Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Monday, June 28, 2021
Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Hooray, Rain!
Gray skies, pattering on the roof. What IS this wet stuff, falling down? Growing up in damp Michigan, I know about rain. But it sure seems odd to see it here in Colorado. Especially the lack of sunny skies.
We tend to have a "monsoon" week or so like this in late June or early July -- which can often mess with people's idea of how the Fourth should be celebrated. On the plus side, though, it keeps the fire hazard down for fireworks.
I met with several clients last week for appraising. Guess what I'll be working on this week? Actually, it's kind of pleasant, when it's too messy to be outside. This rain is allowing me to plant more -- a blessing. Usually it's so dry that you don't dare move any plants -- even if you water them every day, they generally die.
Meanwhile:
A huge crash at the Tour de France -- caused by a spectator holding a sign in front of the bicyclists! (Somebody arrest that person... fast. They're looking for her.)
Surprising last historical events. Did you know that the guillotine was last used...in the Seventies? Also:
Some dark humor pieces that take that-last-weird-step-forward. Into something you probably didn't expect.
Russia just launched a new sub -- and it's huge.
"Picnic" and "you guys" -- did you know that these are Words of Violence? Yup, Brandeis University says so. (I'm not the only one who thinks this is a little ridiculous, either. As pointed out, the word "lynching" was not considered violent enough to make the list. Go figure.)
Bringing in the weeds -- and edible ones, too. (From Surviving and Thriving)
Black olive penguins -- cute and easy to make. (From Foodie with Family)
Subway's tuna -- is it? Lab tests say no -- but Subway says yes. (It may have to do more with the type of fish used.)
Evictions have been back-burnered for 30 more days, via the Biden administration. At least one landlord group is appealing to the Supreme Court for relief.
The South African lady who claimed to have had 10 babies... wasn't even pregnant. Oops.
The amazing story of Ada Blackjack, an Inuit woman who survvived two years on a remote island. I have great respect for the Inuit, and learned more after Son #1 (who is part-Inuit) joined our family. He -- and they -- are interesting, resourceful people who value skills and history.
Indian children's graves found -- at least 600+ unmarked -- at a Canadian boarding school.
No Pledge of Allegiance in Silverton, CO -- except that residents, including board members, are ignoring the mayor and doing it, anyways.
The final issue of the IQA (International Quilt Association) Journal. Sad to see this go.
How kids found out that their parents were actually famous.
Nineteen texts that could only have come from dads.
These 'only on the internet' dads are funny, too.
And some insanely great reflexes, dadwise.
(Now I REALLY miss my Pa, gone for more than 12 years now...)
If you're interested in historical clothing, this classic post from The Prudent Homemaker not only walks you through a c.1840s dress and bonnet, but has some practical explanations for 'why they did it this way back then.' Fascinating.
Sixteen phone calls from an elderly couple whose residence was in the condos that collapsed -- to their grandson! But no one's on the line when he answers...
Have a great week.
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Frugal Hits & Misses: June Report
Staying in Michigan during June was miserable. Not only was it hot, but the humidity was so bad, even the Michiganders were griping about it. The only way we could handle it, especially at night, was with the air conditioning going full tilt. (We have tried and tried to get The Mama to install air conditioning, but she won't. Even with multiple fans going, her living space felt miserable.)
I wanted to bitch and moan about the heat a lot-- but then I read something like this. Others have had it a lot worse than us.
After we returned home to Colorado, it was still hot -- but not that clinging dampness that drags on you. Now it's cooler, and we're even having -- gasp -- RAIN!! Multiple days worth!! This is so infrequent that it's worth celebrating. Fortunately, I planted some perennials, moved others around, and they're getting a nice soaking.
I'm tired of June. It wasn't much fun this year, in more ways than one.
FRUGAL HITS
*We went on vacation with cousins to Shipshewana, IN, a popular Amish tourist town. We brought our trailer, and split the campground costs with them. (They slept in their van, which they've cleverly adapted for camping.)
