Random Discussion - NO POLITICS, NO RELIGION

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happydude said:
Just in response to your first paragraph, I was discussing this at work.

The difference between the fires and the virus is we saw an out pour of help for others as people themselves weren't in direct danger. this fostered an attitude of care from outside so the communities inside didn't have to worry about scarcity with relief on its way. you knew it would be over shortly, it was possible to know roughly what to expect.

The virus is a different beast. Now everyone is worried because the themselves could be at risk from and unseen threat. We knew where the fires were but when a disease spreads it could come form anywhere and effect anyone (im poor with my affect, effect grammar).

All this panic buying etc is humanity at it's default, this is our primal response. the Fires was our social response.

As it was put by a wise green man "Fear leads to hate"
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I've been wondering how different countries/ societies are responding to this virus. Are Australians less evolved than others, by displaying such selfishness and greed in uncertain times? Or are all humans just one step away from cavemen? We live in interesting times, but the behaviour of humans has been the biggest disappointment to me.
 

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The Blue Weirdo said:
I've been wondering how different countries/ societies are responding to this virus. Are Australians less evolved than others, by displaying such selfishness and greed in uncertain times? Or are all humans just one step away from cavemen? We live in interesting times, but the behaviour of humans has been the biggest disappointment to me.
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We aren't less evolved but we aren't "more evolved".
We aren't the only country acting like this.
 
RedFury said:
The problem is we're not more evolved than cavemen at all - still the same caveman brain, still the same caveman instincts.

Sure we have extra layers of knowledge, education, enlightenment, civility etc on top of that, but unfortunately for many people those traits seem to disappear pretty quickly in desperate times.
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Wonder if the rise of the Internet and mass media and the ensuring hysteria and misinformation is something to do with it.

I mean, I wasn't around back then obviously, but there didn't seem to be this kind of greed and selfish hoarders during both World Wars, although granted, there were rations profiteers around as well.

Was livid when I read about City Slickers going down to small country towns and raiding their local supermarkets for goods, leaving their elderly and vulnerable members of their towns dry.

I don't cavemen would stoop to ruthless, cold and extremely despicable type of selfishness, hmm possibly Fred Flinstone, definitely not Barney Rubble
 
I was out of bed early today.😑 Real estate agent sent around the handyman to do a few jobs. He worked inside and outside. It was minor stuff but it’s good that the agent was quick to respond.

I took advantage of extra awake time and informed myself about the caronavirus. It’s pretty scary and totally unprecedented in terms of the actions required to keep safe. Social distancing, voluntary isolation, personal discipline and hygiene are key to controlling this virus.

As humans we’ve not started well. Panic buying has stripped food stores of the staples required to live a normal life. It’s disappointing when you think about it? The people who have done this should be ashamed of their actions. That store employees have to police shop aisles and checkouts is an indictment on those who have broken the compact of living in Australia. Special opening hours for older Australians and those with disabilities is an outcome that shouldn’t sit comfortably with any of us. If I knew someone who had engaged in this practice I’d be social distancing myself from them for the foreseeable future.

We’re in autumn. Winter is just around the corner. Influenza is coming. A flu vaccination is a must this year. I hope we have enough to vaccinate the entire population. I hope it’s orderly and not dog eat dog.

Italy has been hit hard by this pandemic. The Italians failed to treat the virus with the awe it deserved and are now suffering the consequences. A run down health system is at the heart of this. I hope this informs other countries about the dangers of dry economics.

The ethical (and medical) debate about who lives and who dies is the nadir of this pandemic. When it comes to the nation’s health system we should have hospital beds and equipment to keep people alive no matter their age or physical challenges. It puts into perspective the inequality we’ve allowed to continue in this country for over two decades. Redistribute the wealth of this country because we can’t take it with us.

I say to Governments around the world “Prepare for the worse even if it only happens once a century”.
 
RedFury said:
The problem is we're not more evolved than cavemen at all - still the same caveman brain, still the same caveman instincts.

Sure we have extra layers of knowledge, education, enlightenment, civility etc on top of that, but unfortunately for many people those traits seem to disappear pretty quickly in desperate times.
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Strong avatar connection. :thumbsu:

We have finally discovered the missing link.

Small fwds.
 
Personally, I'm looking forward to Ethiopian C-130s dropping toilet rolls over Melbourne.

You owe us, Starvin' Marvin.
 

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Robbo's my hero said:
I was out of bed early today.😑 Real estate agent sent around the handyman to do a few jobs. He worked inside and outside. It was minor stuff but it’s good that the agent was quick to respond.

I took advantage of extra awake time and informed myself about the caronavirus. It’s pretty scary and totally unprecedented in terms of the actions required to keep safe. Social distancing, voluntary isolation, personal discipline and hygiene are key to controlling this virus.

