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Coronavirus, looking back at March 2021

Published

3 years ago

August 25, 2021

sylvia J

I wrote my first article about COVID-19 on February 27, 2020, and wrote 5 articles related to this topic during March 2020. I thought it would be a good idea to look back at my thoughts during that time, and see how much of what I said was true, and how much was off target.

And for the next year should I plan on taking advantage of Intertops casino bonus or can I actually plan that Las Vegas vacation I was thinking about going on a year and a half ago?

Are we close to a vaccine or is it still 18 months away? (Feb 2020)

By February 27, 2020, Trump was already talking about having a vaccine “very soon”. Others were saying it was at least 18 months away. On September 1, 2021, we will have reached the 18 month mark.

Politicians, don’t take any of them seriously

Unless you have been living in a bubble, the United States is currently in the middle of the most heated presidential elections in US history. So, if the statement is coming out the mouth of a politician, take it with a grain of salt. About half of what they are saying is probably true, and the rest is politics.

A COVID vaccine did get to market by February 2021. That was great. It helped with the original COVID-19. But viruses mutate, and people can still be carriers and they still get sick. For the most part, it is not hospital sick, and people dying as with the original COVID-19. On the downside, the vaccine seems to become less “powerful” after 6 months. But it is unclear exactly how it is not as powerful. With people with immune system problems, did the vaccine just not hold or does the vaccine just not work? I do not know, and I do not think that even the people who created the vaccine know.

Around 1995-2000, the FDA started to accept PDF submissions. First, it was an option, and then it became a requirement. The days of tractor trailers driving up to the FDA offices were gone, but it still took, on average, 3 years for a drug to be approved for mass production.

Around the year 2000, the FDA changed its procedures, so instead of a company doing all of their research and then submitting everything, all at once, at the end of the process, they were allowed to submit things piece by piece. This change reduced the timeframe for an average drug submission from 3 years to 18 months.

That is still true. And when companies are given an incentive to put a certain project to the front of the line, and the FDA puts certains products to the front of the line, that 18 month number can be cut in half.

So which number is right?

The answer is that they are both right.

The 18-month figure is an average figure. That figure can be cut down by a specific drug being put to the front of the line. It can also be cut down by assigning additional people to evaluate the data.

But there are some things in the process that cannot be sped up. Checking antibodies 3 months in the future, 6 months in the future, 12 months into the future, etc. Although companies can run simulations and make expected predictions, nothing is going to take the place of seeing in real-time, under “normal” conditions, if something is or is not effective.

The second paragraph is especially true. When governments started to give the vaccine to the population, they did not know what the antibody levels would be like at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, in the future. The COVID vaccines do not maintain antibody levels at a point where they can fight off variants of the virus to the same level as the original virus.

How to beat the odds of getting COVID-19? (Feb 2020)

Understand how the Coronavirus is the same and different than a “normal” cold or flu. First, how long the time between somebody being exposed to a virus before showing signs of infection. For a regular cold, the time period is one to three days. For the flu, it is one to four days. For the Coronavirus, it is between two and 14 days. To put it simply, the time between exposure and showing symptoms is a lot longer.

This is still true.

With the original COVID-19 variant, people tended to develop symptoms or test positive between 5 and 8 days after exposure. They can be contagious 48 hours before showing symptoms or testing positive with a peak at 5.61 days.

For the Delta Variant, the time between initial exposure to a positive COVID test was 3 to 5 days with a peak at 3.71 days. Infected individuals with the Delta variant were contagious 2 days earlier than the original COVID patients, and they had a much higher viral load. So there was a lot more of the virus in their body that they could potentially transmit to others.

Delta variant COVID patients had viral loads that were 1260 times higher than original COVID patients.

The reason for this is that the Delta variants “likes the human body” much more than the original COVID virus, so it makes it much easier to reproduce.

If you were to graph the growth of the virus inside two individuals — one infected with the original version of the virus, the other infected with the Delta variant — both would start at zero, but the growth line for the Delta-infected individual would rise much more steeply. Not only would that individual’s viral load reach a detectable level (positive PCR test) more quickly; it would also reach an infectious level sooner. An individual infected with the original strain of the virus would, on average, become able to transmit the virus between three and four days after exposure, in the 48 hours before developing symptoms or testing positive. In contrast, it appears that someone infected with the Delta variant may be able to infect others within a day or two of being exposed.

