Corunavirus Journal

[Danik 2016]

For the next weeks, I think that most of us will live in a more or less strict quarantine in our different countries.

This is meant to be a thread for sharing impressions, ideas, reflections or whatever related to these unusual times.

[tonywalt]

Just finished the another JM Coetzee book, "Disgrace" loved it. love that writer

[Danik 2016]

I have heard about this trilogy, Tony, but didn´t read it myself.

[MANICHAEAN]

Excellent idea Danik.
I've got 12 weeks self isolation as from Monday as I'm over 70. Already given up going to the gym and will try to read at least 3 hours a day. Almost like being back in exam mode from the 60's decade.

[Danik 2016]

I have been self isolated for some weeks, going out only once a day to buy the necessary things, but now they won´t have even that.

But let´s hope time passes quickly with good books, good music and, if possible, some exercise.

[cacian]

I have been self isolated for some weeks, going out only once a day to buy the necessary things, but now they won´t have even that.

But let´s hope time passes quickly with good books, good music and, if possible, some exercise.

Hello there Danik.
Why have you self isolated for few weeks?
How do you mean by:
they won't even have that?

[Danik 2016]

Hi, cacian, thanks for your interest.
When I noticed that the Virus was being brought to Brasil, I took a sort of half quarantine, stayed at home, but went out, once a day to get the necessary things.

What happens now is that the authorities want people over 60 to stay completely at home. They are not to go out, not even to the drugstore or the supermarket.

[tonywalt]

Re: recent virus:

The herd has panicked. As for what I'm doing: I'm watching the herd panic and sitting, chewing on a straw. (As for what that means? Or whether it's a sad commentary on the human herd. This I do not know - and wouldn't give a straight answer, until the herd calms down. Getting trampled is my main concern).

[MANICHAEAN]

A lot of the panic is induced by the news and social media. Giving the facts on the news is fine, but I've noted how Sky News for example always comes in on worst case scenarios when reporting.

Then on the social media there are some horrific videos. I got one yesterday of a coffin going into an incinerator and burning. Ok, when you go, you go, but that was a bit too graphic.

[Danik 2016]

A lot of the panic is induced by the news and social media. Giving the facts on the news is fine, but I've noted how Sky News for example always comes in on worst case scenarios when reporting.

Then on the social media there are some horrific videos. I got one yesterday of a coffin going into an incinerator and burning. Ok, when you go, you go, but that was a bit too graphic.

You are quite right, Manichaean. But some news exagerate, the other keep hiding the facts. Here in São Paulo they are transforming two of the great football stadions in what they call campaign hospitals to relieve the actual hospitals, which means that they must have reached the limit of their capacity.
My strict quarantine starts today. No going out, not even to the supermarket.

[kev67]

Delete

[kev67]

Quote Originally Posted by Danik 2016 View Post
You are quite right, Manichaean. But some news exagerate, the other keep hiding the facts. Here in São Paulo they are transforming two of the great football stadions in what they call campaign hospitals to relieve the actual hospitals, which means that they must have reached the limit of their capacity.
My strict quarantine starts today. No going out, not even to the supermarket.

Presumably you have food delivered to you, unless you have a vegetable garden.

We've been told we can only go out to buy food and necessaries (which to me includes alcohol), to exercise once a day, to go to work if you cannot work from home, or for medical reasons. Advice changes every day. New measures are announced every other day. I'm bored of it already.

[Danik 2016]

It is possible to have food delivered from the mini supermarket in the same street. Also people in my building offered to buy. The quarantine so far is no problem to me but I should like to go out once a week or so to buy some items. Risk groups are to leave home only under extreme necessity.

[tonywalt]

We don't get much information this topic here - as WIFI in not efficient. Hopefully I will go to the beach today, definitely going now that I think about it.

[Danik 2016]

I don´t know, Tony. The reported quantity of infected in my country is immense and the number of dead people is doubling each second day.

A nice link though I want to share with you:
https://www.lauragao.com/wuhan

[Danik 2016]

In midst of all serious news, one that sounds comic:
"The Brazilian witches have postponed their yearly encounter because of Covid-19: 'Stay at home and keep safe- You can watch our rites in the internet."

[MANICHAEAN]

Haha. Needs must put away their broomstick.

Here we have animals coming into town because no people on the streets, or cars on the road.

I saw a picture yesterday of sheep gathered outside a closed Macdonald's in Wales.

[Danik 2016]

Not my kind of music but I liked the video, very illustrative of quarantine times:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE49WK-oNjU&feature=emb_logo

[tailor STATELY]

Enjoyed the two links.

My nearest neighbor is 1/4 mile (400 meters) away out here in rural California, so I'm fortunate there. However, as the primary caregiver for a friend of mine I need to take him to all his doctor's appointments, do his shopping, etc., so I'm out in the wild to an extent. Our county and the neighboring county here in the Gold Country where I live/travel/shop/etc have had minimal infections, let alone deaths, so I/we wear masks when we are out amongst the population.

Today prior to a doctor appointment my friend was scanned (they scan everybody when one enters the building) with an infra-red device and read at 105° F (40.5° C)... luckily they took an oral reading as well which showed normal (we had just been in an enclosed black car in very warm sunny weather for this time of the season). I'm most fearful when we do these doctor visits, about once a week, so I do the hand sanitizer/wash hands as often as possible... unfortunately the hand sanitizer is next to worthless since it's the type without alcohol (it's impossible to find the good stuff) but supposedly better than nothing as we are told (lol). I try to ignore that fact that the virus is also aerosol and accessible to eye infection (sigh).

TP is making a resurgence in the box stores now with a little getting to our rural area. We got down to a 2-week supply before I started getting nervous. My habit was to buy on Amazon a 2-month supply of TP (one box of double rolls)... but that supply disappeared as soon as hoarding overtook society. Still no good hand sanitizer.

California is now beginning phase-2 of scaling back on restrictions... the populi is growing weary of the politics and half-truths. As a social engineering experiment gone awry, as I see it, I've found it interesting to experience but do not care to endure for the rest of my natural life. This virus is going nowhere in my assessment and big-pharma's approach is the old same'ol same'ol... hoping for a miracle :)

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

The good news is that there is little virus circulation in your area. The ideal thing would be that you could be replaced at least for the medical appointments by a person outside the special risk population as long as pandaemic lasts.. The risk is not only yours, as you live with your family at the same place.

As for the hand sanitizers they don´t seem to be worth very much if they don´t contain alcohol 60%(USA)-70% (Brazil). The best thing, they say, is still washing one´s hands for about 20 seconds with soap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPLgsV_Ms3Q

Sequel below as I´m having posting difficulties again.

[Danik 2016]

Two useful pandeamia links:

1-A small list of online suppliers in US:

https://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-buy-toilet-paper-online

2-https://www.rwjf.org/en/blog/2020/03/a-happy-habit-of-healthy-handwashing.html

[tailor STATELY]

Love Neil Diamond's new lyrics.

The prices listed for TP makes me weep... the gold standard for me has always been 25 cents US per roll for 2-ply.

Correcting the link https://www.rwjf.org/en/blog/2020/03/a-happy-habit-of-healthy-handwashing.html ... I'm an avid hand washer; still singing the Happy Birthday song twice (or more) when scrubbing.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Maybe the Mexican site from Amazon helps.

https://www.amazon.com.mx/s?k=alcohol+gel+70%25&__mk_es_MX=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=13KHUH24IX679&sprefix=alcohol+gel+70%2Caps%2C266&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_14

[Danik 2016]

Useful information:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2766237?utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_term=052720

[tailor STATELY]

Interesting study. I'd be interested in seeing a larger sample as a follow-up from other hot-bed clusters. Our county (El Dorado) in California is becoming more open... masks are becoming fewer and fewer.

Be safe, the slanted news we receive here about S.P. is grim... praying.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Hearty thanks for your prayers, tailor, we sure need them :). They want to introduce stage two in São Paulo, although numbers are rising fastly. I don´t know were we are going to land.
This is what I found about California:
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/05/14/coronavirus-as-parts-of-bay-area-ready-to-reopen-most-new-cases-cluster-in-southern-california/

https://laist.com/2020/05/20/coronavirus-covid19-los-angeles-la-no-panic-guide-reopening-rules-advice-stores-beach-hiking-camping-parks-face-masks-testing-numbers-stay-at-home-where-can-i-go.php

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html#hotspots

Is seems that the worst is over in California. Even so caution is recommended, because there might be a second wave. I"ll remain as much at home as necessary, wear my mask and keep the social distance.

