Thursday, June 18, 2020

A Hard Fall

Down for the Count,

Martin Gugino, the 75 year old man, protesting in Buffalo week before last, who was shoved in the chest by riot police, took steps back and fell (off camera) DID have a basilar skull fracture from that fall. I was dubious, since the steps back, as he lowered himself, looked fairly controlled. A statement Tuesday by his lawyer makes it clear that he did have a skull fracture and cannot walk properly as a result. This confirms my initial impression when apparent blood came from his right ear. I had reconsidered that impression, looking at how he lay still and calm, with smartphone in hand, and considering how mild the fall looked. Others had also questioned whether this was a real injury. It was. This has been brought up by a couple of correspondents, and may have been an unvoiced concern to others.
I do not want to be a partisan. I want to find out the truth, and share useful information, so that we can cooperatively rebuild our human economy, in a way that respects our place in nature. I think we can be good stewards of life on Earth.
​  ​In a recent statement to CNN, Gugino’s attorney Kelly Zarcone revealed that Gugino suffered a skull fracture due to the unnecessary violence of the police officers that day, and Gugino is currently unable to walk. According to Zarcone, Gugino remains in rehabilitation.
“I am not at liberty to elaborate at this time other than to confirm that his skull was fractured,” Zarcone said. “While he is not able to walk yet, we were able to have a short conversation before he became too tired. He is appreciative of all of the concern about him but he is still focused on the issues rather than himself.”


​Ranking of places to catch coronavirus by likelihood puts bars and big indoor concerts first, followed by sports stadiums, gyms, amusement parks, churches and buffets. 
It's reducing tiers of risk from there. 
Libraries/museums, grocery stores, hotels and golf courses are just above self-serve gas stations.

How likely are kids to get COVID-19? Still no answer except "somewhat less and usually milder". 
We'll know for sure by Thanksgiving, won't we?

For the Immunologically inclined, here is a good summary of immune system responses and stages of response to coronavirus. The innate immune response is the first line of defense, and may stop the virus in the nose for many people, sometimes without even developing an antibody response. If the virus gets into the system, like lungs or gut, then the adaptive immune response has to protect the body, mounting an antibody response in time. There is a lot of complex activity by the white blood cells, too. Sometimes it can't find the elusive virus, and other times, it may go too far, attack too widely, and cause death by "cytokine storm".

Closing Time, an essay by an English Mom who came through coronavirus infection in the same part of town where her grandparents and great grandparents walked, and survived the 1918 flu. Reflections upon humanity.

 Engaged in Life

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for leading with the Martin Gugino piece today. I'm close to the catholic workers up here in New York state and knew you had it wrong the first time, but easily gave you the benefit of the doubt. It was difficult to tell what happened in the video. I deeply appreciate your fair-minded and measured take on all the most controversial topics. I also love seeing the pics of your garden.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Uriel, for divining my honest intentions.
      To remain honest, I have to post self-corrections sometimes.

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