Octopus Overlords

I'm kind of surprised the school is supporting mandatory attendance at a Satanic Halloween ritual. I mean, I know you're not, but I'm amazed there aren't religious families complaining their child is being forced to participate in something that violates their religious beliefs.

Regardless, it's a crap sandwich. I wish I had better advice. Numerous times I've said nothing about quite a few things at school simply because I know it would affect my child directly or indirectly. It's a no-win situation and the idea that it would be taken out on your child is highly demotivating.

Blackhawk wrote: Mon Oct 19, 2020 7:50 pm

telcta wrote: Mon Oct 19, 2020 1:26 pm Looking at our town guidelines for Halloween activities lists out what to avoid and other lower risk activities to consider. One thing to avoid is...

Trunk-or-treat events where cars gather in a large parking lot and allow children to move from car to car to collect candy.

I never heard of that before.

The town my son's high school has a Halloween parade every year. It's usually an event for the band, with everyone costumed. It was cancelled because it was too risky. Trunk-or-treats are also considered high-risk and are advised against by the state. Naturally, the school band director found a private-run trunk-or-treat for the band to play at, because he is an insane fuckwit who thinks that precautions are just inconveniences to be ignored.

And it is an official event, so it's required.

Mrs. Skinypupy's dance studio director is firmly convinced that they're going to hold their annual Nutcracker performance in December this year. This despite the fact that:

a) everyone who showed up to the initial auditions had to quarantine because one of the kids tested positive a couple days later

b) They have yet to find a venue that will allow them to hold a live performance with more than a 25% audience (they rely on audience tickets to even come close to breaking even)

c) they had less than half the number of kids they would need even audition

The studio owner is an anti-mask COVID denier who is 100% certain that COVID will end once the election is over, so she's full speed ahead on the ballet. Mrs. Skinypupy (the production manager) said that she is happy to do what she can from afar, but refuses to get involved with any live rehearsals, performances, etc.

Sadly, I think this will make her walk away from the studio entirely, which is really hard for her, as she's taught dance for 25+ years.

Well, presumably something's going to happen when the pandemic doesn't suddenly end on Nov. 4th. I doubt that something is going to be "oh, turns out I was way off on this", but it'll be *something*.

El Guapo wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 3:40 pm Well, presumably something's going to happen when the pandemic doesn't suddenly end on Nov. 4th. I doubt that something is going to be "oh, turns out I was way off on this", but it'll be *something*.

My guess is that anyone who is banking on the restrictions ending once the election is over is also sure that Trump wins re-election. I have no doubt he would use re-election as a mandate to force a complete reopening across the country. He should be able to do this because we should assume if he somehow gets re-elected it's because in electoral terms the country went Republican. So the senate will still be his partner.

If Biden wins, and especially if the Democrats win the senate, these people will be very unhappy because that will be a mandate to not follow Trump's lead on reopening.

Smoove_B wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 12:45 pm I'm kind of surprised the school is supporting mandatory attendance at a Satanic Halloween ritual. I mean, I know you're not, but I'm amazed there aren't religious families complaining their child is being forced to participate in something that violates their religious beliefs.

Regardless, it's a crap sandwich. I wish I had better advice. Numerous times I've said nothing about quite a few things at school simply because I know it would affect my child directly or indirectly. It's a no-win situation and the idea that it would be taken out on your child is highly demotivating.

Given that it would normally be mandatory attendance at a community parade, they're fine with it.

I thought companies and bosses got sued and fired for less than what Trump has said and done to Fauci. Am I wrong? Do Government workers not get any of the same protections the rest of the country gets?

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 5:36 pm I thought companies and bosses got sued and fired for less than what Trump has said and done to Fauci. Am I wrong? Do Government workers not get any of the same protections the rest of the country gets?

Fauci is not a protected class.

But the main difference is that most companies would take massive PR and morale hits for shit like that. Such treatment of employees is frowned upon and usually not tolerated at most successful companies (at least once it becomes public knowledge)

But this Federal government? What PR? What morale?

Nominally Fauci does have civil service protection and can't be fired like a political appointee.

