UK variant gains in US: https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/02/04/coronavirus-variant-on-track-to-become-dominant-in-california-and-florida-hot-spots-testing-company-says/ (link replaced 3/16/21). Not surprising, and not good news.
Variant risk: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/why-new-coronavirus-variants-emerge-and-what-that-means-for-you .
The global vaccine divide in charts and maps: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/4/the-vaccine-divide-in-maps-and-charts .
US finally wakes up on genomic testing: https://apnews.com/article/us-catch-up-coronavirus-variants-4290ca14029d97cdf01446cb32a96e3a . As the prior enterprise proved, stupid knows no bounds. And the result is 450,000 deaths and climbing.
New vaccine strategy uses influenza model to adapt to COVID variants: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/04/biden-covid-vaccine-strategy-fda-466031 . This makes complete sense. The new mRNA approach in several of the vaccines is extremely well-suited to rapid modification to address variants. I believe the mRNA strategy will be used to develop new vaccines for many viruses. It has the decided advantage of not involving a complete virus, living or dead.
Vaxart’s trial results disappoint investors: https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/vaxart-disappoints-with-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-update-2021-02-04 . The tablet approach seems like a desirable alternative, especially as it relates to distribution. This remains true even if two doses are required.
J&J files for EUA on its single-dose vaccine: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-vaccines-johnson-j/jj-files-covid-19-vaccine-application-with-us-fda-idUSKBN2A430V . And WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/johnson-johnson-seeks-emergency-use-vaccine-authorization-11612480550 .
WSJ: The vaccination experience of US seniors: https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-vaccine-and-seniors-what-it-is-like-for-older-adults-getting-their-shots-11612447214 .
WSJ: US medical professionals hope a fully vaccinated office brings back patients: https://www.wsj.com/articles/vaccinated-dentists-physicians-hope-their-protected-status-lures-back-wary-patients-11612447831 .
More on the British vaccine combination trial: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-britain-vaccine-mi/britain-trial-to-test-combining-pfizer-and-astrazeneca-vaccines-in-two-shot-regimen-idUSKBN2A400P . WSJ: More on the British “mix and match” vaccine trial: https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-vaccine-combinations-face-trials-as-variants-of-virus-emerge-11612434600 .
Vaccine alternatives when your immune system is compromised: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/the-vaccine-alternatives-for-people-with-compromised-immune-systems/ar-BB1dousN?li=BBnb7Kz .
LGBTQ Americans at increased risk for severe COVID: https://www.axios.com/coronavirus-cdc-lgbtq-americans-27f12507-1174-412e-bb33-57f0ef4ce9b2.html . A part of the issue appears to be comorbidities.
WSJ: Schools need testing support: https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-testing-in-schools-bolsters-safety-but-is-hard-to-set-up-studies-find-11612414860 . Do these studies tell us something we don’t know?
“Generation COVID” suffers lost job, educational opportunities: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55811968 . The pandemic will likely cause a detailed reexamination of our educational systems.
WSJ: Counterfeit mask flood: https://www.wsj.com/articles/millions-of-counterfeit-masks-flooded-u-s-customs-facilities-last-year-11612436403 . Poor quality Chinese goods … not an unknown problem, but it is growing due to desperation. Biden’s proposed use of the Defense Production Act is welcome. It is unfortunately a year late. More: Mask upgrades: https://www.wsj.com/articles/double-face-masks-n95-protect-yourself-against-new-covid-19-variants-with-these-mask-upgrades-11612473349 .
Mask battle in Wisconsin: https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-governor-mask-mandate-d8436b7f9a7539e9d1cd2589483916d8 . We know masks save lives. This seems to be a losing proposition for Republicans.
Israel’s rapid vaccination campaign continues: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/03/israel-opens-coronavirus-vaccines-to-all-over-16s .
India’s sharp drop in COVID cases puzzles experts: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indias-coronavirus-cases-have-fallen-so-sharply-here-s-why-11612502797295.html .
COVID concerns for Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-2022-beijing-olympics-are-one-year-away-11612404850 . With the 2021 Summer Olympics in serious doubt, the financial hit to the Olympics organization could be severe.
Senate braces for chaotic “vote-a-rama” in preparation for stimulus reconciliation: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537267-senate-braces-for-chaotic-session-as-democrats-pursue-coronavirus-bill . Schumer is being heavily tested early in his turn as Majority Leader. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/gop-puts-minimum-wage-school-reopenings-in-covid-aid-spotlight-11612467876 .
WSJ: COVID and the widening partisan divide: https://www.wsj.com/articles/partisan-pressures-weigh-heavily-as-senate-looks-for-coronovirus-relief-deal-11612449255 .
