Augie Ray

VP/Analyst of #CustomerExperience (#CX) research and advisory. Analyst by nature, not just by profession. Politically active to foster a world that has more #equity, respects #diversity, and embraces #progressive causes. Promoting #COVID19 awareness and caution because people, businesses, and the economy will suffer years of consequences for our failures to control the virus. Milwaukee, WI, US (He/Him)

Twitter: http://twitter.com/augieray
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augieray
Pixey/Pixelfed: https://pixey.org/i/web/profile/518734783908831602

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npub153cdelhxf5rngld82a0z7kldvehgrcykjdms4hls3lqnxuvegt8q6y2tew

NIP-05 Address

augieray_at_mastodon.social@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs2guxulmny6pe50kn4wh30t0kkvm5puztfxac2mlcglsfnwxv59nsgaww63

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npub153cdelhxf5rngld82a0z7kldvehgrcykjdms4hls3lqnxuvegt8q6y2tew

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Last Notes

2024-07-29 02:46:47

I will never understand people who ask me for alternative sources for news I share because they don't like or trust the one I shared. Google it yourself! If you don't like a source someone shared, why would it be their job to find you a source you'll accept?!

2024-07-10 01:40:47

A rather superior sunset this evening.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/759/644/388/082/749/original/9027770a820508c1.jpg

2024-07-07 17:10:50

Disabilities going up at the same time as #COVID19? It's just so puzzling! It must be remote work, not the fact COVID causes brain damage, cardiovascular events, neuropsychiatric issues, and Long COVID, right?
https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/post-covid-disabilities-increase-puzzles-experts

2024-07-07 12:38:13

Our "New Normal" sucks. #COVID19
Florida emergency rooms see a surge in COVID-19 cases, nearing last winter’s peak
https://www.yahoo.com/news/florida-emergency-rooms-see-surge-140302647.html#:~:text=The%20latest%20data%2C%20updated%20Friday,peak%20of%20last%20winter's%20surge.
San Jose just recorded COVID in the wastewater at 99.99% of its peak
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/07/05/san-jose-just-recorded-covid-in-the-wastewater-at-99-99-of-its-peak/
NYC COVID cases up 250% in 2 months — and this variant's harder to duck
https://gothamist.com/news/nyc-covid-cases-up-250-in-2-months-and-this-variants-harder-to-duck
COVID-19 reaches high level. Hospitalization, emergency visits, deaths go up. What have CDC data revealed?
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/covid-19-reaches-high-level-hospitalization-emergency-visits-deaths-go-up-what-have-cdc-data-revealed/articleshow/111465801.cms

2024-07-05 22:54:15

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I hope everyone recovers fully and quickly.

2024-07-05 15:57:05

Dear Donald, this is what leaders do when they lose elections. #VoteBlue
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/734/698/868/125/996/original/af4db7632733ed78.png

2024-07-05 13:18:09

My spreadsheet tracking the longer-term implications of #COVID19 infections has just surpassed 700 studies. Recent additions:
Cardiovascular risks remain elevated nine months after infection
People with non-severe initial infection demonstrated worse objective cognitive performance
COVID was associated with a 2.7x greater risk of having cerebral microbleeds on MRI
Pilots infected with COVID had a 1.8x higher risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12VbMkvqUF9eSggJsdsFEjKs5x0ABxQJi5tvfzJIDd3U/edit?usp=sharing

2024-07-04 12:53:43

Long COVID can change your life--even if you've seemingly recovered. “People who have recovered from long COVID can suffer relapses or flare-ups from new viral infections — not just from COVID but from cold, flu, and other viral pathogens, researchers have found.”
The ONLY way to prevent Long COVID is to avoid your next infection with #COVID19.
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/cold-flu-virus-can-trigger-long-covid-relapses-2024a1000cau?form=fpf

2024-07-02 17:00:01

Me: We are facing the potential destruction of democracy, the environment, women's rights, and other disastrous outcomes if Biden doesn't win.
Others: But Biden is old, and I don't like one of his policies.
Me: DID YOU NOT READ WHAT I JUST POSTED?!