Local headline:


Greater Albany Public Schools reports surge of coronavirus cases among students, staff


Don't bother reading the article. It doesn't say anything that hasn't been said literally hundreds of times already. I just post this one, because its the town I live in.

LawBeefaroni wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:01 pm Fauci is not a protected class.

He damned well should be.

Oh the Trumpites online are jumping all over him blaming him for the COVID troubles. Says he didn't warn people and that he gave mixed signals and should have listened to Trump. He has to have a damn security detail to go out.

NY Times

Maybe Pelosi should go back to the idea of negotiating with the House Republicans?

Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, privately told Republican senators on Tuesday that he had warned the White House not to strike a pre-election deal with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on a new round of stimulus, moving to head off an agreement that President Trump has demanded but most in his party oppose.

Mr. McConnell’s remarks, confirmed by four Republicans familiar with them, threw cold water on Mr. Trump’s increasingly urgent push to enact a new round of pandemic aid before Election Day. They came just as Ms. Pelosi offered an upbeat assessment of her negotiations with Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, telling Democrats that their latest conversation had yielded “common ground as we move closer to an agreement.”

The cost of their emerging compromise on a new round of aid to hard-pressed Americans and businesses has steadily climbed toward $2 trillion, inching closer to Ms. Pelosi’s demands even as it far exceeds what most Senate Republicans have said they can accept.

Hypocrits. They live high on the hog with hands in pockets that aren't pockets but refuse to allow normal citizens to have $1200. Ohhh its just toooo much. They have enough in off shore accounts to give each American $1 million most likely out of their own savings.

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:05 pm Hypocrits. They live high on the hog with hands in pockets that aren't pockets but refuse to allow normal citizens to have $1200. Ohhh its just toooo much. They have enough in off shore accounts to give each American $1 million most likely out of their own savings.

That would take $320,000,000,000,000. Slightly more than pocket change.

Ireland locking down for 6 weeks.

Brace yourself, Bridget.

malchior wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 9:57 pm NY Times

Maybe Pelosi should go back to the idea of negotiating with the House Republicans?

Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, privately told Republican senators on Tuesday that he had warned the White House not to strike a pre-election deal with Speaker Nancy Pelosi on a new round of stimulus, moving to head off an agreement that President Trump has demanded but most in his party oppose.

Mr. McConnell’s remarks, confirmed by four Republicans familiar with them, threw cold water on Mr. Trump’s increasingly urgent push to enact a new round of pandemic aid before Election Day. They came just as Ms. Pelosi offered an upbeat assessment of her negotiations with Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, telling Democrats that their latest conversation had yielded “common ground as we move closer to an agreement.”

The cost of their emerging compromise on a new round of aid to hard-pressed Americans and businesses has steadily climbed toward $2 trillion, inching closer to Ms. Pelosi’s demands even as it far exceeds what most Senate Republicans have said they can accept.

Thing is, if Pelosi and Trump announced a deal, the Senate GOPs would kinda have to take it. But Trump is a shitbag and Nancy is "crazy" so not happening.

Jaymann wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:18 pm

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:05 pm Hypocrits. They live high on the hog with hands in pockets that aren't pockets but refuse to allow normal citizens to have $1200. Ohhh its just toooo much. They have enough in off shore accounts to give each American $1 million most likely out of their own savings.

That would take $320,000,000,000,000. Slightly more than pocket change.

Theres only 328 million in the US. You dont have to give $1 million to kids just adults anyways...savings. But saying the full pop thats 328,000,000

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:45 pm

Jaymann wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:18 pm

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:05 pm Hypocrits. They live high on the hog with hands in pockets that aren't pockets but refuse to allow normal citizens to have $1200. Ohhh its just toooo much. They have enough in off shore accounts to give each American $1 million most likely out of their own savings.

That would take $320,000,000,000,000. Slightly more than pocket change.

Theres only 328 million in the US. You dont have to give $1 million to kids just adults anyways...savings. But saying the full pop thats 328,000,000

Open the calculator app on your computer. Type in 328,000,000 x 1,000,000.

