#is that the effects of the covid pandemic extend far beyond the direct impacts of being infected by the virus itself

[halorvic]

The danger is clear and present: COVID isn’t merely a respiratory illness; it’s a multi-dimensional threat impacting brain function, attacking almost all of the body’s organs, producing elevated risks of all kinds, and weakening our ability to fight off other diseases. Reinfections are thought to produce cumulative risks, and Long COVID is on the rise. Unfortunately, Long COVID is now being considered a long-term chronic illness — something many people will never fully recover from. Dr. Phillip Alvelda, a former program manager in DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office that pioneered the synthetic biology industry and the development of mRNA vaccine technology, is the founder of Medio Labs, a COVID diagnostic testing company. He has stepped forward as a strong critic of government COVID management, accusing health agencies of inadequacy and even deception. Alvelda is pushing for accountability and immediate action to tackle Long COVID and fend off future pandemics with stronger public health strategies. Contrary to public belief, he warns, COVID is not like the flu. New variants evolve much faster, making annual shots inadequate. He believes that if things continue as they are, with new COVID variants emerging and reinfections happening rapidly, the majority of Americans may eventually grapple with some form of Long COVID. Let’s repeat that: At the current rate of infection, most Americans may get Long COVID.

[...]

LP: A recent JAMA study found that US adults with Long COVID are more prone to depression and anxiety – and they’re struggling to afford treatment. Given the virus’s impact on the brain, I guess the link to mental health issues isn’t surprising. PA: There are all kinds of weird things going on that could be related to COVID’s cognitive effects. I’ll give you an example. We’ve noticed since the start of the pandemic that accidents are increasing. A report published by TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit, found that traffic fatalities in California increased by 22% from 2019 to 2022. They also found the likelihood of being killed in a traffic crash increased by 28% over that period. Other data, like studies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, came to similar conclusions, reporting that traffic fatalities hit a 16-year high across the country in 2021. The TRIP report also looked at traffic fatalities on a national level and found that traffic fatalities increased by 19%. LP: What role might COVID play? PA: Research points to the various ways COVID attacks the brain. Some people who have been infected have suffered motor control damage, and that could be a factor in car crashes. News is beginning to emerge about other ways COVID impacts driving. For example, in Ireland, a driver’s COVID-related brain fog was linked to a crash that killed an elderly couple. Damage from COVID could be affecting people who are flying our planes, too. We’ve had pilots that had to quit because they couldn’t control the airplanes anymore. We know that medical events among U.S. military pilots were shown to have risen over 1,700% from 2019 to 2022, which the Pentagon attributes to the virus.

[...]

LP: You’ve criticized the track record of the CDC and the WHO – particularly their stubborn denial that COVID is airborne. PA: They knew the dangers of airborne transmission but refused to admit it for too long. They were warned repeatedly by scientists who studied aerosols. They instituted protections for themselves and for their kids against airborne transmission, but they didn’t tell the rest of us to do that.

[...]

LP: How would you grade Biden on how he’s handled the pandemic? PA: I’d give him an F. In some ways, he fails worse than Trump because more people have actually died from COVID on his watch than on Trump’s, though blame has to be shared with Republican governors and legislators who picked ideological fights opposing things like responsible masking, testing, vaccination, and ventilation improvements for partisan reasons. Biden’s administration has continued to promote the false idea that the vaccine is all that is needed, perpetuating the notion that the pandemic is over and you don’t need to do anything about it. Biden stopped the funding for surveillance and he stopped the funding for renewing vaccine advancement research. Trump allowed 400,000 people to die unnecessarily. The Biden administration policies have allowed more than 800,000 to 900,000 and counting.

[...]

LP: The situation with bird flu is certainly getting more concerning with the CDC confirming that a third person in the U.S. has tested positive after being exposed to infected cows. PA: Unfortunately, we��re repeating many of the same mistakes because we now know that the bird flu has made the jump to several species. The most important one now, of course, is the dairy cows. The dairy farmers have been refusing to let the government come in and inspect and test the cows. A team from Ohio State tested milk from a supermarket and found that 50% of the milk they tested was positive for bird flu viral particles.

[...]

PA: There’s a serious risk now in allowing the virus to freely evolve within the cow population. Each cow acts as a breeding ground for countless genetic mutations, potentially leading to strains capable of jumping to other species. If any of those countless genetic experiments within each cow prove successful in developing a strain transmissible to humans, we could face another pandemic – only this one could have a 58% death rate. Did you see the movie “Contagion?” It was remarkably accurate in its apocalyptic nature. And that virus only had a 20% death rate. If the bird flu makes the jump to human-to-human transition with even half of its current lethality, that would be disastrous.

[mmliving]

Morning Side Ministries Bringing Hope and Support to Communities

Morning Side Ministries stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and support within communities, dedicated to uplifting individuals and families in their times of need. Founded on the principles of love, empathy, and service, this organization has been instrumental in transforming lives and fostering positive change across various spheres.

At the heart of Morning Side Ministries lies a deep commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals and communities. Whether it be providing essential resources such as food, shelter, and clothing to those experiencing homelessness or offering counseling and mental health services to individuals grappling with emotional distress, Morning Side Ministries endeavors to meet people at their point of need.

One of the cornerstone initiatives of Morning Side Ministries is its community outreach programs. Through these programs, volunteers engage with local residents, building relationships, and offering support. From organizing community clean-up drives to hosting educational workshops on topics ranging from financial literacy to healthy living, these outreach efforts foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among community members.

Moreover, Morning Side Ministries places a strong emphasis on holistic development, recognizing that true transformation encompasses not only material needs but also emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. To this end, the organization offers a range of educational and vocational training programs aimed at equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure employment and build sustainable livelihoods.

The impact of Morning Side Ministries extends far beyond the tangible services it provides. It serves as a catalyst for social cohesion and collective action, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and fostering a spirit of unity and solidarity. By nurturing a sense of community ownership and responsibility, Morning Side Ministries empowers individuals to take charge of their futures and work towards common goals.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Morning Side Ministries is its adaptability and responsiveness to emerging needs and challenges. Whether it be responding to natural disasters, supporting victims of domestic violence, or addressing the mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to serving with compassion and effectiveness.

The success of Morning Side Ministries is deeply rooted in its dedicated team of staff members, volunteers, and supporters who embody the organization's values and mission. Their unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and selfless service are the driving force behind the transformative work carried out by the organization on a daily basis.

In addition to its direct service initiatives, Morning Side Ministries also advocates for systemic change and social justice. Through policy advocacy, community organizing, and partnership building, the organization seeks to address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and injustice, working towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

As Morning Side Ministries continues to expand its reach and impact, its commitment to serving with compassion, integrity, and excellence remains unwavering. Guided by a vision of a world where every individual is valued, empowered, and able to fulfill their potential, the organization continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for communities far and wide.

Morning Side Ministries stands as a testament to the power of love, compassion, and solidarity in creating positive change. Through its multifaceted programs and initiatives, the organization has touched countless lives, offering hope, support, and a pathway to a brighter future. In a world often marked by division and despair, Morning Side Ministries shines as a beacon of hope, illuminating the way towards a more compassionate and just society.

For more info:-

Menger Springs: Boerne's Elite Senior Community

Morningside's Personalized Home Care for Seniors

[nileshpatel1]

The Purpose and Reach of Initiatives for Community Transformation: Shree Nileshbhai Patel's Inspiring Legacy

In the realm of leadership, actions speak louder than words. Shree Nileshbhai Patel, the Managing Director of N.K. Proteins Pvt. Ltd., exemplified this mantra throughout his illustrious career spanning over two decades. His unwavering commitment and 'Can Do' spirit propelled the brand Tirupati to unparalleled heights. Nileshbhai, alongside his brother Nimish Patel, etched a narrative of success, marked by milestones and landmarks.

Leadership Redefined: Beyond Positions to Actions

"Leadership is not about the position; it is about action," a timeless adage that finds its living embodiment in Shree Nileshbhai Patel. His leadership philosophy, characterized by a tireless work ethic, self-discipline, and an open-minded approach to ideas, set the stage for Tirupati's remarkable journey. Nileshbhai's legacy is not just about the growth of a company; it's a beacon guiding individuals on the path of inspired leadership.

Shree Nileshbhai Patel Scholarship: Bridging Educational Gaps

In the pursuit of a brighter future, Shree Nileshbhai Patel's vision extended beyond corporate success. The scholarship, introduced in 2021, is a testament to Nileshbhai's dedication to empowering young women through education. It aims to provide financial support to deserving, underprivileged female students, fostering equality and progress.

FAQs about Shree Nileshbhai Patel Scholarship:

1. Who is eligible for the scholarship?

Female students with financial constraints.

Those whose fathers succumbed to the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. What are the criteria for selection?

Household income less than Rs. 1 lakh per year.

Strong work ethic and academic potential.

3. How is the selection process conducted?

An internal committee reviews and selects applicants.

Transforming Communities with Purpose

The core purpose of initiatives led by Shree Nileshbhai Patel is to empower and support everyone who needs assistance, promoting equality and a basic standard of living. Through long-term capacity-building models, the initiatives integrate seamlessly with communities, creating a positive ripple effect.

More than just a number, the impact of these initiatives reverberates far beyond corporate success, leaving an indelible mark on the lives they touch.

Benefits of Initiatives:

Direct Impact: Over 1,37,000 families directly or indirectly reached through events and distribution drives.

Educational Empowerment: The Shree Nileshbhai Patel Girl Child Scholarship has impacted 105 girl students, ensuring their access to education.

Community Resilience: The initiatives during challenging times, including support to families in need, provided essential assistance.

In conclusion, the transformative initiatives led by Shree Nileshbhai Patel underscore the power of compassionate leadership and community-driven change. The journey from "Rasoi Se Rishton Tak" (From the Kitchen to Relationships) is not just a tagline but a lived reality, where each drop of effort contributes to a healthier and more connected society.

[billlockyer]

Which provinces may face significant financial consequences as a result of Covid Zero?

During a recent roundtable discussion in Ottawa, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said that the government is ready to launch the Covid Zero carbon-pricing scheme in all Canadian provinces. By 2030, the initiative intends to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. While the government's plans are still in the works, the program has already prompted several concerns about how this project would affect Canadians, companies, and supply chains.

The impacts of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, are spreading over the world. While most countries have made steps to reduce the spread of infections, the virus's impacts have become a worldwide issue.

