Media
He said he had a cold. Chinese social media quickly turned it into coronavirus
VANCOUVER—“Maybe it’s just a cold,” mused a man Tuesday on his WeChat channel in a post about having a cough and fever after returning to North Vancouver from Wuhan, China, the centre of a coronavirus outbreak.
In the Jan. 21 post on the wildly popular Chinese social media platform, he urged people who know him and “had contact” with him to take precautions in case he actually was infected.
That was all the internet needed.
Soon, Chinese-language WeChat channels based in Canada were splashing around alarming headlines reporting that there was now a possible case of the virus in Vancouver.
On Thursday, the poster, whose name has been blanked out of his social media posts, gave an update saying he’d been to the hospital and did not have coronavirus. He also chastised WeChat channels for creating hysteria by playing up his post.
“It drew great panic among Chinese residents in the Great Van Area,” he wrote, “and led to stores being sold out of face masks. It really bothers me.”
It’s not an isolated incident. Thursday afternoon another WeChat rumour claimed that a woman with a coronavirus had escaped Wuhan, currently under quarantine due to the virus, and was making her way to Toronto. In her post, the woman said she was able to move up her flight to catch an earlier one out of Wuhan and would be in Toronto the next day. The post gave no indication that the woman felt ill.
WeChat channels again mobilized, with one headline reading: “Breaking! A suspected patient from Wuhan flying to Toronto after the city lockdown? Canada health authority reminds Ontario of the risk of the new virus.”
The incidents show a need for government communication strategies in languages other than English at times of heightened fears of public health issues, according to Kevin Huang, the executive director of the Hua Foundation, an organization that works to bridge gaps between Chinese and non-Chinese communities.
One place where such a gap exists is people who don’t have a strong grasp of English being able to get credible information in their own language, Huang said.
In this case, he said, because the virus originated in China, governments in Canada should ensure Chinese communities get solid information in Chinese languages.
“There is an onus, I think, in responsibility for health authorities locally and government locally to reach the communities that are probably travelling, have families (there) and things like that and even reside here and may not have full capture of English language ability,” Huang said.
Canadian cities, particularly Vancouver and Toronto, are quite diverse, which makes it imperative to get accurate information out in multiple languages at times of public health concern, he said.
According to Canada’s 2016 census, out of Metro Vancouver’s 2.4 million people, 620,000 speak a language other than English or French most often at home. Of the Greater Toronto Area’s nearly six million residents, about 1.4 million spoke a language other than English or French at home.
So far, the B.C. Ministry of Health has released a statement underlining that no cases have been found in Canada and outlining steps the government is taking to monitor for signs of the virus. Ontario’s Ministry of Health released a statement Wednesday detailing new reporting requirements for doctors in the province and noting there had been no confirmed cases in Ontario. Health Canada held a press conference Thursday afternoon in Ottawa to update the media on the situation.
Canadian health officials have said several people in Canada were being monitored for signs of a coronavirus, but again reiterated that there had been no confirmed cases in the country. At least 17 people have died in China and another 500 people have been infected, with cases popping up in other countries as well.
Government communications about coronavirus appeared to be in English only. The B.C. Ministry of Health did not say whether it would craft releases in Chinese going forward.
Huang said he isn’t suggesting governments put out releases in every language, but what portion of the population speaks a language and if an emergency or health concerns affects the community speaking it should be used to decide what languages in which to communicate.
“Silos of information really harm us as a society, especially very diverse and multicultural and multilingual society where we’re right beside each other,” he said. “If we’re not preparing our citizens to protect themselves and protect the people they’re around, it does compromise global efforts to contain, in this case, the coronavirus.”
The problem of false information on social media has also happened on English social media. One Twitter post Wednesday said two people had been exhibiting coronavirus-like symptoms at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby.
The university has said it is unaware of anyone at the institution who has been confirmed to have the virus or is suspected of having the virus.
With files from The Canadian Press
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Media
What to stream this weekend: ‘Civil War,’ Snow Patrol, ‘How to Die Alone,’ ‘Tulsa King’ and ‘Uglies’
Hallmark launching a streaming service with two new original series, and Bill Skarsgård out for revenge in “Boy Kills World” are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Alex Garland’s “Civil War” starring Kirsten Dunst, Natasha Rothwell’s heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone” and Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts.