[tailor STATELY]

Lots of good information. Yes, I believe there will be a resurgence. After reading about S.P. recently I don't see how you could possibly be ready for Stage 2 ??? Must be the liberal news up this way. Our church leaders have yet to allow us to worship in our ward buildings, but many of us have been prepared for times like these and have been observing services at home.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

I believe here in São Paulo there are economical and political issues at play. This is an year of elections. But after a lot of criticism they are being a bit more careful now and extending the quarantine until 06/15.
You certainly miss your church service, but you probably have this service on line, only it´s not your church of Garden Valley. It might help. I also hope your ministrant writes in Facebook for his flock. Something like Abraham did on LitNet, remember him?

[tailor STATELY]

Yes, I remember Abraham :) , I often read his posts.

"economical and political issues": same here :( ... lots of misdirection, social disinformation, and social engineering being attempted IMHO. I'll be putting a number of my fb friends on 30-day silences as the political silly season heats up (lol). Glad your leaders are moderating their pace.

Lots of faith-based opportunities available for me: I'm one of the moderators on our church fb page and participate on the multi-faith fb "Worldwide Unified" prayer group (may have incorrectly identified this page previously). I attend FHE (Family Home Evening) gospel study on Monday evenings and observe the Sabbath on Sunday with home worship and service... and continued service throughout the week. Our church has a curriculum that is individual & family based called "Come, Follow Me" that most in my faith study throughout the week... and with all that I do miss meeting in our Ward (worship building) terribly (not in Garden Valley, but nearby). Our church leaders are studying the best ways to return to "normalcy" within the constraints of the pandemic and State and Federal laws. (edit: Choir may be severely curtailed or cancelled :( until things return to normal)

Be well, be safe.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

I'm glad you have a lot of opportunities for religious communication, that must help a lot. I guess the choir will have to wait some more. And people saying nonsense on social nets is unfortunately very usual.
I think the next month may be decisive for my country. Yesterday, something unusual happened:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQD96kPVfw0

The unusual element about it. The above are not the usual political groups. They are the fan clubs of the most popular football teams of São Paulo, who usually war against each other, who united and went into the street in spite of corona.

[tailor STATELY]

Good to see solidarity... continued prayers for Brasil.

My country is in a bit of turmoil too... need prayers.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Thanks for the update, tailor. I hate to see our American countries on first and second place.
Take good care of yourself in "yellow" country. Everybody sets on the safety of masks now, but social distance is important too.
Have a nice trip!

[Danik 2016]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=185&v=gcBesdU-Euw&feature=emb_logo

[tailor STATELY]

Beautiful rendition of Patience.

Here's another cover of a song everyone knows for these days:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JiyUnHiS5I

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[tailor STATELY]

Coronavirus update in the USA from WebMD... https://www.webmd.com/coronavirus

Going into the wild... Will be visiting a "Yellow" state tomorrow for a getaway celebration... taking masks and sanitizer and hoping for social distancing at the venues we will be visiting.

Worldwide update: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Thanks for the update, tailor. I hate to see our American countries on first and second place.
Take good care of yourself in "yellow" country. Everybody sets on the safety of masks now, but social distance is important too.
Have a nice trip!

[tonywalt]

Not much corona flu in the Cayman Islands. #keepwoke

The news is so tiring.

Otherwise, i will have many martinis this Friday. Can't wait.

[Danik 2016]

You are very lucky out there! Stay that way!

[ssubterranean]

We got swimming pool and more public places open this week. Though things seemed to be more and more normal, so to speak, don't think it would be as before. I mean those ''keep your distance'' and ''wash or sanitize your hands'' signs will remain, at least till next year or even more. But that would normal look like next year

[tailor STATELY]

California is backtracking closing many bars, etc, in counties that are trending poorly :( ... https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article243949602.html
... Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday shut down bars, wineries, museums, movie theaters and inside-restaurant dining across most of the state for three weeks — with luck, enough time to determine whether those actions will once again slow the spread of infections.
For the two weeks ended Monday, California’s confirmed coronavirus cases increased 45% to nearly a quarter-million and hospitalizations increased 52% to 5,077... The order affects Los Angeles and 18 other counties where nearly three-quarters of the state’s roughly 40 million people live. Most of Southern California is covered but not San Diego, which is faring better.

My county (El Dorado) is doing well except for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado Hills... https://edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Pages/EDCCOVID-19-Cases.aspx# I live in the North County of El Dorado County.

On a brighter note my test for C-19 came up negative today :)

Be well and be safe.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[tonywalt]

Everything is great here. We, in the Cayman Islands although we do have the corona Flu( for whatever that is worth) tend to tune out of social and mainstream media, both of which are awful. More than awful, they have such an agenda.


#keepwoke #lawandorder

[tonywalt]

California is backtracking closing many bars, etc, in counties that are trending poorly :( ... https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article243949602.html

My county (El Dorado) is doing well except for Lake Tahoe and El Dorado Hills... https://edcgov.us/Government/hhsa/Pages/EDCCOVID-19-Cases.aspx# I live in the North County of El Dorado County.

On a brighter note my test for C-19 came up negative today :)

Be well and be safe.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

Sorry to hear about Newsom. Well, one good thing about these people (certain governors), is that any national aspirations they had are now dead. Same in Michigan and Maine I go to San Diego and really love Mission Hills.

[Danik 2016]

It´s good to know, that you are both doing well, but go on being careful even with tests. Corona seems to be the most treacherous virus known in our times. As in US pandemie is being mixed up here with election. Some of the governors and majors want to be elected or reelected. That accounts for the ambition, for example, in showing that São Paulo is vanquishen Corona, and programming openings of commerce, bars, restaurants, hairdresser, etc. even if the numbers are still increasing.

[tonywalt]

Deleted

[Danik 2016]

Why did you delete your answer Tony?

[Danik 2016]

About Covid-19 tests.

In Brazil, we have about four or five different types of tests. Each of them seems to cover one determinate moment of the illness. There is mainly the test, were they take a drop of blood out of one´s finger to confirm if one has already acquired antibodies against Covid. Then there is the viral test that verifies if there is a current infection.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_testing

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

Testing here is still irregularly applied. How is it in your countries?

[tonywalt]

Corona quickly became and will remain a proxy for the global political divide - one, that those of us in the West are very very very (3 verys) aware.

In full transparency: I avoid the topic, because if you disagree with what is the mainstream media and social media view is - you will get browbeaten or probably patronised.

[Danik 2016]

"In full transparency: I avoid the topic, because if you disagree with what is the mainstream media and social media view is - you will get browbeaten or probably patronised."

I see, Tony. Indeed the views about it are still conflicting. It goes from people that still believe, that the pandemics are an invention to people, who have lost several family members to it.

[tailor STATELY]

Covid-19 testing is really mind-boggling out here in Gold Country, USA. First, we need to have everybody tested (face the facts, Jack)... but some politicians say no for Heavens-know-why, and there still are not enough test kits for e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e to get tested. I was lucky (twice)... let me explain:

Monday, late evening last, I get a weird dry cough episode and start to feel short of breath... paranoia sets in. OK, taking friend to doctor's appt. Tuesday where we both go for checkups. On Tuesday wheel him into the clinic and I'm asked to go back outside and call the very same office I just wheeled my friend in to make arrangements for someone to see me outside... ooooo kkkkkk. 45 minutes or so? (I fell asleep in SUV) my friend is wheeled out and bundled into SUV waking me up. Hazmat Susan, not her real name, in gown and mask and face-shield asks me a few questions, takes temperature, BP, and swabs my throat, then deftly breaks the stick that the swab is attached to and places it into a vial... "your results will be ready in 5-8 working days, please self quarantine appropriately"...

That's not going to fly, my dear... my wife has one kidney and COPD (past smoker) and asthma and I (informally) care for a 75 year-old man who has a history of heart/stroke/etc. So I'm a bit perturbed... so's my Daughter... ver-ry perturbed. Since my daughter's husband works at a nearby hospital (not a caregiver) I get advised to go to the ER at a hospital the next day so hopefully I'll get quicker results. Wife stays at sister's house for the night and I can't sleep a wink.

Arrive at the ER reception entrance Wednesday after 10 am and talk to receptionist about what's up and then asked to wait... 10 minutes later see the triage nurse: BP 170ish, shortness of breath, and lungs "feel" tight, yes: 6'4" (1.95 m) too many pounds, soreness in mouth... then taken inside the ER proper and given a room and asked to take off outside shirt only (important to note) and put funky gown on with opening facing the rear. I do so and sit on the exam gurney. Not too long later a bevy of caregivers, one by one for the most part all entering through a side door (???) not the front entrance, attend me including one young lady I recognized from church in the past (I didn't let on I knew her keeping things professional). More vitals, Q & A's... and then a nurse comes in to "swab" my nose. It felt as bad as one would expect a pithed frog might feel before oblivion... a long deep probe forced up into the nether reaches of the nasal sinus, twice, once for each nostril. Again, sample placed into vial to be analyzed.

