Friday, December 31, 2021

"We Are Experiencing The Worst Of A Surge At The Moment," County Health Official Says About COVID-19

The new Space Race: What 2022 Holds For Space Travel

CDC warning: 'Avoid cruise travel, regardless of vaccination status'

Tesla recalls vehicles for safety issues

Israel approves fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose for some

COVID-19 cases surge to record highs as country enters third year of the pandemic

Body-cam video released from tiger attack at zoo in Naples, Florida | ABC7



The stupid asshole got what he deserved.  Too bad a tiger was killed as a result of his idiocy.

Here's the difference between omicron and delta, 2 COVID-19 variants

California man arrested in Iowa allegedly had 'hit list' including Biden & Obama

Truck Driver Gets Sentence Reduced to 10 Years From 110

Governor Issues State Of Emergency For SoCal Region

Biden and Putin to discuss tensions over Russian troop buildup near Ukraine

Hundreds of homes destroyed in Colorado wildfires

Milwaukee ranks 2nd in poverty level among top 50 most-populated cities in U.S.

From TMJ4:

U.S. Census Bureau: Milwaukee's poverty rate is 25.4%
Photo by: Ryan Whittaker/ TMJ4 News
Posted at 11:36 AM, Dec 30, 2021
 
and last updated 11:36 AM, Dec 30, 2021

MILWAUKEE — According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Milwaukee ranks second in poverty level among the top 50 most-populated cities in the United States.

Forbes reported on poverty rates across all 50 U.S. states using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 and 2014 American Community survey, Five-Year Estimates. The report analyzed all major cities in the nation with populations of at least 100,000.

Milwaukee, the 31st largest U.S. city has a poverty rate of 25.4%. In contrast, New York City, the largest American city, has a poverty rate of 17.9 percent. The only Top-50 city with a higher poverty rate than Milwaukee is Detroit. It is the 21st largest U.S. city, and has a poverty rate of 35%.

However, there are cities outside the top 50 that have higher poverty rates than Milwaukee. Those include Cleveland, 32.7 percent, Rochester, 31.3 percent, and Syracuse at 31 percent.

As for cities with the lowest poverty rates, Highlands Ranch in Colorado is ranked first, followed by Centennial in Colorado and Pearland, Texas.

From: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/milwaukee-ranks-2nd-in-poverty-level-among-top-50-most-populated-cities-in-u-s

Milwaukee Walmarts close for sanitation at 2 locations

From Fox6Now:



Two Milwaukee Walmarts will close Thursday for sanitation purposes, a news release said.

The Walmart locations at 103rd and Silver Spring on the city's northwest side and 27th and Ohio on the city's south side, will both close at 2 p.m. Thursday and plan to reopen at 6 a.m. on Jan. 1. 

This will allow extra time for a third-party specialist to further sanitize the store and will also give our associates additional time to restock shelves and prepare the store to once again serve the community. We plan to reopen the store to customers at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1.  

In a statement, Walmart said: 

"Everything we’re doing is for the well-being of our associates and the thousands of customers we serve daily, and in consideration of guidance by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health experts. Given the rise in positive cases, we will follow CDC guidance, which includes fully vaccinated people wearing masks in public indoor settings in counties with substantial or high transmission."

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/2-milwaukee-walmarts-close-for-sanitation

Winter storm watch, 3 counties beginning noon Saturday

From Fox6Now:

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha counties to be in effect from noon on Saturday, Jan. 1 through 6 a.m. on Sunday. Monitor the complete FOX6 Weather Experts forecast for updates.

The watch means there is the potential for significant snowfall of six inches or more. Travel may also be hazardous.

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:

FOX6 Storm Center app

FOX6 News app

FOX Weather app

MAPS AND RADAR

We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there. All of these images are at the ready — just one click away.

SCHOOL AND BUSINESS CLOSINGS

When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. CLICK HERE to monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.

FOX6 WEATHER IN SOCIAL MEDIA

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/winter-storm-watch-beginning-noon-saturday

California Man - Houston Astrodome 1989 - Cheap Trick

LOL!

Open Blog - Friday

Take it easy tonight.

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Omicron protects against delta variant: South Africa study

Local doctors say CDC guidance on quarantine is 'a little delayed'



The CDC is full of shit.

Five new species of dinosaur discovered in 2021 | Natural History Museum

FDA says at-home antigen tests may be less sensitive

Hong Kong’s Stand News outlet shuts down after police raid

Tiger killed after attacking worker who entered enclosure at Florida zoo | ABC7

Parents of 14-year-old girl killed in L.A. shooting speak out

Father and his 14-year-old son charged in triple murder at Garland convenience store

13-year-old boy dies in dirt bike crash during attempted traffic stop

6 killed, including gunman, in Denver area shootings

World Health Organization Marks Two Years of COVID-19

From WGN:

'One of the worst crimes imaginable': Ghislaine Maxwell guilty in sex-trafficking trial

Racine woman loses her retirement savings after she says a trusted tax preparer took her money, and then died

From TMJ4:

Photo by: Photo provided
Diane Londre is suing to get her retirement back after she says a Racine tax preparer told her to take her money out of her 401k and invest it with him. When he suddenly died in 2020, Londre's attorney says there was no money.
Posted at 1:36 PM, Dec 29, 2021
 
and last updated 6:21 PM, Dec 29, 2021

RACINE, Wis. — A Racine woman lost her retirement because she says a trusted friend took her money. Diane Londre worked since she was a teenager. She saved and invested everything she could for her eventual retirement. But in 2012, her lawyer Anne Cohen, who is speaking with TMJ4 News on Diane’s behalf, tells us that retirement came much earlier than expected.

