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KY_EnviroGuy
KY_EnviroGuy's Journal
KY_EnviroGuy's Journal
March 8, 2020
We probably have Americans that think potatoes originated at McDonald's......
Enjoy!.............
Short essay on the history of the humble potato.
I found this piece a welcome break from all the stress over coronavirus and the tRump infection pandemic.......
How the humble potato changed the world
Diego Arguedas Ortiz
BBC Travel
3 March 2020
Read it here: http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200302-the-true-origins-of-the-humble-potato
(snips)
The humble potato was domesticated in the South American Andes some 8,000 years ago and was only brought to Europe in the mid-1500s, from where it spread west and northwards, back to the Americas, and beyond.
“Despite its origins in the Andes, it’s an incredibly successful global food,” said food historian Rebecca Earle, who’s tracing the potato’s planetary journey in a forthcoming book called Feeding the People: The Politics of the Potato. “It’s grown practically everywhere in the world, and practically everywhere, people consider it one of ‘our foods’.”
A good place to understand its origins is the Spanish Centro Internacional de la Papaa (CIP), or International Potato Center, a research-for-development centre that researches and promotes all things potato-related. It’s set in an arid suburb in the Peruvian capital, Lima, and harbours a collection of thousands of potato samples from across the continent. “The Andes is where the biggest genetic diversity lies, but you can find potatoes from Chile to the United States,” René Gómez, senior curator at the CIP genebank, told me there.
He explained that potatoes were domesticated high in the Andes, near Lake Titicaca, nearly 1,000km south-east of Lima. Following domestication, these early potatoes spread through the cordillera and became a crucial food supply for indigenous communities, including the Inca, particularly as a staple foodstuff called chuño, a freeze-dried potato product that can last years or even decades.
“Despite its origins in the Andes, it’s an incredibly successful global food,” said food historian Rebecca Earle, who’s tracing the potato’s planetary journey in a forthcoming book called Feeding the People: The Politics of the Potato. “It’s grown practically everywhere in the world, and practically everywhere, people consider it one of ‘our foods’.”
A good place to understand its origins is the Spanish Centro Internacional de la Papaa (CIP), or International Potato Center, a research-for-development centre that researches and promotes all things potato-related. It’s set in an arid suburb in the Peruvian capital, Lima, and harbours a collection of thousands of potato samples from across the continent. “The Andes is where the biggest genetic diversity lies, but you can find potatoes from Chile to the United States,” René Gómez, senior curator at the CIP genebank, told me there.
He explained that potatoes were domesticated high in the Andes, near Lake Titicaca, nearly 1,000km south-east of Lima. Following domestication, these early potatoes spread through the cordillera and became a crucial food supply for indigenous communities, including the Inca, particularly as a staple foodstuff called chuño, a freeze-dried potato product that can last years or even decades.
We probably have Americans that think potatoes originated at McDonald's......
Enjoy!.............
March 8, 2020
Link to KY Dept. of Health Coronavirus web page: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/covid19.aspx
KY...........
(cross-posted from GD)
First coronavirus case in Kentucky/Harrison County.....
which is about 10-mi. north of Lexington (University of KY) and around 30-mi. south of metro Cincinnati and just off I-75. I believe the largest town is Cynthiana.
Gov. Beshear provides update on coronavirus: 'Dont panic. Be prepared'
First patient is a resident of Harrison County, Kentucky
Link: https://www.wlky.com/article/watch-gov-to-provide-update-on-coronavirus-in-kentucky/31269307
(snips)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update Saturday on the coronavirus.
This update comes one day after Kentucky's first confirmed case. Beshear said on Friday that a man who lives in Harrison County recently tested positive for the illness.
The man is in isolation and receiving treatment at UK's Chandler Hospital in Lexington. Beshear said the patient was first treated at Harrison Memorial Hospital. He was listed in serious condition but is improving, Beshear said.
This update comes one day after Kentucky's first confirmed case. Beshear said on Friday that a man who lives in Harrison County recently tested positive for the illness.
The man is in isolation and receiving treatment at UK's Chandler Hospital in Lexington. Beshear said the patient was first treated at Harrison Memorial Hospital. He was listed in serious condition but is improving, Beshear said.
Link to KY Dept. of Health Coronavirus web page: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/covid19.aspx
Department for Public Health COVID-19
COVID-19 Hotline 1-800-722-5725
PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 is a reportable disease in Kentucky
COVID-19 Hotline 1-800-722-5725
PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 is a reportable disease in Kentucky
KY...........
