The Wuhan Coronavirus [Covid-19, the Honey Badger virus]

[Wind]

Coronavirus: What Has It Revealed? | Russell Brand

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=C1sbp5oyVh4

[Kryztian]

Coronavirus will bankrupt more people than it kills — and that's the real global emergency

We may look back on coronavirus as the moment when the threads that hold the global economy together came unstuck.

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices...-a9394891.html

Coronavirus’s economic danger is exponentially greater than its health risks to the public. If the virus does directly affect your life, it is most likely to be through stopping you going to work, forcing your employer to make you redundant, or bankrupting your business.

The trillions of dollars wiped from financial markets this week will be just the beginning, if our governments do not step in. And if President Trump continues to stumble in his handling of the situation, it may well affect his chances of re-election. Joe Biden in particular has identified Covid-19 as a weakness for Trump, promising “steady, reassuring” leadership during America’s hour of need.

Worldwide, Covid-19 has killed 4,389 with 31 US deaths as of today. But it will economically cripple millions, especially since the epidemic has formed a perfect storm with stock market crashes, an oil war between Russia and Saudi Arabia, and the spilling over of an actual war in Syria into another potential migrant crisis.

We may look back on coronavirus as the moment when the threads that hold the global economy together came unstuck; and startups and growing businesses like mine could end up paying the price.

Just as important as fighting the virus — if not more important — is vaccinating our economies against the incoming pandemic of panic. Human suffering can come in the form of illness and death. But it can also be experienced as not being able to pay the bills or losing your home.

Small businesses in particular are struggling as supply chains dry up, leaving them without products or essential materials. Factory closures in China have led to a record low in the country’s Purchasing Manager’s Index which measures manufacturing output. China is the world’s largest exporter and is responsible for a third of global manufacturing, so China’s problem is everyone’s problem — even in the midst of a trade war between the White House and Beijing.

All this makes it even more worrying that governments continue to see this as a health crisis, not an economic one. It is time the economists took over from the doctors, before the real pandemic spreads.

It is difficult to imagine Italy not entering a recession (the world’s ninth largest economy is now on lockdown). It is also difficult to imagine that failing to affect Europe and its largest trading partner, the United States. And it is impossible to see how any of this will not add up to a global downturn, unless governments step in faster and harder than they did 12 years ago during the last financial crisis.

The stakes are higher this time, because there seems to be a coordinated effort to economically hurt many Western countries, and warn them away from the aggressive trade policies that Trump has so enthusiastically adopted.

Although China bore the brunt of the virus’s economic and human cost, many in Beijing will see a silver lining in the weakening of the US economy, and a distraction from Trump’s trade wars that appeared to be escalating with no end in sight.

Almost perfectly synchronized with the coronavirus, a Russia-Saudi oil war has erupted. In the short-term, both Moscow and Riyadh can afford the 30 per cent overnight drop in the oil price. But America’s shale gas business cannot: The more expensive process of fracking means that much of the US oil sector will simply not exist if oil prices stay at historic lows, leading to shut downs, job losses and perhaps even state-level recessions.

President Trump has pushed through overdue payroll tax cuts and help for hourly workers — measures that will help both employers and employees survive. In the UK, Chancellor Rishi Sunak today unveiled a ‘Coronavirus Budget’. But everyone needs to think bigger if they want to properly deal with how this new factor changes the status quo.

This is about much more than coronavirus, oil prices, or even the global economy. This is about the balance of power between East and West. The epicenter of this has been, for the last 10 years, Syria. After a decade of conflict on the ground, the face-off seems to have now escalated from proxy war to economic conflict.

The emerging superpowers of Russia and China witnessed what many saw as American irrelevance in Syria. And they are now trying to cement their vision of a truly multi-polar world. Rather than allowing US ally Saudi Arabia to lead the oil markets through the OPEC cartel, Russia and China want to reshape global markets — and power balances — to their advantage.

