As the novel coronavirus in China was picking up speed in January, its epicenter in Wuhan needed more beds, fast. So they built a hospital with almost 800 beds (two per room) in a mere ten days. Now ready to admit patients (even though, according to this video, some showers still need to be installed and glue is still drying), here is a quick peek inside.

And for the actual build, here's am amazing time lapse video of the construction. Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/03/take-a-tour-inside-wuhans-ne.html

Where there's a will... It took just 8 days for China to build a large new hospital in Wuhan specifically to care for coronavirus patients. Another one is under construction. From The Guardian:

Construction work started on the Huoshenshan hospital on 23 January and finished eight days later, a day short of breaking their own record time set in 2003... The new hospital has 1,000 beds and is expected to begin admitting patients from Monday

And here is a tour of the interior! Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/03/incredible-time-lapse-video-of.html

Chinese WHO delegate warns of “deliberately creating panic” over Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/03/china-why-are-you-making-such.html

After the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, President Donald Trump tweeted his congratulations to the team who, er, "represented the Great State of Kansas."

Seriously.

Within a few minutes, he deleted the tweet and posted a corrected version. Here's a response from Claire McCaskill, former Democratic senator from Missouri (2007-2019):

It’s Missouri you stone cold idiot. pic.twitter.com/O1cAAOFsJ6

 Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) February 3, 2020

Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/trump-congratulated-the-kansas.html

The Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV Sunday night and impeached President Donald Trump jumped on Twitter to congratulate the team.

Former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill responded on behalf of the American people.

It's going to be a long week.

Trump shares then deletes tweet praising Chiefs for representing 'Great State of Kansas' (The Hill) Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/kansas-city-chiefs-win-super-b.html

As any true gamer will tell you, the only thing that can truly ruin an epic gaming session is having to sit in an uncomfortable chair or at a poorly positioned desk for hours on end. So before you kick back and launch into another marathon session against your computer or friends, check out our list of these top-rated gaming desks and chairs that will help you conquer the digital realm.

1. AKRacing™ Masters Series PRO Gaming Chair

MSRP: $389 | Sale Price: $549 (28% off)

This chair features cutting-edge ergonomics and a full spectrum of high-end features that will take your gaming to the next level—including cold-cured foam for added comfort and lockable tilt positions.

2. AKRacing™ Office Series Onyx Deluxe Executive Chair

MSRP: $599 | Sale Price: $389 (35% off)

Combining next-generation functionality with sleek style, this seat features a high backrest for added neck support, a dedicated recliner setting, and sophisticated leather upholstery.

3. Quest 45" Wide PC Gamer Computer Desk

MSRP: $298 | Sale Price: $220 (26% off)

Do your neck and spine a favor with this ergonomic gaming desk that comes loaded with a cup holder, a headphone hook, and a built-in power console that features three grounded outlets and two USB charging ports.

4. Zone 47" Wide PC Gamer Computer Desk

MSRP: $338 | Sale Price: $250 (26% off)

Upgrade your gaming experience with this minimalist desk that features a 47-inch surface along with a specialized headphone hook, cup holder, and a cord management hole that hides all your wires. Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/take-your-gaming-to-the-next-l-2.html

2020 is finally here, and if you’re going to smash that resolutions list you’re going to need to have a great cup of coffee by your side as you battle the day. From programable coffee makers to automatic brewers and rapid beverage coolers, there’s something on this list for anyone who wants to tackle their to-do list with the perfect cup of coffee by their side. Enjoy.

1. Gourmia® GCM3600 Single Serve Coffee & Tea Maker

MSRP: $120 | Sale Price: $60 (50% off)

Easily brew coffee or even tea with the push of a button with this multifunctional 14oz brewing machine that features an easy-to-use control panel, detachable filters for easy cleaning, and K-cup compatibility.

2. Gourmia® GCM2865 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker

MSRP: $60 | Sale Price: $50 (16% off)

Start your day on the right foot with this programmable coffee maker that will wake you up with your favorite brew—thanks to a series of controls that make it easy to schedule brews at any time of day.

