Grab a coffee.
Wuhan Flu: Unintelligent Design?
If you have an hour, I recommend you watch this. (The keynote topic begins around 15:20 into the podcast but the discussion preceeding is also worthwhile.)
Update: The video no longer loads, but you can still view it here. Again, start it at 15:20.
If you don’t have an hour, I recommend you make it. It’s your introduction to this: Lab-Made? SARS-CoV-2 Genealogy Through the Lens of Gain-of-Function Research
If you hear anyone claim “we know the virus didn’t come from a lab”, don’t buy it — it may well have. Labs around the globe have been creating synthetic viruses like CoV2 for years. And no, its genome would not necessarily contain hallmarks of human manipulation: modern genetic engineering tools permit cutting and pasting genomic fragments without leaving a trace. It can be done quickly, too: it took a Texas BSL4 lab less than 2 months to create a synthetic clone of CoV2.
This puppy may appear at first glance to be a long, technical slog, but stick with it. You won’t be disappointed. You’ll be angry, mind you… but not disappointed.
Incentivizing People Not to Work
Years ago, I was visiting friends on Vancouver Island and happened to engage in a political discussion with their pretentious 13 year old daughter. As the parents looked on, I debated this young girl on the merits of different political philosophies. “People should be allowed to do anything they want in life such as living in a forest and doing whatever they want there”, she espoused. My response to her was simple: “I’m open to hearing about any new political philosophy as long as it doesn’t disincentive everyone to work hard to be the best that they can be.”
Sadly, throughout my life I’ve seen different versions of this naive, ignorant teenager show up in the form of Leftist politicians and “intellectuals” (in quotes to connote mockery). Whether it’s socialism, communism, Marxism, or whatever ‘ism-du-jour they’re promoting, all of these political systems fail for one fundamental reason: they discourage people from excelling.
Fast forward to present day America where we now have an economic relief package that incentivizes able bodied young people – the core group that is almost entirely immune to the virus – from working. Brilliant! 🙁
Wuhan Flu
On the state of antibody tests: from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (pdf);
IDSA COVID-19 Antibody Testing Primer
Updated: April 22, 2020
As serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 advances, there are multiple issues that need to be addressed, from test
quality to interpretation. Unlike molecular tests for COVID-19 (e.g., PCR), antibody tests may be better suited for
public health surveillance and vaccine development than for diagnosis. The current antibody testing landscape is
varied and clinically unverified, and these tests should not be used as the sole test for diagnostic decisions.
Further, until more evidence about protective immunity is available, serology results should not be used to make
staffing decisions or decisions regarding the need for personal protective equipment.
The sections below outline the current state of antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2, along with research questions
and additional testing and policy considerations. This information will be updated regularly as new research,
tests, and increased public health capacity become available.
The information sheet isn’t long, and worth your time as context for some of the reports being circulated on social and mainstream media.
Turns out that “asymptomatic” doesn’t mean what we thought it meant: Retrospective study of 104 #COVID19 cases on the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Abnormal lung CT findings found in 79% of symptomatic cases, and 54% of asymptomatic ones.
This is also interesting.
Study of #COVID19 cluster in South Korea. Most cases (97%) worked in call centre on same floor, and on same side of building; attack rate 43.5%. Of 97 cases, 4 (4.1%) remained asymptomatic. Droplet transmission main route here, and duration of contact key.https://t.co/c4PqaPAR6h pic.twitter.com/EZfvA0oBwS
— Dr Zoë Hyde (@DrZoeHyde) April 25, 2020
Pleasing Your Enemies Does Not Turn Them Into Friends
Embattled rookie MP for Hastings and Lennox and Addington Derek Sloan says his controversial criticism of Canada’s top doctor’s handling of COVID-19 was about her job performance, not about race.
The leadership candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada is standing by his assertion Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, should be pink-slipped for following slow-footed COVID-19 counter measures by the World Health Organization he believes delayed swifter protection for Canadians against the disease. […]
“When I made the statement, obviously, the idea people would think it was racist was not even on my mind. I would have said those statements about any public health officer that made those decisions in her spot,” Sloan said. “It had nothing to do with her background.”