The new coronavirus initially surfaced towards the end of last year in China. It has now spread to all 50 states. The World Health Organization has declared it a worldwide public health emergency. It has the potential to have a substantial economic influence on enterprises.

Tourism, travel, restaurants, and hospitality are among the most impacted businesses. However, other industries, such as retail, oil, gas, and infrastructure projects, may be impacted. Different sectors will be affected differently depending on the nature of the infection.

As the virus spreads, key European economies will be thrown off balance. The separation of China from the rest of the world may accelerate. International investors will find China less appealing.

Despite Covid Zero's economic effect, the worldwide tourist sector has rebounded. This recovery, however, is far from complete. Persistent inflation, airport labor shortages, and high energy costs impede the industry's revival. This delay has harmed nations that rely significantly on tourism.

Travel services and transportation exports have declined in countries with a high reliance on tourism. This covers airport ground services, shipping, and aircraft ground handling. The negative effect extends beyond the tourist sector and into the broader economy.

According to the World Tourism Organization, foreign visitor arrivals will fall by 73 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year. As a result, 100-120 million direct tourist jobs would be lost. Experts believe that overseas visitors will recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

China's "zero Covid" plan has already resulted in significant economic harm. It has virtually curtailed tourism to China and reduced China's competitiveness as an international destination. This technique is based on a strict quarantine system and an opaque admission authorization system. It also depends on local lockdowns.

Several reasons have led to ongoing supply chain problems. China's strategic move to establish a zero-COVID approach was among the most noteworthy. This method has helped keep manufacturing and export activity strong but has considerable drawbacks.

Despite the advantages, the zero-COVID approach is beginning to damage worldwide trust in China's industrial supply networks. It is also irreconcilable with the Chinese government's economic development goals. However, subsequent developments may compel Beijing to stick to its guns.

Global corporations are forced to diversify their supply networks due to the zero-COVID goal. This strategy includes avoiding foreign investment, decreasing exports, and diversifying suppliers. It is also forcing developing nations' export orders to move to China. Consequently, China's economy is not rising as quickly as it previously did. The zero-COVID policy also impacts China's commercial ties with the United States.

While it is unknown if the zero-COVID policy will directly influence the global supply chain, it does considerably impact worldwide economic activity.

Almost 80% of the employment lost due to Covid-19 has now been restored. On the other hand, the worldwide trajectory of the epidemic will define the recovery routes for Canadians and the economy. The government has taken major measures to assist impacted families.

The Canadian economy is exhibiting indications of robust revival. The Conference Board of Canada predicts a 4% rise in production this year. The Government of Canada's 2021 budget includes many measures, including a Tourism Relief Fund and the Major Festivals and Events Support Initiative.

Budget 2022 proposes the creation of an innovation and investment agency to help Canadian firms compete in the global economy. The organization will be autonomous from the federal government and collaborate with various Canadian sectors and enterprises to foster economic development.

The organization will also assist emerging Canadian enterprises in developing and growing. The agency will assist Canadian firms in competing and leading the globe by investing at scale.

[akhilas-stuff]

Sustainable Development Goals:

GOAL 13 AND GOAL 12

WHAT IS CLIMATE ACTION (Goal 13) ?

Climate action means stepped-up efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-induced impacts, including: climate-related hazards in all countries; integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning; and improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity with respect to climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

COVID 19 AND IT'S IMPACT ON CLIMATE ACTION (Goal 13)

As the world is struggling with the rapid-onset COVID-19 crisis, and while it is early to conclude which response strategies were the most successful, we can already start drawing some lessons to help shape our response to the slow-onset disaster of climate change. We share here seven such lessons on how to ensure that the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis will happen in a way that will still put the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement at the center of sustainable development efforts.

1. Put science and scientists first

From the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists came together to form collaborative networks beyond political lines and national borders, which has increased the efficiency and speed in research to find a cure. Similarly, policy for advancing climate action should follow science, rather than having political differences interfering with, and preventing, scientific research to be carried out. While the global response to the climate emergency is, and should continue to be, part of multilateral negotiations, science is not negotiable. Well informed climate negotiations mean unimpeded transparency and scientific cooperation, such as the one provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

2. Adopt a “whatever money it takes” approach

Investments that can save even one life, improve livelihoods and the health of ecosystems are never too much. Governments have quickly mobilized financial support to back businesses and expand welfare benefits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and this is the right thing to be done! But we often see that much-needed investments on climate action fall victim to difficult negotiations and political conflicts. An urgent fund mobilization is needed to avoid a climate catastrophe. Research shows that the climate investments needed also make great economic sense. For example, it is estimated that for every dollar invested in climate resilient infrastructure six dollars are saved.

3. Protect and improve common goods.

Over-exploitation of common goods, without consideration for the long-term needs of our next generations, has resulted in the “tragedy of the commons”, with big environmental impacts, including the zoonotic origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cases of response to the current pandemic show that previous investments by countries in public health and welfare systems have produced better results. Equally important are investments to restore clean air and water, healthy ecosystems, and other environment and climate goods, which contribute to planetary health.

4. Focus on those already left behind

The COVID-19 pandemic struck fast and affected those most vulnerable, those who had little means and access to health-care services, and those in nursing homes and homes for persons with disabilities. In the case of climate change, the ones that have been left behind include inter alia poor farmers, people who lack access to basic services, people living in slums as well as climate migrants. Climate mitigation and adaptation activities should put these and other vulnerable groups at the center of attention and response.

5. Make the global value chains climate resilient

The COVID-19 driven disruption in sectors like transport, medicine and tourism was immediate and hard. The climate crisis with its low on-set characteristics will drive at least similar if not larger implications in the value chains of main sectors. But it will likely do this over a longer time. There is an opportunity to develop systems able to increase the resilience of value chains in climate sensitive sectors; and ensure that critical commodities and services are available to all at times of climate-induced disasters. This will also impact the supply of funds and finances, which need to be directed to deal with critical situations, rather than bailing out polluting industries in decline, creating quick stimulus for sustainable and low-carbon commodities and common goods services.

6. Fix and make sustainable the food systems

The FAO has started documenting the negative impacts of COVID-19 on food security. The impacts of climate change on agriculture have also been extensively documented by the IPCC and it is evident that the most crucial global value chain that must be secured against the climate emergency is the food supply chain. Making agriculture and food systems more sustainable is not science fiction. Many policy options have been proposed and already implemented including inter alia ecological rotation of crops, robust estimation of the true cost of food, reducing food waste, fair trade, drastically reducing pesticides, decarbonizing food production and distribution systems.

7. Ensure credible information and not fake news leads the public discussion

Since the causes and risks of climate change are already well examined, documented and vetted, scientific facts and solutions need to be brought widely to the attention of the public to avoid speculations and misconstrued theories, which only cause anxiety and panic, as is happening around this novel disease. The science is unequivocal, and the advocacy should be as large as ever to make every climate denier become a climate champion.

The climate crisis may be seen as a slower moving crisis than the speed of this global pandemic, but it’s the long-term effects are likely to be far more threatening. Runaway global warming is something we do not have the science, technology or funding to solve. Without additional commitments to decarbonization, the planet is on track for a 3.2 degree global temperature rise and beyond. This is linked to an increased likelihood of pandemics, extreme weather events, droughts, flooding and widespread destabilization of global food, economic and security systems. Unchecked global warming will undo gains to address almost every sustainable development goal. It will undo economic recovery.

Today, however, global warming can be limited. As plans are formulated to help countries and communities rebuild their economies and societies, this is an opportunity to embrace renewable energy, green technology and sustainable new sectors that put the planet on a fast-track path to decarbonization.

UNEP is supporting national, regional and sub-regional policymakers and investors and to green fiscal stimulus packages and financing. UNEP is helping to prioritize “green and decent” jobs and income, investments in public wealth and social and ecological infrastructure, advance decarbonized consumption and production and drive forward responsible finance for climate stability.  

The work focuses on sectors critical to building back a strong economy: energy transition, buildings and construction, food systems, waste, and mobility, enabling the world to establish the next generation of sustainable and productive infrastructure.

It includes efforts to make trade more climate resilient and sustainable and build on lessons learned from the policies of the Global Green New Deal. UNEP is also continuing to support ongoing country actions on climate change, repurposing energy, cooling, nature-based solutions and recovery investments to align with the Paris Agreement, in collaboration with UNDP and other partners to ensure recovery plans reduce future risks from climate and nature breakdown.

UNEP is committed to supporting member states to identify and facilitate these opportunities and to support successful outcomes at the next Climate Change Conference (COP26) taking place in 2021, and the broader 2030 agenda.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION (Goal 12)

WHAT IS IT?

As defined by the Oslo Symposium in 1994, sustainable consumption and production (SCP) is about "the use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants . This goal is meant to ensure good use of resources, improving energy efficiency, sustainable infrastructure, and providing access to basic services , green and decent jobs and ensuring a better quality of life for all.

IMPACT DURING COVID-19

Unsustainable production and consumption is perpetuated by brown financing, investments and lifestyle choices. Such practices have led to a depletion of natural resources, disruption of ecosystems, resource and carbon-intensive economies and infrastructures, as well as environmental health issues and diseases.

This pandemic has shown where many of the weaknesses in our systems lie. It has proved that responsibilities to act extend from governments to private sector to civil society and individuals if we are to successfully meet environmental goals. Closed borders, availability of commodities, and confinement have forced behaviour changes worldwide.

Some of the changes have accelerated new and emerging sectors that support responsible consumption, such as online working or locally sourced production. As people return to work and schools reopen, some of these positive changes can be retained. Employers – public and private – and individuals have now tested alternative ways of working, studying and consuming at a scale that can durably leap-frog some transitions to more responsible consumption and production.

UNEP is working with partners for recovery policies and investments to incentivize circularity, an inclusive sustainable consumption driven approach and the aligning of public and private finance with shifts towards more sustainable and resilient economies and societies. This is a real opportunity to meet that demand with stimulus packages that include renewable energy, smart buildings and cities, green and public transport, sustainable food and agriculture systems, and lifestyle choices.

Taking action today to protect ecosystems on land and in water, combating global heating and including “safety first” biosecurity measures and environmental safeguards is critical. Ensuring that the knowledge and commitment to responsible consumption and production extends across all pillars of societies will be fundamental building blocks to future-proof the progress and success of all other sustainable development goals.