2024-07-01 20:19:10

The Supreme Court says it's illegal for Biden to cancel student debt. It also says the President is immune from prosecution in official acts. So, time to cancel student debt!

2024-06-30 18:15:38

You're not voting for Joe Biden. You're voting for women, the LGBTQ community, children, the Middle Class, workers, immigrants, the poor, and Democracy. You're voting for you!
Every election. Every race. Every Democrat. #VoteBlue
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/706/922/092/723/310/original/8ef6d76bafe8ae7c.png

2024-06-30 12:52:22

We should all already know this,
And shouldn't have to ask,
But if you're important enough to live,
You're important enough to mask.
Here are Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet heading to the movies in LA in respirators. What do you think they know that you don't? Or are celebrity lives worth protecting and yours not? California is in a #COVID19 surge--Los Angeles has seen a sixfold increase in COVID in wastewater in the last three months--but your corner of the world may not be far behind.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/705/634/098/746/364/original/d85f1a15664fe892.png

2024-06-30 02:44:27

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Also, the right is waiting to pounce if the Biden steps down and the DNC runs a different candidate--and it could disqualify the Democratic candidate from certain state ballots. At least three swing states — Georgia, Nevada and Wisconsin — could restrict Biden's removal from the ballot.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/heritage-working-election-legal-challenges-case-biden-pulled-from-dnc-nomination

2024-06-30 02:41:51

On the one hand, it's infuriating Trump has an edge. On the other hand, those of you suggesting Biden step down should put a sock in it.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/703/254/385/146/669/original/8c3f6629e0227cf6.png

2024-06-29 03:54:39

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I love many of his tunes (and will post more).

2024-06-29 03:43:51

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The visuals suit the mesmerizing music.

2024-06-29 03:38:19

I find this tune really relaxing, but perhaps others may not. This is Fade to Blue from German composer/producer Ben Böhmer. He is a brilliant electronic music artist who creates hypnotic sounds I find quite soothing. #BedtimeMusic
https://youtu.be/JuShC3lhQgw?si=D8UEV5ijLbBxDa7L

2024-06-27 13:41:11

"You don't need to worry about #COVID19 if you're young and healthy."
Cycling star Sepp Kuss has to drop out of the #TourDeFrance because he has not recovered from "Mild COVID" weeks ago.
Each reinfection comes with additive risks of Long COVID and higher odds of brain, cardiovascular, and other damage. Even for the young and healthy. Even if it's a "mild" infection.
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sepp-kuss-ruled-out-of-tour-de-france-after-covid-19-infection-at-dauphine/

2024-06-27 01:28:39

If you have symptoms, stay home. Then test two days later.
“If a person with #COVID19 tests immediately with a rapid test when symptoms emerge, they receive a false negative as much as 92% of the time. Waiting two days after symptoms brings that rate down to 70%… Our symptoms are happening sooner, but it takes longer to reach enough virus in your body for it to be detectable.”
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-06-covid-days.html

2024-06-25 18:55:52

I don't believe I need to say this but vote for the people who want guns out and books and lunches in schools, not those who want The Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Every election. Every race. Every Democrat. #VoteBlue
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/678/774/446/606/752/original/727a7253786cb57d.png

2024-06-23 13:34:05

For the “Just the flu” crowd. STUDY compares EKG changes in people with #COVID19 versus other viral infections (Flu-A, Flu-B, , RSV, etc.) Finds “a statistically significant increase in ischemic findings and arrhythmias in patients with COV vs. non-COV infections.” In fact, new ischemic and new rhythm abnormalities were ~50% higher with COVID than other viral infections. Not just the flu!
https://www.jacc.org/doi/full/10.1016/S0735-1097%2824%2902110-7

2024-06-23 02:15:03

I love when people tell me #COVID19 is "seasonal" like the flu. If seasonal means a surge every three months, then I guess so, but that isn't what the flu does, is it?

2024-06-22 16:40:50

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A crucial line from this study about the public health mitigations in NYC:
"Noncompliance by high-income individuals produced a source of contagion counterproductive to government and public health policies intended to slow down the spread of the pandemic."

