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Steamrolled by flu-like symptoms again despite getting the Flu Jab

Fergus YoungLeave a comment

This post is purely my personal opinion as a layman regarding the Influenza Vaccine specifically and is no way a shot against Vaccines or vaccinations in general.

I’m wondering if my body’s immune system even responds effectively to the annual influenza vaccine at all? Been Steamrolled by influenza like symptoms again (Starting Friday Morning). Unlike the COVID-19 vaccine where I do get a noticeable reaction after each shot, I do not get any appreciable reaction at all after receiving the influenza vaccine.

Yeah, it could be something else other than influenza that has rolled me, but the hit rate on any given year where I come down with flu-like symptoms such as high fever, body aches, itchy lungs (dry cough) which come on rather suddenly and swiftly versus the years where I don’t get this affliction appears to be rather poor for me. 7 out of the last 12 years, I’ve come down with “influenza-like” symptoms above that have bed stricken me at least over a few days and sometimes in those years, ended up with flu-like symptoms twice.

My GP (at least in the past) will base diagnosis of “The flu” based on the IFI (“Influenza-Like Illnesses”) symptoms I’ve given above alone. I guess that question should be asked… Is there anywhere we can get an influenza test to definitively confirm or deny this? And how much does it cost?

Yes, I’ve taken a few COVID Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT), and they have come back negative. I still have my smell and taste, so further indicates that it’s less likely to be COVID. It’s possible I picked up this Influenza-like affliction at my work’s “All in day” last Wednesday as that was the only time that week I ventured out of the house.

With that out of the way, I hear that from the CDC over in America suggests that the Flu Vaccine wasn’t a good match for 2021 and 2022. I feel I’ve been hearing that assessment more often in recent years. I wonder if the Influenza vaccine on average is losing it’s effectiveness as years go by? Do we need to reconsider how we produce this vaccine and the messaging that the public is given in terms of it’s actual effficacy?

As mentioned previously, there appears to be suggestion that getting your annual flu vaccine each year may blunt effectiveness. Yeah, may be a I should try giving the flu shot a rest for a year or two. But who knows? We just don’t know enough and it may take a few years before we all learn more. All I know is that I’m quickly losing my faith in the Flu shot as providing me any real effective protection against Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) and feel the Industry may be overstating the Influenza Vaccine’s efficacy.

I believe at best, the Flu Vaccine may reduce the overall disease burden on society (as in, reduce hospital admissions, etc) and right now, that is perhaps the largest argument in favour of getting this vaccine. In terms of individual protection against Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI), the Flu shot has at least for me personally (and quite a few others) been infuriatingly ineffective and I call upon the industry to at least look into and perhaps acknowledge the Influenza Vaccine could be falling short in it’s delivery of expected outcomes for the public.

Steamrolled by flu-like symptoms again despite getting the Flu Jab

Spotify Android App and api2.branch.io

Fergus Young3 Comments

Got a new Android tablet and noticed that Spotify has been continuously phoning home to places such as api2.branch.io and app.adjust.com (every few seconds). If I force close the App, the DNS calls immediately cease.

Have flicked Spotify support an Email about this asking how I can turn this off on the Android version of their App. However, If I get no joy, will most probably move forward with ending my Spotify Premium subscription.

Spotify Android App and api2.branch.io

Use of photos

Fergus YoungLeave a comment

While most of the pictures as found on this website and on NUI.NZ are essentially personal photos taken on my compact camera or phone (unless otherwise stated), people are welcomed to use / share any of these photos around for personal or commercial use (except for resale) provided these photos are appropriately attributed (e.g “Photos: Fergus Young / NUI.NZ” is acceptable).

Been seeing the odd photo of mine popping up in random places without being properly attributed / credited. (e.g articles such as on LinkedIn). Appears to be more the photos here on peak.nz as opposed to natural landscape / hiking photos on nui.nz.

So long as any photos taken are properly credited / attributed, there’s no need to contact for me for permission..

Use of photos

Greater Auckland blog (Formerly “transport blog”)

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This is purely a personal opinion as a layman and ordinary rate paying member of the public

I will be direct, the General Feeling I get from reading the Greater Auckland (“GA”) blog is while I understand they want to do “good”, I’m not certain they are managing to quite “read the room” and question whether they are connecting with or otherwise effectively communicating their vision to the General Auckland public

I did know the main editor of Greater Auckland blog, Matt Lowrie personally, but only for a brief moment during the ‘The Campaign for Better Transport’ days. Great guy, but admittedly, may not agree with a lot of his and his cohorts’ more recent view points surrounding urban design and transport matters outside of our common desire to see improved access to alternative travel choices.

