Making Sense of Climate: Ted & I start 2023 with a discussion on the recent news (audio)

FM #916 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 916 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, January 10, 2023.  

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

Happy new year, catch up on happenings since we last talked

• Healey, inauguration, Climate lead executive order

• Rep Roy video from Museum of Science (wind turbine blade testing), Rep Roy & Senator Barrett on Codcast (wind troubles)

• Fusion/ fission/ nuclear generated electrical power

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 48 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-916-making-sense-of-climate-21-01-10-23

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Links to articles referenced:

Climate lead via Executive Order from Governor Healey

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/healey-signs-executive-order-on-climate/ 

Rep Roy video on wind turbine blade testing visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/museum-of-science-visit-mass-clean.html  

CodCast episode with Rep Roy and Senator Barrett

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/the-codcast-lawmakers-walk-tightrope-on.html 

ISO New England grid capacity around Christmas 2022

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2023/01/07/iso-new-england-electricity-power-plant-fines-december-failure-oil-natural-gas-christmas-storm/69785296007/

Wind farm in Maine, MA to take advantage of

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/03/business/offshore-wind-falters-mass-makes-its-move-boost-giant-wind-farm-maine/ 

Fun article: driving for donuts to test electric vehicle charging stations availability

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/10/science/we-drove-around-new-england-looking-ev-chargers-best-doughnuts-it-was-easier-than-we-expected/

Fusion announcement 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/22/science/after-years-doubts-hopes-grow-that-nuclear-fusion-is-finally-real-could-help-address-climate-change/ 

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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Wind turbines atop Saddleback Mountain in Maine. ROBERT F. BUKATY/ASSOCIATED PRESS

CommonWealth Magazine: "Marijuana content labels can’t be trusted - Testing reveals inconsistencies on THC, contaminants"

"ONE OF THE main arguments in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana was that consumers would have access to tested, regulated products, and know exactly what they are buying.

But a CommonWealth investigation reveals that the potency levels listed on websites and product labels at marijuana stores are regularly inflated, sometimes by as much as a third. The investigation also found that some products in Massachusetts cannabis stores tested positive for contaminants that would have kept them off the shelves if they were detected earlier because they were potentially unsafe for human consumption.

The findings suggest that marijuana consumers cannot rely with any confidence on product labels. Labs are performing tests using different technologies and methods, and growers are gravitating to labs that report the highest THC levels or pass the most samples for contaminants, even if their testing methods are not the most scientifically accurate. That, in turn, is creating incentives for labs to generate testing results with higher THC readings."

Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/marijuana/marijuana-content-labels-cant-be-trusted/

 

A marijuana sample is prepared for testing at Analytics Labs in Holyoke on November 30, 2022. (Photo by Shira Schoenberg)

Tabulator testing completed Wednesday, demonstrating the voting machines count what they should

"Wednesday morning, the Council Chambers at the municipal building became the scene of a mock election, as batches of ballots, marked up randomly, and in some cases very incorrectly, by a third party,  some with too many selections or markings out of the proper area, others no longer exactly flat.

The nine machines, one for each precinct, were put through their paces with the sample ballots by a crew of election workers and election wardens, all  under the eye of Town Clerk Nancy Danello and Assistant Town Clerk Dyan Fitzgerald. Also present was the Observer, Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters (who recorded audio of the whole process) and a few members of the public."

Continue reading the Observer's recap ->

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/128573/ballot-machines-tested-muni-building-wednesday

 

As noted, I am processing the audio of the testing session. Our Town Clerk Nancy Danello was happy to wear a microphone for the event so her outline of the process as well as many of the questions asked of her were captured and will be shared as soon as possible.

demonstrating the voting machines count what they should

Tabulator/voting machine testing - October 26 at 9 AM

Our Town Clerk Nancy Danello has scheduled the tabulator/voting machine testing for Wednesday, Oct 26 at 9 AM in the Council Chambers at the Municipal Building.

Observers welcome!

• See for yourself how voting is paper ballot based
• See how the machines have no connection to the internet

This is an opportunity to ask about how the vote is tabulated by the machine, cross checked manually, and then tallied in a spreadsheet to produce the 'unofficial results'. The Town Clerk then has time in the office to validate the checks, etc. to confirm and produce the 'official results'.

