"Do what you have to do" leaves a lot of room for individual interpretation.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
When Civil Order Fails
Seen at Instapundit:
These riots and lawlessness are hitting liberal bastions a whole lot harder than conservative areas.
"Do what you have to do" leaves a lot of room for individual interpretation.
"Do what you have to do" leaves a lot of room for individual interpretation.
Don't Play With Toys You Don't Understand
So, in the midst of all the rioting, there are some feel-good stories. One comes out of Seattle where a news station was covering the rioting. One police cruiser was set on fire, and we see an antifa-type (maybe BLM - who knows?) brandishing an AR platform rifle.
One of the news stations hired a "security" guy to oversee them, and he steps into the action, retrieves the rifle, sends antifa-boy up the street.
Good job! Antifa-boy learned a valuable lesson. There is nothing like posing that you're a bad-ass, then having your rifle taken, having a Glock put in your face, and being sent up the street to teach you that the real basasses are simply letting you have your temper tantrum. But, when things started to get real, the professional stepped in and handled it.
One of the news stations hired a "security" guy to oversee them, and he steps into the action, retrieves the rifle, sends antifa-boy up the street.
Good job! Antifa-boy learned a valuable lesson. There is nothing like posing that you're a bad-ass, then having your rifle taken, having a Glock put in your face, and being sent up the street to teach you that the real basasses are simply letting you have your temper tantrum. But, when things started to get real, the professional stepped in and handled it.
Saturday, May 30, 2020
Abandoned the Perimeter?
So, whoever is in charge in Minnesota sent riot police and National Guard troops to protect something, ehn those same cops and troops, (probably on orders) abandoned the perimeter, leaving the field to the rioters.
Am I reading that correctly?
What's going on in Minneapolis now is bulshit.
Am I reading that correctly?
Riot Police, National Guard 'Completely Abandon' Perimeter in Minneapolis, Chased Away by ProtestersWhoever is in charge in Minneapolis needs to make a couple of hard decision. Are you going to put troops in contact without giving them the ability to defend themselves and whatever it is they are supposed to guarding? If you are not, don't send them in. Cede the field to the rioters and let them have their fun. Then, when Minneapolis is a smoldering ruin, plow it under and be done with it.
What's going on in Minneapolis now is bulshit.
New Orleans Covid Update
It seems that the city of New Orleans, the ground-zero of most of our troubles, both covid related and in large part, societal, will remain in Phase 1 of the recovery for several more weeks.
Cantrell however then said that she is not prepared to move into the next phase of reopening the city's economy.Did I mention that the New Orleans mayor, LaToya Cantrell is a Democrat?
"We are only, again, in week two of Phase One. We have yet to see the impacts of our busy weekend of Memorial Day that just passed where we saw large gatherings throughout the city, but mostly in surrounding areas and surrounding states that abut us. So we are going to be looking, of course, at that data."She doesn't have to worry about me coming to New Orleans anytime soon. Next, she will probably be crying that she's lost a lot of tourist dollars and needs assistance from the state or fed so that New Orleans can stay afloat.
Friday, May 29, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 74
It's Friday, and just like clockwork, the LDH has put up the numbers.
,
Total Covid load is 38,802, which is the number they put up yesterday. Odd.
Deaths are up a bit, to 2661. They managed to update that number.
Hospitalizations census is down to 714 with 90 on ventilators. That is a substantial drop.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 703 cases, same as yesterday.
It seems that the Dept of Health is having technical issues. Somehow, that doesn't surprise me at all.
I mean, it's not like thousands of people are checking these numbers daily, depending on those numbers to be accurate, timely updated, and transparent.
,
Total Covid load is 38,802, which is the number they put up yesterday. Odd.
Deaths are up a bit, to 2661. They managed to update that number.
Hospitalizations census is down to 714 with 90 on ventilators. That is a substantial drop.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 703 cases, same as yesterday.
It seems that the Dept of Health is having technical issues. Somehow, that doesn't surprise me at all.
I mean, it's not like thousands of people are checking these numbers daily, depending on those numbers to be accurate, timely updated, and transparent.
Looter Man
We all remember this photo out of Hurricane Katrina, when looting ran wild in the New Orleans metro area. Some defended the looters, saying that the stores were closed and food was short, and they had to provide for their families. Like this guy, providing for his family.
Now, in Minneapolis, we're starting to see images of other disadvantaged, oppressed individuals ust trying to keep their family fed.
Three days ago, I was very sympathetic to what was happening inn Minnesota. Now, not so much.
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| Katrina Looter Man |
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| Minneapolis Looter Man |
Minneapolis Still Burning
It looks like the rioters are at it again. According to reports, they took out a police precinct building last night. Along with several stores and other mayhem. If I were a store owner in Minneapolis, I might want to hire a crew of Roof Koreans.
It seems tat the unrest is spreading to other cities.
It seems tat the unrest is spreading to other cities.
In addition to Minneapolis, there are ongoing protests in St. Paul, Minn., Memphis, Tenn., Louisville, Ky., Denver, Colo., Columbus, Ohio, and Los Angeles California.The mayor of Minneapolis needs to grow a set, and take control of the city. And, the commander of that police precinct needs an attitude check. I cannot imagine a set of circumstances that would convince me to abandon a police precinct to rioters.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Minneapolis Burns
The death of George Floyd at the hands of the police is regrettable, lamentable. and probably prosecutable. Everyone from the local police union to the US Dept of Justice is investigating it. Even the President of the United States has made the promise that justice will be served.
So, explain to me again why looting a Target store does anything to promote justice. Explain to me again how burning buildings does anything to promote justice.
Opportunistic looting is a crime. Arson is a crime. The people in the stores, the owners of the buildings, had nothing to do with the injustice that two officers imposed on George Floyd. Tell me again how mo violence does anything to promote justice.
I'll wait.
So, explain to me again why looting a Target store does anything to promote justice. Explain to me again how burning buildings does anything to promote justice.
Opportunistic looting is a crime. Arson is a crime. The people in the stores, the owners of the buildings, had nothing to do with the injustice that two officers imposed on George Floyd. Tell me again how mo violence does anything to promote justice.
I'll wait.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 73
The numbers are up, so let's take a look.
The total covid count today is 38,802, or 305 more than reported yesterday.
Our deaths are up to 2635, an increase of 18 across the state.
Hospitalizations are down to 761, but the vent counts stand at 100.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 703 positive. No word on local deaths or hospitalizations.
Our governor, the petty tyrant is supposed to make an announcement o Monday, June 1 relative to the state of Louisiana moving into Phase 2. It's a no-brainer, so he has to make a big deal out of it. We could actually skip Phase 2 and move to wide-open, but that would end the emergency and he wouldn't be able to soak the feds for covid-bucks.
Our governor is a scoundrel, and a West Point grad, but I repeat myself. He claims to have been the chairman of the Honor Code committee, but evidently he's forgotten a lot about honor. He's also a trial lawyer, if that tells you anything.
The total covid count today is 38,802, or 305 more than reported yesterday.
Our deaths are up to 2635, an increase of 18 across the state.
Hospitalizations are down to 761, but the vent counts stand at 100.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 703 positive. No word on local deaths or hospitalizations.
Our governor, the petty tyrant is supposed to make an announcement o Monday, June 1 relative to the state of Louisiana moving into Phase 2. It's a no-brainer, so he has to make a big deal out of it. We could actually skip Phase 2 and move to wide-open, but that would end the emergency and he wouldn't be able to soak the feds for covid-bucks.
Our governor is a scoundrel, and a West Point grad, but I repeat myself. He claims to have been the chairman of the Honor Code committee, but evidently he's forgotten a lot about honor. He's also a trial lawyer, if that tells you anything.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics
Insty talks about a graph that someone put up, saying that since mid-April, Covid deaths have declined in Democrat congressional districts, but have remained relatively stable in Republican congressional districts.
That's true, until we actually look at the graph.
Yep, Covid deaths in Dem districts are declining. Hopefully soon, they will get down to the relatively stable rate in Republican districts.
That's true, until we actually look at the graph.
Yep, Covid deaths in Dem districts are declining. Hopefully soon, they will get down to the relatively stable rate in Republican districts.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 72
On this muggy Wednesday, the 72nd of the covid over-reaction, Belle went back to work today. The office called her yesterday and asked if she would give a medication-administration class to new employees. She said that she would be happy to, and tap-danced out of the house this morning to go to the office.
By all rights, this covid unpleasantness should be over. Yet, Louisiana has a Democrat governor who thinks that as long as he can keep us caged, he can soak more money out of the federal government. So, let's look at today's numbers.
Cumulative covid-load is at 38,497. That is 443 more than reported yesterday.
2617 deaths reported today. 21 more than yesterday.
The hospital census stands at 798 with 100 on ventilators. If what I've heard about ventilators is correct, about 80 of those souls will be added to the death toll.
Louisiana is still in phase 1, and are scheduled to be until June 5th. Our petty tyrant governor decided that 14 fays wan't long enough, and opted for 21 days. Our church opened up this weekend, and I saw one congregant wearing a mask.
Pretty much everyone in this state is "over it". The governor can go around wringing his hands, and telling us that we're all going to die, but all he's doing is raising himself to ridicule and making scofflaws of most of the state. He's supposed to hold a press coference at 2:30 today, but I don't expect anything earth-shattering.
By all rights, this covid unpleasantness should be over. Yet, Louisiana has a Democrat governor who thinks that as long as he can keep us caged, he can soak more money out of the federal government. So, let's look at today's numbers.
Cumulative covid-load is at 38,497. That is 443 more than reported yesterday.
2617 deaths reported today. 21 more than yesterday.
The hospital census stands at 798 with 100 on ventilators. If what I've heard about ventilators is correct, about 80 of those souls will be added to the death toll.
Louisiana is still in phase 1, and are scheduled to be until June 5th. Our petty tyrant governor decided that 14 fays wan't long enough, and opted for 21 days. Our church opened up this weekend, and I saw one congregant wearing a mask.
Pretty much everyone in this state is "over it". The governor can go around wringing his hands, and telling us that we're all going to die, but all he's doing is raising himself to ridicule and making scofflaws of most of the state. He's supposed to hold a press coference at 2:30 today, but I don't expect anything earth-shattering.
Culpable, Accountable
It seems that the Obama team may finally be coming to that time where their culpability will finally be exposed for all to see, and be forced to account for their malfeasance. The idea that Obama had a scandal-free administration is both laughable and myopic. Those of us who railed against government excess can remember the way that Obama and his minions played fast-and-loose with both the law, and the ethics of governing.
The complicit media was no help. By fawning over the first black president and failing to hold him accountable, they did themselves no favors. The lack of scrutiny and journalistic curiosity about anything that the administration didn't want covered is a huge stain on the journalist class.
Victor Davis Hanson writes about all this in the National Review.
I have no expectation that Obama himself will ever face the docket, but his minions, Clapper, Comey, Rice, et al, feel the sting of handcuffs and are forced to account for their indiscretions, then perhaps America will know that the law applies to everyone.
