COVID-19: All signs seem to indicate that the  Omicron stealth B.2 subvariant  is more contagious than B1, which has caused the recent surge of new cases.   Chances are that in a week or two or three, there will be a minor wave of new B2 cases in the USA. However, the combination of vaccinations/boosters, previously infected numbers and relatively mild symptoms will almost surely mean a continued decline of deaths.  Only 30% of Republican adults have received a booster. There is a new drug called  Evusheld  from AstraZeneca that is now available to protect unvaccinated individuals who cannot be vaccinated.  There are 850,000 doses available.  This antibody cocktail taken by injection costs $1,000, and is covered by the government.  Typical COVID-19 vaccines cost $3-$30/dose. Also, there is  Paxlovid  to prevent severe COVID illness, which is only available to those 65 and older.  Costs $530/course, which medical plans or the government will cover. The Biden Administration will most lik

The world seems to be polarizing again into two war camps:  China/Russia versus USA/Europe.  Today President Joe Biden warned President Vladimir Putin in a   virtual meeting   about Ukraine, among many other points.  More on this later week or next.  For today, I delve into how Hawaii has has been enmeshed in military affairs, and how the attack on Pearl Harbor actually worked out to my personal advantage. Hawaii is a key staging ground for war.  From starting World War II to the false alert that a  North Korean missile was heading for us  to the most serious issue facing Honolulu today, the military has long been a major factor here.  Today for example is the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.  Also today, the  Navy announced it was suspending the use of the military fuel storage facility .  Leaking fuel from their 80+-year old fuel tanks has penetrated into the city water supply system.  This is the facility that Japan mistakenly avoided bombing 80 years ago, allowing the U.S. to quic