[xproskeith]

For those interested, this was the post I made:

“So, I really don't post much beyond personal stuff and pictures and I haven't really chimed in on masking and precautions for COVID-19 beyond a few comments on other people's posts. However, in light of the rising number of cases, the shutting down of businesses again, the statewide masking mandate, and the absurd amount of anti-mask nonsense I have seen lately, I feel I have an obligation as a nurse to make a statement.

It would seem that a lot of you don't understand what's actually going on, disease process and transmission, and how to analyze and interpret data (which in all fairness is something you have to learn to do and is rarely taught outside of science based degrees, so your ignorance isn't entirely unreasonable I suppose). As such, please allow me, someone with two bachelor of science degrees, who has assisted in conducting research in multiple fields including medicine relating to disease transmission, and who has been working the actual front line of this pandemic (and yes, we are absolutely in a pandemic. This is textbook definition) as an RN on the COVID-19 units to educate you and explain things.

First of all, there seems to be a completely incorrect belief that the flu is more deadly than COVID-19. Based on the most recent numbers as collected by the CDC, the COVID-19 survival rate in the US is roughly 95%, meaning 5% of all people who get the virus die from it and the complications it causes. The seasonal flu survival rate based on the current numbers from the CDC is roughly 99.99%, meaning only 0.01% of all people who get the flu die from it and complications that it causes That's not even remotely close. You have a much higher chance of surviving the flu.

The other major problem with just looking at the raw "survival" numbers is that it doesn't tell you about how fucked so many of the people who survive the virus are. Sure, they may survive, but their lungs are now mostly scar tissue thanks to the virus, not to mention the trauma from being on a vent for so long. As such, they often can't walk further than 5-8 feet without getting severely winded and fatigued. Many of these patients end up on dialysis because the virus destroyed their kidneys. Many have lost toes and/or fingers or had pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lungs) because the virus causes hypercoagulation of the blood and damages the endothelial cells that make up the inside of your blood vessels. This causes blood clots to form more easily inside the blood vessels, cutting off oxygen to the toes or fingers involved, ultimately killing the affected finger or toe. This is just what we have seen so far. We do not know the full extent of the lasting and permanent damages this virus will have on people

Which brings me to my next point. We do NOT have a true treatment plan for this virus. No current anti-virals are effective. Or at least not enough to be considered a real treatment. The use of typical/standard of care medicines to help with symptom management (such as ibuprofen for pain/fever and steroids to help with breathing) actually make things worse in the presence of this virus. So, we are learning as we go and doing our best to keep people alive.

There is a huge misconception that this virus does not hurt/kill/effect younger people. This is not true. We have had many teenagers, people in there 20s and 30s, who had no other health history prior to this die. We're seeing it more now thanks to people going to the beaches and bars in droves and doing these dumb "COVID parties". They're literally getting themselves killed and spreading it to others, both young and old.

Lastly, I will address wearing a mask. There is literal DECADES of research on masks and their ability to reduce the transmission of disease. That's why we use them in surgery and in the hospital in general. To prevent the spread of disease. We have been doing this long before COVID-19 and will continue to long after it's over. If that giant body of research is still not sufficient for you, you only need to look at the rest of the world where they issues masking mandates and their citizens listened. Those countries are largely reopen and not experiencing spikes like we are. That's because they're wearing masks and following recommendations. Funny how when you listen to the people who spent their entire educational career and actual career on these very topics and considered experts, things work out. It's almost like they know what they're talking about. Anyway, point is, we can see in real time how everyone wearing masks is stopping the spread and allowing these countries to reopen. Meanwhile, the US's cases continue to rise and we are forced to shut down again. Even Trump himself wore a mask. Everyone wants to complain about them shutting the economy down, but no one wants to be bothered to do something that takes ZERO effort to do so that we don't have to. The experts have told you what to do to reverse what is happening, but y'all won't listen. I mean, in some countries, they were a mask on a normal day just because they feel a little sick and don't want to get others sick. It's common courtesy.

And if you wanna argue that wearing a cloth or surgical mask makes it hard to breathe, you're wrong. There's research on this too. oxygen absorption and saturation in the blood is not impacted at all by wearing a mask, even for extended periods (y'know, like surgeons and the surgical staff do for upwards of 8 hours depending on the surgery). Any sensation or feeling that it's harder to breathe with a mask on is all in your head because you're not used to wearing a mask. Then, my favorite piece of evidence: if my fat ass can do chest compressions on a patient for 20 minutes while wearing a true N95 mask that's covered by a surgical mask, scrub cap, thick isolation gown, and eye shield and be just fine, you will be fine walking around the store and such in a simple surgical mask.

In conclusion, wearing a mask works. The research is there. The direct observation from other countries is there. There is a reason healthcare workers and epidemiologist (people who explicitly study and research diseases, disease transmission, and how to stop it) keep making these recommendations. There is literally no justifiable reason for you not to wear a mask.

One more thing worth noting is what has been the most taxing on the nurses and doctors and respiratory therapists. These patients, both young and old, deteriorate so fast. I have watched several patients who were seemingly stable and doing fine on maybe a little extra oxygen through a nasal cannula suddenly start to desat (oxygen levels in the blood dropped) and by the time we were in the room, they had already stopped breathing. During the peak of it here, we would have at least 2-3 Code Blues and another 3-6 Rapid Responses called throughout the hospital each night. And what was so shitty is that often times despite you doing everything you knew how to do and everything that those more experienced knew how to do, you could not save them. They still deteriorated. They still died. This shit is very real and very serious and y'all need to stop pretending it's not.”

All of this is based off of data and actual observation from the front lines. This is not opinion. Nothing I said is incorrect. I don’t understand.

[lemondzest]

Understanding Obesity (Part 1): Why worry about obesity?

In Brunei, 1 in 2 children are living with either overweight or obesity. This makes us top in ASEAN for child obesity. We have always strived to be top of the list, recognised in the region and all, but this is not really what we meant... It doesn’t stop there - the prevalence just keeps increasing over the years. If nothing is done soon enough, it won’t be long until we’re seeing a generation with more people living with obesity than those with normal weight. Adults don’t fare better as 63% of adults are living with excess weight (BMI>25), making us second in the region.

Why is this such an issue? Why can’t we just accept that people have different lifestyles, different body sizes, different composition of body fats, varying lifespan and so on? Why can’t we just embrace individuality? Why is obesity worth our undue attention?

Impact on Physical Health

Firstly, living with obesity poses threat to physical health by increasing their risk of developing a range of diseases, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis (joint pain), sleep apnoea, chronic kidney disease - the list just goes on.

In children, their chances of developing asthma and musculoskeletal problems are doubled, T2 diabetes and hypertension quadrupled, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease increased by 26 times. If not addressed effectively, they are likely to carry over the health conditions into adulthood. In fact, children with obesity are around 5 times more likely to live with obesity and its related comorbidities as adults. More recently, people living with obesity has also been shown to be twice more likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 compared to those with lower BMI.

So it is rarely the case that obesity kills you. But rather, obesity skyrockets the chances of us developing these deadly complications. In fact, excess weight is one of the risk factors that ALL top three leading causes of deaths in Brunei share in common, i.e. 1) cancer, 2) cardiovascular diseases, and 3) diabetes. 

I often personally hear people disregarding obesity intervention efforts with “I’m here for a good time, not a long time”. It’s used as song titles, printed on shirts, mugs, tweeted multiple times a day and glorified like an Aristotle principle. This implies that some people are fine with dying early, as long as they are happy. However, we have to be mindful of how these complications resulting from obesity does not just reduce our life expectancy, but mainly our healthy life expectancy (years of life spent in good health). Living with sakit lutut, four hours of dialysis thrice per week, insulin jabs, medications, fatigue - these all gives rise to a significantly poorer quality of life regardless of how long you live. One might then have to rethink that ideology. 

Impact on Mental Health

Secondly, obesity also contributes to psychosocial challenges that a child or adult may face, such as:

stigma: overweight respondents were 12 times more likely, obese respondents were 37 times more likely, and severely obese respondents were 100 times more likely to report discrimination in the workplace

depression: being overweight in childhood was associated with increased risk of lifetime major depressive disorder

generally poor mental health due to binge-eating disorder, anxiety, low self-esteem and poor body image. Around 1 in 2 of bariatric surgery candidates report a history of mental health treatment.

Stigma and discrimination are pervasive among individuals with obesity who are frequently blamed for their excess weight. This argument is rendered justified by many as apparently ‘it may motivate individuals to adopt healthier behaviours’ (basically through a passive-aggressive approach). However, various research has shown that such theory is deeply flawed; direct and indirect stigmatisation towards individuals with obesity only further threatens mental and physical health, likely to adversely drive weight gain and only acts as a barrier for effective obesity interventions (here, here, here, here, and many more!!!). The rise in childhood obesity and poor mental health among children has thus been recognised as a syndemic -- two epidemics interacting synergistically and contributing to excess burden of disease within the population.

Impact on Economy

Lastly, the impacts of obesity extends beyond individual health and into the wider economy. It results in direct economic costs through substantial spending of healthcare services (UK example):

the NHS expenditure is almost double on each individual with obesity compared to those with normal BMI

estimated £5 billion per year spent on treating obesity and diabetes -- more than that spent on the police, fire service and judiciary system combined

Obesity also results in indirect economic costs extending beyond the healthcare sector, through productivity losses such as:

absenteeism: an individual with obesity takes an extra four days off per year. A total of 16 million days of absence due to obesity was reported in 2014

presenteeism: working while experiencing mental or physical health problems among individuals with obesity were reported to result in producing work of poorer quality and lower productivity in the workplace

Bottom Line

The consequences of living with obesity are not just limited to the individual’s physical health, but also their mental health and extends to the wider socioeconomic environment. Obesity has been formally classified by the World Obesity Federation (WOF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) as not just a disease, but also one of pandemic nature due to its widespread global burden. Unlike pandemics of infectious diseases where the impacts are sudden and stark - attributable to a single cause, the hidden pandemic of obesity is progressive and far more complex. It does not solely affect the respective individuals, but the whole population. It is what is known as a public health crisis.

This post might have sounded a little condescending, with me telling the world the dark side of living with obesity. Hold your horses -- please continue to read Part 2 as I talk about the causes of obesity, as only then can I convey what I am really trying to say.

* Some figures indicate relative and not absolute risk, so please interpret with caution.

