Commentary, Punditry, and More
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One, having a home bar can be fun and rewarding. Two, if you are going to be isolated for a while via snowstorm, ice storm, pandemic, or other, it might come in handy. So, here are a few recommendations.
Start with The Bar Book. It truly is an indispensable guide not only to a wide variety of drinks, but to setting your bar up properly with guides to glassware and more included. A staple of the club where I hang out on Sundays.
Before anything else (other than alcohol), you are going to need a good shaker. This one seems to fit the bill, with a number of bells and whistles added in that may be useful. You are also going to need some bar measuring glasses, and these take care of that. Having some shot glasses is a good idea as well.
Before going too crazy on glassware, study the bar book and it’s recommendations first. That said, rocks glasses and pint glasses are always going to be needed.
So, get the book and basics, add alcohol, and enjoy!
Yes, I’m an Affiliate. Per government requirement, I have to tell you that I might make money off this someday if you buy using these links. See disclaimer
Yes, it is still spreading. Yes, the President is considering further travel restrictions. No, there is still no reason to panic. Lots of reasons to pay attention and make rational and reasonable preparations, but no need to panic.
First, read this article in the NEJM about our response to the outbreak. A good bit of solid info, from one of the prime leaders in the fight, though one might wish for just a bit more meat on the response part. Then read this post and this post from some people who’s opinion is shaped by their expertise, and keep that in mind when listening to/reading politicians in government and the media (yes, I agree with Instapundit that the vast majority of “journalists”/media are Democratic operatives with bylines/chyrons). Alas, Dr. Carson hits it on the head. Politics and political gain (and personal) are far more important than the health and safety of the Citizens of the Republic, or the Republic itself.
The CDC continues to cover itself in glory. One reason things got so bad so fast in China (and Iran, and similar countries) is that bureaucracies in highly socialist countries are not adaptive. For that matter, bureaucracies anywhere have a track record on adaptability that make the wooly mammoth and the dodo seem like jet racers.
In America, the problem is not going to be the number of deaths. Here’s where the real crunch lies for all. And, here’s a post that makes good points (already pointed out in several previous posts) on why things are likely to be different here in terms of severity, mortality, etc. Never mind cleaner air, differences in smoking rates, etc.
Also, two interesting things to be thinking about. First, has Sen. Chris Murphy carried COVID-19 into the Senate (and all those closed sessions with members of his party)? A bit alarmist, but an interesting question. Sadly, this next has been building for a few weeks now — China has been testing the idea of blaming the U.S. for the virus. PJ Media and Claudia Rosett are on top of it. I will note that if Xi and others think this will fly internally or externally (except with idiots and those paid to promote it), they really have underestimated how much their control has slipped.
More to come, I’m sure.
As always:
Use the interactive graphic to keep track of things. Is COVID19 an epidemic? Yes. Is it a Pandemic? Not according to WHO, but most everyone else is saying yes, it is. Is there need for panic? No. Should you be paying attention? Yes. Hell yes. Should you be preparing? Yes, better late than never.
Want to avoid catching COVID19 here in the U.S.? Wash your flippin hands frequently, wash them thoroughly every time you use the bathroom, then follow with hand sanitizer after every washing, use hand sanitizer liberally when you can’t wash on a regular basis. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and stay away from those who don’t. Also, keep your bugger hooks out of/away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Do NOT shake hands with anyone, and avoid touching or being touched by strangers. Or your strange friends.
Avoid travel if at all possible. Right now, there is no way I’m going to a trade show, major convention, etc. If you can telecommute, get that set up now. If you have to travel, use lots of hand sanitizer and go to full flu protocols. If you have to use a public restroom, take full precautions including using paper towels and such to handle faucets, doors,etc. Believe it or not, this was highly recommended before now, and major grocery chains have long told employees to use those practices to avoid getting or spreading colds, flu, etc. Not many actually do it, but…
If you own a business, make sure your employees know the above protocols. Have someone who refuses to wash their hands or otherwise follow the protocols? Talk to them, write them up, and if necessary fire them as they now pose a risk of infection to you and your customers. Extreme? Yes, but while the CDC and others are working to slow it down, odds are it is already here and could hit hard and fast. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
I want to reiterate that there is no need for panic, but there is a strong need to be alert, be informed, and be prepared.
Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:
Quick Additional Thoughts On The Bureaucracy
COVID-19 28Feb20 Reasons To Hope, Reasons To Fear
COVID-19 A Plea To The Politicians (And Media)
COVID19 The Situation In China Gets Even Weirder
COVID19 24Feb20 Raising DEFCON
COVID19 21Feb20: Just Look At The Blooms Dear
Update & Quick Thoughts On Preparedness
For someone who writes about cigars, pipes, and such I’m not including nearly enough links to essentials and more.
I am a huge fan of the Xikar line simply because of their warranty. If any of their products quits working, contact them and they make it good. It’s just about that simple.
You can spend as much as you want, but consider starting with this single jet, this slightly more expensive flash lighter, or go for this one. Sadly, Amazon doesn’t seem to sell the MTX, which I have and love. This one is a step up from the one they sent me to review many years ago, though I will note that the screwdriver does fit an M4 nicely.
Going to be traveling? You have 5, 10, and 20 cigar travel humidors to choose from.
Yes, I’m an Affiliate. Per government requirement, I have to tell you that I might make money off this someday if you buy using these links. See disclaimer
It’s a fair question. What am I doing? Am I following the guidelines I’m giving you?
Short answer is yes, I am following those guidelines for the most part. Some minor tweeks for my particular circumstances, but yes.
First up, I travel for work on a daily basis. Some is in state, other involves out-of-state travel. No, I’m not wearing a mask or suit. Sadly, telecommuting is not an option. Also, no work no pay, so…
What I am doing is what I recommend. I wash my hands as often as I can, particularly if I’ve had to handle things touched by others, used the bathroom (every time! everyone should), or had contact with others. I’ve stopped shaking hands, citing the flu season. I also have two travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer that I use frequently since they can be refilled from larger containers, and use it frequently. I avoid getting near anyone that appears sick. I am washing my coat, vest, other winter gear at least once a week and may step up to twice a week. I have rinsed my toothbrush in alcohol for years, and am cleaning as I can.
You never will get things perfectly sterile. It’s not about killing every last flu/other bug: it’s about killing enough of them that enough of them to make you sick make it into your system. Some get in, but not enough. It’s breaking the chain of the infection by keeping the numbers low.
I’m doing what I can on the financial front. On the food and water front, I have increased my normal reserves of water, coffee, and food. I believe strongly in survival with style, so am working to cook and freeze as many tasty complete meals as circumstances allow. I’m stocking in some not-quite-as-tasty things (canned meats/meals) as well, since freezer space is limited. Upping the coffee, spice, and booze reserves as I can as well. I also need to do more on the tobacco front, but food (obviously) comes first (followed by coffee).
Yes, I may buy a half-face respirator again soon. Not so much for this, but because the one I bought about 15 years ago for wood/metal/not-nice-materials projects is no longer supported. As in you can’t get new cartridges anywhere. Annoying, but it did have a good run. Grumble. There are a few projects I might like to do if I have to be home that would need one.
Yes, I do have a few R95 (and a well put up pack of N95) masks around. Again, projects and yard work. the R95 is a good one to keep around for projects, yard work, allergies, and potential emergency use. I do recommend them over the N95. If I absolutely need them, I do have them but don’t anticipate using them at this time.
That’s the short and sweet of it for now. We will see if it is enough.
More things to stock for a quarantine, or anything that makes you hole up for a bit. First up, I recommend a lot of books (and booze). Another good author to explore is David Weber. His Honor Harrington series is a NYT bestseller for a reason. It builds and the characters grow (and not just in number) throughout the series. His Empire From The Ashes series is also a good, fun read. Another fun read is his Oath of Swords series. Finally, there is his Empire of Man series with John Ringo that starts with March Upcountry and is a great pairing of authors.
On the food front, let’s stick with some basics: canned bacon, canned cheese, canned butter, canned bread. If you are going to get powdered milk, get whole milk powdered milk. Want some good snackage? Get this sampler from Epic.
