DEEP SCRATCH

Tag: Covid-19

  • A Synergetic Approach To Coronavirus Treatments


    Here’s my comment to a video by Dr. John Campbell I strongly recommend.

    My 5c. Thanks John and Rob. Great to hear praise for synergistic approach: whole systems behaviour opposed to over-focus on isolated parts, plus reflecting the hippocratic oath to primarily protect the patient. Amen to that. This reminds me of the complexities of the entourage effect, the whole is more than…the sum of its parts. Synergy may also help us grok the unintuitive details about T-cells that can protect, and/or T-cells that suppress, and/or T-cells that facilitate the immune system response…depending. It seems to me, if I understand correctly, that the Omicron mutation (in step with natural evolution of corona viruses and previous pandemics) now stays in the mucosal area (throat, nose, mouth) and so is less likely to travel deeper into lower airways and cause severe disease. Good news. Future intelligent strategies may include early treatment (drugs) to keep virus in the mucosal zone, plus consider longer periods between vaccines. Robust research (independent of manufacturers) on both mRNA vs. classical (Adenovirus vaccines) is required, and effects of unregulated amounts of antigen. Finally, these findings need to be communicated and implemented in public body health programs.  

    John Campbell, Youtube Channel.

  • The Fat Emperor Wears No Mask


    Emperor – the sovereign or supreme male monarch of an empire. Tsar, Czar, Kaiser, Fuhrer. a.k.a: Unscientific delusion of divine authority.

    Chief Covid skeptic, Ivor “Fat Czar” Cummins replied to me on twitter with: “go back to your drums, unscientific steve,” which is funny and helped me to better clarify my position and criticism.

    I, Steve Fly, a.k.a Unscientific Steve, do not make claims of the real absolute truth, or to know about the only real reality. I do not…claim empirical truth in my work and I don’t claim supreme sovereign power, I’m no Bloated Kaiser and hope to distinguish myself–right here–from that gang, or those in support of his cult of personality. After playing some killer’ chops in ⅞ time and my usual warm up paradiddles, ruffs, diddles, doubles, singles, triples and konnakol rhythmic exercises I powered-up my senses, and I now sense well marketed faith-based ideology, cloaked in the language of critical thinking, ala’ some threads of Qanonsense: do your own research, followed by….”meanwhile, I have the only truth, Ive’ all the keys to reality, follow me, subscribe! Check my book if you wanna’ live.” 

    To my tobacco stained taste buds, Ivor Cummins and his devout devotees and followers are tripped up by the promotional and marketing campaigns that surf on trumpeting claims to practice science, yet communicate in a language of faith-based, superstition, leaning toward medieval dull platitudes. Cummins repeatedly claims the “Real Truth, Real Data and Real Reality.” Why is he shouting so much, his background in corporate marketing coming through? Scientists with integrity don’t have to shout like the Fat Emperor, or shouldn’t have too either. They progress through corroborated evidence, e.g: masks work, social distancing and lockdowns work and vaccines work. This reflects the status quo according to the science. Masks, lockdowns and vaccines are true in a practical sense because they work, demonstrably, it’s foundational physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. The big T Truth Cummins claims is weak, his Emperor status is untestable, alike the majority of dogmatic conclusions garnered from selected works, that in themselves hold merit. A popular corporate marketing technique used by populists in 2020.

    I’m with Karl Popper on this, “Hypotheses cannot be proven to be true, they can only be falsified.” And here’s Ivor, claiming big T Truth and big R Reality, with worrying wafts of the great awakening and reset tumbling up my sensitive nostrils. Ivor(y) Tower Ivor, claims to know all about the thousands of experiments and papers and studies to conveniently fit his consistent general premise: masks don’t work, anti-lockdown doesn’t make a difference, and vaccines are not to be trusted. He’s cherry picking his guests like how an Emperor packs his court, to support his public puzzlement, putting the juicy pieces together on his podcast, spouting unfounded conclusions.

    My advice is, if he wants his followers and critics and the scientific worldwide community to take him seriously, then he should drop the messiah complex and consistent dogmatic faith-based claims of supreme sovereignty. If Ivor were a satirist I’d give the Fat Emperor brand a thumbs up, pretty funny joke, but he’s not, he claims empirical absolute truth and sells his brand, based on a logical fallacy, to his devout followers. He’s right about fats and sugar though. Oh, I get it, Fat Emperor, to mean he’s the sovereign supreme white male monarch of Fatburgs?  