3. Gourmia® GCM3250 Dual Mode Pourfect Pour-Over Coffee Maker

MSRP: $65 | Sale Price: $60 (8% off)

This dual-mode coffee maker gives you the option of automatically or manually brewing your favorite cup of coffee, and it’s easy to match the precise amount of grinds and water needed per cup thanks to a one-click setting.

4. Gourmia® GCM4700 Coffee Maker with Built-In Grinder

MSRP: $140 | Sale Price: $100 (28% off)

This 10-cup coffee maker comes with a built-in grinder so you can enjoy a truly fresh cup of Joe every day. Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/10-coffee-brewers-for-the-caff.html

I love the Ars Technica "War Stories" series where they interview designers of some of the most iconic and popular computer/video games on the challenges they faced.

This episode features Rand Miller, one half (with brother Robyn) of Cyan, Inc. creators of the early 90s puzzle adventure game, Myst. The game was developed on hacked, maxed-out consumer-grade Macs using the HyperCard program. Myst would go on to become one of the most successful and inspirational games of all time.

Image YouTube Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/myst-co-creator-rand-mill.html

In this video on StandUpMaths, Matt explains the unique and rare palindromic qualities of the date 02/02/20. Besides being a palindrome in both US and European dating formats, 02/02/20 is also the 33rd day of the year, and because 2020 is a leap year, there are also 333 days left in the year.

Image: YouTube Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/why-02-02-20-is-the-most-palin.html

Andrew Coyle and B.C. Jackson have published a baby board book featuring key concepts of Cult Trump. A is for Alternative Facts, C is for Covefe, D is for Drain the Swamp, F is for Fake News. My favorite part: "Reading Level: Presidential."

Claude Taylor's Mad Dog PAC is selling this book. Buy it from them to support their humorous, in-your-face anti-Drumpf activities. Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/make-the-alphabet-great-agai.html

When posed with the question "What are you doing?" this Wheel of Fortune contestant gave the obvious answer, which was unfortunately wrong.

Image: YouTube Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/wheel-of-fortune-contestant-in.html

A father and son who paid almost $300,000 for a white Lamborghini Huracan Spyder are suing the dealer after the paint job took on a yellow tinge, reports CTV News. Calogero Caruso took a second mortgage on his home to buy the Italian sports car for his son, because it was his child's “dream to own such a luxury vehicle... instead, it has been a total nightmare.” From CTV News:

The plaintiffs claim the problem developed just days after they took possession of the luxury car when they noticed it had started to turn yellow.

The Carusos say the dealership's boss, John Scotti, told them the car was indeed white but can look a little yellow in the sun.

The plaintiffs say they gave the dealer the benefit of the doubt and parked the car indoors but still noticed that it was turning yellow.

Caruso and son no longer want the  car. They want a refund plus damages, but the dealer won't give it to them. Caruso returned the car to the dealership, but he is still making mortgage and insurance payments.

Photo by Thomas Haas on Unsplash Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/lamborghini-buyer-sues-dealer.html

The next Samsung folding phone is expected to be announced this month, and what is purported to be a first hands-on video with the device to be released in February just appeared online.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip - First Hands On Video pic.twitter.com/4b8Uzt5kRB

 Ben Geskin (@BenGeskin) February 2, 2020

“Leaker Ben Geskin has posted a short clip purportedly showing the phone, said to be called the Galaxy Z Flip, in action on Twitter,” Sam Byford writes for The Verge:

The video doesn’t show a great deal more than what we’ve already seen in leaked photos and renders — we still can’t tell whether the phone is using a new form of “ultra-thin glass” from Samsung, for example. But if you’ve been wondering how the Z Flip might work out in practice, it may well be of interest. The phone does look like it might be quite a bit easier to slip into a pocket or handbag than pretty much anything else out there — except maybe Motorola’s similar upcoming Razr.