** Main References:

Time to Solve Childhood Obesity An Independent Report by the Chief Medical Officer, 2019 (Professor Dame Sally Davies) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/837907/cmo-special-report-childhood-obesity-october-2019.pdf

Gene Eating by Giles Yeo

Photo: World Obesity Federation

[96thdayofrage]

The “Killer Vaccine” Worldwide. 7.9 Billion People

The Covid-19 Vaccine should be Halted and Discontinued Immediately Worldwide

“Killer Virus” or “Killer Vaccine”? 

The first question which stands out is: Do We Need a Vaccine?

The answer is NO! There is no scientific basis whatsoever which justifies the gene-edited vaccine as a means to saving lives and protecting people’s health Worldwide.

The alleged “scientific justification” for the vaccination program relies on the three simple and misleading “phrases” or “labels” which are totally invalid:

SARS-COV-2 is a “killer virus”

There is a rising Worldwide trend of covid-19 infection,

People are dying as a result of the covid-19 infection.

1. SARS-CoV-2 is “a killer virus”.

That’s the cornerstone of the 24/7 fear and media disinformation campaign upheld by persistent statements by politicians and national health authorities.

Both the peer-reviewed as well the WHO, CDC “official” definitions of SARS-CoV-2 say exactly the opposite. Their definitions of SARS-2 repeal their own lies. (For details see Appendix)

2. There is a Rising Worldwide Trend of Covid-19 infection.

This alleged trend is said to be corroborated by a rapidly increasing number of covid positive cases.

The methodology used to generate these figures is dependent upon the WHO sponsored  Real Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test, the estimates of which are tabulated Worldwide by the national health authorities.

While the estimates of the rRT-PCR have been questioned from the very outset, it is now confirmed by the WHO in a January 20, 2021 advisory that the rRT-PCR test adopted as a means to detecting the  SARS-COV-2 virus cases is TOTALLY invalid. (This pertains to Covid positive data tabulated since late January 2020). (See Appendix)

3.   People are Dying as a Result of the Covid-19 Infection.

We are told that there is a rising trend of Covid-19 mortality. Namely deaths which are allegedly the result of  the SARS-2 viral infection.

There is ample evidence that these Covid-19 related probable causes of death and the underlying data on Covid-19 mortality are manipulated by the national health authorities. Tests, autopsies and postmortems are not conducted. The mortality statistics pertaining to Covid-19 are TOTALLY invalid. (see Appendix which focusses on the US covid related mortality data )

In summary, 

1. there is no killer virus, 

2. the measurement of covid positive cases is invalid, 

3. the Covid-19 mortality data are manipulated. 

All of these statements are amply documented. For details see Appendix to this article  below.

I should mention that the so-called “emergency use” clause to justify an experimental and unapproved vaccine is also invalid. Why? Because the emergency use criterion relies on erroneous estimates of the rRT-PCR covid positive cases (fake) and Covid-19 related mortality data, both of which are invalid. (See Appendix)

The Vaccine. Hidden Agenda? 

The vaccine does not save lives nor does it contain the pandemic, because there is no pandemic. It’s a money-making operation for Big Pharma in the hundreds of billions of dollars (see data below).

Moreover, it’s not a one time vaccine jab. Several doses are contemplated. It is slated to extend over a period of at least two years.

It is applied Worldwide without exceptions. Not a single country with the exception of Burundi, Tanzania and Haiti had the courage to refuse the “killer vaccine”.

While there is no reliable evidence, it is worth noting that the presidents of Tanzania and Burundi died under mysterious circumstances.

Haiti was until recently the only country in the Western Hemisphere which refused categorically to implementing the mRNA vaccine. In a bitter irony, immediately following president Jovenel Moise’s assassination (July 7, 2021), president Joe Biden promptly sent half a million vaccine doses (and more to come) (courtesy of Uncle Sam) which were delivered by COVAX to Port au Prince six days later on July 14.

This first shipment to Haiti was  part of a US Aid program consisting of 500 million doses of the “killer vaccine” which is slated to be sent to a large number of developing countries   (For further details see below).

Mortality and Morbidity: While there is no “Killer Virus”, there is a “Killer Vaccine”.

The evidence is overwhelming. At the time of writing, almost 20,000 Covid vaccine deaths have been recorded in the European Union (July 17, 2021). In the US the number of registered vaccine related deaths is of the order of 12,000 (July 9, 2021).

According to the EudraVigilance database (July 17, 2021) there were  18,928 deaths and 1,823,219 injuries reported following injections of four experimental COVID-19 shots.

COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE MODERNA (CX-024414)

COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE PFIZER-BIONTECH

COVID-19 VACCINE ASTRAZENECA (CHADOX1 NCOV-19)

COVID-19 VACCINE JANSSEN (AD26.COV2.S)

From the total of injuries recorded in the EU, “half of them (904,609) are serious injuries“. According to EuroViligance (quoted by by Brian Shilhavy):

“Seriousness … can be classified as ‘serious’ if it corresponds to a medical occurrence that results in death, is life-threatening, requires inpatient hospitalisation, results in another medically important condition, or prolongation of existing hospitalisation, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, or is a congenital anomaly/birth defect.”

These are official statistics based on a formal process of registration of deaths and “adverse effects”. The actual number of deaths and injuries triggered by the mRNA vaccine are much higher. Less than ten percent of the victims or families of the deceased will go through the tedious process of reporting vaccine related deaths and injuries to the national health authorities.

According to the latest “official” figures for the EU, Britain and the US (combined), there are 31,389 Covid-19 vaccine related deaths and almost 5 million injuries.

EU/EEA/Switzerland to 17 July 2021 – 18,928 Covid-19 injection related deaths and over 1.8 million injuries, per EudraVigilance Database.

UK to 7 July 2021 -1,470 Covid-19 injection related deaths and over 1 million injuries, per MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

USA to 9 July 2021 – 10,991 Covid-19 injection related deaths and over 2 million injuries, per VAERS database.

TOTAL for EU/UK/USA – 31,389 Covid-19 injection related deaths and almost 5 million injuries reported so far in July 2021.

Hidden Injuries: The Microscopic Blood Clots

The persons vaccinated will not be immediately aware of the injuries incurred. The latter in most cases are not discernible,  nor are they recorded. While “Big Blood Clots” resulting from the vaccine are revealed and reported by those vaccinated, an important study by Canada’s Dr. Charles Hoffe, suggests (yet to be fully confirmed) that the mRNA vaccine generates “microscopic blood clots”.

“The blood clots we hear about which the media claim are very rare are the big blood clots which are the ones that cause strokes and show up on CT scans, MRI, etc.

The clots I’m talking about are microscopic and too small to find on any scan. They can thus only be detected using the D-dimer test.”

“These people have no idea they are even having these microscopic blood clots. The most alarming part of this is that there are some parts of the body like the brain, spinal cord, heart and lungs which cannot re-generate. When those tissues are damaged by blood clots they are permanently damaged.

“These shots are causing huge damage and the worst is yet to come.”

Big Pharma. Pfizer’s Near Global Monopoly

Hundreds of billions of dollars are at stake. This is the largest and most expensive vaccine project in World history which is slated to be financed by tax dollars Worldwide, putting an obvious strain on the public debt of numerous countries.

The vaccine program is accompanied by a “timeline”  consisting of recurrent mRNA inoculations over “the next two years and beyond”. As documented above, it will have devastating impacts on mortality and morbidity Worldwide.

What is at stake is a multi-billion dollar Big Money operation for Big Pharma with Pfizer in the lead.

Pfizer-BioNTech (allied with Moderna Inc) is in the process of consolidating its Worldwide (near monopoly) position  by pushing out its major competitors including AstraZenaka and Johnson and Johnson (J & J).

Pfizer has been pressuring politicians to endorse their mRNA vaccine. It’s political lobbying is also directed against its Big Pharma competitors. According to Bureau Investigates report:

One official who was present in the unnamed country’s negotiations described Pfizer’s demands as “high-level bullying” and said the government felt like it was being “held to ransom” in order to access life-saving vaccines.

Ironically, in the EU, the reported deaths and injuries were used by the European Commission to cancel the renewal of the contract with AstraZeneka, despite the fact that there were substantially more deaths and injuries associated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In April 2021, the EU Commission confirmed that it would “end AstraZeneca and J&J vaccine contracts at expiry”.  “The Pfizer shot will take precedence”. Never mind your followup dose with AstraZeneka, the health authorities have instructed people to get their second or third jab with Pfizer or Moderna (thereby visibly violating medical norms).

Having sidelined its competitors, Pfizer-BioNTech has jacked up the price of the vaccine vial. Pfizer has literally cornered both the EU and US markets. A near global vaccine monopoly is in the making.

The European Union

In mid-April 2021 the President of the European Commission confirmed that Brussels is in process of negotiating  a contract with Pfizer for the production of 1.8 billion mRNA vaccine doses, which represents 23 percent of the World’s population.

That’s exactly four times the population of the 27 member states of the European Union (448 Million, 2021 data), which confirms that several followup doses of the “killer vaccine” are envisaged, despite the trend in mortality and morbidity which the governments and the media are attempting to suppress as part of a  hideous disinformation campaign.

Pfizer and the US Market

A similar pattern is occurring in the US and Canada. In July 2020, Pfizer signed a $1.95 billion contract with the U.S. government for 100 million doses. And then in December 2020 another 100 million doses were delivered.

In Canada, another 35 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine vials are slated to be delivered.

And now July 2021 the Biden administration has ordered 200 million more doses of the Pfizer vaccine. “for children’s shots and possible boosters”

But that’s not all: in early June 2021, Biden ordered 500 million Pfizer-BionTech doses of the “killer virus” to be sent as “US Aid” to developing countries (courtesy of Uncle Sam).

In most Western countries including the US and Canada, the retail price of the vaccine is “Free”.

In the US, a total of 900 million doses of Pfizer-BionTech vaccine vials is Big Money for Big Pharma: Massive profits for Pfizer, all of which are slated to be financed by tax revenues coupled with a dramatic expansion of the US public debt.

In the first quarter of  2021 (January through March 2021), the gross revenues accruing to Pfizer and Moderna were as follows:

#1. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. U.S. sales were $2.038 billion; global sales were $5.833 billion.

#2. Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. U.S. sales, $1.358 billion; global sales, $1.733 billion.

Recently announced (23 July 2021), Pfizer has jacked up the price of its vaccine vial from $19.50 to $28.00.

Multiply $28.00 by three vaccine doses per person for a World population of 7.9 billion, What do you get?

This is not an estimate, it’s an “order of magnitude”: 663.6 billion dollars  ($28.00 x 3 x 7.9 billion = $663.6 billion).

It is all for a good cause: save lives?

