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Chatterbox Spring 2020

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Posted by Erik_Mag on Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:07 PM

tree68

 Unfortunately, the "Pause" was applied as a blanket to the whole state, not to the areas actually affected.

That's what I liked about Florida's approach, have the strictest measures in counties with the highest caseload and more relaxed measures in areas not as heavily hit. They also made an effort to protect the nursing homes - DeSantis comes acrosss as being much more on top of the situation than the press gives him credit for.

San Diego County gives daily updates on the numbers with one report being the total (i.e. cumulative) confirmed cases per zip code, with per capita stats for zip codes with more than 10,000 residents. My zip code has be showing 4 for at least a month. The daily new case count is only for the whole county.

Weather forecast for Memorial day weekend looks nice, high's in the low 70's and should be good beach going weather. Still can't see any harm in letting people sunbathe.

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:42 PM

blue streak 1
IMO that gives a better idea where the virus is ttaking its toll. 

That's been an issue here in NY.  Early on, fully 96% of the reported cases were in the City and surrounding counties.  Meanwhile, here in the north woods, one county has reached all of 15 confirmed cases.  

Unfortunately, the "Pause" was applied as a blanket to the whole state, not to the areas actually affected.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Thursday, May 21, 2020 6:22 PM

The state of Georgia publishes a map of state by county.  By hovering over each county you get the case rate by 100k population and also death rate by 100k.  IMO that gives a better idea where the virus is ttaking its toll.  Raw numbers are not as enlighting.  Note case rate and death rate at Albany Ga even though it is not a red county.

https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:26 PM

evening

Ns was clear after work.Ran errands in town.Matt is back to work tonight.This morning we found his graduation sign in our front yard.I also mowed the swamp when I got home.Going to see friends at Deshler on Saturday but with social distancing guidelines in place.Glad tomorrow is Friday.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by Erik_Mag on Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:04 PM

Paul_D_North_Jr

Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health has said that her criteria* for reopening each county - I've seen nothing that explains whether that means "yellow", "green", or no restrictions at all - is "not more than 50 new cases per 100,000 population in the most recent 14-day period".

San Diego County has been running about 100 new confirmed cases per day for the last couple of weeks, with a population of 3.3 million that translates into about 50 new cases per 100,000 in a 14 day period. IMHO, a better metric would be new hospital admissions or bed usage trends as the new case number depends heavily on testing. FWIW, SD county is running about 3% positive for the last few days.

Case load in SD county is heavily weighted to zip codes directly across the border from Tijuana - this is from a map in a weekly report from the SD County website. One other item of interest from the report is the median age at death associated with COVID-19 is 78 years. Case fatality rate for the 60 to 69 age group is about 4%, implying an infection fatality rate perhaps 1 to 2%. For the under 40 crowd, infection fatality rate is probably less than 0.1%.

 

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Posted by Deggesty on Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:15 PM

Most of Utah, I understand, will be "yellow" by this weekend. Salt Lake County will be "orange." The worst area is in the southeast; there is a high proportion of cases among the Diné there.

Johnny

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Posted by samfp1943 on Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:12 AM

zugmann

 

 
Paul_D_North_Jr
- I don't see the restrictions easing here until the end of June.  (Dauphin County, where the state capital is and the Patriot-News is based, was 102.)   

Don't worry - the jackasses in the state house that can't pass a budget on time to save their lives are all worked up about trying to fire the Secretary of Health, or to force everything green (that's if the local yokel morons don't set their counties to green first - at the risk of losing state money). 