The complicit media was no help. By fawning over the first black president and failing to hold him accountable, they did themselves no favors. The lack of scrutiny and journalistic curiosity about anything that the administration didn't want covered is a huge stain on the journalist class.
Victor Davis Hanson writes about all this in the National Review.
The remains of the Obama team (Susan Rice, Ben Rhodes, Hillary Clinton, John Brennan, James Comey, Samantha Power) are not offering much of a defense for the Obama years — they are now too busy scrambling to hide their own legal culpability and exposure. The bending arc of the 2009 dream team finally ends in the platitudes of “I can’t remember” and “Not to my knowledge” that will eventually find their way from CNN and MSNBC into the court room.I remember the Obama administration to be one big rolling scandal. From the very start, terms like Fast and Furious, Lois Lerner, and Obamacare entered into the national consciousness. Now, it seems that the last scandal, Russia, Russia, may finally bring some accounting. Perhaps if the media had been more curious about the earlier scandals, and less complicit in the cover up, the Obama team might have been less bold in trying to undo a national election.
I have no expectation that Obama himself will ever face the docket, but his minions, Clapper, Comey, Rice, et al, feel the sting of handcuffs and are forced to account for their indiscretions, then perhaps America will know that the law applies to everyone.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Tuesday Louisiana Covid Update - Day 71
I didn't look at the numbers yesterday, but it seems that the LDH has put them up today, so let's look
Total Covid load is at 38,054. With over 341,000 tested, that's just a bit over 11%.
Fatalities are at 2596. That's 36 more than the last time we looked. Sad, but not a huge number.
The hospital census is down again, to 831, with 103 of those o ventilators.
Here in Rapides Parish, the case count stands at 663. I heard a church last night that the vast majority of those are in nursing homes. I cannot attest to the truth of that fact, but that is what a congregant reported. I don't doubt it, and I"ll pray every day for those people.
Total Covid load is at 38,054. With over 341,000 tested, that's just a bit over 11%.
Fatalities are at 2596. That's 36 more than the last time we looked. Sad, but not a huge number.
The hospital census is down again, to 831, with 103 of those o ventilators.
Here in Rapides Parish, the case count stands at 663. I heard a church last night that the vast majority of those are in nursing homes. I cannot attest to the truth of that fact, but that is what a congregant reported. I don't doubt it, and I"ll pray every day for those people.
Leverage Is A Thng
Back in the late '80s, I was sent t a class put on by the Air Force, an Air Load Planning class. They taught us how to balance loads in Air Force cargo aircraft.
If the aircraft is at rest and the front wheel comes off the ground, you're doing something wrong.
I stole this .gif from Wirecutter.
If the aircraft is at rest and the front wheel comes off the ground, you're doing something wrong.
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.
It seems that the scientists at the National Lab have come up with a way to run a Tomahawk missile on corn.
If memory serves, the original diesel engine was designed to run on vegetable oil. They got away from that when petroleum became more widely available.
It's interesting to know that we can make jet fuel from corn, but at this particular moment, I'm not convinced that it's particularly applicable to the markets, unless we're trying to subsidize corn production.
Los Alamos National Labs has come up with a replacement fuel for JP-10 that uses corn bran and other feedstocks instead of petroleum products. The result is a fuel that can be sourced directly from America’s most plentiful crop, bypassing foreign sources.That's interesting science, but recent events show us to be awash in petroleum, certainly not dependent of foreign sources of fuel. At one time last month, crude oil sold for $-34/bbl. They couldn't give it away without paying someone to haul it off.
If memory serves, the original diesel engine was designed to run on vegetable oil. They got away from that when petroleum became more widely available.
It's interesting to know that we can make jet fuel from corn, but at this particular moment, I'm not convinced that it's particularly applicable to the markets, unless we're trying to subsidize corn production.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Covid, Essential, Eduation, Risk
Termite turned me on to these three videos. David Rubin is interviewing Mike Row, and they talk about what the Covid disaster means to Americans.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
In Memoriam
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
Later today I'll raise a glass to absent friends.
Sunday, May 24, 2020
Sunday Covid Update
It's Sunday, and the LDH gets sloppy with the numbers, but let's se what is reported anyway.
Today's total covid load is 37,169. An increase of 129 since yesterday.
The fatalities are at 2567, and increase of only seven (7).
Hospital census continues to fall. We're at 813 today, down from 836 yesterday.
My home parish of Rapides reports a total covid count of 606 today.
We did an easy lunch today. Store bought potato salad, and I cooked a bunch of chicken wings with two sauces. One a honey-barbecue, and the other a Louisiana brand wing sauce. Both were good. Some liked them spicy, some liked the sweet.
Now, the guests are gone and we're in the house taking advantage of air conditioning. I may get in my recliner and do a little eye lid maintenance for an hour.
Today's total covid load is 37,169. An increase of 129 since yesterday.
The fatalities are at 2567, and increase of only seven (7).
Hospital census continues to fall. We're at 813 today, down from 836 yesterday.
My home parish of Rapides reports a total covid count of 606 today.
We did an easy lunch today. Store bought potato salad, and I cooked a bunch of chicken wings with two sauces. One a honey-barbecue, and the other a Louisiana brand wing sauce. Both were good. Some liked them spicy, some liked the sweet.
Now, the guests are gone and we're in the house taking advantage of air conditioning. I may get in my recliner and do a little eye lid maintenance for an hour.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 68
We started the day with a club shoot. We had only seven shooters, but that's okay, it was over fairly soon.
After the match, Belle and I went out to do some grocery shopping and ate lunch at an oriental place. Now, we're home for the afternoon with storms in the area.
I guess it's time to look at the Covid numbers.
The total covid count is 37,040. That's up a bit, 115 since yesterday.
The fatalities continue to climb. 2560 today. Up from 2545 yesterday.
Hospital census continues to drop, down to 836. The vent count is up a bit to 112.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 601 cases today. THey've quit reporting daths, and they've never reported hospitalizations.
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| First - Squirrel Girl 2nd - LA Sundowner |
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| 1st - Cajun Greg 2nd - Brother Fred 3rd - Major D |
I guess it's time to look at the Covid numbers.
The total covid count is 37,040. That's up a bit, 115 since yesterday.
The fatalities continue to climb. 2560 today. Up from 2545 yesterday.
Hospital census continues to drop, down to 836. The vent count is up a bit to 112.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 601 cases today. THey've quit reporting daths, and they've never reported hospitalizations.
Good Questions
Several weeks ago, the president's press secretary told reporters that they should be asking questions about LTG Michael Flynn to the Obama organization.
Today, another reporter asked if President Trump might pardon Obama for what seems to be crimes that occurred during the unmasking of General Flynn.
Her answer was a slam-dunk.
Wow! She is like a high-school teacher giving an unruly class homework over a long weekend. You can bet that if any of those un-curious reporters dare to ask a follow-up next week, there will be a pop quiz.
I'm a fan of Kayleigh Mcenany. She's doing a great job.
Today, another reporter asked if President Trump might pardon Obama for what seems to be crimes that occurred during the unmasking of General Flynn.
Her answer was a slam-dunk.
Wow! She is like a high-school teacher giving an unruly class homework over a long weekend. You can bet that if any of those un-curious reporters dare to ask a follow-up next week, there will be a pop quiz.
I'm a fan of Kayleigh Mcenany. She's doing a great job.
Friday, May 22, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 67
It's Friday, with all that means, ad Belle and I have made our rounds, so it's time to look at the Covid numbers.
The total covid load is recorded at 36,925. Only 421 cases since yesterday.
Fatalities are at 2545, that's 39 more.
Hospital census is at 867, a decline. The vent count is also down, to 104.
My home parish of Rapides is totaling a case count of 600. For some reason that particular screen no longer shows deaths in the parish. Yesterday we were at 16 dead.
It's time to reopen, wide open. Covid be damned. I see that President Trump has weighed in on churches.
The total covid load is recorded at 36,925. Only 421 cases since yesterday.
Fatalities are at 2545, that's 39 more.
Hospital census is at 867, a decline. The vent count is also down, to 104.
My home parish of Rapides is totaling a case count of 600. For some reason that particular screen no longer shows deaths in the parish. Yesterday we were at 16 dead.
It's time to reopen, wide open. Covid be damned. I see that President Trump has weighed in on churches.
In a Friday afternoon press conference, President Trump declares houses of worship "essential services" that must be allowed to open "right now ... this weekend."That's right. They never should have closed in the first place.
Applegate/Fairbairn
Rex Applegate and William Fairbairn were famous for furthering the science of gunfighting. They taught pistol-craft in the early days, and Fairbairn was also a knife designer and instructor. Old-school? They practically invented the school of practical pistol-craft. The giants that we know today stood on their shoulders.
Jerry Miculek, arguably the best practical shooter in the world today, goes old-school with the Applegate/Fairbairn method, with surprising results.
Belle ad I will be on the road today, taking care of commitments. The Covid update will be late, if at all. Y'all have a good Friday.
Jerry Miculek, arguably the best practical shooter in the world today, goes old-school with the Applegate/Fairbairn method, with surprising results.
Belle ad I will be on the road today, taking care of commitments. The Covid update will be late, if at all. Y'all have a good Friday.
Contact Tracing
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights.
People are starting to ask questions, and come up with answers on their own, and the government doesn't much like it. The whole idea of contact-tracing is a public health official's idea of a wet dream, to track and trace the spread of an epidemic.
No due process, no right to confront an accuser. Just your name on a government list and we are expected to cooperate with them. If they assume that people are even going to answer the phone (an assumption that flies in the face of common practice), they assume that we are going to be truthful with them, because it's for the public good. - - Good luck with that plan.
Laura Ingraham breaks it down.
As for myself, I intend to have fun with them, leading them down blind alleys.
Who is John Galt?
People are starting to ask questions, and come up with answers on their own, and the government doesn't much like it. The whole idea of contact-tracing is a public health official's idea of a wet dream, to track and trace the spread of an epidemic.
No due process, no right to confront an accuser. Just your name on a government list and we are expected to cooperate with them. If they assume that people are even going to answer the phone (an assumption that flies in the face of common practice), they assume that we are going to be truthful with them, because it's for the public good. - - Good luck with that plan.
Laura Ingraham breaks it down.
As for myself, I intend to have fun with them, leading them down blind alleys.
Who is John Galt?
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Digging UP Dirt
PJMedia is reporting that the FBI offered to pay for dirt on Trump campaign associates during the 2016 election.
British spy Christopher Steele was offered money by Obama’s FBI to dig up dirt on Mike Flynn. The proposal came in the weeks before the 2016 election. This offer hasn’t received any press until now and was first reported by The Daily Caller. “The inspector general’s report, released on Dec. 9, 2019, said that FBI agents offered to pay Steele ‘significantly’ to collect intelligence from three separate ‘buckets’ that the bureau was pursuing as part of Crossfire Hurricane, its counterintelligence probe of four Trump campaign associates.”That's just wrong. The FBI has no business getting into electoral politics, and every good agent in the agency should be clamoring for a total cleaning, to p to bottom. Under Obama/Comey the FBI went from the worlds premier law enforcement agency into a farcical bureau that seemed to want to influence the outcome of a presidential election. With all the revelations, I would be ashamed to carry the FBI's badge today. I'm sure that there are some good officers at the line level, but they should be raising hell to start indicting the guys who made then into a corrupt clown-show.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 66
The daily numbers are up, so let's look at them.