To survive these shifts, the US, UK and others will need to protect the future of their businesses, large and small, and look for opportunities to benefit from the new economic world order, not deny it. Ignoring these changes will be even more damaging than any flu pandemic.

--- Appending to Post ---

I just noticed Pam's post, two above this one, of Tucker Carlson. He is essentially saying the same thing - we are heading for an economic disaster much worse than the epidemiological once, if we put our planet in shutdown.

[Bill Ryan]

Posted by Kryztian (here)
We may look back on coronavirus as the moment when the threads that hold the global economy together came unstuck.

Some of you may have seen a docudrama called Threads, aired by the BBC in 1984. Here it is, but there's a warning to those who may be unfamiliar: it's extraordinarily realistic, very well done, and not all that easy to watch. No punches are pulled.

• http://avalonlibrary.net/THREADS.mp4

The title comes from exactly what Kryztian posted about: that we're so closely interconnected (and were back in 1984, as well), that if the whole thing very suddenly comes apart, it can't be put back together again.

At least in this situation, it's not happening 'suddenly' — though to some it may feel like that. It's not like an asteroid strike or a nuclear war. At least individuals, and governments if they're smart and wise, can act with forethought to put contingencies in place to soften all the blows.

But also as the article suggests, it's possible no-one has really thought through in full detail where all the toppling domino chains will end up, or how long they are. There will be knock-on effects in very unforeseen places, and to some very unforeseen people.

Our complex, sophisticated world is brittle and vulnerable, paradoxically more so than ever before in recorded history. And with that, in a way, unless you're an indigenous tribesperson, very wealthy, or a good farmer living in a remote place, we're all individually brittle and vulnerable as well.

One person we all know and love on the forum has quietly been spending her morning calling round and checking on all the vulnerable people she knows: some of them may be alone and very frightened.

If we can each do the same, just a little, small acts of kindness like that may mean the world to someone who's not able to go fighting in Costco or Tescos for a few badly needed items of food. This can bring out either the very best or the very worst in people, and in news feeds from round the world we've already seen good examples of both.

[scotslad]

My daughter works as a nurse in region's largest hospital. Her ward has just been changed to THE MAJOR COVID-19 ward for the hospital and geographical area. She aghast at the shambolic management style and conflicting info they being told, but cant praise the comaradery of the staff actually working together helping and supporting each other and going the extra mile on her ward and other wards. Will keep you posted as it all unfolds.

[RogeRio]

in my country there is an interesting "law of market" (hypocrisy) about the prices of fuels on the PETROBRAS monopoly, which ever anounces that the refinery prices vary according to international oil prices.

so whenever oil or dollar prices go up, fuel prices go up almost immediately by the same proportion.

but when prices fall, fuel prices do not fall, or at most, only a few insignificant cents, because the fuel taxes is around 44% of prices, so the issue is not whether the price of the product falls but rather the taxes that cannot fall (abruptly).

now I'm going to where I want to "Speculate" about privacy surveillance caused by suspicions of coronavirus spreading.

---

without coronavirus, privacy surveillance by authorities it is only allowed with an express court order, but with the devil of this virus, it is enough for a doctor or health agent indicate any citizen suspect of having been infected.

Suspect is enough!

ANY Contact with other already suspect is enough!

So, based on CDC ( & Goldman Sachs ) spread predictions already published I'M SUSPECTING that even IF or WHEN the coronavirus wave past gone, the surveillance and quarentine orders could never will down again, even because all this apparatus cost money and taxes that the authorities, bankers, telephony & internet operators, private and government medical and security professionals, will never want to lose Its gained positions.

all these people are now going to support increased taxes and invasion of privacy,

So thanks for coronavirus (and others similars) that from now on, will be part of our lives and the costs that we will be forced bear to pay for this whole apparatus.

is not difficult to imagine one 2020 year relaxing orwellian message:

WELCOME to 1984, dear 2020!

[Bill Ryan]

Here's the scene in Ecuador. (Wow.) It's stricter than in most countries — so far. But wherever you are, this is probably coming to you.