 

 
  Thursday: 05/21/2020.. Out here in the 'middle'  we are going to be allowed to'ease' restrictions on Friday....Just in time to celebrate Memorial Day!  Of Course, the usual restrictions will apply. Sigh  
 Was just eating breakfast when the 2nd train since 5 AM rolled thru...3 units on head- end, solid import cans.   Followed about 10 min by a second train; 2 units on head- end. [ guess length was about 5K' (?) on both trains. But the strange thing was; at the end of the second train was a DPU with Five working units! [ it was obvious from the heavy exhausts]  and trailing it was a solid string of long string of domestic cans. 
Had not seen that large a DPU set-up on anything thru here before. Most of the 'land barges' are two or three units on  head end, one or two units in the middle and usually one [ or none] on the rear, in DPU.   
It sure looked like they had just put two trains together;  to make the second train
Would that be possibly, due to shortage of crews?  Hardly, seems likely, because the traffic is obviously down'.    Just asking.  Whistling

 

 


 

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, May 21, 2020 8:40 AM

Paul_D_North_Jr
- I don't see the restrictions easing here until the end of June.  (Dauphin County, where the state capital is and the Patriot-News is based, was 102.)  

Don't worry - the jackasses in the state house that can't pass a budget on time to save their lives are all worked up about trying to fire the Secretary of Health, or to force everything green (that's if the local yokel morons don't set their counties to green first - at the risk of losing state money). 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Thursday, May 21, 2020 8:00 AM

Pennsylvania's Secretary of Health has said that her criteria* for reopening each county - I've seen nothing that explains whether that means "yellow", "green", or no restrictions at all - is "not more than 50 new cases per 100,000 population in the most recent 14-day period".  That standard is rarely reported - probably too confusing for the sound-bite types - and until yesterday, I've not seen the actual numbers in the mainstream media (or anyplace else).  Instead, they're content to report the daily and total new cases and deaths, plus whatever else grabs their attention. 

I don't have the time to do the research, compile the data, and crunch the numbers, but yesterday one PA newspaper/ website did publish the data in that form on a county-by-county basis - the Patriot-News/ pennlive.com.  Some were zero and way below 50, but my county - Lehigh - is now at 139.2, neighboring Northampton is 156, and a couple of the suburban Philly counties - Bucks and Montgomery - were in the 160's and 170's.  All of these (and others) designated "red" on the PA state map, and if that's going to be the metric - and considering the trend line - I don't see the restrictions easing here until the end of June.  (Dauphin County, where the state capital is and the Patriot-News is based, was 102.)  

- PDN. 

EDITED TO ADD: *A couple weeks ago a Muhlenberg College professor with some expertise in public health commented that there was no consensus or basis for that particular number.  

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:40 AM

tree68
 
Erik_Mag
The main stream media has done a terrible job of covering the COVID-19 story. 

But they've done a great job of justifying all the restrictions.  Whose side are they on?

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:23 AM

Erik_Mag
The main stream media has done a terrible job of covering the COVID-19 story.

But they've done a great job of justifying all the restrictions.  Whose side are they on?

LarryWhistling
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Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Posted by Erik_Mag on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 10:25 PM

tree68

If you use the same caution/protective measures you used last December, you'll be fine.  Prevalence of this virus is now being compared to that of the flu, with better than a 99.9% survival rate.

Those numbers are true for young people, suspect infection fatality rate for our age (i'm 65) is on the order of 1% and increases greatly with age. Reports of median age of deaths typically run around 80 to 82 years. That's why Dr's Birx and Fauci told the governors that long term care facilities needed to be a central part of planning at the national governors meeting in early February.

There's still a lot to be learned on how the disease get transmitted, though looking like the majority of cases it's by small droplets given off by loud talking, singing, coughing and sneezing. There are some hints that inhaling one or very few virus particles (as opposed to droplets containing many virii) does not result in infection. Makes me wonder if the high antibody rate in prisons may be due to multiple very low level exposures, which sensitizes the immune system.

Note the "loud talking" transmission suggests that restrictions be coninued on indoor bars, but banning sunbathing at beaches does not make any sense.

The main stream media has done a terrible job of covering the COVID-19 story.

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Posted by tree68 on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 7:02 PM

Spent the day putting new planking on a 1953 flat car.  We got it down to a routine, but still only got half of it done.  Second round next week.