“I have concerns about the way Dr. Tam has responded to the pandemic, I have concerns about the World Health Organization being sort of beholden to China, at least parroting this information from China. It has nothing to do with Dr. Tam’s background, what her ethnicity is. Outside of there being a lot of hysteria right now, I’m not sure where all of the confusion came from,” Sloan said.
Sloan asked, “what information is she using and who is it benefiting? I’m not questioning her motives, I’m saying as public health officer, she needs to avail herself of all public information.” […]
Sloan said it is his fiduciary duty to hold those in political power accountable on behalf of his electorate in his riding, many of whom, are facing personal and financial hardship amid self-isolation measures to stem the spread of the virus.
“Keep in mind, I get calls from businesses every day that are on the brink of failure in our very riding. To me, I’m sorry if I’m chomping a little bit too much here, but I’m concerned about people in my riding. And if I can raise issues that talk about how we could have done things better or how we can get out of this, that’s my duty to do so and I will always do that,” Sloan said.
“I won’t be issuing an apology. We’re going to be issuing additional communications to party members and doing additional interviews so that may help to clarify. I never mentioned her race and in no way was it part of my comments,” he said.
“People who are making that connection are being disingenuous.”
The first step to recovery is to recognize and call out bad faith arguments for what they are.
Hmm, Trudeau calling Derek Sloan For Conservative Leader a racist for saying Dr. Tam should be fired, makes one think Sloan had actually done something racist, you know, like wearing blackface😏#BlackfaceTrudeau #cdnpoli https://t.co/S5YEMjbu0K
— Frank McVeety (@Franktmcveety) April 24, 2020
Thanks Celebrities!
Taiwan Raised the Alarm, the WHO & Democrats Ignored Them, and Trump is Blamed for Everything
When will criminal prosecutions against these people be started?
Bat Woman
“I hope it didn’t come from my lab.”
Via War Room (link to video explanation)
If you don’t have time for the entire video, give this portion a quick listen as well.
Your Intellectual Betters
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is insisting that Americans should not return to work when they’re given the green light to do so. We strongly encourage the following workers to follow her advice:
- All farmers who supply food to New York City and Washington, DC
- All supermarket and corner store workers in these areas
- All delivery drivers
- All restaurant workers
- All public transportation workers
- All utility workers
- All firefighters
- All healthcare workers
When havoc ensues after about 72 hours, all complaints should be sent here.
Wuhan Flu
Today’s news.
Late Breaking: The Calgary Stampede has been cancelled First time in a century.
Follow @ScottGottliebMD – New: Researchers clone two human blocking monoclonal antibodies using #SARSCoV2 specific memory B cells isolated from patients with #COVID19 that bind and neutralize activity of virus; demonstrating the basis for antibody drugs as potential therapeutics.
Sen Elizabeth Warren’s older brother has died of COVID-19
A Global Food Crisis Looms. The supply chain is not ok.
It arrived here last, and we locked down first: With only 65 active cases, Saskatchewan’s 5 stage re-opening begins May 4th.
Enemy of the People: I know I’m acting as an unpaid propaganda agent for China, but I’m doing it anyway.
See above: American citizens who care about their health as well as U.S. national security need to know about China’s domestic and international security and intelligence organizations, and the global web of companies and organizations they control and manipulate.
Two cats have tested positive for COVID-19.
New York State: @NYGovCuomo The first phase of results from a statewide antibody study are in.
Add yours in the comments.
Wuhan Flu: Two Americas
Glenn Reynolds on Fox this morning.(Video embed deleted due to irritating autoplay.) You can watch it here.
Your Government Is Here For You
This is unbelievable. As of last night Trudeau has reopened our borders to people making claiming refugee claims from Upstate New York.
New York State is currently battling a massive COVID-19 outbreak. Admitting anyone from New York is grossly irresponsible.#Cdnpoli #COVID19 https://t.co/gLLM0M0YGX
— David Jacobs (@DrJacobsRad) April 22, 2020
Related! Toronto’s Willowdale refugee hub now a major outbreak centre
Wuhan Flu: The Supply Chain Is Not OK
Financial Post: Canadian farmers are warning that their fields could fall fallow and their crops left to rot this summer, resulting in potential food shortages and higher prices.
