News for January 18 — Hybrid COVID Immunity 97% Effective

Hybrid COVID immunity 97% effective against hospitalization: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-01-18/who-analysis-hybrid-immunity-offers-high-protection-against-covid-19-hospitalization . Note to the nuts: hybrid immunity means you have had COVID and vaccination. So even if you think you have had COVID, please get vaccinated.

China fears rural COVID surge: https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2023-01-18/china-races-to-make-covid-drugs-as-xi-fears-rural-outbreaks . I am apoplectic! This problem was as foreseeable as the sunrise. Note that Airfinity, previously predicting a peak of 25,000 daily COVID deaths on January 23, now predicts a peak of 36,000 daily COVID deaths on January 26. The Chinese government figure of 60,000 COVID deaths total continues to look ridiculous.

HIV vaccine late-stage trial fails: https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-health-and-wellness/another-major-hiv-vaccine-trial-fails-rcna66324 .

Some cancer cells strengthen after chemo: https://www.livescience.com/understanding-chemotherapy-resistant-cancer-cells .

WSJ: Pfizer CEO says governments have not pandemic lessons: https://www.wsj.com/articles/pfizer-ceo-says-governments-havent-learned-lessons-of-pandemic-11674059353 . While that may be true, it’s unrelated to the US government controlling drug prices. Why exactly should we pay more for a drug than everyone else in the world?

WSJ: UK grocery inflation grows worse: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-k-inflation-fell-for-second-month-following-global-move-11674028067 .

Kyiv helicopter crash kills Ukraine interior minister: https://www.npr.org/2023/01/18/1149720120/helicopter-crash-near-the-ukrainian-capital-kyiv-kills-17-including-top-official . The death toll is now 18, including 3 children. Military action was not involved. Pilot error looks like the cause of this accident, with the pilot flying low in foggy conditions. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraines-interior-minister-killed-in-kyiv-helicopter-crash-11674033634 .

Will the US help Ukraine attack Russians in Crimea?: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/u-s-warms-to-helping-ukraine-target-crimea/ar-AA16ucBr?cvid=895cf8d4ec6f480387d650669612e971 .

FTX has found $5.5 billion in assets: https://news.yahoo.com/ftx-finds-55-billion-in-liquid-assets-still-faces-substantial-shortfall-214947490.html .

WSJ: Another crypto bankruptcy on the way: https://www.wsj.com/articles/crypto-lender-genesis-is-preparing-to-file-for-bankruptcy-within-days-11674094044 .

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to not seek reelection and resign in 3 weeks: https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/18/asia/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-not-seeking-reelection-intl-hnk/index.html . As an island state, New Zealand had a natural advantage in the COVID pandemic. However, Ardern’s aggressive policies made best use of that advantage and spared New Zealand from much of the suffering elsewhere in the world. As opposed to the common addiction to power, Ardern is choosing to step away and focus on family. Isn’t this what we want in our politicians? WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-to-step-down-11674088057 .

George Santos has apparently gone lower than anyone would guess: https://people.com/politics/man-alleges-george-santos-scam-dog-cancer-treatment/ . Why is this despicable jerk still in office? Because pathetic little Kevin and the House GOP need him for their thin majority … UPDATE: His life contains yet another surprise: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/embattled-u-s-rep-santos-was-drag-queen-in-brazil-pageants-say-associates/ar-AA16v79i?cvid=83941ef0739f4639a09b41b912dd2098 . Nice quote from his “friend”: “He’s changed a lot, but he was always a liar.” So if you aspire but fail to become Miss Gay Rio de Janeiro, you set your sites lower … the US House of Representatives …