Shipshewana buys: 'Shipshe' is known for its bulk food and clearance stores. Not only did we get some good buys -- but we filled several orders from family members who'd heard we were going. (Warning: many places only take cash! And that can be a problem, if you're filling family orders, as well as your own. Fortunately, our cousins reimbursed us with cash for their expenses-- and saved our bacon.) I bought: bags of peach jello, butter pecan pudding, a gallon of corn syrup (great for caramel corn) and a half-gallon of maple syrup.(MICHIGAN -- we were going to get some made in Indiana!) Jugs of limoncello-style lemonade and bags of potato chips were 50 cents each. The best bargain: tender white popcorn kernels for 59 cents/pound. (Yes, this kind really is better than the yellow stuff.)
Also: leather gloves ($6/pr -- perfect for weeding), 10 toothbrushes for a buck...and free popcorn samples at the Yoder Popcorn store.
Daily Deals -- the Grand Rapids version of our Fri/Sat store: Ball Park hotdogs 99 cents/lb; little smokies sausages 99 cents a pound (for breakfast and pig in blankets); boxed dessert mix (69 cents); ham steak $1.29/lb; mozzarella $1/lb; eggwhite mayo 79 cents a bottle. I also got a bottle of 'CRanch' (Ketchup mixed with ranch) sauce for cheap -- and pies for less than $3!
*I made meals -- a lot. Generally we cooked our own breakfasts and lunches, and I swapped supper preparation with The Mama. Since I was using mostly items from Daily Deals, or things we'd purchased earlier, our food costs were minimal. On the road, we still ate nearly all meals in the trailer -- most fast food places we encountered did not have their dining-in areas open yet. Trying to get our fifth-wheel through the lower-topped drive-through lanes, without ripping something off? Impossible.
*Picked up a lot of Amazon sale items that were shipped to The Mama's while we were elsewhere. One box of potato chips never arrived, so Amazon credited us. Their policy: if the item does eventually wander in, you can keep it -- and lo and behold, it did, weeks later. The Mama kept some chips for herself, and had fun gifting the rest to cousins and other family.
I also snagged some other Amazon warehouse deals, including rice wine, big bags of rye and white flour (fancy brand, organic -- and a steal of a price), plus a large bag of Asian-style rice. They were all waiting for us when we arrived in Colorado.
*Found a penny by the Walmart customer service desk. (Hey, priorities!)
*Hit the Michigan thrift stores. Found a walker ($25) for The Mama that she can keep in her van. Also found: Michiganopoly (the U of M version of Monopoly); craft items; a shirt or two; books and videos (the latter $1, and 3 for $5 -- the former, $1 each.
*Video finds from our local thrift shop - and the library used bookstore: including Dave and an early Father's Day present: Navy Seals vs Zombies. (The Brick spent 6 years in the Navy - yay for the Navy!!)
*The Brick installed several railings for The Mama. Cost: the hardware. His services were donated. (The sweet man.)
*Father's Day presents -- a few books (including American Sniper by Chris Kyle), two pairs of professional binoculars ($6 for both!), and some lovely Turkish-delight type jellies from Liberty Orchards, a company that's since closed. (I am very sad about this -- their candies were delicious.)
*Father's Day meals x 2 -- covered by our kids. (Thanks, Dears.)
*Groceries, birthday presents for Mom, and Christmas presents left for the family. (Some were also wrapped and taken with for the Colorado contingent.) All on sale, or from the thrift shop.
*Cheese and cottage cheese from friends going on vacation - and cleaning out their fridge. (We got invited to lunch, in order to use up more leftovers, she said. (They were delicious.)
*Fruit found while traveling: A few strawberries (2 pounds for $2.25) spoiled -- but we ate every one of the fresh blueberries (about 1.5 pounds, $2.50)
*Kept a running check of gas prices while we were traveling -- and invariably saved at least 10 cents a gallon by doing so. Try Gas Buddy -- it sure helped us. Also helpful:
*'Parky' helped us find Wal-Marts and other spots amenable to camping for the night while on the road. Free!
*Really good prices for Southwest plane tickets to Michigan in late fall -- using up the refunds we were due, from the cruise cancelled in the spring.
*Teeth cleaned and x-rays taken: $99, thanks to our friends at Tedford Dental. This was great -- we thought I had dental insurance, but apparently it did not renew.
FRUGAL MISSES
*Ate out a lot the first week we were back. We didn't save that much, either, though one of the meals was 'Tuesday Taco Night' at Del Taco -- 3 tacos for $2! We covered a few meals out in Michigan, too.