It was explained to me that they had a 3-tier approach to test results: Tier 1 gets test results quickly (usually the same day), Tier 2 less quickly, Tier 3... not a clue. But this is all predicated on whether they even have enough reagent to test anyone who isn't full-blown covidating (my nonce word). They don't tell me which tier I fall in at the moment because that's not up to them (sigh).

So I'm allowed to take a short nap with the lights down low and then wakened and whisked away on the gurney through the crowded corridors to get chest x-rays: one facing apparatus, one side-ways to the apparatus. I didn't hear Parker giggling but I'm sure she did... technician asks me if I'm wearing a pen (oops!); so I unclip Parker from my garment and set her down nearby and get another set: one facing apparatus, one side-ways to the apparatus.

Another short wait and I'm told x-rays fine (Parker notwithstanding), BP down to a more reasonable 140 (still high), and please self-quarantine until tests results come in... grrr.

Get the test results that evening from the ER pharmacy (woohoo!)... negative !!! So wife gets to come home and life looks so much brighter all of a sudden. Only one problem, I still have a tightness in my lungs and shortness of breath - so I'm just taking it a little easier than usual (I'm usually quite chill anyway) and will forgo 2-picnics on Saturday and a few other "things" as needed.

The end ?

Still waiting for test results from Tuesday...


From a previous post... a poem?:





E - E

Educated fleas ?
Glory Hanna ! I just know
love makin's not our
pandemic questions' reflection
... social trepidation
Upheaval: vague weariness
Xanadu yearnings... zombie
apocalypse by cracky !
Don't even !!!

"Doctor on Covid-19 task force briefings: 'Stop screwing around' "...
https://edition.cnn.com/videos/healt...tez-nr-vpx.cnn

6/28/2020

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Sorry, tailor, that must have been a stress for you and your family. As you first wrote about your test, I thought, they were just sampling in your part of the country, as they have been doing here. They just test people randomly to get an idea how much infected the district is.

It also mustn´t have been very agreeable to encounter as patient a person you are used to meet in church.
Anyway, the good news are, that not only the Covid exam was negative but also the X-ray. My father had tuberculosis and in his time all those modern exams didn´t exist. But he had a good doctor and reliable old X-ray.

One thing treacherous Corona does to all of us, is leaving us permanently unsure. We have the feeling we might be infected even if we are not. All one can do is observe oneself. If your symptoms persist it would be good to go to the hospital again, preferably without your charge. But keep in mind that the infected people go there too.

[tonywalt]

Hang in there Tailor.

I read your post Tailor, and have to say that what the lamestream media has done to people, to you - well it boils my blood. And I know other litnetters feel the same way. Turns out your fine. But the lamestream media has got you in a state that things can never be fine, not with all that Fear they are marketing. Damn shame.

I hope this environment improves we can makes things as good as they really should be again.

[tonywalt]

"In full transparency: I avoid the topic, because if you disagree with what is the mainstream media and social media view is - you will get browbeaten or probably patronised."

I see, Tony. Indeed the views about it are still conflicting. It goes from people that still believe, that the pandemics are an invention to people, who have lost several family members to it.

I was talking about the mainstream media and social media, both are with few exceptions are terrible sources of news. They have their own agenda, and I suspect it differs from most litnetters.

[Danik 2016]

Tony,

I avoid the social media, that is to say FB, Twitter, Instagram, etc. I prefer forums, where things are toned down and one has a better idea whom one is talking too.
But I don´t avoid journalism. One has to know, what is going on, so as not to be surprised. Of course, one has to make choices which news can be believed.

[tonywalt]

Hopefully, we can move past the recent troubling troubles. I'll be sitting by the pool either way.

[Danik 2016]

I am not sure if there is neutral media. But yes, let´s hope this will pass soon.

(Litnet specially impossible today. Tried to answer you 3 or 4 times).

[tonywalt]

Yea it has been slow.

#bewoke #question everything

[tailor STATELY]

Second test (actually the first test from last Tuesday)... negative.

A giggle in a time of woe:
An association of theme park operators in Japan has issued a new set of guidelines that ask people to not make loud noises or scream while at theme parks amid the coronavirus pandemic... https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2020/5/29/21273279/coronavirus-covid-19-theme-parks-japan ... roller coasters: what could go wrong ?

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Congrats, tailor, not only for the results of the tests, but also for living near a good hospital, that seems to be doing a good follow up. A priceless thing in these confused and confusing times.

[tonywalt]

Good news Tailor.

[Danik 2016]

Good news for us all!

Several of the international vacines are being tested here: the Oxford one, the Chinese one and the one from Pfizer (US and Germany I think). The mysterious Russian one is going to be tested in Paraná.
The good news is that the testing age limit for the one from Oxford(which is at the most advanced stage) has been moved from 55 to 69 because of the good results.

Ladies and Gentleman! Please keep visiting our site regularly. It´s our way of knowing, that you are well.

[Danik 2016]

A new, cheaper and less invasive Corona test that was developed here in Brazil. The patient collects the material him/herself, by spitting into the collector:
https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/saude/noticia/2020-06/brazilian-scientists-develop-more-accurate-test-covid-19

[tonywalt]

Probably a good alternative for the corona flu test.

My brother described the test as feeling like, "having soda shot up his nose" - he was really shook up and traumatised. Additionally he suffered other effects included nasal discomfort, headache, earache, and rhinorrhea, which lasted a couple of days.

Just warning readers about what happens, quite a bit with the invasive test.

Thanks Danik.

[Danik 2016]

That´s very invasive indeed, Tony. I hope your brother tested negative after all this.

Here in São Paulo people queue up at the drive-through when free PCR tests are offered. Tests here are still much to few and the results sometimes take a lot of time. They are not at all automatic as they seem to be in the USA. That´s why the researchers developed this other test. Unfortunately these test are subjected to a lot of issues until they can be put to use.

[tailor STATELY]

They are not at all automatic as they seem to be in the USA.... not automatic, still unsatisfactory delays for most if you can get a test. The current state of affairs re: Covid-19 in the USA would easily remind one of circus clowns capering about under the Big Top.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[tailor STATELY]

• "A Brazilian City (Manaus) may gave had enough COVID-19 cases to reach herd immunity"... https://futurism.com/neoscope/brazilian-city-covid19-herd-immunity.

• The President of the United States, Donald Trump, and his wife, Melania Trump, test positive for COVID-19 after finding out Hope Hicks, President Trump's aide, tested positive.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[tonywalt]

They'll both be fine. I am happy to see Law and Order restored many of the US states. I travel a lot to Chicago and hated to see that kind of behaviour, which is deplorable. The national guard did such a great job.

[Danik 2016]

I think they will get well quickly, because they probably have first rate medical aid.

As for Manaus, that possibility of herd immunity is often mentioned here and not only for Manaus, but nothing is sure as yet.

The good news: Brazil has sunken from an average of 1000 deaths daily to about 800 or less!

[tonywalt]

Update on Cayman: All is well here! I think you are right about the president, and this will likely work in his favour. Always look ahead in the game of life. He does. We do, too. I am feeling very positive and look forward to a prosperous and orderly future.

[Danik 2016]

I was amused and touched at this NY Times article about safe choir rehearsals during corona. It´s very simple. All you need is some cars, a quiet street to park them, wireless radios (please read exact description in the article or watch it in the first video, some musical equipment and here we go. Alternatively some of the singers or musicians can stay in their rooms with the wireless radio:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/07/arts/music/coronavirus-choir.html?campaign_id=2&emc=edit_th_20201010&instance_id=23025&nl=todaysheadlines&regi_id=68857169&segment_id=40525&user_id=a638f80200d5ec9c99034f35b9c22796

https://artsongcentral.com/2020/setting-up-a-realtime-physically-distant-rehearsal/

[Danik 2016]

Safe Choir Rehearsals during Corona

I was amused and touched at this NY Times article about safe choir rehearsals during corona. It´s very simple. All you need is some cars, a quiet street to park them, wireless radios (please read exact description in the article or watch it in the first video, some musical equipment and here we go. Alternatively some of the singers or musicians can stay in their rooms with the wireless radio:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/07/arts/music/coronavirus-choir.html?campaign_id=2&emc=edit_th_20201010&instance_id=23025&nl=todaysheadlines&regi_id=68857169&segment_id=40525&user_id=a638f80200d5ec9c99034f35b9c22796

https://artsongcentral.com/2020/setting-up-a-realtime-physically-distant-rehearsal/

[Danik 2016]

Some Brazilian quarantine choirs (basically exploring the possibilities of Zoom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoLB7yc2aQk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG6PcSbxWc4

[Danik 2016]

Just reminding that this is an unusual year. Here are suggestions for a virtual Thanksgiving and I think the same goes for the following end of the year festivities.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/18/technology/personaltech/how-to-have-a-fully-remote-family-thanksgiving.html?campaign_id=2&emc=edit_th_20201119&instance_id=24239&nl=todaysheadlines&regi_id=68857169&segment_id=44884&user_id=a638f80200d5ec9c99034f35b9c22796

[tailor STATELY]

No choir rehearsals for us (sigh) and California is issuing evening curfews soon for a minimum of 1-month for the great majority of the state. Church services will most likely be home-based again after several months of modified services at our church. Bible study in our church building has been given the kibosh (studied John's Revelation chapters 11 - 13 just last night), and Family Home Evening (Mondays) for we empty-nesters is up in the air right now. Our county had been doing so well in our little corner of the world but cases are up and becoming more local (schools).

