2:00PM Water Cooler 9/10/2024 | bare capitalism

Date:


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* * *

Allow us to proceed with our catbirds (which someway vanished mysteriously throughout yesterday’s sturm and drang).

Chook Track of the Day

Grey Catbird, Indian Springs Wildlife Administration Space; alongside Blair’s Valley Highway, Washington, Maryland, United States. “Grownup Grey Catbird singing from roadside vegetation.” Seems like a duet.

To not be confused with a catbus:

(By Studio Ghibli.)

* * *

Politics

“So lots of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in reality a rational administration of symbolic capital.” –Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles

* * *

Biden Administration

“How Joe Biden Engineered Apple’s New AirPods” [Matt Stoller, BIG]. “Apple engineers turning AirPods into listening to aids is fantastic, nevertheless it’s not a uniquely troublesome endeavor. The truth is, what’s taking place right here is {that a} set of elected leaders opened up a market closed off by a cartel that had secured a cushty place, shielded by the Meals and Drug Administration. And engineers, lots of whom care deeply about listening to, acted on this new authorized area to create instruments to assist individuals dwell higher lives… How we deploy expertise is just not a operate of engineering and science as a lot as it’s how these interaction with regulation, on this case a regulation that fostered a listening to assist cartel after which a distinct regulation that broke it aside. So it’s not outlandish to say that Joe Biden designed Apple’s new listening to assist AirPods, with an help from Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Grassley, and Donald Trump. It’s simply what occurred.” • I’d be quite a bit happier if Kamala had given Lina Khan an enormous hug.

2024

Lower than 100 days to go!

Friday’s RCP Ballot Averages:

I’d say the bloom is off the rose for Harris, apart from an upward blip in Georgia. Appears to be like like the big liberalgasm afte the Conference was confined to occasion loyalists. The Kamala marketing campaign should be sore as boils Trump is inside placing distance, not to mention tied with them. What may account for it? Maybe that’s why the pivot to RussiaGate. Bear in mind, nonetheless, that each one the fluctuations — in reality, all of the leads, prime to backside — are throughout the margin of error.

* * *

The Debate (September 10)

“Harris braces for probably the most crucial second of her political profession at debate with Trump” [CNN]. “Kamala Harris’ joyful marketing campaign will Tuesday be hit by the blunt drive of actuality — a debate with Donald Trump — probably the most menacing political foe of recent instances.” • That’s “putatively joyful” ffs.

* * *

[Much more to come; I got wrapped around the axle on some administrativia]

Syndemics

“I’m in earnest — I can’t equivocate — I can’t excuse — I can’t retreat a single inch — AND I WILL BE HEARD.” –William Lloyd Garrison

* * *

Covid Assets, United States (Nationwide): Transmission (CDC); Wastewater (CDC, Biobot; consists of many counties; Wastewater Scan, consists of drilldown by zip); Variants (CDC; Walgreens); “Iowa COVID-19 Tracker” (in IA, however nationwide knowledge). “An infection Management, Emergency Administration, Security, and Common Ideas” (particularly on hospitalization by metropolis).

Lambert right here: Readers, thanks for the collective effort. To replace any entry, do be at liberty to contact me on the deal with given with the crops. Please put “COVID” within the topic line. Thanks!

Assets, United States (Native): AK (dashboard); AL (dashboard); AR (dashboard); AZ (dashboard); CA (dashboard; Marin, dashboard; Stanford, wastewater; Oakland, wastewater); CO (dashboard; wastewater); CT (dashboard); DE (dashboard); FL (wastewater); GA (wastewater); HI (dashboard); IA (wastewater reviews); ID (dashboard, Boise; dashboard, wastewater, Central Idaho; wastewater, Coeur d’Alene; dashboard, Spokane County); IL (wastewater); IN (dashboard); KS (dashboard; wastewater, Lawrence); KY (dashboard, Louisville); LA (dashboard); MA (wastewater); MD (dashboard); ME (dashboard); MI (wastewater; wastewater); MN (dashboard); MO (wastewater); MS (dashboard); MT (dashboard); NC (dashboard); ND (dashboard; wastewater); NE (dashboard); NH (wastewater); NJ (dashboard); NM (dashboard); NV (dashboard; wastewater, Southern NV); NY (dashboard); OH (dashboard); OK (dashboard); OR (dashboard); PA (dashboard); RI (dashboard); SC (dashboard); SD (dashboard); TN (dashboard); TX (dashboard); UT (wastewater); VA (dashboard); VT (dashboard); WA (dashboard; dashboard); WI (wastewater); WV (wastewater); WY (wastewater).

Assets, Canada (Nationwide): Wastewater (Authorities of Canada).

