The Coronavirus
Worldwide, things are still dire but generally improving. New Covid cases have dropped over 20% since the April peak. India has seen its new case numbers drop in each of the last 3 weeks. Restrictions on behavior and vaccinations are being credited for the improvement, along with natural immunity from past infections and the virus’ seasonal cycles.
On the other hand, uncontrolled Covid cases in Japan prompted the State Department to warn Americans against traveling there for the summer Olympics. Postponed from 2020, the July games are in jeopardy of being canceled at the last minute, largely due to Japan’s abysmally low vaccination rate (6%) and fears among the Japanese public about hosting the event. International fans are prohibited, but 15,000 athletes are scheduled to attend; at least that many judges, officials, VIPs, and broadcasters will also enter Japan if the event proceeds.
In the US, we passed the mind-numbing milestone of 600,000 Covid dead, back in late May.
But, the positive test rate is now generally around 3% nationally, for the first time since testing really got started over a year ago. New cases have dropped 50% since May 1, 75% since mid-April, and 90% from the January peak. Even better, the number of people hospitalized with Covid is smaller than at any time in the last 11 months. The daily death rate still averages around 500, but that should drop along with hospitalizations. Of course, the cause of all this good news is VACCINATIONS.
In Texas, we passed 50,000 people dead from Covid.
Even before the CDC relaxed mask use by vaccinated people, Gov. Abbott inexplicably ordered that Texas government entities may not require masks for UNvaccinated people. He specifically included public schools in this order, so even though kids under 12 cannot be vaccinated (which will continue into the coming school year), it is illegal for schools to require masks even if there is a surge of cases in the school or the community. Gov. Greg Abbott says no public schools or government entities will be allowed to require masks 5/18/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/18/greg-abbott-texas-mask-mandate/
Vaccinations–the safe path to herd immunity
Worldwide, most countries are still struggling with vaccinations. Only about 10% of the world’s population is vaccinated. Mostly, the problem is vaccine supply, but some people are reluctant to get the shot. (Thailand apparently noted America’s success with bribing people to do the right thing and is raffling off live cows to people getting vaccinated.) The supply problem, at least, will get a boost by the US soon, with President Biden recently announcing that 80 million excess doses will be shipped out by the end of June, with the first 25 million shipping this week. Most (19 million) are being donated to COVAX, with the rest going directly to various low-income countries. Biden Announces a Donation of 19 Million COVID-19 Vaccines to COVAX, With More to Follow 6/3/21 https://time.com/6053576/us-donate-covid19-vaccines-covax/
In the US, we are averaging 1.8 million shots per day. Over 50% of American adults are fully vaccinated, with 65% having gotten at least 1 shot. Kids 12-15 are generally eager to get protected in order to enjoy summer activities, with over 2.5 million already getting the first shot. Vaccination demand in this newly eligible age group has exceeded expectations and is credited with putting daily vaccination numbers back on an upward trend. The other cause of the current active vaccination pattern is eagerness of adults to remove their masks and get back to normal for summer activities and travel.
President Biden’s goal of getting 70% of American adults vaccinated by July 4 has already been met in 12 states (mostly on the west coast and in the northeast). However, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Wyoming are at well under 50% (with most of the deep south under-performing). To get them and the rest of the country in gear, the President dubbed June a “National Month of Action” with a national canvassing effort resembling a get-out-the-vote drive and including celebrities and social media influencers. Free child care is available while parents get vaccinated AND in the event they have side effects from the shot. Private companies are offering paid leave to employees to get vaccinated, as well as ponying up giveaways of sports tickets, gift certificates and cash prizes to sweeten the deal. If the 70% goal is met on the national level, Anheuser-Busch will give all adults a $5 credit towards free beer.
The public is encouraged to jump in and help get everyone vaccinated. Go here for info, ideas and opportunities for community canvassing, text and phone banks, and more. https://wecandothis.hhs.gov/
On the state level, Ohio’s million dollar and free college ride lotteries significantly boosted its vaccination rates. So, California, New York, Maryland, Colorado and Oregon are creating their own lotteries. CVS is also offering prizes (cruises, dating app packages and Super Bowl tickets) to people getting their shots there. United Airlines is giving vaccinated travelers a chance to win free flights worldwide. Still, some experts say America will likely never reach herd immunity, due to the vaccine-hesitant group and the fact that Covid will continue to rage and mutate around the world in many countries where vaccines are not going to be widely available for years. However, our growing vaccination totals are suppressing the virus and providing great benefits. The U.S. May Never Hit the Herd Immunity Threshold. That’s OK. 5/28/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/28/opinion/herd-immunity-covid-us.html
Recent Covid articles I recommend….
