COVID hospitalizations up 10%: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-11-27/new-covid-19-hospitalizations-increase .
CDC triples COVID BA.2.86 estimate: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-variant-ba-2-86-triples-in-new-cdc-estimates/ . The rate of change suggests this is a highly infectious variant.
California COVID performance outshines Florida: https://www.aol.com/news/california-vs-florida-surprising-answer-110015084.html . While California clearly wins this comparison, the LA Times writers cook up some pathetic analysis suggesting that from some vantage points Florida did better. Let’s cut to the chase here. Florida’s Governor DeMentis “argues” that Florida’s consideration of economic health was a better approach to preserving rights. But you can’t exercise those rights if you’re dead. It is bizarre to knowingly kill people to protect the economy.
The fact that Florida’s death toll was nearly the same as California’s even though California has twice the population does tell the whole story. The Times writers are flat-out wrong to say otherwise. DeMentis’ fact-contrary assertion that the vaccines were not effective is outrageous. Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. Lapado, routinely made claims that were medically unsound and contrary to the facts. He would have been fired by any competent governor. But the population is apparently expendable when Governor DeMentis thinks he has a viable presidential candidacy.
Lastly, the Times’ suggestion that you factor in health conditions in adjusting the death rate is absurd. You do not get credit for killing sicker people.
WSJ: Japan remains largest holder of US debt: https://www.wsj.com/finance/the-worlds-largest-buyer-of-u-s-debt-isnt-going-away-3b70afd3 .
Fourth hostage release underway as ceasefire extended for two more days: https://www.aol.com/news/israel-hamas-look-extend-cease-075836070.html . More details (live update link): https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-27-23/index.html . The 11 hostages released are dual nationals, holding Israeli and a European citizenship. In response, as promised Israel has released 33 Palestinian prisoners. Because Israel conditioned extension of the ceasefire on the release of at least 10 hostages each day, we expect (hope) that 10 more hostages will be released on each of the next 2 days. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/talks-to-extend-israel-hamas-truce-go-down-to-the-wire-8f1cbba9 .
WSJ: Americans fly to Israel to fill civilian jobs: https://www.wsj.com/world/volunteers-flock-to-israel-to-fill-vacant-jobs-one-plane-load-at-a-time-9899b90d . So here’s one way the American Jewish community is supporting Israel in this war.
Merriam-Webster Word of the Year: authentic: https://apnews.com/article/merriam-webster-word-of-year-2023-a9fea610cb32ed913bc15533acab71cc . Good call by the dictionary. However, the AP writer dances away from the true issue: authenticity is being challenged like never before by “fake news” and “infotainment”. You know where the problem lies: Internet hits. Fame. TikTok. Orange Julius. Kari Lake. And on and on. There is a tsunami of disinformation designed to give the sender instant gratification. However, if a sender achieves that, they ramp up their disinformation and “new” persona.
Perhaps most offensive in the article is the reference to “Musk himself”. Does the author not realize that Musk is a technical nerd on steroids in this new, fake reality? He may have developed Tesla and SpaceX, but he has also perverted and destroyed the already disturbing Twitterverse. He is, like Orange Julius, way too big for his britches.
Judiciary warns of increasing violence ahead of 2024 election: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-judges-warn-2024-presidential-election-jamie-jennifer-cassandra-buteau/ . However, this sobering conclusion will likely do little to limit violence from Orange Julius supporters.
Kevin McCarthy is even dumber than we thought: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kevin-mccarthy-historically-inaccurate_n_6564e63ee4b0827ae6157ab8 . Wow. Considering he represents California in Congress – MEGA MAGA WOW. Considering he was second in line for the presidency – wow, America is so screwed …
OJ’s NY fraud trial to wrap up in mid-December: https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/politics/trump-defense-witness-fraud-trial/index.html . I expect a final verdict soon thereafter. The “strongest” basis for appeal would argue bias on the part of the judge. That is a very tall hill to climb, and I haven’t seen any convincing evidence of that.
WSJ: How to improve your free throw: https://www.wsj.com/sports/basketball/nba-free-throws-korean-bank-shots-6d00ee3d . This does make sense, and some NBA players should certainly try it.
Apologies for not mentioning yesterday that the Big 10’s rape of the Pac-12 continues. After Oregon State’s loss to Oregon Friday night, Coach Jonathan Smith announced he would take the Michigan State job. Recall that the Big 10 got Oregon and Washington for half shares of what the existing Big 10 members received. As Smith is a popular coach and former Oregon State quarterback, many players will likely go with him. So now the Big 10 gets another Pac-12 program for free. I was appalled before – I’m approaching apoplexy now …
Dad, don’t put me in: Shedeur Sanders, nation’s most-sacked quarterback, has a broken back: https://www.aol.com/colorados-shedeur-sanders-nations-most-184429651.html . No offensive line and a Pac-12 schedule are a poor combination.