January 30, 2022 — The Omicron subvariant, known as BA.2, spreads about 1.5 times faster than the original Omicron strain, known as BA.1, according to CNBC.
The Statens Serum Institut, which monitors infectious diseases in Denmark, said that BA,2 is more contagious, but it doesn’t appear to increase hospitalizations or reduce how well the vaccine works.
BA.2 overtook BA.1 as the primary variant in Denmark within a few weeks, Troels Lillebaek, director of the institute, told CNBC. The subvariant has five unique mutations on a key part of the spike protein, which is what the coronavirus uses to invade human cells, he said. This often means a higher rate of spreading.
The Kūkā‘ilimoku is the official e-newsletter of the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard. The first issue came in September 1957 and continues as a monthly newsletter today.
Today we feature the February 1986 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:
* Family Day coming in April
* Lt. Col. Richard Settsu retires
* TSgt Fred Higa begins staffing CAM Sq. News & Views
* HANG 40 coming in November
* Promotions: including Arthur Kaai, Pamela Hiu
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, annual 15-day festival in Chinese communities around the world. The celebration begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon. This year Chinese New Year occurs on Friday, February 1, 2022.
The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian (“Year”) would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colorful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members. Many traditions of the season honor relatives who have died.
More on this year’s Chinese New Year – The Year of the Tiger
Special Thanks to Braden “Mongo” Sakai for sharing these personal photographs.
These two photographs are some friends with Ro at my house after he was recovering from cancer treatment.
Left photograph: Standing (L-R): Glen “Knockers” Nakamura, Rollie “Dude” Smith, Wade “Ninja” Oganeku, Braden “Mongo” Sakai, Michael “Stuck” Blake and his son. Sitting: Kenneth “Dusty” Sussel, Garro (Rojo) Johnson
Right photograph: Standing (L-R): Glen “Knockers” Nakamura, John “Kazi” Hall, Michael “Stuck” Blake and his son, Wade “Ninja” Oganeku. Sitting: Kenneth “Dusty” Sussel, Garro (Rojo) Johnson
Garro (Rojo) Keeaumoku Johnson ended his long battle with cancer on October 29, 2006. In his second round with cancer, he refused to undergo further chemotherapy treatments. He passed away peacefully at Castle Hospital.
Related:
Punahou Class of 74’s Blog Didn’t know Rojo played the bass
Check Six – 2006: Ro Johnson old photographs
The Kūkā‘ilimoku is the official e-newsletter of the 154th Wing, Hawai‘i Air National Guard. The first issue came in September 1957 and continues as an e-newsletter today.
Today we feature the February 1994 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:
* 203 ARS Navigator takes top honors
* 150th Fighter Group in Hawaii for DACT training
* Lt. Col. Myron Tong becomes the 154th Tactical Hospital commander
* TSgt Eddy Compoc passes
* Senior NCO and First Sergeant Conference
* CAMS News and Views
As you’re getting ready to file your tax return, you may be wondering about the chances that the IRS will audit your return. Most people can breathe easily because the vast majority of individual returns escape the audit machine. In recent years, the IRS has been auditing significantly less than 1% of all individual tax returns – and the trend has been towards fewer audits from one year to the next. Plus, most audits are handled solely by mail, meaning taxpayers selected for an audit typically never actually met with an IRS agent in person.
From the Medical News Today website
Many people take dietary supplements to help with brain function and health. However, scientific research does not always support the claims that supplement manufacturers make, and a person may wish to check with a doctor whether a certain product is safe to use.
The Kūkā‘ilimoku is the official e-newsletter of the 154th Wing, Hawai’i Air National Guard. The first issue came in September 1957 and continues as a monthly newsletter today.
Today we feature the January 2011 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:
* Maj. Gen. Darryll Wong becomes Adjutant General
* Brig. Gen. Joseph Kim becomes Deputy Adjutant General
* Command Chief Willie Rafael comments
Tax season officially began on Monday, January 24. As you prepare to file your 2021 taxes, you’ll want to watch for two letters from the IRS to make sure you get the money you deserve.
This year, the IRS is mailing two letters – Letter 6419 and Letter 6475 – to qualifying Americans.
Typically, the approval of a new drug designed to treat an otherwise untreatable condition would be cause for widespread celebration. That was not the case when the Food and Drug Administration approved aducanumab, a medication the agency called “the first therapy to target and affect the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s.”
Typically, the approval of a new drug designed to treat an otherwise untreatable condition would be cause for widespread celebration. That was not the case when the Food and Drug Administration approved aducanumab, a medication the agency called “the first therapy to target and affect the underlying disease process of Alzheimer’s.”
Alzheimer’s is a debilitating disease that affects more than 6 million Americans and was the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2020. The FDA’s approval of aducanumab last summer, though hailed by some Alzheimer’s advocacy groups, was met with intense criticism from some experts who raised questions about its effectiveness and potentially dangerous side effects.
From the National Aeronautics and Space Administration website
On January 30, 1948, Orville Wright, the first person to make controlled, heavier-than-air, powered flight, died at age 76.
From the Hawaii Magazine website
Ever wonder where culinary creatives dine when they’re not in the kitchen? Well, we asked for you.
Hawaiʻi’s culinary experts dish out their hot takes, from the nonnegotiable beach snacks, to the freshest poke and the disputed age-old question, ‘What’s your favorite Island?’ While you’ll learn what to order next at Palace Saimin, (thank you, Mark Noguchi), a hearty, family-cooked meal for these chefs appears hard to beat.
When someone is legally deemed incapable of managing their own affairs and hasn’t named a financial power of attorney to do it for them, a guardian or conservator may be needed, and a family member may be appointed to the job. Guardians are usually responsible for personal affairs whereas a conservator is generally limited to financial matters. The terms, which can vary by state, are often used interchangeably because in many jurisdictions the same person fills both roles.
Does VA’s Retroactive Benefit, commonly referred to as Back Pay, cover you from the time you incurred an injury or illness in the military? What if a Veteran was denied a previous claim and laws change like they did with Agent Orange exposure? Will VA compensate you for all that time? Watch and find out!
Retiree News 