Total Covid-load number today is 36,504. That's 1188 new cases, and I have to call bullshit. Yesterday, I reported about 285,000 tests and today that number has umped to over 305,000. That is 20K tests in one day. It looks like a lab, or two is playing screw-around with the numbers.
Fatalities are at 2506, just 21 more than yesterday.
The hospital census continues to decline, today we are at 884. Of those, 107 are on vents.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 591 cases with 16 deaths.
When all this started, Belle was scheduled for cataract surgery. It was cancelled. This morning we got it done. She's home in her own bed, resting peacefully and I am providing nursing care. I'm trying to keep an ear cocked toward the bedroom. I'll stay close today and take her to her follow-up tomorrow morning.
Total Covid-load number today is 36,504. That's 1188 new cases, and I have to call bullshit. Yesterday, I reported about 285,000 tests and today that number has umped to over 305,000. That is 20K tests in one day. It looks like a lab, or two is playing screw-around with the numbers.
Fatalities are at 2506, just 21 more than yesterday.
The hospital census continues to decline, today we are at 884. Of those, 107 are on vents.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 591 cases with 16 deaths.
When all this started, Belle was scheduled for cataract surgery. It was cancelled. This morning we got it done. She's home in her own bed, resting peacefully and I am providing nursing care. I'm trying to keep an ear cocked toward the bedroom. I'll stay close today and take her to her follow-up tomorrow morning.
Lock TIme
We all talk about lock time. That period of time between when you pull the trigger and the gun goes bang. There is some measurable period of time between when you tell the gun to go bang, and when it actually goes bang.
Mark Novak was playing around with some high-speed cameras and ca detail it in an interesting way.
Cool, huh?
Mark Novak was playing around with some high-speed cameras and ca detail it in an interesting way.
Cool, huh?
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 65
On this, the 65th day of the Covid shutdown, Belle and I went out to plunder around. We made a wine run, and searched for a place to eat, stopped at a sub shop who let us use a table.
The reason we were hungry, is because we had been in a car dealership. Yeah, she bought a new ride yesterday, a red Nissan Murano. Today was my turn, and I opted for a new Honda Odyssey. In all the years I have been driving vehicles, I've never bought a new car for myself. I try to keep my gal in a good ride, but I've always driven used cars or trucks. Today, I sprang for Brand New.
It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it has a lot of bells and whistles. With the summer season of Fast Draw coming up, I'm sure we'll give it a workout.
So, let's look at the numbers.
Today's Covid-load count is 35,316. That's 278, which can be explained by the number of tests being performed, now over 285,000.
Fatalities are listed at 2485, just 27 higher than yesterday.
The hospital census is at 931, with 110 on ventilators. Both of these numbers are a reduction from yesterday.
It's raining outside, with thunder-bumpers everywhere. Belle and I are in for the day, with Happy Hour pending for later today.
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| This is the first time since the Covid lockdown that we've been able to eat out. |
So, let's look at the numbers.
Today's Covid-load count is 35,316. That's 278, which can be explained by the number of tests being performed, now over 285,000.
Fatalities are listed at 2485, just 27 higher than yesterday.
The hospital census is at 931, with 110 on ventilators. Both of these numbers are a reduction from yesterday.
It's raining outside, with thunder-bumpers everywhere. Belle and I are in for the day, with Happy Hour pending for later today.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 64
On a beautiful Tuesday morning, Belle and I left the house to go plunder around. More on that later. Now that we're home, it's time to look at the numbers.
Total case load is 35,038. That's up 329 since yesterday.
Fatalities (each a tragedy) are counted at 2458, up only 18 cases since yesterday.
Hospital census is dropping, down to 1004, Of those, 112 are on vents.
My home parish, Rapides is listing 504 cases, up five from yesterday. They've also included another death, not the count is at 16.
Belle has been thinking about a new ride. Her's is okay, but she has plans to give it to a grandchild, and a family member had been talking about her new ride, a Nissan Murano. So, this morning we drove across the river to the local Nissan dealership. One thing led to another and Belle bought a new Murano.
They call that color Cayenne Red, ad because Belle likes cayenne peppers it seemed like a good omen. If you're thinking about a new ride, now's the time to do it. The dealers are interested in dealing, and some of the incentives are very attractive. Her old ride is a 2015, and I'm impressed with how the technology has evolved in the past five years. This thing has more bells and whistles than a steam locomotive. It has lots of new safety features, like automatic braking and intelligent cruise control.
When we got home with it, we figured out how to make the garage opener operate I'll leave her to figure out the other little doo-dahs.
Total case load is 35,038. That's up 329 since yesterday.
Fatalities (each a tragedy) are counted at 2458, up only 18 cases since yesterday.
Hospital census is dropping, down to 1004, Of those, 112 are on vents.
My home parish, Rapides is listing 504 cases, up five from yesterday. They've also included another death, not the count is at 16.
Belle has been thinking about a new ride. Her's is okay, but she has plans to give it to a grandchild, and a family member had been talking about her new ride, a Nissan Murano. So, this morning we drove across the river to the local Nissan dealership. One thing led to another and Belle bought a new Murano.
They call that color Cayenne Red, ad because Belle likes cayenne peppers it seemed like a good omen. If you're thinking about a new ride, now's the time to do it. The dealers are interested in dealing, and some of the incentives are very attractive. Her old ride is a 2015, and I'm impressed with how the technology has evolved in the past five years. This thing has more bells and whistles than a steam locomotive. It has lots of new safety features, like automatic braking and intelligent cruise control.
When we got home with it, we figured out how to make the garage opener operate I'll leave her to figure out the other little doo-dahs.
Monday, May 18, 2020
Only in Louisiana
100 people at 3 crawfish farms test positive for Covid 19.
Yeah, that's the headline. Crawfish farming is a big deal in Louisiana this time of year. Beginning in January, the harvest starts coming in, and it's wide-open until the end of May. Belle and I eat crawfish almost every Friday during the season. There is a boiler in town who boils crawfish and bags them up with corn and potatoes, ad we buy them once a week.
Belle commented last Friday that she was "just about over" crawfish and we'd have to find something else to do on Fridays.
I feel sorry for those folks. Crawfishing is a tough job. They need to take a little time off, quarantine for a bit, and get to feeling better.
Yeah, that's the headline. Crawfish farming is a big deal in Louisiana this time of year. Beginning in January, the harvest starts coming in, and it's wide-open until the end of May. Belle and I eat crawfish almost every Friday during the season. There is a boiler in town who boils crawfish and bags them up with corn and potatoes, ad we buy them once a week.
Belle commented last Friday that she was "just about over" crawfish and we'd have to find something else to do on Fridays.
I feel sorry for those folks. Crawfishing is a tough job. They need to take a little time off, quarantine for a bit, and get to feeling better.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 63
I was out buying supplies and noticed that our local Dollar Store had both paper towels and toilet paper in stock. Things are looking up.
Looking at the numbers, we see that the LDH is reporting 34,709 cases. That's 277 more than yesterday. They are also reporting 26,249 recovered. Which means we have only 8460 cases in the state.
Fatalities are listed at 2440. sad, but only 15 more than yesterday.
Hospital census is at 1031, up a dozen since yesterday.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 499 cases. Up 25 from yesterday. When we consider that the vast majority of those have probably recovered, the total covid-load in this parish is extremely small. Yet, governor Edwards is still being a petty tyrant.
Looking at the numbers, we see that the LDH is reporting 34,709 cases. That's 277 more than yesterday. They are also reporting 26,249 recovered. Which means we have only 8460 cases in the state.
Fatalities are listed at 2440. sad, but only 15 more than yesterday.
Hospital census is at 1031, up a dozen since yesterday.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 499 cases. Up 25 from yesterday. When we consider that the vast majority of those have probably recovered, the total covid-load in this parish is extremely small. Yet, governor Edwards is still being a petty tyrant.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 62
Sunday afternoon, and it seems that the Louisiana Dept of Health has posted the numbers.
Today's covid count is at 34.432. That's 315 more than yesterday. Modest increase. But Monday is usually when the big numbers fall.
Fatalities are at 2425. That's only a dozen more than yesterday.
The hospital census is down to 1019, eight less than yesterday. And, of those, only 111 are on vents. That's an interesting decrease.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 474 cases, an increase of 37 cases. With 14 deaths, each of those are mourned. Even so, we're not yet up to 4/10th of one percent. (0.00370). That ain't bad. Yet, we're still under the same restrictions that the New Orleans/Jefferson/East Baton Rouge areas are in.
Our governor (Bless his heart), if being quoted as saying something unbelievably stupid.
What a dickhead. He is the reason why the Bill of Rights was ratified.
Today's covid count is at 34.432. That's 315 more than yesterday. Modest increase. But Monday is usually when the big numbers fall.
Fatalities are at 2425. That's only a dozen more than yesterday.
The hospital census is down to 1019, eight less than yesterday. And, of those, only 111 are on vents. That's an interesting decrease.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 474 cases, an increase of 37 cases. With 14 deaths, each of those are mourned. Even so, we're not yet up to 4/10th of one percent. (0.00370). That ain't bad. Yet, we're still under the same restrictions that the New Orleans/Jefferson/East Baton Rouge areas are in.
Our governor (Bless his heart), if being quoted as saying something unbelievably stupid.
What a dickhead. He is the reason why the Bill of Rights was ratified.
Choices, Choices
Its's mid-May and deer season starts in late October, a scant five months away, so it's time to start making some decisions about the upcoming season. After a hiatus of several years, I bought into a deer lease and I'll be back in the deer woods this season.
The area is north-central Louisiana piney woods. It's basically a ridge line overlooking a creek. I'll be hunting from a deer blind, looking down a shooting lane, maximum range will be about 150 yards. I'll have a corn-feeder set up about 100 yards from the blind.
I've winnowed down the rifles, but I still have a choice to make. Caliber is .308 Winchester.
It'll be one of these two. The rifle on top is a Savage 10 FCM Scout. The optic is a Burris Scout scope. This particular rifle is the 3rd iteration of Savage Scout rifles. I picked it up in January 2015, just before Savage announced the 4th generation. This rifle has the Accustock, with the aluminum bedding block. I haven't made meat with it yet, but it's been a solid performer on family range outings. I feel really confident with this rifle.
The lower rifle is a Remington 700 ADL that I picked up in a pawn sop in 2011. It is mounted with a Leupold VX-1 in 3X9. It shoots very well, and I'm also confident of my ability to hit with this rifle.
My son and son-in-law both looked at them during our Sunday lunch. They coon-fingered them completely, but didn't give me much guidance on the decision.
So, I have to choose between two perfectly suitable choices. Black Scout rifle or old-school walnut and blued steel. What to do, what to do?
The area is north-central Louisiana piney woods. It's basically a ridge line overlooking a creek. I'll be hunting from a deer blind, looking down a shooting lane, maximum range will be about 150 yards. I'll have a corn-feeder set up about 100 yards from the blind.