• https://cuencahighlife.com/governmen...n-takes-effect

Summary:

• Vehicles with even number plates allowed on the roads Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, odd numbers on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. (Hey! That's not fair. I'm an even number. )
• All Ecuadorians under orders to stay home, except to buy food, go to work if it's allowed, to care for the elderly/disabled or to seek medical products or services. (Not advisory. It's an order.)
• All but the most essential government services suspended to reduce face-to-face contact. Businesses that require personal contact also ordered closed.
• The new measures come when confirmed cases of the virus spiked from 37 to 58 and public health officials admitted that the number represented only the “tip of the iceberg.” Speaking anonymously, a Quito health ministry doctor said there are probably thousands of cases in the country. “At this point, the official count is of little use,” he said. “We must be prepared for difficult times ahead.”
• Businesses that will continue to function include those involved in food production, delivery, sale and preparation as well as sellers of health care products and services, e.g. pharmacies/medical offices. Banks will be open. Food stores and markets will be open, with stores admitting no more than 30 customers at a time with only one member of a family allowed to shop.
• National curfew from 9pm—5am.
• Personal movement to be strictly enforced by police. Vehicles on the road for any reason other than listed will be confiscated.

[Dave Hunnicutt]

Posted by Isserley (here)
This is quite alarming.. ->

US sales of guns and ammunition soar amid coronavirus panic buying



People wait in a line to enter a gun store in Culver City, California, on Sunday. Photograph: Ringo HW Chiu/AP

Sales of guns and ammunition are soaring across the US as fears of possible social unrest amid the coronavirus crisis are prompting some Americans to turn to firearms as a form of self-protection.

On the west coast, long lines of customers were queueing up outside gun stores to stock up on deadly materials. At the Martin B Retting gun shop in Culver City, California, the queues stretched round the block throughout the weekend.

One customer told the LA Times: “Politicians and anti-gun people have been telling us for the longest time that we don’t need guns. But right now, a lot of people are truly scared, and they can make that decision themselves.”

Larry Hyatt, owner of one of the country’s largest gun shops, Hyatt Guns in Charlotte, North Carolina, told the Guardian that the scenes of mass buying at his store were virtually unprecedented. “This is only the second time in my 61 years of business that we’ve seen anything like this,” he said, adding that the first occasion was the aftermath of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook elementary school in Connecticut in 2012.

“We are experiencing a massive rush to buy guns and ammunition as people feel the need to protect themselves and their families.”

Hyatt said that the type of guns being bought was reflective of the fear prevalent among customers. There was almost no interest in hunting rifles. Instead, people were opting for target guns and there was big demand for AR-15 semi-automatic assault-style rifles.

Asked why he thought the spike was happening, Hyatt replied: “Financial meltdown, pandemic, crime, politics … you throw it all into the pot, and you have one hell of a mess.”

A major online dealer of ammunition, Ammo.com, has put out figures for sales from 23 February to 4 March that give an indication of the scale of the surge. In that 11-day period sales increased 68% compared to the 11 days up to 23 February.

Sales were especially pronounced in North Carolina and Georgia, which experienced a leap of 179% and 169% respectively. Other states with large increases included Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, Illinois and New York.

In a statement, Ammo.com’s marketing manager, Alex Horsman, said: “We know certain things impact ammo sales, mostly political events or economic instability when people feel their rights may end up infringed. This is our first experience with a virus leading to such a boost in sales.”

Apart from general anxiety surrounding coronavirus, some gun sale spikes appeared to have specific causes. The Trace reported that in Washington state and California, locations of early outbreaks of the virus, gun sales increased acutely propelled by Asian Americans fearful that they could face xenophobic and racist violence against their families given that the original source of coronavirus was China.

“People are panicking because they don’t feel secure. They worry about a riot or maybe that people will start to target the Chinese,” David Liu, a Chinese-American gun dealer outside Los Angeles, told the Trace.

Amid the rush to stockpile lethal weapons, there were concerns for the safety of children. A sudden increase in guns and rifles in domestic homes could put children at risk through lack of safe storage.

