Day: August 21, 2021

  • Mainstream report: “The Vaccinated Are Worried and Scientists Don’t Have Answers”

    Mainstream report: “The Vaccinated Are Worried and Scientists Don’t Have Answers”

    Anecdotes tell us what the data can’t: Vaccinated people appear to be getting the coronavirus at a surprisingly high rate. But exactly how often isn’t clear, nor is it certain how likely they are to spread the virus to others. And now, there’s growing concern that vaccinated people may be more vulnerable to serious illness than previously thought.

    There’s a dearth of scientific studies with concrete answers, leaving public policy makers and corporate executives to formulate plans based on fragmented information. While some are renewing mask mandates or delaying office reopenings, others cite the lack of clarity to justify staying the course. It can all feel like a mess.

    “We have to be humble about what we do know and what we don’t know,” said Tom Frieden, a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the head of the nonprofit Resolve to Save Lives. “There are a few things we can say definitively. One is that this is a hard question to address.”
    — Read on www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/the-vaccinated-are-worried-and-scientists-don-t-have-answers/ar-AANzgN7

    This is a mainstream source, not fringe or anti science and anti vaccine..

    The number of breath through cases is getting concerning enough that maybe they aren’t breakthroughs now ..

  • JESSE JACKSON IN THE HOSPITAL WITH COVID

    JESSE JACKSON IN THE HOSPITAL WITH COVID

    CHICAGO (AP) — The Rev. Jesse Jackson and his wife, Jacqueline, have been hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19.

    The famed civil rights leader is vaccinated against the virus and publicly received his first dose in January. as he urged others to vaccinate as soon as possible. 

    According to a statement released Saturday evening, the Jacksons are being treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. 

    Jesse Jackson is 79 years old. Jacqueline Jackson is 77.

  • “Its abilities were pretty incredible” — FAA audio points to confusion during and after police helicopter’s encounter with strange aircraft.

    “Its abilities were pretty incredible” — FAA audio points to confusion during and after police helicopter’s encounter with strange aircraft.

    This is a good must read from THE DRIVE about a mystery in Tuscon.. BRETT TINGLEY AND MARC CECOTTI write:

    On February 9, 2021, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter encountered what was described as a “highly modified drone” hovering in controlled airspace above Tucson, Arizona. A Tucson Police Department (TPD) helicopter was called in to aid the CBP aircraft in its pursuit of the small aircraft, but the drone, or whatever it was, was able to outrun both of them as it flew through military airspace, deftly maneuvered around both helicopters with bizarre agility, and ultimately disappeared into cloud cover above the altitude the helicopters could safely fly. A police report previously obtained by The War Zone showed that the TPD crew described the drone as “very sophisticated/specialized” and “able to perform like no other UAS” they had previously encountered.

    Now we have the actual audio from the CBP helicopter’s interactions with air traffic controllers in Tucson during the incident, as well as audio from an after-action call between the TPD crew and the air traffic control tower.  From the conversations heard on the recordings, which The War Zone obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), it’s clear that all parties involved with the incident were baffled by the drone’s performance, noting that it appeared “super sophisticated” and possibly satellite-controlled. If you haven’t yet caught up on the Tucson mystery drone saga, be sure to read our most recent reporting.

    MORE..

    In the air traffic control (ATC) recording of the 70-minute long incident, the CBP helicopter crew member can be heard describing the drone as a “dim flashing light,” and also notes that he cannot track it while wearing night-vision goggles. In the call, the helicopter crew repeatedly identifies the drone’s location as directly above Davis-Monthan Air Force Base or the fuel tanks just west of the base. The crew can also be heard wondering what the unmanned air vehicle’s (UAV) size might be, repeatedly stating that its high speed and impressive maneuverability made it difficult to get a decent visual identification. 

    YOU CAN REVIEW THE CALL HERE, NOW REVEALED:

    THIS NEXT YOUTUBE UPLOAD FROM THE DRIVE IS BETWEEN Tucson Tower and TPD Air Support Call

    Reviewing the commentary on the THE DRIVE article, this particular comment is incisive:

    A few points as I hear it play out.

