Effectiveness of masking

The more you know...


Do your own research! I believe the most important thing you can do is to learn more about Vitamin D and how your Vitamin D levels affect your immune system!

America's Unique Approach to Innovation Will Cure COVID-19

America's Unique Approach to Innovation Will Cure COVID-19
by John Fraser


Scientists have responded to COVID-19 with unprecedented speed. Just months after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, clinical trials are already underway for nearly 200 vaccines and therapies.

But while the pace of COVID-19 innovation may be extraordinary, the research infrastructure allowing this remarkable work is hardly new. In fact, it was cemented into place nearly two generations ago when Congress passed the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980.

That reform laid the groundwork for a system of partnerships between publicly funded universities and private companies that has produced some of the world's greatest drug breakthrough innovations.

This uniquely American research model is the foundation for much of the COVID-19 research taking place today.

Public-private partnerships are hardly unique to biotech innovation. Run a Google search for "Honeycrisp apple" and you'll find it had its origins in a lab at the University of Minnesota.

Oh, and that Google search engine you just used? Co-founder Sergei Brin had a National Science Foundation Fellowship for graduate students at Stanford University as he was developing it.

Breakthroughs like these often build upon very basic research inquiries, funded, in part, by the federal government. But historically, any resulting discoveries were owned by the government -- not the inventor. As a result, the discoveries would often lay dormant. Before Bayh-Dole became law, the federal government licensed less than 5 percent of the patented inventions it retained.

Recognizing that thousands of scientific breakthroughs were gathering dust -- and that taxpayers weren't benefiting from the research they helped fund -- Senators Birch Bayh and Bob Dole stepped in to accelerate public-private collaboration.

Their legislation, the Bayh-Dole Act, enabled universities to retain ownership of patented inventions developed with federal funding -- and then license those patents to private companies, who take on enormous risks and spend millions, or even billions, of dollars to research and develop new medicines.

In the biomedical field, risk of failure is very high. Fewer than 12 percent of candidates that enter Phase I clinical trials eventually make it to the market.

Universities are ill-suited for drug development. Public research dollars are best spent on what universities are really good at -- making basic discoveries and pushing the boundaries of science -- while private capital underwrites the high-risk trial-and-error work of turning these discoveries into real-world medicines.

Bayh-Dole ignited an explosion of U.S. innovation by bringing the two together and providing incentives to work together for the betterment of America, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs since then. Bayh-Dole has proven so successful that countries like Japan, Brazil, Singapore, China, and Malaysia have all implemented some version of it.

It's no surprise, then, that America's model of biomedical innovation has been indispensable to the current COVID-19 response.

For instance, the Massachusetts-based biotech firm Moderna -- a company spun out of MIT -- identified a leading vaccine candidate for the novel coronavirus in just 42 days and is about to begin phase III human trials.The revolutionary mRNA technology used to develop the candidate stems, in part, from research done at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard.

With the Bayh-Dole Act, the United States found a way to foster collaboration between universities, government agencies, and private companies to turn laboratory science into lifesaving inventions. This model has worked astoundingly well for years. In this time of crisis, it's more valuable than ever and also stands ready to address future challenges.

John Fraser is a past president of AUTM, the global association of academic technology transfer professionals. This piece originally ran in the International Business Times.

Fear and anxiety is heightened

Fear, panic, anxiety...it's adding up.


There must be a better way? Those who are deaf, who have autism, who have other health issues or anxiety...we seem to be suggesting that their problems are not important.

City council agenda for July 27

July 27 Brooten city council agenda, meeting start time is 7 p.m.

7:00 Coronavirus Relief Fund – City Participation
                        
7:15  Initiative Foundation – Request for 2021 Donation

7:30 Fire Department Retirement Increase

7:45 Update on 3320 – Mower & Pull Behind Mower

8:00 YTD Overview of 2020 Financials
        
8:15 Other

Are you wearing a mask too long?

Simple question: why do some people wear masks when they're alone in a car? Or out on a jog in the woods?



Remember: please do your own research.

• In Minnesota, as of this week Monday, COVID testing is up over 12 percent from last month, while the positive COVID test numbers are up eight percent. This means that we are showing more COVID cases purely due to more testing taking place.

Digital identity, the police state, and more

All kinds of "fun stuff" included here, especially after the 7:30 mark:


What's happening in West Africa is especially troubling. Are you paying attention yet?

On other news...some positives =


What are you doing today to improve your health?

The more you know (H1N1 outbreak)

This is from 2009...

In Minnesota, COVID testing is up over 12 percent from last month, while the positive COVID test numbers are up eight percent. This means that we are showing more COVID cases purely due to more testing taking place.

Texas

The Texas Emergency Management Division is now saying that people should wear masks even while they're at home.