Firearms are already the second most prevalent killer of children in the US after car crashes. In the 14- to 17-year-old bracket, gun injuries are the highest single cause of death, according to research from the University of Michigan school of public health.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...s-panic-buying

If there is one lesson we can learn from this crisis, it is

"If you are not early, you are late."

I live fairly close to the store in the photo. The people in this line are at the bottom of the food chain as gun owners or wanna be gun owners looking for their first gun. Any experienced gun owner with a clue has multiple weapons that he has repeatedly trained with and proven to be reliable with thousands of rounds of ammo in reserve. The California Marxists politicians have been passing anti-gun laws for a decade now. All it does is to insure that people stockpile more guns and ammo. They get the exact opposite of what they want. In spite of their laws, Californians are armed to the teeth.

My personal opinion is that we will see food shortages that lead to looting, burglaries, and home invasions. People think because there was still food in China and there is currently food in Italy, there will be food here in the USA. What they are forgetting is that the USA (UK too) will go through the peak of this crisis under completely different circumstances than Italy or China. We will be going through the medical crisis at the same time we are facing a global economic collapse and supply chain collapse. That is why there will be food shortages.

And violence.

[norman]

I will be thoroughly disgusted and heartbroken if we eventually find out that this global lockdown didn't actually include executive jets and 'special people'.

[Pam]

Coronavirus
Illinois Mayor Grants Herself Power to Ban Guns During Coronavirus Pandemic

Champaign, Illinois mayor Deborah Frank Feinen signed an executive order giving herself the power to order the seizure of firearms, ammunition, alcohol and gasoline during the coronavirus pandemic.

The executive order also enables the government to “take possession of private property” and cut off an individual’s access to gas, water or electricity.

The city promised to “keep the public’s best interest in mind” while also handing itself the power to shut down all liquor stores and bars, although Gov. J.B. Pritzker has already ordered the shut down of all bars and schools across Illinois until March 30.


https://summit.news/2020/03/16/illin...irus-pandemic/

[Dave Hunnicutt]

The Illinois Mayor is in for a big surprise. Matt Bracken has a great quote. "A plan to ride a tiger is not the same thing as riding a tiger."

We will not comply.

[Caliban]

According to president of Italy's Higher Health Institute (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, or ISS), Silvio Brusaferro

"Almost all patients were already suffering from serious health problems, including cancer, when the coronavirus infection was detected, according to the new data from the ISS."

"Brusaferro stated that two patients under the age of 40 had died. Both were aged 39. One had a tumour and died in hospital, while the other died at home and had some comorbid factors including diabetes, obesity and other types of ailments that characterized his life before becoming infected,” said Brusaferro. "

https://www.thelocal.it/20200311/cor...ctims-in-italy

That was from 3/11. Here's a translated piece from the 13th, same topic:

https://translate.google.com/transla...-sono-solo-due

[Dennis Leahy]

Posted by helium (here)
Breathe deep the gathering gloom


My first post; my first potential novel coronavirus.

Sent my application in yesterday on my 70th birthday to join the Avalon forum. Same day had my first symptoms, out of nowhere. Most likely, if this turns out to be actual COVID and I have tests done, the vector was the county courthouse when I walked in less than a week ago to purchase license tabs for my car. Very sick employees in cramped spaces. I was appalled. Should have ran but it was too late. Otherwise I’ve been a shut-in for nearly the past year, so very little exposure. Attempting to raise awareness in this small community I live in is challenging.

We will see how things go from here.

It would be easy to pass off the irony of milestone birthday, acceptance into the Avalon community, and the onset of these symptoms all in one glorious day. And glorious it is/was. No sarcasm intended.

Irony, synchronicity - isn’t it strange that out of so many worlds and dimensions open for participation that this particular one we inhabit has as part of it’s substructure such an ephemeral phenomena? So many think they are in control when unrestrained control seems the antithesis of the kind of growth that’s intended to take place here. Yet exert a certain control we must, then either suffer or celebrate the consequences that follow. Either way, through pain or joy, we will learn. Best that choices are made with the understanding that pain and joy are intricately entwined. Neither is what they appear to be.

