AUSTIN | Misc. Discussions - No Politics

[zrx299]

Originally Posted by Geographer

I'm surprised that after 130,000 dead from COVID there is still serious denialism about its severity. If Americans ever want to attend a sporting event, concert, political rally, visit their parents in a nursing home, take a cruise, or travel abroad then Americans need to make an effort to end the pandemic, not live with it. Italy, Spain, France, and the UK took the necessary steps to end their pandemics and they're now returning to normal. America hasn't. If American ever wants to get back to normal it needs to reduce new daily COVID cases by 99% from what we're seeing now.

What sporting events, concerts, and political rallies are going on in Europe right now that people can attend?
Sports are still playing to empty stadiums. As soon as they start letting people back in, they'll experience the same thing.

You also proved my point for me by only quoting a highly suspect total death count instead of the actual mortality rate. 130,000 gets a lot more fear-based attention than 0.2%

[psychlotron]

Originally Posted by zrx299

A fresh wave of hysteria focusing on the wrong numbers and zero mention of the flat or falling ultra low mortality rate from any of the media.
2,913 active cases in Travis County, with a population of 1.275 million... that's 0.0023% of the population infected. That hardly qualifies as "skyrocketing" in my opinion.
The Statesman and other Doom & Gloom media outlets continue to frame their headlines as if this is the Black Plague part 2.

The other half is "crisis fatigue" where we're all just sick and tired of everything. The fear and hysteria surrounding "testing positive" needs to stop.

We're not getting a vaccine, and this crap isn't going away for a very long time. Trying to slow or stop it is a futile effort that's just going to continue to piss everyone off with a series of starts & stops & shutdowns & flareups, to say nothing of the economic damage its inflicting.

There needs to be self accountability on all sides here. If you're at-risk, then take whatever precautions you need. Stay home and abstain from things if necessary. Likewise for otherwise healthy people not at risk but who frequently are in contact others who are. Everyone else needs to just get on with life. The faster herd immunity sets in, the faster we can put all this garbage behind all of us.

Well, no. Check your math. You said "2,913 active cases in Travis County, with a population of 1.275 million... that's 0.0023% of the population infected"

But that's actually 0.23%. You may still think that's a small percentage, and that's really up to you. But it's also a 100 times worse than you made it sound in your post.

FWIW, I do agree with you that all of us should practice self-accountability. All day, every day. For my part, I'm definitely wearin' a mask!

[We vs us]

I will say one of the things no one seems to be accounting for is the permanent or long term physical trauma that survivors are reporting. Widespread organ and nerve damage, heart and breathing problems, even brain damage. It's awful -- and I haven't seen formal numbers yet on how pervasive each of these knock on effects are, but assume that, because the survivor pool is so much bigger than the fatality pool, so too are the health problems.

That's one reason why herd immunity is such an empty promise. Because getting the full herd immune means not only willfully exposing people to death, but also to permanent health problems and disability. WHY SHOULD WE DO THAT TO PEOPLE, TO OUR ECONOMY, TO OUR SOCIETY. When we are surrounded by countries that have managed to get this under control by NOT throwing their fellow citizens to the wolves, it would seem like we should be able to follow that path, too, no? If South Korea can do it, why can't we?

[the Genral]

One hopefully not too long lasting symptom is the loss of taste and smell. My wife has lingering issues with that but she is well enough to return to work this morning after about 3 weeks of recovery. It may seem minor compared to the far worse issues you mentioned, but imagine not being able to taste or smell what you are eating. To compensate, I have been adding more spices to whatever it is I'm cooking. On a personal note, her not being able to smell that well has taken the joy out of ass poofing next to her. Little to no reaction, even if the volume is turned up. So sad...
btw, even though I spent the last 3 weeks in the same house with her, it appears I escaped getting the virus from her. I may never know because I never got tested but I also never got any of the symptoms. Lucky or I am asymptomatic. Well at least I'm retired now and staying home except when I food and supply shop. Why tempt fate I sometimes always say..

[resansom]

Originally Posted by the Genral

...My wife has lingering issues with that but she is well enough to return to work this morning after about 3 weeks of recovery...

That's great news, glad to hear that your wife is over the worst and that you didn't get sick, at least, not outwardly.

[H2O]

I've been doing all of my shopping online since April, and I may never go back to in person shopping, other than quick trips to HEB to pick up something I forgot. We use Amazon more, but most local stores also offer online ordering and pick up and /or delivery. We still patronize local restaurants for take out only, but probably a little less often. We are still doing our part to keep the economy going. We are just spending more money on groceries, alcohol (Twin's delivers!), and home improvements and less on eating out, drinking out, and traveling. That way, many service industry workers keep their jobs, and I can be confident I am not unwittingly contributing to their exposure to the virus. We also have been far more generous with our tips to essential workers.

[lonewolf]

Originally Posted by H2O

I've been doing all of my shopping online since April, and I may never go back to in person shopping, other than quick trips to HEB to pick up something I forgot. We use Amazon more, but most local stores also offer online ordering and pick up and /or delivery. We still patronize local restaurants for take out only, but probably a little less often. We are still doing our part to keep the economy going. We are just spending more money on groceries, alcohol (Twin's delivers!), and home improvements and less on eating out, drinking out, and traveling. That way, many service industry workers keep their jobs, and I can be confident I am not unwittingly contributing to their exposure to the virus. We also have been far more generous with our tips to essential workers.

I have been a prime subscriber since 2011, great product. The conditions of their shops and warehouses make me sick. watching their market cap balloon during this pandemic combined with watching 20% of small businesses (so far) fail was enough to push me off the ledge. I cancelled my amazon account. Wish me luck lol

[Jdawgboy]

Originally Posted by Armybrat

Sorry to hear that Jdawg, but best wishes for a complete recovery.
Maybe if 299 had the same experience, they wouldn’t be so dismissive.