I've winnowed down the rifles, but I still have a choice to make. Caliber is .308 Winchester.
The lower rifle is a Remington 700 ADL that I picked up in a pawn sop in 2011. It is mounted with a Leupold VX-1 in 3X9. It shoots very well, and I'm also confident of my ability to hit with this rifle.
My son and son-in-law both looked at them during our Sunday lunch. They coon-fingered them completely, but didn't give me much guidance on the decision.
So, I have to choose between two perfectly suitable choices. Black Scout rifle or old-school walnut and blued steel. What to do, what to do?
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 61
It's Saturday, but Covid doesn't take a day off. Let's see what the numbers look like today.
Total case count is at 34,117. a modest increase of 280, considering all the testing that is supposed to be going on. Governor Edwards wants 20,000 per month.
Fatalities, while tragic, is at 2413 today. That is 31 more than yesterday.
The hospital census, probably the most important number, is down to 1028. That's 63 folks who either recovered or died. Of those folks still in the hospital, only 123 are on ventilators.
My home parish of Rapides shows a case count of 437 with 14 deaths.
We have done everything they have asked us to do, and it's time to open the economy. Not in stages, but wide upen, with the same vigor they closed it. Anything else is total bullshit.
Total case count is at 34,117. a modest increase of 280, considering all the testing that is supposed to be going on. Governor Edwards wants 20,000 per month.
Fatalities, while tragic, is at 2413 today. That is 31 more than yesterday.
The hospital census, probably the most important number, is down to 1028. That's 63 folks who either recovered or died. Of those folks still in the hospital, only 123 are on ventilators.
My home parish of Rapides shows a case count of 437 with 14 deaths.
We have done everything they have asked us to do, and it's time to open the economy. Not in stages, but wide upen, with the same vigor they closed it. Anything else is total bullshit.
Modified Quarantine
Last week, May 10th, CNN reported that Dr Anthony Faucci had some limited contact with a White House staffer who tested positive for Covid, and was entering into "limited isolation". Whatever the hell that means.
I know what it means if I was tested positive for the Covid. I'd be ordered to stay home for 14 days. That's pretty much been the message since Day 1 of this disaster. We peasants are required to stay home. Not go out, slow the spread. All the bullshit that we have been told for the last 61 days. But who's counting.
No ol' Doc Faucci. He couldn't wait a whole week. Here's a screen grab from Laura Ingraham's show yesterday.
Yeah, that's Doc Faucci standing behind the president. We now know what he thinks about isolation and quarantine. Not for him. He's a Super-Star.
Ingraham's angle (since I used her screen shot) doesn't focus so much on Faucci's hypocrisy as it does on the contempt that democratic governors hold their constituents.
And, that's true. The idea was to flatten the curve, not to find a cure or get a vaccine. We have flattened the curve and averted a crisis in our hospitals. Now, it's time to open up, wide open. We should open just as hard as we shut down. In three days, not three months. Now, democratic governors are dragging the goalposts.
If anyone tells me to go into isolation, I'm going to tell them that I'll follow Doc Faucci's example, and ignore them.
I know what it means if I was tested positive for the Covid. I'd be ordered to stay home for 14 days. That's pretty much been the message since Day 1 of this disaster. We peasants are required to stay home. Not go out, slow the spread. All the bullshit that we have been told for the last 61 days. But who's counting.
No ol' Doc Faucci. He couldn't wait a whole week. Here's a screen grab from Laura Ingraham's show yesterday.
Yeah, that's Doc Faucci standing behind the president. We now know what he thinks about isolation and quarantine. Not for him. He's a Super-Star.
Ingraham's angle (since I used her screen shot) doesn't focus so much on Faucci's hypocrisy as it does on the contempt that democratic governors hold their constituents.
And, that's true. The idea was to flatten the curve, not to find a cure or get a vaccine. We have flattened the curve and averted a crisis in our hospitals. Now, it's time to open up, wide open. We should open just as hard as we shut down. In three days, not three months. Now, democratic governors are dragging the goalposts.
If anyone tells me to go into isolation, I'm going to tell them that I'll follow Doc Faucci's example, and ignore them.
Friday, May 15, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 60
Today, Louisiana enters Phase 1 of the covid recovery. Let's hope that LDH has gotten their act together on reporting the numbers. Let's see what those numbers show.
Case count today (if you can believe the numbers) are at 33,837, which is ostensibly (but who knows) 348 cases more than yesterday.
Fatalities are at 2382. Only 31 more than yesterday. Sad, but coming down.
Hospital census is at 1091, a drop of 98 since yesterday. The vent count is currently at 132.
The City of Many, LA has decided that this lockdowon is bullshit, and has no intention of enforcing any of the Phase 1 regulations. More cities should follow this lead.
Case count today (if you can believe the numbers) are at 33,837, which is ostensibly (but who knows) 348 cases more than yesterday.
Fatalities are at 2382. Only 31 more than yesterday. Sad, but coming down.
Hospital census is at 1091, a drop of 98 since yesterday. The vent count is currently at 132.
The City of Many, LA has decided that this lockdowon is bullshit, and has no intention of enforcing any of the Phase 1 regulations. More cities should follow this lead.
Skewing the Numbers
The state of Louisiana admits that it is skewing the numbers on the total case count of covid-positive tests.
During a live, digital Town Hall today, Governor Edwards announced the numbers, and immediately informed those watching that the data had been skewed. Of the 827 "new" cases added to the LDH total, 609 are coming from a lab who had a backlog of old results. Those old results date all the way back to March.Someone's head needs to roll. If we can't trust the numbers that the state is giving us, then we have no reason to believe anything they are telling us. There are those of us who are watching those numbers and expecting them to be accurate over time. Labs are supposed to report daily, and f they are not reporting daily, accurate numbers, then perhaps that lab should be de-certified.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 59
It's a rainy Thursday afternoon. The grandkids came over earlier to swim, and I made a big pot of stew. The rain started about noon, so we brought the kids in to eat. Now, they're gone home, so we can look at the covid numbers.
Total case count is up to 33,489. A jump of 827 since yesterday, but this number will become more ad more irrelevant as testing increases. Here in Louisiana we have tested over 247,000 people since we started.
Fatalities increased by 36, to 2351.
Hospital census is at 1193, one less than yesterday. Vent count is down 7, to 140.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 417 cases with the same 13 deaths. The case count is up 23, not a huge increase reflective of testing.
This is the last day of the stay-at-home order. Tomorrow we enter Phase 1. There was lots of talk onn the radio this morning about how slowly we're opening, and very few people inntend to cooperate with the contact tracing.
I hve a sneaking hunch that this process is going to be like hwatching a monkey try to have sex with a football.
Total case count is up to 33,489. A jump of 827 since yesterday, but this number will become more ad more irrelevant as testing increases. Here in Louisiana we have tested over 247,000 people since we started.
Fatalities increased by 36, to 2351.
Hospital census is at 1193, one less than yesterday. Vent count is down 7, to 140.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 417 cases with the same 13 deaths. The case count is up 23, not a huge increase reflective of testing.
This is the last day of the stay-at-home order. Tomorrow we enter Phase 1. There was lots of talk onn the radio this morning about how slowly we're opening, and very few people inntend to cooperate with the contact tracing.
I hve a sneaking hunch that this process is going to be like hwatching a monkey try to have sex with a football.
Lockdown
It seems like Democrat governors are getting serious about contact tracing.
I saw a post on Facebook, and it sounded awfully tyrannical. So, I started clicking around to separate the nonsense from the news, and I found that it is pretty much fact. Evidently, the Constitution doesn't mean much in Washington State. Governor Jay Inslee intends to put you on lockdown if you don't cooperate with is contact tracers.
What's he going to do? Post "family support personnel" around the boundary of the property to make sure that you stay inside? It sounds like what the CCP was doing; lock them in their apartment and not let them out. Unlock it a month later and see if anyone is still alive.
I'm learning how this contact tracing works and coming up with a plan to "cooperate" with them.
I saw a post on Facebook, and it sounded awfully tyrannical. So, I started clicking around to separate the nonsense from the news, and I found that it is pretty much fact. Evidently, the Constitution doesn't mean much in Washington State. Governor Jay Inslee intends to put you on lockdown if you don't cooperate with is contact tracers.
Therefore, those individuals that refuse to cooperate with contact tracers and/or refuse testing, those individuals will not be allowed to leave their homes to purchase basic necessities such as groceries and/or prescriptions. Those persons will need to make arrangements through friends, family, or a state provided “family support personnel.”State provided "family support personnel"?
What's he going to do? Post "family support personnel" around the boundary of the property to make sure that you stay inside? It sounds like what the CCP was doing; lock them in their apartment and not let them out. Unlock it a month later and see if anyone is still alive.
I'm learning how this contact tracing works and coming up with a plan to "cooperate" with them.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 58
On this, the 58th day of the Louisiana Covid Lockdown, let's look at the numbers.
Active cases today total 32,662. That's an increase of 612 cases statewide. With increased testing, this number is going to become irrelevant. What will be important is the number of hospitalizations.
Fatalities today are at 2315, an increase of 34. That's sad
Hospital census is down to 1194, from 1320 yesterday. That's a sizable drop. Vent count is up one case, to 147.
The total disease load is at 7/10th of one percent across Louisiana. I don't know how we are supposed to flatten a curve that never gets over 1% of total population. Graphed accurately, over time, it would simply be a wavy straight line down near the 0 axis.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 394 cases with 13 death. This number represents 3/10ths of one percent of total population.
This whole lockdown is bullshit, and people with brains understand it.
Active cases today total 32,662. That's an increase of 612 cases statewide. With increased testing, this number is going to become irrelevant. What will be important is the number of hospitalizations.
Fatalities today are at 2315, an increase of 34. That's sad
Hospital census is down to 1194, from 1320 yesterday. That's a sizable drop. Vent count is up one case, to 147.
The total disease load is at 7/10th of one percent across Louisiana. I don't know how we are supposed to flatten a curve that never gets over 1% of total population. Graphed accurately, over time, it would simply be a wavy straight line down near the 0 axis.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 394 cases with 13 death. This number represents 3/10ths of one percent of total population.
This whole lockdown is bullshit, and people with brains understand it.
Gun Bags
A buddy and I were talking yesterday and the subject of gun bags came up. He was complaining that his bag was too small. Once he loaded two belts, holsters, guns, ammo, and related items, he had trouble fitting it all in the bag.
I told him that I have been shooting competitively (off and on), for decades. Olympic skeet, small bore, USPSA, and now Cowboy Fast Draw. I told him that every sport differed, but my experience dictated that when I found a gun bag I liked, one that I was convinced would hold everything, to cull that one and buy the next larger size.
The problem comes when you fill that big bag, and can't lift it off the floor. Then, it's time to go to several smaller bags, Then get a wagon to carry all those bags. And, if your partner gets involved in the sport, or a grandkid, the number of bags increases exponentially. Which is why I bought a van, to haul all that excess. Some of the bags never leave the van, but they are always packed. If I leave the gunsmithing tools and spare parts at home, sure as God makes little green apples, I'll break a bolt spring.
