April 30, 2021

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Brazil Covid-19 Variant Tears Through South America in Warning to World

Terrible news. Heart breaks for everyone involved. Hope it is limited to affected regions and starts to clear everywhere else. Unfortunately I'm of the opinion that it will ramp up again. 


Brazil Covid-19 Variant Tears Through South America in Warning to World
Countries that recently had the spread of Covid-19 under control are now seeing hospitalizations and deaths surge

Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/AAngGf66QQD2chVD-hlXx4Q


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April 26, 2021

Phasing out natural gas in Nevada | LETTER | Las Vegas Review-Journal

As a longtime Nevadan this seems pretty nuts.  I'm not sure I understand the idea behind outlawing Natural Gas.  We would need a lot of upgrades to the grid to handle this idea.  Seems ill timed.  Would like to understand more.  

LETTER: Phasing out natural gas in Nevada

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File

Ron Stegner Las Vegas

April 25, 2021 - 9:00 pm

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.

Who would have thought that Assembly Bill 380 involving natural gas might have been the way to stop new construction and save us from a future water shortage. If lawmakers mandate that all new housing be free of natural gas and have only electricity, then let's stop building now as no one will be able to afford new housing in the future even when the minimum wage hits $25 an hour.

THE ATLANTIC: India Is a Warning

Sad news. Heart breaks for India. Also sad because I don't think the pandemic ends as quickly as we feel. Hope I'm wrong and India can get it under control their quickly. 


India Is a Warning
The world's largest vaccine producer is struggling to overcome its latest COVID-19 surge—and that's everyone's problem.

Read in The Atlantic: https://apple.news/A0I-JrNtdRi2I3kP7LA9dKg


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April 23, 2021

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Some Democrats Push for Permanent Expansion of Unemployment Benefits

Super complicated. I see the need but am not sure this is the best way to go about it. 


Some Democrats Push for Permanent Expansion of Unemployment Benefits
Lawmakers want Biden to include payments in antipoverty package set to be rolled out next week

Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/ARq818rA1RYG72zxz63pYHQ


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April 22, 2021

REUTERS: Tokyo Motor Show cancelled as Japan faces another state of emergency

Scales are tipping away from control and re-opening. Bad for world economy. 


Tokyo Motor Show cancelled as Japan faces another state of emergency
Tokyo will not host its motor show this year because of the global pandemic, organizers said on Thursday, underscoring Japan's struggle to contain both a resurgent outbreak and the widening economic fall-out.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AGfprQDk2TNevDAJZx9yj4g


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THE WASHINGTON POST: U.S. sees unprecedented drop in vaccinations over past week

What do you do when 30-40% of the country won't get vaccinated?  No herd immunity, Variants prolific, low worldwide vaccination rate. We are going to be dealing with this pandemic for a while. 


U.S. sees unprecedented drop in vaccinations over past week
Vaccinations declined 11 percent, the most significant downturn in the seven-day average since February storm.

Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/AbrJ8sqytRvWm4sYAYWI0ug


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April 21, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: California coronavirus variants 20% more infectious, resistant to antibodies, new study finds

Simply going to be the new normal.


California coronavirus variants 20% more infectious, resistant to antibodies, new study finds
Two California-bred coronavirus variants are about 20% more infectious than the original virus, according to a study published Tuesday by researchers at UCSF, UC Berkeley and the California Department of Public Health.

Read in San Francisco Chronicle: https://apple.news/AfVun9rVKQr-ZO74i57M1ag


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FOX NEWS: Ben Carson: We will 'destroy ourselves as a nation' if Americans don't wake up' and unite

I'm a Ben Carson fan.


Ben Carson: We will 'destroy ourselves as a nation' if Americans don't wake up' and unite
The former United States secretary of housing and urban development discusses racial division, systemic racism claims in the wake of Chauvin trial verdict.

Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/AeoN46n6pQVuGmHKpU7eXhg


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CNBC: Scientist who helped develop Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine says third shot needed

Not surprising news but disappointing. That is a lot of logistics in a lot of money all the time.