We are talking about a multi-billion dollar operation at tax payers expense, which has resulted in a pattern of vaccine related deaths and injuries. And the governments are fully aware of what is happening.

Pfizer’s Criminal Record

Is Pfizer “a reliable partner” as claimed by the EU Commission President van der Leyen?

A global vaccine monopoly is unfolding controlled by a company which has a criminal record (2009) with the US Department of Justice.

It was not the routine civil class action law suit waged against the pharmaceutical industry. It was a criminal indictment for “fraudulent marketing”.  While there were no arrests, Pfizer was so to speak “Put on Parole” under a US DOJ indictment.

In a historic US Department of Justice decision in September 2009, Pfizer Inc. pleaded guilty to criminal charges. It was “The Largest Health Care Fraud Settlement” in the History of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Pfizer to Acquire A Near Monopoly of the Global Covid Vaccine Market

And now among all major Big Pharma actors, it’s a company with a criminal record which has established a de facto near monopoly at a World Level.

Can we trust a Big Pharma vaccine conglomerate which pleaded guilty to criminal charges by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) including “fraudulent marketing” and “felony violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act”?

‘Fraudulent marketing” in the case of the Pfizer-BioNTech’s  “killer vaccine” is a gross understatement. What is Value of   Human Life? It does not have a monetary value.

Can we trust the politicians in high office who granted these multibillion Euro/dollar contracts to Pfizer, which are funded by tax revenues.

Is this a “mistake” on the part of the national health authorities? The experimental mRNA “vaccine” has resulted in an upward trend in  mortality and morbidity Worldwide. Meanwhile, Big Pharma profits are in the hundreds of billions.

And governments, acting on behalf of Big Pharma are pressuring people to get vaccinated to no avail imposing penalties to those who refuse.

National health authorities claim that the Covid-19 “vaccine” will save lives. That’s a lie.

Do we Know What’s inside the Pfizer Vaccine Vial?

The causes of vaccine related deaths and injuries have not been addressed by the health authorities.

What is inside the vaccine vial? National health authorities have not made public the results of their lab exams. It is unclear as to whether those lab exams of the vaccine vials have been conducted.

Below is a review of  the analysis and laboratory research conducted by the independent Quinta Columna Spanish team.

Graphene Oxide Nano-particules

According to lab exams conducted by the Spanish Quinta Columna research team, graphene oxide nano-particles have been detected in the vial of the Pfizer mRNA vaccine.

The results of their research (analysis by electron microscopy and spectroscopy) are far-reaching. Graphene oxide is a toxin which triggers thrombi and blood coagulation. It also has an impact on the immune system. Graphene oxide accumulated in the lungs can have devastating impacts.

[architectnews]

"The home of the future is looking a lot like the home of the past"

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many to rethink how they use their homes. Director of London's Museum of the Home Sonia Solicari outlines six ways that future homes could be informed by the past.

Lockdowns have challenged how we think and feel about our homes. At the heart of many conversations about the future is the issue of increased home working. How can design adapt to changing needs and behaviours? What will we gain and what will we leave behind?

How can we move beyond the home/work binary when our historic built environment reinforces the difference between public office space and private domestic experience, and how desirable is the constant digital accessibility of work?

Working from home is not a recent phenomenon. Throughout history, both paid and unpaid work has been carried out in the home – skilled crafts, food production, childcare, home-schooling, taking in sewing or ironing.

Working from home is not a recent phenomenon

Increasingly, these crucial transactions became unaccounted for in our understanding of what work means in all its gender division – suits and briefcases, buses and trains. However, offices and commuting are a recent invention. They are a product of the nineteenth century: the growth of the suburbs, the rise of white-collar work and the striving for greater administrative efficiencies.

Whole cities have grown up to support this norm and home life has become defined in contrast to our other lives. Now digital platforms are again blurring the boundaries and fuelling the home-based economy. When we think about home/work solutions we still think about office-based activity transported to the home, but what about a home designed for, say, an Etsy trader, with kitchen tables that become workbenches?

At the Museum of the Home, these are some of the issues we're revealing and rethinking. We are exploring everyday experiences of lockdown with our Stay Home collecting project, and looking at the history of the UK home with fresh eyes that examine the socio-economic changes that have shifted the ways we live.

Home/Work: A New Future, is also the challenge posed by the inaugural Davidson Prize, for which I have the pleasure of being part of the selection panel. It seeks "thought-provoking ideas that help inform debate about working from home".

What is striking is that many of the emerging themes are not new problems, but those that we have been grappling with for centuries: social networks and connectivity; modular, agile and flexible solutions to multi-use spaces; biophilia and reconnecting with the outside world; making the most of underused space in our cities.

I've seen enough of the history of the home not to be sentimental

In this respect, the home of the future is looking a lot like the past. We've been here before, but how can we overthrow ingrained historical ways of living to embrace something very different and do we even want to? Will we even have a choice?

I've seen enough of the history of the home not to be sentimental. Physically demanding and reliant on many socio-economic practices that we find abhorrent today, the historic UK home is an uncomfortable place to dwell. Within living memory were mind-blowing levels of daily grind just to keep and maintain a functioning space.

We're also now assessing the impact of Covid from increasingly unstable ground. The things we thought we knew about the history of the home – largely underpinned by a triumphant and linear Industrial Revolution narrative – are under scrutiny.

Many of the domestic game-changers that "liberated" the western home, such as clean running water and electricity, are now being weighed against their wider environmental impact and the recognition that not everyone has benefited equally from the supposed march of progress. Just looking at the UK, social injustice still underpins domestic life, with a growing gap between rich and poor, sub-standard housing practices and homes that struggle to support an ageing population.

The history of socially networked living living is an intriguing feature of both past and new spaces

But the past is also a story of human resilience in the face of seismic change, and of communities finding innovative solutions to problems. Many of these have been tried and tested – sometimes centuries ago.

Some of these ideas could be revisited, with new materials and fresh perspectives, to take the things that worked and turn them into something future-proof.

The Museum of the Home explores the history of the urban home from the 1600s to the present day and beyond. It's a lot of ground to cover, something which allows us to dip in and out of history, mining for inspiration and making connections, rather than attempting to provide an encyclopaedic account of what is often both an individual and a collective experience. The history of socially networked living is an intriguing feature of both past and new spaces, such as the House for Artists model, and some of the Davidson Prize entries that search for the answer in communal and shared spaces inside and outside the home.

The good and the bad news is that these are not new problems

The anxiety-inducing reality of many of our homes is that they are often cramped and inefficient spaces that seem wholly unsuited to a changing world, especially one in which the direction of travel seems uncertain.

The good and the bad news is that these are not new problems, and the solutions may not need to be completely original. The history of the home offers glimmers of ideas that might, just might, offer future solutions – rethought, reformed and regenerated for future living.

So, where might we find past inspiration?

The hybrid hall

Entering the home of a London merchant in the 1630s, the space known as "the hall" was a flexible and agile site of intergenerational, hybrid activity. The term was used to describe the main living space, where members of the family and household spent much of their time.

Inventories from the time show items of flexible furniture in a semi-public space, where business meetings took place, children were home-schooled, servants may have slept and parties would have happened. The hall needed to adapt quickly from bedroom to family hub and from day to evening.

The co-working coffee house

The urban coffee houses that grew in numbers from the early 1700s supported a working life that was not yet concentrated in offices. These spaces were designed for business, with many associated with particular trades.

Some of them had an entrance fee, mirroring the modern co-working model. The future home will rely on changes in the wider city – spaces that provide opportunities for work as well as leisure.

Communal living

The growth of charitable housing from the 1700s offers some interesting solutions to the networked living question. Our museum's almshouses would have housed up to 50 pensioners at one time in accommodation similar to the modern bedsit: space for sleeping, eating and limited cooking, with communal spaces for washing, laundry, gardening and recreation.

These weren't work/home environments, as the inhabitants were predominantly retired, but the model for living was based on a wider economy that supported more pared-down design and provision. Communal bakehouses allowed you to either bake your own or pay a small fee to the baker, and a lively street trade with itinerant food sellers meant the pensioners did not need to go far to find a meal.

Bay windows 

With opportunities for everyday interaction at risk from remote working, the Victorian bay window is also worth another look. Some of the Davidson Prize submissions explore the area that extends out from the building as space that is underused and easily segregated to create either privacy or connectivity, depending on need.

Bays were the perfect location for the nineteenth-century houseplant mania and terrarium-based biophilia. The Victorians knew the calming effects of birdsong in their urban homes – elaborate bird cages were often proudly mounted in the window. Bays brought the outside in but also projected domestic identity from the inside out.

Cosy corners

Contrasting and complementing the opening-up afforded by the bay window, the cosy corner was another fascinating Victorian craze – foretelling some modern-day rooms-within-rooms solutions.

Cosy corners were usually semi-permanent, built, padded and draped spaces designed to create privacy in shared homes. They typically were used for activities like reading or quiet conversation. The corners could be purchased pre-fabricated from catalogues, and are such an intriguing trend in the history of the home that we've recreated one in our new galleries.

Pod living

All of this is not even to touch on the recurring retro-futurism of the pod: the perennial, modernist, modular solution to our home/work crisis. From 1960s bubble domes to the multitude of uses found for shipping containers, the pod promises us stripped-back flexibility, but, aside from the garden shed and the caravan, they always remained out of reach as a mainstream domestic option and almost more important as an idea than a reality.

A re-examination of the potential of pod living or working is surely due serious consideration, as an urban evolution towards something more mobile and miniaturised, aided by digital smart technologies and a cloud-based existence.

Sonia Solicari is a British curator who has been director of the Museum of the Home since 2017. As director, she has overseen the museum's redevelopment. The revamped museum reopens to the public 12 June.

Photo is from the Museum of the Home's Stay Home collecting project.

The post "The home of the future is looking a lot like the home of the past" appeared first on Dezeen.

[stephenmccull]

Without a Pandemic Safety Net, Immigrants Living in US Illegally Fall Through the Cracks

Ana’s 9-year-old son was the first in the family to come down with symptoms that looked like covid-19 last March. Soon after, the 37-year-old unauthorized immigrant and three of her other children, including a daughter with asthma, struggled to breathe.

This story also ran on Time. It can be republished for free.

For the next three weeks, the family fought the illness in isolation — Ana clutching the top of door frames to catch her breath — while friends and neighbors left food on the porch of their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ana and her children never took tests to confirm they caught the coronavirus, but the pressure in her lungs, the fever, the headache and the loss of smell and taste convinced her it couldn’t be anything else.

