You thinking there’s more than one exclusive? I’d hope so, since Azalea Prototype wasn’t doing it for me at all.

 

Here’s to the news media, the true dictator of a world of sheeple.

 

A really good interview with Dr. Drew he says we need to stop worrying about it on get on with our lives.
Dr. Drew Pinsky: Coronavirus Panic Must Stop, Press Needs to Be Held Accountable for Hurting People

 

What did @AutobotAvalanche just say...

 

They said it was an illegal trader most likely. I mean we have illegal gun/drug sales in the USA. If it was an illegal trader of exotic animals, it's just a few idiots who ruined the world for everyone. The Chinese government had a ban on selling of certain animals because they are known to carry illness or are endangered, this is what happens when you break the law.

 

No and I'm actually really surprised we've not seen at minimum 2 by now.

 

No one's blaming the US. The world put its eggs on one basket. If I blame anything, I blame the consumer culture. The Spanish flu was driven by the consumer culture at that time. Also if China really wanted to spread the virus, they could have just remained silent and let the virus spread. The virus certainly came from China, but they also gave countries time to protect themselves by quarantining entire cities, and quickly sequencing the DNA of the virus. What happens afterwards is each country's responsibility.

 

Well it's also flu season right now. All the more reason to stay away from crowds and bad hygiene (like a Transformers convention in March).

 

They should reschedule instead of cancel. Or better yet, why not bring TFcon to Miami ? Why everytime Florida has a TF convention, it always has to be in the central theme park region ? If were good enough for a Superbowl, a Wrestlemania, and Exotica, why not a damn TF convention ? Show some love to the 305 !

 

The Chinese government had a temporary ban on the selling of exotic animals in wet markets after the SARs outbreak in 2003, then lifted the ban a few months later and it was back to business as usual after that outbreak was contained. Just recently though, thousands of these markets have again been temporarily suspended. This wasn't just a rogue smuggler. These markets are open to the entire public.

It's not just China mind you. Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Indonesia have similar horrific markets. Dogs being blow torched alive, rabbits being skinned alive. A house of horrors. And just because an outbreak hasn't originated yet in those other countries doesn't mean it won't in the future. It's just that China has a larger number of these markets than others. I've been to Vietnam and seen livestock in person. These animals are being stacked in cramped cages on top of each other and the ones on top are defecating and bleeding on the ones below. It's a disease cocktail in these markets.

I know we live in a fantasy world with the Transformers. I love my bots as much as the next fan. But we have to wake up and realize that there are ugly things happening around the world and spread awareness of this if we want to prevent an even worse outcome in the future.

This is a very good 9 minute video of the dangers of wet markets.

 

I understand why they had to do it, but I’m definitely bummed about it. Not very often we get a Con in Central Florida. (Or the Southeast U.S. in general.) Was looking forward to meeting Vince DiCola, Gregg Berger, and all the other cool guests they had lined up.

I hope they decide to pick our region again in the near future.

And to anyone who thinks we don’t have anything but Disney World, you’re wrong... we have craft breweries, world class art museums, tons of cultural hotspots, some of the best restaurants in the world, and oh yeah the best theme parks in the world too (including a Transformers ride!). And we have swans!  

 

The problem is they've probably been planning it for a year. Convention spaces book up. There might not be any available spots left for months. You also have any other cancelled event trying to get any open spaces. All the other things booked might not work in any date they can find. Guests might be able to come then. Might not be able to guarantee blocks of hotel rooms.

As for having it in Orlando, it helps get people to come since there are other things to do in the area.

 

I would watch it, but I'm pretty sure I already know what's inside, and I need to sleep tonight. I watched a similar video on the Chinese leather industry .... 10+ years ago, and the images are still burned into my brain. Humans are capable of truly horrific crimes against other animals. Honestly I can't type anymore because I don't want to start thinking about it... just replying in solidarity.

 

I get what youre saying about other people booking convention centers. But they still owe Florida a convention down the line IMO. Not just the same old trio (Cali, NYC, Chicago) plus Canada. And as far as Orlando always being picked because there are other things to do, it sounds like you never visited Miami, my friend. Theres plenty to do out here, but its more of a single mans paradise if you get my drift. Im not sure how well that resonates with the majority of the TF collecting community.

 

Obviously no conventions can happen but why can’t they reveal them online

 

I remember several years ago, there was scare over the swine flu, ebola virus, etc., but then those crisises were resolved, however, the death toll for those was much lower than for the current Coronavirus.

 

Actually, that video doesn't have any of the graphic stuff, but more informational. I understand people not wanting to see videos of animal torture.

I watched the other videos to see the reality of it all. Also, to remind myself that I have a choice to avoid watching something unpleasant, unlike those tortured souls that don't have a choice at all.

Evil continues when good people do nothing.