Scientist who helped develop Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine says third shot needed
The chief medical officer of BioNTech told CNBC that people will likely need a third shot of its two-dose Covid-19 vaccine as immunity against the virus wanes.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/A5aJ-1TZUTFq5VHr2-Swblw


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Foxconn Abandoning Wisconsin Commitment

Interesting.  Article makes it sound like a win for Wisconsin.  I hope it was, there sure are a lot of jobs that aren't going to be created, 13,000 down to 1400.  

April 19, 2021

REUTERS: U.S. will boost 'Do Not Travel' advisories to 80% of world

This is a bummer it makes me concerned that we're not as far past Covid as I thought.


U.S. will boost 'Do Not Travel' advisories to 80% of world
The U.S. State Department said on Monday it will boost its \"Do Not Travel\" guidance to about 80% of countries worldwide, citing \"unprecedented risk to travelers\" from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/AdMJtIavVQAmbL0xzkjKu4A


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REUTERS: Judge blasts U.S. Rep Maxine Waters for 'abhorrent' comments about Chauvin trial

I agree with the judge. She should have waited til the verdict and let the judicial system work. Very myopic. 


Judge blasts U.S. Rep Maxine Waters for 'abhorrent' comments about Chauvin trial
The judge overseeing the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on Monday harshly criticized U.S. Representative Maxine Waters' remarks on the case, saying she might have given the defense grounds for appeal in the event of a conviction.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/A15aDcNa4Q2i86Jrb_tPyvQ


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April 18, 2021

FOX NEWS: Kroger closes 2 Southern California stores over $4 per hour 'hero pay' ordinance

I hope this is not going to foreshadow our future as wages rise and tech takes over. 


Kroger closes 2 Southern California stores over $4 per hour 'hero pay' ordinance
Retail chain Kroger closed two California stores Saturday after Long Beach City approved a coronavirus "hero pay" ordinance.

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Check out this book - "Gifted Hands 20th Anniversary Edition: The Ben Carson Story"

Fantastic book. Glad I could read it grateful for Dr. Ben Carson and his example and willingness to share. If you want a great book this is one.

Hi - I think you should check out this book, "Gifted Hands 20th Anniversary Edition: The Ben Carson Story" by Ben Carson M.D..

Start reading it for free: https://a.co/5WsSFnV
--------
Download Kindle for Android, iOS, PC, Mac and more
http://amzn.to/1r0LubW


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April 15, 2021

CNBC: Pfizer CEO says third Covid vaccine dose likely needed within 12 months

Man can this get messy. 


Pfizer CEO says third Covid vaccine dose likely needed within 12 months
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said people will "likely" need a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine within 12 months of getting fully vaccinated.

Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/AICLkw0veQe65ijMKzLaC9A


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BARRON'S: Pfizer, Moderna Covid-19 Vaccines May Also Trigger Ultra-Rare Blood Clots, Study Claims

This is especially troubling for me given the problems with my brain. That said I got my second dose of Moderna today and hopefully won't have these problems. I'd like to say my chances of being foreign 1 million means I have good odds however currently I am one in 10 million for my brain problem. Not very comforting.


Pfizer, Moderna Covid-19 Vaccines May Also Trigger Ultra-Rare Blood Clots, Study Claims
The risk of contracting blood clots is about the same in Pfizer's and Moderna's Covid-19 vaccines as in AstraZeneca's, according to a study released on Thursday. Researchers at the University of Oxford, the same university that helped develop drug company AstraZeneca's vaccine, found that the rare blood clotting known as cerebral venous thrombosis occurred in four in a million people receiving the vaccines from drug company Pfizer and biotech Moderna. That compares to five in a million people

Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/AP5CQSYNtRtuyVQzcthK_3g


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REUTERS: 'Shut your mouth': House COVID hearing gets heated

I think Jim Jordan asked a good question, maybe he could've done it with a little less zeal, but I think the question is a legitimate question. In addition I think that Dr. Fauci doesn't know. There are too many variables that are unknown at this stage to give an accurate answer. Sad, And sad this Has to be political.


'Shut your mouth': House COVID hearing gets heated
Dr. Anthony Fauci during a House of Representatives panel on the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday faced angry questions from Republican congressman Jim Jordan, who demanded to know when Americans could "get their liberty and freedoms back."

