Parkinson's Disease? Watch this interview

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I don’t watch TV news (okay, I don’t watch TV, but …), and I’m deeply suspicious of TV doctors who diagnose people they have never personally examined — there was too much of that going on during Trump’s time in office — so I ignored this NBC interview with a Parkinson’s expert until a radio show I do listen to ran the full thing, and … wow. The doctor, a confessed Democrat, really does appear to be a top-qualified neurologist and Parkinson’s expert, and is believable when he says that Biden’s symptoms are so classic and so obvious, that “I could diagnose him across a mall”. As a self-confessed Democrat, he says, he’s incredibly annoyed that his party had four years “to find one person out of 350 million to replace this man, and they didn’t — now it’s the day before the exam, and they’re not prepared”.

BTW, the White Hours press secretary, when asked about a Parkinson’s doctor’s eight trips to the White House that were recorded on the visitor’s log, refused to give a direct answer “to protect the privacy of the doctor (WTF?)” but did admit, “the doctor visited three times”, and repeated that several times when pressed: “He visited three times”. Because the log shows eight visits, the lawyer in me — or just because I’m an ornery skeptic — noticed that she left out either “only” or “not more than” three times. “Visted three times” does not rule out “visited only three times”, and if I were cross-examing the lady, I’d have explored her factually true, but false-by-omission claim.

If you haven’t seen or heard this interview, here it is: it’s enlightening.

I found this interesting: Wikipedia’s section on Parkinson’s includes a discussion of the neurological effects of the disease (and note: Parkinson’s is progressive, as we’ve witnessed over the past four years):

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common and range from mild disturbances to severe impairment, comprising abnormalities in cognition, mood, behavior, or thought which can interfere with daily activities, reduce quality of life, and increase the risk for admission to a nursing home. Some of them, such as depression and anxiety, are known to precede characteristic motor signs by up to several years and may herald the development of PD, while most of them worsen as the disease progresses.[37] Research indicates, that patients with more severe motor symptoms are at higher risk for any NPS. Conversely, NPS can worsen PD.[38][39]

Depression is the most common NPS and occurs in nearly half of all patients. It features low mood and lack of pleasure and is more prevalent in females. The diagnosis can be challenging, since some symptoms of depression, such as psychomotor retardation, memory problems, or altered appetite, share similarities with psychiatric signs caused by PD.[38] It may result in suicidal ideation which is more prevalent in PD. Nonetheless, suicidal attempts themselves are lower than in general population.[40]

Apathy is characterized by emotional indifference and arises in about 46 percent of cases. Diagnosis is difficult, as it may become indistinct from symptoms of depression.[38]

Anxiety disorders (AD) develop in around 43 percent of cases.[38] The most common are panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.[37] Anxiety is known to cause deterioration in the symptoms of PD.[39]

Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) is present in around 20 percent of cases[41] and comprises hallucinations, illusions and delusions. It is associated with dopaminergic drugs used to treat the motor symptoms, higher morbidity, mortality, a decrease in health-promoting behaviors, and longer nursing home stays. Additionally, it correlates with depression and may herald onset of dementia in advanced stages. Unlike other psychotic forms, PDP typically presents with a clear sensorium.[42] It might overlap with other psychiatric symptoms, making the diagnosis challenging.[43]

Impulse-control disorders (ICD) can be seen in approximately 19 percent of all patients[38] and, in the context of PD, are grouped along with compulsive behavior and dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS) within the broader spectrum of impulsive and compulsive behaviors (ICB). They are characterized by impulsivity and difficulty to control impulsive urges and are positively correlated with the use of dopamine agonists.[44]

Cognitive

Cognitive disturbances can occur in early stages or before diagnosis, and increase in prevalence and severity with duration of the disease. Ranging from mild cognitive impairment to severe Parkinson's disease dementia, they feature executive dysfunction, slowed cognitive processing speed, and disrupted perception and estimation of time.[45]

Sleep

Sleep disorders are common in PD and affect about two thirds of all patients.[46] They comprise insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and can be worsened by medication. RBD may begin years prior to the initial motor symptoms. Individual presentation of symptoms vary, although most of people affected by PD show an altered circadian rhythm at some point of disease progression.[47][48]

And a huge number of Democrats — probably a majority — agree

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CA Democrats oppose solicitation of minor legislation because it would crimp adult homosexuals’ lifestyle

Existing law requires persons convicted of certain specified crimes to annually register as a sex offender, as specified, for a term of 10, 20, or 30 years.

