This is a piece that aired on channel 4 the other night.
It shows what City Fresh Foods is doing to help the community during this pandemic.
They are one of our Office’s Partners in delivering services to Boston’s Elderly, in this
case home delivered meals. The man in this video is Sheldon Llyod and I have known
him for more than 15 years. I have been in this facility and have actually delivered
meals before. We need more people like him.
That is excellent! And yes, we do need more people like this. There’s a whole group of people out there that have the “screw you”mentality. All for themselves, and it’s sad, really. If everybody did at least one little thing every day to help someone else, it would be wonderful, even if it’s just a nice gesture like paying for the coffee of the person behind you in the drive through (I do this randomly at times). That’s how it starts.
I like your style TK.
This just warms my heart. There sure are folks who have the Screw you mentality but also groups who are quietly doing random acts of kindness.
Vicki, and others, just so it’s clear what I meant by having government pay employers to retain employees, the following:
Most of the U.S. stimulus package money has gone toward one-off (measly) payments to taxpayers and unemployment benefits. I believe a government payment system that keeps people employed would have been more efficient and mitigated desire to reopen prematurely (i.e., Covid-19 fatigue).
American Covid-19 fatigue – perhaps my own, included! – may be partly due to poorly designed economic policy. U.S. unemployment as a result of the pandemic dwarfs other countries. We’re talking an unemployment 10 to 20 times greater than in the E.U. Nations with the smallest increases in unemployment have programs that directly pay companies to retain their workers.
So, it’s not a bail-out program, like what happened with the banks in 2008 and 2009. It’s more a temporary assistance program in which employers – small and large – receive money from government which they must use to keep their employees.
Of course, part of our unemployment problem has less to do with Covid-19, and more to do with the precarious nature of so many jobs that have been created since 2009. Many have had no or minimal benefits, relatively poor pay, and an accompanying easy come, easy go hiring and firing practice.
This is why I never put much stock in jobs reports or unemployment numbers post 2009, whether under Obama or Trump. Sure, many jobs were `created,’ but most of them were not in the category solid, well-paying positions.
Thank you, Joshua. Most important, as I said yesterday, if there were a guarantee that larger companies would actually pay the money down, I’d agree. Your proposed solution makes great sense in theory. But…..Two presidents have put in place a trickle down plan. Neither was successful. The first IMO is responsible for the trillions large businesses sit on in profits and the lack of actual increases in pay to the worker. The second just increased those inequities. Salaries have been stagnant and still are nowhere near where they should be since the mid 1980s. Meanwhile, CEO to worker ratios continue to be obscene.
Another concern is the sole business owner. What would an allocation look like for them? And for those on SS? I know you have not had the space or time to address that. To these individuals, the 1200 stimulus and the 600/week UI are just not measly. And I have serious doubts any individuals would see this dollar amount if we left it to the employers (not in all cases, but in far too many cases).
Eccles advised FDR to borrow and create jobs that put people to work. The theory was (loosely) that these folks would have an income which they would then use to purchase the products they create. Those dollars would then go back into the economy. We can’t put people to work with Covid, but we can give them $$ to put back into the economy. All of this was based on the fact that the consumer drives 70 percent of the economy. Therefore, the money needed to go to the consumer. No consumer – no economy.
These are just very random thoughts. Again, I stress that I believe your idea would work if there were a guarantee the money would in fact be passed to employees (the consumer) and keep them employed. And also if there is a plan for those who are not employed for whatever reason to receive benefits. We have a horrific track record in that regard. So, I am not disagreeing in theory; but I just don’t see it happening in practice.
As far as unemployment numbers, I 100 percent agree. With the introduction of ACA, many employers cut hours in order to avoid having to cover employees healthcare. So many of the jobs we claim are lowering the unemployment rate are part time and do not begin to pay a living wage. As such, many of the folks have two jobs to make ends meet which also makes the unemployment numbers skewed. But again – this is an indication of how too many major businesses in the United States treat employees. The mindset that the CEO built the company and, as such, deserves the lion’s share is about as ridiculous as it gets.