(cross-posted from GD)
March 8, 2020
Link to KY Dept. of Health Coronavirus web page: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/covid19.aspx
KY...........
First coronavirus case in Kentucky/Harrison County.....
which is about 10-mi. north of Lexington (University of KY) and around 30-mi. south of metro Cincinnati and just off I-75. I believe the largest town is Cynthiana.
Gov. Beshear provides update on coronavirus: 'Dont panic. Be prepared'
First patient is a resident of Harrison County, Kentucky
Link: https://www.wlky.com/article/watch-gov-to-provide-update-on-coronavirus-in-kentucky/31269307
(snips)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update Saturday on the coronavirus.
This update comes one day after Kentucky's first confirmed case. Beshear said on Friday that a man who lives in Harrison County recently tested positive for the illness.
The man is in isolation and receiving treatment at UK's Chandler Hospital in Lexington. Beshear said the patient was first treated at Harrison Memorial Hospital. He was listed in serious condition but is improving, Beshear said.
This update comes one day after Kentucky's first confirmed case. Beshear said on Friday that a man who lives in Harrison County recently tested positive for the illness.
The man is in isolation and receiving treatment at UK's Chandler Hospital in Lexington. Beshear said the patient was first treated at Harrison Memorial Hospital. He was listed in serious condition but is improving, Beshear said.
Link to KY Dept. of Health Coronavirus web page: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/covid19.aspx
Department for Public Health COVID-19
COVID-19 Hotline 1-800-722-5725
PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 is a reportable disease in Kentucky
COVID-19 Hotline 1-800-722-5725
PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 is a reportable disease in Kentucky
KY...........
March 7, 2020
KY..............
Shoppers brawl over toilet paper in Sydney
Perhaps a good fake sign to post on our front doors.......
'It isn't Mad Max': Police warning after shoppers brawl over toilet paper in Sydney
Police called to a western Sydney supermarket on Saturday over reports of a physical altercation
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/mar/07/it-isnt-mad-max-police-warning-after-shoppers-brawl-over-toilet-paper-in-sydney
(snip)
NSW police had to be called to a western Sydney supermarket on Saturday morning after a fight broke out among three women over toilet paper. On Saturday afternoon NSW police asked the women involved to come forward, and warned shoppers to behave themselves.
“We just ask that people don’t panic like this when they go out shopping,” NSW police acting inspector Andrew New said. “There is no need for it. It isn’t the Thunderdome, it isn’t Mad Max, we don’t need to do that. “Violence of this nature will not be tolerated and anyone involved in this behaviour may be committing an offence and find themselves before the court.
“There is no need for people to go out and panic buy at supermarkets, paracetamol and canned food or toilet paper.” Police said they were called to a Woolworths store at Chullora about 7am after reports a 49-year-old woman had been assaulted.
A video of the incident was shared on social media and showed a small group of women pushing, yelling and fighting over a shopping cart filled with toilet paper.
“We just ask that people don’t panic like this when they go out shopping,” NSW police acting inspector Andrew New said. “There is no need for it. It isn’t the Thunderdome, it isn’t Mad Max, we don’t need to do that. “Violence of this nature will not be tolerated and anyone involved in this behaviour may be committing an offence and find themselves before the court.
“There is no need for people to go out and panic buy at supermarkets, paracetamol and canned food or toilet paper.” Police said they were called to a Woolworths store at Chullora about 7am after reports a 49-year-old woman had been assaulted.
A video of the incident was shared on social media and showed a small group of women pushing, yelling and fighting over a shopping cart filled with toilet paper.
KY..............
March 6, 2020
Text:
Bottom line: Because there are no scientific studies yet done, we don't know if or how animal carriers can spread the disease so it's best to play it safe.
Coronavirus and pets: can you kiss your dog?
Text:
The Covid-19 outbreak, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has so far infected tens out thousands of people and killed more than 3,400 people globally. But what do we know about the virus and how it might affect our pets? Guardian reporter Helen Davidson answers some of the most common and pressing questions surrounding the coronavirus outbreak and whether it's still safe to kiss your pets
Bottom line: Because there are no scientific studies yet done, we don't know if or how animal carriers can spread the disease so it's best to play it safe.
March 6, 2020
The truth is out there and has been for weeks. The problem is....
in much of the world, our leaders have been in denial and are afraid of being bruised by reality. Trump is the absolute worse and he is endangering the world's people with his statements.