“It was horrible,” said Ana, a Colorado resident for more than two decades who requested her last name not be used because of her immigration status. “We had to lay on the floor to breathe.”

Nearly a year later, the effects of the virus go far beyond nagging shortness of breath for Ana. She lost her job cleaning houses when she got sick last March, so she couldn’t pay rent. A local nonprofit’s cash assistance funded by some federal covid relief helped her catch up in the fall, but she still had no work and fell behind on rent again. Her landlord finally threw the family out of their home at the beginning of January with 30 hours’ notice, she said.

Ana is one the nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. without legal permission, who are particularly vulnerable to the economic fallout wrought by the pandemic and have no direct access to the billions of dollars in federal pandemic relief over the past year. An estimated 4 in 5 of them work essential jobs that put them at high risk to catch the covid virus. They are also more likely to suffer the economic consequences, even with protections in place — such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction moratorium, extended through March — because they fear that reaching out for help or reporting landlords could lead to deportation or detention.

President Joe Biden’s inauguration brought some encouraging news, as he’s said he wants to create a path for citizenship for many of the nation’s undocumented immigrants. He also said they should be able to be vaccinated against covid without worrying that they will be arrested and deported.

Even though the covid vaccines are available to everyone no matter their citizenship, a distrust of government and law enforcement in the immigrant community and a lack of culturally competent vaccination information and even misinformation have made some undocumented immigrants reluctant to come forward early in the vaccination rollout.

Even if Biden makes good on his pledge of equitable access to a vaccine, unauthorized U.S. residents continue to have no direct access to billions of dollars in federal pandemic relief. The issue was brought up again on March 6 when Republican Sen. Ted Cruz claimed Biden’s new $1.9 trillion aid package would send stimulus checks to every illegal alien in America. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin clarified that undocumented immigrants don’t qualify for checks in the measure that passed the Senate. The House was set to take up the Senate’s changes on Tuesday.

Advocacy groups have argued for “inclusive” aid packages that provide direct aid to as many immigrants as possible no matter citizenship status, and while a few states set up aid for the undocumented, it’s not nearly enough, according to Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center.

“Immigration status shouldn’t be the gatekeeper to any of these programs. It really ultimately is about need and ensuring that families have the economic stability, to not only survive, but to get through this pandemic that all of us are impacted by,” Hincapié says. “Eighty percent of undocumented immigrants are working as essential workers. We are relying on them, and yet are denying their families this basic support that everyone else is getting.”

Couples with mixed immigration status — in which only one partner is a U.S. citizen — were also blocked from aid until December. They can now apply for stimulus payments retroactively but will still receive less than couples who are U.S. citizens. Though the change made millions more families eligible for some aid, couples in which both partners are undocumented immigrants also have not received stimulus payments for their children even if their children were born in the U.S. and are citizens. A group of families sued the Trump administration in May 2020 after it excluded children in the first COVID-19 aid package known as the CARES Act. The Department of Justice under the Biden administration has continued to defend the policy and has asked a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit. A decision is pending.

Meanwhile, in February, eight Senate Democrats, including John Hickenlooper of Colorado, voted in favor of a budget amendment that continues to block both documented and undocumented immigrants who pay taxes using ITINs (individual taxpayer identification numbers) from receiving direct relief. (A Social Security number is a requirement for federal pandemic aid, which means immigrants who pay taxes with ITINs can’t qualify.) After getting blowback for his vote from Colorado’s immigration rights community and a letter from the Colorado ACLU accused the senator of breaking campaign promises to stand with immigrants, Hickenlooper met with community members and released a statement to a local news station: “I recognize how this vote has distorted that important fact and fed dangerous and damaging narratives about the undocumented community. … I remain committed to working together to finally achieve a comprehensive fix for our broken immigration system, including a pathway to citizenship.”

Hincapié calls the vote “morally unconscionable.” “The pandemic has shown how interdependent we are and that this is a time in our nation to make sure we’re taking care of everyone. It’s the only way we’re going to get out of this,” she said. “There is no recovery without including immigrants.”

Nearly half of the nearly 11 million immigrants living illegally in the United States (including some 190,000 in Colorado) pay taxes, according to the American Immigration Council, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization. In Colorado, they paid an estimated $272.8 million in federal taxes and $156.5 million in state and local taxes in 2018. According to the IRS, ITIN filers nationwide pay over $9 billion in annual payroll taxes.

The Migration Policy Institute, a nonprofit think tank in Washington, D.C., reported in January that 9.3 million unauthorized immigrants whose income meets the threshold for covid aid are blocked from accessing it, and also can’t apply for federal programs that provide cash and food assistance. It reported that undocumented people represent more than half of the workers in the hardest-hit industries, such as meatpacking, the restaurant business, health care and child care.

The Colorado nonprofit that provided Ana with rental assistance, Servicios de la Raza, received applications from 300 families for rental help. The group could assist only 51 of them, said Julissa Soto, the group’s director of statewide programs. Soto, who used to be undocumented herself, said she knows of at least 30 undocumented families that are homeless because of the pandemic in El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs. She said she is frustrated by a lack of action by Colorado’s political leaders to address the problem.

“My community is starving and getting evicted, and this is because we are undocumented and we don’t exist,” she said. “No one wants to talk about the undocumented community.”

It’s unclear how many people living illegally across the nation have been evicted during the pandemic. One reason for the uncertainty is because they often leave the moment a landlord threatens to kick them out to avoid going to eviction court and risking deportation, immigration advocates say. As a result, landlords can often evict undocumented people without ever officially filing in civil court and without following the state and federal rules, so there is no paper trail to track.

“Rather than go to court and assert their rights, they just move out,” said Zach Neumann, founder of the Colorado COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project. “They often do so in a way that’s really disruptive to their families and their lives.”

Ana’s landlord evicted her at the end of her lease exploiting a loophole in the federal eviction moratorium that allows evictions when leases expire. She said her landlord threatened to call the police, so she left as quickly as possible. The short time frame her landlord set does not follow Colorado law, which allows tenants 10 days to appeal an eviction in court or leave the property after official notice is given.

A phone number listed for the landlord, AB Property Management, was disconnected, and multiple attempts to contact the owners of Ana’s past rental property were unsuccessful.

Though President Joe Biden’s proposed emergency pandemic aid package mentions ensuring vaccine access to Americans “regardless of their immigration status,” there is no similar statement included for the $30 billion proposed in rental and critical energy and water assistance, or extended unemployment benefits or individual stimulus checks..

California and New York City developed payment programs for undocumented residents. But despite having an undocumented population of almost 200,000 — accounting for about 3% of the state’s population in 2016 — Colorado has no financial aid program to address that community.

Ana and her children are now sleeping on the floor in a friend’s unfurnished spare room. She recently found a cleaning job that pays $300 a week. It’s not much, but she’s thankful to have it after nine months of looking for work. She’s still terrified of losing her kids if social-service workers find out the family is homeless.

“This is not living. This is just surviving. Let’s be clear. This is just surviving, and I want to live. I want a house for my kids,” she said.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

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Without a Pandemic Safety Net, Immigrants Living in US Illegally Fall Through the Cracks published first on https://smartdrinkingweb.weebly.com/

[timespakistan]

Suspended in the sky | Art & Culture | thenews.com.pk Naazish Ataullah: ‘Pause’ Some unfamiliar billboards are now visible against Lahore’s skyline. Instead of selling a product, or promoting a service, offering new housing opportunities, supporting a political party, advocating a cause or celebrating a hero or leader; these hoardings have no direct message, or no message at all. These suspended-from-the-sky rectangles advertise something more complex, and sublime: art. A project “initiated by the Lahore Biennale Foundation (LBF) and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to exhibit artworks of 16 artists at various locations in Lahore as homage to the city and its citizens”. Works by these artists (seven created especially for the occasion) were printed on a large scale to fit billboards, and remained on view from November 24 to December 4. Imagine the reaction of a passer-by, a rider, a driver, a traveller, who happens to set his or her eyes on these huge ‘pictures’ at any hour of the day or the night. These works are different from the routine language of commercials and ads. They neither display a dazzling product, nor a charming model. So, what do they communicate? For example, what does Imran Qureshi’s work say? It has a blood-drenched fabric in the background and the torso of the artist, with a (golden) mask on his face. Another is Salima Hashmi’s A Poem for Zainab, a largely abstract painting with the artist’s mouth stifled behind a piece of cloth. Faiza Butt’s Jester is a portrait of a grimacing man with a snake around his neck and a butterfly on his forehead, in the centre of a stark background. Wardha Shabbir’s Oran-Chard, the orchard against bright orange surface, echoes Indian miniature paintings, particularly of Rajasthan School. With this project, the LBF has introduced a new version of public art. In the past ‘public art’ was perceived and attempted in diverse ways. In a country, where so-called high art is so marginalised, it is difficult to come to terms with public art as practiced in other societies. Here one needs to redefine (and redeem) terms likw ‘public’ and ‘art’. In a sense, what we see in our midst, in the form of celebratory decorations, transport paintings, wall graffiti, arrangements of flowers, fruits and vegetables at vendors’ stalls, pricey pans and pots lined on a rack in some village house, even arms captured by the police and neatly displayed for the press can be called public art; even though neither the ‘makers’ nor the ‘watchers’ are conscious of all this being art. A number of artists and collectives have tried to bring art to the public realm. By and large, some of these endeavours were for artists rather than for general population. These efforts were mainly for catalogues, grants, etc. Or to contest the elitist pursuit tag for art. In recent years, the situation has changed remarkably, with Karachi and Lahore having their independent biennales. Unlike Venice Biennale’s regular structures (or Sharjah’s designated quarters), our biennales lack specific locations. So every time the display sites have been shifted, varied, extended, to reach deep into the heart of the city – a feature that has brought art to the public arena. Now we see a step forward: artworks on billboards are not placed in a historic building, a cultural centre, a park, or even in a congested bazaar. Instead of occupying urban spots, these have assumed the public diction and space. Some of the works, which corresponded to the vocabulary of billboard advertisement were more powerful – and relevant compared to those blown up visuals of orthodox ‘high art’. Further investigation might reveal that the language of public art is a peculiar one, particularly in commercial hoardings. It grabs your attention with the product, then allures you through its beauty and impresses you by its grandeur. Hence most advertisements – even those selling mundane or local items use English. However, some gadgets from the West prefer to add flavour of the vernacular tongue (in Roman letters). In this situation, a message written in Urdu text is as far removed from public eye as an abstract imagery reproduced on a large scale. On the other hand, works which incorporated the language of everyday, commented on issues that a vast public could associate with (beyond the city, beyond the country) or were placed at sites that complemented or provided a context. They appeared more effective and lasting (in memory). For instance, Imran Qureshi’s image of him wearing a mask of gold, and the text: ‘Still/Breathing’, refers to survival in contemporary conditions: pandemic, smog, besides echoing George Floyd’s now unforgettable last words. Qureshi used the format of any other commercial hoarding by adding a model (the artist). Yet the expanse of blood at the back and the presence of the mask convey the uncanniness of the visual. Naazish Ataullah’s Pause had a similarly great impact due to its selective pictorial material. Covered with the texture of a fabric (actually an enlarged print) it has a single word ‘pause’ above its symbol as seen on our digital devices. For its simplicity, and by employing an easily accessed image, the work alluded to the break that the planet had because of Covid-19. When we look back at the year 2020, we realize that the entire period was a pause in our private histories, marked for our struggle to survive. Ataullah’s work, though linked to current conditions, has the potential to survive, because its pictorial elements extend its meaning and relevance. Some of these billboards, even though not created for specific sites, seemed to be connected with their neighbourhood. For example, installed on a high pole, Ajaz Anwar’s Basant, with its kite filled canvas, gave the illusion/glimpse of a segment of the sky. Likewise, Ali Kazim’s Conference of the Birds, initially a delicate watercolour shown at Karachi Biennale ’02, was on the top of a building. So the birds in flight on the surface did appear to be flying in the air. Atif Khan’s Bridge on the Canal, fixed on a newly-built flyover, connected two bridges: a real location and one from art work. Ruby Chishti’s rags-layered balcony (derived from a traditional Lahori house) was installed in an area known for such architectural detail. Probably the most spectacular work in this group was by Hamra Abbas. Color was put at a busy crossroads. You started noticing it while driving towards the junction. It was appreciated and enjoyed by most ordinary citizens for its clarity, brilliance and composition. The image, besides being abstract – and rooted in the artist’s previous works (Kaaba Picture as A Misprint) had the potential to attract general public, who might not understand it but admired the expanse of colours. Abbas’s work touches an elementary chord of human psyche, which responds to Kant’s notion of ‘disinterested beauty’, much like when we take pleasure in looking at flowers. All these colourful fields (like flowerbeds) produced by artists were elevated in mid sky bringing back a line of Pablo Neruda’s poem (quoted by Arundhati Roy in her essay on translation) “In what language does rain fall over tormented cities?”. Roy had another response to the question but after experiencing the LBF project, one could confidently answer: in the language of art. The writer is an art critic based in Lahore. https://timespakistan.com/suspended-in-the-sky-art-culture-thenews-com-pk/6284/