It's all part of the game.
I told him that I have been shooting competitively (off and on), for decades. Olympic skeet, small bore, USPSA, and now Cowboy Fast Draw. I told him that every sport differed, but my experience dictated that when I found a gun bag I liked, one that I was convinced would hold everything, to cull that one and buy the next larger size.
The problem comes when you fill that big bag, and can't lift it off the floor. Then, it's time to go to several smaller bags, Then get a wagon to carry all those bags. And, if your partner gets involved in the sport, or a grandkid, the number of bags increases exponentially. Which is why I bought a van, to haul all that excess. Some of the bags never leave the van, but they are always packed. If I leave the gunsmithing tools and spare parts at home, sure as God makes little green apples, I'll break a bolt spring.
It's all part of the game.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 57
It's Tuesday, according to my calendar, and we're in the 57th day of the covid lockdown. Let's look at the numbers.
Today, the case count is running at 32,050, or 235 more than yesterday.
Fatalities are listed at 2281. An increase of 39.
Hospital census is down to 1320, an increase of 10 since yesterday. The vent count is at 146, down from 157 yesterday.
My home parish of Rapides is shwing 576 cases with the same 13 deaths.
I spent the morning in the shop, doing some gunsmithing for a friend. He had broken a mainspring in his Peitta revolver, and I happened to have a couple of spares in my bag. He's all set now, and we also took the time to palaver. It was good to visit with him and he said he'd be here for the monthly match on the 23rd.
Today, the case count is running at 32,050, or 235 more than yesterday.
Fatalities are listed at 2281. An increase of 39.
Hospital census is down to 1320, an increase of 10 since yesterday. The vent count is at 146, down from 157 yesterday.
My home parish of Rapides is shwing 576 cases with the same 13 deaths.
I spent the morning in the shop, doing some gunsmithing for a friend. He had broken a mainspring in his Peitta revolver, and I happened to have a couple of spares in my bag. He's all set now, and we also took the time to palaver. It was good to visit with him and he said he'd be here for the monthly match on the 23rd.
That Other Thing
While the vast majority of America is focused on the covid crisis, some interesting things have been happening that you may not have heard about. LTG Michael Flynn, a decorated warrior and more lately, a bigwig in the Trump administration, was famously charged by the FBI for lying to them. The cases wended it's way through the court system, and we found out that the Feds had been playing screw-around with the evidence and the case blew up in their faces.
As of this writing, Flynn is a free man. The charges have been dropped, and there is an investigation into the corruption in the upper offices of the past FBI regime. It may reach into the Obama White House.
So, the Wall Street Journal was a bit mystified when Obama started talking smack.
As of this writing, Flynn is a free man. The charges have been dropped, and there is an investigation into the corruption in the upper offices of the past FBI regime. It may reach into the Obama White House.
So, the Wall Street Journal was a bit mystified when Obama started talking smack.
“Barack Obama is a lawyer, so it was stunning to read that he ventured into the Michael Flynn case in a way that misstated the supposed crime and ignored the history of his own Administration in targeting Mr. Flynn. Since the former President chose to offer his legal views when he didn’t need to, we wonder what he’s really worried about.”My father always told me that if you throw a rock into a crowd, the fellow you hit is going to holler. Obama was knee-deep in the Russia, Russia, Russia collusion effort to damage the Trump administration. He knows that when his useful minions sart to be indicted, his name is going to be all over the interview narratives. He's worried about being indicted. And rightly so. He weaponized the FBI, CIA, and IRS along with a host of other alphabet agencies for his political gain. He's corrupt ad he knows it. He's worried about going to jail.
Monday, May 11, 2020
Caesar Decrees - Day 56
Well, it looks like our lord tyrant, John Bel Edwards has finally decided that we can start to reopen, in a limited way. We go into Phase 1 on Friday, May 15th. He gave us some indication of what that might look like, but cautioned us to read his regal decree, which will be made public very soon. However, the Baton Rouge Advocate has some inkling and has already published a best-guess.
I believe that Edwards decided that the data was so overwhelming that he could no longer rationalize a shutdown, as much as he desperately wanted to keep us shut down. The longer we're shut down, the more he can rely on federal dollars. So, rather than risk armed insurrection, he has decided to reopen parts of he economy.
The Governor has a convenient "chogy-boy" to trot out with what are generally bullshit chars and graphs. Dr Alex Billoux tries his best to put a scientific spin on the press conferences, but generally fails to get the tough questions from the press. If the press were doing their homework, he'd leave in tears at the end of every press conference, but generally the media is complicit in every public appearance.
I suspect that Louisiana will open up a lot faster than Bel Edwards wants us to. Like the apocryphal tale of the boy with his finger in the dike, he's going to have problems holding back the flood. People are tired, and we just don't much believe anything he or his sycophants are saying. The data is public for all to see,
The petty tyrant says that he is going to roll out an army of contact tracers. No one that I know intends to cooperate with them. I certainly won't. Most folks don't even answer the phone if they do't recognize the number. When a reported asked Billoux about that last week, the idiot didn't have an answer. That's pretty basic.
I believe that Edwards decided that the data was so overwhelming that he could no longer rationalize a shutdown, as much as he desperately wanted to keep us shut down. The longer we're shut down, the more he can rely on federal dollars. So, rather than risk armed insurrection, he has decided to reopen parts of he economy.
The Governor has a convenient "chogy-boy" to trot out with what are generally bullshit chars and graphs. Dr Alex Billoux tries his best to put a scientific spin on the press conferences, but generally fails to get the tough questions from the press. If the press were doing their homework, he'd leave in tears at the end of every press conference, but generally the media is complicit in every public appearance.
I suspect that Louisiana will open up a lot faster than Bel Edwards wants us to. Like the apocryphal tale of the boy with his finger in the dike, he's going to have problems holding back the flood. People are tired, and we just don't much believe anything he or his sycophants are saying. The data is public for all to see,
The petty tyrant says that he is going to roll out an army of contact tracers. No one that I know intends to cooperate with them. I certainly won't. Most folks don't even answer the phone if they do't recognize the number. When a reported asked Billoux about that last week, the idiot didn't have an answer. That's pretty basic.
Louisiana Covid Update
Louisiana is waiting on the governor to makes his hue announcement. In the meantime, lets look at the numbers.
Total case count today is 31815, a scant 215 over yesterday.
Fatalities today list at 2242. Each is a sad tragedy, but this number is decking, 20 more than yesterday.
Hospital census is at 1310, with 157 on vents. Both th down from yesterday.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 310 cases with 13 deaths. That's terrible, but we'e still under 1/3rd of 1 percent.
Never have so many done so little for so few, at an horrific cost. Louisiana's economy is crippled, with little to show for it.
Hopefully, we start to climb out of this nightmare this afternoon.
Total case count today is 31815, a scant 215 over yesterday.
Fatalities today list at 2242. Each is a sad tragedy, but this number is decking, 20 more than yesterday.
Hospital census is at 1310, with 157 on vents. Both th down from yesterday.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 310 cases with 13 deaths. That's terrible, but we'e still under 1/3rd of 1 percent.
Never have so many done so little for so few, at an horrific cost. Louisiana's economy is crippled, with little to show for it.
Hopefully, we start to climb out of this nightmare this afternoon.
Scale Matters
It's Monday, and we're waiting to see how the petty tyrant's proclamation will affect us today. But, the Baton Rouge Advocate put out some government chars today. They purport to reflect the the impact of the covid virus o Louisiana, but the charts themselves are seductive. They are horrific, but if you know how to read a chart, you learn that they're not reflective. Oh, they are accurate. But they are not reflective of what is going on.
Scale matters. If you are running a series of charts, the scale has to be consistent so an observer can see what is happening. For example, this chart of the Covid impact on the New Orleans
Look at this chart. It's probably a standard bell chart, or perhaps a Poisson distribution. It shows that at one point, the New Orleans metro area went over 120 per 100k residents. And, they are in decline. That's good nes for the New Orleans metro area.
Now, let's look at this next chart, which pupots to tell the same story for central Louisiana.
Omigod, we're all going to die. Central Louisiana has had a double spike. Infection is rampant, much worse than New Orleans. Until you look at the scale on the right side of the chart. Our high point is 8 cases per 100K (where the NOLA high point is 120 cases per 100K. If those two charts were done to the same scale, the scale, the Region 6 chart would basically be a flat line.
Based on the numbers, central Louisiana hasn't been affted nearly to the point that NOLA has been affected. Our cases are statistically irrelevant.
Beware of charts. Scale matters.
Scale matters. If you are running a series of charts, the scale has to be consistent so an observer can see what is happening. For example, this chart of the Covid impact on the New Orleans
Now, let's look at this next chart, which pupots to tell the same story for central Louisiana.
Omigod, we're all going to die. Central Louisiana has had a double spike. Infection is rampant, much worse than New Orleans. Until you look at the scale on the right side of the chart. Our high point is 8 cases per 100K (where the NOLA high point is 120 cases per 100K. If those two charts were done to the same scale, the scale, the Region 6 chart would basically be a flat line.
Based on the numbers, central Louisiana hasn't been affted nearly to the point that NOLA has been affected. Our cases are statistically irrelevant.
Beware of charts. Scale matters.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 55
It's Mothers Day, and I've talked with my Mama today. Belle ad I drove to Jena for a family gathering. Belle's mother is will be 99 years old in July, and we all gathered at her house for a cooking and a visiting.
Being all Louisiana residents from across the state (Pineville, Jena, Baton Rouge and New Roads), there was a variety of opinion about what directions our petty tyrant governor might take when he makes his announcement tomorrow.
But, we'll know within 24 hours. Let's look at the numbers.
Today's case count is 31,600, an increase of 183 since yesterday.
Fatalities today total 2213, or 19 more than yesterday.
The hospital census is at 1324, down 9 from yesterday. The vent count is down as well, to 161,
My home parish of Rapides is showing a case count of 362. We lost another resident yesterday, with the fatality count at 13. Rapides parish disease load is still less than 1/3rd of 1 percent of the population of the parish.
Being all Louisiana residents from across the state (Pineville, Jena, Baton Rouge and New Roads), there was a variety of opinion about what directions our petty tyrant governor might take when he makes his announcement tomorrow.
But, we'll know within 24 hours. Let's look at the numbers.
Today's case count is 31,600, an increase of 183 since yesterday.
Fatalities today total 2213, or 19 more than yesterday.
The hospital census is at 1324, down 9 from yesterday. The vent count is down as well, to 161,
My home parish of Rapides is showing a case count of 362. We lost another resident yesterday, with the fatality count at 13. Rapides parish disease load is still less than 1/3rd of 1 percent of the population of the parish.
Stweardship, Collecting, Maintnance
A great video from Mark Novak ad Iraqvereran8888 about how we're supposed to treat firearms that might be historical artifacts, or even that gun you inherited from your great uncle.
Lots of good common sense here from two very interesting folks.
Lots of good common sense here from two very interesting folks.
Saturday, May 09, 2020
There Is Bound to Be a Law
Against one administration trying to sabotage the incoming administration.
