News for November 29 — Omicron Incubation Period 3.42 Days

Omicron incubation period 3.42 days: https://www.verywellhealth.com/covid-incubation-period-8405031 . Note the list of variants and their incubation periods. The variants, listed in the order of their appearance, each went on to become the dominant variant. The incubation period (time from exposure to symptoms) consistently went down. As all of the COVID variants currently in circulation are Omicron subvariants, I would suspect that the average incubation continues to decrease.

Climate change biggest human health risk: https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2023-11-29/climate-change-is-the-biggest-human-health-risk-says-africas-disease-boss . I agree.

UK finds new swine flu of mystery origin: https://metro.co.uk/2023/11/29/new-swine-flu-of-mystery-origin-experts-fear-spread-19899843/ . This H1N2 virus appears to transmit human-to-human.

Hospital cyberattacks jeopardize lives: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ardent-hospital-cyberattack-health-care-system-vulnerability/ .

WSJ: Binance restructures post-Zhao: https://www.wsj.com/finance/currencies/binance-begins-again-with-u-s-oversight-will-it-survive-fad7b07a .

GM announces large stock buyback and dividend increase: https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/29/business/gm-lavishes-shareholders-with-cash-weeks-after-stingy-wage-offer-for-workers/index.html . After the brutal negotiations with the UAW in which GM contended it could not afford the union’s demands, this will stick in the craw of most pro-union Americans. This does not seem like an intelligent public relations move at this time, so we will see what level of backlash occurs.

16 more hostages released by Hamas on Day 6 of ceasefire: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-american-expected-hostages-released-sixth-day-cease-fire/ . The 16 include an Israeli-American woman. Israel released 30 Palestinian hostages in response to the 10 Israeli hostages released. Additionally, Hamas released 4 Thai nationals and 2 Russian-Israeli nationals. These 16 bring the total number of hostages released to 97.

The apparent total of 240 is now subject to question as 3 hostages sought by the Israelis, a mother and her two small children, were killed in an airstrike, according to Hamas. As the ceasefire has been in effect for 6 days, if true they were killed some time ago. Originally, Hamas would allow the International Red Cross to visit the hostages and provide proof of life. That provision remains unfulfilled, perhaps because multiple groups hold the hostages.

At the last minute, ceasefire extended one more day: https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-29-2023-57e73a26c647ecd97e77afe19c08e077 . We can expect the release of at least 10 more hostages tomorrow. Apparently, the negotiations have grown more difficult as few women and children remain for release. The Palestinians want more than the 3 to 1 prisoner release for the male and military hostages.

WSJ: Arizona charges two officials with election interference: https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/gop-officials-in-arizona-charged-with-conspiring-to-delay-election-results-b83cc8ff .

Mother and son January 6 insurrectionists sentenced to home confinement: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/mother-son-aided-theft-pelosis-laptop-jan-6-sentenced-rcna104380 . However, if you get a break for doing stupid things, most of the insurrectionists are eligible.

Heisman Trophy watch down to 2: https://sports.yahoo.com/heisman-watch-its-come-down-to-lsus-jayden-daniels-or-oregons-bo-nix-151710351.html . Bo Nix is the favorite, so leading Oregon to the national championship would clinch his victory.

Frances Sternhagen passes at 93: https://apnews.com/article/frances-sternhagen-dies-e920000a85584256ac62f51196826eb0 . Although a long-time theater actress, Sternhagen’s fame comes from her role as Cliff’s mom on “Cheers”.

Henry Kissinger passes at 100: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/11/29/henry-kissinger-diplomat-nobel-obituary-031478 . Kissinger’s world view came from the balance of power politics in Europe in the 19th century. However, in my view, that was not a great model for the world after World War II. Still, Kissinger will be remembered for his efforts in opening China to the West. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/world/henry-kissinger-american-diplomat-dead-11829457 .