*The trailer brakes needed fixing. Thanks to the Brick's skills (and a lot of Youtube videos), this only cost us materials. (See, I told you he was a clever man. Next fix needed: the kitchen sink, which is sagging dangerously.) We've had some other messy encounters that I would rather not have endured, like a clog in the blackwater tank pipe that overflowed...well, you don't want to know.
*A new printer. The old one broke down. Thankfully, I'd printed the current appraisals before it went kerflooie. We'll get the new one just in time for the next batch of appraisal reports.
*Bought nearly 100 Colorado Curiosities and Spooky Colorado books. That's one of the bad parts about writing books -- you have to pay for the printed copies upfront. (And you wait several months for any royalties.) At least we got free shipping.
*Bought a couple of quilts -- some handkerchiefs and photos, too -- for future articles and lectures. At least they were all reasonably priced.
*No real 'fun' activities during the Michigan trip. Except for the Shipshewana trip, we stayed pretty close to the farm --and to The Mama.
Last June's report is here -- and last month's is here. I'd love to laze around, but we've got lots of work to catch up on for the next month. Had better get to it.
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Friday, June 25, 2021
Home in Colorado
Dead beat and plum tuckered out, as the Brick says.
Neither of us are sleeping well -- not a huge surprise, considering we've been in and out of various time zones for the past month or two. We have strange bursts of energy...then we're really, really tired.
We're parked back in our beautiful spot by the mountains. It's also cooler, which helps. I just finished out a grueling few days of meetings, including appraisal sessions. Now, to get those reports compiled and completed.
The new books just arrived! Both are in stock now, as well as our other books. We need to rev the website back up, as well as firm up book signings.
Colorado Curiosities is my latest for Arcadia Publishing. It's crammed full of funny, curious and odd people, places and things from the Centennial State, Look inside here.
This one's based on my earlier book, Ghosts & Legends of Colorado's Front Range --
but it's from Arcadia's new line for kids, Spooky America. Take a look inside.
The printer broke while on the trip to Michigan. The Brick has been researching like crazy to find the best printer -- only to keep running into the same issue. If we get the 'megatank' printer that will help us make best use of our money, then it's not always the most reliable model we could get -- and more expensive, to boot. But with these reports nesting on our doorstep, we need a printer!
The truck is having problems. It's not the engine -- that's doing great. It seems to be a malfunctioning censor connected with pollution control. This is our only vehicle right now -- and the first available appointment to fix this is July 6.
Lots of jobs to get done outside, too, for our landlord.
Welcome back to Colorado...and back to work. Off to deal with it.
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
New Hankies in My Collection
If you don't have much room for storing things anymore (which is our case), but you still want to be actively studying textiles --
You should consider collecting handkerchiefs.
I began collecting handkerchiefs and bandannas decades back, when my first book, Hanky Panky Crazy Quilts, came out. Soon after, though, I fell in love with handkerchiefs' bright colors, vivid patterns and cultural connections. Lucky for me -- and you -- they're still out there, in increasing quantities, as people start to clear out shelves and drawers. Look for pieces that commemorate special events, celebrate popular songs or movies, or advocate certain political candidates -- children's hankies are also collectible, when they're graphic. Good workmanship and unusual details are always a plus. One of my favorite items to collect are handkerchiefs that show women or girls in one corner -- in three-dimension, including underwear! Some of my more racy hankies dispense with that item altogether. (Think anatomically correct...kind of like these pieces from a past Ebay auction...)
Here are three I just found for reasonable prices on Ebay, including a Yankee Doodle 30s kids' piece:
An early 1900s cowboys-and-Indians-type hankie, also for kids:
And a commemorative piece of Japan's surrender to the Allies in WWII.
Handkerchiefs are a great way to analyze color, pattern and favorite trends -- and how those change over the decades. They're often easy on the budget -- where else could you get a piece of cloth from the 1840s or earlier, for less than $100? They can be graphic -- and perfect for display. Once you're no longer 'seeing' them, just substitute a different piece, and store the other hankie flat in a drawer, layered and protected by a separate piece of cloth.
Consider adding some handkerchiefs to your collection.
Hanky Panky, sadly out of print for years now.
I've considered bringing it back again, in a new edition that
features some other display ideas for hankies,
along with some history. Just haven't done it yet.
Sunday, June 20, 2021
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day to the Brick, my darling husband, who dotes on his Daughters #1 and #2.
