and there was no mention of either coronavirus or suspension of any activities. I just now checked the Unitarian Universalist Church, and they are going to online services for the next four weeks.
DeleteWell, I sat with two clergy members today and all the churches here in Vermont are changing by this Sunday to live streaming their services and disallowing outside groups to use their space for meetings, and keeping necessary congregation meetings very small. For most of the last month, in fact, Episcopal churches have been advocating sitting well spaced, bowing to one another at The Peace (instead of shaking hands), and Communion is being done very carefully, while also being clear that it's okay to receive just the Bread and still one would have received Communion fully. And so on. Many clergy are offering texts of their sermons online, too.
DeleteThis is really hard on churches that have dwindling populations. But they are picking up the challenge creatively, and I dare say many parishioners are finding anew just how much being able to worship has meant to them. Congregations are setting up Phone Trees and advocating checking in one one another, calling or writing to stay in touch, and so on. Clergy are on the front lines of making sure those in need have supplies delivered. The more introverted among the faithful are receiving social distancing as Retreat At Home! Ha! I think I'm going to love it, (until someone I love gets ill or worse, of course).
Sounds like they are doing a good job of prevention, listener. I still like the idea of border crossing gates.
DeleteThe funny thing is that border crossing guards would be super easy in Vermont. We are bordered on the north by Canada, so those crossings are already covered. We are bordered on the east by the Connecticut River so most of those crossings involve metal bridges. We are bordered on the West by Lake Champlain and the Hudson River, so again bridges and even ferries are involved. It would only be a little work at the short (42mi) border with Massachusetts, and where the two interstates cross through...I91 into MA and I89 into NH.
Delete