    Burp….Kisht-ti-coo / kisht-ti-coo / kisht-ti-con

    –Unscientific Steve.  

    p.s In the tradition of Popper, in some sense I’m strengthening the opposing arguments above, if the devout believers could get down off their high horse and look the facts in the face. Please, take a peek at this paper on Science and Pseudo Science, get up in the game. 
    https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2015/entries/pseudo-science/

  • LET THE MUSIC PLAY

    LET THE MUSIC PLAY

    THOUGHTS AND TRAJECTORIES ON THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS AND ITS COUNTERMEASURES ON UK EVENTS.


    “Good morning! What we have in mind is breakfast in bed for four hundred thousand.”–Wavy Gravy, Woodstock, 1969.


    Safe! Hi, Steve Fly reporting for duty. DJ, drummer originally from West Midlands, living in Amsterdam. I want to share thoughts on uncertainty around events, venues, artist performances, Covid-safe measures and practical solutions.

    I, like you I suspect, want to see a swift return to live events, economically supporting the venue and the artist and the safety of the community. Please go-ahead and sign as many petitions and join as many like-minded groups as possible, with an eye on both local and international adjacencies. Use creative, artistic agency to innovate past and through the array of difficult obstacles placed before us as new Covid restrictions. Work together in groups, find the others, try dipping your toe into other music scenes and networks that are equally affected, seek common ground on which to build. Use your artistic skill to get the message across. 

    I’m making this up as I go so please excuse my mistakes and misguided emphasis. I’ll try to break this down into three sections:  Obstacles / Tools required to overcome / Future Horizons.     

    OBSTACLES

    I doubt any individual can keep track of the fast paced changes in rules and regulations, in either their own country, let alone track what is happening in the others. Change is the only constant (somebody said that better before me). To stay one step ahead of this virus and the countermeasures put in place to combat it, requires eternal vigilance.

    The ability of governments and health organizations and news outlets to respond accordingly has proved to me, wholly inadequate, as for their assistance to artists and creatives and events folks, utterly shambolic. Be that as it may, we have to study the rules impartially no matter how much we don’t like them or agree with them. From this deeper understanding specific obstacles, e.g., opening hours, number of physical customers, licenses, exemptions, legality, we can map out where we need to focus, and best use our resources/time. I consider the above to be law-based obstacles, countermeasures resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, rules that can vary from city to city, country to country, week to week. We have to practice and work on our improvisation skills, musically and politically speaking. 

    Covid-19, the biological, chemical, mathematical virus is a tough opponent that demonstrably cares not for politicians nor artists. To better understand the virus, what it is, how it spreads and how it can be neutralized comes down to study. I recommend objective study of trends and trending fields of immunology, virology, epidemiology and social health. I say this because every venue, every events business and every artist is now in the domain of public health. We are social health organizations, or we should strive to become and stand up as such. Yes Dr.

    We can’t do this without either taking some heavy crash courses in some hard scientific fields, or by making relationships with those individuals and organizations which already hold the required skills, e.g. biosecurity officers, public health representatives. Study their field, or at least skim the agenda points from their 2020 meetings and prepare to engage. Know your research, try to distinguish between hard and soft science, I know, there’s a lot of other shit going on.  


    TOOLS REQUIRED TO OVERCOME   


    In no particular order, I’d like to share some ideas for dealing with some of the above, while adding my own whimsical design-science based solutions to the problem.

    Youtube, with some time and disciplined focus, can provide all that you need in the sense of practical guides, helpful workshops and panel discussions about useful knowledge tools. My Covid playlist here.

    Search for papers using Google Scholar, find out who else is asking the questions you are, who is publishing solutions, examples of Covid-safe events, festivals, performances? (Answer: sports organizations. Team members and all staff, venues, etc, from a variety of sports have demonstrated strict measures to create a “sterile bubble” or Covid safe environment. Study these models, innovate your own ideas for your venue, band, collective, festival. Innovate through and past the restrictions, be prepared. Discuss in groups how a hypothetical “sterile bubble” might work in your chosen field, test, track and trace the hypothesis, turn it into a game.

    Trust is a tool we all have, hopefully in bed together with doubt and optimism. At some point, I feel that those innovating future Covid-safe events/venues will have to confront and work with the relevant authorities, locally, nationally, and I stress…internationally. To revert back to my plea to study and try to understand the hard sciences of biology, chemistry and physics, if you speak the universal and internationally recognised–language of science–then you have allies far and wide, beyond whatever local restrictions you may currently endeur. What works in one small town or medium sized city in one country, if properly networked and scientifically verifiable, may work in others. I see the international reach of artists who trust each other as a powerful force, before, during and after the pandemic. Try not to let local conditions get you down.
       