And us old folks have just as much right to live our lives too. EVERYBODY should take precautions, no matter what age or status..... as we get on with our lives.

Thank you. I appreciate it deeply.

[Jdawgboy]

Originally Posted by We vs us

I will say one of the things no one seems to be accounting for is the permanent or long term physical trauma that survivors are reporting. Widespread organ and nerve damage, heart and breathing problems, even brain damage. It's awful -- and I haven't seen formal numbers yet on how pervasive each of these knock on effects are, but assume that, because the survivor pool is so much bigger than the fatality pool, so too are the health problems.

That's one reason why herd immunity is such an empty promise. Because getting the full herd immune means not only willfully exposing people to death, but also to permanent health problems and disability. WHY SHOULD WE DO THAT TO PEOPLE, TO OUR ECONOMY, TO OUR SOCIETY. When we are surrounded by countries that have managed to get this under control by NOT throwing their fellow citizens to the wolves, it would seem like we should be able to follow that path, too, no? If South Korea can do it, why can't we?

I am still experiencing nerve issues, in fact it was one of the symptoms I've felt unique to this virus as I have never experienced anything like that ever before. My hearing has also been strange since I got sick. There is evidence this virus damages the inner ear organ. I'm planning to see my ear, nose and throat specialist after I see my regular doctor. But my sense of touch and the way my skin feels is still not normal.

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I am still experiencing nerve issues, in fact it was one of the symptoms I've felt unique to this virus as I have never experienced anything like that ever before. My hearing has also been strange since I got sick. There is evidence this virus damages the inner ear organ. I'm planning to see my ear, nose and throat specialist after I see my regular doctor. But my sense of touch and the way my skin feels is still not normal.

Holy crap! I missed you post from yesterday somehow or I would have responded sooner. Yeah, you had worse symptoms than Liesa. Its really weird how it affects people differently, from no symptoms to severe. Happy to hear you are doing better and I hope the lingering issues go away soon for you. I did take stoOgEs' advise and bought a pulse oximeter from Amazon for under $30. I've been finding it very informative and useful. If you are still having breathing issues, this could provide you with data anytime, anywhere.

[Riverranchdrone]

Originally Posted by Jdawgboy

I am still experiencing nerve issues, in fact it was one of the symptoms I've felt unique to this virus as I have never experienced anything like that ever before. My hearing has also been strange since I got sick. There is evidence this virus damages the inner ear organ. I'm planning to see my ear, nose and throat specialist after I see my regular doctor. But my sense of touch and the way my skin feels is still not normal.

I am going to get tested tomorrow. I was just coming off of quarantine from contact on june 29th. Have started getting real bad allergy symptoms. Cat is even sneezing and coughing as well.

[We vs us]

Here's a very thorough, slightly long article about Austin's business scene during COVID. Worthwhile, and echoes a lot of stuff we've discussed here.


https://marker.medium.com/austin-was...t-6d5f5a332e04

[shoreditch]

Long, interseting read. Thank you for sharing. Was a little perplexed at how there was a whole section on corporate relocation activity remaining strong despite COVID, but no mention of Tesla...

Anyway, thanks again.

Originally Posted by We vs us

Here's a very thorough, slightly long article about Austin's business scene during COVID. Worthwhile, and echoes a lot of stuff we've discussed here.


https://marker.medium.com/austin-was...t-6d5f5a332e04

[the Genral]

Just a reminder...tomorrow night at 8PM on SCI, Impossible Engineering will be featuring the Independent in an hour long doc regarding its design and construction. The caption reads, "A skyscraper in Texas is a gravity-defying engineering marvel with a one of a kind shape". Should be interesting.

[freerover]

Crazy question. Has someone seen somewhere on this site a cost breakdown for a new Austin chilis?

[lzppjb]

Originally Posted by freerover

Crazy question. Has someone seen somewhere on this site a cost breakdown for a new Austin chilis?

Wanting to get into the baby back ribs game?

[mercury6]

Just want to take a moment to appreciate every tower going up. I'm originally from Cleveland and we've only had two towers over 400' built in the last 30 years. Cheers to Austin!

[the Genral]

Originally Posted by mercury6

Just want to take a moment to appreciate every tower going up. I'm originally from Cleveland and we've only had two towers over 400' built in the last 30 years. Cheers to Austin!

Been to all the big cities in Ohio including Cleveland. I love Key Tower, its what Frost could have been. I too appreciate all the construction going on here, its great to be a tower freak in Austin, but I wish we had a Key Tower here. Btw, Cleveland is my favorite city in Ohio, with Columbus coming in second. Chilicothe is my favorite small town. Its old and charming and has the best Red Lobster I have ever been to.

[lzppjb]

Call to arms for you old school South Austin folks. Conan's Pizza on Stassney is facing hard times. Lease is up in November. At the moment, they may not be able to re-up. Despite living in Kyle, and working a lot from home now, I'm going to add them back into my rotation. I have too many fond memories of eating there on Friday nights in middle school to let it go. Playing Magic and eating great pizza all night. The place still looks like the set of an episode of Stranger Things. A time capsule.

I'm going to stop by for lunch today. I don't know if they'll have their lunch buffet, or if I'll have to order a pie to go. Whole wheat pan crust. So good.

[gillynova]

Originally Posted by mercury6

Just want to take a moment to appreciate every tower going up. I'm originally from Cleveland and we've only had two towers over 400' built in the last 30 years. Cheers to Austin!

and I'm over here in San Jose and we JUST topped out on our new tallest twin towers at... 298' ....

Thank god I'm close to SF and Oakland and I can watch their skyline change