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/A2_jNEljrTQq2KkK7w3Rirg


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FOX NEWS: Georgia election official warns Biden to stop 'lies' about voting law: 'Someone is going to get hurt'

It is sad to me that I feel like I can no longer trust news sources. If this is true it's super sad, if it's not true it's super dangerous. But I can put up for more articles from different news outlets that dispute one another 100%. What is truth? It shouldn't be subjective, nor should it be unknowable.


Georgia election official warns Biden to stop 'lies' about voting law: 'Someone is going to get hurt'
Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the Georgia secretary of state's office, said he has the same sense of "foreboding" he had after November's election in the months leading up to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/AMFETCnuCRby1IEB5I-EdvQ


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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: CDC Identifies Small Group of Covid-19 Infections Among Fully Vaccinated Patients

This is a disturbing article. It makes you question what really is going on with this disease.


CDC Identifies Small Group of Covid-19 Infections Among Fully Vaccinated Patients
Incidence is rare, occurring in only 0.008% of cases and in line with expectations

Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/AQLoXyVJ-TMStJpfbKuMCCg


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NPR: Scientists Create Early Embryos That Are Part-Human, Part-Monkey

That is a bit terrifying. 


Scientists Create Early Embryos That Are Part-Human, Part-Monkey
An international team has put human cells into monkey embryos in hopes of finding new ways to produce organs for transplantation. But some ethicists still worry about how such research could go wrong.

Read in NPR: https://apple.news/A63wLFn6FSluDwHUo6jaIjw


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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: U.S. to Sanction Russia, Expel Diplomats Over Alleged Election Interference, Hacking

I hope the evidence is overwhelming. 


U.S. to Sanction Russia, Expel Diplomats Over Alleged Election Interference, Hacking
WASHINGTON—The Biden administration will impose a range of retaliatory measures against Russia on Thursday in response to Moscow's alleged election interference, a widespread hacking campaign and other malign activity, according to people familiar with the matter.

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REUTERS: Democrats to unveil bill to expand Supreme Court by four justices

That will be very polarizing. 


Democrats to unveil bill to expand Supreme Court by four justices
Congressional Democrats plan to introduce legislation on Thursday to expand the U.S. Supreme Court by four justices, a proposal aimed at breaking the conservative grip on the court that promises to draw fierce opposition from Republicans.

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April 13, 2021

EAT THIS, NOT THAT!: Bacon and Hot Dog Prices Are About to Spike, Experts Say

I agree the supply chain is stressed. I call BS on the reason being people are cooking more at home. Restaurants use a tremendous amount of product and sales across the board have been down 30%. So home cooks are not "out cooking" depressed restaurants. What's more likely is that suppliers curtailed inventories in response to waning restaurant demand and now restaurants are moving to bump up demand because of reopening and there is a squeeze in the supply chain. Real question is are producers willing to step up and risk producing given unknowns that still exist? And how fast can producers ramp up given meat and dairy require raising animals that take time to be brought to market? 

I suspect we will have a supply squeeze for a while unless Covid begins to really fade away, and even then I think you are behind a 6-9 month animal product to market squeeze. 


Bacon and Hot Dog Prices Are About to Spike, Experts Say
More than a year has passed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but grocery shoppers continue to be impacted by shortages of household staples. And the latest supply chain disruption may throw a wrench in your plans for barbecues and other outdoor gatherings this summer. That's because two seasonal staples—hot dogs and bacon—are going to be more expensive this year, according to experts.

Read in Eat This, Not That!: https://apple.news/AopVaM1wCTNuCIjsdm9oEtA


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FORTUNE: COVID pandemic is growing "exponentially," says WHO

Hoping this ends up an anomaly, realizing it could be our new normal. 
COVID pandemic is growing "exponentially," says WHO
The world is averaging 4.4 million new cases per week, an eight-fold increase over a year ago.

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YAHOO FINANCE: It's time to play defense as the bull stock market turns two years old: analyst

My hope of what happens. My concern is we have just way to much market exuberance and we are going to have a large pullback. 

Time will tell. 


