8 chapters across the catalog
NIH Gain-of-Function Admission, Lockdown Tipping Points
During a congressional hearing, NIH official Lawrence Tabak admitted that the agency funded research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology that meets the generic definition of gain-of-function. The discussion reflects on the origins of the 2020 lockdowns, identifying the cancellation of South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, as the primary tipping point for national closures.
The discussion focuses on the economic pressure placed on small businesses by COVID-19 regulations, framing it as part of a "Great Reset." Comparisons are made between the relative freedom in Texas and the strict curfews and lockdowns enforced in California and Europe.
Austin Lockdown Extension, Restaurant Social Distancing, Joe Rogan
Austin, Texas has extended its stay-at-home orders through December 8, 2020, despite moving to a lower risk stage. Local restaurants like Peche are reportedly ignoring social distancing guidelines, operating at high capacity with crowded bars. There is speculation that high-profile residents like Joe Rogan moving to the city may draw more media scrutiny to businesses that are not complying with COVID-19 restrictions.
Austin City Council is considering a mandatory 35-day lockdown and a "lessons learned" program to address rising COVID-19 cases. Mayor Adler supports a proposal that would declare businesses a nuisance if they fail to enforce mask use, disinfect twice daily, and limit groups to ten people. Violators of these proposed regulations could face civil suits filed by the city attorney.
Austin City Council Lockdown Proposals, Mayor Steve Adler
Austin Mayor Steve Adler and the City Council are considering a mandatory 35-day lockdown followed by a "lessons learned" period to combat a surge in coronavirus cases. One medical expert proposed either universal masking at all times or a total shutdown of all but big-box grocery stores. The plan aims to transition the city to "Stage 4 Orange" status to facilitate school reopenings in the fall, contingent on vaccine availability.
Austin Lockdown Threats, Terrorist Tactic Comparisons
The threat of a second 35-day lockdown in Austin is compared to "terrorist tactics" intended to break the spirit of the hospitality sector. While Texas was previously seen as leading the reopening effort, the current political climate in Austin is described as a move to "teach a lesson" to the public. The hosts contrast the situation in Texas with the lack of similar lockdown threats in California.
Gitmo Nation Media Assassination, Silicon Valley House Arrest
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 1226 of No Agenda from Austin, Texas, and Northern Silicon Valley. Dvorak describes the California lockdown as "house arrest" and jokes about the political climate in his region. The hosts emphasize their independence from Silicon Valley infrastructure and their reliance on proprietary servers and networks.
A breaking news report of a person with a gun at Virginia Tech caused a media stir, though the hosts contrast this alarmism with the pro-gun culture in Austin, Texas. An anecdote is shared about "Miss Mickey" wanting gold-plated wedding guns with mother-of-pearl handles upon moving to Texas.