Red is grey and yellow white.
But we decide which is right.
And which is an illusion?

Can’t get past the strong sense that I was groomed for this scenario that’s facing the world today. It’s energizing, uplifting, and reeking of raw inspiring challenge.

So when I use the eerie but familiar words breathe deep the gathering gloom they are not intended to incite fear or dread. Reverence is more inline with my thinking – reverence for the unique opportunities that present themselves is more in line with life paths traveled with awareness, empathy, and insatiable curiosity. I’m thinking more in terms of open acceptance, now that I have something tangible to center my attention on.

Symptoms are mild. Noticed lightheadedness, a bit dizzy washing dishes. Have to sit now and then to be certain I don’t fall. Pulse rate quite elevated even at rest. Temperature up two degrees above my advanced-age normal which is around 96 to 97. Tightness and minor aching across chest. No breathing problems. Mental acuity and concentration are definately impaired. Alternate chills and sweats. Sweating like a pig at this very moment (apologies to all you swine out there. Do you actually sweat?). Could just be the boring old flu. Testing is available here if necessary. All necessary preparations and treatments have been underway.

Off to the races, in more ways than one!

At 20 years old I wouldn’t have had the experience to embrace this sort of thing like I do now. Not saying anyone else should adopt my views.

Opens with The Moody Blues quote. Nice! Hope you have something else, not covid-19, but regardless, do check out strategies posted here to combat viral infections. Welcome to Avalon, and wishing you the very best.

[TrumanCash]

Posted by helium (here)
Breathe deep the gathering gloom


My first post; my first potential novel coronavirus.

Sent my application in yesterday on my 70th birthday to join the Avalon forum. Same day had my first symptoms, out of nowhere. Most likely, if this turns out to be actual COVID and I have tests done, the vector was the county courthouse when I walked in less than a week ago to purchase license tabs for my car. Very sick employees in cramped spaces. I was appalled. Should have ran but it was too late. Otherwise I’ve been a shut-in for nearly the past year, so very little exposure. Attempting to raise awareness in this small community I live in is challenging.

We will see how things go from here.

It would be easy to pass off the irony of milestone birthday, acceptance into the Avalon community, and the onset of these symptoms all in one glorious day. And glorious it is/was. No sarcasm intended.

Irony, synchronicity - isn’t it strange that out of so many worlds and dimensions open for participation that this particular one we inhabit has as part of it’s substructure such an ephemeral phenomena? So many think they are in control when unrestrained control seems the antithesis of the kind of growth that’s intended to take place here. Yet exert a certain control we must, then either suffer or celebrate the consequences that follow. Either way, through pain or joy, we will learn. Best that choices are made with the understanding that pain and joy are intricately entwined. Neither is what they appear to be.

Red is grey and yellow white.
But we decide which is right.
And which is an illusion?

Can’t get past the strong sense that I was groomed for this scenario that’s facing the world today. It’s energizing, uplifting, and reeking of raw inspiring challenge.

So when I use the eerie but familiar words breathe deep the gathering gloom they are not intended to incite fear or dread. Reverence is more inline with my thinking – reverence for the unique opportunities that present themselves is more in line with life paths traveled with awareness, empathy, and insatiable curiosity. I’m thinking more in terms of open acceptance, now that I have something tangible to center my attention on.

Symptoms are mild. Noticed lightheadedness, a bit dizzy washing dishes. Have to sit now and then to be certain I don’t fall. Pulse rate quite elevated even at rest. Temperature up two degrees above my advanced-age normal which is around 96 to 97. Tightness and minor aching across chest. No breathing problems. Mental acuity and concentration are definately impaired. Alternate chills and sweats. Sweating like a pig at this very moment (apologies to all you swine out there. Do you actually sweat?). Could just be the boring old flu. Testing is available here if necessary. All necessary preparations and treatments have been underway.