I cannot stress enough that I believe your plan is well thought out.
I finally received my $1200 stimulus (paper) check today!
ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
Last Wednesday (5/6) I was finally able to put in my bank info for Direct Deposit on the IRS website after several attempts. Hopefully now, I won’t receive “another” one into my checking account as I would then have to go to the trouble contacting them about giving the money back, obviously.
The IRS has done a poor job getting the stimulus out imho.
I have yet to receive mine and also just signed up for direct deposit. I’ll be curious to see what happens.
We got ours right away and right on schedule.
Vicki, thank you for your thoughtful post. I appreciate your perspective.
Philip, I’m glad you got your stimulus check. And, aren’t you happy DJT signed it! Isn’t that wonderful …
Thank you for yours. I’d love to dig deeper into this but we can take it to email. It is a topic that interests me.
Yes it’s dreaded Fox news but the info inside is good news!
Potential Covid 19 antibody cure.
Thanks for sharing.
I don’t dread Fox News, just as I don’t dread MSNBC. They both have several excellent reporters and commentators. I just find myself often having to change the channel when they go off the rails. Fox News has several hosts I find repulsive. MSNBC, not repulsive, but I’d rather see a lot less political slant.
Thank you, Chris.
Let’s hope. Their stock sure did soar. It would be a true answer to prayers.
And I agree with Joshua de FOX. I keep trying to watch so I can learn from views that differ. My timing seems off since I tend to get people who are off the track. But also agree de MSNBC and CNN. I gravitate to more moderate media sources.
WH said it had a pandemic plan all along. McConnell admits to being wrong when he said Obama didn’t leave a plan Because he did.
Dutch article on children going back to primary school (since May 11). You’ll need to use Google Translate to get the gist of it. The article discusses the fact that some parents are reluctant to send their children back to school. The Dutch Society of Pediatricians, however, recommends that children go back to school. Their spokesperson explains in the article. https://nos.nl/artikel/2333984-stuur-kinderen-gewoon-naar-school-zeggen-kinderartsen.html
Thanks, Joshua. I’m afraid I have no idea how to use google translate. Does the article mention the new illness impacting kids that is thought to be associated with Covid?
I was looking for an article sent by a friend and came across this. It seems to be a good guide
I’m chuckling a bit since my post is from WAPO which is a bit left of center. I have the same from two other sources but happen to like the layout of this best. I do use as a guide on a regular basis
ICU numbers are diminishing; hospitalizations as well. But, we’re still in a precarious positions as a state.
U.S. numbers as a whole are improving, albeit quite gradually in terms of the key indicators: Deaths, cases, hospitalizations, ICU usage.
Vicki, if you type Google Translate in a Google search it’ll take you to a text box – actually there will be 2 of them. You fill in text (cut and paste) in a language, and it translates to the desired language. Swahili to Hmong, for example, always a useful translation. Or, Dutch to English.
The article doesn’t mention Kawasaki Disease. My guess is – knowing the Dutch – that experts there would discount what they deem to be very low risks. I’m not saying the Dutch are correct. But, it’s the way they look at things. Of course, it may turn out that Kawasaki Disease and other inflammatory conditions are not such a low risk. At this point, however, it does appear that it’s a low risk.
The Dutch place an extraordinary emphasis on the importance of school, learning, and socialization (it’s why home-schooling is prohibited), especially for younger children. More so than most societies. It’s a rather strict curriculum. Old-fashioned. Very long school days. But, this is what the Dutch think is best for children. I’m of two minds on this. I do respect their opinion, however.
Thank you. I did try that. It didn’t seem to like the large amount of text. I’ll try again.
Baker spoke at length today about experts’ predictions at the start of covid….half correct and half not so much. Same with tests and testing and all else covid related. Not because their expertise failed them but because not one expert can know what this novel virus is capable of. Logically, if we don’t know what covid is capable of then discounting anything is just wrong and irresponsible. I can’t imagine anyone would disagree with that.
So the K thing could be unrelated or impact only a small number. But then that was the thought with covid from the start.