2024-06-22 16:40:05

Privilege and #COVID19: A study of NYC zip codes, reveals that:
Transmission rates among high-income populations during off-peak waves were higher than among low-income populations.
But, hospitalization and death rates among low-income populations were higher during off-peak waves despite a lower transmission rate.
This could be due to worse healthcare, jobs that result in higher-dose infections, or other causes.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1384156/full

2024-06-22 15:53:45

STUDY on #COVID19 and #LongCOVID in children:
“We discovered evidence that children with PASC generate circulating microclots, activated platelets, and increased levels of clotting-related proteins… We showed that children with MIS-C and Long COVID contained many microclots within their plasma, a finding absent in healthy children.”
https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/ajrccm-conference.2024.209.1_MeetingAbstracts.A2247

2024-06-20 01:45:56

Glenn Close encouraged her followers to “wear a mask in crowds” after getting hit with #COVID19 and RSV simultaneously. It caused her to delay filming her part in the new Knives Out sequel.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/glenn-close-hit-hard-with-covid-and-rsv-at-same-time-forced-to-delay-filming-knives-out-3-1.6933177

2024-06-17 00:49:57

People's perceptions can be funny and disappointing. I was once asked which of the cities that I lived in I missed the most. Easy: New York. The person told me how shocked they were since New York was so violent, unlike their safe Nashville. That night, I looked at crime data, and the per-capita violent crime rate in Nashville was double that in NYC. People choose to live in information bubbles, but I think it's important to challenge your assumptions every now and then.

2024-06-16 14:07:01

On Twitter, the right-wing bots and trolls are terrible. On Mastodon, the leftist purity tests and attacks are awful and may yet drive me off the platform.
If you think attacking people on your side of issues for not being supportive enough is a smart tactic, can I recommend taking a social media break?
We're all doing our best to balance many conflicting life priorities. No one is perfect. Not you; not me. Save your ire for the uninformed and hurtful, not people who want what you do!

2024-06-16 13:29:47

I wish people would read more about Long COVID. People think it's rare; it's not. Or they think the healthy and the young can't get it; they can.
"I want people to know that I'm not lying, [long COVID] is real and can happen to anyone. I want people to know I'm not just trying to get out of doing school or sport — I wish I could do sport … I wish they understood I am just trying to save myself from being stuck in bed in pain for days afterwards."
- 12-year-old girl
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-16/children-with-long-covid-dismissed-doctors-myth-virus-harmless/103959078

2024-06-16 03:21:35

"Most people have had #COVID19 three and a half times on average already. After another four years of the same pattern, if we don’t change course, most people in the U.S. will have some flavor of Long COVID of one sort or another."
- Dr. Phillip Alvelda, a former program manager in DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office and founder of Medio Labs
https://www.ineteconomics.org/perspectives/blog/debilitating-a-generation-expert-warns-that-long-covid-may-eventually-affect-most-americans

2024-06-14 18:52:46

Latest on #COVID19 in wastewater: COVID is:
Rising rapidly in West, up ~4x in a month
Rising in South: Up 64% in a month
Steady in Midwest and Northeast (but varies by state)
https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Very high levels in Hawaii, Florida, and Montana
High in California, New Mexico, Alaska, Georgia, Maryland, and Connecticut.
https://www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-currentlevels.html

2024-06-14 15:06:41

Penzeys Spices is a politically-active Milwaukee brand. This is the billboard it put up just outside the Milwaukee airport. Arriving GOP RNC attendees will see this as they make their way to the RNC site. Welcome to #Milwaukee! #VoteBlue
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/615/590/576/696/004/original/c0d63c0df23d3456.png

2024-06-13 02:29:28

What repeated #COVID19 infections are doing to us:
On the left is data from the UK showing the number of people economically inactive due to long-term sickness. It fell for two decades and has exploded to record levels since the pandemic.
On the right is the US civilian labor force with a disability. It stayed steady for two decades and has exploded to record levels since the pandemic.
Both are at their record highs, and both still trend up. We're done with COVID, but it's not done with us.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/606/885/629/792/437/original/773085e847818e0d.png
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/606/885/626/025/179/original/71c37bde4d06680a.png

2024-06-12 16:27:31

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Hawaii is a good example: It did not have as sizeable of a surge last holidays as most of the rest of the US. That suggests people in HI are at greater risk today than the rest of the US, given more recent immunity and the trend in variant evolution.
I'm not suggesting you abandon caution. I remain cautious. I masked last weekend while on public transit, even with COVID near one-year lows in my city. But I remind you that if we want the uncautious to care, we can't do it with perpetual panic.

