C. Blake Powers – The Laughing Wolf

Who am I to write these updates and talk about COVID-19 along with geopolitics and/or defense/national security issues? Legitimate question. Much nicer than how some on twitter are castigating anyone who disagrees with them, or that thinks the steps taken are prudent.

To answer the polite question, here’s a link to my profile on LinkedIn. To pull from my about me section: “Writer, photographer, and consultant with extensive background in Defense/National Security including disaster preparedness/emergency management, and medical/biomedical R&D. ” I sort of hate to admit it, but I’ve now been writing for more than 30 years. Among the bullet points are • Service as liaison to BIO, National Association of Seed and Venture Funds, and other organizations • Extensive experience in national defense and intelligence arena. Probably well over a thousand articles along with a few books at this point. Yes, I’ve covered a good bit of medical/biomedical research, and even participated in some of it.

I also have my Basic MEMS, that is Military Emergency Management System, certification and badge. This means I’ve had all the coursework, including the WMD course, for being an On Scene Commander in an emergency. The next step would have been doing practicums and taking a few more courses so as to earn the Advanced MEMS and have served as an On Scene Commander at a few events.

So, yes, I do have some knowledge of what I’m talking about in my daily updates. I suspect I have far more than most, if not all, of the mainstream reporters in DC. Then again, they are so blinded by partisan politics right now, I doubt any real knowledge makes it through the hate. Want an example? Look at this despicable and disgraceful abdication of every principle of journalism by Mara Gay at the Shady Lady that is the New York Times (America’s Newspaper With A Record, where the Spirit of Duranty Lives!). Who am I to make such a statement and judgement? Well, if you follow that link above, I’m a member of Kappa Tau Alpha — and I’d be surprised if she was…

Right now, the worst thing you can do for yourself or any loved ones is trust any reporting by the mainstream media. They are not interested in your health, the Republic’s health, or anything other than partisan politics and inciting panic.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at a bit more news. First, in addition to the ACE2 inhibitors, HIV treatments, and others that have shown utility or promise, there’s a new study out about Hydroxychloroquine that looks interesting. Thanks to Pranay Pathole/@PPathole on twitter for the info and link. The new vaccine began human trials yesterday with injection into a volunteer.

The last link goes to Forbes, and it is worth noting that Steve Forbes is one of the latest to notice the abysmal bureaucratic performance of the CDC (and the FDA, et. al.). Not sure his commission is a good idea, but it also not necessarily a bad one. Here’s a link to yet another article looking at the botched response.

Keep in mind that bureaucracies are never flexible, adaptable, or responsive. The involvement of industry in the response is sheer genius (though it has been fought by said bureaucracies) as they are used to being flexible and innovative since they have to deliver results quickly in order to stay in business. Anyone who wants government/government-run healthcare is a fool. Don’t believe me? Again (and again), just look at the countries that have socialized medicine and how they’ve responded to COVID-19 versus those with free-market/more free-market system. That should be eye-opening…

There is more to be shared, but for now I still have to go to work. Right now, many are adapting (some rather poorly to judge by twitter) to the current situation. How long my job stays open is debatable, though I am of mixed emotions on that. The job has no benefits, so if I’m not working I’m not getting paid. Then again, I’m also not potentially being exposed if I stay home for a week or two. May have to make a decision about that here soon.

If my posts are enjoyable, helpful, or otherwise a benefit, please consider hitting the tip jar. With the levels of stupid out there, really do need to up the strategic alcohol and tobacco reserves…

•My Amazon Wishlist

As always:

If you suspect you have COVID-19 or have been exposed: call your state health department and work with them so that you can be dealt with in a way that minimizes the chance of spreading the virus to those helping you and to the general public. Can’t get them? Call your local department or see if your health service has online/telemedicine screening set up; or see if one who has will let you use it even if you are not in their network. Do not go out in public, and don’t go to an ER or other facility without calling ahead. Be smart.

Use the interactive graphic to keep track of things. Is COVID19 an epidemic? Yes. Is it a Pandemic? Yes. Is there need for panic? NO. HELL NO. Should you be paying attention? Yes. Hell yes. Should you be preparing? Yes, better late than never. And good luck finding/getting stuff.

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:

COVID-19 16Mar20

COVID-19 15Mar20

COVID-19 14Mar20

COVID-19 13Mar20 The Game Of Loads And Vectors Gets Real For America

COVID-19 12Mar20

COVID-19 11Mar20

COVID-19 10Mar20

COVID-19 9Mar20 The Game Of Loads And Vectors

COVID-19 8Mar20

Heh