    Keeping in step with the hard science, and perhaps striving to communicate in probabilities, it will naturally follow that you are better informed and so better equipped to design / solve / innovate. Don’t be afraid of going further than your government advisors insist, take more precautions than they, think more inclusively than they do, speak more precisely and specifically than they do, care more than they do and the most difficult task…taking the Covid-19 virus more seriously than they. As you may have noticed, I don’t have time to entertain so called, scamdemic or covid hoax conspiracies, yes we should all fight for our right, civil liberties and freedoms, but to claim Covid 19 is a hoax directly and negatively affects these efforts, and our effort to return–as quickly as possible–to some semblance of society where venues, artists and promoters and the public can stay active and sustain themselves, viably. Yes.


    FUTURE HORIZONS
         

    The Covid 19 global pandemic will pass, there will be a time in the future when those who survived it regroup and get back to events and festivals as we knew them before March, despite the romantic vision of a single day when the events industry gets switched on, it seems unlucky it will happen that way.

    Presently, I feel we should prepare for each local municipality and different nations swaying back and forward between local and national lock-downs, or attempt to create a “sterile bubble”. I don’t like this or want this but I think it’s the way it’s going to be, so we should network and regroup, both locally and nationally, to at least stay in communication and share anything deemed useful, including testimony.

    We ALL have our stories, honest, true, heartfelt, dazzling (when including examples of previous works) perhaps these testimonies can be gathered around an innovative hashtag or extension of an existing campaign? Join adjacent campaigns. Make video/audio testimonials, make them dazzle. Make common ground using Hashtags, for example: 

    #SaveOurVenues #WeAreViable #WeMakeEvents #WeMakeSafeEvents #LetTheMusicPlay #ArtSafe #ArtSafeTestimonials #BioSecureArtists #BioSafeEvents #ArtistScientist #CovidSafeForArt #SaveOurMusic

    I’d also suggest alternative collaborative networks to raise funds for day-to-day needs and challenges to those directly affected by the virus and its countermeasures, plus opportunity for income revenue. Yes, all creatives are affected, those with existing vulnerabilities more so, let’s keep an eye out for them. Most of the tech giants have such platforms to receive funds, I’m grateful and fortunate to have Patreon supporters, I recommend it. I’m trying to drive more meaningful traffic there than to Farcebook, but we must use all platforms to spread our message #LetTheMusicPlay  

    Together with Bandcamp, Go Fund Me, Kick Starter and Indiegogo there’s a handful of ways to receive support, remotely. It’s no substitute for a gig or booking, but it’s worth going through the process of evaluating your assets, existing networks and possible adjacencies. You can find me at www.patreon.com/stevefly I’d love to have you on-board for the ride, to innovate tools to help us navigate the rocky canal ahead.


    THANKS


    Thanks to those raising awareness about the dire situation in the UK and across the world facing artists, events staff, tour managers, promoters, stage and transport staff, caterers, theaters, clubs, sound and lighting engineers, the public…stranded without the events that bind a healthy culture together.  

    I wish each and every person affected by the virus and its countermeasures a safe journey into uncertainty, never stop innovating and testing hypotheses, the future may judge you kindly for your efforts at this critical juncture, sincerely.

    –Steve Fly

    www.deepscratch.net
    www.patreon.com/stevefly
    www.radiofreeamsterdam.org


    “It’s going to be a combination Scopes trial, revolution in the streets, Woodstock Festival and People’s Park, all rolled into one.–Abbie Hoffman.

    Further Reading / Groups / Campaigns

    We Are Viable (FB group) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1594744227372051

    Music Venue Trust: http://musicvenuetrust.com/ / https://saveourvenues.co.uk

    UK Music.org: https://www.ukmusic.org/policy/copyright-directive/lovemusic/

    Save Our National Venues: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-venues-national-campaign

    1500 Artists Call On Government (News Item) https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/49697/1/letthemusic-play-campaign-1500-musicians-sign-open-letter-save-uk-live-music

    Petition (Let us Dance) https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/332789?fbclid=IwAR1SdXsjoeWxVvT1Eoc1mRGgy6vYqNVIvTYAFsBsboy1rULIzcMXNIZuh8Q

    Mark Pesce Lecture: (Horizons and Trajectories) https://youtu.be/pVQw0rsXW2k

  • CUMMINGS DUGIN BANNON UNCERTAINTY

    BANNON CUMMINGS DUGIN

    SUPPORT ME AT www.patreon.com/stevefly
    Unlock 50 + posts, get on-board for launch of Deep Scratch – July 23rd.