Zoom is being considered for church services... I don't know if zoom for Thanksgiving would be a good family fit for us; I don't even like video calls. Football and other pro sports have lost their lustre on the telly for me. Still looking forward to turkey, et al, with fewer family members than usual... maybe 9 ?.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

I think California is on the right track, choirs might be mortal at this point. Just some months more of patience, I believe things will get better there.

I hope there will be turkey for those that celebrate Thanksgiving, but not crowded celebrations. The Brazilian turkey graces the table at Christmas, but I don´t expect Christmas celebrations this year.

[Danik 2016]

Important link, hope you get into it.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/health/coronavirus-holiday-gatherings.html?campaign_id=2&emc=edit_th_20201124&instance_id=24411&nl=todaysheadlines&regi_id=68857169&segment_id=45291&user_id=a638f80200d5ec9c99034f35b9c22796

[tailor STATELY]

After jumping through a few hoops I got in:
Social gatherings have become a convenient scapegoat for political leaders flummoxed by the steeply climbing numbers, some experts said.

“It seems like they’re passing off the responsibility for controlling the outbreak to individuals and individual choices,” said Ellie Murray, an epidemiologist at Boston University. “A pandemic is more a failure of the system than the failure of individual choices.”

... and thus the circus continues.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

I agree, tailor. But some political gatherings are in itself the proof of the pudding. For example, in the White House gathering to welcome the Judge appointed by the president to succeed Ruth Ginzburg a lot of people were infected.

[Danik 2016]

A humorous article about the recent mask culture:
"Recently, at a funeral, I got to thinking about the lesser challenges of the mask."
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/27/opinion/masks-fashion-fit.html?campaign_id=2&emc=edit_th_20201128&instance_id=24541&nl=todaysheadlines&regi_id=68857169&segment_id=45593&user_id=a638f80200d5ec9c99034f35b9c22796

[tailor STATELY]

Part of the problem in this country is top level autocrats telling the public to do one thing while flouting their own rules to suit their needs... no harm, no foul unless they get caught, and then they smarmily apologize.

re: Article: Very funny... “And who am I beneath this mask I wear?”. My various masks were/are unfitting to my face and personality. I even had some decorative masks sewn for me by a member of the church with 4-yarn dangles that I would try to tie. I still try to smile at the appropriate times; I wonder if my eyes light up? An odd complaint I have is the masks scratching my eyes when they ride up too high.

The white/blue masks are the ones I wear mostly now; unfortunately I watched a video on facebook (early on) on the making of these masks flying off the "assembly" straight onto a filthy floor - then gathered up for shipping... similar to this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8SAYIGZA3g

Praying we survive this madness,

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

re1: Sounds familiar, tailor

re Mask: Oh my! Yes, one prefers masks one knows where they come from and anyway one has to wash them before using. I have found out that masks with elastic around the ears adjust better to the face. Like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFFidOT7eHA

[Danik 2016]

As many country are advancing with preparations of corona vaccination, I hope that the first vaccinated Litnet Member will share his/her impressions in one of the corona threads.

[Sancho]

Good idea for a thread, Danik - A sort of living history.

I’m not sure how this thing will play out, but it’s certainly interesting being in the middle of it and tying to suss out what’s important and what’s BS.

Based on the early information we got my initial thought was:
- If it’s as infectious as they say, I’m probably going to get it
- And since there’s no vaccine
- I might as well get it over with
- And vaccinate myself the old-fashioned way

Well, so far I’ve danced through this mine field with nary a scratch. But now with a vaccine close at hand my thinking has changed. I’m getting a little skittish about being around people, especially indoors. I feel like a grunt who’s been lucky enough to survive a long war, but now with both sides in peace talks, the fight has gone out of him. The grunt just doesn’t want to be the last soldier killed in a stupid war. I’d hate to catch this thing and wind up on a vent a week or two before my local CVS pharmacy gets the vaccine.

[MANICHAEAN]

One of the things that I have found somewhat interesting in the last nine months of lockdown is the vividness of my dreams. It does not worry me. I've realised even more that man is a social animal and that long periods not interacting with others can perhaps accentuate ones mental functioning.

Either that, or I am going round the bend and losing my marbles!!

[Danik 2016]

@Sancho - It´s nice to read from you again. I think you are quite right. So far you were lucky. I think it would be foolishness to expose yourself now that help is on the way.

@Manichaean - Yes. It may be a good outlet for someone, who usually is very active. But vaccination starts next week in UK. You probably will be the first active Litnetter vaccinated against Covid. Think of the honour!

[MANICHAEAN]

Hi Danik

Yes cant wait to get vaccinated. Priorities in the UK are:

1. Health care workers & nursing homes.
2. Over 80.
3. Over 75 ( My category)

Take care
M.

[Sancho]

Thanks Danik, it’s good to be here.

Has anybody else bought a home-barber kit. Gotta say, my results have been mixed. If it wasn’t so embarrassing, I’d attach photos. Wife is fond of saying, “Ah, it’ll grow out.”

Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing my barber again. I feel bad for her during this pandemic. As I walk by her shop, I see her sitting in there all alone, staring blankly at the TV, or sweeping up an already clean floor. I usually wave and she always smiles and waves back, but I’m sure she’s thinking - you need haircut, scraggly man, get in chair, don’t be scare - You see, my barber is a wicked good-looking Asian woman. Our conversations are deep and nuanced and usually go something like this:

Barber - how you wan?
Sancho - regular
B - numbah shree oh numbah foe
S - number four
B - how much in top?
S - two weeks worth
B - haha, straight back oh round back?
S - round back

bzzzzzz-bzzzzz-bzzzzz

B - we hab nice day, yes? no rain
S - gorgeous, gotta go outside and enjoy it
B - No! I hab work!
S - bummer
B - yes bummah!

Clip-clip-clip

B - you hab cowlick in back
S - I grew up on a farm
B - you funny man. you wan trim eyebrow?
S - no thanks
B - hmmm, you nee trim eyebrow
S - okay then, just a little though, I like em bushy
B - you nee big trim eyebrow
S - As you wish

Clip-clip-clip

And so on...
Also she smells terrific.

I think you’re on to something with the vivid dreams, M. I dreamt about her the other night, nothing creepy, just barbershop stuff, sans masks.

[Sancho]

Left out the best part. Talk about a vivid dream, in it I could smell her perfume.

[cacian]

One of the things that I have found somewhat interesting in the last nine months of lockdown is the vividness of my dreams. It does not worry me. I've realised even more that man is a social animal and that long periods not interacting with others can perhaps accentuate ones mental functioning.

Either that, or I am going round the bend and losing my marbles!!

Hi Manichean that made laugh. ;)
Do you keep a diary of your dreams?

[cacian]

Danik this is a great idea of thread. :)
Corona Virus certainly pauses for thoughts.

[MANICHAEAN]

Sancho

That would have been top of the pops in the Short Story Sharing section. 😉. I can relate to it actually for when working in Vietnam I had a pretty dimutive lady barber who for about $5 every Saturday used to: cut my hair, trim my beard, shave the exposed bits and give me a head massage. The piece de resistance was when she put on a miners lamp attachment and dewaxed my ears with a multitude of instruments. She smelt fresh and whoopee also.

[MANICHAEAN]

Cacian

Grahame Greene used to write down his dreams as soon as he woke. I do it also and sometimes try and incorporate them in my stories. Unfortunately, they are not as erotic as those of Sancho. Mine are wierd. Most recent one this month was an air line steward taking my pulse in the same room I was sleeping in. So realistic that I began to question whether one's guardian angels are now cabin crew.