Assets, Canada (Provincial): ON (wastewater); QC (les eaux usées); BC (wastewater); BC, Vancouver (wastewater).

Hat tricks to useful readers: Alexis, anon (2), Art_DogCT, B24S, CanCyn, ChiGal, Chuck L, Festoonic, FM, FreeMarketApologist (4), Gumbo, hop2it, JB, JEHR, JF, JL Joe, John, JM (10), JustAnotherVolunteer, JW, KatieBird, KF, LL, Michael King, KF, LaRuse, mrsyk, MT, MT_Wild, otisyves, Petal (6), RK (2), RL, RM, Rod, sq. coats (11), tennesseewaltzer, Tom B., Utah, Bob White (3).

Keep secure on the market!

* * *

Airborne Transmission

“Microbial richness and air chemistry in aerosols above the PBL verify 2,000-km long-distance transport of potential human pathogens” [PNAS]. PBL = Planetary Boundary Layer. From the Summary: “The existence of viable human pathogens in bioaerosols which may trigger an infection or have an effect on human well being has been the topic of little analysis. On this examine, knowledge supplied by 10 tropospheric plane surveys over Japan in 2014 verify the existence of an unlimited range of microbial species as much as 3,000 m top, which could be dispersed above the planetary boundary layer over distances of as much as 2,000 km, because of sturdy winds from an space lined with huge cereal croplands in Northeast (NE) Asia. Microbes connected to aerosols reveal the presence of numerous bacterial and fungal taxa, together with potential human pathogens, originating from sewage, pesticides, or fertilizers. Over 266 completely different fungal and 305 bacterial genera appeared within the 10 plane transects.” And: ” Pure antimicrobial-resistant micro organism (ARB) cultured from air samples had been discovered indicating long-distance unfold of ARB and microbial viability. This is able to symbolize a novel strategy to disperse each viable human pathogens and resistance genes amongst distant geographical areas.” • Novel certainly MR SUBLIMINAL Yeah, however the place’s the RCT? Right here is the Guardian remedy of the identical article–

“Pathogenic microbes blown huge distances by winds, scientists uncover” [Guardian]. “The winds studied carried a shocking range of micro organism and fungi, together with identified pathogens and, some with genes for resistance to a number of antibiotics. A few of the microbes had been proven to be alive – in different phrases, that they had survived the lengthy journey and had been capable of replicate. The researchers mentioned this intercontinental transport route was unlikely to trigger illness in individuals straight, as a result of the focus of microbes was low. Nonetheless, they mentioned it was a reason for concern that microbes could possibly be seeded into new environments and that antibiotic-resistance genes may journey on this manner.” However: “[Prof Xavier Rodó at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health] mentioned: ‘We’re speaking about ultra-low concentrations, and most often they wouldn’t elicit an infection. However we can not rule that out in immunocompromised people.’ Nonetheless: “Prof Chris Thomas, on the College of Birmingham, UK, mentioned: ‘The probabilities of getting an infectious dose [via high-level winds] should be significantly lower than when encountering an contaminated particular person on an aeroplane, and even simply happening vacation to a international nation.’” • Sure, however I don’t assume that’s the killer argument Thomas appears to assume it’s. To not reduce myself, but when the higher environment is a viral soup, that’s a very good factor to know. Science is popping!

Transmission: H5N1

“5 burning questions on Missouri’s mysterious H5 fowl flu case” [STAT]. Price studying in full. “An unexplained H5 an infection raises the potential of person-to-person unfold of a flu virus that has by no means earlier than circulated in people, and to which individuals wouldn’t have immunity. And this with a harmful flu virus that scientists have lengthy feared may sometime set off a pandemic. In any case, the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was first observed when two youngsters in California who had no contact with pigs or with one another had been recognized with flu infections brought on by a virus that had beforehand been circulating in swine.” And the questions: “What’s being finished to analyze the state of affairs?… Is that this the identical H5 virus that’s spreading in cows?… How sick was this particular person? Was she or he hospitalized for influenza signs, or for different causes?… Did this particular person actually don’t have any contact with contaminated animals or birds? Does this particular person have a cat that’s allowed outdoor? … Did this particular person eat uncooked milk?” • All these questions appear apparent sufficient. And yesterday–

“CDC confirms human case of fowl flu in Missouri” [The Poultry Site]. “The case was confirmed on Thursday, the CDC mentioned, including that an investigation into the potential publicity is ongoing by the Missouri Division of Well being and Senior Companies.” • Not CDC….