Source: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/tdem-you-should-consider-wearing-a-mask-even-when-youre-in-your-own-home. July 9, 2020

Grown men

Grown men!


A young mom pushing a stroller with young children down the street...while wearing a mask. I just don't know what to say to the picture that I see in my mind when I hear that.

A bait and switch

Remember in March, and April, being told that the virus will get through 70 percent of the population before burning out. We had to slow the spread...flatten the curve.

Now they've changed the mandates/orders/decrees to = 'no one can get the virus'

Read some background here: https://uncoverdc.com/2020/07/15/a-scientific-look-at-the-mask-fallacy-and-why-were-told-to-wear-them/.

To delay death, lift weights

Good article, good food for thought!
https://www.outsideonline.com/2263346/delay-death-lift-weights

• Here's a day-old video, including information out of New York that shows they may be masked until the spring of 2021, or beyond... 

I think it's time for a break from work to get back in the garden! We have over 30 tomato plants, with at least a dozen "coming in" with many tomatoes soon to ripen.

Dramatic climb in Hennepin County

What is going on in Hennepin County?

They reported 271 new positive results from COVID tests in the latest reporting period, as released today, July 11, by the Minnesota Department of Health. 

Minneapolis, the largest city in Hennepin County, has had a mask "order" since June 1.

The day before, they reported a number of 186, but today they had a number of 271. That's a whopping 46 percent increase.

Stearns County added 14 today. (This is down from 33 yesterday.)

Minnesota's overall number was 806 added, with four deaths...all four from long-term care facilities.

Testing: the state had a testing volume in this reporting period of 16,087. That brings a positive test rate of five percent.

Thursday, July 9 numbers

Regarding physical qualities of the human face...see above.

Out of 12,535 tests reported to the Minnesota Department of Health yesterday, a total of 589 had positive results for COVID-19. This brings a positive rate of 4.1 percent.

Five COVID deaths, none from central Minnesota, were reported. All were between the ages of 80 and 99.

Stearns County added 21 new positive COVID test results. 

New positive COVID results were added as follows for area counties: Douglas County 1, Grant County 5, Kandiyohi County 2, Stevens County 2, Swift County 2 and none from Todd or Pope counties. 

COVID-related hospitalizations in Minnesota fell from yesterday’s number of 265 overall with 122 in ICU down to 251 overall and 116 in ICU. 

Let's look ahead to what Minnesota will call "school" this fall. I've outlined numerous issues (with rules they want to put on schools) that I believe are harmful to the psychological and physical well-being for kids:
1. Masks
2. Stay six feet apart
3. No shared supplies
4. No lunch room
5. No recess
6. Riding to school with one child per seat, every other seat. 

Let that all sink in for a minute.

Noteworthy

With 7,022 confirmed cases from long-term care in Minnesota, those locations have 1,157 deaths. So LTC accounts for 17.94% of confirmed Covid cases, yet is responsible for 78.33% of the deaths.

That leaves us 320 deaths outside of LTC facilities or 21.67% of the overall Covid deaths. All while non-LTC facilities account for 82.06% of the confirmed cases.

Sidebar: Stearns County reported 10 new positive COVID tests today. Yesterday, the figure was 43.

Here's a video I found worth watching through the end

Her website is TheHealthyAmerican.Org.

This is madness

Focusing every day on the minutia of how a virus is spread or located across central Minnesota is getting to be too much. It is distracting us from life.

Our state leaders are failing us in Minnesota.

I can't get myself to do a COVID update. Today's numbers are insignificant in the grand scheme of life.

Did you know? Each week, an average of 50,000 to 65,000 Americans die from all causes? 

Are they all tragedies? Or are none of them? Or just some of them?

Three is today's number

The state of Minnesota reported three additional COVID deaths, for figures released on Monday, July 6. The three were all in the Metro Area, one each from Dakota, Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

New positive COVID tests figures, by county:
Douglas County - 1
Grant County - 1
Stearns County - 10
Swift County - 1
Douglas, Pope, Stevens, Todd and Kandiyohi County reported no new positive COVID tests for today's reporting period.

Across the state, Minnesota added 434 positive COVID tests to the statewide total, which is now 38,569. Of the figure of 434, the biggest chunk of positive COVID tests came from Hennepin County, with 128 positive tests. Ramsey County added 56 to the figure, and Dakota County added 51.

July 3 and July 4 figures for COVID in Minnesota

Five COVID deaths were reported across July 3 and July 4 for Minnesota, according to the state's department of health. Four of the five were in the Metro Area, and the fifth was in Pipestone County.

More could be added for those two days once additional information is reported through the chain in the next couple of days.