[Danik 2016]

The Software doesn´t permit direct quotes anymore so:
@ cacian: Tks for joining!
@Sancho- Good idea to put the story of the barber also in the short story section.
and @ Manichaean, I hope for sequels of your Corona novella.

[Sancho]

Ah fond memories of happy endings, eh?

Unfortunately it wasn’t one of those dreams. I keep hoping for that sort of thing, but mine always wind up more like Bugs and Elmer in “The Rabbit Of Seville” :

https://dai.ly/x301k1t

At any rate, one thing that’s been reassuring during a time of covid is watching the way some businesses roll with the punches. A local distillery for instance pivoted and started bottling hand sanitizer - and selling it for twice what they sell their rock-gut for. Well done, mon frere.

And speaking of the Vietnamese, Manichaean there’s a hole-in-the-wall Pho restaurant near where I live. Three generations of the same family run the place. They’re in what used to be a barbecue joint, so the ambiance is strange combination of Southeast Asian sensibility and Cowboy kitsch:

You order your food at the counter. Then you head over to the chuck wagon where they have an orderly array of napkins, forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks, and condiments. Then you find a seat in one of the many booths, most of which have duck-taped vinyl seat cushions. If you want to wash your hands before the meal, the “‘Lil Cowpokes’s” room is right under a panoramic poster of the Da Nang shoreline.

Oh yes and the food is fantastic.

Anyway Washington State underwent a lockdown sooner than most states, and while other local restaurants wasted time whining about the restrictions, ranting about government overreach, and lobbying for a bailout, the Pho/BBQ joint moved at lightning speed. They streamlined their menu, ratcheted up their online ordering system, repurposed their outdoor dining area (aka the parking lot) into a drive through pickup area, and they’ve been killing it ever since. Killing it! There’s always a line on cars out front.

Good old American ingenuity, Vietnamese style.

[MANICHAEAN]

Sancho
I keep in touch with a lot of friends in Vietnam still and one cannot but be impressed by the level of State control in this pandemic. Hence the low number of cases. If someone in a village tests positive, all roads in and out are closed down with police check points. Towns also if need be as in Da Nang. Don't even think of arguing about individual rights or freedom of expression in not wearing a mask. Its not democracy, but by Harry its effective.

[Sancho]

No doubt about it. We can’t even seem to do the simple stuff, like wearing a mask.

Plato’s allegory about a ship of fools may be an appropriate literary tie-in for what’s happened in the U.S. of A. (Also a pretty good tune by the Grateful Dead)

Anyway, I think the people who refuse to mask up because it’s a violation of their personal freedom are missing pretty important caveat to how personal freedom works in a democracy:

You are free to do as you please — SO LONG AS YOU HARM NO ONE ELSE.

The jury’s no longer out on masks. Clearly not wearing a mask violates the above rule. And that brings me back to Plato’s allegory, or at least the first line of the Garcia/Hunter version of it:

Went to see the captain, strangest I could find...

Not to mix metaphors or anything, but our captain over here has totally left the reservation.

[MANICHAEAN]

Hi Sancho

Perhaps I'm being simplistic in thinking that the response of different nations to the pandemic reflects their national stereotypical characteristics: the "frontier" American individualist, or the phlegmatic Brit; the latter only taking it seriously when his back is against the wall.

The reference to Plato's dysfunctional crew in "The Republic" is a good one, and the circumstances are reflected this side of the Pond as well with our bronze star in mortality rates.

Perhaps Sisyphus rolling his boulder up the mountain, only to see it roll down again would be appropriate too.

Have you read Camus's "The Plague" lately?

[Sancho]

All good references, M.

Boris certainly had his back against the wall. How much do think his experience with Covid changed the citizenry’s attitude towards it? Our guy got it too, but after a short stay at Walter Reed Army Medical Center he used it to score political points. So I’m thinking “frontier individualism” may be a charitable way of putting it. I’d go with “bone headedness”.

I read “The Plague” back in school and then again in ‘02 as we were getting involved in our Middle Eastern adventures. So I suppose I was reading it as plague being an allegory for war or political ideology. I could probably stand to read it again; I remember Camus had some excellent descriptions of how the towns people interacted with each other as the disease moved through Oran.

The book I’ve been thinking about lately is Joseph Heller’s comic novel, “Catch-22”. This one I read in high school (mid 70s). It’s about an Army Air Corps Bomber Wing in the North African Campaign of WWII. If plague can stand in for war, then the converse should work as well. But in particular what I was thinking of is how information, misinformation, rumors, and conspiracy theories travel at times like these. It seems that good, solid, peer reviewed scientific information oozes, but crazy conspiracy theories go at the speed of fart stink.

Anyway, in the book the Wing has been volunteered for a risky mission to Bologna. One of the pilots, Capt Yossarian, drunkenly starts the rumor that the Germans have a new anti-aircraft gun — the 344mm Lepage Glue Gun. It can glue together a whole formation of bombers in midair. In a very short time the rumor has come full circle and another officer informs Yossarian something like - You guys are screwed. Have you heard of the German’s Lepage gun?

- The virus can live on a door knob for two full weeks
- People in NYC are getting it through the building ventilation system
- My uncle got it from eating Chinese food

[MANICHAEAN]

Ever yearn for a Patrician society? The City State had it in Ancient Greece, but on a small scale. Rome had it in its early stages too.

Whats the saying, "History is the youth of the World?" If so, where are we now? Middle age, or in our dotage? There was initial sympathy for Boris when he was in intensive care, but many easily led, now recognise a con job: oven ready deal for Brexit, world beating track & trace for the virus, a cordon thrown around care homes etc etc. All spin, no substance.

When I look at Trump I remember the story of Howard Hughes in his recluse years, surrounded by some religious sect minders. He was ill. Grew his nails to an extreme, stored his **** for posterity ( literally). Nobody close enough, or strong enough to say, "Boss you need treatment."

"Catch 22." The funniest book i ever read right from Page 1 Yossarian having that conversation with the guy wrapped in bandages. I must have read it 5-6 times. And Major Major Major!!! What a character. And everyone has a share.

[Sancho]

Alright, I gotta go do battle with the spiders and dig that book out of a box in my basement. Surfed around the web a bit for quotes. This one cracked me up. Things haven’t changed much:


“Major Major's father was a sober God-fearing man whose idea of a good joke was to lie about his age. He was a long-limbed farmer, a God-fearing, freedom-loving, law-abiding rugged individualist who held that federal aid to anyone but farmers was creeping socialism. He advocated thrift and hard work and disapproved of loose women who turned him down. His specialty was alfalfa, and he made a good thing out of not growing any. The government paid him well for every bushel of alfalfa he did not grow. The more alfalfa he did not grow, the more money the government gave him, and he spent every penny he didn't earn on new land to increase the amount of alfalfa he did not produce. Major Major's father worked without rest at not growing alfalfa. On long winter evenings he remained indoors and did not mend harness, and he sprang out of bed at the crack of noon every day just to make certain that the chores would not be done. He invested in land wisely and soon was not growing more alfalfa than any other man in the county. Neighbors sought him out for advice on all subjects, for he had made much money and was therefore wise. “As ye sow, so shall ye reap,” he counseled one and all, and everyone said, “Amen.”


As for a patrician society, I guess I’ve always associated it with the slave-holding planters of the pre-20th century American South rather than with the ancient Greeks or Romans. So I’ve got a reflexively low opinion of that idea. Also, it seems to me, whenever blood rather that merit determines status, every few generations a recessive gene pops up and you wind up with a mad king (or massa’). The irony of that position of course is not lost on me given the nature of the popularly elected leaders of both our countries.

[MANICHAEAN]

Today was the initial rollout of the vaccination programme in the UK. First in line was a 90 year old lady who turns 91 next week. The name of the second person to take the jab; "William Shakespeare !!!!!"

[Sancho]

Haha

I’ll bet Isaac Newton is pretty close to the front of the line too.

[Danik 2016]

Sure. He belongs to the over 90 group :D. Mrs. Margaret Keenan and said William Shakespeare went into History today,Shakespeare for the second time.
Congrats UK!

[MANICHAEAN]

Here in Sweet Albion it looks like; that to the problems sustained by Covid, we now have added the potential adverse consequences of a Brexit No Deal.

Boris last evening dashed off to Brussels for a dinner with Ursula, but the portents are not good.

Risk assessments to date include a potential 40% rise in the price of French cheeses. We will revert to our traditional Cheddar. And the French will suffer from a dearth of Dover Sole, as we take back our fishing rights in the Channel.

This weekend will witness the unedifying & unexplainable emptying of toilet rolls from the shelves as well no doubt.