(Son #1 isn't in this photo...but is cherished, nonetheless.)
Happy Father's Day to my beloved Pa, who's been gone for more than twelve years now.
You are both dearly loved, and I am so grateful for both of you.
Monday (no, Sunday) Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: Onward
Boy, it's been hot.
We sweated our way through last week in Michigan, and the trip home to Colorado. It's still hot here, but dryer. A little rain now and then has helped some. All four of us -- dogs included -- are glad we don't have to stuff ourselves into the truck for hours, anymore. We're back to our spot in the countryside, snuggled up against the mountains.
Our regular life is beginning again.
I have a boatload of appraisals to do this week, plus tidying up and general chores. After more than four months away, it's back to work, so to speak. And just in time, too -- my new book, Colorado Curiosities, comes out this week! Several other things are coming to fruition, as well. So here we go.
Free movies that have been recently added to various channels this summer.
You can often find some of your favorites at your local library, as well. Thanks to the Philip S. Miller Library, I've sobbed my way through Greenland, and shivered through Snowpiercer. (That one's in progress.)
Quilts for runaway slaves -- an unusual take on the subject! (They were donations. Thanks, Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilts.)
A bride hand-knits her own wedding dress...while on the subway! It took her 9 months, and she finished the day before the wedding. P.S. She also made the groom's outfit.
His mom lost her hair to cancer -- so an Australian bride and groom shaved their heads to encourage her. What a kind gesture!
Joe Biden: "we yield our rights to the government." We do???
President Biden, I have no idea why you think this -- or whether it would hold up in the courts. But you're wrong.
Ten reasons to believe the Wuhan lab had something to do with Covid. (From Listverse) Facebook would have banned a post like this a few months ago...
The same baker who won the right to make -- and refuse to make -- cakes whose messages he didn't agree with...well, he's been fined again. This time it's for a lawyer who wanted to make her transgender point. (And yes, she threatened to sue.)
The ENTIRE Portland riot protest squad resigns. Yes, all 70 members. At the same time.
More interesting donation reveals from charities connected with our buddette, Ms. Cullors.
A nice, peaceable attack at McDonald's. Yep, things are certainly getting more serene around here.
Some interesting pantry/kitchen hacks. These may inspire you.
Garden produce, grandchild hints...and a delicious-looking carrot muffin recipe. (From If You Do Stuff, Stuff Gets Done)
Roger Waters tells Mark Zuckerburg to go stuff himself. And keep his hands off Pink Floyd's music!
A beautiful DIY reversible swimsuit.
Switching your sandals from buckles to velcro.
A pilot's note is found, as planes are gradually un-mothballed. We saw the same thing while waiting to leave at Heathrow -- dozens of planes, all in tidy rows. Left me feeling like it was a parking lot.
DOJ's national security official resigns, after it's revealed they've been collecting info on Dems (and others) -- info they shouldn't have had.
A judge halts the Biden program to give aid to farmers -- but only if their skin is the right color. Turns out that this just might be racist! Go figure.
How to be obnoxious about saving money. And it ain't pretty, either... (From One Frugal Girl)
Have a great week.
Thursday, June 17, 2021
HOME
After three days on the road from Michigan, we finally pulled into our spot on our friends' ranch late tonight. Just in time, too -- they're leaving in a few days for a long trip, and I have an appraisal to update tomorrow in the Denver area.
Too blank-faced to be lyrical tonight...
but after more than four months away, it's very, very nice to be home.
More soon.
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Monday, June 14, 2021
Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: STILL Here
...but not for long. Hopefully leaving Michigan tonight or tomorrow. I am missing our friends, family and life in Colorado.
I've been schlepping The Mama to various family activities, doing some jobs (including working in the garage, wrapping birthday and Christmas presents), and catching up a bit here and there.
The Brick has been fixing the trailer brakes. Turns out that if we'd had an accident and the fifth-wheel separated, we would have had no way to stop it from moving -- the emergency brakes were completely shot. The Brick has repacked the grease, changed out the magnets and pretty much reworked everything. (I'm speaking a foreign language here, Gentle Readers, so should be more specific -- he did try to explain everything to me.)
What I do know is that, after days of patiently working, watching Youtube videos, running for parts, etc., the brakes are almost done -- and should be ready for use tonight. The Brick saved us hundreds of dollars by doing it himself. And he did it in almost paralyzing heat and humidity. We both got used to permanent lines of sweat droplets decorating ourselves...but I could go inside. He couldn't.