If you use the same caution/protective measures you used last December, you'll be fine.  Prevalence of this virus is now being compared to that of the flu, with better than a 99.9% survival rate.  In fact, now that they've figured out that ventilators were exactly the wrong treatment, it might be even more than 99.9%.  You're probably safer in the restaurant than driving to it.

Research has found that upwards of 60% of those who test positive are asymptomatic, and that as many as 15% of the population already has the antibodies.

Despite the scare tactics of the petit tyrants. this will be over before you know it.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by JoeKoh on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 4:16 PM

afternoon

Rain is done we hope.Stopped in Stryker after work.Ns sent a westbound stack train.Water is going down.Might take care of the swamp tomorrow.Getting things ready for Deshler on Saturday.Going to be different than usual for sure.Chores to do.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by MikeF90 on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 2:57 PM

Fired up my seldom used, 12 y/o Windows computer and surprisingly it was still working. Win10 updates still took an obscenely long three hours, with 8GB memory no less. Angry Noticed that my old high quality sound card is no long found by the o/s; being PCI (classic) bus based it is time to look for one based on newer tech. 

My barber isn't allowed to open up yet despite my top priority need.Surprise I was able to score a cleaning appointment with my dentist. Big Smile At last in my county we can get free COVID-19 tests within a day if we need it.

Some rural counties are opening up but I still won't go to a restaurant where most people are infected with major stupid (no facial covering!). I've no desire to risk living out my life with COPD-like symptoms, been there, seen that up close. Fear and panic, no. Abundance of caution, yes.

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Posted by diningcar on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 10:30 AM

Got my hair cut yesterday - we ate out twice but with care - staring to return to normal but need much more to get there.

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 10:13 AM

The rain did a number around here over the last few days.  Among flooding in various locations, the Com Ed substation that supplies Sears Tower was knocked out by flooding, about half of the broadcast TV channels were blacked out as a result.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by JoeKoh on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 8:18 PM

good evening

Ns was clear when I left work.Had a meeting in Deshler.Some do's and some don'ts.Going to be a tough year this year but we still have projects that need done.Hopefully the next few days we can get rid of the extra resivouirs from the rain.Also hopefully csx finishes up the crossings at Keyser and mulberry streets soon.Also got a donation of Town plot maps and township maps as well.Good reading.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by CShaveRR on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 2:28 PM

I don't think a headband would be much help for my shaggy hair at this point.  I'm well past due.

The last half-week or so has been a wet time for us, with about eight inches of rain falling in two storms (which necessitated us swabbing the dungeon after each of them).  It's still raining, and expected to rain off and on most of the week (I think those promises of 80-degree weather later this week have disappeared).  

Chicago has alread broken its record for rainfall in May.  Sunday night's rain flooded Chicago's Riverwalk and Lower Wacker Drive.  It also got into the basement of Willis Tower, knocking out a Com Ed substation and killing the transmitters of all radio and TV stations that use the antennas on top of the tower (I had to resort to streaming our favorite FM station...it's back up now, but I'm not sure whether they're using the Willis Tower antennae).

Since it's still wet and rainy out, and we can't do yard work, we're baking cookies!  (Oatmeal raisin for now; oatmeal chocolate-chip are next.)

And I'm still (between batches) attempting to work on the sightings that I got a week ago today.  Surprises in the cars' stories keep coming up, and I'm learning a lot.

Carl

Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)

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Posted by BaltACD on Monday, May 18, 2020 8:30 PM

tree68
I think our barbers and hair stylists got their reopening bumped out another week or so to June 1, and then with restrictions.  I may have to stay shaggy a little longer...

In as much as I went 16 years between hair cuts at one time, missing my bi-monthly (or so) hair cut is not a big deal.  I'll let all the 'Dapper Dons' have first crack at the sissors.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, May 18, 2020 7:50 PM

Our restaurants are supposed to be opening for eat-in in the next week or two.  It'll probably be chaos.

Most have been open for takeout.