It's time to play defense as the bull stock market turns two years old: analyst
The S&P 500 just had its best 12-month performance ever. But the bull market may be entering a new phase as it turns two-years-old — an investing regime that requires a bit more defense.

Read in Yahoo Finance: https://apple.news/AwS77WlaQT6CmujQo9BTRig


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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Banks, After Bracing for Disaster, Are Now Ready for a Boom

I think this will be very true. Banks had set aside a bunch of money for potential massive losses and now are able to whittle that set aside down. My concern is that a lot of these banks are pretty tippy looking at today's market value. 


Banks, After Bracing for Disaster, Are Now Ready for a Boom
Analysts expect banks to post a big increase in profits, propelled by the release of rainy-day reserves

Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/AVWGg_dwGRYmoEA4So7B5nQ


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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: U.S. Seeks to Pause J&J Covid-19 Vaccine Use Amid Blood Clotting Reports

Bad Covid news. 


U.S. Seeks to Pause J&J Covid-19 Vaccine Use Amid Blood Clotting Reports
FDA and CDC are reviewing data involving six reported cases of clotting; pause recommended 'out of abundance of caution'

Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/Ao7khnIDCTJ-k1h15QgtSdw


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April 11, 2021

Flour Tortillas



https://thecafesucrefarine.com/wprm_print/28318/

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4.91 from 547 votes
Best Ever Homemade Flour Tortillas - thecafesucrefarine.com
Print
Best Ever Homemade Flour Tortillas
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Resting time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 

These Best Ever Homemade Flour Tortillas are so simple and unbelievably delicious!

Course: Breads, Side Dish 
Cuisine: Mexican 
Keyword: easy flour tortillas, flour tortillas, flour tortillas from scratch, homemade flour tortilas 
Servings16
Calories124 kcal
AuthorChris Scheuer
Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  •  cup extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil or other fairly neutral flavored oil
  • 1 cup warm water
Instructions
To make by hand:
  1. Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a medium-size bowl. Using a sturdy silicone spatuala or a sturdy wooden spoon, mix dry ingredients until well combined.
  2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the oil and water. Stir well from the bottom up, until all dry ingredients are incorporated and the dough begins to come together and form a shaggy ball.
  3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until the dough is nice and smooth. Proceed with step number 3 below for the remainder of the recipe.
To make with a mixer:
  1. Combine flour, salt and baking powder in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, mix dry ingredients until well combined.
  2. Add oil and water with mixer running at a medium speed. After about 1 minute, or when mixture comes together and begins to form a ball, decrease mixing speed to low. Continue to mix for 1 minute or until dough is smooth.
  3. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Divide into 16 equal portions. Turn each piece to coat with flour. Form each piece into a ball and flatten with the palm of your hand. Cover flattened balls of dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes (or as much as 2 hours) before proceeding.
  4. After the rest period, heat a large pan over medium heat. Roll each dough piece into a rough circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter, keep work surface and rolling pin lightly floured. Don't stack uncooked tortillas on top of each other or they will stick together. (I like to separate my tortillas with parchement paper.)
  5. When the pan is hot, place one dough circle into the pan and allow to cook 45 seconds to 1 minute or until the bottom surface has a few pale brown spots and the uncooked surface is bubbly. If browning too fast, reduce the heat a bit. If it's taking longer than a minute to see a few pale golden brown spots on the underside of tortillas, increase the heat a bit. Flip to other side and cook for 15-20 seconds. The tortillas should be nice and soft but have a few small brown spots on the surface. 
  6. Remove from pan with tongs and stack in a covered container or zippered bag to keep the tortillas soft. 
  7. Serve warm or allow to cool for later use. When ready to use, place a slightly damp paper towel in the bottom of a microwave-safe container (with a cover) that will hold the stacked tortillas. Microwave uncovered for 15-30 seconds (start with 15) or until warm, then keep covered to hold heat while serving.
  8. Store in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, separate tortillas with parchment paper or waxed paper and place in a zippered bag before placing in the freezer.
Recipe Notes
See Café Tips above in post for additional instruction and tips.
Recipe adapted from Genius Kitchen
Nutrition Facts
Best Ever Homemade Flour Tortillas
Amount Per Serving 
Calories 124Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Sodium 146mg6%
Potassium 50mg1%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Protein 2g4%
Calcium 14mg1%
Iron 1.1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

REUTERS: South African variant can 'break through' Pfizer vaccine, Israeli study says

More not good Covid news. 