There are two distinct issues personally which have probably contributed towards my sentiment…

  • I do recall feelings of being left out when they began focussing almost entirely on Trains and the City Rail Link at the expense / neglect towards tackling the lower hanging fruit aspects of improving access to both public and alternative transport options for major employment areas that were and remain to this day, very car dependent, like East Tamaki Industrial and Highbrook (I remember they were at least on the initial onset, attacking the AMETI project saying it was very car and roads focussed).
  • That I feel great moral anger at some of their readers/supporters Militant support of Auckland Transport’s overbearing video enforcement of frankly poorly indicated bus lanes
  • The comments section under many of the artciles seems have increasingly turned into an Authoritarian-Left Anti-motorist echo chamber with little consideration that many members of the public have to drive due to lack of travel choice.

While I understand they appear to acting with good intent, I question whether they are going about things the right way and appear to be pushing more ideological aspects (what “They” themselves want to see) in an Authoritarian-Left like manner rather than the practical aspects (that would bring the most utility to the general public)

Greater Auckland blog (Formerly “transport blog”)

Switched to Bidbud to search TradeMe

Fergus Young, , 2 Comments

Admittedly, got tired of using TradeMe new redesigned site (issues include an unintuitive search function and slow web page load times that frequently time out giving me internal server errors), have switched to using Bidbud.co.nz.

Bidbud’s interface I feel is a lot faster and easier to use for searching stuff than persisting with TradeMe’s new website interface,

Switched to Bidbud to search TradeMe

Bus Lane Locations in Auckland (Link to map)

Fergus Young, , , , , 2 Comments

Was contemplating compiling a map myself of Auckland’s Bus Lane network, but it looks like Auckland Transport themselves have already created a Bus Lane and Special Vehicle lane map, albeit, one that is a bit out of date. (Will press Auckland Transport to update it,  particularly Queen Street and Mount Wellington Highway).

Click here or the image below to access AT’s Bus lane / SVL Map…

Given the plethora of Bus Lanes and Special Vehicle Lanes popping up in Auckland recently catching many otherwise law abiding people unaware, I feel it has come to the point where motorists in all practical intents and purposes now have to consult this prior to heading out in order to avoid running foul of the rules and ending up with a $150 NZD fine.

Warning, rant incoming: While I’ve never received an infringement from AT for anything I’ve done and while I do support the idea of special vehicle priority lanes where implemented appropriately to aid High Occupancy Vehicles to move more freely, I am steadfast in my view Auckland Transport could be doing considerably more than they have to aid the public to comply. These include…

  • Running advisory campaigns to advise the motoring public to please check for the latest information regarding bus lanes on the map (linked to at the top of this post)
  • Ensure that as a public service any and all Bus Lanes, Transit Lanes and Special Vehicle lanes are swiftly updated and marked on the map as soon as they are laid down.
  • Modify placement of bus lanes to aid people to easily merge into the general traffic lane. Right now, the way many bus lanes are drawn are pretty abrupt allowing drivers little chance to recognise and get out of the way of a bus lane.
  • While AT already have videos online on how to use or drive on bus lanes, there is very little practical information for drivers to navigate around bus lanes. e.g what happens if you find yourself approaching a lane that you don’t know how to safely get out of?

As a personal opinion, while the “Green team” (being environmental advocates) seem to be the one’s advocating heavy handed (Orwellian-like Camera) enforcement in the name of a climate emergency, they run the real of risk of becoming tyrants themselves. As an aside, It’s almost like they are demanding that people immediately put both their livelihoods and current living arrangements on hold and comply with their demands on issues such as climate change and the environment (as in, stop driving our Internal Combustion Engine powered vehicles right away).

The issue I have with the current level of bus lane camera enforcement is that it pits Auckland Transport (as a CCO) against the very public they are supposed to be serving fostering a rather divisive and counter productive “Us” vs “Them” sentiment along with contributing to the general public’s erosion of respect towards Authority.

I also fear that this may be a slippery slope and unless strongly challenged, will encourage other government departments to copy Auckland Transport and start rolling out a regular fines regime to use against the public they are supposed to be serving.