This bill would require a person who is 18 years of age or older, on or after January 1, 2025, is convicted of, and who has a prior conviction for, soliciting a minor, as specified, to annually register as a sex offender for a term of 10 years if, at the time of the offense, the person was more than 10 years older than the solicited minor.

[S] oliciting a minor more than 10 years younger than yourself is an LGBTQ thing, and activists are arguing against the bill saying it would unfairly target the LGBTQ community.

And a huge number of Americans — perhaps a majority — approve

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we like it!

American Justice, Biden style

Two Boeing planes crashed in a five-month period between 2018 and 2019. One was in Ethiopia, and the other was in Indonesia. The combined disasters killed 346 people.  

On Monday, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge. If a judge approves of the agreement, the Boeing company will somehow become a "convicted felon," according to Reuters. Boeing will also pay a fine of $243.6 million.

Here is the fun part. A … judge in New York City fined Trump $354 million — more than $450 million with interest — for allegedly overvaluing his Mar a-Lago home to secure a loan, which he paid back on time. There were no actual victims of Trump's supposed "crime" [and the bank that loaned the money was repaid, with profit.]Flames did not engulf and burn 346 people to death. [Yet] Trump's "crime" was worth roughly $111 million more in fines than Boeing's for killing of hundreds of people.

… [A] 75-year-old pro-lifer who lives in a wheelchair was sentenced to two years in federal prison for blocking a door at an abortion clinic. Her 74-year-old sister got the same sentence. Meanwhile, an Antifa princess was given roughly 15 months for torching a cop car in Brooklyn in honor of St. George "fentanyl" Floyd. Her partner got 12 months for helping her. The domestic terrorist also passed out Molotov cocktails to other street animals, who used them to cook whatever they chose.

Waiting for that roadside or commercial Level 3 EV charger? Not so fast.

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I get it: Tesla owners will have fast-charges installed in their mansion’s garage and possibly in the executive parking lot at their TradersRUs headquarters, and use private jets to visit their homes in Jackson’s Hole and the islands. But the great unwashed, for so long as they’re allowed to own cars, will need a place to charge their 2-seater battery cub cars, and, preferably, charge them without having to spend the night in a public charging station. And that’s a problem:

The Nationwide 500,000 EV Charger Charade

To identify the charade, one must first look at the math. 500,000 charging stations will cost the government $400 billion, not the $7.5 billion the President has promised.

By Geoffrey Pohanka

July 9, 2024

The word charade has several meanings, and including an act or event that is clearly false (Cambridge Dictionary), something done just for show (Vocabulary.com), or a situation in which people pretend that something is true when it clearly is not (Oxford Leaner’s Dictionary).

The charade I refers to is President Biden’s $7.5 billion dollar investment to install 500,000 electric charging stations along America’s highways by 2030. A reliable and convenient public EV charging infrastructure is critical to achieve the President’s goal of meeting the recent EPA CO2 emission regulation that require nearly 72% of U.S. new light vehicle sales to be fully electric or plug-in hybrid by 2032. Without diving deeper into the announcement, one would likely assume that $7.5 billion is sufficient to construct the 500,000 charging stations, one every 50 miles along the nation’s highways.

To identify the charade, one must first, look at the math: 500,000 charging stations, each with a minimum of four chargers, accomplished with an investment of $7.5 billion dollars. But that is only $15,000 per charging station, installed. A single high capacity charger can cost $100,000 or more, and most stations have multiple chargers. We are now in the second year of the program and only seven stations have been opened so far. At this rate, it will require thousands of years to build all 500,000 charging stations, assuming there are sufficient funds to do so.

Global consulting firm McKinsey and Company estimates that the U.S. will need 28 million charging ports by 2030. There are just two million charging ports today. To meet the goal, about 12,000 new public and private charging ports will need to be added every single day to reach the goal by 2030.

It is true that significantly more government funded charging stations are in the works and will be opened. The stations completed so far cost significantly more than what has been promised. With retailers contributing land to the projects opened so far, the cost of each station has averaged one-million dollars, with the government participation of 80% of the cost. Eight-hundred-thousand dollars for each station is significantly more than the 15,000 committed by the administration. At this rate, the 500,000 charging stations will cost the government $400 billion, not the $7.5 billion the President has promised.

If the administration is so wrong with this program, one must consider how many government programs designed to bring electric vehicles to the masses are similarly defective.