Off to the races, in more ways than one!

At 20 years old I wouldn’t have had the experience to embrace this sort of thing like I do now. Not saying anyone else should adopt my views.

Welcome, helium! Thanks for your first post. I have also been hearing drummer/poet Graeme Edge's lines in my mind from one of my favorite Moody Blues albums "Days of Future Passed" due to my daily deep breathing exercises (Wim Hof style).

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=SWAmICTFSok

However, I must add that Graeme Edge's poem also reminds me of my 8th grade grammar--"Breathe deep the gathering gloom" should be "Breathe deeply" since breathe is a verb being modified by an adverb so the "ly" would be needed, eh Graeme? (Hopefully, though, we will not lose our poetic licenses among other freedoms/privileges being currently suspended globally.)

However, Wim Hof would be more likely to say "Breathe Motherf**ker, just do it!" Here we go. Fully in--belly out, diaphram down, chest expanding, shoulders lifting...and let it go. As long as we can keep doing that, we are probably doing goodly (poetic license hereby invoked).

[spade]

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=EuWo5lmWuZI

Don't take any Anti-Inflammatory Drugs this season! They cause the deaths. Panadol / Tylenol to reduce fever is okay. My hunch is the old folks in Italy are taking boatloads of anti-inflammatory drugs causing massive deaths?

-------------

Dan said: "Within an hour of giving it to her, she dropped dramatically.

“She was panting while trying to breathe, her heart rate was very rapid, she couldn’t keep her eyes open, couldn’t lift her head up, her body was shaking, she started being sick on herself and her temperature had risen to 39.4!

"We called back up and they sent out an emergency ambulance, once the paramedics got here they managed to bring her temp and stats down a bit, they’re still higher than normal but not dangerous high anymore.

"Now she’s back on Calpol, she’s back to just being her poorly self.

"The paramedics only told us while here that we're not to give her ibuprofen."

Confusingly, NHS advice goes against this health warning.

It has advised that ibuprofen could be used to tackle symptoms of coronavirus.

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/health/d...-year-21705651

[wondering]

Hi Helium, Welcome to the Forum. I think I understand the excitement (my word) of facing something so potentially enormous at this later stage of life. We have never had so much experience and maturity as we have now. It feels like the culmination of something, but not the end. Diane

[ExomatrixTV]

Global Covid-19 Lockdown

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=F3avn2K8yng

[TrumanCash]

The Coronavirus Hoax

Here is Ron Paul's viewpoint in his Weekly Column March 16, 2020:

Governments love crises because when the people are fearful they are more willing to give up freedoms for promises that the government will take care of them. After 9/11, for example, Americans accepted the near-total destruction of their civil liberties in the PATRIOT Act’s hollow promises of security.

It is ironic to see the same Democrats who tried to impeach President Trump last month for abuse of power demanding that the Administration grab more power and authority in the name of fighting a virus that thus far has killed less than 100 Americans.

Declaring a pandemic emergency on Friday, President Trump now claims the power to quarantine individuals suspected of being infected by the virus and, as Politico writes, “stop and seize any plane, train or automobile to stymie the spread of contagious disease.” He can even call out the military to cordon off a US city or state.

State and local authoritarians love panic as well. The mayor of Champaign, Illinois, signed an executive order declaring the power to ban the sale of guns and alcohol and cut off gas, water, or electricity to any citizen. The governor of Ohio just essentially closed his entire state.

The chief fearmonger of the Trump Administration is without a doubt Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health. Fauci is all over the media, serving up outright falsehoods to stir up even more panic. He testified to Congress that the death rate for the coronavirus is ten times that of the seasonal flu, a claim without any scientific basis.

On Face the Nation, Fauci did his best to further damage an already tanking economy by stating, “Right now, personally, myself, I wouldn’t go to a restaurant.” He has pushed for closing the entire country down for 14 days.

Over what? A virus that has thus far killed just over 5,000 worldwide and less than 100 in the United States? By contrast, tuberculosis, an old disease not much discussed these days, killed nearly 1.6 million people in 2017. Where’s the panic over this?