2024-06-12 16:24:01

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We need sane, objective, fact-based info about #COVID19. Perpetual fear doesn't reach people. And constant ignorance of the risks puts people at risk. The safe answer lies somewhere in between, IMO.
Right now, risks are fairly moderate throughout most of the US, but they do show signs of rising. If we follow places like Spain and Singapore, we could see a sizeable COVID surge over summer. But, every region has different factors, including variants that surged, so it's hard to predict. 5/?

2024-06-12 16:22:30

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You are welcome to disagree--I know people who maintain considerable precautions constantly--but we CANNOT reach others if our stance is one of perpetual fear. I compare it to driving--every time you get behind the wheel, there is a risk of suffering a terrible accident. That doesn't stop you from driving! Instead, you take sane precautions, like seatbelts and driving sober. But if someone screamed at you that you were going to die if you keep driving, would you pay attention? 4/?

2024-06-12 16:21:48

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The situation in Hawaii, by contrast, is concerning. There are six wastewater sites in the state, and all six are at or near their highest levels of the pandemic. (A couple may have peaked, but it's hard to tell at this point.)
If I were in Hawaii, I'd be taking great caution (staying home, masks on, etc.) In San Francisco, I might take moderate caution (visiting well-ventilated places, outdoor events, masking where I can.) 3/?
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/604/563/133/868/150/original/333319df5fd98bdb.png

2024-06-12 16:20:19

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If you're COVID cautious, you've heard San Francisco is seeing a huge surge. is it true?
If you look at the dashboard at https://data.wastewaterscan.org/, it tells a more nuanced story.
In San Francisco, just ONE wastewater site is seeing a huge surge: Las Gallinas in San Rafael. Two others seem to be trending down after reaching a modest peak in recent weeks: Oceanside and Southeast San Francisco. Every other wastewater site in the area is low or rising slowly. Concerning, but no reason for panic. 2/?
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/604/556/324/279/911/original/fdd6d9cd68eb4d66.png

2024-06-12 16:18:27

I feel like I am increasingly stuck between those who completely ignore #COVID19 and doomers who constantly scream about it. I advise sensible caution, and I am very concerned about long-term impacts of repeated infections. That said, perpetually inflating risks doesn't do anyone any good. People won't listen if we can't offer specific, nuanced advice that changes as risks vary. My example today is the claim San Francisco is seeing record surges. I've repeated that, but are they? 1/?

2024-06-12 14:14:18

Do I need to fear for my life because some of you refuse to vote for Biden? Trump is talking about prosecuting opponents; Bill Barr said Trump often spoke of executing rivals, and some of Trump's advisors talk of executing journalists.
I'm an old(or), white man fighting for the rights of women, people of color and the LGBTQ community. I'm vocal. If Trump wins, is my freedom or life in danger?
You are free to be upset at Biden over his policies, but PLEASE don't ignore what this election means.

2024-06-11 16:33:45

Hunter Biden is a convicted felon. That settles it--I won't vote for him for president. (See how easy that is, Trumpsters?)
Other observations:
Hunter Biden is facing more consequences for buying a gun than Kyle Rittenhouse has for using one to kill two people.
President Biden hasn't whined about how badly his family is treated, insulted judges, or tried to dox jurors.
The differences are profound. Make sure you vote in November!
Every election. Every race. Every Democrat. #VoteBlue

2024-06-10 14:52:19

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My wife and I are talking about traveling south for the holidays just to avoid all the social pressures. Last winter, I rejected all social events (although we did have some safer friends over at home). It's hard to be they only ones saying no, so we might skip town, head to where the weather is warmer (more outdoor activities), and take ourselves out of the holiday COVID pool as much as possible. (Of course, that means traveling during a surge, but I've done that safely before.)