The city of Boston will remain in a State of Emergency until further notice regardless of Gov. Baker’s announcement on Monday.
Mayor Walsh actually announced that Boston won’t be opening back up (slow or otherwise) anytime in the near future.
Smart decision. One I am sure baker is aware of.
My bold prediction for Sunday is that for the first time since late March we’ll have fewer than 1,000 deaths as a nation. Also on Sunday, fewer than 18k cases. I fully realize there’s a Sunday effect at work here. But, it’s important then to compare to previous Sundays, and this Sunday will be better than the previous 7.
My other prediction is that we will not have another day with over 2,000 deaths. Not this month, not ever with Covid-19.
Does this mean the pandemic is over? Far from it. We’ll continue to have many (tens of) thousands of deaths, but the daily numbers will not be as high as they were.
The president is practically promising a vaccine by the end of this year.
Operation Warp Speed!
My predictions are not nearly as bold as the president’s. My guess is an effective vaccine won’t be ready for prime time for 18 months. There will be experimental vaccines before then, and perhaps a not so effective one will make it to market within 12 months.
I just hope that a “quick” cure won’t be worse than the disease. I would be curious as to who keeps feeding the president these “promises”.
After all, this COVID was originally supposed to be over by Easter. Yeah, right.
Yep. He promised an endless amount of tests and that this would never get worse. Today he announced we have a high number because we test so much which he laughingly attributed to himself. He either forgot or doesn’t understand we are not testing the largest number per capita.
My best advice is ignore everything he says becauee it is no more than a campaign speech. Useless
Putridly useless!!! As he is!
Vicki, I think the Dutch experts and authorities acknowledge the connection between Covid-19 and Kawasaki Disease, but would put that in the category of very small risk. They’d say “you can never reduce the risk to zero, but so long as it’s minimal, we need to have the children in school because the benefits outweigh the risks.” Perhaps they’re right, though I think that going back to school now (the Dutch children have been back in school since Monday) is probably not a good idea with as many cases as we have.
It should be added that liability and tort laws are VERY different in the Netherlands. It’s very much a society in which self-responsibility is ingrained into the mindset. Plus, in most instances, you can’t sue for damages unless there is provable intent to harm, or you knowingly sold a faulty product. Even then, the amounts are capped at what we would consider ridiculously low levels. They would counter by saying out law suits result in ridiculously high awards.
CA state colleges/universities will remain in remote learning for the fall.
I understand their self responsibility. Sweden has shown it throughout. I’d love to know what has them thinking K is a small risk. Have you seen publications by experts there that lead them to that view. I’d sure be happy if there are some indications
At the moment any discussion of school in Ma would be foolish. Perhaps, that delay will give us a chance to figure out where K is headed. I do believe we have no clue
I tend to be more cautious, too, Vicki. In fact, sometimes I’ve found the Dutch to lack caution where it’s warranted. To give you an example, Dutch beaches generally have no lifeguards. They have a coast guard that can be called in to help those in trouble. But, by the time the coast guard gets there the person has drowned. There are a lot of drownings in Holland. They get reported, but it’s often a back story thing. It’s one thing not to be into drama – and the Dutch are not; they really hate melodrama – but it’s another to behave as if it’s normal that there’s some loss of life, you just have to “deal with it” as they Dutch often say. Harsh words. I never got used to that. But, I respected their way of living. Being overly protective, which many Americans are, is probably not a good thing.
I agree. And I also feel we go to a ridiculous extreme. But again….because we can’t control ourselves, we force regs.
Ugh. Now we are missing arod and dr r stupid. 🙁
C-19 for 5-16 is up…
Comments are closed.
Your no-hype southeastern New England weather blog!
This is a piece that aired on channel 4 the other night.
It shows what City Fresh Foods is doing to help the community during this pandemic.
They are one of our Office’s Partners in delivering services to Boston’s Elderly, in this
case home delivered meals. The man in this video is Sheldon Llyod and I have known
him for more than 15 years. I have been in this facility and have actually delivered
meals before. We need more people like him.
