Renewings

Worldwide (Map) 
June 10, 2021 – 174,500,000 confirmed infections; 3,759,200 deaths
March 11, 2021 – 117, 645,000 confirmed infections; 2,612,000 deaths

US (Map) 
June 10, 2021 – 33,415,000 confirmed infections; 598,400 deaths
March 11, 2021 - 29,222,420 confirmed infections; 529,884 deaths

SA (Coronavirus portal) 
June 10, 2021 – 1,713,000 confirmed infections; 57,320 deaths
March 11, 2021 – 1.522,700 confirmed infections; 50,910 deaths

Countries of Covid Concern 
June 10, 2021

India: 29,183,000 confirmed infections; 356,000 deaths
Brazil: 17,123,000 confirmed infections; 480,000 deaths
Peru: Why has Peru been hit so badly? 

Posted June 10, 2020: Embers, ashes, and flames 

News blues

Delta Variant On The Rise In U.S., Prompting New Warnings To Get COVID-19 Vaccination 

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How the ‘Alpha’ Coronavirus Variant Became So Powerful:  A new study suggests how the variant first identified in Britain hides from the human immune system. Its stealth may be part of its success.

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‘Sniper attack’: Inside the Western Cape trial of a potentially variant-proof vaccine

An experimental Covid-19 vaccine currently in Phase I trials run by the University of Cape Town has a unique design that might offer better protection against current and future variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. An update on the trial  and unpacking the science behind this vaccine candidate.

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The Lincoln Project: The Line  (0:55 mins)

Healthy planet, anyone?

The Western Drought Is Bad. Here’s What You Should Know About It   >>

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

Quarantine. So far, so good. Mandatory stay-at-home means no guilt about not looking for short work contracts, instead working on the houseboat. Yesterday I cleaned and painted the metalwork on the stern. I also tried to pump out water collected near the outboard motor (I’m unfamiliar with the boaty technical terms for boat parts). And I was frustrated yet again in efforts to seal the 18-inch redundant semi-rigid plastic hosepipe that will allow shore water to run through my faucets.
Eleven days of scooping water from the river to wash dishes, clean the boat, etc. I’ve lagged on exploring the ultimate fix due to cooler temperatures – immersion in colder deep water under the boat - waiting for low tides, general ineptitude about how to plug the hose, and an abundance of scoopable water. Next time I will succeed.

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Best boat news? Renewed communication with the two women from whom I purchased the boat results in renewed offer from them to teach me how to pilot the darn thing. They’re moved on to a larger, fancier pontoon houseboat yet have offered to help me get a handle on that aspect. Looking forward.