News Of The Week Roundup: Week 19, 2021

Another week, more news. Obviously the biggest domestic news over the past few days was the updated CDC guidance saying fully vaccinated folks can ditch the masks. The science tells us that the vaccines are especially effective against COVID-19 and we should all be thankful for that! In Ohio, our mask mandate was officially ended because of the CDC guidance but most businesses are still requiring masks and most people seem to still be wearing them while outside in crowded areas, too. The change will take a little getting use to I suppose.

The article below, featured in Wired, is the single best piece of journalism I've come across in several months. Truly amazing long-form work. This COVID-19 piece reads like a thriller! Take 25 minutes and enjoy.

Out today, my feature for @WIRED on the origin of the airborne-droplet dichotomy, how a seemingly small error made decades ago would have massive repercussions on public health policy, and how Covid-19 catalyzed a reckoning with that flawed history.https://t.co/tz2WfKhSaI

— Megan Molteni (@MeganMolteni) May 13, 2021

The Middle East is on fire again, with Israel and Hamas launching missiles at each other and killing innocent people. Gaza looks straight shelled at this point. Such a shame.

Last night, an MSF clinic in #Gaza where we provide trauma and burn treatment was damaged by Israeli aerial bombardment, leaving a sterilization room unusable and a waiting area damaged. No one was injured in our clinic, but people were killed by the bombing. pic.twitter.com/Dwol0EPXEr

— MSF International (@MSF) May 16, 2021

UPDATE: Gaza death toll jumps to 192, including 58 children: health ministry

Latest updates: https://t.co/TpbmpfY80N pic.twitter.com/0t3aoj8Lrc

— Al Jazeera Breaking News (@AJENews) May 16, 2021

Also from Wired, information about ransomware attacks and how one crippled the Colonial Pipeline and caused gas shortages in some southern U.S. states. To be fair, people didn't need to panic and hoard gas. Heck, people were using plastic grocery bags to buy gas. Insanity.

If you've missed out on the Colonial Pipeline saga this week, here's @a_greenberg on why it takes ransomware attacks that cripple infrastructure to a new level... https://t.co/9P717ju7cm

— Gideon Lichfield (@glichfield) May 14, 2021

In sports news, I have to admit I am intrigued by this upcoming game. I am no fan of Tom Brady, but the media hype for the matchup between the Patriots and the Buccaneers is going to be insane.

Average ticket price for the the Buccaneers-Patriots’ game in New England on Oct. 3 is $1,370, with prices as high as $12,000 on Ticketmaster, according to Vivid Seats. pic.twitter.com/KiF5LjEQxv

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 14, 2021

And I leave you with this - I hope I win, ha!

NEW: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says the state will give $1 million to 5 randomly-selected people who get vaccinated against COVID-19

— BNO Newsroom (@BNODesk) May 12, 2021

Comments

[Jack T. Ripper]

Magoooo is a complete Disaster. All this Damage in 100 days. God help us all!

[Him]

I suppose it only stands to reason (besides, lying down while reasoning often looks sorta' odd) that a one-year-plus experiment in changing our habits is going to induce some confusion as we scale back our mask routines. People are creatures of habit, even recent ones. So, like I urged as this all began, I urge now as it tapers off: respect and compassion for each other. Apathy is easy. Sympathy is often saccharine. Empathy takes effort. Then again, most things that are worthwhile do.

I am a long-term Wired subscriber. It explains tech stuff to people like me in a slow and calm voice. It certainly isn't for those steeped in tech. But, for a dolt like myself, I appreciate what it has to offer. And, yes, those long-form essays are almost always engaging, oftentimes they are amazing.

Have a good week everyone!

[Gary]

I’m thankful to report I survived Thursday’s big gas shortage...🤔

[Him]

Gas on, Gary! Gas on!