Coronavirus: Prepare Or Panic?

Note:  I’m a commentator, not a doctor.  There’s a reason I don’t work in a hospital, and it’s not just because I’m squeamish.  When in doubt, consult a doctor; this article is just general information.

Yesterday, the CDC released a guidance document on the COVID-19 outbreak.  It tells us… well, honestly it tells us that they really don’t know much.  It’s deadlier than the normal flu outbreak by at least a factor of 10; up to one case in five may require hospitalization.  If you’re old and chronically ill, you’re much more likely to die.  Oh, and those masks?  Probably won’t keep you from catching it, but if used properly might keep you from spreading it.

And that’s about it.

So… yeah.  Not exactly the most informative press release (more…)

Fear and Loathing: The Tenth Debate / 2 A.M. Thoughts

Stuck In The Middle With You, by Stealers Wheel

Usually I find these things to be, if not informative, then at least excellent entertainment.  This was not.  This was pro wrestling gone horribly off-script.

As I watched, gorge rising, I could not help but think to myself:  Where is Jed Bartlet to save us from these… these mediocrities?!  Of them all, only Sanders and Warren (more…)

So, Yes, It’s Russia Again — But.

First, the Post reveals that Russia is helping both Sanders and Trump this time around (conveniently just in time for the Nevada Caucuses).  Then CNN tells us the threat is greatly exaggerated.  Now we’re being told by Fox News that DoD says there’s actually no Russian activity at all, and it’s all a big hoax.

A reasonably intelligent person might well (more…)

F&L: Pete Buttigieg and his Big Tent

(Picture:  Parking lot in what turns out to be Milford, New Hampshire, waiting for the bus)

So here we are in… you know, as I’m saying this, I don’t have a clue where we are?  It’s the woods in New Hampshire, thirty miles from anywhere, and somehow there’s a massive inflatable domed sports arena.  I don’t get it; it’s not hockey, which might make sense.  But somehow the Buttigieg campaign found the only domed stadium in (more…)

Fear & Loathing: Yes, Nevada Is A Caucus

What you need to know going into today:  Nevada is a caucus state, but different from Iowa.  Every state is different, of course, but Nevada is very different.  And I’m not just talking about the prostitution laws, although that does hit politicians very close to home; no, they do everything differently here in the Sagebrush State.

To begin with, it’s a closed caucus; only registered party members can vote.  Which would matter (more…)

F&L: Amy Klobuchar From the Overflow Room

I’ve already told you about coming into Exeter a good hour ahead of schedule, and still seeing a horde of people already lined up around the block, waiting for Amy to show up at the Old Town Hall.  I didn’t mention the freezing drizzle, but there was that too.  Gotta love New Hampshire in February.

I’ve checked out the press arrangements ahead of time.  This event does have some nice perks (more…)

Vignette: Supreme Pizza, Exeter N.H.

When we roll into Exeter, N.H. a good hour ahead of schedule, there’s already people lined up around the block waiting for Amy to show up at the Old Town Hall.

Now Exeter is a fine town, home to Phillips Exeter Academy, a marvelous downtown, and some truly friendly people.  But one thing Exeter is not known for is its parking.  Another is the capacity of its meeting venues.  Neither is in copious supply.

We keep driving.  I need some space (more…)

Fear & Loathing: CREEP

I was subtle and polite, but some of you are too damned lazy to read fifteen hundred words of well-reasoned prose.  Here’s the pre-chewed version.  Read it and weep.

Eight candidates.  One clear leader – Sanders – but The Party doesn’t like him.  No single candidate with a decent chance to take him down in the primary.

And so they present you with the illusion of choice: (more…)

Aside: On The Decoy Effect

People are deliberately inducing anxiety in you in order to manipulate your decisions.  You’re already aware of this, at least subconsciously; consider:
How many coffee sizes are there?

If you answered three — either small, medium, and large or tall, grande, and venti depending on where you get your caffeine — then (more…)