"She had broken her back and learned that she could no longer work, and wanted to make sure that the funds she had in her 401k were in a secure account. Because she quickly was learning that was all of the wealth she was going to amass in her lifetime due to her disability,” said Cohen.

Anne Cohen
Anne Cohen, an attorney for Diane Londre, spoke with TMJ4 News on Diane’s behalf.

Diane turned to her longtime tax preparer, Michael Cuccia, a man she considered a friend, for advice. According to a lawsuit filed against Cuccia’s estate by Diane, “Cuccia advised [Diane] Londre to remove funds from her 401k account and invest in Cuccia’s business, My IRA, LLC.”

"He represented to her that, you know, this was a secure investment, that there was no risk of loss, that there was a guarantee of 5% interest per year. And so you know, after years and years of friendship and going to him for tax advice, she trusted his advice,” said Cohen.

In November of 2020, Cuccia died suddenly. When Diane went to find out about the state of retirement - she was shocked.

"She learned that there were no assets,” said Cohen.

Screen Shot 2021-12-29 at 11.46.23 AM.png

Diane also learned she wasn’t alone.

"Based on my review of the probate file, it does seem that there are other people who specifically pulled their money out of 401k plans. But there's a big range: some people invested $5,000, some people invested $200,000,” said Cohen.

Cohen says there's about a million dollars in investments. But court records show there is only $200,000 in assets in Cuccia’s estate. We reached out to the attorneys who represent Cuccia’s estate and they declined to do an interview.

Robin Jacobs with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Enforcement Bureau says there are things you should watch out for when it comes to investing your money. First, if someone promises there is no risk in the investment, that is a major red flag.

"When you invest your money in something, it means you're going to take a risk in exchange for getting a return. Of course there's no guarantee,” said Jacobs.

Other things to watch out for:

Screen Shot 2021-12-29 at 11.46.44 AM.png
Warning Signs

It is also important to find out if the person watching over your investments is trained and licensed.

"Investors can call our office, and we can tell them whether that person is registered either as an investment advisor or a broker dealer, and if they're not registered in the trying to sell you a security, I would be very suspicious of that person,” said Jacobs.

For Diane and the others who invested in Cuccia’s business, they are now waiting on the courts to see if any of their retirement will be returned to them. But Diane is worried her life savings is gone.

”I do know that she with her disability and her pension, she's getting by. But again, it's, you know, the car breaks down, the furnace breaks down, somebody has a medical emergency. She really doesn't have anything to fall back on,” said Cohen.

The State of Wisconsin does offer ways to check on the people you invest your money with. You can either check here online or call 608-266-2139 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

See more: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/racine-woman-loses-her-retirement-savings-after-she-says-a-trusted-tax-preparer-took-her-money-and-then-died

Rodgers says he won't drag out offseason decision on future

From TMJ4:

Photo by: AP Photo/Rick Scuteri
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz.
Posted at 5:59 PM, Dec 29, 2021
 
and last updated 5:59 PM, Dec 29, 2021

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers says he won’t drag out any offseason decisions regarding his future with the Green Bay Packers and hasn’t ruled out retirement.

The 38-year-old quarterback said he would try to make a decision shortly after talking to his loved ones as well as team officials such as CEO/President Mark Murphy, general manager Brian Gutekunst and executive vice president/director of football operations Russ Ball.

Rodgers skipped the Packers’ organized team activities and mandatory minicamp in a standoff with team management during the most recent offseason before finally reporting to training camp.

From: https://www.tmj4.com/sports/green-bay-packers/rodgers-says-he-wont-drag-out-offseason-decision-on-future

Aurora closes 3 urgent care facilities due to staffing shortages

From Fox6Now:

Advocate Aurora Health Center at Rivercenter Driver

Three Advocate Aurora urgent care facilities in Milwaukee and two suburbs are closed until at least next week because of a COVID-19 surge in cases and staffing shortages, according to a hospital spokesperson.

The Advocate Aurora Health urgent care facilities closed are:

  • Milwaukee: 1575 N. Rivercenter Drive in the Schlitz Park neighborhood
  • Brookfield: 16985 W. Bluemound Rd.
  • Menomonee Falls: N84 W16889 Menomonee Ave.