2024-06-10 14:42:51

A year ago today was my last time being a NOVID. I took a trip to London, masked regularly, and tried to be careful. But, I did dine indoors (only at off times when emptier), and I also gave a presentation to 80 people unmasked. Four days later, I tested positive for #COVID19. Fatigue kicked my ass for weeks, but I recovered (but who knows if COVID left me with future or subclinical issues?) I try hard to avoid my second infection, but if I can't avoid it altogether, my goal is to get it rarely.
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/592/845/102/923/754/original/9e979e494e4bfd8d.jpg

2024-06-09 13:11:39

People have been sold the idea #COVID19 only affects those who are old, sick and weak. That's wrong.
STUDY: "In this population of healthy young adult US Marines with mostly either asymptomatic or mild acute COVID-19, one fourth reported physical, cognitive, or psychiatric long-term sequelae of infection. The Marines affected with PASC showed evidence of long-term decrease in functional performance."
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4854879

2024-06-09 12:59:32

In the 13 months since the US ended the #COVID19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023, more Americans have been killed by COVID than died in the eight years of the Vietnam War (which was the US's fourth most deadly war following the Civil War, WW1 and WW2).
COVID deaths since May 11, 2023: 61,070
US deaths in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973: 58,281

2024-06-09 02:40:17

Is this one of those "good guys with a gun?" An armed off-duty security guard thought three teens were going to rob a store. They weren't; they were returning a BB gun. Now one of the teens is dead because the wannabe hero shot one of the kids and "stood over the teen on the ground and continued to fire." Big man hero is in jail on charges of for second-degree murder. If he hadn't been armed, he would've dialed 911, he'd be free, and the kid would be alive.
https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/teen-shot-renton-big-5-sporting-goods

2024-06-08 17:12:11

Great interview:
I should point out that there are, in fact, places that have installed all of these: fresh air, filtering, and germicidal UV lights. Do you know where they are?
Where?
PA: The White House, Congress, Number 10 Downing, Parliament, the Reichstag, and WHO. All of our leaders have these protections and procedures in place.
But not our schoolchildren.
The school where former CDC director Rochelle Walensky’s children go, they have these upgrades. #COVID19
https://www.ineteconomics.org/perspectives/blog/from-long-covid-odds-to-lost-iq-points-ongoing-threats-you-dont-know-about

2024-06-08 04:06:03

"The pandemic ends when infections end, not when your attention span ends."
- Arturo Portnoy, Professor of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
#COVID19

2024-06-07 01:05:51

Some months ago I noted Taylor Swift took precautions while on tour, such as avoiding fan interactions, so she could avoid #COVID19. Meanwhile, she's fine if fans crowd pack together screaming and singing in her audiences. I got a crap from Swifties. (BTW, I'm a fan, too.)
NEWS: Taylor Swift spreads Covid: thousand of fans fall ill after Madrid and Paris concerts
https://www.elnacional.cat/en/news/taylor-swift-spreads-covid-fans-ill-madrid-paris-concerts_1230525_102.html
Fans can make their own decisions, but it seems like some people are worth protecting and others not.

2024-06-06 14:48:28

80 years ago today, 2,501 Americans died at Normandy to protect lives and democracy.
Some were black, knowing they would return to a racist US.
Some were gay, knowing they could be court-martialed for who they were.
They fought anyway for what was best and right.
I don't care what you think of Biden. A world with Trump in the White House will be a disaster. In 151 days, you can do what is best and right without risking your life.
Every election. Every race. Every Democrat. #VoteBlue #DDay

2024-06-04 01:37:31

Hospitals are killing patients because they don't feel like doing infection control
Unfortunately, true. #COVID19
https://www.thegauntlet.news/p/hospitals-are-killing-patients-because?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

2024-06-02 05:33:43

“Not voting is not a protest. It is a surrender.”
- Keith Ellison, attorney general of Minnesota