Also, over July 3 and July 4, an additional 519 COVID cases were reported across the state. In Stearns County, 17 new COVID cases were added. Kandiyohi County added three, Douglas County added two, and Todd County added one.

No new COVID cases were reported on July 3 and July 4 for Swift, Stevens and Pope counties.

Statewide, hospitalizations in ICU is unchanged from the 132 patients reported on July 2.

That's all for now.

CDC is as untrustworthy as it gets

The CDC and many factions of the federal government give plenty of reason not to trust government!


SO many lies. Where do I begin? Governor Tim Walz, are you listening?

Today, a repeat of the past few days, we see the southern states having COVID cases on the rise, those with Democrat and also those those with Republican governors. It begs the question: what effect does being inside for extended periods of time have? What's happening "down south"? It's been hot! Really hot! And we naturally gravitate to being inside in air-conditioned environments.

They need to put some science into what's happening with the combination of widespread protesting followed within two weeks by super high heat days.

Seven of eight

Seven of the eight COVID-19 deaths reported today in Minnesota were from long-term care facilities. Seven of the eight were in Hennepin (three) and Ramsey (four) counties.

For Stearns County, 30 new COVID cases were reported. This is in line with what's been reported this week.

Number of new COVID cases in Stearns County:

Monday, June 29 - 28

Tuesday, June 30 - 36

Wednesday, July 1 - 17

Thursday, July 2 - 25

Friday, July 3 - 30

Minnesota reported a statewide total of 423 new COVID cases today. That is on a large testing volume of 14,653. If you do the math on that, it brings a 2.8 percent positive case count, which is the lowest I've seen in the past two weeks.

Kandiyohi County reported four new COVID cases today. In Douglas County, they reported one new COVID case. 

Pope, Stevens, Swift and Todd counties all added no new COVID cases for the past 24-hour reporting period that ended at 4 p.m. yesterday.

Statewide, there are 270* COVID-19 patients currently in hospitals, 132 of them being treated in ICUs. This marks an increase from yesterday, when Minnesota reported 123 COVID patients being treated in ICU. 
*Total hospitalization was 274 yesterday.

Also, the Minnesota Department of Health is also reporting that 32,347 of the state's reported positive cases no longer need to self-isolate. So far in Minnesota, there have been approximately 645,172 completed tests since Jan. 20.

COVID nonsense from Washington state

Remember Washington state? The first state to report a bona fide COVID outbreak?


The speaker in this video uncovered data showing that COVID data in Washington state was being fudged. Surprise, surprise!

This video lasts about 19 minutes.

State hits a home run: mortgage payment relief

Often, and lately almost constantly, I've criticized state leaders in Minnesota. Here's a chance for me to share information on what I'll just call a "home run" that they have delivered for the citizens of the North Star state:

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Governor Tim Walz, and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan have announced a commitment by 31 Minnesota financial institutions to provide mortgage-relief options to customers facing financial hardship caused by COVID-19 for homeowners not covered by the CARES Act.

Under this framework, participating financial institutions have agreed to offer the following relief options:

• 90-day forbearance period for customers facing financial hardship caused by COVID-19
  Participating financial institutions will offer mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days to single- or multi-family mortgage customers directly impacted by COVID-19. The framework went into effect yesterday, July 1, 2020, so qualifying customers can begin applying for forbearance immediately. 
   
• Customers accessing forbearance will not be required to make a lump-sum payment at the end of forbearance plan
  Participating financial institutions will not require single-family customers who qualify for forbearance under this framework to make a lump-sum payment at the end of the forbearance plan. Instead these institutions will work with borrowers on repayment options, which may include:
  • Allowing customers to add the reduced or missed payments over the lifetime of their loans; or
  • Extending the maturity of the loan to make up for the missed payments.
     
• No late fees or negative credit reporting for customers in a forbearance plan
  For single-family customers who are in an active forbearance plan under this framework, the participating financial institutions will:
  • Freeze all mortgage-related late fees for missed payments; and
  • Not report late or missed payments with credit reporting agencies.

This framework was negotiated by Attorney General Ellison’s office and Governor Walz’s office, and was supported by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Minnesota Housing.

“In the next few weeks, we may see a dramatic increase in the number of foreclosures and evictions. I am very pleased to announce that these banks and credit unions across Minnesota are working together to try to mitigate the damage,” Attorney General Ellison said. “I thank each of the participating institutions for stepping up to the plate to help Minnesotans that are struggling because of COVID-19 and for recognizing that we are all better off when every Minnesotan has stable housing.”

“Minnesota families have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and banks across the state have been working with their customers to help find solutions,” said Governor Walz. “This initiative provides some added flexibility to Minnesotans who need help affording their mortgage payments during this unprecedented time.”