Have a look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVR89caHbiw
That is excellent! And yes, we do need more people like this. There’s a whole group of people out there that have the “screw you”mentality. All for themselves, and it’s sad, really. If everybody did at least one little thing every day to help someone else, it would be wonderful, even if it’s just a nice gesture like paying for the coffee of the person behind you in the drive through (I do this randomly at times). That’s how it starts.
I like your style TK.
This just warms my heart. There sure are folks who have the Screw you mentality but also groups who are quietly doing random acts of kindness.
Vicki, and others, just so it’s clear what I meant by having government pay employers to retain employees, the following:
Most of the U.S. stimulus package money has gone toward one-off (measly) payments to taxpayers and unemployment benefits. I believe a government payment system that keeps people employed would have been more efficient and mitigated desire to reopen prematurely (i.e., Covid-19 fatigue).
American Covid-19 fatigue – perhaps my own, included! – may be partly due to poorly designed economic policy. U.S. unemployment as a result of the pandemic dwarfs other countries. We’re talking an unemployment 10 to 20 times greater than in the E.U. Nations with the smallest increases in unemployment have programs that directly pay companies to retain their workers.
So, it’s not a bail-out program, like what happened with the banks in 2008 and 2009. It’s more a temporary assistance program in which employers – small and large – receive money from government which they must use to keep their employees.
Of course, part of our unemployment problem has less to do with Covid-19, and more to do with the precarious nature of so many jobs that have been created since 2009. Many have had no or minimal benefits, relatively poor pay, and an accompanying easy come, easy go hiring and firing practice.
This is why I never put much stock in jobs reports or unemployment numbers post 2009, whether under Obama or Trump. Sure, many jobs were `created,’ but most of them were not in the category solid, well-paying positions.
Thank you, Joshua. Most important, as I said yesterday, if there were a guarantee that larger companies would actually pay the money down, I’d agree. Your proposed solution makes great sense in theory. But…..Two presidents have put in place a trickle down plan. Neither was successful. The first IMO is responsible for the trillions large businesses sit on in profits and the lack of actual increases in pay to the worker. The second just increased those inequities. Salaries have been stagnant and still are nowhere near where they should be since the mid 1980s. Meanwhile, CEO to worker ratios continue to be obscene.
Another concern is the sole business owner. What would an allocation look like for them? And for those on SS? I know you have not had the space or time to address that. To these individuals, the 1200 stimulus and the 600/week UI are just not measly. And I have serious doubts any individuals would see this dollar amount if we left it to the employers (not in all cases, but in far too many cases).
Eccles advised FDR to borrow and create jobs that put people to work. The theory was (loosely) that these folks would have an income which they would then use to purchase the products they create. Those dollars would then go back into the economy. We can’t put people to work with Covid, but we can give them $$ to put back into the economy. All of this was based on the fact that the consumer drives 70 percent of the economy. Therefore, the money needed to go to the consumer. No consumer – no economy.
These are just very random thoughts. Again, I stress that I believe your idea would work if there were a guarantee the money would in fact be passed to employees (the consumer) and keep them employed. And also if there is a plan for those who are not employed for whatever reason to receive benefits. We have a horrific track record in that regard. So, I am not disagreeing in theory; but I just don’t see it happening in practice.
As far as unemployment numbers, I 100 percent agree. With the introduction of ACA, many employers cut hours in order to avoid having to cover employees healthcare. So many of the jobs we claim are lowering the unemployment rate are part time and do not begin to pay a living wage. As such, many of the folks have two jobs to make ends meet which also makes the unemployment numbers skewed. But again – this is an indication of how too many major businesses in the United States treat employees. The mindset that the CEO built the company and, as such, deserves the lion’s share is about as ridiculous as it gets.
I cannot stress enough that I believe your plan is well thought out.
I finally received my $1200 stimulus (paper) check today!
ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
Last Wednesday (5/6) I was finally able to put in my bank info for Direct Deposit on the IRS website after several attempts. Hopefully now, I won’t receive “another” one into my checking account as I would then have to go to the trouble contacting them about giving the money back, obviously.