We’re expecting the Galaxy Z Flip to be officially revealed at Samsung’s Unpacked event on February 11th in San Francisco. The main announcement at that launch, however, should be the much-leaked Galaxy S20 flagship smartphone.

READ MORE: Alleged leaked video shows off Samsung's folding Galaxy Z Flip [theverge.com via techmeme.com, SCREENGRAB: Ben Geskin / Twitter]

this looks ridiculously long when you fold it out. I think foldables need to offer a phone and tablet experience, but never compromise on the phone experience to get there.

Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/samsungs-folding-galaxy-z-fl.html

A gentleman in Florida man is accused of using a Wisconsin woman's debit card information to purchase $68 worth of Little Caesar's pizza.

From the breaking news alerts of @FloridaMan, obviously:

According to to a Marshfield Police Department police report, Elle Wolf of Marshfield had a transaction on her bank statement from a Fort Lauderdale, Florida Little Caesar's location without her consent.

The report says the unidentified Florida man purchased one bacon wrapped deep dish pizza, three stuffed crust pizzas, and three orders of Caesar wings and had delivered to his address via Door Dash.

The charge of $68.80 currently has a process hold on the charge at Wolf's financial institution.

Read more: Florida man uses Wisconsin woman's debit card information to buy pizza Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/florida-man-swiped-wisconsin-w.html

China’s central bank today announced plans to inject 1.2 trillion yuan worth of liquidity ($174 billion in U.S. dollars) into the financial markets via reverse repo operations on Monday, as stock markets prepare to reopen amid an escalating Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.

Stock, currency and bond markets have been shut down in China since January 23, and were due to re-open last Friday.

China's securities market regulator said in a People’s Daily [warning: .cn] interview Sunday that no further delays are planned.

From Reuters:

Chinese authorities have pledged to use various monetary policy tools to ensure liquidity remains reasonably ample and to support firms affected by the virus epidemic, which has so far claimed 305 lives, all but one in China.

The People’s Bank of China made the announcement in a statement on Sunday, adding the total liquidity in the banking system will be 900 billion yuan higher than the same period in 2019 after the injection. According to Reuters calculations based on official central bank data, 1.05 trillion yuan worth of reverse repos are set to mature on Monday, meaning that 150 billion yuan in net cash will be injected.

Investors are bracing for a volatile session in Chinese markets when onshore trades resume on Monday after a break for the Lunar New Year which was extended by the government.

Read more: China to inject $174 billion of liquidity on Monday as markets reopen [Cheng Leng, Brenda Goh, Reuters.com] Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/financial-coronavirus-booster.html

“Punk,” says a Wuhan hardcore band member, “is a way to help me keep my mind fresh.”

The wonderful Aaron Stewart-Ahn tweeted today, “Something you haven’t been told about Wuhan during this outbreak is that it is China’s punk music capital.”

And he's right.

Excerpt from “In Wuhan, Punk's Not Dead,” a fascinating 2016 archival item by by Lin Qiqing at sixthtone.com -- which obviously predates the 2020 Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV epidemic --

Nathanel Amar, a recent doctoral graduate of Paris’ Sciences Po university where he specialized in Chinese underground culture, says the trajectory of China’s punk scene over the past two decades is closely tied to the country’s drastic socio-economic pivot. In the ’80s, a decade marked by the growing exposure of China’s economy and society to Western cultures, Chinese youngsters fixated on a brighter future turned to rock music. Flagbearers of the genre were generally musically trained: Before his distorted guitar became the call to arms of a disillusioned generation, “godfather of Chinese rock” Cui Jian was a classically trained trumpet player.

However, says Amar, the ’90s brought about a widening income gap and, with it, a new generation of disillusioned youth: economically disadvantaged urban youngsters who did not necessarily share the musical tastes of their forebears from the previous decade. Punk, driven not by musical complexity but guttural emotion, was their weapon of choice. “If you knew three chords, you could start a band,” says Amar. Indeed, fiddles and tin whistles come and go, tempos change, but those very chords — the root, fourth, and fifth — are a constant throughout many of SMZB’s songs.

Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/wuhan-coronavirus-ground-zero.html

The best impressions SNL has ever seen are the work of Kate McKinnon. Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/kate-mckinnon-portrays-elsa-as.html

A Princess Bride themed pop-up bar is opening in Chicago. Perhaps you can find the man who killed your father...

NBC Chicago:

Inconceivable! "As You Wish," a "Princess Bride"-themed pop-up bar, will soon open in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood.

The Sixth, which is located at 2202 W. Lawrence Ave., is launching the immersive bar on Feb. 11 with decorations replicating scenes from the 1987 film, according to Eater.

The bar will also have 16 cocktails named after some of the movie's most quotable lines including "Twue Wuve" which is a concoction of Lucy Pistolas Mezcal, Arakku, Fino Sherry, caramel pineapple simple syrup, coconut and blueberry foam.

Chicago is absolutely home to ROUS and I am pretty sure Miracle Max teaches improv at the Annoyance. Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/chicago-to-host-as-you-wish.html

I missed the opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance by a few weeks. Star Wars Galaxys Edge is wonderful.

OC Register:

On most days, the backup boarding group threshold tends to be in the 80 to 83 range, meaning visitors with boarding groups below that number are expected to get on the ride. The backup boarding group threshold has been as low as 42 — which happened on Wednesday, Jan. 29, when the park was closing early for an 80s Nite after-hours party.

Disneyland has been able to accommodate some backup boarding groups on most days. The park made it all the way to boarding group 122 on Jan. 27, one of the best operational days yet for Rise of the Resistance. On the flip side, the park only made it to boarding group 81 on Jan. 19 and 26. On most days, Rise of the Resistance reaches backup boarding groups in the 105 to 115 range.

Back-to-back downtimes hurt the most — and Rise of the Resistance has had its share of them during the first two weeks of operation. The ride had back-to-back breakdowns that stretched for approximately two hours or more on Jan. 22, 23 and 25, according to Touring Plans.

But those weren’t the worst days by far. Back-to-back breakdowns stretched for approximately 4 hours on Jan. 19, according to Touring Plans. On Jan. 26, Rise of the Resistance went down three times in a row over the course of an 8-hour period, resulting in no backup boarding groups being called, Touring Plans data shows.

Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/some-data-on-your-chances-to-r.html

It's a brand new year, and that means it's time to hit those resolutions lists so you can take on both your personal and professional lives with a new level of tenacity and overall awesomeness. It also means, however, that it's time to land some of the best deals on the best-selling items of 2019, and we've listed 20 of them right here.

1. FusionLens™ for iPhone

MSRP: $85 | Sale Price: $80 (6% off)

Your iPhone’s camera is already pretty impressive, but this clip-on lens will take your smartphone photography to the next level by allowing you to take HD anamorphic, wide-angle, fisheye, and 360-degree shots with the push of a button.

2. TaoTronics 120" 16:9 Projector Screen

MSRP: $30 | Sale Price: $25 (16% off)

Transform virtually any room into a full-fledged movie theater with this 120-inch semi-permanent projection screen, which boasts a 160-degree viewing angle, premium PVC canvas, and 10 grommets that make it easy to quickly put up and take down.

3. Joan 6: Meeting Room Display

MSRP: $549 | Sale Price: $500 (8% off)

This Fortune 500-approved display provides a comprehensive overview of meetings, team availability, room information and more—all within a compact enclosure that’s easy to install on any clean surface. Used by more than 800,000 office workers globally, this display also allows you to quickly check the availability of up to nine rooms.

4. Blue Light Blocking Glasses

MSRP: $60 | Sale Price: $30 (50% off)

Protect your vision and sleep better through the night with these blue-light-blocking glasses, which feature comprehensive UV400 protection, proprietary tints, and a specialized filter to block out harmful blue light. Read the rest

https://boingboing.net/2020/02/02/20-of-the-best-deals-we-were-a.html