Transmission: Mpox

“Mpox circumstances on the rise in Canada” [WSWS]. “The dearth of any sound epidemiologic response by Canada’s well being officers to the present pressure of mpox is emblematic of the worldwide anti-public-health response globally. At each flip, public well being statements and bulletins downplay the hazards posed by the virus and try to supply false assurances that these pathogens aren’t any severe menace, and all the required instruments are in place ought to they be wanted. Statements just like the one made by Chief Public Well being Officer Theresa Tam, who admitted that the dearth of any optimistic samples of clade 1 in wastewater ‘may change,’ ought to elevate eyebrows. The mpox virus has primarily affected the province of Ontario, the place 142 confirmed circumstances have been reported for the reason that starting of the 12 months. Two circumstances have wanted hospitalizations, and nobody has died thus far. Few, if any, of the optimistic circumstances had been related to worldwide journey. As soon as launched, the virus fueled a big outbreak fully pushed by area people transmission. Solely 15 % of circumstances reported journey outdoors the province within the 21 days earlier than the onset of signs and the positivity charge for testing has been increased than 27.3 % since late June, based on the provincial well being ministry. This suggests well being authorities have adopted the ‘dwell with the virus’ technique which has been taken in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic moderately than combating to eradicate the disfiguring and doubtlessly lethal mpox virus.”

Elite Maleficence

They know. They simply don’t need you to know:

Discover who’s masked and who isn’t.)

* * *

Lambert right here: The figures look mildly encouraging for now, however I’d anticipate an instantaneous worsening after Labor Day journey kicks in, together with grade faculties, excessive faculties, and faculties beginning up. Keep secure on the market!

TABLE 1: Day by day Covid Charts

Wastewater
This week[1] CDC August 27 Final Week[2] CDC (till subsequent week):

Variants [3] CDC August 31 Emergency Room Visits[4] CDC August 31

Hospitalization
New York[5] New York State, knowledge September 9: Nationwide [6] CDC August 17:

Positivity
Nationwide[7] Walgreens September 9: Ohio[8] Cleveland Clinic August 24:

Vacationers Knowledge
Positivity[9] CDC August 19: Variants[10] CDC August 19:

Deaths
Weekly Deaths vs. % Positivity [11]CDC August 31: Weekly Deaths vs. ED Visits [12]CDC August 31:

LEGEND

1) for charts new right now; all others are usually not up to date.

2) For a full-size/full-resolution picture, Command-click (MacOS) or right-click (Home windows) on the chart thumbnail and “open picture in new tab.”

NOTES

[1] (CDC) This week’s wastewater map, with scorching spots annotated. Retains spreading. NOTE The date appears to be mistaken, however the variety of websites has modified so that is new.

[2] (CDC) Final week’s wastewater map.

[3] (CDC Variants) KP.* extremely popular. XDV.1 flat.

[4] (ED) Down, however price noting that Emergency Division use is now on a par with the primary wave, in 2020.

[5] (Hospitalization: NY) Positively down.

[6] (Hospitalization: CDC). The visualization suppresses what’s, in share phrases, a big improve.

[7] (Walgreens) Massive drop continues!

[8] (Cleveland) Dropping.

[9] (Vacationers: Positivity) Down. These sh*theads at CDC have modified the chart in order that it doesn’t even run again to 1/21/23, because it used to, however now begins 1/1/24. There’s additionally no strategy to alter the time vary. CDC actually doesn’t need you to have the ability to take a historic view of the pandemic, or examine one surge to a different. In an any case, that’s why the form of the curve has modified.

[10] (Vacationers: Variants) What the heck is LB.1?

[11] Deaths low, however positivity up. If america is like Canada, deaths are a number of undercounted:

[12] Deaths low, ED up.

Stats Watch

Inflation: “United States Client Worth Index (CPI)” [Trading Economics]. “Client Worth Index CPI in america elevated to 314.54 factors in July from 314.18 factors in June of 2024. Client Worth Index CPI in america averaged 124.38 factors from 1950 till 2024, reaching an all time excessive of 314.54 factors in July of 2024.”

Sentiment: “United States NFIB Enterprise Optimism Index” [Trading Economics]. “The NFIB Small Enterprise Optimism Index within the US decreased to 91.2 in August 2024, the bottom in three months, in comparison with 93.7 in July and forecasts of 93.6. ‘Traditionally excessive inflation stays the highest situation for homeowners as gross sales expectations plummet and value pressures improve. Uncertainty amongst small enterprise homeowners continues to rise as expectations for future enterprise situations worsen’, mentioned NFIB Chief Economist Invoice Dunkelberg.”