Furthermore, it raises an issue with so many otherwise Law abiding people getting pinged over an ever increasing array of ‘Strict Liability’ offenses now suggests people who otherwise have the best intentions are now no longer able to go about their lives without worrying about the the state coming down on them for an innocent mistake.

I will admit, I feel very strongly about how Auckland Transport are currently handling this and feel their current stance is highly corrosive to their own public image and is actually causing the general public to turn against Auckland Transport and their initiatives. I am currently locked in ongoing discussions with Auckland Transport about their conduct, as a civic concern, urging them to reconsider their approach and offering suggestions as to what they could do instead to improve public guidance, and education in order to aid compliance around bus lanes.

Auckland Transport and the “Green team” (including the likes of the ‘Greater Auckland / Transport Blog‘ people) need to be “reading the room”, they need to realize they need the support and understanding of the public in order to progress with their vision of achieving a transportation modal shift in Auckland.

While I can totally understand sitting on a bus that has been impeded by cars is a frustrating and irritating experience, comments online that I’ve seen from advocates directed against general motoring members of the public that happen to unintentionally drive into a bus lane I feel is completely unhelpful, divisive and unproductive. Statements such as “Selfish Idiot” and “It’s SOOOOO simple, just stay out of the bus lane” reeks of a total lack of both consideration for others and understanding of the situation. Work with the public, not against the public.

Edited 22 November 2023: – Fixed some egregious spelling mistakes

 

Bus Lane Locations in Auckland (Link to map)

Annie Crummer at Matariki Vibes 2022

Fergus YoungLeave a comment

Annie Crummer at Matariki Vibes 2022. Effectively walked into this on a leisurely local neighbourhood afternoon walk without realising there was even this free concert on.

Annie Crummer performing on stage at Matariki Vibes 22

The free concert also had House of Shem, Che Fu, Herbs, among other acts. Hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Wasn’t particularly packed at all. That said it wasn’t widely publicised either and had to really search for it online upon returning home from my walk.

Annie Crummer at Matariki Vibes 2022

Financial calamities come opportunities

Fergus YoungLeave a comment

Well what did the world expect? An uptick in interest rates has caused asset prices to fall, and some quite substantially. The recent sustained boom was indeed credit fueled and a correction has finally arrived albeit several long years overdue (delayed by the ridiculous amount of money printing by Central Banks world over)

As asset prices continue to ease, I’ve started seeing opportunities emerge for the first time in frankly a too long a time.

Financial calamities come opportunities

NZ Topo maps Android disambiguation

Fergus Young, , Leave a comment

Up until now, had been using ATLOGIS “NZ Topomaps” app for Topographic maps for use outdoors in the NZ Bush. However much to my chagrin, despite paying them some coin for their Pro version find that they changed it now be a yearly subscription at $20.00.

Now using the similarly named NZ Topo maps developed by Mason Blackwood. Have paid for the Ads Free version.

 

NZ Topo maps Android disambiguation

Looking for landlord insurance options to reduce frequency of inspections

Fergus YoungLeave a comment

Apart from AA landlord insurance / Vero, will be interested to hear what other insurers are also offering a reduced inspection interval requirement of six months or longer at least when tenants have been in a given place for over a year or two.

The current 3 month inspection I feel is a bit over the top if a tenant has stayed in a place for beyond a year and has kept the place in good condition in that time. One primary reason I hear for the 3 monthly inspection requirements is to pick up meth use or manufacture, however am unconvinced that more frequent inspections is likely to materially increase the chances of picking this up.

Looking for landlord insurance options to reduce frequency of inspections

Stream of Consciousness Week 21th February 2022

Fergus YoungLeave a comment

Stream of consciousness and other personal thoughts garnered throughout the week and which will be added to as the week rolls on. These thoughts are unrefined, unquantified, unverified, and raw. Any of these may be either be edited, deleted or otherwise spawn out into its own separate post particularly if new information comes to light…