What a wonderful guy.
Ruby and Charles think so, too.
Meanwhile:
How Financial Samurai successfully started his blog. I can always use tips -- you can too, probably.
Top regrets of the dying -- how should you adjust your life to avoid this? (From Budgets Are Sexy)
Life isn't always fair -- get used to the idea, says Financial Samurai. Tell that to...
The Superman impersonator who tried to stop a bus...and got hit by it, instead. (He's ok. What an idiot.)
Rep. Omar didn't really mean to equate Israel and the U.S. with Hamas and the Taliban. So there you go. Now Hamas is griping at being lumped in with the U.S. Ya just can't get no respect, Rep. Omar...
"What if we all retired at 38?" A self-described sort-of frugal dinosaur gives his opinion on the FIRE system. I'm not completely sure what he's griping about -- people who earn a lot of money? people who don't? -- but it's worth reading, nonetheless.
Did this guy really get swallowed by a whale?
Some verrry interesting jokes in movie credits. (Including revenge!)
A painting found in a thrift shop...by a painter who knew Van Gogh in his final days. Also: links to a nosegay of related Van Gogh articles.
Gratitude quotes. (I needed these, last week.)
Envy -- caught on camera. A visual gallery.
Ten celebrity stalkings...including by a mime?!? (From Listverse)
Now that April 1 has come and gone...have you paid your overdue rent? Or are you banking on the 'Keep Your Rent' movement? The landlord viewpoint -- and that of the renters, too. (From Millenial Revolution)
Ten unusual UFO 'abductees,' from Listverse, including Buck Nelson, who got to take his dog Ted along to Mars. (Nelson also said he met a 300-pound Martian dog named Bo.)
After returning to his home planet, Nelson promised the aliens that he would tell everybody about his travels. He spoke to the media about his experiences and was supposedly questioned by the armed forces. At his farm conventions, Nelson sold pieces of Bo’s hair to back up his story. Skeptics noted that the Venusian dog hair was similar to the kind found on Earth dogs. He told them, “Dawgs is dawgs. Don’t matter what planet they’re from.”
Also -- Ten Ways People Died -- by getting stuck! And another odd one: Ten People Who Died in Unconventional Ways -- including getting pecked to death!
Millionaire interview 254. This latest-from-the-series is cheeky and refreshing, including his description of raising two toddlers: Like raising two heavily caffeinated chimpanzees who are allergic to sleep.
His best money tip:
Don’t try to spend less money. Instead, seek to spend lavishly on things you value, and then ruthlessly cut costs or eliminate spending on things you don’t. (From ESI Money)
Some of the silliest (and funniest) commercials out there -- stop when you've had enough.
Limu Emu and Doug (from Liberty Mutual)
Long-lived celebrity friendships. Including Ian McKellen...and Patrick Stewart! (Shakespeare brought them together.)
Ten entertainers who died on stage during a performance. Including musician David Olney, whose last song included the words "This pride... this freedom is going to take me to my grave."
Soon after... it did.
I've shown you this before, but I really needed it this past week:
Benedict Cumberbatch dancing to Bruno Mars' wonderful Uptown Funk.
Thanks, I feel better. (Hopefully, you do, too.) Have a great week.
Masks... or No Masks?
We've been seeing a lot of Covid-placed restrictions lifted in Michigan the past few weeks. Yes Michigan, home of the legendary governor who follows her own guidelines...when she feels like it.(This would almost be funny, if it didn't happen so often.)
All of the restrictions in Michigan, and hopefully other states, are supposed to lift July 1st, though many are in evidence now. One of the biggest changes is the lack of masks. Although 'masks recommended' or even 'mask required' signs are still everywhere, hardly anyone is wearing them. A few are, here and there, and even those are mostly workers that are required to do so, I assume, by their bosses.
Other than that? Bright shiny faces everywhere -- including ours. I wore a mask when it was required -- because it was required. I kept it on, even when I could barely breathe. (Although I didn't wear it outside -- that just seemed silly. I kept social distancing, though.)
Was it all for little or no reason? I'm not sure.