Geoffrey Pohanka, Chairman, Pohanka Automotive Group

Capitol Heights MD

(p.s. I own two EVs, like them, and they are my daily ride)

Is the author right? Well, I went prowling on the Internet and found several estimates of the cost of installing commercial fast-charges, two that were published by commercial suppliers who want to sell their product to customers, not dissuade them, and a third put up by a commercial management company so I accept those as objective sources, with no axe to grind either way.

Electrly: How Much Does a Commercial EV Charging Station Cost?

$80,000, plus $10-$15,000 installation per station

ElectricGear:

Level 3 Charging Station Installation Cost: Comprehensive Note

  • ElectricGear

  • March 21, 2024

Future Energy states that installing a Level 3 fast charger with a single port will cost around 40,000 US dollars. However, according to the Watt Logic report, the same will cost up to $80,000.

Looking at the above statements, it becomes evident that there is no specific formula for ascertaining the exact and actual cost of installing the said charging system. Multiple consequential factors and requirements remain intact towards increasing or decreasing installation costs. However, according to safe and rounded projections, it takes $20,000 for the parts alone and $50,000 or upwards for complete installation.

Charging station networks estimate the total cost of a Level 3 DC fast charger to be more than 50,000 US dollars, including all essential equipment and installation cost. The installation further requires a 480V transformer and a qualified technician or electrician.

These are installed with colossal power, providing almost 3-20 miles of range per minute. As opposed to Level 1 and 2 chargers which use AC, Level 3 fast chargers utilize direct current (DC) for charging electric vehicles; hence they have known DC fast chargers or superchargers.

According to the State of The Charge Report 2017, the EV charging market will likely increase by 50% by 2025, decreasing the cost considerably.

PropertyManagerInsider:

DC Fast Chargers Cost $28,000 to $140,000 Installed

 
According to a study from the International Council on Clean Transportation, DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) cost approximately $28,000 to $140,000 installed. This is the total installation cost per station. Factors that drive costs include the kW charging capacity, the brand of DC Fast Charger, sitework necessary for installation, and local labor rates. Approximate installation costs increase significantly based on the kW charging capacity of the stations:

  • Networked 50kW DCFC – $28,000

  • Networked 150kW DCFC – $75,000

  • NetWorked 350kW DCFC – $140,000

DC Fast Chargers are highly electrified pieces of industrial grade equipment. This makes every facet of installing DC Fast Chargers more expensive than AC Chargers, which typically cost around $6,000 to install. While they are expensive to install, commercial DC Fast Chargers for electric vehicles offer many benefits and are a great choice for some commercial properties including office buildings, large shopping malls, retail centers, and more.

And I thought it would be fun to ask ChatGP about the issue. Here’s its response:

Question: “Tell me the total cost of installing a commercial DC fast charger level three for EVs, including a discussion of regulatory hurdles and connection to power company lines.”

ChatGPT

Installing a commercial DC fast charger (Level 3) for electric vehicles involves several cost components and regulatory considerations. Here’s an overview:

Cost Components:

  1. Charger Equipment: The cost of the DC fast charger itself can range widely depending on the brand, model, and features. Typically, these chargers can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 or more per unit.

  2. Site Preparation: This includes civil work, such as excavation, foundation preparation, and possibly the need for electrical upgrades to support the charger. Costs can vary greatly based on the site’s existing infrastructure and conditions.

  3. Electrical Infrastructure: This involves the cost of connecting the charger to the power grid. For Level 3 chargers, significant electrical capacity is required, often necessitating upgrades to the local grid or transformer. Costs for this can range significantly depending on the distance to the nearest power supply and the capacity needed.

  4. Permitting and Regulatory Costs: Obtaining permits and meeting regulatory requirements can add to the overall cost. This includes zoning permits, electrical permits, environmental assessments (if applicable), and compliance with local building codes.

  5. Installation Labor: The cost of labor for installing the charger and associated infrastructure, including electrical work, is a significant component.

  6. Maintenance and Operational Costs: While not upfront, ongoing maintenance and operational costs should be considered, including electricity costs, maintenance contracts, and potential software updates.

Regulatory Hurdles:

  1. Permitting: Depending on the jurisdiction, obtaining permits for installing a commercial charger can be complex. Zoning laws may dictate where chargers can be installed, and electrical permits are required to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.

  2. Utility Approval: Connecting to the power grid requires approval from the local utility company. This may involve assessing the impact on the grid and ensuring that the charger installation meets technical specifications and safety standards.

  3. Environmental and Land Use Regulations: Some locations may have environmental regulations or require environmental assessments, especially if the site is near sensitive areas or involves significant construction.