  • Political aspects and the message being promoted aside, Looks like the Wellington Protests (from the walkthrough videos posted) have interestingly evolved into some sort of unofficial (bootleg) festival. Food trucks, stalls galore, Portable toilets, showers, Live Entertainment, etc. Suspecting much of this is driven by the lack of in-person public events where the majority of them have been cancelled due to the Omicron outbreak. I’m sure also there are curious folk tagging along just to have a look.
  • How much is too often for a property management agency to be changing over the assigned property manager for a given rental property? Also, still looking for an insurance policy that doesn’t demand quarterly inspections. How it got to be that frequent is exceedingly puzzling and would argue unduly disruptive for anybody having to rent.
  • First world problem obviously. 1366×768 resolution screens I feel should be banished from laptops with a screen size of 14 inches or greater. The scaling on such a screen size/resolution I feel is too huge and pixelated and am extremely surprised to see such laptop notebooks still being sold new in 2022 with this resolution on a 15.6” screen especially on a laptop with 16GB of RAM, AMD Ryzen 7 CPU, and 500GB SSD such as the HP 15-ef0022nr available at PBTech. Do manufacturers (in this case, HP) believe there is a market for laptops of that particular screen size/resolution especially on medium specification (and higher) laptops north of 1000 NZD?
  • It seems the Government may be pushing on with the TVNZ and RNZ merger. I’m going to be upfront and say I don’t feel comfortable about this. I have doubts that RNZ and TVNZ are even compatible in their ethos.

Older Stream of Consciousness thoughts can be found here.

Stream of Consciousness Week 21th February 2022

Former Thrifty Car Rental Australia operational structure now rebranded as SIXT Australia

Fergus Young, , , , , , 4 Comments

The NRMA’s car rental division, Kingmill Pty Ltd, formerly operating as Thrifty Car and Truck Rental Australia have since been rebranded as SIXT Car Rental Australia upon expiry of their original Master Franchise agreement with Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTAG) in the United States.

This change includes some of their network of sub-franchisees throughout Australia including, Lawrence Vic Pty Ltd and Pacific Automotive Holdings Pty Ltd which have followed their franchisor to rebrand as Sixt Car Rental Australia, while some other now former franchisees have either stayed on as Thrifty, changed over to other car rental brands or are in the process of establishing their own independent car rental brand.

Whether there will be any real material operational change with SIXT Australia (from how they usually did things under the Thrifty brand) or whether it’s essentially just a brand change (in the form of “same pig different lip stick”) remains to be seen. It is sincerely hoped that certain franchisees will take this opportunity of a clean slate in which to substantially improve their conduct and move on from some of their former practices (Including charging of fees outside of the written legal documentation and deliberately trying to deceive customers such as myself through the posting of multiple false testimonials pretending to be happy customers).

The Thrifty brand in Australia under it’s new structure has now been returned back to it’s parent Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (DTAG) / The Hertz Corporation and now appears to be largely hitched in together with the Hertz branded locations through out Australia. In a nutshell, the people running Thrifty Australia as of now is not the same people running Thrifty Australia as of a few months ago. Continue reading “Former Thrifty Car Rental Australia operational structure now rebranded as SIXT Australia” →

Former Thrifty Car Rental Australia operational structure now rebranded as SIXT Australia

Yes, Facebook is indeed down.

Fergus YoungLeave a comment

Facebook is indeed down. This includes their other properties as well such as Instagram, WhatsApp and Occulus. Looks to be a DNS or routing issue (Botched BGP setup).

Read more here… https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=28748203 and here… https://arstechnica.com/…/facebook-instagram-whatsapp-and-oculus-are-down-heres-what-we-know/

In other news…

…water is wet.

It is why I have continually expressed concerns personally regarding allowing ourselves to collectively entrust too much of our lives singularly on the proprietary services of what is essentially is a single for profit driven entity.

 

Yes, Facebook is indeed down.

Stream of Consciousness Week 15th March 2021

Fergus YoungLeave a comment

Stream of consciousness and other personal thoughts garnered throughout the week and which will be added to as the week rolls on. These thoughts are unrefined, unquantified, unverified, and raw. Any of these may be either be edited, deleted or otherwise spawn out into its own separate post…

  • Lawrence Vic Pty Ltd T/A Thrifty Car and Truck Rental Victoria have agreed to refund the undisclosed portion of the Administration fees without question. Certainly a different and more pleasant exchange than the immediately hostile one I had with the old accounts team back in 2018 when I originally tried to bring it up. Demonstrates that it’s not always about hirers failing to read the agreement. In my case, the clause was no where to be found.

Older Stream of Consciousness thoughts can be found here.

Stream of Consciousness Week 15th March 2021