[Danik 2016]

12.14.2020- Congrats US!

[MANICHAEAN]

I echo that. Over 3,000 deaths a day is horrendous.

Perhaps the beginning of the end.

[Sancho]

Woo-Hoo
U-S-A-U-S-A-U-S-A
We’re Number One We’re Number One
All-Y’all can suck it

Feel like I should be doing the chicken dance, wearing cowboy boots and short pants and a gargantuan cowboy hat

Hmmm, too soon?

[tailor STATELY]

Nah.





.

[tonywalt]

.................................................. .................................................. .......!!

[Danik 2016]

Lol!.....

[MANICHAEAN]

I was reading an article this morning on the Swiss approach to Covid related deaths. Compared to other countries they have done pretty well; currently 80-100 deaths daily at the moment. But it has ignited a whole national debate about, “Have we forgotten how to die?”

The Swiss may as a race, come across at times as a bit over-pragmatic and cold blooded in regarding life as finite. After all they do have the suicide end of life clinics.

I can actually appreciate how this pandemic has brought a fresh reality to the prospect re dying of Covid. Recently a friend of mine in the UK was asked by his doctor if he wanted reviving if he fell ill with the virus. He said “No.”

Personally, I want reviving. Too much to live for and do. Even my idea of sheltered housing and long-term care, consists of a unit staffed by ex-carnival queen nurses overlooking Copacabana beach.

[Sancho]

So here’s how the deal went down:

El Sancho’s Señora’s Papa was ailing (not Covid related), and being a good daughter, she traveled down to California to check on him. She stayed a few days and did all those things that good daughters in situations like that.

Afterwards, since there were still a few days to burn, and since it’s important for a good daughter to give equal time to both parents, she traveled a couple of towns over to see her Mama. She stayed a few days and did whatever it is that mother’s and daughters do when they have a few days to burn.

And then she came home. Sancho was away on a trip during all of this.

A few days later she started coughing and sputtering like a 1974 Ford Pinto, and that also happened to be around the time El Sancho got home.

She said to me something along the lines of, “Hi Honey. Welcome home. I can’t taste a thing. I think I’ve got it.”

I said something along the lines of, “Get over on your side of the room, woman.”

Well, she called her Papa and recommended that he get tested. He did. Turns out his aforementioned ailment was Covid related after all.

Shortly there after her mother called her and said something along the lines of, “Sweetheart, I’m coughing and sputtering like a poorly maintained 1974 Ford Pinto and I can’t taste a thing.”

So...

La Señora - positive
La Señora’s Papa - positive
La Señora’s Mama - positive
La Señora’s step Mama - positive
La Señora’s step Papa - positive
Various Aunts and Uncles - positive

Not to worry, every body’s doing well, and basically over it by now. Well, almost everybody. One is still struggling.

And what about you, El Sancho? You may ask.

I feel great. Grrrr-ate. Never better in fact. I have to get the rapid test every week for my job:

And El Sancho - Negative - Negative - Negative.

Go figure.

On another subject, despite being months away it feels like Spring is nigh at hand - maybe just two weeks from now. Our long dark winter is nearly over. The sun is shining, the days are getting longer, and the future looks bright.

[Danik 2016]

That was certainly a tough beginning of 2021, Sancho. I am glad the worst is over and that you yourself are regularly tested. At this times it is very good when you people turn up and one knows that you are well. And it seems to be still a mystery why some people get or spread Corona more easily than others.

[Sancho]

Thanks Danik, everybody’s still doing well. The step parent who is struggling has a lot of other serious medical conditions and it’s not at all clear what’s the cause of what with him.

We’ve still got a lot to figure out about this virus, the testing for instance. What exactly constitutes a “positive” test. As I mentioned in my last post I get rapid tested (the antigen test) weekly for work and have been testing negative since we started doing it. The wife’s family turned up positive with the PCR test, however the labs didn’t say how many cycles it took to turn up genetic material from the virus. I read that if the virus shows up in only 20 cycles then you’re probably seriously infected. If it takes 60 cycles to turn up the virus you probably don’t have that much of it in your system. So how many cycles constitutes a positive test? Well, it depends on the lab. Anyway Wired magazine has a good article on it:

I Tested Positive For COVID 19. What Does That Really Mean

https://www.wired.com/story/i-tested-positive-covid-19-what-that-mean/

I agree with you, of the infected in young and healthy populations, who is able to shrug it off and who dies from it seems random. So in keeping with my original metaphor of us as soldiers and the virus a war, the randomness of the virus is like a mortar barrage - somebody’s gonna buy it, but no telling who. Your buddy got turned to mush last week and now you’re sitting there in your foxhole waiting for that faint whistle of the incoming round with your name on it. It can be maddening if you think about it too much.

[Sancho]

Sorry everybody. Looks like I killed that other thread we were all having so much on. Stomped that sucker flat, in fact. And thing we’re just starting to get fun.

Cheers

[Danik 2016]

No, Sancho. I think the problem was opening a thread about politics, which isn´t permitted, so the fault was mine.

[WolfLarsen]

I just wanted to talk about cannibalism.

[Danik 2016]

Dear Litnetters. This thread here is meant for news and exchanges about Coronavirus. For other themes I ask you please to open correspondent threads, bearing in mind that depending on theme and or developments the thread might be closed.

[Danik 2016]

RIP Captain Tom Moore!
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/captain-tom-moore-dies-covid/2021/02/02/25cc40fe-6572-11eb-bab8-707f8769d785_story.html

Sorry to hear that he died!

[Danik 2016]

Thanks Danik, everybody’s still doing well. The step parent who is struggling has a lot of other serious medical conditions and it’s not at all clear what’s the cause of what with him.

We’ve still got a lot to figure out about this virus, the testing for instance. What exactly constitutes a “positive” test. As I mentioned in my last post I get rapid tested (the antigen test) weekly for work and have been testing negative since we started doing it. The wife’s family turned up positive with the PCR test, however the labs didn’t say how many cycles it took to turn up genetic material from the virus. I read that if the virus shows up in only 20 cycles then you’re probably seriously infected. If it takes 60 cycles to turn up the virus you probably don’t have that much of it in your system. So how many cycles constitutes a positive test? Well, it depends on the lab. Anyway Wired magazine has a good article on it:

I Tested Positive For COVID 19. What Does That Really Mean

https://www.wired.com/story/i-tested-positive-covid-19-what-that-mean/

I agree with you, of the infected in young and healthy populations, who is able to shrug it off and who dies from it seems random. So in keeping with my original metaphor of us as soldiers and the virus a war, the randomness of the virus is like a mortar barrage - somebody’s gonna buy it, but no telling who. Your buddy got turned to mush last week and now you’re sitting there in your foxhole waiting for that faint whistle of the incoming round with your name on it. It can be maddening if you think about it too much.

Somehow missed on this because of that other discussion.

[Sancho]

So here’s a weird thing. My señora got this thing last year and after walking around with a dry cough for about a month, she got over it. She regained her sense of smell and taste, but here’s the weird part - she keeps smelling smoke. We’ll be walking around and she’ll declare: “Something’s on fire. I smell smoke. Do you smell smoke? Because I smell smoke. Go get a bucket of water. And make it snappy!”

[Danik 2016]

Hi, Sancho!

Hope your Lady is now vaccinated and in excellent health. As for the smoke don´t we all sometimes smell smoke? Let´s hope that the (Brazilian) saying " Where there is smoke, there is fire" isn´t always correct.
(Sometimes I don´t know whether you are serious or joking.)

[tonywalt]

Watching the BBC news on the people with the corona coming across the Mexican border. Seems scary. Glad I live on a tropical island.

[Sancho]

How-d-do, Danik

Yep, La Señora got fully vaccinated back in April. In fact she and I both did - with the Pfizer version. So here’s another weird thing. Although she already had the virus, she felt sick after the second shot. I never got the virus (as far as I know) and I never felt a thing from the vaccination. Go figure. Something in her body chemistry doesn’t agree with Covid 19, I reckon. Anyhow she’s fine, ornery as ever in fact. Her whole side of the family has recovered from it after passing it around amongst themselves like a crack pipe.

As for Mexico, Tony, I think the tragedy of that situation is that most Mexicans would do anything for the vaccine, but they can’t get it. Up here we’ve got all the doses we need (and they’re free) but a large chunk of the population won’t get vaccinated largely because they’ve listened to some BS from disreputable news source or an internet troll.

[Danik 2016]

I have to apologize, Sancho. Only when I watched the news yesterday I got your subtle comment: US is burning. Let´s tell you: we in the southeast sometimes smell the fires in central Brazil.