    1. I have hard time believing it is LOS controlled as the guys in the 2 copters have a hard time seeing it even when they are just 100’s of feet away. Especially as it climbs to over 12K in height and moves miles in multiple directions. Maybe some type of radar controlled but the more complicated the control, the more equipment which means greater weight which means less performance. I have a very hard time believe sat control in real time due to latency, BW, and some of the issues mentioned previously.
    2. If that thing is battery powered the pack would be putting off a huge amount of heat after exerting the amount of energy needed to drive it to 12K feet while flying rings around the copters. If it was powered by some form of propellant you would easily see the exhaust.
    3. I agree, with one of the pilots, not your Radio Shack drone lol.
    4. The constant climbing circular orbit implies to me some form of copter type design unless it is a tick toc like device. The initial report was quad copter and am thinking that could be accurate even though the performance says otherwise.
    5. Would love to know who the controller keeps calling to give updates.
    6. The darting all around comment at 37:45ish is telling. He certainly is not failing as the copter pilot hopes.
    7. 65 knots west bound is clearly not a balloon so you can knock that off the list

  • ‘We Love NYC, The Homecoming Concert’ set for Great Lawn despite surging COVID cases and a hurricane strike tomorrow

    ‘We Love NYC, The Homecoming Concert’ set for Great Lawn despite surging COVID cases and a hurricane strike tomorrow

    AND THE BAND PLAYED ON!

    New York City‘s concert to celebrate its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic despite surging cases and hospitalizations due to the delta variant, is set to take place Saturday, August 21 on the Great Lawn in Central Park.

    MORE..

    We Love NYC, The Homecoming Concert will feature a star-studded lineup including  Jennifer Hudson, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Andrea Bocelli, Carlos Santana, Jon Batiste, Andrea Bocelli, Kane Brown, LL Cool J, Elvis Costello, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lucky Day, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Cynthia Erivo, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Hudson, Wyclef Jean, Journey, The Killers, Gayle King, Don Lemon, Barry Manilow, The NY Philharmonic, Polo G, Carlos Santana, Paul Simon, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, and Rob Thomas.

    Only those vaccinated will be allowed to attend. 

    MEANWHILE..

    Here is the latest COVID information of the surging Delta variant while the music plays into the night:

    LocationCasesDeaths
    New York City1.01M1,010,000+1,124+1,12433,69433,694+4+4
    Kings County247K247,0009,7549,754
    Suffolk County212K212,000+568+5683,4383,438+1+1
    Nassau County194K194,000+504+5043,1993,199+1+1
    Westchester County135K135,000+232+2322,301

  • Box office during the Delta Surge

    Box office during the Delta Surge

    While some theaters and movie execs get skittish about potential box office weekends to come, this weekend’s numbers are showing safe dollar figures in the wake of the Delta COVID surge ..

    Disney/20th Century Studios’ Free Guy is holding up significantly better than expected, bound for an estimated $17.2M, easing an amazing -39%, after a second $5.2M Friday, -50%, for what will be a 10-day total of $57.2M.

    Paw Patrol is coming in better than expected, even with a day-and-date drop on Paramount+, with $4.5M yesterday, for what’s looking to be a $13.5M weekend at 3,184 theaters…

    DEVELOPING..

  • HORROR HENRI!

    HORROR HENRI!

    Henri has been upgraded from Tropical Storm to Hurricane..

    The monster storm is moving over very warm waters now and the latest satellite loop shows more intensification underway, with Henri expected to be a hurricane before making landfall on central Long Island tomorrow.

    In addition to getting stronger, it is also getting larger.

    When it strikes Long Island, Henri is forecast to be over 250 miles wide.

    Long Island is 120 miles x 23 miles.

    Hurricane Hunter aircraft is investigating the storm now to get meteorologists more data on the structure of this significant storm.

    x x x

    A hurricane warning for the southern coast of New England was extended east to the west of Westport, Massachusetts. A tropical storm warning for the coast of Massachusetts is extended to Chatham. Other existing warnings and watches remain in effect.

    The last major threat of a hurricane strike on New England was more than 30 years ago.

    The last time a hurricane made landfall on parts of New England was Hurricane Bob in 1991 which resulted in 17 deaths and $1.5 billion in damage. Long Island hasn’t had a direct hit from a hurricane since Gloria in 1985. That hurricane caused eight deaths and nearly $1 billion in damage.

  • 20 YEARS AFTER LOSS OF AALIYAH, HER MUSIC IS STREAMING

    20 YEARS AFTER LOSS OF AALIYAH, HER MUSIC IS STREAMING

    Friday marked the re-release of five time Grammy-nominated superstar’s studio album, “One In A Million,” which hit streaming services.

    Aaliyah Dana Haughton died August 25, 2001 at the age of 22 in a plane crash that also took the lives of eight others as they traveled back from filming her music video in the Caribbean.

    Fans have long complained about the lack of availability of her music.

    Her catalog is now being re-released for the first time in years to be available across streaming platforms via partnership with Blackground Records 2.0 and EMPIRE.

