Pandemic Report
The summer surge is waning nationally, but it may be just weeks away from the start of the traditional fall/winter wave, which reflects a retreat from the outdoors to more virus-concentrated indoor settings. The biggest news was CDC ratifying ACIP recommendations on COVID vaccines, i.e., individual choice and standalone chickenpox sgots. "The CDC says people must consult a health professional before COVID shot." "CDC, its advisers quietly expand access to Covid-19 shot for pregnant women." "CDC vaccine advisers add restrictions for receipt of COVID-19 vaccine among adults 65+." Another NBA celebrity has recovered from an infection.
Other COVID-related news items:
- "Nearly 1 in 3 adults with severe long COVID have rare heart-rhythm disorder"
- "Vaxart to Showcase its Norovirus and COVID-19 Oral Pill Vaccine Candidates at World Vaccine Congress Europe 2025"
- "Graphene and AI combine for rapid COVID-19 detection"
- "Super 8 Hotel’s Covid Property Tax Suit Rejected by Ohio Court"
- "CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic offer 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccinations nationwide"
- "Do young people need Covid boosters? Research shows more protection for ages 65 and older"
- "CDC’s Vaccine Safety Monitoring Office Performed Well During COVID-19 Pandemic"
- "AG Paxton criticizes Texas Medical Association for expanded COVID-19 vaccine resource list"
- "Azelastine nasal spray prevents COVID-19 and rhinovirus infections"
- "Severe COVID may carry higher risk of long-term conditions requiring hospitalization through 6 months"
- "Pentagon orders ‘white glove’ treatment for those returning to military service after Covid-19 vaccine refusal"
- "Why the COVID vaccine isn't part of an injury compensation court"
- "US health official calls for separating measles combination shots"
Other Notes
The blog continued to receive bloated statistics, no new essays yet this month. On X/Twitter, I'm getting an average number of impressions, and followers have stabilized at about 213.
A few weeks back, I mentioned how a UPS subsidiary had dropped off my newest laptop at an unknown address (apparently, the wrong street). Amazon had a Prime Days sale and usually does a good job dropping off my packages, at least during daylight. On the other hand, if and when I've run into issues, it has been delivery in the dark. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't have a daylight-only option; most deliveries are during the daylight. So, I purchased a couple of frozen food items during Prime Days, and they were delivered to an unknown, wrong address. Amazon eventually does the right thing, but it's still a hassle. They deliver groceries in lined bags, but it's not enough to keep frozen items cold in warmer temperatures at the wrong address. Dealing with customer service can be a hassle because usually they think the package will be redelivered by the wrong addressee, or you'll find the package on your own, so you may be told you'll have to wait a day or two before they'll credit your account. The second point is that you'll encounter a state of denial because, usually, the driver will take a photo of the package at the wrong address. You can point out, like I did, that I don't have a window on that side of the door, or the rail is on the other side of the steps.
When I was young, the UT Longhorns (my first graduate school alma mater) had 3 big annual rivalries: Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M. The old Southwest Conference ended in 1996; Arkansas joined the SEC in 1992, and A&M joined the SEC back in 2012. Until Texas joined the SEC last year, those 2 rivalries didn't continue. OU did, and the latest shootout occurred this afternoon. UT entered the season ranked #1 with football royalty starting QB Arch Manning, but lost two games early, to Ohio State and Florida. OU probably came in as the favorite at an unbeaten 5-0. Texas finally broke out of a defensive duel of field goals in the first half, with 3 interceptions and a punt return touchdown in the second half, and solid Texas drives on offense.
Falling childhood vaccination rates have eroded herd immunity, exacerbating my conflict with moronic anti-vaxxers. I had caught measles, mumps, and other childhood diseases when I was young. What's sad is some kids are dying due to such exposure. Via X explore:
