Topic: Coronavirus outbreak

@Mince Ha ha, thanks! This stuff about viruses - and other things relating to biology, chemistry, and biochemistry, of course - is what I went to school (and will still go to in a little bit, medical school let's go) for. So you know I just had to say something about it. Glad you enjoyed my little TEDTalk!

@Octane haha, that's awesome! I want to pursue a MD/PhD combo. That would be my ideal academic path, but God knows I don't have enough experience to make me be a competitive applicant, so it might just be an MD for me with a ton of research within.
Good for you for going down that route, though! From what I hear from my PhD-pursuing friends... it's definitely not easy. But I'm sure you'll be able to rise above the crunch of the whole ordeal. You seem to know your stuff, that's for sure! Take it from an anonymous person on a gaming forum; I'll be rooting for ya!

@ThanosRexx it was an interesting discussion nonetheless. I could do with more discussion like that, if I'm being totally honest...

@Ryu_Niiyama So glad to hear that your uncle is okay. Couldn't imagine what y'all had to go through while he was in the hospital and all that.

@Vee_Flames Well, to that we can agree. Certain topics are always interesting to talk or theorize about. It's just that I wouldn't be much more of an added value in the discussion, if it went any deeper, because of the aforementioned reasons. However, I do find topics like this interesting, hence me having more than a passing interest in them, and coupled with my "question everything, assume nothing" upbringing and teachings, I'm never afraid to ask certain questions or state my own point of view, whether I'm an expert in a certain field or not.

@Ryu_Niiyama Glad to hear he's on the mend! It doesn't hurt to indulge the guy a little in this instance IMO.

Advertisements bringing things up related to the pandemic to be relevant and sell their products is the worst. The very worst. Honestly, its really hard for me to not say something insensitive to emphasize how much I loathe this.

Unfortunately, it hasn't gone so far to be hilarious either, which is partially why its the worst. Like I've not seen "Wash your hands, and then have a Hot Pocket!!!!" or anything. Yet.

We understand you are going through a tough time, so buy our products!

Who's actually said it though? I've not heard anyone in any position of influence suggest it.

@kkslider5552000, It's already been turned into an inspiring 80's montage (and yes, this commercial is real, song & all).

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&...

@Dezzy Several Fox News people have, I believe it was Rush Limbaugh who suggested it first. I hate Fox News with a near burning passion, but they command the viewership of millions and it's a well established fact that the President of the US watches them regularly and has directly quoted several of them more than a few times. It's no coincidence that both Fox and Donnie bash on China as the evil scapegoat to blame for all the world's woes. I don't think it's likely but I don't think it's impossible either. It matches America's patterns in the past. After 9/11 America launch a war of bloody revenge across the world wrapped in the flags of patriotism that killed far more people than died on that horrible day. And we've seen days in the US where more people have died of COVID-19 than died on 9/11. If it came out that China made this virus, and it got out, even by mistake, there is a very real possibility that America would react the same way.

American culture revolves around this. Smash the bad guys and who cares how much damage is done in the process. It floods TV and cinema, it's in the music and the history. What happens whenever Americans get scared? They buy weapons. What does America do when it's wronged? Threaten violence or at the very least, brag about their capability to inflict violence. America spends nearly a trillion dollars annually on what they call the "department of defense" which they use to wage endless brush wars all over the world and support so-called allies like Saudi Arabia in their wars.

So yes, I am very frightened of this possible outcome and I do not remotely think the chance is zero. If Americans get it in their head that China made the virus or more importantly if Trump and war hawks like Graham and McConnell do, then yes, I think it's extremely possible. Thankfully John McCain isn't around anymore - though I respected him, the man's answer to every problem from outside American borders was to drop bombs on it.

i have a lot of time on my hands as of now.
thats more than enough time to make yer internet surfing experience a complete nightmare.
one mans trash in another mans treasure.

@Heavyarms55

Well Rush Limbaugh can be pretty out-there, but I can't find any example of him recommending invading China.

The main reason there won't be a war with China is that it would be economically disastrous. It's not equivalent to a middle-eastern dictatorship that produces nothing of actual wealth itself, but just sells the oil it happens to be located above. Saddam Hussein can be overthrown and the oil will still be there.

China is very different. They produce a lot of wealth, and it's dependent on having a massive labor force that's extremely well organized and motivated (and educated, in the case of their middle class). That is completely dependent on their current government and its policies. We know how much could be lost if their current government was overthrown, because we know how poor and backward China was under Chairman Mao.

While all of the developed nations of the world are dependent on what they produce, you can be 99% sure there will be no actual war.

@Dezzy And if everyone involved were rational, I wouldn't be worried. Because no rational being would want to cause death and destruction - and economic destruction on that scale. But I don't have faith that all the people in positions of power are rational. Though even though I fear it, I wouldn't give it more than a 5% chance that's about 4.9% too high if you ask me.

@Heavyarms55

Everyone is rational, or at least tries to be rational, when it comes to pursuing their own interests.

The reason you think people are sometimes irrational, is mostly just because you don't know (and no-one knows) what they consider to be their interests.

(people are sometimes just irrational too, of course)

Did the internet really need a Wiki page for Coronavirus Party?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_party

@Mince

There are people that believe they catch this Coronavirus, they will be immune after they recover. Even if this was true, they would still be putting people in risk of death so such a party is not a good idea in a long run.

@Mince

I looked at the link. I already knew this anyways. Those parties are just as stupid, not that I am debating since there is nothing to debate about.

I've seen NHK World covid coverage, people that appear to get over covid still can test positive later. There are plenty of people that seem to struggle to get rid of it. In japan or south korea, hospitals won't release patients until they test negative twice. However, currently, there isn't enough data to quantify how often this occurs.

I have to say the lockdown in the UK is really getting to me now, I feel really low in mood, anxious and like this is never going to end after the stories I've heard and read in the press today. I know everyone is the same but I wish everything could be back to normal but its really not going to be for a very long time and its making me depressed

Try and let go of any ideas of 'normal' and looking for an end to this current situation. Try and focus your attention on finding enjoyment in day-to-day living.

I've always been a bit more of a drift from day-to-day kinda guy, so I guess it's tougher for those who routinely plan out their lives.

My state's governor (IL) announced today that they're extending our stay-at-home order until May 30th, but they will be gradually relaxing some restrictions in the meantime. They'll be opening some state parks with some restrictions in place at least. That'll give people going stir-crazy somewhere to go.

Masks are also pretty much required anywhere where it may be hard to social distance starting May 1st. I'm taking that to mean in indoor areas with a lot of people, such as a store.

I'm in Indiana and they are talking about closing grocery stores entirely. There's been no word so far about when this lockdown will end and I'm getting to the point where I'm really losing hope that it will. Restaurants everywhere are even saying you can't sit outside in your own car and eat your food. This crap needs to end! I don't know why they can't just open places up and put out signs reminding people to give eachother space. I've even been getting dirty looks for not wearing a mask like I'm germ ridden. I've had it! At this point i welcome the damn virus! Come get me! Put me out of my misery!