Bear Pit: now the sole domicile of politics at LuLa

[Alan Klein]

Where and when are they being built and by whom?

It looks like you might be right.  They are denying all new fossil fuel plants in NYS.  Whatever backup they planned for the new offshore wind and other on-shore sites,  apparently won't be built.  This article refers to expanding existing fossil fuels.  But it appears the new law prevents any fossil fuel plants to be built.  It doesn't explain what happens when the wind doesn't blow.  It seems we're moving to Germany's high costs for electricity and power problems.  Considering New York has one of the highest costs already, it will just push more businesses and people to leave the state.  What fools.

The end of large gas plants? N.Y. ruling creates furor
By Ester Wells | 10/28/2021 06:16 AM EST
https://www.eenews.net/articles/the-end-of-large-gas-plants-n-y-ruling-creates-furor/

[Alan Klein]

Just like the costs of the more expensive gas peaker and load following plants are on top of the cost of nuclear and coal base load power plants.

Peaker plants don't cover the regular normal use that would be lost when the wind stops blowing.  You would still need base load fossil plants to cover that loss.

[Alan Klein]

There are test kits available. They are in short supply at the moment because the new Omicron variant has caused a run on the available supply. You can buy them yourself and many insurance companies will cover the cost. Next month, you'll be able to order them online for free provided to you by the U.S. government.

BARDA has been working with manufacturers to develop home test kits and bring them to market from the earliest stages of the pandemic until now. Now this may surprise you, but government agencies keep working day-after-day and year-after-year from one administration to another.

Thanks BARDA! Here's just one example of what they have done and continue to do for all of us.

From development: April 8, 2020...

OraSure wins BARDA contract for in-home coronavirus self-test

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/orasure-wins-BARDA-contract-for-in-home-coronavirus-self-test

• OraSure Technologies on Monday said it received a $710,310 contract from HHS' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to develop a rapid self-test for coronavirus antigens that could be administered in the home using oral fluid samples.
• OraSure said it plans to use the BARDA funds to develop the test over the next four to six months and then seek emergency use authorization from FDA to sell it on the U.S. market.
• The company said the pan-SARS-coronavirus tests, once developed and authorized, could be shipped directly to homes. The portable rapid test platform could provide results in 20 minutes.​

A reliable COVID-19 diagnostic screening able to be self-administered — if authorized and accurate —​ could be a game changer for a U.S. healthcare system stymied by a shortage of test kits. A hobbled start to comprehensive testing has put the country on the back foot in terms of tracking the next hot spots, especially compared to countries that more successfully put in place widespread testing, such as South Korea.

As the pandemic accelerated, FDA became concerned about fraudulent COVID-19 test kits marketed and warned the public it had not yet authorized any tests for the virus performed at home. The regulator said it would take action to protect consumers against "bad actors who take advantage of a crisis to deceive the public by marketing tests that pose risks to patient health."

BARDA is the federal agency tasked with speeding development of vaccines, therapies and diagnostic tests to address public health emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic. During the current crisis, it has doled out funding to companies including Hologic, which is developing a high throughput COVID-19 diagnostic test to process up to 1,000 tests in a 24-hour period​.

Thru the FDA approval process: September 23, 2021

https://globalbiodefense.com/2021/09/23/orasure-awarded-13.6 million-from-barda-to-advance-covid-19-rapid-test

BARDA renews collaboration with OraSure Technologies to support InteliSwab™ COVID-19 Rapid Test 510(k) Clearance and CLIA Waiver

BARDA and OraSure Technologies, Inc. are partnering again, this time to advance their rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance.

InteliSwab™ is a simple “swab, swirl, and see” test that uses an integrated swab to self-collect a sample from the lower nostrils. The result appears right on the test stick within 30 minutes, with no instruments, batteries, smartphone or laboratory analysis needed. It has three Emergency Use Authorizations from the Food and Drug Administration for professional point-of-care use, prescription (Rx) home use, and over-the-counter (OTC) use.

BARDA supported development of the OraSure InteliSwab test from inception through Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for over-the-counter (InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test), prescription home use (InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test Rx), and professional point-of-care use (InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test Pro). These tests received EUA in June 2021.