Americans are celebrating steps toward normalcy. But the real test of Covid-19 progress is 2 weeks away, expert says 6/3/21 https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/02/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html
On the Covid Front Lines, When Not Getting Belly Rubs 5/31/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/31/world/asia/dogs-coronavirus.html
Covid summer: Fauci warns US not to ‘declare victory’ despite lowest rates in a year 5/31/21 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/may/31/dr-anthony-fauci-interview-covid-coronavirus-vaccines-summer
We Were Called to Sacrifice as a Nation. We Didn’t Answer. 5/30/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/30/opinion/memorial-day-covid-national-service.html
Immunity to the Coronavirus May Persist for Years, Scientists Find 5/26/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/26/health/coronavirus-immunity-vaccines.html
How the Covid pandemic ends: Scientists look to the past to see the future 5/19/21 https://www.statnews.com/2021/05/19/how-the-covid-pandemic-ends-scientists-look-to-the-past-to-see-the-future/
Meet the Four Kinds of People Holding Us Back From Full Vaccination 5/18/21 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/05/18/opinion/covid-19-vaccine-hesitancy.html
New Honor System on Masks: ‘Am I to Trust These People?’ 5/18/21 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/18/us/masks-cdc-covid.html
Daring Mighty Things
–Ingenuity had a glitch during a test flight last week, but the mini-copter recovered–Nasa’s Mars helicopter goes on ‘stressful’ wild flight after malfunction 5/28/21 https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/28/nasa-mars-helicopter-goes-on-stressful-wild-flight-after-malfunction-ingenuity
–Synopsis and footage of the project so far–3 Months On Mars: Perseverance 3/18/21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNrTttvdIMc
Texas state elections
We got through the presidential election in 2020 and also the Lakeway election just last month. Now, attention is turning to November of 2022–when Texas elects a governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. In my view, the Lone Star state REALLY needs to clean house. Will 2022 finally be the year Texas TURNS BLUE? Or, maybe a lovely purple?
As for the governor’s race, Gov. Abbott has declared he will run for a third term. (Eight years already with Greg Abbott at the helm–no wonder Texas is such a mess.) Of course, Former Guy Trump has endorsed his Texan Mini Me. Republicans will challenge Abbott, maybe including Dan Patrick; he says he won’t do it, but he says a LOT of things…. Far right Republican and former state senator Don Huffines has declared he will fight Abbott in the primary. Republican former state Sen. Don Huffines launches primary challenge to Gov. Greg Abbott 5/10/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/05/10/don-huffines-texas-greg-abbott/ Plus, Allen West just resigned as GOP Party Chair and will try for a state office, likely governor. Allen West resigns as chair of Texas Republican Party 6/4/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/04/texas-allen-west-republican-resigns/
The hot question is which Democrats might vie for governor. One possibility is former HUD Secretary Julian Castro. Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke is also considering a run (yes please!). Beto O’Rourke Hints at 2022 Bid, Embarks on Statewide Tour 6/3/21 https://www.newsweek.com/beto-orourke-hints-2022-bid-texas-governor-voting-bill-1597184
Then, there is actor Matthew McConaughey, whose party affiliation is unknown. Yet, he is flirting with running (heaven help us). Matthew McConaughey making calls as he weighs running for Texas governor 5/16/21 https://www.politico.com/news/2021/05/16/matthew-mcconaughey-texas-governor-run-488536
As for Lt. Governor, Dan Patrick seems to be running again. So far, it looks like he will be challenged by Republican Dan Bullis and Democrat Mike Collier.
In the Attorney General race, Ken Paxton says he will run again (unless, of course, he is in prison by 2022). Land Commissioner George P. Bush recently said he wants the AG job, which sets up a tough choice for the Former Guy—who to endorse? Paxton attended Trump’s Jan. 6 insurrection speech, put his name on a lawsuit that tried (and failed) to get the US Supreme Court to award Trump a second term, and now spends all his time suing the Biden administration just for grins. On the other hand, George P. Bush has long pandered to Trump, who calls him “the only Bush who likes me.” My money is on Bush getting the orange nod, because being Republican royalty makes him more newsworthy than Paxton, who is best known for managing to hold public office for YEARS while multiple felony indictments simmer in the background. Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announces run for attorney general against Ken Paxton 6/2/21 https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/02/george-p-bush-ken-paxton-texas-attorney-general/
By the way, Texas politics may become a continuing category in my blog. Input would be appreciated–send a Comment.
In Lakeway
Get your Covid-19 vax PLUS 10% off shopping at Randalls
Randall’s Pharmacies are giving free COVID-19 vaccinations on a walk-in and appointment basis. People also get 10% off the next shopping visit. They have Pfizer (approved for age 12 and up) as well as Moderna and J&J vaccines. (This may vary by location.) Go here for info–https://www.randalls.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html?deeplinkuid=d51e03b0-799e-45ef-8d7b-bcb21f5256d2&cmpid=em_ran_sou_cb__ahoc__20210522&HHID=200015741188&Theme=COVID19_Awareness_CVIS
Council’s May 17 meeting
Our brand spanking new mayor, Tom Kilgore was sworn in! Gretchen Vance, Sanjeev Kumar, and Keith Trecker were also sworn in as Council Members.