The testing was completed prior to the September primary and reported on previously: https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/town-clerks-office-completes-testing-of.html

Town Clerk notification of testing -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/tabulatorballot-testing-october-26th-see-attached

All of our tabulators have been tested for accuracy & have been confirmed as ready for voters (Town of Franklin photo)

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place August 24, 2022.

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place August 24, 2022.

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk:

Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place on August 24th, 2022 at the Franklin Municipal Building in the 2nd floor Municipal Chambers at 9am. This testing is open to the public and all are more than welcome to attend.

Read more

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

The Franklin Health Department received more home COVID-19 self test kits from the state. Franklin residents can call the Public Health Office at (508) 613-1341 to check for availability and coordinate curbside pick up outside of the Senior Center. Pick up hours are as follows...

- Mon, Tues, Thurs: 8AM-4PM

- Wednesday: 8AM-6PM

- Friday 8AM-1PM

There is a limited supply! One test per household member, first come first serve. Please direct all questions to the public health office at (508) 613-1341.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-health-department-covid-19-testing-kits-available

Franklin Health Department: COVID-19 Testing Kits Available

Reminder: New set of COVID at home tests can be ordered

"The White House said on Tuesday (5/17/22) that Americans were now eligible for a third order of free, at-home coronavirus tests shipped through the Postal Service. The move doubled to 16 the total number of tests the program has made available to each household.

The tests, authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and available on the federal website covidtests.gov, extend a pledge President Biden made during the brunt of the winter Omicron wave, when Americans faced scarce supplies of tests, empty shelves and long lines."

Continue reading the article online

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/17/us/politics/free-covid-tests-usps-biden.html

White House press release

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/05/17/fact-sheet-the-biden-administration-announces-americans-can-order-additional-free-at-home-rapid-covid-19-tests-at-covidtests-gov/

Use this order form  COVID.GOV   

Frequently Asked Questions answered here -> https://www.covid.gov/tests/faq

Reminder: New set of COVID at home tests can be ordered

Town of Franklin - Health Department: COVID-19 Test Kits

Franklin Health Dept. received 68 At-Home COVID-19 test kits. Call 508-570-8433 for a free kit & location pickup.  

Limited Supply. 1 test per household member.

 

Town of Franklin - Health Department: COVID-19 Test Kits

Get over the counter COVID-19 tests at no cost

Good news! Starting this week, you can get up to 8 over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for free. You'll be able to pick up tests from eligible pharmacies and other participating healthcare providers. Contact your local pharmacy to see if they are participating and to make sure they have tests available. Learn More Remember to bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card with you when you get your COVID-19 tests. Over-the-counter at-home tests give rapid results and you can take them anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms. Visit CDC.gov to learn when to test yourself, how to use an over-the-counter test, and what your test results mean. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

MASS Consumer Affairs: "Protect Yourself from Fraudulent COVID-19 At Home Tests"

"Beyond knowing what signs to look for in COVID scams, there are a few steps to take to protect yourself from purchasing a fake COVID test online.

1. Make sure that you are buying an FDA authorized test
2. Do your research
3. Pay with your credit card

To make sure that the test you are purchasing is FDA approved, see if it is on the FDA’s lists of approved antigen diagnostic tests or their list for molecular diagnostic tests. "

Continue reading the article online
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-to-protect-yourself-from-fraudulent-covid-19-at-home-tests/

 "Protect Yourself from Fraudulent COVID-19 At Home Tests"

Franklin Public Schools: new COVID-19 Testing Program

"Please see the attached letter regarding the new COVID-19 Testing Program within Franklin Public Schools "

Link to letter -> https://t.co/KsdZ8LqwYA

Or view the embedded doc here:

Franklin Public Schools: new COVID-19 Testing Program

Recap: School Committee hears about the FHS program of studies, approves senior perks, and trip to Nationals for FHS Cheerleaders

Quick recap:

• School Committee hears about modifications to the FHS Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 School Year, what the modifications are and how they were developed from feedback and recognition of changes in students and needs
• Note the presentation doc previously released for this meeting was not the one used in the meeting, some pages had split out to multiple pages. Screen captures show the updated copy
• Approval for FHS senior perks and for the FHS cheerleading team to travel to National competition was granted. The team cheered so loudly outside the building after they left the Council Chambers, it briefly interrupted the proceedings inside. A happy moment to recognize the accomplishments for this group
• A new program for COVID-19 testing using "at-home FDA-approved rapid antigen test" kits. The test/stay process and contact tracing will stop with the introduction of these kits provided by DESE.
• The School Committee entered Executive Session and did not return to open meeting to continue discussions on negotiations

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/MXrJDo8M5A2c4tu96

Audio of the meeting should be available in a couple of days

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are summarized in the following PDF doc. This new tool also includes the photos shared inline with the tweet notes.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M3AcnmYaJV8IAr9sUGLmKvYsaEo8mPrs/view?usp=sharing

Recap: School Committee hears about the FHS program of studies, approves senior perks, and trip to Nationals for FHS Cheerleaders

It’s official: Get free COVID test kits at COVIDtests.gov

It's official: Get free COVID test kits at COVIDtests.gov by Colleen Tressler, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC There's a new federal resource to get free FDA-authorized coronavirus test kits. At COVIDtests.gov, you'll find information about testing and a link to the U.S. Postal Service – special.usps.com/testkits – where you can order up to four rapid tests to be sent to your home address. Read more -> https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2022/01/its-official-get-free-covid-test-kits-covidtestsgov?utm_source=govdelivery

It’s official: Get free COVID test kits at COVIDtests.gov

Mass. has issued new guidance on when should you get a COVID test

"Massachusetts on Tuesday issued new guidance on when residents should seek COVID-19 testing, aligning the state with measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The guidance was updated as Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced that the state has secured an order to get 26 million rapid antigen COVID-19 tests over the next three months.

Here’s a look at the Department of Public Health’s new guidance on COVID testing:

When should you get tested?

The state is recommending that residents get a COVID test when they’re experiencing symptoms of the virus or five days after a known close contact with someone who has tested positive."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/11/nation/when-should-you-get-covid-test-mass-issues-new-covid-19-testing-guidance/

Rapid antigen test kits.JOHN TLUMACKI/GLOBE STAFF

COVID Self Test Kits available for Franklin, MA residents

To answer the need of this pandemic period, Franklin resident KP Sompally is making volunteering his services to provide COVID SELF TEST KITS. He obtains the kits with the help of Telugu Association of North America (www.tana.org). 

KP will distribute the COVID SELF TEST KITS for the cost of $11 per test kit. 

Who is TANA and how are they involved?

• TANA is one of the oldest charitable organizations. They do selfless service for humanity. Providing these test kits is one service. The supply is obtained via TANA community network.

Is there any limit per request?

• yes either 1 or 2 test kits per request

Is there any delivery schedule?

• Since this is not a business just KP volunteer time, delivery would be after 5 PM and while supplies last. The delivery is restricted to Franklin, MA residential addresses.

How would I pay?

• cash OR Venmo

If any Franklin Resident need a COVID SELF TEST KIT call or text KP Sompally @ 724 726 1166 with your address.

COVID test kit image:

COVID test kit

KP’s Venmo account info 

KP’s Venmo account info

Town of Franklin, MA: free COVID test kits for those who "live or work in a congregate settings"

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Mon, Dec 27, 2021:

Free lab-based PCR testing w/ home collection is available to all Massachusetts adults who...

▪️ live or work in a congregate settings

▪️ have symptoms

▪️ had a COVID-19 exposure

▪️ have been referred for testing

Learn more and request a kit here: https://t.co/viodRS3duu

Town of Franklin, MA: free COVID test kits for those who "live or work in a congregate settings"

Help on the way: "US Army Creates Single Vaccine Effective Against All COVID & SARS Variants"

"Within weeks, scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research expect to announce that they have developed a vaccine that is effective against COVID-19 and all its variants, even Omicron, as well as from previous SARS-origin viruses that have killed millions of people worldwide. 

The achievement is the result of almost two years of work on the virus. The Army lab received its first DNA sequencing of the COVID-19 virus in early 2020. Very early on, Walter Reed’s infectious diseases branch decided to focus on making a vaccine that would work against not just the existing strain but all of its potential variants as well.