* * *

Manufacturing: “Boeing Machinists union chief expects members will reject deal, strike” [Seattle Times]. “‘The response from individuals is it’s not ok,’ Machinist union district 751 president Holden mentioned in an unique interview with The Seattle Instances on the union’s South Park headquarters. ‘Proper now, I feel will probably be voted down, and our members will vote to strike.’… With Boeing’s credit standing now only one rung above junk bond standing, a prolonged strike that hits money circulate and will increase debt may have a dramatic impact on its monetary standing.” Boeing’s Bourbon-like administration already in search of scabs: “A Boeing worker forwarded a message to The Seattle Instances that was despatched Monday by an engineering supervisor on the Auburn components plant, stating that he was “requested to offer management with an inventory” of engineers keen to volunteer to carry out work usually finished by Machinists. Focusing on members of the white-collar union, the Society of Skilled Engineering Staff in Aerospace, the memo cites an incentive of pay at additional time charges, both 1½ instances or double the conventional pay. SPEEA Government Director Ray Goforth expressed shock when informed of the memo and mentioned his union would possible lodge an objection. Boeing didn’t touch upon the difficulty.”

Tech: Innovation (1):

Tech: Innovation (2):

That’s it? A digital camera management button?

Tech: Innovation (3):


* * *

As we speak’s Worry & Greed Index: 38 Worry (earlier shut: 42 Worry) [CNN]. One week in the past: 54 (Impartial). (0 is Excessive Worry; 100 is Excessive Greed). Final up to date Sep 10 at 1:32:46 PM ET.

Social Media Watch

Problem accepted:

Gallery

Little cubes, however by Cezanne:

Permaculture

“Carbon-Water Tradeoffs in Previous-Progress and Younger Forests of the Pacific Northwest” [American Geophysical Union]. From the Summary: “A number of traces of proof present that mature and old-growth forest watersheds retailer and accumulate extra carbon, are extra drought resistant, and higher maintain water availability in comparison with younger forests. These outcomes present a foundation for reconstructions and predictions which are doubtlessly broadly relevant, as a result of first-order watersheds occupy 80%–90% of huge river basins and examine watersheds are consultant of forest historical past within the Pacific Northwest area.” • A “first-order watershed“: “The beginning or headwaters of a stream, with no different streams flowing into it, known as the first-order stream. Two first-order streams circulate collectively to kind a second-order stream. Second-order streams circulate right into a third-order stream. This labeling continues till the streams deposit their water into a bigger physique of water, comparable to an ocean or a bay.” • “Complexity is the enemy of high quality” on the planet of engineering or enterprise. That doesn’t appear to be the case in ecological techniques.

Class Warfare

“On Algorithmic Wage Discrimination” (PDF) [Veena Dubal, SSRN]. “Drawing on a multi-year, first-of-its-kind ethnographic examine of organizing on-demand staff, this Article examines the historic rupture in wage calculation, coordination, and distribution arising from the logic of informational capitalism: the usage of granular knowledge to provide unpredictable, variable, and personalised hourly pay…. Throughout companies, the opaque practices that represent algorithmic wage discrimination elevate central questions concerning the altering nature of labor and its regulation beneath informational capitalism. Most centrally, what makes cost for labor in platform work honest? How does algorithmic wage discrimination change and have an effect on the expertise of labor? And, contemplating these questions, how ought to the regulation intervene on this second of rupture?” • We linked to this paper again in December 2023, however now there’s a video out based mostly on it:

Information of the Wired

“Shortwave Radiogram, 5-11 September 2024 (program 369): Sail-powered digital modes” [Shortwave Radiogram], “Shortwave Radiogram transmits digital textual content and pictures on an analog shortwave broadcast transmitter. This system is produced and offered by Dr. Kim Andrew Elliott.” • “[S]hortwave stays probably the most accessible worldwide communications medium that also supplies listeners with the safety of full anonymity.”

* * *

Contact data for crops: Readers, be at liberty to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, to (a) learn the way to ship me a test if you’re allergic to PayPal and (b) to learn the way to ship me photographs of crops. Greens are tremendous! Fungi, lichen, and coral are deemed to be honorary crops! If you’d like your deal with to look as a credit score, please place it initially of your mail in parentheses: (thus). In any other case, I’ll anonymize through the use of your initials. See the earlier Water Cooler (with plant) right here. From JB:

JB writes: “The rains have returned and the cement pond is full once more (our pool, house to about three dozen goldfish and a turtle, plus lily pads). Talking of which, the lily pads made it by a Florida winter (comparable to it’s). This was not a certain factor, in my estimation, as a result of we planted bulbs in 5-gallon buckets and so they sit within the shallow finish of the pool ranging in depth between 3-1/2 to 4′ deep. Anyway, they not solely survived however thrived and the opposite day Niki, our daughter, took some very nice photographs of a pink blossom (now we have white and violet every now and then, additionally). I instantly considered you as a result of she caught the clouds reflecting off the water and the impact was very good.”

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