Mayor Kilgore named Louis Mastrangelo as Mayor Pro Tem.
Council unanimously approved the final plat of the 11 acre Rough Hollow Community Park. Formerly known as the Butler Tract, Legends agreed with Council that the park needs an official name signifying it is open to ALL Lakeway residents. Dedication is likely a year out, since the land still needs to be graded.
Also, Legacy Development made a high-level initial presentation of a possible future residential project on 38 acres off Flint Rock Road for luxury single-family homes via a development agreement. (This is NOT Legacy’s recently approved PUD project on Flint Rock Road.) Topics included road construction, garage orientation, exterior construction materials, in lieu of parkland fees, cut/fill variance, and building height maximum. This was ONLY a preliminary presentation, with no action taken. IF the developer decides to move forward, the usual ZAPCO hearing, formal notices, and authorization process will be followed.
Council also accepted Chief Radford’s resignation (effective June 7) and approved the separation agreement per his employment contract. The Chief was invited to make a statement, where he indicated he was asked to resign. He did not say who asked him to resign or give a reason for that; the city cannot elaborate due to employment laws. Citizen Participation comments (only 3 made) indicated Radford is seen as a victim, and a portion of the audience became raucous.
What a shame this ugly situation created during the Cox administration was allowed to bleed over to the Kilgore administration and taint what should have been a positive first Council meeting. Mayor Cox called more than 1 special Council meeting at the close of her term, scrambling to wrap up certain things on her watch. Yet, accepting Chief Radford’s resignation got dumped on Tom Kilgore the very night he was sworn into office. Most people leave a nice note on the desk of the successor; Sandy Cox left a stink bomb.
Go here to watch this Council meeting— https://lakewaytx.new.swagit.com/videos/121575
Council’s special budget session meeting set for June 7 has been cancelled.
So, the next Council meeting is, as of now, set for June 21, with another budget work session scheduled for June 28. As meeting dates approach, go here for the Agenda and Meeting Packet— https://www.lakeway-tx.gov/archive.aspx
Back to me….
Busy, busy, busy. Even mundane shopping trips to Walmart and Costco are fun again, now that I’m vaccinated and Covid is under control.
I also spent time in Best Buy huddling with the Geek Squad over a computer purchase. My primary laptop started acting up in 2020, so I made a deal with the universe, promising to buy new one if my old one limped through the pandemic. I almost have it up and running, but no matter how advanced the device is, it still comes out of the box thinking it is a toaster….
I couldn’t help noticing that a certain Former Guy ditched HIS blog after just 29 days. Seems he was embarrassed by the low readership (or maybe there just weren’t enough donations coming in from it). Well, it may not be a beacon of freedom, but I’m quite happy with my blog, which debuted (only occasionally from my desk, thanks to the joys of laptop mobility) well over a year ago (on March 15, 2020). Community response has been gratifying, and I enjoy doing it; that latter bit, to be honest, is really my bottom line these days. Trump’s underwhelming blog ends with an embarrassing whimper 6/2/21 https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/trump-s-underwhelming-blog-ends-embarrassing-whimper-n1269348?cid=eml_mra_20210602&user_email=6ed7408ec573645e45ac2a65b61d1e1e6ab1b9effbafc1d30d0a407afca1b325
Our precious deer…. Please slow down and watch for them, particularly now with new fawns running around.
I was on my walk one morning last week and happened on a doe, cleaning up her 2 newborn fawns. I froze and watched them from a distance, and it was amazing. They were in a safe spot, at the back of a condo complex, right by a pond and under some trees. Then, the doe stood up, and I saw her third fawn sitting there! The triplets were all wobbly but lively, as mama ate the placenta just like she should. Sorry the photos are so bad, but I didn’t dare approach for fear of spooking the family; zoom can only do so much, plus it was very shaded under the trees.
Plus, I saw this doe and new fawn on Vanguard.
Panda cub video update on Washington Zoo’s Xiao (AKA Biscuit): The cub weighs 45LBS at 9 months old. The Washingtom Zoo is now open again, so lucky visitors are getting in-person looks at this sweetie.
—Playtime 5/30/21
—Xiao Qi Ji’s Fired Up Unbearable Cuteness 5/30/21
—Xiao Qi Ji Greets His Fans (GORGEOUS close-ups) 5/28/21
—Xiao playing outside with Mom 5/26/21
—Happy 9 Month Birthday, Xiao 5/21/21
—‘Little Miracle’ panda cub makes public debut as National Zoo reopens 5/21/21 https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/miracle-panda-cub-makes-public-debut-national-zoo/story?id=77825899&cid=social_fb_abcn&fbclid=IwAR11eSoO1UVZRT3ax7Li17PNbfqj-Eo-ma4c80PdsZkibtrjWRLkjlNaG-s