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:45 pm

Jaymann wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:18 pm

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:05 pm Hypocrits. They live high on the hog with hands in pockets that aren't pockets but refuse to allow normal citizens to have $1200. Ohhh its just toooo much. They have enough in off shore accounts to give each American $1 million most likely out of their own savings.

That would take $320,000,000,000,000. Slightly more than pocket change.

Theres only 328 million in the US. You dont have to give $1 million to kids just adults anyways...savings. But saying the full pop thats 328,000,000

Uh, that would be $1 per person.

Jaymann wrote: Wed Oct 21, 2020 12:28 am

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:45 pm

Jaymann wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:18 pm

Daehawk wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 10:05 pm Hypocrits. They live high on the hog with hands in pockets that aren't pockets but refuse to allow normal citizens to have $1200. Ohhh its just toooo much. They have enough in off shore accounts to give each American $1 million most likely out of their own savings.

That would take $320,000,000,000,000. Slightly more than pocket change.

Theres only 328 million in the US. You dont have to give $1 million to kids just adults anyways...savings. But saying the full pop thats 328,000,000

Uh, that would be $1 per person.

Anything helps!

I think it was an NBC anchor who had the same trouble with the same math problem.

Are The Risks Of Reopening Schools Exaggerated?

Despite widespread concerns, two new international studies show no consistent relationship between in-person K-12 schooling and the spread of coronavirus. And a third study from the United States shows no elevated risk to childcare workers who stayed on the job.

Combined with anecdotal reports from a number of U.S. states where schools are open, as well as a crowdsourced dashboard of around 2000 U.S. schools, some medical experts are saying it's time to shift the discussion from the risks of opening K-12 schools to the risks of keeping them closed.

From NPR. There was a similar article I think in the NYT the other day. Does seem like there's growing support for the idea that in-person schooling (while not risk-free) can be sufficiently safe especially when weighed against the costs of closed schools.

Which is not to say that in-person schooling is by definition safe regardless of the conditions and precautions under which it is done, of course.

The one positive for schools is it makes contact tracing significantly easier; however, it's still spreading and fast.

We are up to 114 cases in our district, which is double roughly 10 days ago and there are now two campuses (both high schools) in "modified operations."

• Individuals in close contact in that area will be advised to self-isolate at
home
• Students and staff impacted move to Intermittent School-to-Home learning
model.
• Affected area is closed for deep cleaning.
• General notification of potential exposure and recommended self monitoring communicated to all persons at the facility.
• A short-term closure of the facility may be necessary

El Guapo wrote: Wed Oct 21, 2020 9:22 am Are The Risks Of Reopening Schools Exaggerated?

Despite widespread concerns, two new international studies show no consistent relationship between in-person K-12 schooling and the spread of coronavirus. And a third study from the United States shows no elevated risk to childcare workers who stayed on the job.

Combined with anecdotal reports from a number of U.S. states where schools are open, as well as a crowdsourced dashboard of around 2000 U.S. schools, some medical experts are saying it's time to shift the discussion from the risks of opening K-12 schools to the risks of keeping them closed.

From NPR. There was a similar article I think in the NYT the other day. Does seem like there's growing support for the idea that in-person schooling (while not risk-free) can be sufficiently safe especially when weighed against the costs of closed schools.

Which is not to say that in-person schooling is by definition safe regardless of the conditions and precautions under which it is done, of course.

I find it troubling that they are looking at anecdotal evidence in the United States to make a decision based on international results. Especially since those nations take this pandemic seriously. That said, if we do move forward pushing this as a policy then I think we need to make sure teacher's get *all the support* they need including life insurance support like combat soldier's because they potentially bear a great deal of the risk. Teachers however aren't going to get the support they need as long as McConnell runs the Senate. Anyway, my take away is that perhaps this is a premature discussion until we get some leadership sanity.

stessier wrote: Wed Oct 21, 2020 8:51 am I think it was an NBC anchor who had the same trouble with the same math problem.

haha like in the other thread I said I hate math

Not to mention the impact of everyone having a million dollars. Fancy a quarter pounder costing $50? Some $34.99/gallon gas? A trip to see a movie for only $80 per ticket (there is a family deal that gets four people tickets plus popcorn and drinks for only $499.99!)