And you have moved on. We are still stuck with the virus.

[Sancho]

Oy vey

The fires in western North America have become an every-year event. Well, they’ve always been an every-year thing, but recently they’ve become more widespread and the fire season lasts longer. And, like the virus, western fires are now political. Folks on one side of the political schism believe the fires to be a result of climate change, while folks the other side believe the fires to be a result of poor forest management and logging restrictions.

Here in western Washington State we usually don’t get much smoke, maybe a couple of days a year. It’s been nice so far this summer. We have a barrier between us and the eastern part of the state called the Cascade Mountain Range and we typically have a cool, moist breeze from over the Pacific Ocean. However when the winds shift we’ll get smoke up from Oregon and California, or down from British Columbia, or from points east. NYC has been getting more smoke from the western fires than Seattle has. In fact 40 or so years ago when Mt St Helens erupted (southwest Washington State) the ash cloud blew east. Coastal areas of the Pacific North West mostly avoided the ash fallout. I’ll bet they had ash from St Helens as far east as Chicago and hazy skies on the Eastern Seaboard.

At any rate the smoke La Señora smells isn’t a result of the western fires. It may or may not be Covid related. She thinks it’s allergies, but I’m not so sure. It only started happening after she had the virus. So I wasn’t really joking in my earlier post. I was however joking with her the other night when I said, “Hey, hon, let’s go to that new Texas Barbecue joint and get some smoked ribs…oh wait. All your food is always smoked, eh sweetheart?”

Turns out it was a ill-considered joke and resulted in me having dry white toast for dinner.

[tonywalt]

How-d-do, Danik

Yep, La Señora got fully vaccinated back in April. In fact she and I both did - with the Pfizer version. So here’s another weird thing. Although she already had the virus, she felt sick after the second shot. I never got the virus (as far as I know) and I never felt a thing from the vaccination. Go figure. Something in her body chemistry doesn’t agree with Covid 19, I reckon. Anyhow she’s fine, ornery as ever in fact. Her whole side of the family has recovered from it after passing it around amongst themselves like a crack pipe.

As for Mexico, Tony, I think the tragedy of that situation is that most Mexicans would do anything for the vaccine, but they can’t get it. Up here we’ve got all the doses we need (and they’re free) but a large chunk of the population won’t get vaccinated largely because they’ve listened to some BS from disreputable news source or an internet troll.

Just stay south of the US Border, I would advise them. The border is strong. Now.

[Sancho]

There it is.

Hey, you know what else we can add to our growing list of stuff that’s gotten political? - Banking regulations. You know those lax regulations that allow rich dudes to dodge taxes by hiding their money in overseas numbered accounts, eh Tony?

So our schism list goes like this so far: Covid-19, Forest Fires, Border Control, and Banking.

Hmm, what else? I know. How about flag-of-convenience for international maritime operations?

Good book about that: Outlaw Sea by William Langewiesche. (This is a literature website after all)

[Danik 2016]

Well, maybe your wife should see a doctor. Only one has to ponder as the Corona Virus is still a recent presence, doctors might be more puzzled than helpful.

Anyway, if you suggested it to your wife it might avoid further white toast!

[Danik 2016]

Corunavirus Journal-Omicron times

Just bumping up this thread to learn how you all are faring!

[WolfLarsen]

I've spent the pandemic lockdown in a tiny little studio apartment with a view of a brick wall. I know I'm not the only one. People throughout the world are in a similar situation.

Others have it worse. They are living in crowded tiny apartments with lots of relatives.

Meanwhile, the spokespeople for the rich say that "we are all in this together!"

Really??

Spending the pandemic in a tiny studio apartment, or in a crowded little apartment with lots of relatives, is not the same as spending the pandemic in a big mansion with a big garden.

God forbid you should face lockdown as some street vendor in the Third World. Then, your kids go hungry.

Things are terrible.

I miss going to see comedians so much.

But I'm lucky. I have food. Lots of people right now don't have enough food. Inflation is hitting people everywhere real hard.

[Danik 2016]

I can only agree with you!

[WolfLarsen]

I follow Brazil closely. It is one of my favorite countries in the world. I speak fluent Portuguese, or use to. I think, if I remember right, you live in the center of the Brazilian universe: São Paulo. I'm sure that while it is challenging to live in São Paulo, it is absolutely wonderful with comedians & artists & everything else. However, right now it must be very very challenging to live in São Paulo. I'm currently living in the American Midwest, and I cannot believe how close minded these people are! Since I grew up in the Midwest I should be used to it, but after getting out a bit in the world, it gets rather, well.. Never mind... What am I babbling on about anyway?

[MANICHAEAN]

Pull yourself together Wolf.

The brick wall outside your apartment window is getting to you.

[Danik 2016]

Hi, Manichaean,

Nice to read you, anyway. How are you faring through omicron?

[WolfLarsen]

Pull yourself together Wolf.

The brick wall outside your apartment window is getting to you.

Maybe I will eat the rich people living in the penthouse. Not for the food (I have plenty of that) but for the space. And the view!

[MANICHAEAN]

A carnivore after my own heart Wolf.

Sorry about the view. It reminded me of a need for better vistas as written in the following lines by Addison.

"For wheresoer I turn my ravished eyes,
Gay gilded scenes and shining prospects rise;
Poetic fields encompass me around,
And still I seem to tread on classic ground."

[MANICHAEAN]

Hi Danik

I'm fine thanks, although my daughter caught omicron. She has recovered now though.

I heard somewhere last week that one of the biggest attributes of this pandemic was emptiness.

I must confess that pre-pandemic I poo pooed all those that were talking about their mental health; almost as if it were something fashionable to say, ( a bit like one's human rights.) But then we are all built different. I had: my books, music, writing & cooking. Most of my adult life was spent working overseas without family. So self isolation was not a problem.

I'm more sympathetic now. For those that have little in the way of mental, spiritual, or creative aspects in their lives, the mental strain has been too much.

Stay well and I hope all is well your end.

Best regards
M.

[WolfLarsen]

A carnivore after my own heart Wolf.

Sorry about the view. It reminded me of a need for better vistas as written in the following lines by Addison.

"For wheresoer I turn my ravished eyes,
Gay gilded scenes and shining prospects rise;
Poetic fields encompass me around,
And still I seem to tread on classic ground."

Thank you. I like the poem. In fact I love the poem! Thanks again.

[MANICHAEAN]

I'm so glad.

Stay safe.
M.

[Danik 2016]

I follow Brazil closely. It is one of my favorite countries in the world. I speak fluent Portuguese, or use to. I think, if I remember right, you live in the center of the Brazilian universe: São Paulo. I'm sure that while it is challenging to live in São Paulo, it is absolutely wonderful with comedians & artists & everything else. However, right now it must be very very challenging to live in São Paulo. I'm currently living in the American Midwest, and I cannot believe how close minded these people are! Since I grew up in the Midwest I should be used to it, but after getting out a bit in the world, it gets rather, well.. Never mind... What am I babbling on about anyway?

Thanks for your kind words on Brazil, Wolf. But it has changed a lot I think.

[Danik 2016]

Hi Danik

I'm fine thanks, although my daughter caught omicron. She has recovered now though.

I heard somewhere last week that one of the biggest attributes of this pandemic was emptiness.

I must confess that pre-pandemic I poo pooed all those that were talking about their mental health; almost as if it were something fashionable to say, ( a bit like one's human rights.) But then we are all built different. I had: my books, music, writing & cooking. Most of my adult life was spent working overseas without family. So self isolation was not a problem.

I'm more sympathetic now. For those that have little in the way of mental, spiritual, or creative aspects in their lives, the mental strain has been too much.

Stay well and I hope all is well your end.

Best regards
M.

Hi, Mani
I´m glad that your dauther recovered from omicron and that things are looking better in UK.
Let´s hope 2022 will bring us all good news about getting rid of this plague!
Stay well!

[WolfLarsen]

Thanks for your kind words on Brazil, Wolf. But it has changed a lot I think.

I noticed the changes in Brazil my last time there. The changes were not good. Religious zealots were protesting outside Carnaval, calling it... Oh nevermind.

Why does America have to export all of its diseases?

Brazil already had enough problems, without American Puritans going down there to preach the ... You know.

I probably can't say more than that. There's probably some rule.

I miss so much the Brazil I remember. The Brazil of my youth. The Brazil of the 1990s through 2000 and something, well, until the American Puritans arrived and spread their disease.

That freedom of Brazil back in the day influenced me a lot. It influenced my writing. The drums of Salvador, Brazil influenced my writing a lot too.