What exactly is going on with the Delta COVID variant and vaccines? (Aug 2021)

Vaccination is highly protective against severe illness, hospitalization, and death — even when it comes to the Delta variant. We also have evidence that fully vaccinated people are less likely to transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus to others. “But no vaccine is 100 percent effective,” Stuopis emphasizes. “And because Delta reproduces so quickly and efficiently, it appears that the virus can sometimes reach detectable and infectious levels in vaccinated people before the vaccine-mediated immune response kicks in. Vaccination will likely keep you from getting really sick. It may keep you from developing any symptoms at all. But it might not keep you from spreading the virus to others.”

To put it in layman’s terms, when a vaccinated person gets exposed to the Delta variant of COVID, it becomes a race against time. The Delta COVID variant against the vaccine’s immune response? Each working. Each fighting. But since the body only knows how to fight the original COVID vaccine, it takes time for the body to learn how to fight the Delta COVID variant. Since your body has a head start, you do not end up in the hospital. On the other hand, you can still get sick, you can still transmit it to others. And the virus does not stop with you.

Do vaccinated people need to wear masks indoors? (Aug 2021)

If you are exposed to the COVID-19 Delta variant, you can expose others 1 ½ days later. The Delta Variant is more transmittable, because the viral load inside your body is higher. That means even with brief encounters, you can expose the virus to somebody else.

In August 2021, are covid vaccines worth it?

The simple answer is yes. In terms of the original COVID variant, which the vaccines were originally designed for, the COVID vaccines work (if you have not previously been exposed). For the Delta COVID variant, your body still has to learn how to fight the Delta COVID variant, but it is not learning “from scratch”. So although it takes time for your body to learn how to fight this specific variant of COVID, people are not ending up in the hospital (for the most part). And from the time that you are contagious to the time that your body learns to fight the Delta COVID variant, you can still get sick. If you did not have the vaccine, you could potentially end up in the hospital.

Remember, compared to the original COVID variant, the Delta variant has a viral load of 1260 times higher. And it is a higher viral load inside of your body that can be the difference between ending up in the hospital and not ending up in the hospital.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) described Delta as more transmissible than the common cold and influenza, as well as the viruses that cause smallpox, MERS, SARS, and Ebola—and called it as contagious as chickenpox

The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes is happening in places with low vaccination rates, and virtually all hospitalizations and deaths have been among the unvaccinated, the CDC says.

How long will the pandemic last (realistically)?

So, instead of a three- or four-year pandemic that peters out once enough people are vaccinated, an uptick in cases would be compressed into a shorter period of time. “That sounds almost like a good thing,” Dr. Wilson says. “It’s not.” If too many people are infected at once in a particular area, the local health care system will become overwhelmed, and more people will die, he says. While that might be less likely to happen in the U.S., it will be the case in other parts of the world, he adds. “That’s something we have to worry about a lot.”

This is a question that I have, why don’t we just expose the young and healthy (not people with pre-existing conditions) — expose them to COVID-19, but make sure that they are taking vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, and something to help the zinc absorb in the cells.

Many doctors discard this idea, because you do not know if the person would end up with a serious reaction or just “be sick”.

What are the symptoms of COVID Delta?

Cough and loss of smell are less common. Headache, sore throat, runny nose, and fever are symptoms of the COVID Delta variant.

How long are you contagious with the Delta COVID variant?

No matter the variant, once you are contagious, you are contagious for 2 weeks.

Is the booster of the COVID vaccine worth it?

Prof. Sir Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford Vaccine Group, which has contributed to the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, has even commented that, in his opinion, the highly transmissible Delta variant has made achieving herd immunity an impossibility.

“The Delta variant will still infect people who have been vaccinated. And that does mean that anyone who’s still unvaccinated at some point will meet the virus […], and we don’t have anything that will [completely] stop that transmission,” he told The Guardian.

Another argument against the booster vaccination is that low income countries still have not vaccinated all of the people in their countries that want to be vaccinated. Countries like Venezuela have only vaccinated around 8% of their population.

