I want to take this opportunity to address the need for safety in relation to the terrible circumstances we are facing with a virus, SARS-CoV-2.
Opening the country when so many haven't become comfortable with the idea of being out and about is wrong. People have to come to terms with the reality before them and they are simply not used to it. They are more worried right now about their paychecks or unemployment checks and maintaining their home. They haven't had a chance to catch their breath from a stay at home orders and now they have to prepare for a return to work and school. It isn't the right time.
I do not believe the statistics are encouraging enough either.
The reporting from doctors and nurses are still worrisome. There is currently no real means to prevent the spread of additional infections except to stay at home. The children are acclimated to classrooms through video links in the home. Where students don't have access, they have people that care about that.
April 1, 2020
By Sarah Al-Arshani
...School districts across the country (click here) are turning school buses into WiFi hotspots where students can connect to the internet to complete assignments.
Topeka Public Schools in Topeka, Kansas, set up three WiFi buses where students can sit near the bus and use the code written on the windshield. Each bus is set up in a parking lot of one of the district's schools, local outlet KSNT reported.
According to The Associated Press, almost 3 million students in the US don't have access to the internet at home. That's a little less than 20% of all students. According to the US Department of Education, about a third of the homes with school-aged children don't have internet because they can't afford it....
The country is simply not ready to dive back into defying the virus from hurting them. If the national statistics showed a very slowed spread it would be different. But, the reality today dictates the 14 weeks of unemployment plus $600 needs to begin and continue while the news about the virus gets better and more encouraging. I don't want to hear "Fake News" either. The press is doing a great job.
COVID-19 is a very dangerous virus and it needs to be treated that way. Americans don't feel as though they have enough control and they don't want high amounts of risk in their lives. They have the right to feel safe in their homes, school, and at work and it just isn't there yet.
There is a lot that has to happen before the country is ready to begin their lives differently. There needs to be a tracking system for virus contact. There needs to be an abundance of PPE for the hospitals and sales to average Americans. There needs to be a firm indication in the numbers of cases and deaths that the trend is looking good and decreasing at an almost predictable rate.
Americans need to be able to work as much as possible from home. Why does that have to change? The children are fine. They are learning new skills while learning their studies. Many aspects of the stay at home orders are working well. Why disturb that right now?
The statistics need to be better. The society needs to be ready. We are fine for now. Let's just remain calm.
I am not in a hurry to push Americans to be compromised when they still don't believe they are prepared. I certainly don't appreciate the state governors overriding the cities and towns that believe they are not ready to be opened just yet. They haven't received the funding they need to make necessary changes.
The time will come. Until then, be and stay healthy.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
What about a virtual class trip?
Zoos count on visitors to help with feeding their residents. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is getting in between visiting the zoo and best practices.
Zoos often have webcams to enjoy their residents often closer than in person. So, if by chance you want to peek in on your favorite zoo, also consider making a donation instead of the price of a ticket.
April 26, 2020
By Andrea Sachs
Grizzly bears Keema and Denali live at the Northern Trail of the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington.
What’s that outside your kitchen window? (click here) An orangutan? A Gentoo penguin? Nope, it’s just a squirrel. For animal lovers, the neighborhood wildlife might not be as exciting as the more exotic creatures that live in zoos and aquariums. Although their doors are temporarily closed, you can take a peek behind the gates and observe the animals through live streams captured by video cameras set up in enclosures and tanks.
“Maybe you’ve never seen a walrus before, so you could watch for a while and realize that even though they’re a little awkward on land, they are very graceful in the water,” said Carla Knapp, who works for the Indianapolis Zoo. “Or perhaps after a few days of watching our tigers, you may notice that they’re all drawn to the same tree or rock. That’s because they can smell the other tiger that was there a couple days ago.”
With the live footage, each episode is different. Maybe you will see the animals playing or snacking or sleeping. (Don’t be alarmed if there are no animals on view. It just means they have disappeared into a private area or a staff member was not available to move the camera.) Here are a few animal cams you should tune into:...