South African variant can 'break through' Pfizer vaccine, Israeli study says
The coronavirus variant discovered in South Africa can \"break through\" Pfizer\/BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine to some extent, a real-world data study in Israel found, though its prevalence in the country is low and the research has not been peer reviewed.

Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/A94zwwPExRYGN24NZCZImzg


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THE GUARDIAN: China v Russia v America: is 2021 the year Orwell’s 1984 comes true?

Interesting 


China v Russia v America: is 2021 the year Orwell's 1984 comes true?
With Putin and Xi moving into an ever closer alliance, Joe Biden's untested US administration may be pushed to the brink

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THE GUARDIAN: Coronavirus: US midwest sees signs of a new wave as hospitalisations soar

This is the current known wildcard that could have a negative effect on the market. Besides inflation. 


Coronavirus: US midwest sees signs of a new wave as hospitalisations soar
ICU beds fill in Michigan as case counts approach November highs, while Minnesota and Illinois also face growing numbers

Read in The Guardian: https://apple.news/AkYRoLAavQ0ShW3ymNDOKGQ


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April 08, 2021

CNBC: Scientists identify five new cases of double mutant Covid variant in California

Bad news on the Covid front. Let's hope it doesn't gain any traction. 


Scientists identify five new cases of double mutant Covid variant in California
The double-mutant strain contains two key mutations, E484Q and L452R, that have been found separately in other variants but not together in a single strain.

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April 07, 2021

Feelings on Market in General

 Looks like for me that we are getting toppy in the market.  That said, I'm maintaining my opinion that we are likely to see more and more volatility and deeper swings and faster swings in both directions.  Will be interesting to see what happens.  Lots of good news with Covid and Vaccines and companies opening.  That said, lots of headwinds on supply chain and things just entirely too expensive.  



BARRON'S: Earnings Season Is Coming. Get Used to Disappointment.

We are definitely seeing pressure on profit margins because of supply chain pressures at our restaurant. Truth be told it feels more like a short term problem that ultimately resolves as long as the wheels don't come off the bus. 


Earnings Season Is Coming. Get Used to Disappointment.
Profits are set to grow, but expectations may be too high.

Read in Barron's: https://apple.news/Azifl_felQyKQlHOjGF7IFQ


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FORTUNE: White House: U.S. will not require Americans to carry COVID vaccine passports

I'm of the opinion that this will be inevitable at some point, whether from the government or businesses insurance companies. 


White House: U.S. will not require Americans to carry COVID vaccine passports
"The government is not now, nor will we be, supporting a system that requires Americans to carry a credential."

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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon sees “Goldilocks moment” for U.S. economy

Very positive article. I agree with a lot of the synopsis. 


JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon sees "Goldilocks moment" for U.S. economy
In his annual letter to shareholders, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said strong consumer savings, expanded vaccine distribution and infrastructure investment could lead to fast, sustained growth.

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THE WASHINGTON POST: Officials eye youth sports as possible engine of variant-driven outbreaks

Could be impactful on youth fall sports. 


Officials eye youth sports as possible engine of variant-driven outbreaks
Several states are now prioritizing asymptomatic student athletes as outbreaks put vulnerable, unvaccinated adults at risk.

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STAT: 1 in 3 COVID patients have neuropsychiatric illness in 6 months after infection, study finds

Not a good stat. 


1 in 3 COVID patients have neuropsychiatric illness in 6 months after infection, study finds
Six months after being diagnosed with Covid-19, 1 in 3 patients also had experienced a psychiatric or neurological illness, mostly mood disorders but also strokes or dementia, a large new study shows.

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Elon Musk: Tesla Cybertruck Is Dead, $20,000 City Car Is Coming

I think Elon Musk is interesting, humble and arrogant all at the same time. I'm glad he is him. Neat guy.  Elon Musk: Tesla Cybertruck I...