I think our barbers and hair stylists got their reopening bumped out another week or so to June 1, and then with restrictions.  I may have to stay shaggy a little longer...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by ChuckCobleigh on Monday, May 18, 2020 4:04 PM

diningcar

Happy day at my house; Diane is getting her hair done for the 1st time in 60 days.Tonight I will take her to the Texas Road House which is now open and soliciting business. Love their 6oz fillet - medium rare.

Dropped by my barber's today; still closed, unfortunately. Now at 75 days since last cut; wife is looking online to find me some love beads and a head band. The first Texas Roadhouse in the area was about ready to open when the panic started. Really waiting to sink what's left of my choppers into a Fort Worth Ribeye myself.

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Posted by diningcar on Monday, May 18, 2020 3:21 PM

Happy day at my house; Diane is getting her hair done for the 1st time in 60 days.Tonight I will take her to the Texas Road House which is now open and soliciting business. Love their 6oz fillet - medium rare.

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Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, May 18, 2020 3:07 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear after work.Mother nature is filling the ditches today.Neighbor said they will have the driveway redone when it dries out.He is anxious for Matt to be graduated.He wants some cake.Chores to do.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Sunday, May 17, 2020 4:09 AM

Good Morning

Was updating some things then Csx sent a brand new Up engine west with q 191.Matt and I followed him to Garrett.Met some new friends at Garrett and kept the distancing rules in place.Took a picture of Grandpa,Dad and son watching csx switch the yard.Was able to go down to New Haven and catch the "Southern" unit bringing a train west.Ns has plenty of Tonka toys out to put new ties in.Going for walk this morning before the rain comes later.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Saturday, May 16, 2020 2:04 PM

afternoon

Matt and I went uptown this morning.We then went out to his school and took some pictures.I went out and looked for some trains on Csx and found a few.Also the maintainers were busy as well.Todays q 351 was only 8000 ft compared to yesterdays 14,500 ft monster.Going to update some stuff here at home.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by JoeKoh on Friday, May 15, 2020 2:56 PM

afternoon

Ns was clear when I left work.Mother Nature did send some more rain today.Messaged sis for her birthday today.Neighbor came with cookies and bad news.Our Barber decided to retire.Can't say I blame him.Tomorrow we go to the eye doctor for a checkup.

Carl didn't notice those gon's but have been seeing plenty more that have higher AIM lettering.Also Matt got his card today thank you.Also got a renewal notice for Trains as well.

Chores to do here.Matt is out with some classmates for some ice cream.Teacher was buying.

stay safe

Joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

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Posted by Paul of Covington on Friday, May 15, 2020 8:50 AM

Deggesty
Paul, I hope your house is up hihgh enough so it won't be flooded.

   My house is OK.  We've seen worse.  According to the TV weather people we got 8 to 10 inches here yesterday afternoon and night.  One TV weatherman lives about five miles from here right in the worst part of the storms, and has monitoring equipment in his yard.  He said he measured a total of 16½ inches of rain and at one point measured a rate of 7½ inches per hour.

   Some highways and roads are closed, and some houses in the area did get flooded.

_____________ 

  "A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner

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Posted by Deggesty on Friday, May 15, 2020 7:51 AM

Paul of Covington

 

 
mudchicken
OK - Who's hogging all the rain?

 

   We are.  It's been raining most of the afternoon and night, and some areas nearby are reporting over 12 inches of rain so far, and the forecasters are expecting five inches or more to come.

 

Paul, I hope your house is up hihgh enough so it won't be flooded.Smile

Johnny

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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, May 14, 2020 11:46 PM

tree68
 
rvos1979
Well, the Wisconsin Supreme court has reopened the entire state, so I guess we get to be the canary in the coal mine. 

Nope - Florida and Georgia are a week ahead of you.  So far, the measures in both states are down.

Florida and Georgia still have some restriction - not all that many, but some.  The Wisconsin SC eliminated EVERY restriction that Wisconsin had.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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