Author: peter_bakke

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Thinking of Ukraine I ran across this poem by W. H. Auden

September 1, 1939

W. H. Auden – 1907-1973
 

I sit in one of the dives
On Fifty-second Street
Uncertain and afraid
As the clever hopes expire
Of a low dishonest decade:
Waves of anger and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,
Obsessing our private lives;
The unmentionable odour of death
Offends the September night.

Accurate scholarship can
Unearth the whole offence
From Luther until now
That has driven a culture mad,
Find what occurred at Linz,
What huge image made
A psychopathic god:
I and the public know
What all schoolchildren learn,
Those to whom evil is done
Do evil in return.

(Sept. 1, 1939 was the start of WW II. The culture driven mad was Germany. The psychopathic god was Hitler. PB)

ukrainian flag in peter bakke yard 2022

Ukrainian flag in my front yard. Saddlebrooke, Tucson, AZ.

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Steps to perform Abbott / eMed BinaxNow COVID-19 Registered Certified Antigen Home Test

 

BinaxNow COVID-19 Certified Antigen Home Test

You’ve purchased a BinaxNow COVID-19 Home Test kit. Now what?

First, a disclaimer: 

  1.  The information provided in this article  is for educational purposes only, and does not act as a substitute for professional medical advice.
  2.  Users should consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if they’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
  3. I am not a healthcare professional.

Having said that, the Abbott BinaxNow COVID-19 test kit process results in certified / registered test results by using an eMed.com teleconference utilizing a medical test guide.  It is generally used to prove that you’ve taken the COVID-19 test for employers, travel, etc.

General information:

– You will get your test results via a verification email within 30 minutes or fewer after completing the test.

– Print out the eMed email. It contains all the required certification / registration information. The results are also available via your NAVICA/eMed account (see more below).

– The test preparation process can take some time … based on your skills installing and using APPS, PCs, and cameras.

– This process I am discussing uses a smartphone and a PC / MAC. The smartphone is used for the required NAVICA APP and the PC (with a camera) is used separately to conveniently record the entire session with the medical test guide to assure them that there is no deception during the test.

Everything during th esession must be video recorded by the guide person. The test kit must be visible with no visual interruption for the entire session – which could take ½ hour or more (due to opening, prepping, waiting an additional  15 minutes for the result, etc.).  I suppose you could use a smartphone camera, but it complicates things a bit. You would need a stationary holder for the smartphone for the entire session that records the TEST CARD (see below) and process. This way cheating is avoided – to make sure the test kit is not swapped out for another, etc.

P.S. You are likely going to be connected to a guide whose native language is not English. Make sure you completely understand all of their instructions before taking any actions during the test.

– FYI:  eMed Technical Support : 1-833-637-1594

Preparation:

– DO NOT OPEN THE TEST BOX WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MEDICAL TEST GUIDE VIA THE VIDEO CONFERENCE. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO SEE YOU OPENING THE TEST BOX

– YOU MUST BE CONNECTED FOR THE ENTIRE SESSION FOR YOUR RESULT TO BE REGISTERED

– Download the NAVICA APP to your smartphone.

– You’ll also need a PC with a functioning camera to interface with the medical test guide and capture every aspect of your testing 

– Create an account for yourself on the NAVICA APP. You can add other people to your account who also need testing. [SETTINGS : MANAGED PROFILES : ADD MANAGED PROFILE]

– Download a free QR code reader if you need it.

– Have a pair of scissors handy to open the white test plastic pouch when asked to do so

– You’ll need an acceptable picture ID such as a passport to show to your guide

– Wash or sanitize your hands before the test. Make sure your hands are dry.

– Put on gloves if you have them – not required.

 

When you are ready to take the BinaxNow COVID-19 ag Home Test:

 

– Open NAVICA APP and select “I Have A Test”

– Use the smartphone to scan the QR code on the UNOPENED test box. If the QR scan does not work, tap “Select from a list” and manually select ‘BinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Home Test.’

– Tap “Test with eMed”

– Then go to eMed.com on your PC 

– Click LOGIN

– Click “I want to start testing”

– Click “Login with NAVICA”

– Enter your NAVICA login credentials and SIGNIN

– Click ALLOW for eMed to receive your personal information from the NAVICA APP.

– Indicate who in your account will be taking this test and fill out a page of qualifying questions for that person.

– Click “JOIN A GUIDED SESSION”

– It will take a few moments to connect to the eMed server.