A very interesting study was released recently from the CDC regarding mask-wearing. (I heard about it first from this guy, but the CDC study results are the same. Have major media sources been talking much about it? Naaahhh...)
Here's the general sumup, directly from the CDC study; it's a bit difficult to follow, but the conclusions are important. (Or check the tables at the end of this article -- also from the CDC.) Emphasizing italics are mine.
---------------------
During March 1–December 31, 2020, state-issued mask mandates applied in 2,313 (73.6%) of the 3,142 U.S. counties. Mask mandates were associated with a 0.5 percentage point decrease (p = 0.02) in daily COVID-19 case growth rates 1–20 days after implementation and decreases of 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, and 1.8 percentage points 21–40, 41–60, 61–80, and 81–100 days, respectively, after implementation (p<0.01 for all) (Table 1) (Figure). Mask mandates were associated with a 0.7 percentage point decrease (p = 0.03) in daily COVID-19 death growth rates 1–20 days after implementation and decreases of 1.0, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.9 percentage points 21–40, 41–60, 61–80, and 81–100 days, respectively, after implementation (p<0.01 for all). Daily case and death growth rates before implementation of mask mandates were not statistically different from the reference period. (The CDC said this straight out Notice decreases are less than two percent, at worst.)
During the study period, states allowed restaurants to reopen for on-premises dining in 3,076 (97.9%) U.S. counties. Changes in daily COVID-19 case and death growth rates were not statistically significant 1–20 and 21–40 days after restrictions were lifted. Allowing on-premises dining at restaurants was associated with 0.9 (p = 0.02), 1.2 (p<0.01), and 1.1 (p = 0.04) percentage point increases in the case growth rate 41–60, 61–80, and 81–100 days, respectively, after restrictions were lifted (Table 2) (Figure). Allowing on-premises dining at restaurants was associated with 2.2 and 3.0 percentage point increases in the death growth rate 61–80 and 81–100 days, respectively, after restrictions were lifted (p<0.01 for both). Daily death growth rates before restrictions were lifted were not statistically different from those during the reference period, whereas significant differences in daily case growth rates were observed 41–60 days before restrictions were lifted.
Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of community mitigation measures in reducing the prevalence of COVID-19 (5–8). Mask mandates are associated with reductions in COVID-19 case and hospitalization growth rates (6,7), whereas reopening on-premises dining at restaurants, a known risk factor associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection (2), is associated with increased COVID-19 cases and deaths, particularly in the absence of mask mandates (8). The current study builds upon this evidence by accounting for county-level variation in state-issued mitigation measures and highlights the importance of a comprehensive strategy to decrease exposure to and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Prohibiting on-premises restaurant dining might assist in limiting potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2; however, such orders might disrupt daily life and have an adverse impact on the economy and the food services industry (9). If on-premises restaurant dining options are not prohibited, CDC offers considerations for operators and customers which can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 in restaurant settings.*** COVID-19 case and death growth rates might also have increased because of persons engaging in close contact activities other than or in addition to on-premises restaurant dining in response to perceived reduced risk as a result of states allowing restaurants to reopen. Further studies are needed to assess the effect of a multicomponent community mitigation strategy on economic activity.
The findings in this report are subject to at least three limitations. First, although models controlled for mask mandates, restaurant and bar closures, stay-at-home orders, and gathering bans, the models did not control for other policies that might affect case and death rates, including other types of business closures, physical distancing recommendations, policies issued by localities, and variances granted by states to certain counties if variances were not made publicly available. Second, compliance with and enforcement of policies were not measured. Finally, the analysis did not differentiate between indoor and outdoor dining, adequacy of ventilation, and adherence to physical distancing and occupancy requirements.
----------------------------
(Heads-up, Trolls among my Gentle Readers. If you want to argue with the results, go complain to the CDC. They're the ones who compiled these numbers -- not me. Don't think I'm gloating; this was not a fun post to write.)
---------------------------
So...wearing masks made a big difference. And that's why the CDC is continuing to not only strongly promote their use, but state that they made a big difference in infection rates.
Not exactly.
And keeping those restaurants and other public places closed, thus destroying businesses, employees and crippling our country and everyday lives, was worth it -- because Covid infection rates substantially decreased.
Again, not exactly.
Yes, I'm aware that that defining 2%, or even 4%, may have saved the lives of some people...especially if they had previous health conditions. The CDC does not mention them in this survey. (Could their numbers be skewing the survey results even more?)