    However this is also happening as the battle of her estate continues! It was reported just days ago that the original Blackground Records, which released a majority of Aaliyah’s music, was owned by the late singer’s uncle and former manager, Barry Hankerson.

    “Protecting Aaliyah’s legacy is, and will always be, our focus,” reads a recent post from the estate’s verified Twitter account…

  • NEW YORK CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PREPARES FOR HENRI HIT

    NEW YORK CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PREPARES FOR HENRI HIT

    THE FOLLOWING IS A FULL STATEMENT FROM NEW YORK CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT IN PREPARATION FOR POTENTIAL NEAR OR DIRECT STRIKE FROM EITHER TROPICAL STORM OF HURRICANE HENRI.. DEPENDING ON STRENGTH AND PATH.. DEVELOPING…

    X X X X

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE#43-21

    NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF TROPICAL STORM HENRI

    The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for NYC until further notice

    The National Weather Service has issued a Storm Surge Watch for the Bronx and Northern Queens until further notice

    Heavy rains and gusty winds could limit visibility and create difficult travel conditions into Monday

    New York City beaches closed for swimming on Sunday and Monday

    August 20, 2021 – The New York City Emergency Management Department urges New Yorkers to prepare for potential impacts of Tropical Storm Henri. According to the National Weather Service, there is the potential for very heavy rainfall and damaging winds that may flood roadways and reduce visibility to create hazardous travel conditions through the weekend. Storm impacts are forecast to begin late Saturday, before intensifying throughout Sunday into the afternoon. Residual impacts including showers with breezy winds will still be possible into Monday. The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the New York City area until further notice. A Tropical Storm Watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the possible onset of tropical-storm-force winds, which include sustained wind speeds of 39 mph to 74 mph.  


    A Storm Surge Watch also is in effect for parts of New York City including the Bronx and northern Queens until further notice. The combination of strong winds, dangerous storm surge and the tide may cause normally dry areas to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline within the next 48 hours. New York City beaches will be closed for swimming on Sunday and Monday.


    “Tropical Storm Henri is currently tracking up the northeast coast and may cause dangerous conditions throughout the weekend. NYC Emergency Management is working closely with City, state, and nonprofit and private-sector partners so we can respond to any impacts caused by the incoming storm,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner John Scrivani. “Though the storm is not expected to make direct landfall, New Yorkers should prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, and localized coastal flooding beginning as early as Saturday evening. Practice caution and avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, consider taking public transportation.”
    New Yorkers should plan for difficult travel conditions and are advised to exercise caution and consider taking public transportation if they must travel. Those who can stay home during the storm are advised to stay indoors. Heavy rains may lead to potential flooding in low-lying areas throughout the city. If you are traveling, avoid flooded areas, turn on headlights, drive slowly, and exercise caution. Consider avoiding or delaying travel until flooding and heavy rain stop. Due to the hazardous travel conditions, people should allow extra travel time.
    NYC Emergency Management remains in constant communication with the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service to track and monitor Tropical Storm Henri and has taken several steps to prepare for potential impacts to the city. The City’s Emergency Operation Center and Situation Room have been activated, and NYC Emergency Management has coordinated daily interagency conference calls to facilitate preparations with City and state agencies, as well as nonprofit and private-sector partners. The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan has been activated to help mitigate potential flash flooding and ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flood events that do occur. The City’s Downed Tree Task Force has also been put on alert to coordinate the response to any potential large downed tree event.Safety Tips

    • If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home. 
    • If you have a disability or access or functional need, make sure your plan addresses how your needs may affect your ability to evacuate, shelter in place, or communicate with emergency workers. Arrange help from family, friends, or service providers if you will need assistance.
    • When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
    • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
    • If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that tree limbs, leaves, or water can cover downed wires from view. Always stay away from downed power lines because they could be live.
    • Report downed wires immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you are in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel.

    Power Outages

    • To prepare for a possible power outage, charge cell phone batteries, gather supplies, and turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
    • Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries.
    • If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use life-sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.
    • Do not use generators indoors.
    • Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.

    Prepare For Strong Winds Strong winds can bring down trees and power lines and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. To protect against the hazard of strong winds, New Yorkers should:

    • Check the area immediately surrounding your home for unsecured objects or potentially dangerous conditions. Tree limbs, garbage cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind are potential projectiles aimed at your home or parked vehicle.
    • Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.
    • Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
    • Close up and secure patio furniture.
    • Secure retractable awnings.
    • Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.

    Stay Informed Before, during, and after an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC, the City’s free, official emergency communications program. Sign up for Notify NYC to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language. Register for free to receive by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.
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    MEDIA CONTACT:           Press Office: press@oem.nyc.gov (718) 422-4888
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