NEW MOVIES TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is finally making its debut on MAX on Friday. The film stars Kirsten Dunst as a veteran photojournalist covering a violent war that’s divided America; She reluctantly allows an aspiring photographer, played by Cailee Spaeny, to tag along as she, an editor (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and a reporter (Wagner Moura) make the dangerous journey to Washington, D.C., to interview the president (Nick Offerman), a blustery, rising despot who has given himself a third term, taken to attacking his citizens and shut himself off from the press. In my review, I called it a bellowing and haunting experience; Smart and thought-provoking with great performances. It’s well worth a watch.
— Joey King stars in Netflix’s adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies,” about a future society in which everyone is required to have beautifying cosmetic surgery at age 16. Streaming on Friday, McG directed the film, in which King’s character inadvertently finds herself in the midst of an uprising against the status quo. “Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes plays King’s best friend.
— Bill Skarsgård is out for revenge against the woman (Famke Janssen) who killed his family in “Boy Kills World,” coming to Hulu on Friday. Moritz Mohr directed the ultra-violent film, of which Variety critic Owen Gleiberman wrote: “It’s a depraved vision, yet I got caught up in its kick-ass revenge-horror pizzazz, its disreputable commitment to what it was doing.”
NEW MUSIC TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— The year was 2006. Snow Patrol, the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band, released an album, “Eyes Open,” producing the biggest hit of their career: “Chasing Cars.” A lot has happened in the time since — three, soon to be four quality full-length albums, to be exact. On Friday, the band will release “The Forest Is the Path,” their first new album in seven years. Anthemic pop-rock is the name of the game across songs of love and loss, like “All,”“The Beginning” and “This Is the Sound Of Your Voice.”
— For fans of raucous guitar music, Jordan Peele’s 2022 sci-fi thriller, “NOPE,” provided a surprising, if tiny, thrill. One of the leads, Emerald “Em” Haywood portrayed by Keke Palmer, rocks a Jesus Lizard shirt. (Also featured through the film: Rage Against the Machine, Wipers, Mr Bungle, Butthole Surfers and Earth band shirts.) The Austin noise rock band are a less than obvious pick, having been signed to the legendary Touch and Go Records and having stopped releasing new albums in 1998. That changes on Friday the 13th, when “Rack” arrives. And for those curious: The Jesus Lizard’s intensity never went away.
— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
NEW SHOWS TO STREAM SEPT. 9-15
— Hallmark launched a streaming service called Hallmark+ on Tuesday with two new original series, the scripted drama “The Chicken Sisters” and unscripted series “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert.” If you’re a Hallmark holiday movies fan, you know Chabert. She’s starred in more than 30 of their films and many are holiday themed. Off camera, Chabert has a passion for throwing parties and entertaining. In “Celebrations,” deserving people are surprised with a bash in their honor — planned with Chabert’s help. “The Chicken Sisters” stars Schuyler Fisk, Wendie Malick and Lea Thompson in a show about employees at rival chicken restaurants in a small town. The eight-episode series is based on a novel of the same name.
— Natasha Rothwell of “Insecure” and “The White Lotus” fame created and stars in a new heartfelt comedy for Hulu called “How to Die Alone.” She plays Mel, a broke, go-along-to-get-along, single, airport employee who, after a near-death experience, makes the conscious decision to take risks and pursue her dreams. Rothwell has been working on the series for the past eight years and described it to The AP as “the most vulnerable piece of art I’ve ever put into the world.” Like Mel, Rothwell had to learn to bet on herself to make the show she wanted to make. “In the Venn diagram of me and Mel, there’s significant overlap,” said Rothwell. It premieres Friday on Hulu.
— Shailene Woodley, DeWanda Wise and Betty Gilpin star in a new drama for Starz called “Three Women,” about entrepreneur Sloane, homemaker Lina and student Maggie who are each stepping into their power and making life-changing decisions. They’re interviewed by a writer named Gia (Woodley.) The series is based on a 2019 best-selling book of the same name by Lisa Taddeo. “Three Women” premieres Friday on Starz.
— Sylvester Stallone’s second season of “Tulsa King” debuts Sunday on Paramount+. Stallone plays Dwight Manfredi, a mafia boss who was recently released from prison after serving 25 years. He’s sent to Tulsa to set up a new crime syndicate. The series is created by Taylor Sheridan of “Yellowstone” fame.
NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
— One thing about the title of Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — you know exactly what you’re in for. You are Demetrian Titus, a genetically enhanced brute sent into battle against the Tyranids, an insectoid species with an insatiable craving for human flesh. You have a rocket-powered suit of armor and an arsenal of ridiculous weapons like the “Chainsword,” the “Thunderhammer” and the “Melta Rifle,” so what could go wrong? Besides the squishy single-player mode, there are cooperative missions and six-vs.-six free-for-alls. You can suit up now on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.
— Likewise, Wild Bastards isn’t exactly the kind of title that’s going to attract fans of, say, Animal Crossing. It’s another sci-fi shooter, but the protagonists are a gang of 13 varmints — aliens and androids included — who are on the run from the law. Each outlaw has a distinctive set of weapons and special powers: Sarge, for example, is a robot with horse genes, while Billy the Squid is … well, you get the idea. Australian studio Blue Manchu developed the 2019 cult hit Void Bastards, and this Wild-West-in-space spinoff has the same snarky humor and vibrant, neon-drenched cartoon look. Saddle up on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch or PC.
Former President Donald Trump is on the brink of a significant financial decision that could have far-reaching implications for both his personal wealth and the future of his fledgling social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). As the lockup period on his shares in TMTG, which owns Truth Social, nears its end, Trump could soon be free to sell his substantial stake in the company. However, the potential payday, which makes up a large portion of his net worth, comes with considerable risks for Trump and his supporters.
Trump’s stake in TMTG comprises nearly 59% of the company, amounting to 114,750,000 shares. As of now, this holding is valued at approximately $2.6 billion. These shares are currently under a lockup agreement, a common feature of initial public offerings (IPOs), designed to prevent company insiders from immediately selling their shares and potentially destabilizing the stock. The lockup, which began after TMTG’s merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), is set to expire on September 25, though it could end earlier if certain conditions are met.
Should Trump decide to sell his shares after the lockup expires, the market could respond in unpredictable ways. The sale of a substantial number of shares by a major stakeholder like Trump could flood the market, potentially driving down the stock price. Daniel Bradley, a finance professor at the University of South Florida, suggests that the market might react negatively to such a large sale, particularly if there aren’t enough buyers to absorb the supply. This could lead to a sharp decline in the stock’s value, impacting both Trump’s personal wealth and the company’s market standing.
Moreover, Trump’s involvement in Truth Social has been a key driver of investor interest. The platform, marketed as a free speech alternative to mainstream social media, has attracted a loyal user base largely due to Trump’s presence. If Trump were to sell his stake, it might signal a lack of confidence in the company, potentially shaking investor confidence and further depressing the stock price.
Trump’s decision is also influenced by his ongoing legal battles, which have already cost him over $100 million in legal fees. Selling his shares could provide a significant financial boost, helping him cover these mounting expenses. However, this move could also have political ramifications, especially as he continues his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential race.
Trump Media’s success is closely tied to Trump’s political fortunes. The company’s stock has shown volatility in response to developments in the presidential race, with Trump’s chances of winning having a direct impact on the stock’s value. If Trump sells his stake, it could be interpreted as a lack of confidence in his own political future, potentially undermining both his campaign and the company’s prospects.
Truth Social, the flagship product of TMTG, has faced challenges in generating traffic and advertising revenue, especially compared to established social media giants like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Despite this, the company’s valuation has remained high, fueled by investor speculation on Trump’s political future. If Trump remains in the race and manages to secure the presidency, the value of his shares could increase. Conversely, any missteps on the campaign trail could have the opposite effect, further destabilizing the stock.
As the lockup period comes to an end, Trump faces a critical decision that could shape the future of both his personal finances and Truth Social. Whether he chooses to hold onto his shares or cash out, the outcome will likely have significant consequences for the company, its investors, and Trump’s political aspirations.
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Ostlund scores overtime winner to give Sabres a 3-2 pre-season win over Senators
Coach says Nylander will be fine after early departure in Leafs’ 2-1 win over Habs
AP source: Bears acquiring quarterback Nick Foles from Jaguars – Sportsnet.ca
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