2024-06-01 14:47:34

Second STUDY today on #COVID19 and men's reproductive health:
"Serum levels of sex hormones (testosterone, FSH, and prolactin) in the COVID-19 group were significantly decreased compared to the healthy group. Microscopic examination of semen revealed significant differences in vitality, progressive, and motile parameters among the three groups, with a decrease observed in the COVID-19 group."
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2052297524002166?via%3Dihub

2024-06-01 14:19:30

I worry about the impact of repeated #COVID19 infections and watch for studies. Here's a new, concerning STUDY:
"Individuals with multiple COVID-19 infections showed a significant increase in general (β=1.79), cardiovascular (β=0.61), and neuropsychological symptoms (β=2.18), and higher total distress scores (β=6.35)."
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876034124001990

2024-06-01 13:57:18

STUDY: finds men with Long COVID have a 39% higher risk of erectile dysfunction compared to those who only had acute #COVID19: "Men with long COVID were more likely to develop ED or be prescribed PDE5i (3.63%) when compared to men with only acute COVID infections (2.61%) [RR 1.39; 95% CI 1.04, 1.87]."
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-024-00913-7

2024-05-30 18:01:59

I am seeing a lot of hubbub over a third case of #birdflu in a human in the US.
Just to be clear: Right now, in our "lowest" point of #COVID19 in almost a year, 278 Americans are being infected EVERY SECOND. Ten percent or more will go on to suffer months or years of Long COVID symptoms. Some will have damaged brains, hearts, and other organs.
We shouldn't lose focus on the immediate and real risks we face of COVID.

2024-05-28 02:00:36

The response... 😂
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/516/234/840/606/298/original/b55cec786b71dff0.png

2024-05-27 13:14:34

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I'm about to block you as I do all people who post wrong information without being able to cite any links, research or science. In fact, the WHO risk assessment tool estimates the same thing as CO2. More people, smaller rooms, lower ventilation increase risks; those are the same attributes that cause CO2 to rise, which is why it's a good proxy for risks. Unless you can share science instead of opinion, please stop spreading misinformation about CO2 in my threads.

2024-05-27 12:50:08

Ironic: Amid rising anti-mask rules for "security," a STUDY shows that sunglasses are more effective than masks in hiding identity. Instead of banning safe masks, maybe conservatives should try banning sunglasses instead and see how their constituents react.
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/6/654

2024-05-27 12:48:30

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The study I posted said nothing whatsoever about CO2. I'm sorry, but your contention seems to have no basis in science. Of COURSE, when someone breathes more air others have exhaled, the risks will be higher. We also know that the dose level that one is infected with can effect severity, which further indicates CO2 matters. AND, new studies show high CO2 causes COVID to remain infectious longer in the air. I believe you are wrong unless you can share links.

2024-05-27 04:18:38

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Do you have any links to the science of that, because that is not what studies I've seen indicate. Yes, there is no "safe" level of CO2--a single infectious person can infect others even with CO2 low. But, as CO2 rises, so does the amount of rebreathed air, and that raises risks. Every article I've seen says CO2 remains a proxy for viral risks in a crowded room.

2024-05-27 03:26:17

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I have found some safer places and inquired, and they'll tell you they upgraded their filtration--but none of them advertise it. That's why I am posting my readings to https://www.co2trackers.com/home so that others who care may avoid or visit businesses based on potential risks. I don't eat indoors much, but as an extrovert, I can't quite give up the socializing entirely (except during surges.)

2024-05-27 03:11:19

My experiments going out with my CO2 monitor are discouraging. Tonight, with COVID in wastewater at its lowest in 11 months in my city, we went out to eat. We hoped for outdoor dining, but it rained, so we sat inside. CO2 readings:
4:30 pm: 50% crowd in a brewpub: 1548
5:45 pm: 75% crowd in a Mexican restaurant: 1341
7:45 pm: Long line at ice cream shop: 1896
I thought businesses upgraded air filtration & ventilation, but these readings encourage me to stay home. #COVID19 taught us nothing.