Yes, I’m an Affiliate. Per government requirement, I have to tell you that I might make money off this someday if you buy using these links. See disclaimer
Not a lot of time this morning, will see what I can do this afternoon or for tomorrow. Yes, more cases and one more death here. As before, if this is not contained it will be because of the bureaucracy, case in point is this lab at the CDC. Also, the CDC still won’t allow the use of a proven and more efficient test because that system has not been through the full FDA approval process, which can take years. Both the CDC and the FDA have needed serious overhaul for a couple of decades now, mayhaps that will happen now.
If you are a first responder, particularly one on the West Coast but anywhere, go to as high a level of protocols as your department will allow. Why? Here’s why (and one wonders about the Washington State public health organization’s competence).
For the rest of us, the best defense is to wash your hands and go to strict flu protocol.
As always:
Use the interactive graphic to keep track of things. Is COVID19 an epidemic? Yes. Is it a Pandemic? Not according to WHO, but most everyone else is saying yes, it is. Is there need for panic? No. Should you be paying attention? Yes. Hell yes. Should you be preparing? Yes, better late than never.
Want to avoid catching COVID19 here in the U.S.? Wash your flippin hands frequently, wash them thoroughly every time you use the bathroom, then follow with hand sanitizer after every washing, use hand sanitizer liberally when you can’t wash on a regular basis. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and stay away from those who don’t. Also, keep your bugger hooks out of/away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Do NOT shake hands with anyone, and avoid touching or being touched by strangers. Or your strange friends.
Avoid travel if at all possible. Right now, there is no way I’m going to a trade show, major convention, etc. If you can telecommute, get that set up now. If you have to travel, use lots of hand sanitizer and go to full flu protocols. If you have to use a public restroom, take full precautions including using paper towels and such to handle faucets, doors,etc. Believe it or not, this was highly recommended before now, and major grocery chains have long told employees to use those practices to avoid getting or spreading colds, flu, etc. Not many actually do it, but…
If you own a business, make sure your employees know the above protocols. Have someone who refuses to wash their hands or otherwise follow the protocols? Talk to them, write them up, and if necessary fire them as they now pose a risk of infection to you and your customers. Extreme? Yes, but while the CDC and others are working to slow it down, odds are it is already here and could hit hard and fast. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
I want to reiterate that there is no need for panic, but there is a strong need to be alert, be informed, and be prepared.
Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:
Quick Additional Thoughts On The Bureaucracy
COVID-19 28Feb20 Reasons To Hope, Reasons To Fear
COVID-19 A Plea To The Politicians (And Media)
COVID19 The Situation In China Gets Even Weirder
COVID19 24Feb20 Raising DEFCON
COVID19 21Feb20: Just Look At The Blooms Dear
Update & Quick Thoughts On Preparedness
It’s been far too long since I’ve been posting cigar reviews. Time for that to change. And, to kick off getting back to writing about the things I love, there is an excellent smoke to share.
This maduro was appealing for several reasons. For one, it is from Fuente who make a number of excelent (and a number of good) cigars. They are one of my go-to brands. Second, I love the size as I prefer cigars that are a 55 or less ring gauge. This had a length and diameter that appealed to me.
It is very well constructed and burned fairly evenly. The ash in the photo is because I goofed and let it go over into the ash tray.
It had a nice start with good flavor of wood (cedar, oak), spice (mostly pepper but with hints of more aromatic on the sides), and a bit of leather on the undertone. The pepper really came out at the end of the first third, and it paired nicely with the glass of champagne I was offered. Very different from my usual bourbon or scotch, but it worked well with the cigar.
The second third mellowed with more wood than spice, and made an enjoyable interlude before the spice built back in the last third for a solid finish.
Recommendation: High
We’ve had our first death from COVID-19. We will have more. Will we have anything like the deaths in China, Iran, and elsewhere? Not unless the bureaucracy fucks up by the numbers. There is also the possibility of an outbreak at a facility that cares for the elderly and/or vulnerable patients. Note: possibility, not confirmed.
While I don’t trust any data from China at all, here is some interesting data on deaths by age and deaths by those with pre-existing conditions. Hat tip to Instapundit for some of these links. Also, Business Insider has a good listing of all articles about coronavirus/COVID-19.