To something that you can get from your local store:

https://www.walmart.com/InteliSwab-COVID-19-Rapid-Antigen-Test-For-results-anytime-and-anywhere-2-Tests

Meet InteliSwab, the COVID-19 rapid antigen test that makes self-testing remarkably simple. It’s so user-friendly, it can be used anytime and anywhere, and requires less than one minute of hands-on time. InteliSwab has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization* for self-testing. You do not need to ship samples to a lab or get a prescription from your healthcare provider. This easy to use self-test requires just 3 key steps: Swab, Swirl and See your result in 30 minutes. There is no assembly required. InteliSwab makes testing so easy, you’ll know you did it right.

Apparently BARDA dropped the ball regarding test kits like FEMA dropped the ball during Hurricane Katrina.  President Bush got blamed for FEMA since he was in charge at the time.  So now President Biden gets blamed for BARDA dragging their feet.  That's how blame works.  The CEO takes the heat.

[TechTalk]

Apparently BARDA dropped the ball regarding test kits

How did BARDA drop the ball? They don't manufacture anything. They provide funding and assistance to private manufacturers to produce vaccines, diagnostics, and other needed medical supplies.

[digitaldog]

It looks like you might be right.

Might, no. Is, yes.
Now this guy, not so much:

In my old NYS, they are building multi-billion dollar fossil fuel plants to back up proposed off-shore wind generation.

[Alan Klein]

How did BARDA drop the ball? They don't manufacture anything. They provide funding and assistance to private manufacturers to produce vaccines, diagnostics, and other needed medical supplies.

The president dropped the ball.  In the end, he's responsible.  If any of his agencies screw up, it's his fault.  If he failed to push them, it's his fault.  If they failed to act, it's his fault.  If they gave him bad information that he followed, it's his fault. 

The problem with presidents and a lot of people in charge is that they like the power, to give orders.  But as soon as the crap hits the fan, they point fingers at others and blame them.  Who me?  I wasn't there, I didn't know, they didn't tell me, I was busy getting a haircut, etc etc.  Politicians are especially good at deniability. They're all phonies.

[digitaldog]

Apparently BARDA dropped the ball regarding test kits like FEMA dropped the ball during Hurricane Katrina.

How did BARDA drop the ball? They don't manufacture anything. They provide funding and assistance to private manufacturers to produce vaccines, diagnostics, and other needed medical supplies.

The key word is apparently.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apparently

used to describe something that appears to be true based on what is known.
"the child nodded, apparently content with the promise"

The child doesn't know the truth about what is known, the child assumes. Apparently the child would rather place blame on Biden.

[TechTalk]

The president dropped the ball.  In the end, he's responsible.  If any of his agencies screw up, it's his fault.  If he failed to push them, it's his fault.  If they failed to act, it's his fault.

You still haven't said what it is they failed to do. They have funded and supported the rapid development of vaccines, diagnostics, and other needed medical supplies.

Manufacturers produce them. Private individuals; insurance companies; and local, state, or federal governments purchase what the manufacturers produce.

[TechTalk]

Efforts to bring new technologies to market are continuing to be developed to save lives and protect health, as they have for several years prior to the pandemic and as they will for years to come—from one administration to the next.

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/bd-inks-barda-contract-to-develop-covid-tests-for-long-future-pandemic

Nov 1, 2021 - BD inks BARDA contract to develop COVID tests for the long future of the pandemic

BD has inked a public-private partnership with the U.S. government to ready its current lines of COVID-19 diagnostics for the long haul of the pandemic—by developing combination tests that simultaneously screen for the flu and other infectious diseases from a single sample.

This includes the company’s higher-throughput tests designed for core laboratories and hospitals as well as rapid diagnostics used at the point of care.

Under a $24.7 million contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, better known as BARDA, BD will work to obtain full FDA clearances for five diagnostic tests. The deal also includes options to extend the total to $40.3 million.

The slated tests include BD’s handheld Veritor Plus antigen diagnostic system for the coronavirus, plus influenza A and B, which received an emergency authorization from the FDA this past March. A 510(k) clearance would allow the test to be sold after the current public health emergency is deemed over and the virus moves into endemic stages.