One huge issue with COVID-19 is that it's new and there's little scientific research on spread, prevention and cures (none known so far), so it's being dealt with on the fly. In addition, the internet and social media is being flooded with misinformation that can be as dangerous as the disease.
We do know it is very dangerous to the elderly population and to those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems.
Further, it's dangerous because 1.) we can have super-carriers that show little or no symptoms, 2.) supplies of preventative and treatment equipment is limited, 3.) because of limited proven data on how it spreads and exactly what measures prevent the spread, and 4.) the fear of a disease of this nature can throw the world economy into a tail-spin that can wreak havoc on already compromised populations in severe poverty, conflict or in need of migration.
If you go to the CDC and WHO web sites along with credible international news web sites, you will be overwhelmed with the truth.
KY..........
March 5, 2020
This site has excellent links regarding the nature of this disease as well as preventative measures, and links to other agencies.
Kentucky Department for Public Health
COVID-19
Link: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/covid19.aspx
(snip)
Found this at: https://www.wlky.com/article/this-website-gives-you-latest-update-on-coronavirus-cases-in-kentucky/31246253
(snip)
KY........
Has your state posted a web site with guidance and data on coronavirus?
If so, please post it in your state's group on DU. Here's mine......This site has excellent links regarding the nature of this disease as well as preventative measures, and links to other agencies.
Kentucky Department for Public Health
COVID-19
Link: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/covid19.aspx
(snip)
The Kentucky Department for Public Health continues to monitor closely the international situation concerning the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This respiratory disease first was detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China Dec. 31, 2019. Since then, the virus has spread throughout China and to many other countries. Kentucky public health officials are monitoring individuals who meet certain exposure criteria to limit introduction of COVID-19 to Kentucky. We also are are preparing for the possibility of the virus spreading to the commonwealth.
For the latest information and prevention updates, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 novel coronavirus site.
For the latest information and prevention updates, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 novel coronavirus site.
Found this at: https://www.wlky.com/article/this-website-gives-you-latest-update-on-coronavirus-cases-in-kentucky/31246253
(snip)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For Kentuckians trying to keep up with the latest coronavirus updates in the state, there's a portal for that. The state recently debuted a new section on the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services site dedicated to updates on COVID-19.
State officials have said they are preparing for the possibility of the virus spreading to the commonwealth. On Thursday, the first case in Tennessee was reported, making it the closest case to Kentucky thus far.
State officials have said they are preparing for the possibility of the virus spreading to the commonwealth. On Thursday, the first case in Tennessee was reported, making it the closest case to Kentucky thus far.
KY........
March 5, 2020
Found this at: https://www.wlky.com/article/this-website-gives-you-latest-update-on-coronavirus-cases-in-kentucky/31246253
(snip)
KY........
Website gives you latest updates on coronavirus in Kentucky
This site has excellent links regarding the nature of this disease as well as preventative measures, and links to other agencies.
Department for Public Health
COVID-19
Link: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/Pages/covid19.aspx
(snip)
The Kentucky Department for Public Health continues to monitor closely the international situation concerning the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This respiratory disease first was detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China Dec. 31, 2019. Since then, the virus has spread throughout China and to many other countries. Kentucky public health officials are monitoring individuals who meet certain exposure criteria to limit introduction of COVID-19 to Kentucky. We also are are preparing for the possibility of the virus spreading to the commonwealth.
For the latest information and prevention updates, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 novel coronavirus site.
For the latest information and prevention updates, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2019 novel coronavirus site.
Found this at: https://www.wlky.com/article/this-website-gives-you-latest-update-on-coronavirus-cases-in-kentucky/31246253
(snip)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For Kentuckians trying to keep up with the latest coronavirus updates in the state, there's a portal for that. The state recently debuted a new section on the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services site dedicated to updates on COVID-19.
State officials have said they are preparing for the possibility of the virus spreading to the commonwealth. On Thursday, the first case in Tennessee was reported, making it the closest case to Kentucky thus far.
State officials have said they are preparing for the possibility of the virus spreading to the commonwealth. On Thursday, the first case in Tennessee was reported, making it the closest case to Kentucky thus far.
KY........
March 5, 2020
Published: March 4, 2020 at 8:38 a.m. ET
By Jacob Passy
Some airlines waiving fees for all flights, while others are focusing on flights to regions heavily impacted by the outbreak
Read more: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/these-airlines-are-waiving-flight-change-fees-because-of-the-coronavirus-outbreak-2020-03-03?mod=home-page
(snips)
The article goes on to list policy changes of ten global airlines.
KY.............