– Once connected, the eMed program will check your PC device to make sure it meets all technical requirements. If there is a glitch in your system, here’s the eMed technical support number again:  1-833-637-1594

– Once your machine’s tech qualifications pass, you’ll be asked if you want to start the test, click YES or CONTINUE.

– Wait until you are connected with a certified medical test guide. This will take an undetermined number of minutes based on where you are located in their testing queue.

– Once connected, the guide will ask to see your ID – hold it up to your camera.

NOTE: The guide person will take you through all the details of the following steps … I’m just providing them here for your pre-test information.

– Display your UNOPENED test box on a flat surface in front of your PC. You may have to adjust your camera to show it properly to the guide.  Your test materials must be in the guide’s view for the entire session.

– Open the box. It has a clear seal on the edge – you may need your scissors. The box contains several packages discussed below.

– The guide will ask you to take out the white plastic package that contains the TEST CARD. Use scissors to carefully open it up.

– Take out the TEST CARD and open it up like a book handling it by its edges. DO NOT touch anything inside the TEST CARD… doing so may contaminate it and the test will be ruined.

– Place the TEST CARD on a flat surface in front of your PC in full view of the guide and make sure the two small holes on the inside of the TEST CARD are to your right.

– You are then going to open the small white plastic fluid bottle and put 6 drops of that fluid into the TOP hole in the TEST CARD. Do not touch the TEST CARD with the tip of the fluid container and make sure no fluid gets into the bottom hole.

– Open the long swab package and grab it by it’s handle… make sure you do not touch the swab itself on anything or the test will be ruined.

– Insert the swab completely at least an inch into your left nostril and make a circular motion five times rubbing the swab around in your nostril

– Repeat that process in your right nostril and move the swab circularly five times

– Insert the swab into the lower hole of the TEST CARD at a flat angle and press it in until it moves into the top hole.

– Twirl the swab stick three times to absorb the fluid.

– Peel off the sticky tab on the right side of the TEST CARD. Fold the LEFT side to the right side and seal the TEST CARD. Keep the TEST CARD flat.

– Now, you leave the TEST CARD unmoved and untouched for 15 minutes. 

– Your guide will now start a 15 minute timer and sign off. A new guide will join you in 15 minutes.

– Feel free to move away, but make sure you are back in front of the camera in 15 minutes when the next guide comes on. The TEST CARD must be in view of the PC camera for the entire 15 minutes, laying flat and unobstructed from view and untouched.

– An audio alert will go off after 15 minutes are up. Click the “I am ready” button.

– A new guide will then connect with you.

– This person will ask you to hold the TEST CARD up to the camera so that they can scan the TEST CARD QR code.

– They will give you the results which you will confirm.

– Throw away all the materials

– Print out the eMed verification email when you receive it. The results will also be available on your NAVICA APP/eMed website.

– Done!

—-

Check out this helpful Youtube video from the “GO TRAVEL” channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyjniJGZmLQ 

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TOO IMPORTANT TO IGNORE

 

 

Credit…Illustration by Zak Bickel/The New York Times; Photos clockwise from top left: Anna Moneymaker/The New York Times; Roy Rochlin/Getty Images; Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg (2)

By Michael M. Grynbaum, Tiffany Hsu, Katie Robertson and Keith Collins

Two days before a mob of Trump supporters invaded the United States Capitol, upending the nation’s peaceful transition of power and leaving at least five people dead, the right-wing radio star Glenn Beck delivered a message to his flock of 10.5 million listeners: “It is time to fight.”

“It is time to rip and claw and rake,” Mr. Beck said on his Jan. 4 broadcast. “It is time to go to war, as the left went to war four years ago.”

A former Fox News host, Mr. Beck had speculated for weeks about baseless claims of voter fraud in the presidential race. He told listeners that Donald J. Trump had taught conservatives that “you don’t have to cower anymore, you don’t have to back down when ridiculed into oblivion. You can fight back.”

…..READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE.

DON’T FORGET IT.

ACT.

RESIST FASCISM.

VOTE.

