I am all set, my Raspberry PI 3 Model B (retailing at €38,50) is all set up.
I even have installed the necessary software (email client, browser) to use it as a desktop if needed.
What remains to be done which is the original idea behind acquisition of this particular piece of equipment a few months ago is finding interesting projects and code away.
I have downloaded a few free of charge guide books which I need to study during the long winter evenings ahead of us. Confinement and forthcoming curfew will help.
Targets to be reached by December 15th to stop the confinement
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Occitanie
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Still on a very encouraging downward trend.
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Latest info on PCR Tests
The latest data is always 3 to 4 days in the past
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✑ Meteo – Today might be the last pleasant day for a while
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🔹 Vaccine
The “Haute Autorité de Santé” (Higher Health Authority) has been presenting its recommendations for France’s vaccination strategy, which should primarily concern health and medico-social professionals in direct contact with the sick, but also those most at risk of serious forms of the disease, such as the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses.
A formal vaccination plan is expected from the governement later this week.
🔹 Learn your French
Although part of Belgium is francophone, they sure do use odd words and expressions. Do not be fooled if a Belgian tells you “Non, peut-être” (no, maybe), it actually means “Oui, sûrement” (yes, surely) in a sarcastic kind of way.
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🔹 Reached another milestone yesterday evening
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Within the constraining limit of the imposed 1 km radius, we have decided to go out every day and make the most of it.
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Since November 28, the radius has been increased to 20 km giving a lot more opportunities,
Today the hike took us to Villarzel-Cabardès to follow the footsteps of the Visigoths. It felt really good to be out of town and not have to wear a mask.
Targets to be reached by December 15th to stop the confinement
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Occitanie
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Still on a very encouraging downward trend.
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Latest info on PCR Tests
The latest data is always 3 to 4 days in the past
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✑ Meteo – I do not think that there are so many days left before the weather turn wintery.
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🔹The French Federation of Marinas was informed on Thursday evening during a meeting at the Ministry of the Sea: pleasure boating is once again authorised as from this Saturday 28 November.
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Within the constraining limit of the imposed 1 km radius, we have decided to go out every day and make the most of it.
Since November 28, the radius has been increased to 20 km giving a lot more opportunities,
Today the hike will be near Villarzel-Cabardès to follow the footsteps of the Visigoths.
A lot of rain is forecasted in the Region this weekend. The departement of Pyrenées Orientale has been placed under Orange alert and the departement of Aude under Yellow alert.
I reported this data yesterday already but there is no update available currently in the official pages. If something turns up, I shall update during the day.
Not a photo I took, but I saw this particular lighthouse during one of my many trips over the years to Michigan. The lake effect everyone there is talking about.
The Colisée cinema in Carcassonne has been given a new look and will be ready for the national reopening of the Cinemas in Decembre. The City of Carcassonne, owner of the premises has worked closely with CGR and the participation of the Region, the Department and the Agglomeration to offer you 3 rooms at the cutting edge of technology and unparalleled comfort.
On the programme: Dolby 7.1 sound, digital projection, “duo” armchairs for families or lovers and the return of the mythical Colosseum’s great hall, its dome and gilding.
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🔹 Vendée Globe
It is turning out to be a very exciting race, all boats but one have passed the equator and the first group is on the way to the Good Hope cape where they will encounter wild seas with sustained winds of 30 to 40 knots. Remarkable is the last boat “Charal” which had to return to the start for 3 days for repairs and is now chasing the pack again.
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🔹 Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor (SpO2)
Unfortunately a very good friend of mine has ended up in hospital and is currently in intensive care, in an induced coma and intubated and suffering the full effects of COVID-19. Apparently the hospital team told him he waited too long before contacting them and apparently his family doctor did not give him the correct advice and was trying to treat him against the flu like symptoms he was experiencing.
I have heard and this was confirmed to me on a few occasions over the past few days that your blood oxygen saturation level should be above 95. If 95 or under, you should go straight to emergencies in hospital where a dose of oxygenation would be a must for a few days. A level of 92 is critical and would certainly mean intensive care, coma and intubation.
I purchased, more than a year ago, one of those oximeters to measure and monitor my level of oxygen saturation. It takes a few seconds to get a reading on a daily basis. I strongly recommend it. It is not all about COVID-19, when I was admitted to hospital back then, one of the side effect of the internal bleeding I experienced was a lower oxygen level.
An idea for the Xmas stocking maybe?
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🔹Ethiopia
Here is a 10 years old article I found in the Guardian
Bob Geldorf is a humanitarian activist. He is also an egotist, a celebrity economist, and quite wrong on Africa.
Geldof, the lead singer of the Boomtown Rats, sprung to global prominence with his role in Band Aid to raise money for the Ethiopian famine. The single sold nearly 12 million copies; the Live Aid concerts raised £150m. For these efforts Geldof received an honorary knighthood and was elevated to a spokesman for African development.
But the reason for the famine that catapulted him to prominence had less to do with the weather than the Ethiopian government’s policy to withhold food shipments to rebel areas and to spend nearly half of its gross domestic product on the military. Aid became a tool of the counter-insurgency strategy, being left to rot or distributed according to political objectives. The same political issues shape African development choices today and these, not external activism on aid, are key to the continent’s future.
and here is yesterday’s news (courtesy of Aljazeera)
Ethiopia to begin ‘final phase’ of Tigray offensive: PM Abiy
The Ethiopian military will begin the “final phase” of an offensive in the northern Tigray region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said in a statement, hours after an ultimatum for the Tigrayan forces to surrender expired.
“The 72-hour period granted to the criminal TPLF clique to surrender peacefully is now over and our law enforcement campaign has reached its final stage,” he tweeted on Thursday, referring to the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Most people in Carcassonne know Alfonse for his involvement with the Prosper Montagné club. Not everyone knows that he is also managing an on line shop for products from his native country.
Below is the link to the latest offers for the year-end festivities
Many of you may be familiar with Emma Kershaw and her wine and gastronomy tastings/pairings/school in Coustouge. Emma’s two recipe/wine pairing books are available on her website lamaisondurire.com and make perfect Christmas presents. Both books are written in English and French. (Shipping to the U.S. and other countries IS available.)
– A Taste of the Sud –An 80 page, beautifully photographed collection of recipes and wine pairings – an homage to Languedoc-Roussillon, its cuisine and its wines. 25 euros
– The Day that Louis was Eating – Also beautifully photographed, a brand new book of easy-to-prepare recipes from around the globe. 30 Euros.
Targets to be reached by December 15th to stop the confinement
It is going to be very difficult to achieve
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Aude
Departement
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Still on a very encouraging downward trend. The figure for yesterday was 67,35
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Latest info on PCR Tests
No updated data available right now
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✑ Meteo – If you must go out, you better be prepared for some rain.
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♦️ The new derogatorycertificate for going out / travel will be available tomorrow Saturday.
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Within the constraining limit of the imposed 1km radius, we have decided to go out every day and make the most of it.
Very lazy again yesterday. Spent some time identifying possible walks within the allowed 20km radius as of tomorrow. It will of course involve a short car ride beforehand.
After the announcements, the explanation of the text: the Prime Minister, Jean Castex, details this Thursday since 11 am, during a press conference, the containment relief measures exposed by Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday evening. The details of the deconfinement plan, in three stages:
🔹The broad outlines of the executive’s plan were known. From Saturday 28th November, small shops will be able to reopen with a reinforced sanitary protocol. The gauge is increased to 8 m2 per customer and to avoid excessive flows, retailers will be able to extend their opening hours until 9 pm and Sunday opening will be facilitated. Customers will be able to travel, with a certificate, within a radius of 20 km from their homes for three hours. Driving schools will reopen to prepare for the practical exams, but the theory will be done remotely. Libraries, archives and cultural shops (bookshops, record shops, etc.) will once again be open to the public. Places of worship will have a capacity of 30 people, but may change according to the situation.
🔹From December 15th, cinemas, theatres and museums will be able to reopen. And a national curfew, from 21:00 to 7:00, will replace the curfew that has been in force since 29 October. “These will be the same protocols that were applied during the curfew period,” said Roselyne Bachelot, the Minister of Culture. Conservatories and music schools will be able to resume, with the exception of singing lessons, which are “too risky in terms of spreading the virus”.
🔹The Prime Minister detailed the measures in place for the Christmas holidays. Foreign travel will be “possible”, particularly in the overseas territories, provided that a PCR test of less than 72 hours can be produced. Summer camps and ski resorts will be closed. However, the French will be able to go to the mountains “but all ski lifts will be closed to the public”. It will be “imperative” to “limit” the number of guests at Christmas and New Year.
🔹Finally, from January 20th, the restaurants will be able to welcome customers again, if the sanitary situation allows it. The Prime Minister has announced that he wants to make 2021 “the year of French gastronomy” to help restaurants. The discotheques remain closed.
🔹Details of the aid and support measures for businesses :
From December onwards, each administratively closed business “will be able to receive 10,000 euros per month or compensation representing 20% of turnover”. For precarious workers (seasonal workers, casual workers, etc.) the Minister of Labour, Elisabeth Borne, has announced the introduction of “exceptional aid” of 900 euros per month which will be allocated on 1 November and until February. The Prime Minister announced a doubling of the youth guarantee. “It is not 100,000 but 200,000 young people who will be able to benefit from it,” he said.
A questions and answers seesion followed: A few additional clarifications were made by the the Prime Minister and / or relevant Ministers. Do not hesitate to ask me if you have any questions / queries. I shall try and find the answers.
I retained 2 additional points from the question and answers session:
➡️ Detailed recommendations as far as the year end festivities (Xmas, New Year’s Eve) will be announced shortly.
➡️ Strategy for the foreseen vaccination program should be made available next week. There are still many open points to be answered.
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France
Targets to be reached by December 15th to stop the confinement
It is going to be very difficult to achieve
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Aude
Departement
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✒︎Incidence rate
Still on a downward trend
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Latest info on PCR Tests
No updated data available right now
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✑ Meteo – IIt does not look to appealing.
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✑ Parody – I am sure you will all like these.
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Within the constraining limit of the imposed 1km radius, we have decided to go out every day and make the most of it.
Rest day yesterday or maybe it was lazy day
I have used someof the time to play with my Raspberry PI and try and set it up. I am glad to report this is done. Now I need to identify a few projects and start learning how to code… The last time I did that was on a main frame in the US using punched cards and the then famous Fortran language.
✒︎Emmanuel Macron‘s TV appearance on Novembre 24th
Here is the summary of the announcement concerning the expected 3 stages. It has to be noted that the Prime Minister Jean Castex will detail Emmanuel Macron’s announcements on Thursday morning during a scheduled press conference.
“The peak of the second wave of the epidemic has passed. Our efforts, your efforts have paid off. Together we have achieved these results. It is all together that we have saved lives,” said the President of the Republic. “We have slowed down the circulation of the virus, but it remains very present in France and throughout the northern hemisphere. We must continue our efforts. We will have to continue to stay at home, to telework when possible, to renounce private meetings, family gatherings and all unnecessary travel”.
Stage 1
❒ From Saturday 28th November: reopening of small shops
From Saturday onwards, certificates will still be required for outings, but outdoor trips for walking or physical activity will be extended to 20 km and for 3 hours, compared to 1 km and one hour at present.
Outdoor extra-curricular activities will again be allowed, as will services in places of worship, with a strict limit of 30 people.
Small shops*, including bookshops and record shops, will be allowed to reopen until 9pm under a “strict” health protocol negotiated with all professionals. Home services will also be able to resume.
*(note from JJ for the ladies in particular: Small shops include hairdressers)
Stage 2
❒ From 15 December 15th: end of confinement, establishment of a curfew
If the new daily contaminations drop to 5,000 and the number of people in intensive care falls to between 2,500 and 3,000, the “containment can be lifted” on 15 December.
It will be replaced by a national curfew from 9 pm to 7 am, with an exception for the evenings of 24 and 31 December when traffic will be free, Emmanuel Macron also announced.
As of 15 December, “we will be able to move around without authorisation again, including between regions, and spend Christmas with our families” but limiting “unnecessary travel”, the head of state announced.
Extra-curricular activities in classrooms will once again be authorised, “with strict rules”.
Cinemas, theatres and museums will be able to reopen on 15 December, if the restrictions are lifted by that date. “A time-stamping system will make it possible to organise performances at the end of the day”, said Emmanuel Macron without further explanation.
The president considered it “impossible” to open the winter sports resorts before the end of the year festivities because of the health risks.
Vaccination against Covid-19 would begin “from late December, early January” for “the most vulnerable people. It would not be compulsory.
Stage 3
❐ From January 20th: reopening of restaurants
The third stage will begin on 20 January, again “if the number of contaminations remains below 5,000 cases per day”, with in particular the possible reopening of restaurants. And the curfew may be postponed. On the other hand, no date of possible reopening has been given for the bars, which have also been closed since the end of October, nor for the discotheques, which have been closed since the first containment.
If the sanitary conditions are met, the secondary schools could be “fully open, with all the pupils” around 20 January. Two weeks later, “the universities will be able to resume classes, again with the physical presence of all students,” added the President of the Republic.
Every fortnight there will be a fortnightly update on the health situation “and we will then decide whether we can take additional opening measures or whether, on the contrary, we need to go back to prevent any further spread of the virus”, the president added.
“More binding” with those who have the virus
“We must be more restrictive towards those who have the virus,” said Emmanuel Macron. “I want the government and parliament to provide the conditions to ensure the isolation of infected people, including in a more restrictive manner,” said the head of state, promising that “these people will be accompanied materially, health and psychologically.
Aid to closed companies increased
Businesses “that will remain administratively closed” in the coming weeks, such as restaurants, will be able to obtain aid corresponding to 20% of their annual turnover, instead of the €10,000 already proposed.
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France
Targets to be reached by December 15th to stop the confinement
It is going to be very difficult to achieve
🔸🔸🔸
Aude
Departement
🔸🔸🔸
✒︎Incidence rate
Still on a downward trend
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Latest info on PCR Tests
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✑ Meteo – I was out early this morning for a change to go for a sheduled blood test and it is very mild out there. Quite windy from the East (Marin wind) which we all know by now will bring clouds, hunidity and rain.
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✑ The new 20km radius is a great improvement. I better start planning suitable hikes in the new area as from this coming Saturday
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Within the constraining limit of the imposed 1km radius, we have decided to go out every day and make the most of it.
I guess the most awaited thing today is the scheduled allocation from the President later this evening at 8pm. I personally hope that the 1km radius limit will be lifted. After-all it is not the distance which is the issue but where you go. My point of view in any case.
Fingers crossed
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Aude
Departement
✒︎Incidence rate
The pleasing figure of 88,01 in the Aude Departement is a quarter of what it was a fortnight ago. Hopefully this is the result of the current confinement.
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Latest info on PCR Tests
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✑ Meteo – Tomorrow could be very pleasant with foreseen 17º
✑ The rubbish which is being reported is incredible
America has hit the mute on Donald Trump, as the outgoing president has only spoken an average of 454 words a day since losing.
The Washington Post reported, “Since Election Day, he has spoken 8,143 words over 18 days through Saturday, according to Factba.se, a website which tracks all of his utterances and movements. On average, in 2020, he spoke 8,398 words daily, according to Bill Frischling, the website’s owner, but only 454 words per day since Nov. 3. On the last day of the campaign alone, he uttered more than 55,000 words. He averaged about 48 minutes on camera every day in 2020, Frischling said. He has spent about 50 minutes on camera total since Nov. 3.”
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Within the constraining limit of the imposed 1km radius, we have decided to go out every day and make the most of it.
The Covid-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University is 70% effective on average, and even 90% effective in some cases, which would put it on a par with those of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. These are interim results from large-scale clinical trials in the UK and Brazil, AstraZeneca said in a statement released today.
✑ Minks
The problem of contaminated mink reaches France. This Sunday, the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Ecological Transition announced that minks tested positive for Covid-19 at a farm in the Eure-et-Loir. They will all have to be slaughtered.
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1967 nostalgia this morning
Contrary to popular belief the song was not written by Ray Charles. However he certainly sang it as early as 1968.
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Within the constraining limit of the imposed 1km radius, we have decided to go out every day and make the most of it.
No walk yesterday, it was a case of a “Lazy sunny afternoon”