If anything, what people like Fauci and the other fearmongers are demanding will likely make the disease worse. The martial law they dream about will leave people hunkered down inside their homes instead of going outdoors or to the beach where the sunshine and fresh air would help boost immunity. The panic produced by these fearmongers is likely helping spread the disease, as massive crowds rush into Walmart and Costco for that last roll of toilet paper.

The madness over the coronavirus is not limited to politicians and the medical community. The head of the neoconservative Atlantic Council wrote an editorial this week urging NATO to pass an Article 5 declaration of war against the COVID-19 virus! Are they going to send in tanks and drones to wipe out these microscopic enemies?

People should ask themselves whether this coronavirus “pandemic” could be a big hoax, with the actual danger of the disease massively exaggerated by those who seek to profit – financially or politically – from the ensuing panic.

That is not to say the disease is harmless. Without question people will die from coronavirus. Those in vulnerable categories should take precautions to limit their risk of exposure. But we have seen this movie before. Government over-hypes a threat as an excuse to grab more of our freedoms. When the “threat” is over, however, they never give us our freedoms back.
Copyright © 2020 by RonPaul Institute. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit and a live link are given.
Please donate to the Ron Paul Institute

[TrumanCash]

Posted by TrumanCash (here)
I would add to post #1260 above Wim Hof breathing and cold therapy which has been shown scientifically to greatly enhance the immune system. The breathing exercises are easy to learn. Both breathing and cold showers are free.

And if one has been wanting to totally exclude sugar in all its forms (including fructose) from one's diet, now is the time. I would also add eating only whole foods and staying totally away from packaged foods and eating healthy fats like fish oils, olive oil, flax seed oil, etc.

Wim Hof just sent out an email regarding the coronavirus. I have copied the entire email below but have placed the more important parts in bold.

The main change is that they are not recommending the cold therapy with the breathing if you're not feeling well--only the breathing. The most important sentence being: "Now, if you’re not feeling too well, and you’re looking to use the Wim Hof Method to fight off the infection: do not do the cold training parts of the method."

It’s been a turbulent few weeks, and it will be a while before the skies clear and things return to normal.

We wanted to reach out to our community and update you on what this ongoing situation means for us as a company, and for you as a Wim Hof Method practitioner.

Following calls for social distancing to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we have postponed or cancelled all live events with Wim that were scheduled for March through May. WHM Instructors have been briefed with protocols, and asked to host activities with discretion. As of right now, the Summer Expedition is set to go ahead as scheduled. If there are any changes to this or updates about the events, we will let you know right away.

Although congregating in large groups is discouraged, practicing the Wim Hof Method is actually precisely what you want to be doing in these challenging times. For one, WHM breathing wards off stress. Do a couple rounds of breathing, and feel yourself take a sobering step back from all the pandemonium.

The 2014 Radboud study showed that WHM practice upregulates your immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells and B-lymphocytes. These are the little critters that protect you from foreign marauders such as viruses. WHM practice won’t keep COVID-19 from invading your body, but a strengthened immune system means a bigger arsenal to combat the infection, and therefore fewer and less severe symptoms.

Now, if you’re not feeling too well, and you’re looking to use the Wim Hof Method to fight off the infection: do not do the cold training parts of the method. When you’re sick, your immune system has its hands full just fighting off the virus. If you then expose yourself to the cold, you add another stressor, forcing the immune system to divide its capacity and fight a war on two fronts. We all know how that worked out in the past.

Furthermore, please don’t see Wim Hof Method practice as an adequate substitute for medical treatment. If you exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19 (a dry cough, fever), seek medical attention and follow the directions of your local health authority.

Everybody can benefit, so be proactive in recommending the WHM to friends and family. The Wim Hof Method is very accessible and we offer many avenues for practice. There is the free app available on the Google Play and Apple stores; the guided breathing bubble on YouTube; and our free MiniClass. This is a great moment to fire up your video course and rekindle your WHM practice.
With bars and gyms closed, you have ample time to do so.