Right now, we just don’t have enough good, solid, transparent data. By six weeks from now, we will. Until then, don’t panic, stay alert, and be prepared.
Meantime, some interesting speculations from the Blueberry Town about what is going to happen. I agree with 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 15. You may note that some of those echo what I’ve said before. 1 and 16 are indeed possibilities.
In another hat tip to Insty, the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) has a strong editorial up about those playing politics with the virus. Remember, they do want you dead, especially if it helps them keep/regain power.
Keep in mind that the media is not to be trusted to give you real news about what is going on. Don’t even bother to trust, just verify.
For now, I maintain that your first priority should be to be as financially prepared as you can be. Second is to have food, medicines, OTCs, supplements, etc. to ride out 14-30 days of quarantine. Getting masks shouldn’t be where you spend money for now. Or paper suits, exposure suits, moon suits, MOPP gear, etc.
As always:
Use the interactive graphic to keep track of things. Is COVID19 an epidemic? Yes. Is it a Pandemic? Not according to WHO, but most everyone else is saying yes, it is. Is there need for panic? No. Should you be paying attention? Yes. Hell yes. Should you be preparing? Yes, better late than never.
Want to avoid catching COVID19 here in the U.S.? Wash your flippin hands frequently, wash them thoroughly every time you use the bathroom, then follow with hand sanitizer after every washing, use hand sanitizer liberally when you can’t wash on a regular basis. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and stay away from those who don’t. Also, keep your bugger hooks out of/away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Do NOT shake hands with anyone, and avoid touching or being touched by strangers. Or your strange friends.
Avoid travel if at all possible. Right now, there is no way I’m going to a trade show, major convention, etc. If you can telecommute, get that set up now. If you have to travel, use lots of hand sanitizer and go to full flu protocols. If you have to use a public restroom, take full precautions including using paper towels and such to handle faucets, doors,etc. Believe it or not, this was highly recommended before now, and major grocery chains have long told employees to use those practices to avoid getting or spreading colds, flu, etc. Not many actually do it, but…
If you own a business, make sure your employees know the above protocols. Have someone who refuses to wash their hands or otherwise follow the protocols? Talk to them, write them up, and if necessary fire them as they now pose a risk of infection to you and your customers. Extreme? Yes, but while the CDC and others are working to slow it down, odds are it is already here and could hit hard and fast. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
I want to reiterate that there is no need for panic, but there is a strong need to be alert, be informed, and be prepared.
Other COVID19/COVID-19/2019-nCoV articles:
Quick Additional Thoughts On The Bureaucracy
COVID-19 28Feb20 Reasons To Hope, Reasons To Fear
COVID-19 A Plea To The Politicians (And Media)
COVID19 The Situation In China Gets Even Weirder
COVID19 24Feb20 Raising DEFCON
COVID19 21Feb20: Just Look At The Blooms Dear
Update & Quick Thoughts On Preparedness
Not going to get too far into things this morning, but do want to say the following:
The BEST way to avoid getting it is to wash you hands frequently and well. Use hand sanitizer between washings, and disinfect the things you use or touch regularly including your cell phone, remotes, computer keyboards, etc. In other words, flu or strict flu protocols are the best defense for now.
Two, if you work with one of those “I’ve never taken a sick day/yes I’m sick but I’m coming in anyway types” send them home (if you are a boss), and if you work with them a sock party is warranted. Stay away from them and treat them as a pariah. Guarantee you they have cost more productivity than they have ever saved by coming in sick.
Three, anyone who tells you it’s just the flu is a complete and total (expletive) idiot. Anyone who tells you it is Capt. Tripps, is a complete and total (expletive) idiot. No difference between them, and both are just as bad.
Again, there is no need to panic. There is a need to be informed (which means not going to major media for info, go to specialized pubs/experts), be alert, and be prepared. Be prepared financially and practically for a possible quarantine in your area. You don’t need a ton of masks (unless you are sick or are a first responder/medical professional dealing with and treating infected patients), so put your money elsewhere for now. What you do need is hand sanitizer, soap, food for an extended vacation at home, and other practical things so that you are not a drain on society.