Zoos often have webcams to enjoy their residents often closer than in person. So, if by chance you want to peek in on your favorite zoo, also consider making a donation instead of the price of a ticket.
April 26, 2020By Andrea Sachs
Grizzly bears Keema and Denali live at the Northern Trail of the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington.
What’s that outside your kitchen window? (click here) An orangutan? A Gentoo penguin? Nope, it’s just a squirrel. For animal lovers, the neighborhood wildlife might not be as exciting as the more exotic creatures that live in zoos and aquariums. Although their doors are temporarily closed, you can take a peek behind the gates and observe the animals through live streams captured by video cameras set up in enclosures and tanks.
“Maybe you’ve never seen a walrus before, so you could watch for a while and realize that even though they’re a little awkward on land, they are very graceful in the water,” said Carla Knapp, who works for the Indianapolis Zoo. “Or perhaps after a few days of watching our tigers, you may notice that they’re all drawn to the same tree or rock. That’s because they can smell the other tiger that was there a couple days ago.”
With the live footage, each episode is different. Maybe you will see the animals playing or snacking or sleeping. (Don’t be alarmed if there are no animals on view. It just means they have disappeared into a private area or a staff member was not available to move the camera.) Here are a few animal cams you should tune into:...
Even the thoroughbreds get to grow a little older before they run for the roses.
April 25, 2020
By Lucas Aulbach Kathryn Gregory
Making it through the first Saturday in May (click here) without a Kentucky Derby will be tough for a lot of people in the Bluegrass State. Churchill Downs has a plan, though.
By Lucas Aulbach Kathryn Gregory
Making it through the first Saturday in May (click here) without a Kentucky Derby will be tough for a lot of people in the Bluegrass State. Churchill Downs has a plan, though.
The home of the Run for the Roses is planning to host a day-long at-home virtual Kentucky Derby party that'll feature a virtual race between each Triple Crown winner to raise $2 million for COVID-19 emergency relief funds.
Even though the 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve has been postponed until Sept. 5 due to public health concerns over the growing coronavirus pandemic, Churchill Downs wants fans to honor the annual tradition while staying “Healthy at Home," according to a news release from Churchill Downs.
A special broadcast will air on NBC on May 2 from 3-6 p.m. featuring the 2015 Kentucky Derby that kicked off American Pharoah’s historic Triple Crown run. In addition, the NBC broadcast will highlight Churchill Downs’ first-ever virtual horse race — The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown, a computer-simulated version of a race under the historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs....
But, what happens to the horses? Will the animal activists find a horse sanctuary for them. I worry about their outcome when they no longer are carriage horses.
April 25, 2020
Chicago - The Chicago City Council (click here) voted Friday to end horse-drawn carriage rides in the city after Dec. 31.
Alderman Brendan Reilly, whose ward includes the city’s central business district, said he has tried to persuade carriage operators to “treat their animals in a humane way.” When the violations continued, he had no choice but to push to banish them from city streets, Reilly said.
Animal rights activist Ingrid Newkirk praised the aldermen’s decision.
“This is a banner day for overworked horses in Chicago, who will no longer be forced to pound the pavement through extreme heat, thunderstorms, or blizzards and who are often deprived of even a drink of water,” said Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals....
April 26, 2020
By Julie Ann Sanchez
Corolla - The Corolla Wild Horse Fund (click here) is celebrating the third foal of 2020 born on Friday night.
But, what happens to the horses? Will the animal activists find a horse sanctuary for them. I worry about their outcome when they no longer are carriage horses.
Chicago - The Chicago City Council (click here) voted Friday to end horse-drawn carriage rides in the city after Dec. 31.
Alderman Brendan Reilly, whose ward includes the city’s central business district, said he has tried to persuade carriage operators to “treat their animals in a humane way.” When the violations continued, he had no choice but to push to banish them from city streets, Reilly said.