The IRS has done a poor job getting the stimulus out imho.
I have yet to receive mine and also just signed up for direct deposit. I’ll be curious to see what happens.
We got ours right away and right on schedule.
Vicki, thank you for your thoughtful post. I appreciate your perspective.
Philip, I’m glad you got your stimulus check. And, aren’t you happy DJT signed it! Isn’t that wonderful …
Thank you for yours. I’d love to dig deeper into this but we can take it to email. It is a topic that interests me.
https://www.foxnews.com/science/covid-cure-california-biopharmaceutical-coronavirus-antibody-breakthrough
Yes it’s dreaded Fox news but the info inside is good news!
Potential Covid 19 antibody cure.
Thanks for sharing.
I don’t dread Fox News, just as I don’t dread MSNBC. They both have several excellent reporters and commentators. I just find myself often having to change the channel when they go off the rails. Fox News has several hosts I find repulsive. MSNBC, not repulsive, but I’d rather see a lot less political slant.
Thank you, Chris.
Let’s hope. Their stock sure did soar. It would be a true answer to prayers.
And I agree with Joshua de FOX. I keep trying to watch so I can learn from views that differ. My timing seems off since I tend to get people who are off the track. But also agree de MSNBC and CNN. I gravitate to more moderate media sources.
WH said it had a pandemic plan all along. McConnell admits to being wrong when he said Obama didn’t leave a plan Because he did.
Dutch article on children going back to primary school (since May 11). You’ll need to use Google Translate to get the gist of it. The article discusses the fact that some parents are reluctant to send their children back to school. The Dutch Society of Pediatricians, however, recommends that children go back to school. Their spokesperson explains in the article. https://nos.nl/artikel/2333984-stuur-kinderen-gewoon-naar-school-zeggen-kinderartsen.html
Thanks, Joshua. I’m afraid I have no idea how to use google translate. Does the article mention the new illness impacting kids that is thought to be associated with Covid?
I was looking for an article sent by a friend and came across this. It seems to be a good guide
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/wondering-whats-safe-as-states-start-to-reopen-heres-what-some-public-health-experts-say/2020/05/14/9e684e3c-949d-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html
I’m chuckling a bit since my post is from WAPO which is a bit left of center. I have the same from two other sources but happen to like the layout of this best. I do use as a guide on a regular basis
https://imgur.com/a/04JPRmR
Sounds about correct.
I’ll still take CNN any day.
I’m a fan of bbc and npr but will listen to several on cnn. I try to fact check all
Not even totally posted, tornado watch for NY and W. MA.
https://imgur.com/a/X6B2Tm5
Oops, wrong location. My Bad. Posted correctly now. 🙂
Newly Reported
Cases Today
1,239
New Tests
Reported Today
11,318
Newly Reported
Deaths Today
110
https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-may-15-2020/download
The numbers are just NOT where we want them to be
Still
ICU numbers are diminishing; hospitalizations as well. But, we’re still in a precarious positions as a state.
U.S. numbers as a whole are improving, albeit quite gradually in terms of the key indicators: Deaths, cases, hospitalizations, ICU usage.
Vicki, if you type Google Translate in a Google search it’ll take you to a text box – actually there will be 2 of them. You fill in text (cut and paste) in a language, and it translates to the desired language. Swahili to Hmong, for example, always a useful translation. Or, Dutch to English.
The article doesn’t mention Kawasaki Disease. My guess is – knowing the Dutch – that experts there would discount what they deem to be very low risks. I’m not saying the Dutch are correct. But, it’s the way they look at things. Of course, it may turn out that Kawasaki Disease and other inflammatory conditions are not such a low risk. At this point, however, it does appear that it’s a low risk.
The Dutch place an extraordinary emphasis on the importance of school, learning, and socialization (it’s why home-schooling is prohibited), especially for younger children. More so than most societies. It’s a rather strict curriculum. Old-fashioned. Very long school days. But, this is what the Dutch think is best for children. I’m of two minds on this. I do respect their opinion, however.
Thank you. I did try that. It didn’t seem to like the large amount of text. I’ll try again.
