Hantavirus Facts
Hantaviruses are a deadly family of viruses spread primarily by infected wild rodents, such as deer mice, rats, and voles. Infected rodents are carriers only; they do not get sick or show symptoms. Hantavirus infections in humans are rare in the United States. Since surveillance began in 1993, there have been a total of 890 reported cases nationwide. On average, the country records fewer than 30 to 40 cases annually, primarily isolated cases in western and southwestern states. How Humans Contract Hantavirus Infected rodents shed the virus in their urine, droppings and saliva, which settles onto the ground or other surfaces that come into contact with the rodents. Humans can…
2026 Shooting at White House Correspondents Dinner
I do not readily accept conspiracy theories, but the social media wires are sizzling with questions about this latest assassination attempt, many asserting it was faked. After years of refusing to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner, Trump suddenly makes a big deal that he’s going to go. This does seem like some odd timing. Soon after the incident, Trump used the opportunity to reiterate the need for a White House ballroom. Some say the “fake” assassination attempt was purposely planned in order to gain support for that ballroom. I don’t know about that. Trump uses every opportunity to promote his ballroom. Many are pointing out all the…
What Do You Meme? (Update Oct 11)
Memes, memes, they’re everywhere! Some are funny, some are inspirational, and some are just designed to spread false or misleading information. As I find memes I want to feature, I will post them here. I will limit the number to about 20 per page. When this first page has less than 20, I’ll keep adding new ones to the top until it’s full, then I’ll move them to the next page and start filling the front page again. Please note that only this first page will show on the blog, and will be the only meme page with a comment box. Subjects will include politics, science, and whatever else moves…
The Dope on Epstein & Trump
dope: (dohp) noun informal: a stupid person informal: information, especially from a reliable source We’re in the middle of the biggest presidential scandal since Watergate. Except I think this may keep getting bigger until it makes Watergate look like a Sunday picnic. I decided to take a brief break from the post I’ve been working on about an historical figure, and dash this one off. In my heart of hearts, I think Trump is probably guilty of, or somehow involved with, the sex trafficking and rape allegations. But my court judge mindset says they are only allegations. Nothing has been proven, and even though the circumstantial evidence is compelling, we…
I’m Tired of Debunking MAGA
I started this blog because I want to post about history and science. I have dozens of text documents with partially written posts and lots of notes about those subjects, and for debunking conspiracy theories and pseudoscience, and other interesting topics. But I can’t concentrate on any of that when my country is crashing and burning around me. So I find myself spending my already limited time trying to discredit Trump’s solipsistic foibles, which are exacerbated by MAGAs repeating everything he says like it’s the gospel truth. From his outright lies to his fundamental misunderstandings of how things work, MAGAs praise him for actions that will destroy this country. I’ll…
The Truth About the Federal Aviation Administration and DEI
Almost immediately after his inauguration, Trump began essentially dismantling several government agencies which have varying degrees of aviation safety, some more and some less. He fired the heads of the Transportation Security Administration and Coast Guard before their terms are up and eliminated all the members of the Aviation Security Advisory Committee. He fired 100 top Federal Aviation Administration security officers and froze the hiring of all Air Traffic Controllers, even though there is already a shortage of tower controllers. The Aviation Security Advisory Committee will technically continue to exist but it won’t have any members to carry out the work of examining safety issues at airlines and airports. TSA…
LA Fire Conspiracies and Hoaxes
Nothing new, just the usual ridiculous out-of-control conspiracies that spread every time anything happens. IT’S ALL THE FAULT OF THE DEMOCRATS This is an odd thing to say, since 44 Republicans voted against HR 10545, the American Relief Act of 2025. Part of this bill is to provide funds for wildfire prevention measures, including $75,000,000 for the “construction or maintenance of shaded fuel breaks in the Pacific Regions.” These fuel breaks will help slow down the spread of fires, and increase the efficiency of firefighting efforts. Fortunately, the bill passed and was signed into law in December 2024, but unfortunately there wasn’t enough time to get the extra fire breaks…
Trump’s Hurricane Lies Continue
This is the worst response to a storm or a catastrophe or a hurricane that we’ve ever seen ever. Trump said that. Of course it’s not true. I’ve watched countless press conferences given by both Republican and Democrat leaders in the affected Helene areas. I see a common theme. They are praising the Biden administration for the relief response, they are saying FEMA is doing their job, and they are angry at Trump for his lies about the situation. Yes, the Republican leaders are angry at Trump. The Biden administration announced 100% of reimbursement of local Helene response. This is typical of a presidential administration during a catastrophe, except when…
Hurricane Helene Hoaxes
I wanted to write a post debunking all the conspiracies but there are so many, it’s impossible. So I’ll just make a few brief points. Authorities are keeping rescuers out of affected areas It is true that restrictions had to be imposed in some of the more accessible towns due to two reasons: [1] They had to run looters out and they are trying to keep those from coming back, and [2] Conditions are dangerous and they’re trying to make sure experienced (and legit) relief teams only are going in.. Helicopter woes: It’s apparently true that a Fire Chief prevented a pilot from his rescue efforts. I haven’t confirmed it,…
Mini Moon Madness
You’ve probably heard about the Mini Moon that will be visiting Earth for a few weeks this fall. This is an tiny asteroid named 2024PT5. And boy howdy, the conspiracy theories are oozing out of the woodwork. Everything from, It signals the coming of the Anunnaki to “They” are planting it in the sky to divert our attention from some unnamed nefarious activity they will be engaging in. It’s probably no surprise that many who find 2024PT5 alarming are also believers in a Flat Earth There are more than 34,000 known near-Earth asteroids and another 120 known near-Earth comets. Now and again one gets too close to the Earth and…
Flat Earth Conspiracy
Most people who believe in the Flat Earth also believe in the Firmament. Flat Earthers also tend to be moon landing deniers. Since the Firmament and moon landing denials are such complicated subjects in themselves, I’ll be doing separate posts about them. What baffles me is why anyone thinks there’s some big coverup by scientists who don’t want the general populace to know the true shape of the earth. What would be the reason for that? It makes absolutely no sense. Artificial Satellite Theories Conspiracists have a variety of theories regarding satellites – ranging from “they don’t exist” to “they do exist, but…” Balloon Theory How do satellites not fall…
Kamala and Netflix and Things
Nothing to see here – just the usual Trump and his supporters spreading false information without ever checking the facts. I want to point out I’m politically in the middle leaning right. That means I don’t automatically support Kamala. She’s done some things I find admirable, but in some things she’s further left than I’m comfortable with. Interestingly, some Democrats feel that she’s not liberal enough. Of course, those on the far right think she’s too liberal. How she would pan out as a President remains to be seen, assuming she’s elected. I’m for truth, and I want to combat the moronic memes and rumors flying around social media. Harris…
