New at the Belmont Club. Is the end nigh? Or is it just the second coming of Jimmy Carter?
Author Archives: Richard Fernandez
Lab virus theory gains traction – Politico
It started out as a fringe conspiracy theory touted by Donald Trump. Now the suggestion that the deadly coronavirus was leaked from a laboratory in China is gaining both scientific and political traction.
Behind the Biden facade — nothing
The demand seeks to stave off an evacuation of the embassy by dangling aid to future Afghan governments — even one that includes the Taliban.
Biden’s cascade of failure
Joe Biden is facing simultaneous challenges. The collapse of Afghanistan in place of a “decent interval”; The resurgence of the Covid Delta variant in place of the anticipated reopening of society; Looming inflation and economic problems in place of the anticipated boom. The unending border crisis.
Head of WHO Team Calls For Closer Look at China Lab
“It’s interesting that the lab relocated on the 2nd of December 2019: That’s the period where it all started,” Dr. Ben Embarek said in the TV interview. “We know that when you move a lab, it disturbs everything…That entire procedure is always a disruptive element in the daily work routine of a lab.”
Our pessimistic age
Elon working on his starship while the rest of earth writhes in fear over the pandemic, global warming and the Taliban gives off the “When Worlds Collide” vibe. The lone scientist amid a sea of despair.
Not one size fits all but many situations
Dr Tom Frieden
China harvests DNA data
As part of surveillance efforts in Xinjiang, authorities have collected biometric data, including facial scans and fingerprints—used to verify identities at the region’s ubiquitous checkpoints—and DNA data. Moreau says DNA profiling does not directly enable mass internments or forced labor. Rather the impact is psychological, reinforcing citizens’ feelings of constant surveillance. Byler adds that DNA …
Hunter train wreck
‘I think he’s the one that stole my computer. I think the three of them, the three guys that were like a little group. The dealer and his two guys, I took them everywhere. F*ing everywhere, crazy out of your mind sh.’
The age of limited expectations
“Follow the science” has become the clarion call of the “know-nothing.” Which science is never quite clear. And when it is, it’s ever-changing. The parents see this too and have a right to be furious, especially because it is now being brought down to their children, both in the form of masks and vaccinations with …
You’re always shocked by what you won’t see
New at the Belmont Club. Blasts from the past. Never let the Narrative disable common sense.
What happens to the Emmy?
Is Cuomo headed for the end of the trail?
Whatever your politics, nature rules
“We need a lot of humility.” — Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, of University of California San Francisco, discussing the many unknowns surrounding whether one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine provides sufficient protection for the previously infected. “You either choose to live with it, or avoid anything that makes life meaningful.” — Alex Myers, DO, a …
Suddenly the scales fell from their eyes
[J]ust a year ago, much of blue-state America was lusting after Governor Andrew Cuomo… The erotic interest was documented in a Jezebel article—“Help, I Think I’m in Love with Andrew Cuomo???”… The term “Cuomosexual” was popularized in a song called “Andy,” by the comedian Randy Rainbow, set to the tune of “Sandy,” from the musical …
A month later nobody knows who killed Haitian president
Haitian officials crucial to the investigation are now in hiding. Callers to Mr. Destin, the crime-scene officer, from blocked numbers have threatened his life and family, he said. Three other clerks and judicial officers on the case said they received the same calls. One colleague, tasked with interviewing suspects, left his lights on one Sunday …
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Is it time to worry?
New at the Belmont Club. There’s been a change of plan. You won’t be released as scheduled.
US intel digging through genetic data to uncover virus origins
It’s unclear exactly how or when US intelligence agencies gained access to the information, but the machines involved in creating and processing this kind of genetic data from viruses are typically connected to external cloud-based servers — leaving open the possibility they were hacked, sources said.
Can we handle the truth?
Editorial denounces the De Blasio vaccine passport
It is common to hear that the ‘selfish’ are inflicting negative externalities on the ‘selfless’ during the pandemic. But the ‘selfless’ also impose negative externalities on everyone else. This happens because nothing is free. Striking the right balance is a matter of cost-benefit estimates and calculated risk. Anyone who promises ‘free’ and totally safe is …
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