Baker spoke at length today about experts’ predictions at the start of covid….half correct and half not so much. Same with tests and testing and all else covid related. Not because their expertise failed them but because not one expert can know what this novel virus is capable of. Logically, if we don’t know what covid is capable of then discounting anything is just wrong and irresponsible. I can’t imagine anyone would disagree with that.
So the K thing could be unrelated or impact only a small number. But then that was the thought with covid from the start.
The city of Boston will remain in a State of Emergency until further notice regardless of Gov. Baker’s announcement on Monday.
Mayor Walsh actually announced that Boston won’t be opening back up (slow or otherwise) anytime in the near future.
Smart decision. One I am sure baker is aware of.
My bold prediction for Sunday is that for the first time since late March we’ll have fewer than 1,000 deaths as a nation. Also on Sunday, fewer than 18k cases. I fully realize there’s a Sunday effect at work here. But, it’s important then to compare to previous Sundays, and this Sunday will be better than the previous 7.
My other prediction is that we will not have another day with over 2,000 deaths. Not this month, not ever with Covid-19.
Does this mean the pandemic is over? Far from it. We’ll continue to have many (tens of) thousands of deaths, but the daily numbers will not be as high as they were.
The president is practically promising a vaccine by the end of this year.
Operation Warp Speed!
My predictions are not nearly as bold as the president’s. My guess is an effective vaccine won’t be ready for prime time for 18 months. There will be experimental vaccines before then, and perhaps a not so effective one will make it to market within 12 months.
I just hope that a “quick” cure won’t be worse than the disease. I would be curious as to who keeps feeding the president these “promises”.
After all, this COVID was originally supposed to be over by Easter. Yeah, right.
Yep. He promised an endless amount of tests and that this would never get worse. Today he announced we have a high number because we test so much which he laughingly attributed to himself. He either forgot or doesn’t understand we are not testing the largest number per capita.
My best advice is ignore everything he says becauee it is no more than a campaign speech. Useless
Putridly useless!!! As he is!
Vicki, I think the Dutch experts and authorities acknowledge the connection between Covid-19 and Kawasaki Disease, but would put that in the category of very small risk. They’d say “you can never reduce the risk to zero, but so long as it’s minimal, we need to have the children in school because the benefits outweigh the risks.” Perhaps they’re right, though I think that going back to school now (the Dutch children have been back in school since Monday) is probably not a good idea with as many cases as we have.
It should be added that liability and tort laws are VERY different in the Netherlands. It’s very much a society in which self-responsibility is ingrained into the mindset. Plus, in most instances, you can’t sue for damages unless there is provable intent to harm, or you knowingly sold a faulty product. Even then, the amounts are capped at what we would consider ridiculously low levels. They would counter by saying out law suits result in ridiculously high awards.
CA state colleges/universities will remain in remote learning for the fall.
I understand their self responsibility. Sweden has shown it throughout. I’d love to know what has them thinking K is a small risk. Have you seen publications by experts there that lead them to that view. I’d sure be happy if there are some indications
At the moment any discussion of school in Ma would be foolish. Perhaps, that delay will give us a chance to figure out where K is headed. I do believe we have no clue
I tend to be more cautious, too, Vicki. In fact, sometimes I’ve found the Dutch to lack caution where it’s warranted. To give you an example, Dutch beaches generally have no lifeguards. They have a coast guard that can be called in to help those in trouble. But, by the time the coast guard gets there the person has drowned. There are a lot of drownings in Holland. They get reported, but it’s often a back story thing. It’s one thing not to be into drama – and the Dutch are not; they really hate melodrama – but it’s another to behave as if it’s normal that there’s some loss of life, you just have to “deal with it” as they Dutch often say. Harsh words. I never got used to that. But, I respected their way of living. Being overly protective, which many Americans are, is probably not a good thing.
I agree. And I also feel we go to a ridiculous extreme. But again….because we can’t control ourselves, we force regs.
Ugh. Now we are missing arod and dr r stupid. 🙁
C-19 for 5-16 is up…