You can talk to people in Brazil. You can't just talk to people in the Midwest of the USA. It doesn't matter whether it's blue state or red state, all these Midwesterners are the same.

[tailor STATELY]

Took a home COVID test just after midnight here in the Gold Country. It's positive.

Wednesday started with a scratchy throat. Thursday escalated to sore throat/coughs/headache/muscle aches (especially my thighs)/tiredness. Son-in-Law tested positive on Monday (he works at a health care facility). Wife exhibiting same symptoms, but hasn't tested yet. So... since its almost 1:00 am Friday here I'll try to get some sleep somehow after reading some posts. Friday morning ~ 9am I'll contact my health care provider and get instructions on what/how/where/when.

I am current with shot & boosters so this is somewhat of a surprise.

Praying all y'all are well and I'll try to keep you posted.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

So sorry to read that. I wish you and your family members a quick and complete recovery.

It seems that now all the careful people, those that took all the shoots and avoided agglomerations are getting it. In the German Literature Forum at least 5 from the more o less 10 active members got it. In my other forum two or three people got it. The good news is that it is a light version and they all recovered more or less quickly without internment in the hospital.

I suppose the main thing is staying at home, keeping a quarantine of X days and making other tests. But I think, your health provider will you advise you and your wife about the quarantine and other precautions to take. Remember to mention to him if you or she have any chronical illnesses.

It´s good to drink a lot of liquid and, if possible eat fresh fruit and vegetables.

And when you can, drop a line to tell us how you are.

[tailor STATELY]

Had the sweats in the am on Friday... Headache went away in the afternoon, but my lungs are feeling a little heavy. Sore throat and a little coughing that throat lozenges seem to be helping. My daughter and son-in-law are also sick... as well as my doctor and his family. Using the advice from my daughter I went outside in the sunshine and took a brief walk. Lots of rest otherwise.

Be well.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[MANICHAEAN]

Get well soon tailor. Family as well.

There is a new Omicron 5 or 6 ? going about at the moment which is apparently more virulent.

But thanks for the heads up. I've had 4 shots, which has made me a bit lax with precautions. Now will tighten up.

Best wishes.
M.

[tailor STATELY]

Thanx MANICHAEAN... Can't keep up with the Greek alphabet soup of virulences myself. Just a side note, the world record for alphabetizing alphabet soup was just beaten... https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=alphabet+soup+world+record&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 :)

Be well.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Hi tailor and Mani

Seems the former careful people are getting it now because the many shots convey a false sense of security. This virus is very treacherous.
I found this link with orientations:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
I hope you get good orientation even if your doctor is ill, tailor.
I guess special attention must be given to breathing and lungs. And force yourself a bit to eat (choose food you like).
Wishing you a quick and complete recovery!
Stay well, Many!

[tailor STATELY]

Saturday was a repeat of Friday... breathing just a bit more labored... still coughing. Odd that taste and smell not affected in the least... no fever. Spent some more time outdoors and got in another short walk.

My 13-yr old grandson however did get COVID too on Saturday... his temp topped at 103 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday and is on the way down.

We had the perfect conditions for COVID laxness - the County Fair opened, which my daughter/husband/grandson attended, and Father's Day last Sunday where the extended family got together.

My wife is still hanging in there, as is her sister who also lives on the compound. With only 1-kidney my wife is high risk so praying and hoping for her.

Also my Granddaughter and her husband also got COVID - but they live in Hawaii. So, yeah, I would recommend greater diligence.

Just now my stomach is gurgling and in some discomfort after some hot chocolate... hoping it's nothing :)

Be well.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

That you haven't lost the sense of smell and taste is fine! Also that you don´t have any fever. But I think you must be attentive about your breathing and the lungs. I hope you are being well instructed.
And your wife needs extra careful attention.
Hoping and praying for all of you to get better.

[Danik 2016]

Hi, tailor

PLEASE SEE PM!

"Talk to your health care provider about available treatment options if you have COVID-19. Your provider will know the best option for you, based on your symptoms, risks, and health history."

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/know-your-treatment-options-covid-19#:~:text=What%20treatments%20are%20available%20f or,hospitalized%20adults%20with%20COVID%2D19.

[tailor STATELY]

lol... just lost an entire post. Trying to recreate it:

... as per my last post my stomach pain got much worse very quickly and I thought I was having a heart episode so I hooked up my Blood Pressure cuff and was going to test when I did throw up (bucket was ready just in case), and to my chagrin started my BP test by accident. My results get sent to my health care provider immediately and I receive a conformation text via messaging. It sent out a 200/117 reading at 3:58 a.m. at the height of my discomfort and when I retested a more normal 131/77 at 4:48 a.m.

5 of 6 of us here on the compound have gotten sick with COVID my sister-in-law defying the odds (so far).
My 13-yr old grandson's fever is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit now, which is awesome since he's the only one who never got a COVID shot nor booster (pre-existing health concerns). My daughter and son-in-law have gone back to work... another plus :)

Thanks for the PM and information. My wife did get COVID and coincidently yesterday got the FDA approved IV unpronounceable cocktail since she's high risk. Holding up ok for now.

Me: Feeling blah - I'm still coughing a bit and a little phlemmy... breathing just a little labored. I'll test later tonight as I need to go into "town" to go to the bank and pick up a prescription tomorrow (Friday). Internet and wifi have been very unreliable so a little sunshine and watering the plants to keep active and resting mostly. If I test positive again I will contact my health care provider for more instructions.

Be well,

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[MANICHAEAN]

Hang in there buddy.

There must surely be a turning point.

Best wishes.
M.

[tailor STATELY]

Thanx MANICHAEAN !

Took a short break from writing (some napping too I guess) and took the home COVID test again around 3:00 am and made myself a double cocoa while I endured the 15 minutes mandatory wait for the test to reveal...

Ugh ! - Positive again :( Well, at least I feel up to driving to the "big city" of Auburn, California for further evaluation at my providers clinic. It will be a curbside visit: I park and call the office... they come out after their prep with full PPE and will retest and take vitals and advise. Had I been a betting person I would have bet I was clear... shows how treacherous this bl**dy disease is (shows how lousy I am at gambling).

Wife's having her usual bad night with pain... I'm hoping to hit bed by 6:00 a.m. - so prolly a noonish jaunt to the clinic.

(sigh)

Be well, and don't take this disease for granted.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[tailor STATELY]

Negative ! My COVID test at the clinic was negative.

O2 test above 95%/Oral thermometer 98.x degrees Fahrenheit. Care giver ordered Albuterol for my breathing ( https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682145.html ) to be picked up today. That means I can go out in public as long as I wear a mask for the first 5-days :) Of course, if any deleterious COVID symptoms do come on I need to go to the ER... but that's ok ! Definitely puts a spring in my step... celebrated with 2-chili/cheese beef hot dogs at Der Weinerschnitzel :)

Be well,

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[tailor STATELY]

Feeling much better :) My wife's latest COVID test came out negative the other day :)

Yesterday I get an email from a poetess acquaintance of mine that I may have been exposed again (oi!) :( . So, I read up on this latest variant and sure enough multiple infections may occur (grrrrrrr), and that the more one develops each sickness the more damage is done to the body. I was wearing a mask during this poetic event, as was she at the time... So, remaining hopeful nothing comes of it.

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

double

[Danik 2016]

Congrats to your wife! I hope she is recovering and you too. I was told that the result of the tests depends very much on the moment it was taken, therefore the need of repetition. This virus is very treacherous. One can´t be too careful even with the vaccine. Presently I am going out only when necessary to buy things, because the numbers have been going up again.

If your internet were better you could held poetry meetings on line, via Zoom or similar, until this Covid wave in Garden Valley subsides.

And I`m sure you are all monitoring yourself with the necessary tests and medical advise(hopefully your doctor is well again).

Take good care of yourself!

[tailor STATELY]

Current COVID strain (there is a newer not yet so prevalent strain out though)...

https://www.businessinsider.com/experts-why-omicron-ba5-is-concern-how-to-avoid-infection-2022-7

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Thanks for the link, tailor. One loses track of all those variants. Hopefully they will soon create a one year vaccine.

As it is, the vaccines have already worked wonders.

Take good care of you!

[tailor STATELY]

Thanx.... and all y'all !

"Bora! Vam bora!" -
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/07/13/1111137152/these-brazilian-besties-are-inventing-an-mrna-vaccine-as-a-gift-to-the-world

Ta ! (short for tarradiddle),
tailor

[Danik 2016]

Thanks, tailor! This is absolutely amazing! Never a word about it in the Brazilian press and Fiocruz is our first public national premier agency for vaccine research and development.

Bora!

[tonywalt]

Sounds interesting.

[Danik 2016]

It's old by now.