Animal rights activist Ingrid Newkirk praised the aldermen’s decision.
“This is a banner day for overworked horses in Chicago, who will no longer be forced to pound the pavement through extreme heat, thunderstorms, or blizzards and who are often deprived of even a drink of water,” said Newkirk, president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals....
By Julie Ann Sanchez
Corolla - The Corolla Wild Horse Fund (click here) is celebrating the third foal of 2020 born on Friday night.
The group said in a Facebook post the foal is a girl!
Both mom and baby are doing well. A name for the foal has not been chosen yet.
"If you are on the 4x4 please remember to give moms and foals plenty of space. It’s critical that they have the time to bond with each other," the group said in the post....
Australia is asking for large numbers of citizens to download the contact tracing app.
Over 6000 readers (click here) have responded to a poll posted on this blog after 7am this morning, asking if they have downloaded the COVIDSafe contact tracing app.
The results are in: 62 per cent of you have already downloaded the app, which works by using Bluetooth to keep track of other app users you come in contact with.
The federal government has said 10 million Australians, or roughly 40 per cent of the population, will need to take up the app for it to be effective. More than 1.1 million Australians have already downloaded it....
I don't understand why there has to be a doctor's order for testing? Insurance? Cost?
By Jacqueline Howard
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, (click here) a new Covid-19 test has been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration.
The new test allows for patients to collect their own samples using Pixel by LabCorp COVID-19 Test home collection kits that they would then mail to a lab for testing, according to an FDA announcement Tuesday.
With a doctor's order, the home collection kits will become available to consumers in most states in the coming weeks, the FDA said....
While Secretary Scalia attempts to circumvent courts of law, the National Labor Relations Board is still holding court.
April 17, 2020
Office of Public Affairs
202-273-1991
publicinfo@nlrb.gov
Washington, DC - Due to the coronavirus pandemic emergency, (click here) many federal agencies have had to modify their procedures to continue operations safely. The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) is no exception. Fortunately, largely due to the outstanding efforts of its staff, the NLRB has continued to operate throughout this emergency with only some modifications to its practices and procedures to ensure the safety of employees, the parties, and the public. Safety for all has been, and will continue to be, of critical importance while we continue the important work of the NLRB. Modifications to our operations have been announced through press releases, which are posted on the NLRB website. The current status of Agency operations is set forth below....
Office of Public Affairs
202-273-1991
publicinfo@nlrb.gov
Washington, DC - Due to the coronavirus pandemic emergency, (click here) many federal agencies have had to modify their procedures to continue operations safely. The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) is no exception. Fortunately, largely due to the outstanding efforts of its staff, the NLRB has continued to operate throughout this emergency with only some modifications to its practices and procedures to ensure the safety of employees, the parties, and the public. Safety for all has been, and will continue to be, of critical importance while we continue the important work of the NLRB. Modifications to our operations have been announced through press releases, which are posted on the NLRB website. The current status of Agency operations is set forth below....
Beware of the puppy mills.
Pet adoptions have increased during the "Stay At Home" time. Please visit the local animal shelter online before buying from advertisements.
April 25, 2020
By Candice Nguyen, Jeremy Carroll and Michael Bott
If you’re considering (click here) bringing a new dog or cat into your home, there’s no doubt that saving a life at your local city or county animal shelter is a wonderful way to go.
Among the few silver linings (click here) of the COVID-19 crisis is the spike in pet adoptions being reported by animal rescue groups across the Bay Area.
From the dramatic rise in adoption applications at Oakland’s Rocket Dog rescue, to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue’s 765% increase in fostering applications, shelters are being cleared out.
But for those searching the internet for a furry companion to shelter at home with, slick websites and popular social media accounts may be fronts for inhumane puppy mills selling sick dogs, animal welfare advocates warn....
By Candice Nguyen, Jeremy Carroll and Michael Bott
If you’re considering (click here) bringing a new dog or cat into your home, there’s no doubt that saving a life at your local city or county animal shelter is a wonderful way to go.