[janekira2]

The Scoop: health insurance news – November 11, 2020

In this edition

Oral arguments heard by Supreme Court in California v. Texas

Open enrollment underway nationwide; nothing has changed due to SCOTUS case

Medical loss ratio rebates totaled $2.46 billion this fall, with more than $1.7 billion paid to individual-market consumers

Healthcare reform under the Biden administration

Oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court in California v. Texas

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in California v. Texas yesterday. You can listen to the arguments on C-Span, or read some of the excellent live-tweeting threads, including one from SCOTUSblog and another from Matthew Cortland, an attorney and healthcare/disability rights activist. And at Health Affairs, Katie Keith has a detailed overview of the case itself.

We won’t have a definitive answer from the justices until sometime next spring, and it’s always wise to remember that we can’t draw precise conclusions from oral arguments. But the general consensus is that it appears that the Court will uphold the ACA. This is the perspective taken by a wide range of experts, including SCOTUSblog, right-leaning law professor Jonathan Adler, and Andy Slavitt, who served as the acting head of CMS during the Obama administration.

But it will be several months before we know for sure how this case will end. Between now and then, the Biden administration will take office but will not be able to do anything unilaterally to protect the ACA from this lawsuit. And because of financial constraints, state governments – even those that have taken steps to enshrine various ACA consumer protections into state law – would not be able to protect the millions of Americans who rely on expanded Medicaid and premium subsidies. But if Democrats win both seats in Georgia’s runoff Senate elections in early January, it’s possible that a 50-50 Senate, together with the House, could work out legislation that could prevent millions of people from losing their health coverage in event that the Supreme Court does end up invalidating the ACA.

It also has to be noted, however, that even though the prospect of the ACA being overturned appears somewhat unlikely at this point, the impact of a ruling against the ACA would be devastating. And it would likely be felt almost immediately (ie, by mid-2021) if nothing can be done legislatively to protect the ACA.

Open enrollment updates: Nothing has changed due to SCOTUS case

The ACA has been in the news constantly in recent days as a result of the California v. Texas lawsuit – this is the third year in a row that this lawsuit has caused heightened anxiety during the open enrollment period about the future of the ACA. (During the previous two open enrollment periods, Americans were awaiting lower courts’ rulings in the case; they came in December both years.)

Our 2021 Open Enrollment Guide: Everything you need to know to enroll in an affordable individual-market health plan.

But despite the uncertainty that the lawsuit is causing, nothing is changing about the enrollment process for 2021 coverage, or the availability of financial assistance for the health plans that take effect January 1. Open enrollment is underway nationwide; if you need to buy or renew your own health coverage for 2021 and haven’t yet begun the process, check out our guide to the current open enrollment period for answers to your questions.

It’s early in the open enrollment window, so we’re still waiting for widespread data in terms of how many people are enrolling. But HealthSherpa, an enhanced direct enrollment web broker that only sells ACA-compliant coverage, announced that they had enrolled over 200,000 people in the first six days, and that 95 percent of them had qualified for premium subsidies. They noted that the enrollment volume was nearly double what they had in the same time period last year.

And two of the fully state-run exchanges have put out enrollment reports so far: Connecticut’s exchange reported 1,279 new enrollees in the first six days, and Washington’s exchange reported that 2,400 new enrollees had selected plans in the first five days, with 30 percent of them signing up for Washington’s new Cascade Care public option plans. Both states also had thousands of renewals; we’ll know later in the open enrollment window how total enrollment volume is shaping up in comparison with prior years.

Open enrollment continues through December 15 in most states. But in Washington, DC and ten states, the enrollment window has been extended, with deadlines that range from late December to late January.

MLR rebates totaled $2.46 billion this fall; more than $1.7 billion went to individual-market consumers

We have known for months that record-high medical loss ratio rebates would be issued in the fall of 2020. Insurers sent out those rebates in September (some sent them earlier), so individuals and employers who were owed rebates have already received them. But CMS made the official data publicly available late last week. Insurers rebated a total of nearly $2.46 billion this year, which was by far the highest total since the MLR rebate program began.

And although only about 6 percent of Americans are covered under individual-market health plans, more than $1.7 billion of that rebate total was sent to individual-market enrollees. (This was very much in line with a prediction Charles Gaba made over a year ago.) A total of 11.2 million consumers received rebates in 2020, and nearly 5.2 million of them had individual-market coverage.

Healthcare reform under the Biden administration

President-elect Joe Biden will take office in January, inheriting some particularly dire circumstances due to the COVID pandemic. He will also be leading a bitterly divided government where bipartisan solutions have been few and far between in recent years. So what can we expect in terms of healthcare reform in 2021 and beyond?

The Biden/Harris healthcare reform proposal is ambitious, and much of it would require Congressional approval, which is unlikely if Congressional control remains divided. But Georgetown University’s Sabrina Corlette, Kevin Lucia, and JoAnn Volk have laid out a clear explanation of various ways that the Biden administration could take fairly swift action on healthcare reform. This includes measures to improve the country’s response to the COVID pandemic, new administrative rules to reverse the Trump administration’s various measures that undercut the ACA, and additional changes that could further strengthen the ACA’s consumer protections.

And at the state level, Andrew Sprung explains how states could use 1332 waivers to improve health insurance access and affordability, incorporating the assumption that the Biden administration will retighten the 1332 waiver requirements, after they were relaxed by the Trump administration.

Louise Norris is an individual health insurance broker who has been writing about health insurance and health reform since 2006. She has written dozens of opinions and educational pieces about the Affordable Care Act for healthinsurance.org. Her state health exchange updates are regularly cited by media who cover health reform and by other health insurance experts.

The post The Scoop: health insurance news – November 11, 2020 appeared first on healthinsurance.org.

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[architectnews]

"The home of the future is looking a lot like the home of the past"

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many to rethink how they use their homes. Director of London's Museum of the Home Sonia Solicari outlines six ways that future homes could be informed by the past.

Lockdowns have challenged how we think and feel about our homes. At the heart of many conversations about the future is the issue of increased home working. How can design adapt to changing needs and behaviours? What will we gain and what will we leave behind?

How can we move beyond the home/work binary when our historic built environment reinforces the difference between public office space and private domestic experience, and how desirable is the constant digital accessibility of work?

Working from home is not a recent phenomenon. Throughout history, both paid and unpaid work has been carried out in the home – skilled crafts, food production, childcare, home-schooling, taking in sewing or ironing.

Working from home is not a recent phenomenon

Increasingly, these crucial transactions became unaccounted for in our understanding of what work means in all its gender division – suits and briefcases, buses and trains. However, offices and commuting are a recent invention. They are a product of the nineteenth century: the growth of the suburbs, the rise of white-collar work and the striving for greater administrative efficiencies.

Whole cities have grown up to support this norm and home life has become defined in contrast to our other lives. Now digital platforms are again blurring the boundaries and fuelling the home-based economy. When we think about home/work solutions we still think about office-based activity transported to the home, but what about a home designed for, say, an Etsy trader, with kitchen tables that become workbenches?

At the Museum of the Home, these are some of the issues we're revealing and rethinking. We are exploring everyday experiences of lockdown with our Stay Home collecting project, and looking at the history of the UK home with fresh eyes that examine the socio-economic changes that have shifted the ways we live.

Home/Work: A New Future, is also the challenge posed by the inaugural Davidson Prize, for which I have the pleasure of being part of the selection panel. It seeks "thought-provoking ideas that help inform debate about working from home".

What is striking is that many of the emerging themes are not new problems, but those that we have been grappling with for centuries: social networks and connectivity; modular, agile and flexible solutions to multi-use spaces; biophilia and reconnecting with the outside world; making the most of underused space in our cities.