"Managing the COVID surge combined with staffing shortages have contributed to temporary closures at our urgent care centers," said Advocate Aurora Health External Communications Director Adam Mesirow in an email to FOX6.

Mesirow did not say when the facilities would reopen.

The three locations have regular hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Websites for each location say the facility is closed, and online reservations through each location’s booking portal are unavailable.

When reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, employees at the three locations said the urgent care portion of the health facilities are scheduled to reopen on Jan. 6.

From: https://www.fox6now.com/news/aurora-urgent-care-staffing-shortages-close-3-facilities

Open Blog - Thursday

So you can skip work tomorrow. 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Robby Soave: Democrats And MSM Want To CRIMINALIZE “Let’s Go Brandon” Chants

USA swimming official resigns amid transgender athlete controversy

Media cries insurrection over 'Let's go, Brandon'



Let's go Brandon!

No, there’s no evidence omicron is specifically ‘targeting’ vaccinated people.

How to tell if it's COVID, a cold, or the flu

The Year 2021: Space exploration launches into new heights

NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover Milestones - 2021 Year in Review

Foxconn Industrial Internet to host in-person hiring event in Racine on Wednesday

From JSOnline:

Fresh off of learning the company will receive roughly $28.8 million in tax credits from the state, Foxconn Industrial Internet is hiring.

The company is hosting an in-person hiring event Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Racine County Workforce Development Center, 1717 Taylor Ave., Racine.

According to a job posting, the company is seeking electric assemblers with starting pay of $16.50 per hour, with a wage increase after 90 days. A high school diploma or GED is required.

As part of the agreement with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., Foxconn needed to have hired a minimum of 481 full-time workers by the end of 2020 to receive any tax credits from the state. The company hired 579 full-time workers.

To receive any tax credits from the state next year, Foxconn needs to have hired a minimum of 747 full-time workers by the end of this year. If the company does meet or exceed that hiring threshold and meets their capital investment requirements, the company could receive up to $8.3 million in tax credits from the state. 

From: https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/business/2021/12/28/foxconn-industrial-internet-host-person-hiring-event-wednesday-racine-wisconsin/9032589002/

3,500-year-old mummy of an Egyptian king has been 'digitally unwrapped' for the first time | ABC7

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster responds to Biden's COVID remarks

New CDC isolation, quarantine guidelines spark debate online, within medical community | FOX 5 DC



Fuck the CDC.

Earnest sentenced in Federal court for Poway synagogue shooting

Here's how a rainy, snowy December impacts California's drought

'She knew where she was going': Family, friends remember beloved victims killed in shootings Monday

States See Troubling Rise In Pediatric Covid Hospitalizations

Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers complains of NFL's 'two-class system' for players unvaccinated for COVID-19

From JSOnline:

Fifty-three days after a defiant Aaron Rodgers drew a firestorm over his comments on "The Pat McAfee Show" related to his decision not to be vaccinated for COVID-19, the Green Bay Packers quarterback went there again Tuesday. 

And he didn't hold back. 

For more than 12 minutes during his 50-plus minute appearance on McAfee’s show, Rodgers, who previously gave a misleading answer when asked about being vaccinated during a news conference in August, sounded off on the NFL's protocols, saying the league has created a "two-class system" of the vaccinated vs. the unvaccinated, referenced a doctor who has spread misinformation about the pandemic and called science "propaganda" if it can't be questioned. 

McAfee got Rodgers started on COVID-19 when he asked for his thoughts on whether the NFL will change their protocols based on the recent updated guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that has lowered the number of days those infected with COVID-19 should isolate. 

NFL shortens quarantine period for asymptomatic players

On Tuesday, the NFL and NFL Players Association followed suit, agreeing to shorten the amount of time that team personnel who have tested positive must quarantine to five days, if they don't show symptoms. This includes for unvaccinated players, though there remains a more strict protocol for them, including the frequency of testing and limitations on their activity. 

The changes come as hundreds of NFL players have gone on the COVID-19 list this month, resulting in games being postponed due to outbreaks across teams. The Packers' COVID-19 list continues to grow as well in recent days.

Rodgers said he doesn't "have that fear" around COVID-19 because he remains in a 90-day window where he doesn't have to test for the virus because of his positive test in early November, per NFL protocols. He's in that window until a few days after the NFC championship game. 

"What I don't understand, though, it makes no sense to me to continue to spread this narrative that nonvaccinated players are more dangerous or these superspreaders, which hasn't been proven to be true," Rodgers said. "I don't understand this two-class system that exists in our league." 

Rodgers said the science "is changing all the time."

"It doesn't back it up," said Rodgers, who Tuesday revealed he tested positive for the delta variant of COVID-19. "There's not many unvaccinated guys left in the league but it's obviously not a pandemic of the unvaxxed. ... It doesn't make sense to me we're still punishing nonvaccinated."

Read more:  https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/12/26/PPAN/5dfffa47-4bed-4feb-bcc9-bb4e0fd9f305-packers26_25.jpg?width=300&height=615&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp