✏️ Daily update on the epidemic in France, with figures from Santé Publique France and the Ministry of Health.
CONTAMINATIONS On Monday 16 August, 5,829 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in 24 hours, according to figures from Santé Publique France, giving a total of 6,476,864 confirmed cases since the start of the epidemic.
The positivity rate, which measures the number of positive cases in relation to the number of people tested, stands at 3.5%.
HOSPITALISATIONS The number of Covid patients in hospital is now 10,151 (including 950 new admissions).
Hospitalisations in critical care units, which deal with the most serious cases, also continued to increase, with 1,908 patients, including 178 new admissions in 24 hours.
DEATHS 97 people have died of Covid-19 in hospitals in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in France to 112,798, including 86,257 in hospital.
VACCINATION To date, 46,494,384 people have received at least one injection, i.e. nearly 69% of the total population, and 39,417,418 people have received a full vaccination schedule, i.e. nearly 58.5% of the total population.
I have been working on setting up playlists. Here is my current “My 60’s Music. Plenty more to come I am sure.
I am more than happy to share this playlist on Deezer. Just send me a message.
▫️FOOD & DRINKS
Here is a very nice book I was given a few days when purchasing rosé wine and bits in Ramatuelle (Var). Mainly pictures and stories but also some interesting recipes. It is in French 🇫🇷 but the pics help.
I have just found the same book on line in a PDF format. Here is the link.
The situation in hospitals remains very worrying in our two departments. The increase is also marked at the regional level this Sunday.
Pyrenees Orientales
The hospitalisations jumped this Sunday August 15 in Perpignan where 136 people are hospitalised for Covid-19 (+5 in 24h) including 23 in intensive care (+1) and 70 in conventional hospitalisation (+6). The department deplores one more death this Sunday evening bringing the total to 357 victims of Covid since the beginning of the epidemic.
This 15 August is also marked by a continuous fall in the incidence rate in the department with 424 positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The peak of the 4th wave seems to have been reached on 25 July with 637 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Aude
In Aude, 88 people were hospitalised on Sunday (+6 in 24 hours) including 11 in intensive care (+1) and 66 in conventional hospital (+5). One person died on Sunday, bringing the number of victims of the epidemic in the Aude to 375.
Occitanie
In Occitanie, 1148 people are hospitalised (+43 in 24 hours) including 274 in intensive care (+1) and 639 in conventional hospitalisation (+40).
4,752 inhabitants of Occitanie have died from Covid, including 11 this Sunday.
✏️ France update (Sunday Aug 15th)
Faced with the fourth wave of the Delta variant, the number of hospitalised patients continues to rise. Here is an update with figures from Santé Publique France and the Ministry of Health.
CONTAMINATIONS This Sunday 15 August, 21,172 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in 24 hours, according to figures from Santé Publique France, giving a total of 6,471,035 confirmed cases since the start of the epidemic.
The positivity rate, which measures the number of positive cases in relation to the number of people tested, stands at 3.7%.
HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS The number of Covid patients in hospital is now 9,768 (including 399 new admissions), compared to 9,648 on Saturday and 9,546 on Friday.
Hospitalizations in critical care units, which take care of the most serious cases, also continued to rise, with 1,852 patients (1,837 on Saturday, 1,831 on Friday), including 73 in 24 hours.
DEATHS 44 people have died of Covid-19 in hospitals in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in this epidemic in France to 112,702, of which 86,161 were in hospital.
VACCINATION As of Friday 13 August, 46,109,683 people had received at least one injection, i.e. nearly 68.4% of the total population, and 38,800,712 people had a complete vaccination schedule, i.e. nearly 57.5% of the total population. 68.2% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.
✏️ Health pass
As of today, the trial week is over and the health pass becomes law. Here is a graphic view (in easy French) where you need or do not need to show the pass to be able to access these locations:
I shall personally refuse to go to places who are not complying with the law
There is an excellent fishmonger called “La Halle aux Poissons” in Cavalaire (Var) where we were last week.
My family has been going there on a regular basis for years. They are supplied mostly from the local fishermen on a daily basis.
Of course being fresh product, you never know what will be available. You can try to order something specific but there is no guarantee it will be available. Last week we purchased in the morning this 1,8kg Dorade Royale (Sea bream?) to cook for lunch.
My mother’s old recipe was used:
– The fish should be on fennel sticks which are collected in fields now and then when they are in season.
– Some oil to be spread over the fish. Not olive oil… but “huile d’arachide” (Groundnut oil?)
– A splash of pastis. We used my favorite Casanis.
– Hot oven 220º C
– Cook for, in this case, 34 minutes
The result is out of this world
Simple but excellent
The same recipe applies to many Mediterranean fishes like Rougets (my favorites). It is also a fantastic way to cook fresh crayfish (langoustes) which must be cut in half before going into the cooking dish.
Back in Carcassone, I am not sure we have the right fishmongers who would have such quality fish. In any case I have not come across one yet. It will be further investigated in the coming days.
Did I mention that this fish cost me some 104 Euros.
It was harder to plan compared to other years, indeed it had to be postponed a few times thanks to Covid-19 but we made it to the originally planned location in Brittany.
June 8th to 12th 2021
To be more specific, we went to this wonderful place called “Le Golf du Morbihan”. In the local Breton language, Morbihan means “the small sea”. Within this gulf, there are countless islands and islets. It is estimated that there are 30 to 40.
An ideal location for our Gang of 1968 “La Bande” reunion. Most of us made it and since we all live in different parts of France each made their own way.
Day 1
As far as we were concerned, we picked up my friend Philipe from Carcassonne’s train station at 9:30am and we left straight away. We had planned an overnight stop and had reserved hotel rooms in La Rochelle.
The drive there was smooth and felt quick fast despite the 5 hours needed (which included a fairly short lunch break just after Bordeaux).
Brilliant sunshine in La Rochelle, many people out. The Ibis hotel was located right in the middle of town by the port. Extremely convenient. Quick check-in and out we go for a couple of well deserved drinks.
Having been to La Rochelle myself not so long ago, I could lead for the ensuing short walk around town.
I discovered this wonderful comic books shop. I certainly wish I had one like that back home in Carcassonne. Reminded me I need to catch up on my Buck Danny collection. I obviously am missing the latest publication.
Found a great place at the port, less than 100 meters from the hotel, for a well deserved aperitif in a place called ” Terrasse de la Chaine“
On the way there we had reserved for dinner in one of the many restaurants around the port and in town. In this case we only had to cross the road to get to the “Bistrot des Pêcheurs“. We had a pleasant enough sea food fare.
Early to bed for the simple fact that the Covid-19 related curfew was in operation and we could not even get a night cap in the hotel which was closing its doors when we made our way back to it. The Ibis chain of hotels which belongs to the Accord Hotels Group (known as All) has certainly improved over the past few years. Many of the hotels have been revamped and for the low price are extremely comfortable and convenient. The interior decoration of the one we were staying it had a nice twist as it represented train tracks and containers. Certainly a novel idea. Not sure I would cope with it if I had a longer stay though.
Day 2
Up bright and fairly early, we set off after breakfast towards Brittany.
Another pleasant enough car journey which somehow felt a little bit longer than the previous day although it was 2 hours shorter. Probably because there were less motorways to be used. We decide it is a little too early to go to our friends’ house so we end up in the next town of Vannes for a bit of lunch.
Brilliant weather in the area which can be quite unusual unlike what is said by the locals
We decide it is a little too early to go to our friends’ house where we were expected so we ended up in the next town of Vannes for a bit of lunch. Vannes is a beautiful little town with a lot of medieval houses and must be on a bucket list of places to visit.
Instead of going for, as one would have expected, a local sea-food platter I was tempted by one of my favorite dish. The famous Andouillette. I have yet to meet someone not originally from France who likes those. I can assure you that this one was excellent and did the trick.
Early afternoon with a full tummy we made our way to Le Tour du Parc where our friends P&J live by the sea and where we were all expected.
We do not see each other very often and certainly not in this group but we keep in touch regularly and some visit others on a regular basis. Nevertheless we had a fair amount to catch up with. Covid-19 was of course a major topic since a few had experienced it and in one case with very serious consequences. But in the end, everybody had recovered and although the conversations were concentrating a fair amount on illnesses (too much for my liking – is it a sign of getting old?) we did have a lot of other news and memories to catch up with.
But enough talking and time to go for a walk together with the 2 dogs along the seafront.
Day 3
The plan is to go to the well known “Île aux Moines” which is a perl in one of the most beautiful bay France can offer. So mid-morning we leave and drive to Port Navalo where we have to catch the ferry which will take us there.
There is of course some time available for a short walk around and a coffee at the port waiting for the boat.
The view is spectacular in particular seing the effect of the extremely powerful tidal current called “Le Courant de la Jument”. it is said to be the second strongest current in Europe.
Between Port-Navalo and Locmariaquer is the gateway to the Gulf of Morbihan. The mouth of the gulf opens onto an inland sea of 115 km2 dotted with some forty islands and islets. The sea enters and exits a narrow passage 900 m wide: the Port-Navalo Narrows. Boats that enter this passage must beware of the tidal current, which can reach speeds of almost 9 knots, or more than 4 metres per second.
The ride on the boat takes about an hour thanks to the skill of the captain and crew who know where to avoid or where to use the current. QUITE IMPRESSIVE.
Of course by the time we arrive on the island it is time for lunch and a few hundred metres from the port is a very pleasant restaurant.
The it is time for a walk around the island
It was quite a long walk but well worth it. Apart from the old houses and buildings, the sea views and the beaches are something else. If only the weather could be guaranteed!!!
P&J had organised a visit the their nearest oyster parc and an extremely interesting presentation and explanation by the owner. Of course it culminated by an oyster and other shellfish tasting later in the evening. The place was a few hundred meters away and we walked there. Philippe had brought his roller with him so some had to try it on the way. All in all an excellent evening to end up the day.
Day 4
The plan for the day is to drive to Vannes for lunch and a tour of the town. On the way there some stop at a local market or a local specialities shop.
When in Brittany you cannot not go and sample sea-food nor can you avoid pancakes / crêpes. And it is in the latter that we end up for lunch
J&P had organised a tour of the old town and remparts. For this we met a professional guide who led us and told us a lot about the history of the place.
Time to go home with a quick stop en route at a fishmonger to pick up the pre-ordered mussels which were on the evening menu.
Before the obligatory aperitif and dinner, some feel the need to jump in the pool after it has been opened of course.
Day 5
Time to say goodbye
We had decided to do an overnight stop in Bordeaux on the way back home. The hotel was easy enough to find and very well located in the town centre which meant we could and explore on foot. It was easy enough to find a very pleasant bar for a couple of pre-dinner drinks.
We had dinner a few hundred metres away at on of the Ragazzi Da Peppone restaurants. The food s usual was fresh, good and typical Italian. Unfortunately it was not possible to go to the cellar and choose our own wine bottle which is quite an adventure in itself. Indeed they had experienced not long before some flood and had to close for safety reason the access to the general public. Not to worry, we nevertheless got the bottle of wine I was looking for.
Day 6
From Bordeaux to Carcassonne it is a 3 hours drive on motorways. I forgot to mention that this was the 1st trip with our brand new car and that it performed perfectly. A pleasure to drive.
✏️ Vaccination, despite the reported Anti-Vax demonstration, is still going strong and on target. As of August 13th, 46.109.683 persons had a first injection which translates to 68,4% of the population. 38.800.712 had a second shot which represents 57,5% of the population.
68,2% of adults are completely vaccinated
✏️ Incidence rate in the region is still very high
✏️ It should be less hot from Monday
After several days of hot weather since Thursday, it will be again the case this Sunday, August 15th, to welcome the holiday makers. Especially in Ardèche, Drôme, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Var and Alpes-Maritimes, still under orange vigilance. Where temperatures will fluctuate between 35 and 38 degrees, with peaks of 40 or even higher.
The Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales are still under yellow heatwave alert.
The last straight line before temperatures are still high but more bearable from Monday, according to the forecast of Meteo France.
✏️ Found a new simple gadget to keep my bottles rested
▫️SATIRE
▫️FUN
To fight the heat, the firemen in Marseille have decided to help. I hope they are using the recommended dosage (1:5).
After a first part of the summer where temperatures were seasonal or even lower, the thermometer is now soaring, with temperatures reaching over 40° in places in the south. The most important thing to do is stay hydrated. Because when it’s very hot, you need to drink more, to compensate for the water you lose through sweating. However, you should not drink too much either.
The right solution? Drink a little more water than usual and compensate by eating foods that contain a lot of water. Here is the list of the most hydrating foods:
✒︎ Made it back, as planned, from Cavalaire yesterday.
The roads were quite busy and we decided to leave the motorway approaching Marseille and cross the Camargue area via secondary roads all the way to Montpellier where we rejoined the motorway.
✒︎ The number of people hospitalised continues to rise this Friday in the Aude, which has recorded a third death this week.
According to data from Santé publique France, in the Aude region, 83 people were hospitalised on Friday evening (+4 in 24 hours, +12 in two days), including 10 in intensive care (-1). 62 are in conventional hospitalisation (+5), 10 in follow-up or long-term care (stable number) and 1 in other structures. An additional death is to be deplored this Friday. The coronavirus has caused the death of 374 people in the Aude since the beginning of the pandemic.
The incidence rate has fallen to 427.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the rolling week from 4 to 10 August (published on 13 August). It was 437.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the sliding week from 3 to 9 August.
Two more patients in intensive care in the Pyrénées-Orientales This Friday evening, in the Pyrenees-Orientales, 134 people are hospitalised because of Covid-19 (as many as on Thursday). Among them, 22 are in intensive care (+2), 69 in conventional hospitalisation (-3), 32 in follow-up or long-term care (+2) and 11 in other structures (-1). The department did not record any additional deaths on Friday. In the Pyrénées-Orientales, 353 people have died in hospital because of Covid-19 since the beginning of the epidemic.
The incidence rate is almost stable in the department this Friday. In the sliding week from 4 to 10 August, it is 451.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 450.9 per 100,000 in the sliding week from 3 to 9 August.
▫️PLACES TO DISCOVER
Summer holidays in Occitanie: 5 unforgettable wild swimming spots When it comes to swimming, are you more interested in peaceful rivers, pools between two rocks or creeks by the sea? Here are 5 unforgettable ones.
In a river in the Dordogne In the Lot department, you can swim in several rivers such as the Célé, the Lot of course, but also the Dordogne at Montvalent for example. The river is not too well developed and therefore reasonably busy, with easy access to the banks covered in soft grass where you can put your towel down in the shade of tall trees. The water is relatively peaceful and its temperature is around 23 degrees in summer according to regulars from the nearby guinguette “Le Vieux Chêne”.
In the Mediterranean Sea On the sea side, the one to recommend is the Ouille beach which is made up of small pebbles but which do not hurt your feet… It is located along the coastal path between Argelès-sur-Mer and Collioure in the Pyrénées-Orientales. It is mostly frequented by the inhabitants of the surrounding area or by the clients of the neighbouring campsites. It extends over 100 metres below the cliffs of the Vermeille coast.
Gorges and basins in the Cévennes From its source on the south-eastern flanks of the Massif Central, the Gard is known as the Gardon. Its two small rivers, the Gardon de Saint-Jean and the Gardon de Mialet, flow through small gorges. They offer opportunities to jump from large rocks into clear waters. As for the beach, it’s paradise in the Cévennes: whirlpool baths in small basins or relaxation on flat pebble beaches along large stretches of water where you can try your hand at swimming.
Among the most beautiful are the natural pools at the foot of the Martinet waterfall. Access is on foot from the car park of the Martinet restaurant before the village of Saint-Étienne-Vallée-Française. Follow the irrigation canal (le béal) for 10 minutes to the waterfall. Be careful, the access is quite steep.
In the Artigue stream in Ariège The Artigue stream in the Ariège is a favourite with canyoning enthusiasts. It cascades down its bed in short waterfalls and slides along the welcoming banks to cool off in the heat of summer. If you like clear, brisk and cool water, this is the place for you. The walk from the L’Artigue car park (above Villahge de Marc) takes you along the stream with possible stops for a dip. After 45 minutes of quiet walking under the trees, a pretty pool at the foot of a waterfall is waiting for you. It’s up to you to test or not this beautiful translucent water of emerald green colour…
In the Cèze downstream from the Sautadet waterfalls The Sautadet waterfalls are a great opportunity to take in the sights and then head a little further downstream for a swim in the Cèze. First of all, you can’t miss this series of spectacular waterfalls: the bubbling river rushes through cavities dug in the limestone, forming water holes, pots and cauldrons. Please note that swimming in the waterfalls is strictly forbidden as it is very dangerous. The force of the currents and the whirlpools regularly cause accidents, sometimes fatal, to unwary bathers.On the other hand, if you go a little further downstream, you will find beautiful beaches where swimming is not dangerous.
To access the waterfalls, the most practical way is to park at the foot of the Charles Martel bridge at La Roque-sur-Cèze in the Gard.
Wednesday is Market day in Cavalaire and I almost always visit it if I happen to be in town. It is quite different from the stalls in Carcassonne. In addition to the food there is also a very large section of clothes and local / Provence materials.
▫️ MUSIC
Did not have much time to listen to music those past few days
▫️THE FABULOUS FRIDAY (FUNNIES) GROANS from Paul
Greetings one and all
✒︎Asked my doctor today how long he thought this Covid thing would last: He answered, “How should I know, I’m a doctor not a politician.
✒︎ One evening, during a bout of bad weather, a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, “Mommy, will you sleep in my bed tonight?” The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. “I can’t, dear,” she said,”I have to sleep in the large bed, with Daddy.” A long silence was broken at last by a shaken little voice saying, “The big wimp.”
✒︎ The ethical question
Upon seeing an elderly lady for the drafting of her will, the attorney charged her $100. She gave him a $100 note, not noticing that it was stuck to another $100 note. On seeing the two notes stuck together, the ethical question came to the attorney’s mind:
“Do I tell my partner?”
✒︎ Two men went bear hunting.
While one stayed in the cabin, the other went looking for a grizzly. He soon found one. Taking aim, he fired his rifle, nicking the bear. Enraged, it charged the hunter, chasing him back to the cabin. As the hunter reached the open cabin door, he slipped and fell. the bear tripped over him and rolled into the cabin. The man leapt up, slammed the cabin door shut and yelled to his friend inside, “You skin this one while I go and get another.”
✒︎ A selection ………………
▫︎ A friend’s sister worked as a census collector many decades ago. She helped newly arrived immigrants to fill out the form. One had answered the question ‘Length of residence in Australia?’ with ‘35 feet, including verandas’ .’’
▫︎ ‘‘ While essential shopping yesterday, I was intrigued by two large signs in the window of a very colourful variety store, one of which read: ‘STAY POSITIVE’. I’m sure they meant ‘STAY WELL.
▫︎ ‘‘ A baggage handler at Sydney International Terminal assures me that case numbers are right down.’’
▫︎ You know you’re in strict lockdown when … ‘‘ you start talking about the good old days … back in 2019.
▫︎‘‘ Getting carried away by the Olympics, yesterday I clocked a personal best by pinging a QR code from 1.7 metres,’’ says my neighbour.
✒︎ A mother was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her daughter’s plane. Her daughter was returning from abroad, where she’d enjoyed months of adventure during a ‘gap year’. As the daughter exited the plane and walked out to the arrivals lounge, her mother noticed a man directly behind her dressed in feathers, with exotic markings all over his body and carrying a shrunken head. The daughter introduced the man as her new husband. The mother gasped in disbelief. “I said for you to marry a rich doctor … A rich doctor!”
✒︎ Husband: Sweetheart, would you say that I’m the only man you’ve ever loved? Wife: Of course you are! Why do all men ask me the same silly question?
✒︎ Rupert and Elaine, a young couple, got married and went happily on their honeymoon. When they got back, Elaine immediately telephoned her mother, who asked how the honeymoon was.“Oh, Ma,” Elaine replied. “The honeymoon was wonderful. It was so romantic.” Then she burst out crying. “But, Ma, as soon as we returned home, Rupert started using the ghastliest language… saying things I’ve never heard before! I mean, these awful four letter words! You’ve got to come get me and take me home. I can’t be in a marriage like this! Please Ma!” Elaine begged. “Calm down, Elaine!” said her mother. “Tell me, what could be so awful? What four-letter words?” Still sobbing, Elaine whispered, “Oh Ma, words like ‘dust’, ‘wash’, ‘cook’ and ‘iron’.”
✒︎A man is sitting in a fancy restaurant when his food finally arrives at his table. As the plate is being served the man notices the waiter has his thumb resting on the edge of his steak. “Umm, excuse me,” the man says, “but I couldn’t help but notice you had your thumb on my steak.” “Yes, I know, sir,” the waiter responds, “but I didn’t want to drop it again.”
✒︎ The one about ‘thrown’ rice reminds me of the story of Dave and Mabel, who had been ‘going steady’ for 30 years, when Mabel one day said “Don’t you think it’s about time we got married?” Dave thought for a while, and said “You’re probably right.
But who would have us, at our age?”
✒︎ While watching a movie recently, I couldn’t hear the dialogue over the chatter of the two women sitting in front of me. Unable to bear it any longer, I tapped one of them on the shoulder. “Excuse me,” I said, “I can’t hear.” “I should hope not,” she replied sharply. “This is a private conversation.”
✒︎An Australian, an Irishman and an Englishman were sitting in a bar.
There was only one other person in the bar. It was a man. The three men kept looking at this other man, for he seemed terribly familiar. They stared and stared, wondering where they had seen him before, when suddenly the Irishman cried out ‘My God, I know who that man is. It’s Jesus!’
The others looked again and, sure enough, it was Jesus himself, sitting alone at a table. The Irishman calls out, ‘Hey! You!!! Are you Jesus?’ The man looks over at him, smiles a small smile and nods his head. ‘Yes, I am Jesus’ he says.
The Irishman calls the bartender over and says to him ‘I’d like you to give Jesus over there a pint of Guinness from me.’ So the bartender pours Jesus a Guinness and takes it over to his table. Jesus looks over, raises his glass, smiles thank you and drinks.
The Englishman then calls out, ‘Errr, excuse me Sir but would you be Jesus?’ Jesus smiles and says, ‘Yes, I am Jesus.’ The Englishman beckons the bartender and tells him to send over a Pint of Newcastle Brown Ale for Jesus. This the bartender duly does. As before, Jesus accepts the drink and smiles over at the men.
Then the Australian calls out, ‘Oi, you! D’ya reckon you’re Jesus, or what?’ Jesus nods and says, ‘Yes, I am Jesus.’ The Australian is mighty impressed and has the bartender send over Schooner of Victoria Bitter for Jesus, this he accepts with pleasure.
Some time later, after finishing the drinks, Jesus leaves his seat and approaches the three men He reaches for the hand of the Irishman and shakes it, thanking him for the Guinness.
When he lets go, the Irishman gives a cry of amazement ‘Oh God, the arthritis is gone,’ he says. ‘The arthritis I’ve had for years is gone. It’s a miracle!’
Jesus then shakes the hand of the Englishman, thanking him for the Newcastle Brown Ale. Upon letting go, the Englishman’s eyes widen in shock. ‘By Jove’, he exclaims, ‘The migraine I’ve had for over 40 years is completely gone. It’s a Miracle!’
Jesus then approaches the Australian, who has a terrified look on his face. The Aussie whispers. P*ss off mate, I’m on Workers Comp’
✒︎ Bob: Want to hear a joke about the letter with no stamp?
Frank: Sure.
Bob: Oh, never mind. You’d never get it!
✒︎ A man was getting a haircut prior to a trip to Rome. He mentioned the trip to the barber who responded, “Rome? Why would anyone want to go there? It’s crowded and dirty. You’re crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?” “We’re taking American Airlines,” was the reply. “We got a great rate!” “American Airlines?” exclaimed the barber. “That’s a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they’re always late. So, where are you staying in Rome?” “We’ll be at the downtown International Marriott.””That dump! That’s the worst hotel in the city. The rooms are small, the service is surly and they’re overpriced. So, whatcha doing when you get there?” “We’re going to go to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope.” “That’s rich,” laughed the barber. “You and a million other people trying to see him. You’ll be at the back of St Peter’s Square and from that distance he’ll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours. You’re going to need it.” A month later, the man again came in for his regular haircut. The barber asked him about his trip to Rome. “It was wonderful,” explained the man. “Not only were we on time in one of American Airlines’s brand new planes, but it was overbooked and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a beautiful 28 year old stewardess who waited on me hand and foot. And the hotel was great! They’d just finished a $25 million remodelling job and now it’s the finest hotel in the city. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologised and gave us the presidential suite at no extra charge!””Well,” muttered the barber, “I know you didn’t get to see the Pope.” “Actually, we were quite lucky, for as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder and explained that the pope likes to personally meet some of the visitors, and if I’d be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the pope would personally greet me. Sure enough, five minutes later the pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down as he spoke a few words to me.” “Really?” asked the Barber. “What’d he say?”He said, “Where’d you get the shitty haircut?”
✏️ALERT – The ARS in Occitanie launched on Saturday an “emergency appeal to the population” to slow down the epidemic of covid as new hospitalisations have multiplied by more than ten in less than a month. The fourth wave is sweeping through hospitals. Inexorably, the increase in infections has been accompanied by new hospitalisations due to Covid-19. This is particularly the case in Occitanie, where they have become particularly alarming. These have multiplied by more than ten in less than a month, warned this Saturday 31 July the Regional Health Agency (ARS), which is launching an “emergency appeal to the population” in order to “slow down the pace of the epidemic”. All the lights are on red On the map, the region is coloured scarlet. The incidence rate has reached almost 420 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, an increase of 41% in one week. This alarming figure represents “more than eight times the alert threshold”, the agency said in a statement on the day a pharmacist was targeted by opponents of the health pass in Montpellier while carrying out screening tests. The most affected departments are Hérault and Pyrénées-Orientales, where the incidence rate is around 600. “All age groups are concerned” – the incidence rate being “unprecedented” for 20-30 year olds – “with a very significant impact on the health system”, the agency warned. In fact, these contaminations are now weighing on health institutions. New hospitalisations have risen from 30 at the end of June to more than 300 this week, according to ARS figures. Admissions to critical care and intensive care units have also exploded, rising from less than 10 to more than 90 over the same period, the statement said. “The proportion of Covid patients in intensive care now exceeds 21%, while our region, which is highly touristic, has a very high level of non-Covid activity in intensive care,” commented the ARS. Occitanie currently has just over 1600 intensive care and critical care beds.
Felicia Sideris
Updated August 1st
✏️The balance of the epidemic in the Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales on Sunday according to figures from Santé publique France.
There had not been a death caused by Covid-19 since 28 June in the Aude. This Sunday 1 August, a patient hospitalised in the department lost his life. The coronavirus has caused the death of 369 people in Aude since the beginning of the pandemic.
The number of people hospitalised remains stable compared to Saturday (53): 35 in conventional hospital (-2), 9 in intensive care (+2), 8 in follow-up care or long-term care and 1 in other structures. In the Aude, this Sunday, the incidence rate (474.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) is almost stable compared to Saturday (476).
Pyrénées-Orientales: the incidence rate is below 600 In the Pyrenees-Orientales, the number of patients hospitalised because of Covid-19 continues to rise. This Sunday, it amounts to 94 (+3 in 24 hours): 50 in conventional hospitalisation (+3), 13 in intensive care (the same number as Saturday), 23 in follow-up or long-term care (as many as Saturday) and 8 in other structures (stable figure). 1 additional death is to be reported in the Pyrénées-Orientales this Sunday. The department counts 336 victims of Covid since the beginning of the epidemic.
Although it remains at a very high level (581 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), the incidence rate in the Pyrénées-Orientales has fallen below 600 for the first time since Sunday 25 July. A downward trend is confirmed as the rate decreases for the fourth consecutive day.
✏️ Motor Sport
I do not follow motor sport too much apart from the endurance racing championship (WEC) and mostly the Le Mans 24 hours which I attend regularly. I did not last year because it was postponed and spectators were not permitted. This year it is postponed again from the usual middle of June date to August 22nd. I had no intention of going but I am getting a little bit itchy. It will be a last minute decision I think. What brought his on you might ask, well Peugeot introduced their new so-called Hypercar for their return to the championship next year. For us followers, it is an absolute beauty. I have posted a picture and video on my Le Mans 24h blog. The other incentive is yesterday‘s win by an Alpine (French car) with a French driver at the wheel in the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix which I admit I did not watch live. The team Alpine has an endurance car which I have been supporting the past few years.
I simply do not know where July went. Mind you taking into account I spent one week hospitalised and had visitors for another 12 days, there was little time left for myself.
Global Events in August
1. Clergy Sexual Abuse Awareness Day- 1 August
Clergy Sexual Abuse is a common problem in the faith community across the world. The idea is to discourage sexual abuse and highlight its negative impact on human life. It’s a campaign to educate and aware. The first campaign was launched in 2011.
2. World Breast Feeding Week – 1 August
Innocenti Declaration came into being in August 1990. It supports and protects breastfeeding. The first celebration took place in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. American Academy of Pediatrics and WHO organises this week every year.
3. National Mountain Climbing Day – 1 August
Bobby Matthews and Josh Madigan successfully climbed the 46 High Peaks of New Your State’s Adirondack Mountains. This incident took place on 1 August 2015. Bob Matthews took the initiative to start this day in 2016. The idea is to promote mountain climbing as an adventurous activity.
4. Yorkshire Day – 1 August
The Battle of Minden took place on 1 August 1759. It was part of the seven-year war between the Anglo-German army and France. 1 August marks the anniversary of this event.
This is to appreciate and celebrate Yorkshire, the largest county of the UK. The idea is to promote its culture. The Yorkshire society took the initiative to start this day in 1975.
5. International Beer Day – 2nd August (First Friday of August) 🍻
Jesse Avshalomov took the initiative to start this day in 2007. The first celebration took place at a local California bar. Till 2012, the celebration took place on 5 August. The idea is to step out and have a beer with loved ones.
6. U.S. Coast Guard Day – 4 August
United States Coast Guard came into being on 4 August 1790 as Revenue Marine. This day commemorates this establishment. In 1915, Revenue marine and US life-saving service became one body. It is also to highlight the service of these coast guards.
7. Hiroshima Day – 6 August
The first nuclear bombing took place on 6 August 1945 in Hiroshima. The name of the bomb was “little boy”. This was by the United States by the permission of the United Kingdom. The Quebec Agreement was a secret deal between the USA and the UK for the development of nuclear energy.
8. Nagasaki Day – 9 August
The second nuclear bombing by the USA was on 9 August 1945 in Nagasaki. The name of the bomb was “Fat Man”. This was the end of World War 2. Around 74,000 died in this bombing.
Japan surrendered 6 days after this bombing. This day commemorates the people who lost their lives on this day.
9. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – 9 August
The Working Group on Indigenous Populations’ first meeting took place on 9 August 1982. The UN General Assembly made this day official in1994. The idea is to protect the rights of the indigenous ( the natives ) people.
It is to highlight their achievement and contributions to global issues. 2019 was the International year of indigenous languages.
10. International Youth Day – 12 August & Carole’s birthday
The UN GeneralAssembly made this day official in 1999. The idea is to celebrate the role of youth in changing the world. They aim to highlight the challenges and problems that the youth is facing today. The theme for 2020 is “Transforming Education”.
11. World Elephant Day – 12 August
Elephant Reintroduction Foundation, Thailand took the initiative to start this day in 2012. Patricia Sims is also one of the founders. The idea is to highlight solutions for better care of captive and wild elephants.
African and Asian elephants have become vulnerable. They aim to discourage poaching, human-elephant conflict, mistreatment in captivity, and habitat loss.
12. International Lefthanders Day – 13 August
Dean R. Campbell was the founder of Lefthander International INc. he was the first one to celebrate this day. The idea is to appreciate the uniqueness of left-handers. And also the issues/problems they face.
13. Youm-e-Azadi (Pakistan Independence Day) – 14 August
In 1947, Pakistan became a sovereign state after the end of the British Raj. The aim of the Pakistan movement was the creation of an independent Muslim state. All India Muslim league led this movement under Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
The Indian independence act 1947 gave birth to the different states of Pakistan. In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan falls on the same date.
14. National Day of mourning (Bangladesh) – 15 August
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first president of Bangladesh. He was assassinated on 15 August 1975 with his 16 family members. This day is to honor him and his contribution to the country.
15. Victory over Japan Day – 15 August
This day marks the defeat of Japan in World War II, this took place on 15 August 1945, 6 days after Nagasaki Bombing. This day marks the end of WWII.
The celebration takes place in Australia, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Korea, South Korea, and the United Kingdom in August. The USA celebrates this victory in September.
16. Day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary – 15 August
Mary was Jesus’s mother. The Catholic Church believes that that mother Mary begun her afterlife journey in heaven on 15 August ( 1516 – 1518 ). This day is holy for the catholic community. The celebration is usually in the form of a feast.
17. Bennington Battle Day – 16 August
Battle of Bennington was part of the American Revolutionary War. It took place on 16 August 1777 in Bennington, Vermont between the British and American forces.
It was a turning point in the revolutionary war as Americans won. This day commemorates the American victory over the Britishers. It’s a public holiday in Vermont.
18. Indonesian Independence Day – 17 August
Indonesia’s Proclamation of Independence took place on 17 August 1945. President Sukarno read the declaration in Jakarta. This day commemorates the independence of the country. The theme for 2020 is “Indonesia Maju (Indonesia Advances)”.
19. World Photography Day – 19 August
The discovery of Daguerreotype, a photographic process was by Frenchmen Lois Daguerre and Joseph Nicephore Niepce. This discovery was made official on 19 August 1837. This day marks the anniversary of this discovery. The idea is to promote photography as an art form to communicate feelings.
20. World Humanitarian Day – 19 August
Sérgio Vieira de Mello with 20 colleagues died in a bombing in Iran on 19 August 2003. He was a UN humanitarian diplomat. This day marks the anniversary of this loss of the UN.
The first celebration took place in 2009. The idea is to honour people who work for humanitarian causes. The theme for 2019 was “ Humanitarian Women”.
21. World Mosquito Day – 20 August
Sir Ronald Ross made the discovery of malaria transmission on 20 August 1897. He confirmed that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. He was a Nobel prize winner for his work in medical physiology. This day is to celebrate his contribution to the medical field and honour him.
22. World Senior Citizen Day – 21 August
The UN General Assembly made this day official in 1990. Ronald Reagan was the president at this time. The first celebration took place in 1991. The idea is to highlight the issues faced by senior citizens like health deterioration and abuse. This day is to remember their part in society and appreciate them.
23. International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition – 23 August
On 23 August 1791, Santo Domingo saw uprise against the slave trade. It was after this event that many movements against the slave trade started. The first celebration took place in 1998 in Haiti. UNESCO made this day official. The idea is to discourage slavey by looking at the negative history related to it.
24. European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism / World Black Ribbon Day – 23 August
It is one of the important days in the European Union. Black ribbon is the symbol rejecting extremism, intolerance, and oppression. Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany became official on 23 August 1939.
This day commemorates the victims of this brutal torture. The idea is to stop extremism and live with peace.
25. Heroes Day ( Namibia ) – 26 August
The Nambiar War of Independence began on 26 August 1966. This day honour the soldiers who died fighting this war. The UN revoked South Africa’s government from the western part. This led to the Nambiar War.
26. Women’s Equality Day – 26 August
The19th amendment to the United States Constitution came into being on 26 August 1920. It prohibits the government from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex. The first celebration took place in 1973. This day is to celebrate equal rights for all genders.
27. International Day against Nuclear Tests- 29 August
The United Nations General Assembly made this day official in 2009. The Republic of Kazakhstan had put forward this request. This is to commemorate the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test site.
The nuclear testing was done here on 29 August 1991. The idea is to discourage nuclear explosions and highlight their negative impacts.
28. Hari Merdeka (Malaysia 🇲🇾 National Day) – 31 August
It is the independence day of Malaysia. The Malayan Declaration of Independence was signed on 31 August 1957. It commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963. It is a federal constitutional elective monarchy. Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia declares Malaysia an independent state.
I do it my way 