High River Cargill plant that processes 40% of Canada’s beef closes.
More on that here.
Chicken farmers to shrink national flock by 12%
…all employees at the United Poultry Company Ltd. in East Vancouver have been told to self-isolate following the discovery of an outbreak at the plant.
Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are in a critical situation and are requesting urgent action from government. @cafreeland @mclaudebibeau #cdnpoli #cdnag #covid19 pic.twitter.com/KSRhAb0O5Y
— Cdn Cattlemen's Assn (@CdnCattlemen) April 21, 2020
That’ll Leave A Mark
Your Moral And Intellectual Superiors
Is this a joke? Yes, this is from Stelter's newsletter. Chris Cuomo was in East Hampton 8 days ago. This is bananas. pic.twitter.com/91zbpG7fzz
— Karol Markowicz (@karol) April 21, 2020
I guess quarantines are only for the little people: George Stephanopoulos Walking in the Hamptons After COVID-19 Diagnosis https://t.co/i7udCFd9x2 via @TMZ
— Pradheep J. Shanker (@Neoavatara) April 21, 2020
Wuhan Flu
In a province with 7% unemployment; (h/t Paul)
Health officials said that as of Friday, 358 cases in High River and elsewhere in the region were linked to the Cargill facility. Many of the workers at the Cargill Ltd. plant are new immigrants or temporary foreign workers, whose jobs and shared living spaces make them especially vulnerable to infection.
Seven weeks in a Wuhan hospital: The ophthalmologists were the last line of defense.
Defiant Residents Grab Shovels, Dirt Bikes After Cali Authorities Dump Tons Of Sand In Skateparks
Think globally, manufacture locally: How COVID-19 Is Wreaking Havoc On Our Ability To Make Things
My friend Tom just received his ten pack of toilet paper from Amazon.
If you left NYC out — even keeping in those other dysfunctional blue areas — the US would be a shining example to the world.
Your related links in the comments.
The Slippery Slope
Anyone who thinks that NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio’s snitch line is a great idea should watch The Lives of Others and learn how the East German authorities took great strides to protect the “safety” of its citizens. Blue states are heading down a really dangerous path.
Is Nuremberg 2.0 on the Horizon?
What reparations do the Communist Dictatorship of China owe the world?
In the coming days & weeks, carefully watch those who dismiss this as ridiculous and/or racist. It’ll be most telling.
Depraved Leftists Exposed
There are no hidden cameras here. Watch these truly hate-filled Democrats speak out.
This may help explain how millions of people were murdered during past Leftist purges.
Wuhan Flu
A sobering thread on the possible downstream effects of combating the Chinese virus.
As a high volume cancer surgeon, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in referrals during COVID. Will we see a wave of advanced cancers presenting post COVID? A second delayed wave of mortality indirectly caused by COVID? To my Twitter surgeon colleagues, your thoughts?
— Dr. Michael Ott (@UWO_Gen_Sx_PD) April 18, 2020
As for the speculation that COVID deaths are being inflated by attributing deaths from other causes to the virus, it just doesn’t hold up.
But this may be useful for tracking the direction the infection rates are moving. (thread here).
I talk a lot about whether or not peaks have been reached.
A good metric for this is hospitalisations:
• More reliable than confirmed cases (not influenced by testing regimes)
• Shorter lag than deathsSo here are some charts showing hospitalisations in various countries:
— John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) April 16, 2020
While I’m sure some of you would prefer posts jumping on bad studies and anecdotal miracle cures, but I’m as naturally skeptical of those as I am most “early reports”. Forewarned is forearmed. Where good news looks legit, I’ll share it.
In the meanwhile, I’ve found Dr Zoe Hyde (Australia) to be a useful follow on Twitter for developments, retweeted information and opinions, and newly released studies. Balanced and generally apolitical.
This seems to be the average: @EricTopol — What does Iceland and Vo, Italy have in common for #COVID19? A 43% rate of asymptomatic infections
New symptoms being identified in youth and children than may have implicatons for heart health.
Your related content is welcome in the comments, but keep the chatter to a minimum. Off topic comments will be deleted.