Sports

How to Find RTP Slot Machines

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

sylvia J

Slot machines are one of the most popular attractions in online casinos, offering players the thrill of spinning reels in hopes of landing a big win. However, while luck plays a role in these games, there’s something else that can impact your chances of winning: RTP (Return to Player). In this article, we’ll explore how to find RTP slot machines and why understanding RTP can give you a better shot at success.

What is RTP in Slot Machines?

Before we dive into how to find RTP slot machines, it’s important to understand what RTP is. RTP refers to the percentage of the total money wagered on a slot game that is returned to players over time. For example, if a slot game has an RTP of 96%, that means for every $100 wagered, the game will, on average, return $96 in winnings. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning in the long run.

It’s important to note that RTP is calculated over thousands or even millions of spins, meaning your results may vary. The RTP slot machine is just a statistical average.

How to Find RTP Slot Machines

Now that you know what RTP is, let’s look at some practical tips for finding RTP slot machines that can give you a better chance of winning.

1. Check the Game Info or Paytable

The easiest way to find the RTP of a slot game is to check the game’s information or paytable. Many sbobet login online casinos and game developers include the RTP percentage in the game’s details. Look for a small “i” or a button labeled “info” on the slot’s screen—this will take you to a page with details about how the game works, including its RTP.

It’s also a good idea to check the developer’s website for RTP information, especially if you’re playing games from well-known providers. Leading slot developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech are transparent about their games’ RTP percentages.

2. Use RTP Slot Machines Databases

Another great way to find RTP slot machines is by using RTP slot machine databases. Several websites compile lists of popular slot games along with their RTP percentages. These databases allow you to easily compare different games and choose those with higher RTPs.

Some popular RTP slot machine databases include:

org
The Pogg
AskGamblers

These sites not only provide RTP percentages, but they also offer player reviews and detailed game breakdowns to help you make informed decisions.

3. Look for High RTP Slots

In general, you’ll want to focus on high RTP slots if you’re looking for games that give you the best odds. While no situs slot terbaru machine can guarantee a win, games with higher RTP percentages tend to offer more favorable returns over time.

For example, a slot with an RTP of 98% or higher is considered very high, while anything below 90% is considered low. Some of the most popular high RTP slots include:

Blood Suckers(98%)
Mega Joker(99%)
Jackpot 6000(98.9%)

By choosing high RTP slots, you’re increasing your chances of receiving a better return on your wagers over time.

4. Read Online Reviews and Player Feedback

If you’re unsure about the RTP of a slot game, it’s always a good idea to read reviews from other players or professional casino reviewers. These reviews often include insights about the game’s RTP, volatility, and overall gameplay experience. This feedback can be invaluable in helping you choose the best RTP slot machine for your preferences.

5. Test Games in Demo Mode

If you want to explore a game’s RTP before committing real money, consider playing in demo mode. Many online casinos offer demo versions of their RTP slot machines, allowing you to test the game for free. While demo mode doesn’t give you the chance to win real money, it’s a great way to get a feel for the game’s mechanics and RTP before playing for real.

Understanding Volatility and RTP

While RTP is important, it’s also essential to understand a game’s volatility (or variance). Volatility refers to the risk level of a game. High volatility slots tend to offer larger but less frequent payouts, while low volatility slots offer smaller but more frequent wins.

It’s important to find a balance between RTP and volatility. A high RTP slot with high volatility might give you larger wins, but they’ll be rarer. On the other hand, a low volatility slot may offer more frequent payouts, but they tend to be smaller.

Conclusion

Finding RTP slot machines is a smart way to increase your chances of success when playing online slots. By checking the RTP percentages, using online databases, and considering player reviews, you can identify the best games that offer favorable returns. Always remember that while RTP can give you an idea of the game’s potential, the thrill of slot machines comes from the fun and excitement of the game itself. Happy spinning, and good luck!