“The COVID-19 crisis falls hardest on Minnesotans who were already in crisis. For many low-income families or Minnesotans who have lost jobs or sources of income, their housing stability has been put at risk,” said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Mortgage relief is one way that we can provide some comfort and stability for those most impacted. I am thrilled that we can work in partnership to offer this relief.”

Andy Cecere, President and CEO of US Bancorp:
“I want to thank Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, and Attorney General Ellison for their leadership in these difficult times. At U.S. Bank, we are committed to serving our community and we have aided thousands of customers who are facing financial pressure due to the coronavirus. We remain committed to helping and encourage our customers needing assistance to contact us digitally or over the phone to find the best solution for their situation.”

Jeanne Crain, President and CEO of Bremer Financial Corporation:
“Bremer’s purpose is to cultivate thriving communities, and we have long recognized home stability as foundational to strong communities. We have provided financial assistance to our customers affected by COVID-19 over the past months, and we remain steadfast in our promise to help. I appreciate the Attorney General’s, the Governor’s, and the Lieutenant Governor’s attention to this important issue. Bremer is committed to supporting their efforts to help Minnesotans through these challenging times.”

Mark Cummins, President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network:
“As not-for-profit financial cooperatives, it’s part of our DNA to help consumers through tough times. Since the COVID-19 pandemic reached Minnesota, the state’s credit unions have provided hundreds of thousands of their members relief from mortgages, auto loans, credit-card payments, and business loans. Minnesota Credit Unions are proud to participate in the Mortgage Forbearance Relief Framework and are committed to meeting the financial needs of consumers through this evolving situation.”

The provisions of the framework apply to loans serviced by participating financial institutions to the extent allowed by the applicable servicing framework with the owner and/or insurer of the loan. They do not apply to loans serviced by another bank and held in trust for which a bank may act as trustee.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, financial institutions across the state have been working directly with their customers to help find relief options. Customers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to reach out directly to their lender immediately to discuss what solutions may be available.  

This framework is similar to frameworks reached in California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and other states.

It's NOT about the mask (VIDEO)

Fourteen minutes. WORTH your time.


Watch. Listen. Learn. And for God's sakes: do your own research!!!!!!!

Read carefully

Will not comply to a face mask mandate. Not at gun point.

From Dr. Shiva, "Your choice: FREEDOM or SLAVERY. Freedom demands YOU take care of YOUR HEALTH - & BOOST your Immune System, get Strong, be Human & LIVE! Slavery demands YOU COMPLY to Mas’Sa #Fauci, #FakeScience - and WEAR MASKS, get Weak, be a Robot and KNEEL."

"I love America. I choose Freedom."

In Texas today, they have a statewide mask "order" that brings a $250 fine for violators. It has exceptions for children 10 or younger. I predict that Governor Walz will push a statewide mask "whatever" as early as tomorrow!! Just ahead of the 4th of July.

We will see.

Hennepin and Ramsey counties, 10 COVID deaths

For the reporting period released on Thursday, July 2, the counties of Hennepin and Ramsey of Minnesota reported 10 deaths to the COVID-19 virus.

Three other deaths (one each) were reported from Dakota, Sherburne and Steele counties.

The state of Minnesota added an even 500 cases to the total case count on a testing volume of 13,505 tests from public and private labs. That makes a positive case testing rate of 3.7 percent.

Stearns County added 25 cases of COVID to the total, which is now 2,312. Yesterday, for July 1, Stearns County added 17 cases.  On Tuesday, June 30, Stearns County added 36 new COVID cases.

In terms of the 500 new COVID cases...for added context, here's the breakdown for the counties reporting double-digit cases today, with new case count and overall population:
Washington - 23 cases    (pop. 262,440)
Stearns - 25      (pop. 161,075)
Scott - 13       (pop. 149,013)
Ramsey - 54      (pop. 550,321)
Olmsted - 18       (pop. 158,293)
Hennepin - 161    (pop. 1,266,000)
Dakota - 31        (pop. 429,021)
Carver - 13        (pop. 105,089)
Blue Earth - 21     (pop. 67,653)
Anoka - 30        (pop. 356,921)

Sub-total =  3.5058 million of the state’s 5.64 million people (62 percent of the state’s population)

TOTAL CASES in these counties = 389 of 500 (78%) 

• Area counties adding no new COVID cases were Pope, Douglas and Todd counties. Kandiyohi County added one COVID case. Grant County added two new COVID cases. Swift County added one new COVID cases. 

MEANWHILE, it becomes clear we are losing sight of what is happening behind the scenes, which is not surprising. Here's a headline that just popped up: "Health Partners is eliminating at least 200 jobs as it closes clinics."

Hello! Earth to anyone with a brain! We are using the wrong approach if we are harming medical systems due to a lack of people utilizing the services of health care providers.