Obama was in it all along. PJMedia reports:
Obama was in it all along. PJMedia reports:
On January 5, 2017, a meeting was held in the Obama White House in the Oval Office. Both President Obama and Vice President Biden attended. This meeting, it turns out, was critical to the anti-Trump operation by the Obama administration, reports Mollie Hemingway at The Federalist. “It was at this meeting that Obama gave guidance to key officials who would be tasked with protecting his administration’s utilization of secretly funded Clinton campaign research, which alleged Trump was involved in a treasonous plot to collude with Russia, from being discovered or stopped by the incoming administration,” she wrote.This meeting happened just 15 days before Trump was inaugurated on Jane 20th.
Also in attendance at this meeting was then-CIA Director John Brennan, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, then-national security adviser Susan Rice, then-FBI Director James Comey, then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, and other members of the national security council.Go read the whole thing at the link above. This puts Obama squarely in the middle of the Russia investigation scandal.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 54
On this beautiful, cool, breezy Saturday , the 54th day of the petty tyrant's stay at home order, lets see what the numbers look like.
Louisiana is ramping up testing. We're showing 31.417 active cases, an increase of 532 since yesterday.
Fatalities total 2194 today, an increase of 40.
Hospitalizations are down to 1333, down 26. Of those, the vent count is dropping too, to 165.
My home parish of Rapides is showing a total disease count of 351, an increase of 13 in the past 24 hours. Before you freak out, a lot of those people are recovered, and the total case count only reflects only 0.27% (yeah, a little over a quarter of one percent of the population). If one quarter or one percent is a crisis, hen we need to redefine the term.
We opened up the shooting club for the first time in six weeks, and had 8 shooter come out to enjoy the cool air and the fellowship.
We are expecting that the governor will announce his opening plans during his press conference on Monday. If he doesn't hell have hell to pay from the legislature, who is poised to show him what the phrase "checks and balances" means.
Louisiana is ramping up testing. We're showing 31.417 active cases, an increase of 532 since yesterday.
Fatalities total 2194 today, an increase of 40.
Hospitalizations are down to 1333, down 26. Of those, the vent count is dropping too, to 165.
My home parish of Rapides is showing a total disease count of 351, an increase of 13 in the past 24 hours. Before you freak out, a lot of those people are recovered, and the total case count only reflects only 0.27% (yeah, a little over a quarter of one percent of the population). If one quarter or one percent is a crisis, hen we need to redefine the term.
We opened up the shooting club for the first time in six weeks, and had 8 shooter come out to enjoy the cool air and the fellowship.
We are expecting that the governor will announce his opening plans during his press conference on Monday. If he doesn't hell have hell to pay from the legislature, who is poised to show him what the phrase "checks and balances" means.
Friday, May 08, 2020
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 53
Well, it looks like the Louisiana Dept of Health got their crap together and released the numbers on time. Let's take a look, shall we?
Today, the LDH is reporting 30,855 total cases. That's 203 more than yesterday.
Fatalities today stand at 2154. An increase of 19 since yesterday.
Hospital census is at 1359, down 173 in the last 24 hours. The vent count is down 4, to 185.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 338 cases, up 22 since yesterday. Deaths are still at 11.
Our petty tyrant governor is going to give a press conference at 2:30 CDT today to tell us how he intends to ramp up testing ad do contact tracing. Contact tracing, you ask? Yeah, that's when the government contacts you and asks for all kinds of personal information. I'm not going to respond to any of that. Screw 'em ad the horse they rode in on. I have the right to remain silent. They can go piss up a rope.
Today, the LDH is reporting 30,855 total cases. That's 203 more than yesterday.
Fatalities today stand at 2154. An increase of 19 since yesterday.
Hospital census is at 1359, down 173 in the last 24 hours. The vent count is down 4, to 185.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 338 cases, up 22 since yesterday. Deaths are still at 11.
Our petty tyrant governor is going to give a press conference at 2:30 CDT today to tell us how he intends to ramp up testing ad do contact tracing. Contact tracing, you ask? Yeah, that's when the government contacts you and asks for all kinds of personal information. I'm not going to respond to any of that. Screw 'em ad the horse they rode in on. I have the right to remain silent. They can go piss up a rope.
The Models - Covid or Weather
Those of us who live in hurricane-stricken areas watch weather models very closely. The famous spaghetti models of possible hurricane tracks are a huge source of merriment or some of us. They keep wandering as the data firms up, and generally about 12 hours prior to landfall we have a good idea about where the storm is going. Even then, the models fail sometimes.
Over the past couple of months, we've been watching public health models trying to predict what might happen during the covid crisis. And, like the weather models, these models have been all over the place. Initial estimates of 2.2 million US deaths are probably wrong at this point. Woefully inaccurate.
Unlike weather models, public health models can scare the hell out of us, and motivate us to change behavior to influence the outcome. That may be what is happening here. But, we can't say that with certainty, simply because we can't measure something that never happened.
When I was taking statistics classes in college, we had something called a degree of confidence. When using statistics we might assign a "95% degree of confidence" to a model, but that other 5% was still hanging out there. We were pretty confident, but we didn't know, because there is no way of knowing. YOU CAN'T MEASURE SOMETHING THAT DID'T HAPPEN.
When this crisis is over, and someone tells you that he knows something or other, ask for the degree of confidence. If he tells you that he knows cor certain that we saved lives, ask him how many lives. Certainty is a powerful thing until you start trying to pin it down and if he can't pin it down, he's not certain. See how that works?
We try to operate under certainty, an that's impossible. There is always a degree of confidence, and if the modeler isn't willing to give a degree of confidence, then the listener is perfectly justified in assigning something I call a "degree of bullshit" Confidence + bullshit = 100%. There is always bullshit in every model. We cannot measure what did not happen.
Over the past couple of months, we've been watching public health models trying to predict what might happen during the covid crisis. And, like the weather models, these models have been all over the place. Initial estimates of 2.2 million US deaths are probably wrong at this point. Woefully inaccurate.
Unlike weather models, public health models can scare the hell out of us, and motivate us to change behavior to influence the outcome. That may be what is happening here. But, we can't say that with certainty, simply because we can't measure something that never happened.
When I was taking statistics classes in college, we had something called a degree of confidence. When using statistics we might assign a "95% degree of confidence" to a model, but that other 5% was still hanging out there. We were pretty confident, but we didn't know, because there is no way of knowing. YOU CAN'T MEASURE SOMETHING THAT DID'T HAPPEN.
When this crisis is over, and someone tells you that he knows something or other, ask for the degree of confidence. If he tells you that he knows cor certain that we saved lives, ask him how many lives. Certainty is a powerful thing until you start trying to pin it down and if he can't pin it down, he's not certain. See how that works?
We try to operate under certainty, an that's impossible. There is always a degree of confidence, and if the modeler isn't willing to give a degree of confidence, then the listener is perfectly justified in assigning something I call a "degree of bullshit" Confidence + bullshit = 100%. There is always bullshit in every model. We cannot measure what did not happen.
Thursday, May 07, 2020
Oh, Joy!
If the covid crisis isn't bad enough for you, then in Washington State, we have murder hornets. Those sound plumb turrible (sic), but that's not all the oy that we have shaping up this year.
Just about the time we come out of the covid disaster, it will he June, and the start of hurricane season. And, the weather-weenies are telling us it might be a doozy.
2020 ain't shaping up like I had hoped it would.
Just about the time we come out of the covid disaster, it will he June, and the start of hurricane season. And, the weather-weenies are telling us it might be a doozy.
Led by Dan Kottlowksi, AccuWeather's top hurricane expert, meteorologists this week released a 2020 Atlantic hurricane forecast. Kottlowksi's team is calling for 14-18 tropical storms during this upcoming season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Of those storms, seven to nine are forecast to become hurricanes, and two to four are predicted to strengthen into major hurricanes.Something like this is ust exactly what we need.
2020 ain't shaping up like I had hoped it would.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 52
On the 52nd day of the lockdown ordered by the tyrant Edwards, let's look at the numbers.
Total case count today is 30652, an increase of 253 since yesterday.
Fatality count is 2135 today, an increase of 86 since yesterday.
Statewide hospitalizations are down 33, to 1432. The vent count today stands at 189.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 316 cases today, with the same 11 death count.
The legislature is in session today, and the leges are considering a bill that would severely strip the power of the governor to close businesses during an emergency. The governor says that it has no merit, but lots of us think that it has plenty of merit.
Belle and I are trying to support local restaurants durng this shutdown. Today we ordered take-out from Red River Grill, a local favorite. Belle got something called a crunch roll, while I opted for shrimp fettuccine.
Total case count today is 30652, an increase of 253 since yesterday.
Fatality count is 2135 today, an increase of 86 since yesterday.
Statewide hospitalizations are down 33, to 1432. The vent count today stands at 189.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 316 cases today, with the same 11 death count.
The legislature is in session today, and the leges are considering a bill that would severely strip the power of the governor to close businesses during an emergency. The governor says that it has no merit, but lots of us think that it has plenty of merit.
Belle and I are trying to support local restaurants durng this shutdown. Today we ordered take-out from Red River Grill, a local favorite. Belle got something called a crunch roll, while I opted for shrimp fettuccine.
Covid Update - Day 52
I don't know if you've noticed, but President Trump is over the idea of giving daily covid briefings. He's still on TV, but the marathon covid briefings are over. He's gone to a more rational schedule, so the new press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany is holding daily press conferences.
I like this gal, she's feisty. Yesterday, a reporter asked a "gotcha" question, and she torched him. Then, she told him that ask those questions to the other sources and maybe he'd have an answer in a few days.
Well played. In other news I note that my home parish or Rapides has a population of 128,000 and we currently have a covid load of 316. Doing the math tells us that it has affected less than one-quarter of one percent of the population.
I like this gal, she's feisty. Yesterday, a reporter asked a "gotcha" question, and she torched him. Then, she told him that ask those questions to the other sources and maybe he'd have an answer in a few days.
Well played. In other news I note that my home parish or Rapides has a population of 128,000 and we currently have a covid load of 316. Doing the math tells us that it has affected less than one-quarter of one percent of the population.
Wednesday, May 06, 2020
Finally, the Louisiana Covid Update - Day 51.
Well, I see that the Louisiana Dept of Health finally got their heads our of their collective asses and posted the numbers that should have been posted at noon. SO, lets read 'em and weep.
Total case count is listed today at 30,399, That is an interesting jump in the numbers, 403 new cases since yesterday.
Fatalities are listed at 2094, a gain of 52 since yesterday.
Hospitalization show up at 1465, again down from 1512 yesterday. Lots of fols getting out of the hospital. That's a good thing.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 318 active cases, with the death count at 11. You can do the match, but with a population of 128,000 those eleven deaths, while tragic are less than one one-hundredth of a percent (0.0000859).
We closed our economy for this?
Total case count is listed today at 30,399, That is an interesting jump in the numbers, 403 new cases since yesterday.
Fatalities are listed at 2094, a gain of 52 since yesterday.
Hospitalization show up at 1465, again down from 1512 yesterday. Lots of fols getting out of the hospital. That's a good thing.