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Ocean Adventures: Slot Games Inspired by Diving, Sailing, and Water Thrills

Published

2 weeks ago

December 12, 2024

sylvia J

There’s something magical about the ocean—its vastness, the mystery beneath the surface, and the thrill it brings. Whether it’s diving deep to discover hidden treasures, sailing across open waters, or simply enjoying the adrenaline rush of water sports, the ocean has inspired countless adventures. And when it comes to online slots, this deep connection to the sea has birthed some of the most exciting and visually stunning games out there. If you love the water, you’ll want to check out these ocean-themed slot games that bring the excitement of the deep blue right to your screen.

The Allure of Ocean Adventures in Slot Games

Ocean-themed slots are all about adventure. From the treasures hidden in shipwrecks to the underwater world of colorful fish, coral reefs, and even mythical sea creatures, these games offer a refreshing change of scenery compared to the usual land-based themes. They capture the beauty and mystery of the sea, creating an immersive experience that makes players feel like they’re embarking on their own ocean adventure. So, what makes these games so appealing?

Diving Deep into the World of Underwater Slots

One of the standout themes in ocean-themed slot games is diving. Picture yourself descending into the deep blue, surrounded by the eerie silence of the ocean floor, with treasures like ancient coins, sparkling jewels, and hidden artifacts waiting to be discovered. These slots typically feature symbols like treasure chests, diving equipment, and even elusive sea creatures like dolphins, sharks, or even mermaids. The graphics in these games are often top-notch, with animations that make it feel as though you’re submerged in water.

Popular underwater slots like “Ocean’s Treasure” or “Mega Moolah: Underwater” let players explore submerged wrecks or deep-sea trenches, all while keeping an eye out for bonus rounds and big wins. The thrill of uncovering treasures in these games is akin to the rush of discovering something precious on a real dive.

Sailing Through Adventure on the High Seas

For those who prefer the open ocean and the feeling of adventure on the high seas, there are plenty of indo777 sailing-inspired slot games to enjoy. These games often feature images of majestic ships, treasure maps, and pirate symbols. With themes that hark back to the golden age of piracy or the thrill of sailing into unknown waters, these slots capture the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Games like “Pirate’s Fortune” and “Treasure Island” are great examples of sailing slot games that take you on a journey filled with riches, danger, and excitement. The symbols often include pirate ships, cannons, and even the famous Jolly Roger flag. Many of these games also come with free spins and multipliers, giving you a chance to win big as you navigate through the sea.

Water Thrills: Surf, Swim, and Splash Your Way to Big Wins

If you’re more into the adrenaline rush of water sports, there are ocean-themed slot games that capture that action-packed vibe. Whether it’s surfing the big waves, riding jet skis, or swimming with dolphins, these games bring the fun and excitement of water sports right to your screen. With vibrant visuals and fast-paced gameplay, these games keep the action flowing.

Games like “Beach Party” or “Surf’s Up!” bring the surf culture to life, offering players the chance to ride the waves toward massive payouts. With symbols like surfboards, beach balls, and sun-soaked beaches, these slots create a lighthearted atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re on a vacation.

Features That Make Ocean-Themed Slots So Engaging

Ocean adventures in slot games come with a variety of features that make them stand out. Here are some of the most exciting elements that players can expect to find:

1. Bonus Rounds and Free Spins

Most ocean-themed slot games come with engaging bonus rounds and free spins. For example, some diving slots feature bonus games where you dive deeper into the ocean to uncover hidden prizes, while others offer free spins triggered by certain symbols like sharks or treasure chests.

2. Wild and Scatter Symbols

Wild symbols, which substitute for other symbols to form winning combinations, are commonly found in ocean-themed slots. For example, a dolphin might act as a wild symbol, while a ship’s anchor could be a scatter symbol that triggers free spins or a bonus round.

3. Progressive Jackpots

Some of the best ocean-themed slot games also feature progressive jackpots. These games can offer huge payouts, making the thrill of playing even more exciting. The more you play, the bigger the potential payout, and it’s always exciting to think that you could be the next player to hit the jackpot while sailing the seas or diving to treasure-laden depths.

4. Immersive Sound Effects and Graphics

Nothing makes an ocean adventure feel more real than immersive sound effects and stunning visuals. High-quality graphics and ambient sounds—like the sound of waves crashing, dolphins calling, or seagulls flying overhead—make these slots feel like you’re actually on the water. Many games even have 3D graphics, giving you a fully immersive experience.