I've seen enough of the history of the home not to be sentimental

In this respect, the home of the future is looking a lot like the past. We've been here before, but how can we overthrow ingrained historical ways of living to embrace something very different and do we even want to? Will we even have a choice?

I've seen enough of the history of the home not to be sentimental. Physically demanding and reliant on many socio-economic practices that we find abhorrent today, the historic UK home is an uncomfortable place to dwell. Within living memory were mind-blowing levels of daily grind just to keep and maintain a functioning space.

We're also now assessing the impact of Covid from increasingly unstable ground. The things we thought we knew about the history of the home – largely underpinned by a triumphant and linear Industrial Revolution narrative – are under scrutiny.

Many of the domestic game-changers that "liberated" the western home, such as clean running water and electricity, are now being weighed against their wider environmental impact and the recognition that not everyone has benefited equally from the supposed march of progress. Just looking at the UK, social injustice still underpins domestic life, with a growing gap between rich and poor, sub-standard housing practices and homes that struggle to support an ageing population.

The history of socially networked living living is an intriguing feature of both past and new spaces

But the past is also a story of human resilience in the face of seismic change, and of communities finding innovative solutions to problems. Many of these have been tried and tested – sometimes centuries ago.

Some of these ideas could be revisited, with new materials and fresh perspectives, to take the things that worked and turn them into something future-proof.

The Museum of the Home explores the history of the urban home from the 1600s to the present day and beyond. It's a lot of ground to cover, something which allows us to dip in and out of history, mining for inspiration and making connections, rather than attempting to provide an encyclopaedic account of what is often both an individual and a collective experience. The history of socially networked living is an intriguing feature of both past and new spaces, such as the House for Artists model, and some of the Davidson Prize entries that search for the answer in communal and shared spaces inside and outside the home.

The good and the bad news is that these are not new problems

The anxiety-inducing reality of many of our homes is that they are often cramped and inefficient spaces that seem wholly unsuited to a changing world, especially one in which the direction of travel seems uncertain.

The good and the bad news is that these are not new problems, and the solutions may not need to be completely original. The history of the home offers glimmers of ideas that might, just might, offer future solutions – rethought, reformed and regenerated for future living.

So, where might we find past inspiration?

The hybrid hall

Entering the home of a London merchant in the 1630s, the space known as "the hall" was a flexible and agile site of intergenerational, hybrid activity. The term was used to describe the main living space, where members of the family and household spent much of their time.

Inventories from the time show items of flexible furniture in a semi-public space, where business meetings took place, children were home-schooled, servants may have slept and parties would have happened. The hall needed to adapt quickly from bedroom to family hub and from day to evening.

The co-working coffee house

The urban coffee houses that grew in numbers from the early 1700s supported a working life that was not yet concentrated in offices. These spaces were designed for business, with many associated with particular trades.

Some of them had an entrance fee, mirroring the modern co-working model. The future home will rely on changes in the wider city – spaces that provide opportunities for work as well as leisure.

Communal living

The growth of charitable housing from the 1700s offers some interesting solutions to the networked living question. Our museum's almshouses would have housed up to 50 pensioners at one time in accommodation similar to the modern bedsit: space for sleeping, eating and limited cooking, with communal spaces for washing, laundry, gardening and recreation.

These weren't work/home environments, as the inhabitants were predominantly retired, but the model for living was based on a wider economy that supported more pared-down design and provision. Communal bakehouses allowed you to either bake your own or pay a small fee to the baker, and a lively street trade with itinerant food sellers meant the pensioners did not need to go far to find a meal.

Bay windows 

With opportunities for everyday interaction at risk from remote working, the Victorian bay window is also worth another look. Some of the Davidson Prize submissions explore the area that extends out from the building as space that is underused and easily segregated to create either privacy or connectivity, depending on need.

Bays were the perfect location for the nineteenth-century houseplant mania and terrarium-based biophilia. The Victorians knew the calming effects of birdsong in their urban homes – elaborate bird cages were often proudly mounted in the window. Bays brought the outside in but also projected domestic identity from the inside out.

Cosy corners

Contrasting and complementing the opening-up afforded by the bay window, the cosy corner was another fascinating Victorian craze – foretelling some modern-day rooms-within-rooms solutions.

Cosy corners were usually semi-permanent, built, padded and draped spaces designed to create privacy in shared homes. They typically were used for activities like reading or quiet conversation. The corners could be purchased pre-fabricated from catalogues, and are such an intriguing trend in the history of the home that we've recreated one in our new galleries.

Pod living

All of this is not even to touch on the recurring retro-futurism of the pod: the perennial, modernist, modular solution to our home/work crisis. From 1960s bubble domes to the multitude of uses found for shipping containers, the pod promises us stripped-back flexibility, but, aside from the garden shed and the caravan, they always remained out of reach as a mainstream domestic option and almost more important as an idea than a reality.

A re-examination of the potential of pod living or working is surely due serious consideration, as an urban evolution towards something more mobile and miniaturised, aided by digital smart technologies and a cloud-based existence.

Sonia Solicari is a British curator who has been director of the Museum of the Home since 2017. As director, she has overseen the museum's redevelopment. The revamped museum reopens to the public 12 June.

Photo is from the Museum of the Home's Stay Home collecting project.

The post "The home of the future is looking a lot like the home of the past" appeared first on Dezeen.

[khalilhumam]

USDFC Monitor: A Q&A with Senator Chris Coons

New Post has been published on http://khalilhumam.com/usdfc-monitor-a-qa-with-senator-chris-coons/

USDFC Monitor: A Q&A with Senator Chris Coons

This week marks two years since the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act was signed into law—establishing the new US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Officially, DFC is in its tenth month of operation—with most of that time characterized by unprecedented global crisis. While reflecting on DFC’s progress in implementing its core development mandate, and confronting the challenges posed the COVID-19 pandemic, we reached out to Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), a lead sponsor of the BUILD Act and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. We asked Senator Coons for his take on how the newest US development agency is faring and what he hopes to see in DFC’s future. That exchange follows.

Q: The BUILD Act directs DFC to prioritize investments in low and lower-middle income countries and to focus on development impact. How do you see DFC's performance relative to that mandate so far? What is the agency getting right, and where do you see room for growth?

I am pleased with the progress that the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has made so far. First of all, I enjoy working with the talented and dedicated leadership team. Simply put, there are well-qualified, highly capable people throughout the ranks of the DFC. Adam Boehler, Edward Burrier, and Andy Herscowitz are doing great work, and I appreciate the way in which they keep me and my staff informed. I am also excited to see the esteemed group that the DFC has selected for its Development Advisory Council including the former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce, and the CEO of CARE USA Michelle Nunn. There are other top-notch members of the council and I look forward to working with them to build upon the initial success of the DFC. It is important to remember that the DFC’s investments are not always going to achieve results overnight, and the new agency began operating only ten months ago in October 2019. But the initial signs are encouraging. The Board approved a series of projects in March worth almost $900 million, and another $1 billion in June. DFC projects support women’s empowerment through the 2X Women’s Initiative which has mobilized more than $4.5 billion for women-owned businesses in Africa, Latin America, and the Indo-Pacific. I am pleased to see the DFC beginning to review more investments, and I like the use of the Impact Quotient development impact measurement tool. We need to continue to monitor the agency's work and the DFC must maintain its development focus. Investments in low-income countries and fragile states are difficult. That is why Congress saw fit to modernize our government’s development finance institution to give it the new tools and the expanded scope it needed to be effective in today’s world. Deals in sub-Saharan Africa and the under-developed parts of South Asia, Latin America, or the Indo-Pacific require patience, persistence, and dogged diplomatic engagement from US government personnel outside of the DFC. I want to see the DFC stay true to its legislative mandate and pursue those difficult projects. Its portfolio should be diverse, and the occasional investment in Eastern or Central Europe is fine, but I want to see this agency push the envelope and take risks with the goal of helping to transform societies through catalytic investments. Finally, I think it is important that the DFC steer clear of political issues that too often divide our country. The DFC was created through the passage of the bipartisan BUILD Act, and I hope that the agency can use what resources it has to fulfill Congressional intent and prove its concept so it can receive additional support from members of both parties in both chambers of Congress in the future.

Q: The BUILD Act gave DFC equity authority but, for technical budget scoring reasons, DFC has been unable to deploy this new instrument in large volumes. Is fixing the equity scoring issue critical for DFC to achieve its development mandate?

As one of the authors of the BUILD Act, I pushed for the establishment of the equity authority because I believe that investments in equity as opposed to debt can really help the United States and other stakeholders drive successful development outcomes and improve the return we see on our investment. Other members of Congress and other important stakeholders in the executive branch remain skeptical of equity investments because of the risk involved. As a result, they are reluctant to see the equity authority receive more flexible treatment and scoring. Congress and the DFC should work together to make sure that an exciting, innovative instrument like the DFC’s equity authority is used to achieve the greatest impact possible. As the DFC makes more equity investments, the Congress and the American people can evaluate the effectiveness of this new tool. If it is used well, the DFC can make a more compelling case that it deserves more resources. I look forward to working with other members to expand the authority as the concept is proven to be successful.

Q: DFC is coming of age in a period of unprecedented global crises. The COVID-19 pandemic is unleashing one of the most severe economic downturns in recent memory. A food crisis is potentially looming around the corner, not to mention the climate crisis—the intensity of which will only increase. What is DFC's role in a crisis-ridden world? Do you envision the agency taking part in crisis response on any of these fronts?

Leaders and policymakers throughout the US government need to determine how they can use their tools and authorities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and the associated economic crisis and food shortages—which will only be made worse by climate change—demand a coherent, coordinated strategy that examines all sources of American influence. The DFC should work with the State Department, USAID, and other agencies to ensure that we are using the right method of US assistance in the right place and at the right time. The DFC is a new agency, and many members of Congress are asking it to do a lot with limited resources. Some want to see the DFC be America’s alternative to China’s Belt-Road Initiative; others want to see the DFC counter Russia’s energy diplomacy through our own Three Seas Initiative. Members want the DFC to address the needs of Northern Triangle countries by stabilizing their societies and preventing migrants from fleeing towards our southern border, and still others want to see the DFC support Prosper Africa and businesses owned by women. On top of these priorities, there is the potential for the DFC to help rebuild our global health system in response to the pandemic. I do envision the agency taking part in crisis response to COVID-19 and future global challenges, but I also want to make sure it does not become over-extended by taking on additional missions beyond the scope and intent of the BUILD Act.