Among the few silver linings (click here) of the COVID-19 crisis is the spike in pet adoptions being reported by animal rescue groups across the Bay Area.
From the dramatic rise in adoption applications at Oakland’s Rocket Dog rescue, to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue’s 765% increase in fostering applications, shelters are being cleared out.
But for those searching the internet for a furry companion to shelter at home with, slick websites and popular social media accounts may be fronts for inhumane puppy mills selling sick dogs, animal welfare advocates warn....
Essential workers are in many lines of work.
By Christopher Robins and Sydney Pereira
A worker delivers Amazon packages in front of Lenox Hill Hospital during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The New York City Council (click here) introduced an "Essential Workers' Bill of Rights" on Wednesday afternoon, which would require large employers to provide additional protections and hazard pay to those hourly workers helping the city continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill of rights is part of a sweeping package of legislation intended to help New Yorkers where the state and federal government have failed.
One bill would prohibit all evictions, debt collections, and property seizures until April 2021. Another would require the city to provide single-room shelters to all homeless New Yorkers who need it to maintain proper social distancing, and would effectively shut down many of the crowded shelters currently operated by the city....
Workers complaints and protests are based in real issues in "Safety at Work." Working conditions matter and no employer should try to brush aside such concerns to attempt to silence workers just trying to be heard for a real solution.
April 18, 2020
By Caroline O'Donovan
Federal labor regulators (click here) have indicated they will be watching Amazon after workers in Chicago filed charges against the company alleging it retaliated against them for participating in protests about working conditions during the coronavirus pandemic, according to public documents filed this week.
The labor board’s inquiry, which experts say is unusual, comes as Amazon is under national scrutiny for firing at least four employees who engaged in walkouts and work slowdowns to protest worker safety during the pandemic.
Employees in Chicago allege that instead of responding to their petition asking for the closure of their warehouse after two workers tested positive for the coronavirus, Amazon instead retaliated against them. The company, they charged, is going after labor leaders on the pretext that they violated new social distancing rules. Workers in other places, including New York and Minnesota, have accused the company of similar tactics in recent weeks....
And what exactly has Secretary Scalia done during this health crisis to benefit those working on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis?
No surprise here, while the entire country is paying attention to the healthcare crisis, Trump's cabinet is busy deregulating the country and circumventing courts of law. In the case of Secretary Scalia, he is circumventing the Administrative Law Judges. I do believe this outrageous action by Scalia is unconstitutional. I just don't see anyone circumventing courts of law.
So, Scalia wasn't interested in distressed workers and the danger they were facing in violation of OSHA regulations. OSHA still has regulations, right?
On March 6, 2020, (click here) U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia published Secretary’s Order 01-2020, which is among the first of his management decisions since his confirmation back in September. The Order, titled the “Delegation of Authority and Assignment of Responsibility to the Administrative Review Board,” establishes the Secretary’s authority to review, at his discretion, decisions of the Department of Labor (DOL)’s Administrative Review Board (ARB), including decisions arising out of enforcement actions brought by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). The Order represents a shift in procedure before the Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) and introduces various new process and substantive legal questions to be aware of in connection with contractor pay discrimination enforcement actions....
Maybe Trump wanted to divert from the fact seven Americans died in severe storms in Florida.
April 23, 2020By Ryan W. Miller and Doyle Rice
Severe storms (click here) continued to roar across the Deep South on Thursday after floods and apparent tornadoes hit parts of Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana a day earlier, killing at least seven people and leaving thousands without power.
More severe weather was forecast across central Florida for Friday, the Storm Prediction Center said, where "a few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible."
Another area where violent weather was possible late Friday afternoon into Friday evening included parts of southeastern Oklahoma through the Arkansas-Louisiana-Texas vicinity, the prediction center said.
As of Thursday afternoon, from Texas to Mississippi, more than 150,000 customers remained without power, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks utility reports....