  4. Accessibility and ADA Compliance: Ensuring that the charger is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, may involve additional regulatory considerations.

Connection to Power Company Lines:

Connecting a Level 3 charger to the power company’s lines requires coordination with the local utility. Here are the typical steps involved:

  • Load Assessment: The utility will assess the impact of the charger on the local grid. This includes evaluating the additional electricity demand and ensuring that the existing infrastructure can support it.

  • Utility Approval: Once the technical assessment is complete, the utility will provide approval for the connection. This often involves agreements regarding electricity rates, demand charges, and any necessary upgrades to the local infrastructure.

  • Installation: After approval, the charger installation can proceed, with the utility ensuring that all safety and technical requirements are met during the connection process.

Total Cost Estimate:

While costs can vary significantly depending on location and specific circumstances, a rough estimate for installing a single DC fast charger (Level 3) could range from $50,000 to $200,000 or more. This estimate includes the charger equipment, site preparation, electrical infrastructure upgrades, permitting costs, and installation labor. Ongoing operational costs such as electricity and maintenance should also be factored into the total cost of ownership.

In conclusion, installing a commercial DC fast charger involves substantial upfront costs and navigating through various regulatory hurdles. Working closely with local authorities and utility companies is crucial to ensure compliance and successful deployment.

Back on the market up on Airport Way

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23 Chieftans $3.850 million. These owners bought it for $2.4 million in 2013 from sellers who’d been trying to unload it, on-and-off, since 2005, when they’d started at $4.2. Those people had paid $3.050 in ‘03, so they were probably disappointed to get just $2.4 for it ten years later.

There’s nothing wrong with quality of these homes built in 2000 on the old Gimbel Estate, but the location has always worked against them. Sales have picked up since 2021, and we’re seeing prices in the high-threes now, so this will probably find a buyer. '

Perhaps to a Boeing executive who wants to be close to the crash scene the next time one of his products falls out of the sky.

Had she been killed, would the far-right press headline the story, "Second Amendment foe Sotomayor shot dead?" I think not — we have class.

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don’t shoot!

Sotomayor Bodyguard Shoots Armed Carjacker

NY POST 1:54 PM | July 09, 2024

A deputy US Marshal shot a suspected carjacker who pulled a gun on two marshals guarding Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s home in Washington, DC, officials said.

The deputies were parked outside Sotomayor’s home in northwest DC on July 5 when Kentrell Flowers, 18, allegedly walked up to one of their cars around 1:15 a.m. and pointed a gun at the bodyguard, the US Marshals Service told The Post.

The marshal drew his weapon and fired several shots at the suspect, who was arrested and treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Austere, religious scholar, vs global warming denier? No contest

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Remember*

The late Senator Inhofe was proud of his stand against the global warming hysterics, so he probably wouldn’t be at all displeased with this recognition of his resistance, but it’s a safe guess that the flying monkeys of the press who drafted headlines noting his passing didn’t intend to be complimentary.

*Mr. Baghdadi’s position on global warming was unclear, but he had other laudatory accomplishments:

As leader of IS, Baghdadi led the Islamic State's wars against Iraq and Syria. Baghdadi directed the use of controversial tactics, including the mass use of suicide bombings and the execution of prisoners of war. IS briefly captured substantial territory in Iraq and Syria, but lost all of that territory and almost all of its fighters during Baghdadi's tenure as caliph. Baghdadi would become directly involved in IS's atrocities and human rights violations. These include the genocide of Yazidis in Iraq, extensive sexual slavery, organized rape, floggings, and systematic executions. He directed terrorist activities and massacres. He embraced brutality as part of the organization's propaganda efforts, producing videos displaying sexual slavery and executions via hacking, stoning and burning.[14][15] Baghdadi was a serial rapist who kept several personal sex slaves.[16][17]

Any other killers out there worthy of glowing praise? Oh yes.

Correct

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JOHN LUCAS: Some advice for the GOP and some questions for the Dem nominee. “So that I am not misunderstood, it is important and necessary to rebut the constantly changing stories about Biden’s mental fitness for office, but that should now become a peripheral effort, not the main focus. Why? Because if Biden is replaced as the Democrat nominee, as seems increasingly likely, that issue will disappear immediately. The state media will instantly begin crowing about how wonderful Kamala is, or Gavin, or whomever the Democrats run after ousting Biden, no matter who it may be. The GOP and its supporters therefore need to keep focusing the voters now on the ball — what substantive issues will Trump support that the eventual Democrat nominee will fight?”