Other tests include two panels each for the company’s BD MAX and BD COR laboratory systems—adding the ability to detect influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus and seasonal and newly emerging coronaviruses along with Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS.

"We know that COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, and we share BARDA's desire to help ensure the U.S. health care system is ready to diagnose and ultimately treat known and emerging respiratory viruses," BD’s president of life sciences, Dave Hickey, said in a statement.

"This collaboration will allow us to develop a comprehensive suite of FDA-cleared tests for use at all levels of the U.S. health care system to detect COVID-19, other respiratory pathogens and emerging coronaviruses in order to inform appropriate patient response and management," Hickey said.

Earlier this month, BD began rolling out its smartphone-based home antigen test for COVID-19, with the test available for purchase through Amazon. Developed in tandem with telehealth testing provider Scanwell Health, the two-pack of tests typically retails for about $40.

[Alan Klein]

You still haven't said what it is they failed to do. They have funded and supported the rapid development of vaccines, diagnostics, and other needed medical supplies.

Manufacturers produce them. Private individuals; insurance companies; and local, state, or federal governments purchase what the manufacturers produce.

What was BARDA waiting for?  I recall that over a year ago, there were scientists complaining how we needed more tests kits.  Why did the government wait until now to order them? Biden has been president for almost a year.  Why didn't he order BARDA to get them to order them last January or whenever they were available.   That's his responsibility. Expedite them like Trump did  That's his responsibility.

[TechTalk]

I recall that over a year ago, there were scientists complaining how we needed more tests kits.

Over a year ago? That was a different president.

[Alan Klein]

Efforts to bring new technologies to market are continuing to be developed to save lives and protect health, as they have for several years prior to the pandemic and as they will for years to come—from one administration to the next.

https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/bd-inks-barda-contract-to-develop-covid-tests-for-long-future-pandemic

Nov 1, 2021 - BD inks BARDA contract to develop COVID tests for the long future of the pandemic

BD has inked a public-private partnership with the U.S. government to ready its current lines of COVID-19 diagnostics for the long haul of the pandemic—by developing combination tests that simultaneously screen for the flu and other infectious diseases from a single sample.

This includes the company’s higher-throughput tests designed for core laboratories and hospitals as well as rapid diagnostics used at the point of care.

Under a $24.7 million contract from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, better known as BARDA, BD will work to obtain full FDA clearances for five diagnostic tests. The deal also includes options to extend the total to $40.3 million.

The slated tests include BD’s handheld Veritor Plus antigen diagnostic system for the coronavirus, plus influenza A and B, which received an emergency authorization from the FDA this past March. A 510(k) clearance would allow the test to be sold after the current public health emergency is deemed over and the virus moves into endemic stages.

Other tests include two panels each for the company’s BD MAX and BD COR laboratory systems—adding the ability to detect influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus and seasonal and newly emerging coronaviruses along with Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS.

"We know that COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, and we share BARDA's desire to help ensure the U.S. health care system is ready to diagnose and ultimately treat known and emerging respiratory viruses," BD’s president of life sciences, Dave Hickey, said in a statement.

"This collaboration will allow us to develop a comprehensive suite of FDA-cleared tests for use at all levels of the U.S. health care system to detect COVID-19, other respiratory pathogens and emerging coronaviruses in order to inform appropriate patient response and management," Hickey said.

Earlier this month, BD began rolling out its smartphone-based home antigen test for COVID-19, with the test available for purchase through Amazon. Developed in tandem with telehealth testing provider Scanwell Health, the two-pack of tests typically retails for about $40.

November 1, 2021, two months ago??  Where was Biden last January, ten months ago?  He was quick to cancel the Keystone pipeline the first day of his administration but waited ten months to order test kits for Covid?  So his priorities were screwed up.  That's why polls only give him 41%.  He's incompetent and busy playing politics instead of doing what's right for the country. 

[TechTalk]

How many home test kits did the last administration order to make available free of charge to anyone that wanted one?

[Alan Klein]

Over a year ago? That was a different president.

Trump also took deserved heat for not having enough test kits.  Biden didn't learn from Trump's mistakes. 

[Alan Klein]

How many home test kits did the last administration order to make available free of charge to anyone that wanted one?

Covid's been with us a long time.  Why did Biden wait until two months ago to order them?  He's got to stop napping so much. 

[digitaldog]

Covid's been with us a long time.  Why did Biden wait until two months ago to order them? 

Why didn't Trump? Where was Trump last December; oh, working on "The Big Lie".

[TechTalk]

November 1, 2021, two months ago??

Why did Biden wait until two months ago to order them?  He's got to stop napping so much. 

TRY comprehending what you are reading or at least read beyond the date and headline. You'll save yourself embarrassment and the rest of us the torture of reading your hastily composed assertions.

This is a funding contract for future new technology development... "by developing combination tests that simultaneously screen for the flu and other infectious diseases from a single sample."

"We know that COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, and we share BARDA's desire to help ensure the U.S. health care system is ready to diagnose and ultimately treat known and emerging respiratory viruses," BD’s president of life sciences, Dave Hickey, said in a statement.

"This collaboration will allow us to develop a comprehensive suite of FDA-cleared tests for use at all levels of the U.S. health care system to detect COVID-19, other respiratory pathogens and emerging coronaviruses in order to inform appropriate patient response and management," Hickey said.

[Alan Klein]

TRY comprehending what you are reading or at least read beyond the date and headline. You'll save yourself embarrassment and the rest of us the torture of reading your hastily composed assertions.

This is a funding contract for future new technology development... "by developing combination tests that simultaneously screen for the flu and other infectious diseases from a single sample."

"We know that COVID-19 will be with us for a long time, and we share BARDA's desire to help ensure the U.S. health care system is ready to diagnose and ultimately treat known and emerging respiratory viruses," BD’s president of life sciences, Dave Hickey, said in a statement.

"This collaboration will allow us to develop a comprehensive suite of FDA-cleared tests for use at all levels of the U.S. health care system to detect COVID-19, other respiratory pathogens and emerging coronaviruses in order to inform appropriate patient response and management," Hickey said.

Where are the test kits that everyone is screaming for now?  The 500 million test kits Biden just ordered won't be available until January through next December.  What was he waiting for? No one cares about testing for flu and future pathogens. In any case, even if that's important., how come it just became important in Nov? Wasn't that important last January? He's asleep at the switch. A majority of the country is finally realizing what many of us said before the election.  He's not competent. 

[digitaldog]

The 500 million test kits Biden just ordered won't be available until January through next December. 

Which is it, make up your fable carefully.

No one cares about testing for flu and future pathogens.

You mean you, Alan Klein doesn't care.
"I don't speak for others and they don't speak for me"-Arthur Conan Doyle

Wasn't that important last January?

Or the January before that? You know, when the guy running the show told the public "It’s going to disappear" (kind of sounds like you, Often wrong; never in doubt.)

October 31, 2020: In his first speech after his hospitalization for Covid-19, President Donald Trump stood on a White House balcony on October 10 and made a grand declaration about the coronavirus: “It’s going to disappear. It is disappearing.”

Worse: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/trump-said-the-coronavirus-would-go-away-1054585/
22 Times Trump Told America the Coronavirus Would Go Away

August 31st — Death Count: 187,736
Trump said :And we use the word “herd.” Once you get to a certain number, it’s going to go away.

This is as untrue as the fellow who told us here:

So now that Covid is on the way out, we're left with the economic damage.

Over 800K dead, cases up massivly, both of you are wrong again.
Blame Biden all you want, he doesn't lie about Covid-19 like those examples above.

[TechTalk]

Where are the test kits that everyone is screaming for now?

Being manufactured by various private companies. Some of them were developed thru government research grants, but they're privately manufactured.

No one cares about testing for flu and future pathogens.

Fortunately, scientists and the government agencies that fund and support their research do NOT think the way that you do. If they did, we wouldn't have the vaccines that we have now. They were developed over many years with a great deal of government support.

You can flail about all you like. It's not very good cover for your repeatedly jumping to conclusions; inability to understand what you read, including articles to which you link; and hasty confused replies.

He's not competent. 

He's not competent? Check the mirror.