What happens to the people that have closed out the mainstream media from their lives as Fake News?
Trump has become reckless and dangerous and making EXCUSES for his musings is placing Americans in danger. Of course, when this mess aired my first thought is what is going on otherwise that Trump is diverting attention to his dangerous misconduct?
April 26, 2020
By Jake Tapper
The President on Thursday (click here) did something so incredibly bizarre, some folks are having trouble wrapping their heads around it. After hearing from a Department of Homeland Security official about ways the biology of the novel coronavirus was being studied and the virus' susceptibility to sunlight and ultraviolet rays in the air and to disinfectants on nonporous solid surfaces, such as doorknobs, the President mused aloud about injecting ultraviolet rays and disinfectant into the human body.
"And then I said supposing you brought the light inside the body, you can -- which you can do, either through the skin or in some other way....Then I see the disinfectant knocks it out in a minute, one minute, and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning. Because you see it gets in the lungs," Trump said....
April 26, 2020
By Jake Tapper
The President on Thursday (click here) did something so incredibly bizarre, some folks are having trouble wrapping their heads around it. After hearing from a Department of Homeland Security official about ways the biology of the novel coronavirus was being studied and the virus' susceptibility to sunlight and ultraviolet rays in the air and to disinfectants on nonporous solid surfaces, such as doorknobs, the President mused aloud about injecting ultraviolet rays and disinfectant into the human body.
"And then I said supposing you brought the light inside the body, you can -- which you can do, either through the skin or in some other way....Then I see the disinfectant knocks it out in a minute, one minute, and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning. Because you see it gets in the lungs," Trump said....
A return to pre-history called the Pleistocene.
By Jame Dalton
The burning question (click here) now is whether DNA extracted from Buttercup can be used to clone the long-extinct woolly mammoth.
...In exceptionally cold areas such as the Arctic, (click here) the air is even colder than the earth, and thick blankets of snow act as insulation on land, protecting it from the air and keeping it milder.
But grazing animals can keep the ground cool by dispersing snow and compressing the land, according to the study, published in the nature journal Scientific Reports.
When permafrost melts, it releases heat-trapping gases that have been buried for tens of thousands of years back into the atmosphere, so accelerating the climate crisis.
Last month scientists discovered the polar ice caps are melting six times faster than they were in the 1990s.
The new study was carried out by Professor Christian Beer and a team at the University of Hamburg, who replicated the impact of animals in the northern hemisphere over a year using data from the area.
“This type of natural manipulation in ecosystems that are especially relevant for the climate system has barely been researched to date, but holds tremendous potential,” Prof. Beer said...
By Rea Mahbubani
Marisa Leuzzi at the American Red Cross during her plasma donation on March 31.
Marisa Leuzzi's primary care physician (click here) told her in March that she had the flu. Leuzzi had a high fever, some gastrointestinal discomfort, and a slight cough. But she hadn't traveled or knowingly come in contact with a coronavirus patient, so COVID-19 seemed unlikely.
Still, Leuzzi, who is asthmatic, was convinced something else was at play. She went to a drive-thru coronavirus testing center in Pennsylvania, where she lives, for "peace of mind."
Her instincts were right: She had COVID-19.
Less than two weeks after recovering from the illness, Leuzzi became the American Red Cross's first donor of convalescent plasma — an antibody-rich blood component that is obtained from patients who have recovered from infection diseases. Her donation helped save the lives of two coronavirus patients, one of whom is her aunt....
The News By Partynextdoor (click here for official website - thank you)
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
What's news to you
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
What's news to you
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
And what's blue to you, it ain't blue to me
It ain't blue to me
It ain't new to me
It ain't blue to me
It ain't new to me
Hurt me then tell me, "Man up"
Hurt me then tell me, "Stand up"
Ask me questions then don't care about the answers
Hurt me, hurt me, oh
Hurt me then tell me, "Stand up"
Ask me questions then don't care about the answers
Hurt me, hurt me, oh
Do you deserve me? No way
But can I let you go to anybody?