Why You Should Dive into Ocean-Themed Slots

Whether you’re an avid ocean lover or just someone who enjoys a fun and engaging slot game, ocean-themed slots offer something for everyone. With their exciting graphics, immersive soundtracks, and the potential for big wins, these games provide a refreshing change from the usual slots.

So, grab your virtual scuba gear or hoist the sails, and dive into the world of ocean-themed slot games. Whether you’re exploring shipwrecks, sailing the high seas, or riding the waves, you’re sure to find a game that takes you on the ultimate ocean adventure!

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VIP Benefits Loyal Players Enjoy at Online Slot Casinos

Published

1 month ago

November 20, 2024

sylvia J

VIP Benefits Loyal Players Enjoy at Online Slot Casinos

Loyalty pays handsomely at online casinos. You get to experience a style of gameplay that is completely different from that of regular bettors, and also filled with profits. In online casinos, all players are treated with respect and given unrestricted access to gaming options. However, when it comes to bonuses and other reward types, VIP players usually get first dibs. Loyal players have access to VIP benefits that can massively improve their gameplay. Therefore, when starting out in a casino, ensure it has all the services and features you need in your gambling, especially a VIP program.

There’s a high tendency to remain loyal to a casino if it has all the things you need. For slot gamers, the casino should have thousands of slot machines. It should also offer bonuses on slots and feature a lot of bonus rounds. For any slot player, those should be their main criteria for selecting a slot casino. As an icing on the cake, having a VIP program should also be factored in when choosing an online casino. The numerous offers that come with becoming a VIP player make it worth the struggle. Every player should strive to be part of a bookmakers VIP program, because of the perks received. Let’s discuss the benefits loyal players enjoy at online slot casinos.

● Access to Jackpot Games

In online slot gaming, jackpot games offer players the opportunity to win big. Jackpot games are more common in online casinos than in land-based casinos. In one single spin, players can hit a 7 or 8-figure jackpot. This has happened a lot especially when players hit a progressive jackpot. Players can play either progressive or fixed jackpot games in online casinos. Fixed jackpots tend to have lower profits compared to their counterparts. VIP players get access to specific jackpots that regular players do not. It is a perk offered by most online casinos to their loyal customers.

● Priority Deposit and Withdrawals

VIP players receive special treatment when it comes to processing transactions. They have access to a variety of payment methods and even some that regular bettors don’t get. Their deposits and withdrawals are prioritised thereby allowing for quick processing times. After inputting their cookie casino login details bettors can fund their bet account in under a minute and start gaming.

● Dedicated Account Manager

VIP players are assigned a personalised account manager whose duty is to cater to all their needs. A dedicated support agent gets you quick access to whatever service you need on the platform. Activities such as bonus activation, deposits, and withdrawals become slightly easier with their help. Also, using their account manager, players can pinpoint which slot game has a jackpot.

● Higher Betting Limits

A significant perk VIP bettors get in online casinos is higher betting limits. Most VIP bettors are known for making huge bets. This leads to exceeding their daily transaction limit. To address this issue, online bookmakers have increased the deposit and withdrawal limits for VIPs.

● VIP Bonuses and Promotions

Apart from the regular bonus offers, there are special bonuses made solely for VIPs. These bonuses are tiered, so the higher you go up the VIP ladder, the better rewards you get. Slot lovers are rewarded with a variety of bonuses and in-game rewards that can take their slot gaming to another level. Using the high number of free spins they are rewarded with, they can boost their chances of profits.

● Invitation to VIP Tournaments

Online casinos go above and beyond when rewarding their loyal customers. Loyal customers who are professionals in a particular game get invitations to exclusive tournaments and events. However, only the top online casinos in the industry send their customers to these tournaments. It is not a frequently provided benefit.

● Personalized Offers and Rewards

Online casinos want their customers to be comfortable and happy when carrying out their gambling activities. A way in which they have achieved this is by customising offers based on the player’s betting habits. So if you like playing slots a lot, there is a high tendency that you will get a lot of free spins. This act ensures the continuous loyalty of players because they know what they stand to gain by remaining a VIP player.