Walter Reed’s Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle COVID-19 vaccine, or SpFN, completed animal trials earlier this year with positive results. Phase 1 of human trials, which tested the vaccine against Omicron and the other variants, wrapped up this month, again with positive results that are undergoing final review, Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, director of Walter Reed’s infectious diseases branch, said in an exclusive interview with Defense One. 

Unlike existing vaccines, Walter Reed’s SpFN uses a soccer ball-shaped protein with 24 faces for its vaccine, which allows scientists to attach the spikes of multiple coronavirus strains on different faces of the protein."

.

Continue reading about this new vaccine development

https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2021/12/us-army-creates-single-vaccine-effective-against-all-covid-sars-variants/360089/?s=03

Further testing with Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials is required, a partner needs to be aligned to assist with the testing (and eventual production) along with FDA and CDC approvals. So this is not 'around the corner' but quite possible.

A scientist with the Emerging Infectious Disease branch of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research conducts studies to find a vaccine for COVID-19 in July 2020. SHAWN FURY, ARMY

Franklin, MA is a location for COVID-19 Testing for Child Care

COVID-19 Testing for Child Care

Department of Early Education & Care (EEC) will be offering No-Cost COVID-19 drive-through testing for the child care community at locations across Massachusetts. Get Tested. Testing for COVID-19 is widely available in Massachusetts and critically important to preventing the spread.

 

For additional information on the testing process and requirements

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-testing-for-child-care

Franklin is a location for COVID-19 Testing for Child Care

COVID Testing Site to open at Ashland Commuter Rail Station

 

COVID Testing Site to open at Ashland Commuter Rail Station

Following an increase in demand for COVID-19 testing in Massachusetts, an additional testing site will begin operations in Ashland, Massachusetts at the town's Commuter Rail Station. The new testing site, a priority of Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka and State Representative Jack Patrick Lewis, will offer Massachusetts residents an additional option for testing at no cost to recipients.

The new site will be funded by the Commonwealth and will be operated by Fallon Health in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and local health officials. It will add to the Commonwealth's network of hundreds of COVID-19 testing sites across Massachusetts. Residents can find a testing site near them online at www.mass.gov/gettested.

"To support communities' sustained recovery from the pandemic, we need to ensure that residents have continued access to the tools at the center of our pandemic strategy– among them, testing and vaccines," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka. "I want to extend my deep thanks to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and MBTA workers for allowing us to use their space to promote public health."

While other COVID-19 testing sites are currently available in the MetroWest region, the new Ashland site will be the first to offer drive-through testing in the region.

"After hearing from numerous residents of Ashland and Framingham about the lack of accessible drive-thru testing in our region, I reached out to Senate President Karen Spilka and the Department of Public Health in order to partner together in developing a new testing location," said Representative Jack Patrick Lewis. "I am grateful to Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert, Ashland Sargeant Ed Burman, and the team at the MBTA for their quick and creative efforts to make this possible."

"Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in COVID-19 testing, which will continue to be a critical tool to keeping the virus in check even as we lead the nation in vaccinations," said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. "We are pleased to work with local partners to launch this new site, which will provide residents with another free and easy option to get tested."

""We are happy to partner with our state agencies and delegation to bring this important testing site to the region, and we hope the new location provides a convenient testing alternative for those who rely on public transportation"," said Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert.

Fallon Health, the site's operator, has previously partnered with the state of Massachusetts to provide testing and other health services.

Boston Globe: "Would you fall prey to authoritarianism? Take the test."

"Do you have a susceptibility to authoritarianism that deeply influences your viewpoint and possibly your voting behavior?

This is your chance to find out, on the privacy of your own laptop, cell phone, or iPad, with results for you alone to see. Simply by clicking your level of agreement or disagreement with 20 statements, you can learn where you stand in comparison with other Americans.

The Boston Globe’s online authoritarianism exam measures your inclination toward authoritarianism using a scale developed by Robert Altemeyer, a retired professor of psychology who has spent decades studying, researching, and writing about authoritarianism.

Do you dare? That is, do you want to know?"

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/22/opinion/take-authoritarianism-test/

Boston Globe: "Would you fall prey to authoritarianism? Take the test."