My home parish of Rapides is showing 318 active cases, with the death count at 11. You can do the match, but with a population of 128,000 those eleven deaths, while tragic are less than one one-hundredth of a percent (0.0000859).
We closed our economy for this?
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 51
As I type this, it is shortly after 12:00, and I suspect that the scientists and statisticians at the Louisiana Dept of Health can tell time. They're supposed to update the numbers at noon. Noon is the same time everywhere in this state, even in Baton Rouge.
We're looking at the same numbers we saw yesterday. SO rather than report raw numbers, let's take some perspective. We know that the population of the state is 4.649 million (est. US Census Bureau). We also now that as of yesterday, 29,996 folks have tested positive for covid. That means that currently in Louisiana, the covid has infected 0.00645 of our population. That's not even 7/10ths of one percent.
Likewise the current death toll is 2042, which is 0.0000439 of the population. Way less than a tenth of one percent.
For this we shut down the economy? For this we are in day 51 of a maor ecoomic collapse?
We're looking at the same numbers we saw yesterday. SO rather than report raw numbers, let's take some perspective. We know that the population of the state is 4.649 million (est. US Census Bureau). We also now that as of yesterday, 29,996 folks have tested positive for covid. That means that currently in Louisiana, the covid has infected 0.00645 of our population. That's not even 7/10ths of one percent.
Likewise the current death toll is 2042, which is 0.0000439 of the population. Way less than a tenth of one percent.
For this we shut down the economy? For this we are in day 51 of a maor ecoomic collapse?
Tuesday, May 05, 2020
The New Postal Match
Back in pre-internet days we used to shoot something called a Postal Match. You could sign up by mail, and you'd get a target in the mail. You'd shoot your target according to the rules, then have someone witness it, then mail it back. When I was shooting smallbore, or muzzle loader, I got involved ina couple of postal matches. They were a lot of fun.
These days, the CFDA can't have sanctioned matches until the covid quarantine is over, so we've been doing virtual matches. They benefit our scholarship program, and we're on the honor system to shoot the match on video and post it on the society Facebook page. The match directors score the matches and declare winners and losers.
On Sunday, I signed up for a match. For round one, I was paired against a lady, Calamity Pam, who poster her video.
Good shooting. Good times, a good hit ratio. So, the next morning, I posted my video.
Five shots, five misses. I did not cover myself in glory, but that is the nature of this game. Pam won that round, and Maor D goes in to the losers column.
They posted the second round about an hour ago. I"ll shoot it tomorrow morning. Maybe, just maybe I'll find that target and put some times on the scoreboard.
These days, the CFDA can't have sanctioned matches until the covid quarantine is over, so we've been doing virtual matches. They benefit our scholarship program, and we're on the honor system to shoot the match on video and post it on the society Facebook page. The match directors score the matches and declare winners and losers.
On Sunday, I signed up for a match. For round one, I was paired against a lady, Calamity Pam, who poster her video.
Good shooting. Good times, a good hit ratio. So, the next morning, I posted my video.
Five shots, five misses. I did not cover myself in glory, but that is the nature of this game. Pam won that round, and Maor D goes in to the losers column.
They posted the second round about an hour ago. I"ll shoot it tomorrow morning. Maybe, just maybe I'll find that target and put some times on the scoreboard.
More Covid Wisdom
A veritable litany of do's-and-don't during these confusing times.
You heard it here first.
You heard it here first.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 51
On this, the 5th day of May o the Christian calendar, and Cinco de Mayo, and the 51st day on Governor Edwrds petty tyrant calendar, let's see how the numbers stack up.
Total cases count is at 29,996, a gain of 369 since yesterday. Tomorrow, we'll break 30K sure as God makes little green apples.
Fatalities bumped over 2000, standing at 2042. That's an increase of 51 since yesterday. Some are calling those numbers into question, with reports of individual deaths being counted, whether they had covid or not. If you accept that number, you're either gullible, or scared. Your choice.
Hospitalizations are up 10, to 1512, but the vent count is down 26, to 194. If all of the people they took off vents were fatalities, that would not account for the increased death count. Makes you wonder doesn't it?
My home parish of Rapides is tallying 8 more cases, for a total of 308, and they've added one to the death toll. We currently stand at 11.
The governor is not giving a press briefing today. This week they are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Belle thinks she would like Mexican food today, so I'll be calling in an order before very much longer.
Total cases count is at 29,996, a gain of 369 since yesterday. Tomorrow, we'll break 30K sure as God makes little green apples.
Fatalities bumped over 2000, standing at 2042. That's an increase of 51 since yesterday. Some are calling those numbers into question, with reports of individual deaths being counted, whether they had covid or not. If you accept that number, you're either gullible, or scared. Your choice.
Hospitalizations are up 10, to 1512, but the vent count is down 26, to 194. If all of the people they took off vents were fatalities, that would not account for the increased death count. Makes you wonder doesn't it?
My home parish of Rapides is tallying 8 more cases, for a total of 308, and they've added one to the death toll. We currently stand at 11.
The governor is not giving a press briefing today. This week they are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Belle thinks she would like Mexican food today, so I'll be calling in an order before very much longer.
Our State Bureaucracy
Faced with massive loss of revenue, it seems that now would be a good time to roll back state bureaucracy. With less money, business across the state is cutting back and it seems rational to roll back stat e government to match the level of revenue they expect. Rational to us, that is.
I was talking to a cosmetologist recently. A dear friend, she has been cutting hair for a long time, both in small and large salons. Like many, she's out of work now, and say s that the state cosmetology board has threatened everyone with a $5,000 fine if they are caught cutting hair during the shutdown. She can't even go to a trusted customer's house and do her styling in the privacy of a home.
Thinking of her, I clicked over to the State Board of Cosmetology. I did some looking, and opening up isn't going to be as easy as turning the lights on and dusting the shelves. No, there are three pages of do's-and-don'ts associated with a salon getting back into business.
Why is that? The simple answer is that the state board has to do something to prove they are relevant. In this time when it is critically important to get Louisiana back to work, the cosmetology board is throwing p road blocks.
The State Fire Marshal is telling businesses that they have to register before they reopen. Why is that? I assume that each business had a license before the closure. There is no reason to register before opening, unless the goal is government control. Better that government should help the economy by staying out of the way,, but that doesn't seem to be the strategy in Louisiana's overbearing bureaucracy.
These are just two examples of places where the state could save money. The Fire Marshal should concentrate on fire, period. The state cosmetology board should be disbanded completely.
I was talking to a cosmetologist recently. A dear friend, she has been cutting hair for a long time, both in small and large salons. Like many, she's out of work now, and say s that the state cosmetology board has threatened everyone with a $5,000 fine if they are caught cutting hair during the shutdown. She can't even go to a trusted customer's house and do her styling in the privacy of a home.
Thinking of her, I clicked over to the State Board of Cosmetology. I did some looking, and opening up isn't going to be as easy as turning the lights on and dusting the shelves. No, there are three pages of do's-and-don'ts associated with a salon getting back into business.
Why is that? The simple answer is that the state board has to do something to prove they are relevant. In this time when it is critically important to get Louisiana back to work, the cosmetology board is throwing p road blocks.
The State Fire Marshal is telling businesses that they have to register before they reopen. Why is that? I assume that each business had a license before the closure. There is no reason to register before opening, unless the goal is government control. Better that government should help the economy by staying out of the way,, but that doesn't seem to be the strategy in Louisiana's overbearing bureaucracy.
These are just two examples of places where the state could save money. The Fire Marshal should concentrate on fire, period. The state cosmetology board should be disbanded completely.
Monday, May 04, 2020
Self-Inflicted
Sometimes you shoot yourself in the foot. Sometimes you don't. In 2005, Louisiana experienced devastation after the twin hits of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Katrina hit the eastern-most parishes and veered off into Mississippi. Rita roared ashore two weeks later and savaged the western-most parishes.
That hit came from Mother Nature and we suffered for several months, in some cases for a couple of years. We experienced a huge outward migration of people. Baton Rouge doubled in size almost overnight as folks from New Orleans fled north to the next metro area. Many wound up in Houston.
This one is different. It's self-inflicted. The ravages of covid-19 are mainly caused by government, doing what they think is necessary. Many o us disagree. But, the Advocate, the daily wipe from Baton Rouge is starting to notice.
Katrina and Rita weren't the governor's fault, but it sealed her political future. When she broke down in tears, Louisiana turned away from her. This hit is entirely the governor's fault, and he's not doing anything to mitigate the damage to the tax system. He is enhancing it. While other states around us are opening up, Louisiana is mired in a stay-at-home order.
The one thing that is ramping up is the black market. I know that I'd personally rather buy from folks who have lost jobs, either in goods or services, to help then out during this idiocy. The state draws no tax from that, and it is ramping up quickly.
The governor is going to have to learn to make-do on a whole lot less money. And, as a Republican, I believe that smaller government is a great boon.
Let Freedom Ring.
That hit came from Mother Nature and we suffered for several months, in some cases for a couple of years. We experienced a huge outward migration of people. Baton Rouge doubled in size almost overnight as folks from New Orleans fled north to the next metro area. Many wound up in Houston.
This one is different. It's self-inflicted. The ravages of covid-19 are mainly caused by government, doing what they think is necessary. Many o us disagree. But, the Advocate, the daily wipe from Baton Rouge is starting to notice.
Louisiana state lawmakers on Monday received a sobering glimpse of the state’s economic downturn, which one economist warned would be worse than the one experienced after Hurricane Katrina, as officials race to figure out how much tax money the state will lose as the budget is thrown into turmoil.Duuh? You think? When you wreck the business climate in Louisiana, which wasn't known for a business-friendly climate. When you through thousands of Louisianans out of work, you think it might impact tax revenues?
Katrina and Rita weren't the governor's fault, but it sealed her political future. When she broke down in tears, Louisiana turned away from her. This hit is entirely the governor's fault, and he's not doing anything to mitigate the damage to the tax system. He is enhancing it. While other states around us are opening up, Louisiana is mired in a stay-at-home order.
The one thing that is ramping up is the black market. I know that I'd personally rather buy from folks who have lost jobs, either in goods or services, to help then out during this idiocy. The state draws no tax from that, and it is ramping up quickly.
The governor is going to have to learn to make-do on a whole lot less money. And, as a Republican, I believe that smaller government is a great boon.
Let Freedom Ring.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 50
On this, the 50th day of Louisiana's epic battle with our governor, let's see how the numbers are stacking up.
Total case count today is 29,637, an increase of 297 cases since yesterday.
Fatalities are listed today at 1991, an increase of 28 deaths, every one a tragedy.
Hospitalizations are down to 1502, a drop of 28. The ventilator count is up at bit, and 220.
Total recoveries in the state today are listed at 20,316, which means that we actually have 9321 active cases in the state today.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting an even 300 cases, up from 281 yesterday. That's an increase of 19 cases, which seems odd.
Now, it's time for lunch. I think I'm going to run out and get some burgers from a local restaurant.
Total case count today is 29,637, an increase of 297 cases since yesterday.
Fatalities are listed today at 1991, an increase of 28 deaths, every one a tragedy.
