COVID-19: Weekly Summary (July 28 - August 03, 2025)

Checking in on the Summer COVID Season

So, I was reading this post by Caitlin Rivers about how things are going with COVID-19 and other viruses this summer. It's like a mixed bag, you know? On one hand, outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms are way down, which is good news. But then, you have places like Hawaii and Florida where things are heating up a bit. It's like when you think you've got everything under control, and then, bam, something unexpected pops up. And it's not just COVID-19; there's also talk about RSV and even a Salmonella outbreak. Makes you wonder what the rest of the summer holds.

Steve Hsu - In No.10 with Boris and Cummings

Now, here's a twist. Alethios shares an interview with Steve Hsu, who had a front-row seat during Boris Johnson's time as Prime Minister. It's like getting a backstage pass to the political drama of Brexit and the COVID-19 response. Hsu's got this background in theoretical physics, which is pretty cool, and he talks about how complex governance can be. It's like trying to solve a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape. And there's this whole bit about the Western Pacific and China, which adds another layer to the story.

What Can The Smallpox Vaccines Teach Us About COVID Vax Injuries?

A Midwestern Doctor dives into the history of smallpox vaccines and draws some parallels with the COVID-19 vaccines. It's like looking at the past to understand the present. The post suggests that maybe we've been too quick to rely on vaccines as the magic bullet for infectious diseases. There's this idea of 'vaccinosis,' which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it's about the long-term effects of vaccines. Makes you think about how much we really know about the stuff we're putting into our bodies.

They Really Need to Rethink the 'Ethics' Part of 'Bioethics'

Tom Knighton takes a swing at some bioethicists who have this wild idea about breeding ticks to make people allergic to meat. It's like something out of a dystopian novel, right? The whole thing raises questions about what we consider ethical and whether it's okay to force dietary choices on people. It's a bit like trying to tell someone they can't have their morning coffee because it's not ethical. You can imagine the uproar.

Lab Leak Fever

Philipp Markolin, PhD has this book called 'Lab Leak Fever,' and it's all about the controversies around where COVID-19 came from. It's like a detective story, with misinformation playing the villain. The book's release faced some hurdles, which makes you wonder about the power of information and who controls it. There's a serialized release of chapters, so if you're into unraveling mysteries, this might be your cup of tea.

Chapter 3 - The Overfitting Monkey

Continuing with the theme of origins, Philipp Markolin, PhD explores the scientific investigation into whether COVID-19 came from a lab or nature. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, with conspiracy theories muddying the waters. The post talks about cognitive biases and how they shape our understanding. It's a bit like seeing patterns in clouds—sometimes they're there, sometimes they're not.

Chapter 2 - Early Drums of War

In another chapter, Philipp Markolin, PhD takes us back to the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan. It's a mix of politics, science, and misinformation. There's this tension between transparency and control, which feels like a tightrope walk. The post highlights the role of scientists and the challenges they faced, which is a reminder of how complex the situation was.

Coffee Break: COVID-19 and Cancer, NIH Weaponized Against the People, Consciousness, AI and the Internet, and Famine

Naked Capitalism covers a lot of ground in this post. There's talk about how COVID-19 might reactivate dormant cancer cells, which is a bit unsettling. Then there's the NIH and its funding controversies, which feels like a bureaucratic maze. The post also touches on consciousness and AI, which is like diving into the deep end of a philosophical pool. And let's not forget the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which adds a sobering note to the mix.

The Economy? He Died Five Years Ago.

Dave Rupert has this take on the global economy, saying it basically died during the pandemic and has been on life support ever since. It's like a car running on fumes, with stimulus measures keeping it going. The post critiques the focus on short-term profits and calls for investment in unconventional ideas. It's a bit like saying we need to plant seeds for the future instead of just picking the low-hanging fruit.

Links 8/2/2025

In this post, Naked Capitalism touches on a bunch of global issues. There's the radioactive treatment of rhino horns, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. Then there's the impact of weight loss drugs on cosmetic procedures, which feels like a modern-day twist on the fountain of youth. And of course, there's COVID-19, with its long-term effects and vaccination rates. It's like a tapestry of interconnected issues, each thread pulling on the others.

Links 8/3/2025

Another post by Naked Capitalism dives into current events, from searching for aliens to a young girl solving a major math mystery. There's also talk about vaccination hesitancy and climate change, which feels like a reflection of our times. The post highlights the interconnectedness of science, politics, and social issues, which is a reminder that nothing exists in a vacuum.

How Eddington Explains Sydney Sweeney

Jason Stanford uses Ari Aster's COVID-era satire to explore American society. It's like holding up a mirror to the manipulation of public opinion through social media. There's this scene with Joaquin Phoenix as a sheriff, which feels like a metaphor for the chaos of the pandemic. The post critiques how outrage is manufactured and consumed, which is a bit like watching a soap opera unfold in real life.

So, there you have it—a whirlwind tour of recent blog discussions on COVID-19. Each post offers a unique perspective, like pieces of a puzzle that together form a bigger picture. If any of these topics piqued your interest, I'd say it's worth diving deeper into the original posts to get the full story.