Never in a million (lifetimes)
But my love just reached the ceiling
But can I let you go to anybody?
Never in a million (lifetimes)
But my love just reached the ceiling
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
What's news to you
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
And what's blue to you, it ain't blue to me
(Blue to you) it ain't blue to me
It ain't new to me
What's news to you
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
And what's blue to you, it ain't blue to me
(Blue to you) it ain't blue to me
It ain't new to me
Deep down, I want out
Deep down, I feel tied down
Sometimes it's my own
Doing that makes things
Come to fruition, baby
Deep down, I feel tied down
Sometimes it's my own
Doing that makes things
Come to fruition, baby
Do you deserve me? No way (No way)
Can I let you go to anybody?
Never in a million (Lifetimes)
But my love just reached the ceiling tonight
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
What's news to you
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
And what's blue to you, it ain't blue to me (Blue to you)
It ain't blue to me, it ain't new to me
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
What's news to you
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
And what's blue to you, it ain't blue to me (Blue to you)
It ain't blue to me, it ain't new to me
Used to your bad side, baby
I got used to your bad side, baby
I got used to your bad side, baby, oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Can I let you go to anybody?
Never in a million (Lifetimes)
But my love just reached the ceiling tonight
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
What's news to you
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
And what's blue to you, it ain't blue to me (Blue to you)
It ain't blue to me, it ain't new to me
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
What's news to you
What's news to you, it ain't news to me
And what's blue to you, it ain't blue to me (Blue to you)
It ain't blue to me, it ain't new to me
Used to your bad side, baby
I got used to your bad side, baby
I got used to your bad side, baby, oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
SARS-CoV-2 must be eradicated from Earth and not simply tolerated with forever PPE. A vaccine is an answer, however, until a vaccine is known to be a real and proven to be a sound and reliable eradication strategy, people need to eradicate it at every turn within their the reach of their lives with PPE, hand washing and cleanliness at home, school and work.
Do Not Compromise Your Safety with myths! If the virus has no way to infect a person it will be eradicated. SURVIVING COVID-19 is good, but, it should never be a strategy. No one knows what their outcome will be. Be strong, be resolved to eradicate the virus and be safe.
Do Not Compromise Your Safety with myths! If the virus has no way to infect a person it will be eradicated. SURVIVING COVID-19 is good, but, it should never be a strategy. No one knows what their outcome will be. Be strong, be resolved to eradicate the virus and be safe.
Plan for In-Person Voting and the widespread manufacture of N-95 filters and masks in the USA and OTC purchase for daily use. There is no reason that commodity isn’t widely available at reasonable cost by November.
We know N-95 filters and masks work as a preventative against SARS-CoV-2 because when health worker heroes have use of them, they are protected.
States requiring the wearing of PPE by the general public should not suspend that law during the summer until the danger is completely stopped. Who wants to be the first victim of the second wave of COVID-19?
We know N-95 filters and masks work as a preventative against SARS-CoV-2 because when health worker heroes have use of them, they are protected.
States requiring the wearing of PPE by the general public should not suspend that law during the summer until the danger is completely stopped. Who wants to be the first victim of the second wave of COVID-19?
It should be no surprise to the USA Middle Class that the economy is beginning to pick up again now that monies are finally reaching them. Putting workers first is where the USA economy lives. This example of the powerful Middle Class should be the definition of the $15.00 per hour minimum wage, the public option for health care benefits and the importance of an educated people that place facts before falsehoods.
The Third World needs to also take note that a powerful Middle Class is far better than a two class system of the wealthy and the poor.
“Bubble Up” economic strategies with the ability for citizens to more from poor to a far better quality of life are the hallmarks of a great people and healthy nation.
The Third World needs to also take note that a powerful Middle Class is far better than a two class system of the wealthy and the poor.
“Bubble Up” economic strategies with the ability for citizens to more from poor to a far better quality of life are the hallmarks of a great people and healthy nation.
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