  • FLYPAPERS – CANNABIS WRITINGS

  • Pandemic Time – Mark Pesce

    Of all the individuals mapping and modeling the global coronavirus pandemic, Mark Pesce has proved the most consistent, clear and concise. And he’s able to share what he knows and can fess’ up what he does not know. For me, Mark, together with Cory Doctorow and Bruce Sterling are leading voices of post-pandemic futurism. Tune in.

    –Steve Fly

  • My Dudley Newsquest For Numbers Concerning Russells Hall Hospital

    Dudley Muddley Pudding And Lies?

    How many? What are the numbers? What are the existing numbers, approx. I’d personally like to hear less soundbites and see the numbers backing claims. Too much to ask?

    There’s seems disagreement on how prepared Russells Hall hospital is to cope with Covid-19. (Or what the word “sufficient actually means…numbers?)
    Some (as yet unnamed) are claiming they do NOT have sufficient PPE. And Dudley Labour Councillors (and unknown others) are calling for residents to sign a petition demanding more PPE equipment in Dudley.

    However, Diane Wake chief exec of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and a nurse (thank you for your care) has said, on the contrary, that they (Russells Hall Staff) have all the equipment they need. “The reports on social media are incorrect and causing unnecessary worry and concern.” she said.f masks, gowns and goggles at present (in stock) and on order (rate at which they are delivered). And what is your estimation of new patients, based on what analysis? Can we please see some numbers.
    https://www.dudleynews.co.uk/news/18370407.dudley-hospitals-sufficient-supplies-personal-protective-equipment/

    I digress, but have a duty to point out that Dudley News, in typical Newsquest Gannet Media style, regurgitate what they are told to and suck it down like the mouth-to-mouth feeding animals at Dudley zoo. Never stopping to engage the reader with thinking. Asking questions, sourcing information, calling to see some numbers and get closer to facts and truth.   
    https://www.expressandstar.com/news/health/coronavirus-covid19/2020/04/10/dudleys-labour-councillors-call-for-more-ppe-in-borough/

    For context, here’s an article from January 2020, before Covid-19, about patients being treated in corridors due to lack of beds at Russells Hall Hospital. Was that all dealt with in a quick month Diane? 
    https://www.expressandstar.com/news/health/2020/01/22/patients-being-treated-in-corridors-at-russells-hall-hospital/

    Here’s the text from Dudley Labour Group, and the Petition, in FULL:

    https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/supply-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-to-key-workers-in-dudley

    The Labour Group in Dudley is very concerned about the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our community health care workers across our Borough.

    We are concerned for both carers in Nursing and Residential Care homes and we are also concerned for the informal carers across the Borough who provide a vital, caring role for family members and vulnerable neighbours.

    These vital workers need regular and consistent supply of PPE and the Council need to assure the caring community that this will be provided.

    To date the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is:

    1. Not consistent with WHO guidance
    2. The supply is not consistent and regular
    3.There is no provision for informal carers, which is increasing the demand on our overstretched workforce
    4. Putting the lives of these workers at risk

    As recommended by WHO and Public Health England for the management of COVID-19, we believe that there should be an adequate and consistent supply of:

    – Fluid repellent disposable gowns – EN13795
    – Nitrile non-sterile gloves – EN 374
    – Plastic aprons – category 1
    – Eyewear and face protection – EN166
    – FFP2 and FFP3 masks – EN 149
    – IIR Surgical masks – EN14683

    Carers in Dudley feel inadequately protected and vulnerable to infection; they cannot understand why the required PPE is not being supplied in the quantities needed. Anyone in Dudley caring for a relative or in a caring role should be able to access this vital equipment.

    The Council has had to resort to a request for donations from local businesses for PPE. While any donations will be welcome, they might not provide the best standard our workers and volunteers deserve. Coupled with this some staff have resorted to making their own PPE.

    Workers feel unable to carry out their job properly and protect themselves and their patients.

    The most common form of transmission of the virus is through contact and we know the virus is carried on clothing; this is why this so important. We do not want to lose vital key workers in this pandemic!

    Dudley Labour Group urges the Government to guarantee that all key workers get the PPE they need in order to protect themselves and their patients from COVID-19.

    Why is this important?

    The whole of the Country are behind our health and social care workers and we believe that the front line staff should have access to adequate PPE to perform their roles with the highest level of protection.

    https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/supply-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-to-key-workers-in-dudley