So, in spite of the extremely small percentages, the CDC continues to strongly promote wearing masks. Why? Dr. Anthony Fauci has been equally disingenuous. In spite of a Feb. 2020 e-mail to a Team Obama health official that says masks were for infected people, not healthy ones, the good doctor continued to push (and wear) a mask. ("...the typical mask you buy in a drug store is not really effective in keeping out the virus, which is small enough to pass through the material.")
Says the editorial:
'Fauci now claims that new information emerged in the time since that email proving the efficacy of masks. But did it? What was that new information?
Did the virus magically grow in size, so that the masks could contain it? When he referred to masks in the drug store at that point, he meant medical masks. But most Americans spent more than a year wearing cloth masks. If medical masks couldn’t contain the tiny virus, how could the cloth ones? Can Fauci point to any studies showing that masks made a significant difference in containing the coronavirus?'
After all, says Fauci, attacks on him are attacks on science.
(Just like this guy, I guess.)
Now that most people are not wearing masks, probably the only way to know whether we're going to have another major outbreak, due to our 'carelessness,' is to wait -- and compare the 2021 numbers to the 2020 results. But in a way, I don't want to know. I don't want to find out that a lot of the irritating and damaging 'precautions' we took to avoid this disease...
really didn't matter that much.
Time will tell.
Tables furnished by the CDC. (See the link in the first paragraph.)
| Time relative to day state mask mandate was implemented | Case growth rates | Death growth rates | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage point change (95% CI) | p-value§ | Percentage point change (95% CI) | p-value§ | |
| 41–60 days before | 0.0 (−0.7 to 0.7) | 0.98 | −0.8 (−1.8 to 0.1) | 0.07 |
| 21–40 days before | 0.5 (−0.8 to 1.8) | 0.49 | 0.3 (−0.8 to 1.5) | 0.56 |
| 1–20 days before | Referent | — | Referent | — |
| 1–20 days after | −0.5 (−0.8 to −0.1) | 0.02 | −0.7 (−1.4 to −0.1) | 0.03 |
| 21–40 days after | −1.1 (−1.6 to −0.6) | <0.01 | −1.0 (−1.7 to −0.3) | <0.01 |
| 41–60 days after | −1.5 (−2.1 to −0.8) | <0.01 | −1.4 (−2.2 to −0.6) | <0.01 |
| 61–80 days after | −1.7 (−2.6 to −0.9) | <0.01 | −1.6 (−2.4 to −0.7) | <0.01 |
| 81–100 days after | −1.8 (−2.8 to −0.7) | <0.01 | −1.9 (−3.0 to −0.8) | <0.01 |
Abbreviation: CI = confidence interval.
* A state-issued mask mandate was defined as the requirement that persons operating in a personal capacity (i.e., not limited to specific professions or employees) wear a mask 1) anywhere outside their home or 2) in retail businesses and in restaurants or food establishments.
† Percentage points are coefficients from the weighted least-squares regression models. Reported numbers are from regression models, which controlled for county, time (day), COVID-19 tests per 100,000 persons, closure of restaurants for any on-premises dining, closure of bars for any on-premises dining, and the presence of gathering bans and stay-at-home orders.
§ P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
FIGURE. Association between changes in COVID-19 case and death growth rates* and implementation of state mask mandates† (A) and states allowing any on-premises restaurant dining§ (B) — United States, March 1–December 31, 2020
* With 95% confidence intervals indicated with error bars.
† A state-issued mask mandate was defined as the requirement that persons operating in a personal capacity (i.e., not limited to specific professions or employees) wear a mask 1) anywhere outside their home or 2) in retail businesses and in restaurants or food establishments.
§ The effective date of the state order allowing restaurants to conduct any on-premises dining or the date a state-issued restaurant closure expired.
Abbreviation: CI = confidence interval.
* The effective date of the state order allowing restaurants to conduct any on-premises dining or the date a state-issued restaurant closure expired.
† Percentage points are coefficients from the weighted least-squares regression models. Reported numbers are from regression models, which controlled for county, time (day), COVID-19 tests per 100,000 persons, mask mandates, closure of bars for any on-premises dining, and the presence of gathering bans and stay-at-home orders.
§ P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Dandelion photos by Greg Hume via Wikipedia:
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