From  Worldometer  (new  COVID-19 deaths yesterday):     DAY    USA    WORLD      Brazil      India      South Africa June     9     1093     4732         1185        246       82 July    22      1205     7128         1293      1120     572 Aug    12      1504     6556        1242        835     130 Sept     9      1208      6222       1136       1168       82 Oct     21      1225      6849         571        703       85 Nov    25       2304    12025        620        518      118 Dec     30      3880    14748       1224       299      465 Jan      14       4142    15512          1151        189      712 Feb      3       4005    14265       1209       107      398 Mar     2        1989     9490        1726       110      194 April   6         906     11787         4211       631       37 May    4         853     13667        3025     3786      59   June   1         287    10637         2346      3205      95  July   7          251      8440        1595        817      411 Aug    

  Before I get into the very dangerous Hurricane Ida approaching New Orleans, a few other news items of the day: The USA suffered yesterday with 190,370 new cases and 1304 new deaths. #2 Mexico had 835 new deaths with "only" 20,633 new cases. #2 India with 46,805 new cases had 514 new deaths. Hawaii had our worst day ever, 1035 new cases and 9 new deaths.  Interestingly enough, Florida had the highest number of new cases with 27,584, but only 8 new deaths.  Hmmm... The U.S. has now passed  100,000 evacuations  from Kabul Airport, which will come to halt on Tuesday.  Lots of fears, but no particularly serious after-attacks. The NCAA women's volleyball season began yesterday with Hawaii beating Fairfield, and will play Marquette tonight, with Texas A&M tomorrow.  Two stars were first year freshmen. The NCAA football season began today, with Hawaii at UCLA in the Rose Bowl on ESPN. So on to  Hurricane Ida , at this writing only a Category 1.  However, all projections sho

The trends are pretty clear that both the USA and World show declines in COVID-19 cases and deaths.  More details tomorrow. Fat Tuesday is the English translation of the French  Mardi Gras   (which is today ).  While some may still dress up, New Orleans will have no parades, with bars closed. Brazil, too, has canceled Carnival, for the first time since 1912.  They consistently rank #2 to the USA in COVID-19 deaths/day.  Ever wonder why this country celebrates Fat Tuesday?  Brazil was "discovered" by Portuguese diplomat Pedro Cabral on his way to what he hoped would be India in 1500.  Portugal is 81% Roman Catholic. Surprisingly enough, Mardi Gras next year will be on March 1.  Why?   Fat Tuesday is always the day before Ash Wednesday, which next year will be on March 2.   Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins, occurs six and a half weeks before Easter.   Why this name?  Relates to placing repentance ashes on your forehead.   Three days earlier was Palm Sunday, when palms were burn