Medical drones advance in cold chain distribution technology: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/04/role-of-medical-drones-in-global-covid-vaccine-campaign-is-growing.html .
WSJ: State AGs pursue more opioid settlements: https://www.wsj.com/articles/states-pressure-drug-makers-after-mckinseys-600-million-opioid-settlement-11612476966 . It is noteworthy that opioids have killed 400,000 over the past 20 years, just about the pandemic’s death toll in the past 12 months.
Weekly jobless claims dip to 779,000: https://apnews.com/article/us-unemployment-claims-fall-cfd26ffcd8485bd6abb5268ccedfe5ca . The historically high levels of unemployment and weekly claims continue. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/weekly-jobless-claims-coronavirus-02-04-2021-11612403022 . Still more: Stocks hit records: https://www.wsj.com/articles/global-stock-markets-dow-update-02-04-2021-11612428344 .
Considerable unemployment fraud in 2020: https://apnews.com/article/personal-taxes-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-lawrence-d79070609d6f7eedc8a03b5e37b17506 .
COVID’s office space revolution: https://www.dw.com/en/how-coronavirus-is-changing-our-office-spaces/a-56453394 .
WSJ: The international travel guessing game: https://www.wsj.com/articles/where-can-i-travel-internationally-and-do-i-need-the-covid-19-vaccine-11612469432 .
Biden freezes troop withdrawal from Germany: https://www.columbian.com/news/2021/feb/04/biden-to-freeze-withdrawal-of-u-s-troops-from-germany/ . America Alone is coming to an abrupt end.
WSJ: Low interest rates cause Prudential to lose money for 2020: https://www.wsj.com/articles/prudential-reports-27-drop-in-profit-resumes-share-buybacks-11612476720 .
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Another family turns in an insurrectionist: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/family-tips-fbi-capitol-rioter-who-smashed-windows-where-ashli-n1256744 . This guy is fortunate he wasn’t shot dead at the scene.
The Democrats’ case for impeachment: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-impeachment-defense_n_601b3247c5b62bf30753ebf6 . The writer’s viewpoint is similar to mine, that the defenses are absurd legally and only reflect Republican politics. In the court of public opinion, the strongest argument against Trump is “There’s no January exception”. Otherwise, theoretically this behavior could occur every time a sitting President runs for a second term and loses.
Impeachment managers invite Trump to testify under oath: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-impeachment/house-impeachment-managers-ask-trump-to-testify-under-oath-next-week-idUSKBN2A42J0?il=0. It’s a smart move. We all know he’s a terrible liar. Presumably his attorneys will refuse. More: https://www.mediaite.com/trump/breaking-house-managers-call-former-president-trump-to-testify-in-senate-impeachment-trial/ .
“You can’t fire me, I quit”: https://variety.com/2021/politics/news/donald-trump-sag-aftra-resigns-1234900917/ . So, this is not exactly like the Reagan presidency. More: https://www.thewrap.com/donald-trump-resigns-from-sag-aftra-guild-simply-says-thank-you/ . The letter is so true to form …
Trump lawyers get their day in court: https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/04/media/smartmatic-fox-news-giuliani-powell-lawsuit/index.html . Just not the one they wanted (they are 1-64 in previous appearances). Fox and their hosts have ample incrimination on videotapes. Apparently all these people are as dumb as Trump. And, as we say so often, the First Amendment is not an unlimited right. (1/7)
Traditional Republicans continue rage over “QAnon caucus”: https://www.newsweek.com/nicolle-wallace-says-house-republicans-are-going-home-2-years-over-qanon-caucus-1566702 . And Nancy takes it to Kevin today. Update: House votes 230 to 199 to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from her committee assignments: https://www.npr.org/2021/02/04/963785609/house-to-vote-on-stripping-rep-marjorie-taylor-greene-from-2-key-committees . All Democrats were joined by 11 Republicans in voting her out. She’s not there to legislate anyway, so she has more time to seek publicity now. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/marjorie-taylor-greene-says-she-regrets-qanon-comments-11612467411 .
It’s an open range war in the Republican Party: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/republicans-fox-news-ad_n_601b988cc5b6ad06281e4e10 . This has to happen. The conspiracy crap has no future. The “Never Trumpers” are smart to use Greene as a wedge against the others. One thing is becoming clear. Having a safe district is not that meaningful when one of these liars tries to make a national name. And as usual, Kevin has picked the wrong side of the fight. Orange Julius’ trial will be another black eye for the liars.
WSJ: The Parler guessing game: https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-was-parler-shut-down-heres-why-the-social-network-is-offline-11610478890 .
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And introducing: The Nano-Chameleon: https://newatlas.com/science/nano-chameleon-worlds-smallest-reptile/ . The male is the size of a grain of rice, although a well-endowed grain of rice.