Blackhawk wrote: Wed Oct 21, 2020 10:28 am Not to mention the impact of everyone having a million dollars. Fancy a quarter pounder costing $50? Some $34.99/gallon gas? A trip to see a movie for only $80 per ticket (there is a family deal that gets four people tickets plus popcorn and drinks for only $499.99!)

$1200 upended ("disrupted"?) the stock market. I can't imagine what $1M would do.

Well yeah - it'd be creating "wealth" that'd be the equivalent to the value of modern civilization and 3 times what the US is worth right now. It wouldn't be disruption it'd be bedlam.

There has been some encouraging data published regarding COVID recovery WRT lung damage. 12-week + recovery rates and levels are looking better than previously expected.

Not talking miracles here, more like:

“Now I can walk 500 meters with no walker,” or about 1,600 feet, said the retired schoolteacher. “I can walk up the stairs at my cousin’s house.” And while she still feels fatigued in the afternoons, she cycles on her indoor bike and swims.

But still a glimmer of good news.

I love Mel Brooks.

https://twitter.com/maxbrooksauthor/sta ... 2610211841

My father, @MelBrooks, is 94. He has never made a political video. Until now. [/url]

I wuv Mel.

Hey Europe, hows it going?

https://twitter.com/EricTopol/status/13 ... 97/photo/1

Nearly vertical you say? I mean, really.

Smoove_B wrote: Wed Oct 21, 2020 3:37 pm Hey Europe, hows it going?

https://twitter.com/EricTopol/status/13 ... 97/photo/1

Nearly vertical you say? I mean, really.

I won't be surprised if it ends up being the schools despite all the chatter that it is perhaps safe. In the US you can see distinct patterns around open Universities including an outbreak tied to 2 deaths in a local care facility.

It's kinda weird, but (at least here in NJ) I don't think schools are driving infections. It could really be true that if infection levels are low enough (like they were for NJ when school started in late August / early September), that it wasn't moving the needle. Same with restaurants and indoor dining. However for other parts of the US (and maybe Europe) if circulating virus levels were high enough, opening schools made it worse. And of course, now that levels are rising in NJ, schools being open might make it worse. There's just so many variables it's hard to know. Are they wearing masks? Are schools using hybrid (i.e. reduced capacity) education?

I'm genuinely surprised there hasn't been more documented school-based spread here in NJ, but maybe that's going to change in the next ~30 days. based on the info I'm seeing it's the informal social gatherings that are currently driving infections, and there's not going to be any way to address those. Here, we're simply counting on people to do the right thing.

Also, people are not going to do the right thing.

Have you met people?

I get 1-2 emails a week of new cases at my son's high school (student pop ~2k). It's been pretty flat since opening. Masks are required. I don't know much about any other measures /baddad.

I (anecdotally) think smoove's comment about case density is the trick. Schools, including the kids, really are doing a LOT of mitigation. When community spread is low or even modest that mitigation is very effective particularly if you can trace a good chunck of what does get through. Once the at large community spread gets high enough the kids are going to spread beyond mitigation fast.

Our mitigation:
Social distance in classrooms
Reduced attendance
Semi distanced lunches
Univeraal masks
Sanitizing constantly
Social distant extra curriculars (sorta)

Our risks:
Self report only
Maskless lunches
No distanced hallways
Still 1600 kids

Mitigation seems to really work well in schools. Bit I suspect our quintoupling of cases in two weeks suggests that at a certain point the dam just breaks. Particularly when the earlier successes make people even more lax.

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Almost half a million bikers gathering in one place with no real social distancing then dispersing to their home states probably contributed to the uptick in cases.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2 ... ly-spread/

Hey rural Ohio, how's it going?

Putnam County’s new coronavirus cases are now nearly five times what the CDC defines as high incidence.

The county again leads the state in virus incidence, according to information released by Gov. Mike DeWine at his Tuesday afternoon press conference.

With 166 new cases over the past two weeks and a county population of 33,861, Putnam County had 490.2 new cases per 100,000 people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define “high incidence” as 100 cases per 100,000 people.