Fascism (/ˈfæʃɪzəm/) is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy

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Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Roger Weightman

 

peter bakke + Thomas Jefferson

Monticello June 24. 26

Respected Sir

The kind invitation I receive from you on the part of the citizens of the city of Washington, to be present with them at their celebration of the 50th anniversary of American independence; as one of the surviving signers of an instrument pregnant with our own, and the fate of the world, is most flattering to myself, and heightened by the honorable accompaniment proposed for the comfort of such a journey. It adds sensibly to the sufferings of sickness, to be deprived by it of a personal participation in the rejoicings of that day. But acquiescence is a duty, under circumstances not placed among those we are permitted to control. I should, indeed, with peculiar delight, have met and exchanged there congratulations personally with the small band, the remnant of that host of worthies, who joined with us on that day, in the bold and doubtful election we were to make for our country, between submission or the sword; and to have enjoyed with them the consolatory fact, that our fellow citizens, after half a century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve the choice we made. May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the Signal of arousing men to burst the chains, under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings & security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of god. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.

I will ask permission here to express the pleasure with which I should have met my ancient neighbors of the City of Washington and of it’s vicinities, with whom I passed so many years of a pleasing social intercourse; an intercourse which so much relieved the anxieties of the public cares, and left impressions so deeply engraved in my affections, as never to be forgotten. with my regret that ill health forbids me the gratification of an acceptance, be pleased to receive for yourself, and those for whom you write, the assurance of my highest respect and friendly attachments.

Th. Jefferson

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My Encouragement to Udacity Data Analyst Graduates

You’ve got the technical chops b/c you got your degree! Now, if you play well with others and can work well within the structure of teams, then I’d apply for every friggin’ data analyst position you can find. The best bet, based on my experience, is to get face time with a real, live, breathing person to showcase who you are. Virtual is really tough (but doable!) it’s just that you are competing with the entire planet vs. a few local candidates.

And keep working on personal projects that showcase your skills which will allow you to impress interviewers. Talking about my Udacity projects, especially an industry-tailored project, gave me a lot in common to talk about to interviewers. It sets up common ground to talk at the same level playing field. It shows potential hiring managers that you’ve tackled projects on your own in their field of interest. In my case, it was a healthcare-related data cleaning and visualization project. – Peter Bakke

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Sudak, Crimea looks fascinating

I’m reading Travels by Marco Polo and fust found out about the existence of  Sudak, Crimea (taken over from Ukraine by Russia, the bastards).

It’s located on the Black Sea and is mentioned on the first page of the book!

More geographic discoveries to follow, I’m sure. 

sudak-crimea-peter-bakke
SUDAK, CRIMEA

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Harlan James Bakke, “Deacon” : 1928 – 1984, Captain, United States Navy

Harlan James Deacon Bakke - Peter Bakke

Harlan James Bakke was born in Hutchinson, Minnesota, on December 16, 1928, son of Edgar N. and Alice (Anderson) Bakke. He attended Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota (1946-1947), prior to entering the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, on appointment from his native state in 1947. Graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 1, 1951, he subsequently advanced in rank to that of Commander, to date from August 1, 1965. In the fall of 1970, he was selected for the rank of Captain. 

Following graduation from the Naval Academy in 1951, he reported onboard USS Cushing (DD-797) and in June 1952 was detached for flight training. Designated Naval Aviator on July 3, 1953, he then joined Patrol Squadron THREE, operating from the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida to Iceland and Argentia. Transferred in October 1955 to Heavy Attack Squadron ONE, also based at Jacksonville and later onboard USS Forrestal. 

He was an Instructor at the Jet Transitional Training Unit, Naval Air Station, Olathe, Kansas, from November 1957 to October 1959, then became an Instructor with Heavy Attack Squadron THREE, attached to the Naval Air Station, Sanford, Florida. He joined Heavy Attack Squadron ELEVEN (Sanford, Florida and USS Franklin D. Roosevelt) in October 1960 and in October 1961 transferred to Heavy Attack Squadron SEVEN (Sanford, Florida and USS Enterprise). He continued service with that squadron until October 1963, when he was assigned to Reconnaissance Attack Squadron, Florida.

 

Ordered to London, England, he had instruction (Exchange Pilot) at the Royal Air Force Staff College, from October 1965 to January 1967 and in March of that year reported as Executive Office of Reconnaissance Attack Squadron FIVE. He assumed command of that squadron in January 1968. In May 1969 he reported as Operations Officer of USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) and is entitled to the Ribbon for and facsimile of the Meritorious Unit Commendation awarded that attack aircraft carrier for meritorious service while engaged in combat operations in Southeast and Northeast Asia during the period February 18 to September 7, 1969.

 

In February 1970 he reported as Electronic Warfare Project Manager at the Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters, Washington, DC.

 

In addition to the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Commander Bakke has the Navy Occupation Service Medal, Europe Clasp; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea) and the Vietnam Service Medal. He also has the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.