2024-05-26 13:31:06

A STUDY finds what many of us suspected: #COVID19 antigen tests are less accurate than they used to be.
“The overall sensitivity of the ADT decreased from 63% in the Delta period to 33% in the Omicron period. This decrease was highly statistically significant (p < 0.001), and no decrease in viral load was detected at the RNA level. The nasal site presented a significantly higher viral load than the oral site during the Omicron wave.”
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/5/657

2024-05-25 14:27:10

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"... long flights with enforced masking had no transmission reported. A 1 h increase in flight duration was associated with 1.53-fold increase in the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of cases." (2/2)
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/6/654

2024-05-25 14:26:33

Here's a study that challenges one of my assumptions about air travel. I thought once in the air, #COVID19 risks were lower due to air filtering. Apparently not. This STUDY is based on flights before vaccines were available.
"Compared to short flights without masking, medium and long flights without masking were associated with 4.66-fold increase and 25.93-fold increase in incidence rates, respectively..." (1/2)

2024-05-17 14:04:32

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Republican leaders are flocking to show support for Trump in the courtroom as people testify how the serial adulterer and sexual abuser committed campaign crimes to hide his infidelity from voters.
A Republican candidate in Missouri posted a video of her running through a historically LGBTQ neighborhood and saying, "Don't be weak and gay."
Every election. Every race. Every Democrat. #VoteBlue

2024-05-17 14:04:24

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Republicans in many states are weakening child labor laws so that businesses will have an expanded pool of low-cost labor.
A Republican candidate in Wisconsin said recently most nursing home residents are not “at a point to vote” because of limited life expectancy.
(3/4)

2024-05-17 14:04:07

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Ron DeSantis signed a law that erases most references to climate change from state law. The state government will no longer consider climate change when crafting energy policy.
Republican Lawmakers in West Virginia were so excited that raw milk was recently legalized there, that they decided to drink some of it. Now, many of them are sick. (They claim it's a coincidence.)
(2/4)

2024-05-17 14:03:44

Greg Abbott just pardoned a man who posed he was going to kill Black Lives Matter protesters and claim self-defense, then killed a BLM protester and claimed self-defense but was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
North Carolina Republicans are advancing a bill to ban masks in public, even for those with legitimate health reasons and concerns to wear them.
(1/4)

2024-05-07 14:56:55

"I'm so angry at Biden over Isreal/Gaza that I'm going to help Trump destroy democracy, weaponize the Justice system, send millions to deportation camps, lower the taxes on the wealthy and shift the burden to the middle class, cut Social Security, track and prosecute women having abortions, pardon the people who violently attacked Capitol police, dismantle NATO, help Russia, AND ON TOP OF ALL THAT do even more harm to Palestinians" is a take--it's just a really awful take, IMO.

2024-04-29 21:53:00

Call me crazy, but I think it should be easy to vote for the party that DOESN'T shoot puppies, attack the US Capitol, make it illegal to give water to people waiting to vote, loosen child labor laws, torpedo bipartisan bills to strengthen border security, block military promotions, and is led by a man who spends his days combatting felony criminal charges and ducking legal accountability for fraud, sexual battery, and defamation.
Every election. Every race. Every Democrat. #VoteBlue

2024-04-29 15:30:07

All lives matter. Except the lives of puppies. Or women with ectopic pregnancies. Or protesters. Or immigrants. Or people wearing masks to avoid COVID. Or poll workers. Or journalists. Or people of color expecting equal policing and justice. Or poor people in need of healthcare. Or Capitol officers.
Every election. Every race. Every Democrat. #VoteBlue.

2024-04-23 23:48:07

🤣
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/323/195/932/088/414/original/765056d0003c4e60.jpg

2024-04-20 20:58:46

It seems our third #COVID19 surge in nine months is about to begin in the US. Learn more about the data, the risks of reinfections, and why our desire to pretend COVID is over is resulting in more surges with my new post on Medium.
https://medium.com/@augieray_66704/our-third-covid-surge-in-nine-months-is-ahead-what-does-that-mean-bcb276b81979

2024-04-15 21:10:56

Remember when conservatives used to repeat "Go woke, go broke"? In fact, it's the opposite:
Tesla: 🔽 Down 36% in six months
Trump Media & Technology Group: 🔽 Down 31% in one month
Twitter valuation: 🔽 Down 71% since #ElonMusk took over
Go right, financial blight!
#VoteBlue