Hospitalizations are down to 1502, a drop of 28. The ventilator count is up at bit, and 220.
Total recoveries in the state today are listed at 20,316, which means that we actually have 9321 active cases in the state today.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting an even 300 cases, up from 281 yesterday. That's an increase of 19 cases, which seems odd.
Now, it's time for lunch. I think I'm going to run out and get some burgers from a local restaurant.
DIY Face Mask
In these Covid-correct times, it's important that we learn new skills.
You can make a face mask with just a little bit of fabric and elastic.
Editing is also important.
You can make a face mask with just a little bit of fabric and elastic.
Editing is also important.
Sunday, May 03, 2020
This Is Interesting
An article in the Economist gives some interesting insight.
Smokers seem less likely than non-smokers to fall ill with covid-19Most of it is behind a paywall, but Instapundit draws back the curtain.
Smokers are almost certainly not protected from initial infection by SARS-CoV-2. In fact, because they first handle and then puff on cigarettes, they may be especially susceptible—for transmission often takes place through the mouth’s mucous membranes. What seems to be happening is that infected smokers are less likely to develop symptoms, or, if they do develop them, are more likely than non-smokers to have symptoms which are mild. That means they are more likely to stay home and not to show up in hospital statistics.
All this suggests that something in tobacco smoke is having a protective effect. The best guess is that the something in question is nicotine.I would caution everyone that smoking is still harmful, And a standard cigarette has many chemical compounds in it. Nicotine just seems to be the most obvious.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 49
As we complete seven full weeks of the Covid lockdown, let's take a minute and look at how Dr. Fauci's Wuhan lab has impacted Louisiana.
The numbers today show that a total of 29,340 have contracted the vile disease across the state. That's 200 more cases than yesterday.
Fatalities today total 1969. It's a lagging indicator, only 19 more than yesterday. Of course, we mourn for those neighbors, because even one is too many.
Hospitalizations are listed at 1530, with 213 on ventilators. The hospitalizations dropped by 15, and the vent count went up by five (5).
The headline in the Baton Rouge Advocate says that:
My hoe parish of Rapides is reporting today a total of 281 cases, up from 273 yesterday. The deaths are stable at 10.
The numbers today show that a total of 29,340 have contracted the vile disease across the state. That's 200 more cases than yesterday.
Fatalities today total 1969. It's a lagging indicator, only 19 more than yesterday. Of course, we mourn for those neighbors, because even one is too many.
Hospitalizations are listed at 1530, with 213 on ventilators. The hospitalizations dropped by 15, and the vent count went up by five (5).
The headline in the Baton Rouge Advocate says that:
Coronavirus deaths in East Baton Rouge outstrip gun deaths; statewide more than flu deathsThat's a good think, I reckon.
My hoe parish of Rapides is reporting today a total of 281 cases, up from 273 yesterday. The deaths are stable at 10.
Asking the Question
Why did Fauci outsource Gain-Of-Function testing to the Wuhan lab?
Seven weeks ago I had never heard of Dr. Anthony Fauci. He came into my consciousness only in the past seven weeks. Until then he was ust a faceless functionary, a scientist at something called the National Institute of Allergies and Infections Diseases and (NIAID).
Evidently, back several years ago, the US placed a moratorium on Gain-of-Function testing because it was insanely dangerous. The US had real concerns about an extremely dangerous virus getting out and causing a global pandemic.
And, Fauci, because he's a scientist and wanted to continue research that he felt was vital to something or other, outsourced the research.
And yet, not one US journalist is interested in following this story, or even asking Fauci about his role in starting this pandemic. They have had plenty of opportunity. It appears that Dr. Fauci created this monster and now he's lecturing us daily on "safe and effective". What unbelievable arrogance.
Seven weeks ago I had never heard of Dr. Anthony Fauci. He came into my consciousness only in the past seven weeks. Until then he was ust a faceless functionary, a scientist at something called the National Institute of Allergies and Infections Diseases and (NIAID).
Evidently, back several years ago, the US placed a moratorium on Gain-of-Function testing because it was insanely dangerous. The US had real concerns about an extremely dangerous virus getting out and causing a global pandemic.
And, Fauci, because he's a scientist and wanted to continue research that he felt was vital to something or other, outsourced the research.
In the face of a moratorium in the US, Dr Anthony Fauci – the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and currently the leading doctor in the US Coronavirus Task Force – outsourced in 2015 the GOF research to China’s Wuhan lab and licensed the lab to continue receiving US government funding.So, Fauci wanted to do research that he was forbidden to do in the United States and he outsourced the work to a lab in Wuhan, China. Now, he's a household name as the leading expert and the head of Trump's task force. He's studying the virus in great detail, a virus that he was instrumental in creating has gotten out and caused a global pandemic.
And yet, not one US journalist is interested in following this story, or even asking Fauci about his role in starting this pandemic. They have had plenty of opportunity. It appears that Dr. Fauci created this monster and now he's lecturing us daily on "safe and effective". What unbelievable arrogance.
Saturday, May 02, 2020
Stuffed Pistolettes - Covid Cooking
Belle and I were tinkering around in the shop today and she decided to experiment with a recipe. It's a riff on her meat pie recipe.
The link to the meat pie recipe is here: Basically what she did was cut a bunch of pistolettes in half, hollow them out, and fill them with meat pie stuffing.
Meat Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork sausage
1 c. green onion, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 pcs garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
Salt, pepper, red pepper to taste (or Tony’s Creole Seasoning)
2 Tbs flour
In a cast iron skillet, saute your vegetables, then add the meat, to fry until brown, stirred in with the vegetables. Add the flour to thicken, an set aside.
In your hollowed-out pistolettes, add a generous helping of meat mixture, then put them in an oven-safe container and run them in the oven to toast or about 15 minutes.
That's fine eating, right there.
The link to the meat pie recipe is here: Basically what she did was cut a bunch of pistolettes in half, hollow them out, and fill them with meat pie stuffing.
Meat Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork sausage
1 c. green onion, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 pcs garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
Salt, pepper, red pepper to taste (or Tony’s Creole Seasoning)
2 Tbs flour
In a cast iron skillet, saute your vegetables, then add the meat, to fry until brown, stirred in with the vegetables. Add the flour to thicken, an set aside.
In your hollowed-out pistolettes, add a generous helping of meat mixture, then put them in an oven-safe container and run them in the oven to toast or about 15 minutes.
That's fine eating, right there.
Louisiana Covid Update - Day 48
The Louisiana Dept of Health posted the numbers a bit early, so we'll go ahead and assess the damage.
Total cases today totals 29,140. That's 429 more than yesterday. It's a sizable ump, and Baton Rouge is reporting the lion's share.
Fatalities today are reported at 1950. That's bad, and we mourn for the vicitims, but it's 23 more than yesterday.
Hospitalizations are reported at 1545, a drop of 62 since yesterday. Of those, the vent count is down to 208, another decreasing metric.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 273 total cases, and increase of only 3 cases since yesterday. The death toll has stabilized at 10.
We're going to start ramping up testing. The petty tyrant Edwards wants 200K tests per month in Louisiana More tests means more positive results. So, to my way of thinking, the main indicators should be hospitalization, fatalities, and vent counts. The vast majority of us who contract the virus will be fine.
Belle ad I are spending lots of time inthe shop, Today she was feeling peckish and opened some chicken salad to eat on crackers. Of course, the dawg had to get his ration.
I'll catch up with y'all tomorrow.
Total cases today totals 29,140. That's 429 more than yesterday. It's a sizable ump, and Baton Rouge is reporting the lion's share.
Fatalities today are reported at 1950. That's bad, and we mourn for the vicitims, but it's 23 more than yesterday.
Hospitalizations are reported at 1545, a drop of 62 since yesterday. Of those, the vent count is down to 208, another decreasing metric.
My home parish of Rapides is reporting 273 total cases, and increase of only 3 cases since yesterday. The death toll has stabilized at 10.
We're going to start ramping up testing. The petty tyrant Edwards wants 200K tests per month in Louisiana More tests means more positive results. So, to my way of thinking, the main indicators should be hospitalization, fatalities, and vent counts. The vast majority of us who contract the virus will be fine.
Belle ad I are spending lots of time inthe shop, Today she was feeling peckish and opened some chicken salad to eat on crackers. Of course, the dawg had to get his ration.
I'll catch up with y'all tomorrow.
What Does Re-Opening Look LIke?
As we wend our way through this pandemic, and find our way back into the sunshine of something resembling freedom, it might be instructive to see how this thing will affect our lives in the coming weeks. We in Louisiana are still under the boot of the tyrannical stay-at-home order until May 15 (unless the petty tyrant extends it, yet again)
Fortunately, the government (all hail big government) has provided a handy guide to what the phased re-oping might look like. You can find it here: If you think that we're going to regain our freedom by June 1st, I suggest that you read through it.
Some interesting tidbits.
In Phase 1, churches can reopen if they maintain strict social distancing (that ten (10) people in a building, folks). Likewise restaurants. Barber shops and sporting venues? Forget about it. Want to visit your relatives in a nursing home? Ain't happening.
Phase 2 What to visit grandma at the nursing home? Nope, ain't allowed. How about church?
We can go get a drink at the neighborhood pub, if no one calls the fire marshal over capacity restrictions.
Phase 3. This may be the cruelest phase of all.
Oh,, and just so everyone is aware, the gummint hasn't committed to any time frame. Petty tyrants can hold you back whenever they decide to. We're now in Day 48 of this exercise, and no end in sight. I believe that Louisiana, as a bare minimum, will be restricted for at least another 60 days. More likely 90 days. I expect that we should have some modicum of individual freedom by August 1st. Of course, then, the temps will be in the high 90s with 80% humidity, and everyone will just want to stay indoors.
Fortunately, the government (all hail big government) has provided a handy guide to what the phased re-oping might look like. You can find it here: If you think that we're going to regain our freedom by June 1st, I suggest that you read through it.
Some interesting tidbits.
In Phase 1, churches can reopen if they maintain strict social distancing (that ten (10) people in a building, folks). Likewise restaurants. Barber shops and sporting venues? Forget about it. Want to visit your relatives in a nursing home? Ain't happening.
Phase 2 What to visit grandma at the nursing home? Nope, ain't allowed. How about church?
LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols.Nowhere can I find what "moderate social distancing" means. I think they're making it up as we go along. Dragging the goal posts up and down the field.
We can go get a drink at the neighborhood pub, if no one calls the fire marshal over capacity restrictions.
Phase 3. This may be the cruelest phase of all.
LARGE VENUES (e.g., sit-down dining, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship) can operate under limited physical distancing protocols.You can go see grandma at the nursing home, if she's still alive and recognizes you. No guarantees.
Oh,, and just so everyone is aware, the gummint hasn't committed to any time frame. Petty tyrants can hold you back whenever they decide to. We're now in Day 48 of this exercise, and no end in sight. I believe that Louisiana, as a bare minimum, will be restricted for at least another 60 days. More likely 90 days. I expect that we should have some modicum of individual freedom by August 1st. Of course, then, the temps will be in the high 90s with 80% humidity, and everyone will just want to stay indoors.
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