United, Delta and seven other airlines are waiving flight change fees.....
United, Delta and seven other airlines are waiving flight change fees because of the coronavirus outbreakPublished: March 4, 2020 at 8:38 a.m. ET
By Jacob Passy
Some airlines waiving fees for all flights, while others are focusing on flights to regions heavily impacted by the outbreak
Read more: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/these-airlines-are-waiving-flight-change-fees-because-of-the-coronavirus-outbreak-2020-03-03?mod=home-page
(snips)
Travelers are changing their flight plans in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and many airlines are helping them in the process.
In recent weeks, airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights to East Asia and, more recently, northern Italy as the number of coronavirus cases grew in those regions. As of Monday, there were 89,254 cases of the illness and 3,048 people had died from the coronavirus, which first emerged in the Hubei provice of China late last year.
With public health officials in many countries advising caution against traveling to regions with high numbers of coronavirus cases, airlines have stepped in to offer waivers for fees and fare differences for travelers who reschedule flights because of health concerns.
In recent weeks, airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights to East Asia and, more recently, northern Italy as the number of coronavirus cases grew in those regions. As of Monday, there were 89,254 cases of the illness and 3,048 people had died from the coronavirus, which first emerged in the Hubei provice of China late last year.
With public health officials in many countries advising caution against traveling to regions with high numbers of coronavirus cases, airlines have stepped in to offer waivers for fees and fare differences for travelers who reschedule flights because of health concerns.
The article goes on to list policy changes of ten global airlines.
KY.............
March 5, 2020
Pomeranian tested a ‘weak positive’ for virus after owner was infected, authorities say
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/05/hong-kong-warns-residents-not-to-kiss-pets-after-dog-contracts-coronavirus
(snips)
One would suspect that until it's proven animals can't retransmit the disease back to other humans, caution is best exercised by those humans sick with it to restrict others from playing with their pets.
KY...........
Hong Kong warns residents not to kiss pets after dog contracts coronavirus
Hong Kong warns residents not to kiss pets after dog contracts coronavirusPomeranian tested a ‘weak positive’ for virus after owner was infected, authorities say
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/05/hong-kong-warns-residents-not-to-kiss-pets-after-dog-contracts-coronavirus
(snips)
The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said experts unanimously agreed the results suggested the dog had “a low-level of infection and it is likely to be a case of human-to-animal transmission”. The Pomeranian’s owner was infected with Covid-19 but the dog itself was not showing symptoms, authorities said.
Medical experts, including from the World Health Organization (WHO), had been investigating the case to determine if the dog was actually infected or had picked it up from a contaminated surface. The WHO has said there is no evidence animals like dogs or cats can be infected with the coronavirus.
+++
“Pet owners are reminded to adopt good hygiene practices (including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them) and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment,” the department said. “People who are sick should restrict contacting animals. If there are any changes in the health condition of the pets, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible.”
The Society for the Protection of Animals in Hong Kong said being infected was not the same as being infectious, and capable of spreading the virus. “While the information tells us that the dog has a low-level of infection members of the public should note that the dog is showing no symptoms whatsoever. We have been informed the dog is currently very healthy and doing well at the quarantine centre.”
The world organisation for animal health also emphasised there was no evidence pets spread the disease, or even get sick themselves.
Medical experts, including from the World Health Organization (WHO), had been investigating the case to determine if the dog was actually infected or had picked it up from a contaminated surface. The WHO has said there is no evidence animals like dogs or cats can be infected with the coronavirus.
+++
“Pet owners are reminded to adopt good hygiene practices (including hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing them) and to maintain a clean and hygienic household environment,” the department said. “People who are sick should restrict contacting animals. If there are any changes in the health condition of the pets, advice from a veterinarian should be sought as soon as possible.”
The Society for the Protection of Animals in Hong Kong said being infected was not the same as being infectious, and capable of spreading the virus. “While the information tells us that the dog has a low-level of infection members of the public should note that the dog is showing no symptoms whatsoever. We have been informed the dog is currently very healthy and doing well at the quarantine centre.”
The world organisation for animal health also emphasised there was no evidence pets spread the disease, or even get sick themselves.
One would suspect that until it's proven animals can't retransmit the disease back to other humans, caution is best exercised by those humans sick with it to restrict others from playing with their pets.
KY...........
Profile Information
Gender: MaleHometown: TN, KY
Home country: USA
Current location: KY
Member since: Thu Jul 6, 2017, 07:43 PM
Number of posts: 14,491