However you choose to spend your time, please do what you can to help curb the spread of the virus. Follow the established protocols: wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face; limit physical contact and avoid public gatherings. We all must do our part in relieving the mounting pressure that is being put on our healthcare systems. Let’s do all we can.

Stay strong, stay happy, and stay or get healthy,


Wim & the WHM team

[greybeard]

Coronavirus: UK releases 'unprecedented' financial measures worth 15% of GDP

For once the UK Government seem to be doing the right thing and not too little too late.
We will have to see how effective these measures and financial aid are.
Chris

The UK government has just unleashed an ‘unprecedented’ set of financial measures to help the UK economy tackle the impact from the coronavirus.

UK chancellor Rishi Sunak said that while the coronavirus “will not be overcome by a single [financial] package,” it will take a “collective national effort.”

He said that the UK government wants to “reassure that this government will give you all the tools you need to get through this.”

He added that the coronavirus pandemic wasn’t just a “health emergency” but also “an economic emergency.”

The package is worth 15% of UK GDP, up from a package announced last week worth 1% of GDP, and include:

£330bn government-back loans and guarantees: This will be available for all sizes of businesses to help them pay wages, suppliers, and keep afloat during turbulent times.

Business interruption loan scheme: For smaller businesses, of up to £5m each.

£25,000 cash grants: This will be available for smaller businesses who don't have insurance.

£10,000 cash grants: These will be available for the smallest of firms — for example, small family-run businesses.

Three-month mortgage holidays: All mortgage lenders will now provide three-month mortgage holidays for those that need them.

Business rate holiday: There will be an extension of this from the Budget announcement.

https://uk.yahoo.com/finance/news/co...172250683.html

[onevoice]

Posted by Pam (here)
Coronavirus
Illinois Mayor Grants Herself Power to Ban Guns During Coronavirus Pandemic

Champaign, Illinois mayor Deborah Frank Feinen signed an executive order giving herself the power to order the seizure of firearms, ammunition, alcohol and gasoline during the coronavirus pandemic.

The executive order also enables the government to “take possession of private property” and cut off an individual’s access to gas, water or electricity.

The city promised to “keep the public’s best interest in mind” while also handing itself the power to shut down all liquor stores and bars, although Gov. J.B. Pritzker has already ordered the shut down of all bars and schools across Illinois until March 30.


https://summit.news/2020/03/16/illin...irus-pandemic/

That article is inflammatory and gross mischaracterization of the executive order the mayor signed. Nowhere in the executive order does it mention the power to order "seizure of firearms, ammunition, alcohol and gasoline during the coronavirus pandemic". Most likely, the author of the article is using creative interpretation of the phrase "to take possession of any real or personal property of any person". However, the following paragraph to this section of the executive order makes it clear that this is referring to a real property such as a land, real estate or a building for emergency use by the city. This seems to me to be a reasonable power that any city mayor may invoke during situations of emergency such as the current Covid-19 outbreak pursuant to existing law that allows such action.

Here is the relevant section of the executive order she signed:

(6) Order the discontinuance of selling, distributing, dispensing or giving away of
explosives or explosive agents, firearms or ammunition of any character whatsoever;
(7) Order the control, restriction and regulation within the City by rationing, issuing
quotas, fixing or freezing prices, allocating the use, sale or distribution of food, fuel,
clothing and other commodities, materials, goods or services or the necessities of life;
(8) (a) Order City employees or agents, on behalf of the City, to take possession of any
real or personal property of any person, or to acquire full title or such lesser interest
as may be necessary to deal with a disaster or emergency, and to take possession of
and for a limited time, occupy and use any real estate to accomplish alleviation of
the disaster, or the effects thereof;
(b) In the event any real or personal property is utilized by the City, the City shall
be liable to the owner thereof for the reasonable value of the use or for just
compensation as the case may be.

Link to the Executive Order: https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.town...454b21.pdf.pdf