As humans we’ve not started well. Panic buying has stripped food stores of the staples required to live a normal life. It’s disappointing when you think about it? The people who have done this should be ashamed of their actions. That store employees have to police shop aisles and checkouts is an indictment on those who have broken the compact of living in Australia. Special opening hours for older Australians and those with disabilities is an outcome that shouldn’t sit comfortably with any of us. If I knew someone who had engaged in this practice I’d be social distancing myself from them for the foreseeable future.

We’re in autumn. Winter is just around the corner. Influenza is coming. A flu vaccination is a must this year. I hope we have enough to vaccinate the entire population. I hope it’s orderly and not dog eat dog.

Italy has been hit hard by this pandemic. The Italians failed to treat the virus with the awe it deserved and are now suffering the consequences. A run down health system is at the heart of this. I hope this informs other countries about the dangers of dry economics.

The ethical (and medical) debate about who lives and who dies is the nadir of this pandemic. When it comes to the nation’s health system we should have hospital beds and equipment to keep people alive no matter their age or physical challenges. It puts into perspective the inequality we’ve allowed to continue in this country for over two decades. Redistribute the wealth of this country because we can’t take it with us.

I say to Governments around the world “Prepare for the worse even if it only happens once a century”.
Click to expand...
I agree, the panic hoarders or opportunistic hoarders should be ashamed of themselves. Reality is those types do not tend to have the mindset to even think of others so whether they lived in German times when Nazi's took over or something like this, those types of people will always be part of our world and will be takers and never givers. Just a reality but thankfully there are genuine thoughtful people to appreciate so it is not all doom and gloom

As a society we should prepare for winter just in case it does get bad and things like Jeff's Shed should be temporary set up to be turned into hospitals for this time period should things truly get as bad as some say. Similarly an organisation such as Crown Casino could help out in some way across the road to give back to community as a whole. Funds should be re-deployed towards research in this area to find a vaccine asap and anyone that is qualified doctor or nurse whether retired or residing here from overseas should be encouraged and financially supported to help out with this effort. If things do get bad we at least got a number of months to prepare for worst of it for winter ahead. There is no need to become another Italy example if we are smart about it all as a society.
 
Robbo's my hero said:
I was out of bed early today.😑 Real estate agent sent around the handyman to do a few jobs. He worked inside and outside. It was minor stuff but it’s good that the agent was quick to respond.

I took advantage of extra awake time and informed myself about the caronavirus. It’s pretty scary and totally unprecedented in terms of the actions required to keep safe. Social distancing, voluntary isolation, personal discipline and hygiene are key to controlling this virus.

As humans we’ve not started well. Panic buying has stripped food stores of the staples required to live a normal life. It’s disappointing when you think about it? The people who have done this should be ashamed of their actions. That store employees have to police shop aisles and checkouts is an indictment on those who have broken the compact of living in Australia. Special opening hours for older Australians and those with disabilities is an outcome that shouldn’t sit comfortably with any of us. If I knew someone who had engaged in this practice I’d be social distancing myself from them for the foreseeable future.

We’re in autumn. Winter is just around the corner. Influenza is coming. A flu vaccination is a must this year. I hope we have enough to vaccinate the entire population. I hope it’s orderly and not dog eat dog.

Italy has been hit hard by this pandemic. The Italians failed to treat the virus with the awe it deserved and are now suffering the consequences. A run down health system is at the heart of this. I hope this informs other countries about the dangers of dry economics.

The ethical (and medical) debate about who lives and who dies is the nadir of this pandemic. When it comes to the nation’s health system we should have hospital beds and equipment to keep people alive no matter their age or physical challenges. It puts into perspective the inequality we’ve allowed to continue in this country for over two decades. Redistribute the wealth of this country because we can’t take it with us.

I say to Governments around the world “Prepare for the worse even if it only happens once a century”.
Click to expand...
footyfan78 said:
I agree, the panic hoarders or opportunistic hoarders should be ashamed of themselves. Reality is those types do not tend to have the mindset to even think of others so whether they lived in German times when Nazi's took over or something like this, those types of people will always be part of our world and will be takers and never givers. Just a reality but thankfully there are genuine thoughtful people to appreciate so it is not all doom and gloom

As a society we should prepare for winter just in case it does get bad and things like Jeff's Shed should be temporary set up to be turned into hospitals for this time period should things truly get as bad as some say. Similarly an organisation such as Crown Casino could help out in some way across the road to give back to community as a whole. Funds should be re-deployed towards research in this area to find a vaccine asap and anyone that is qualified doctor or nurse whether retired or residing here from overseas should be encouraged and financially supported to help out with this effort. If things do get bad we at least got a number of months to prepare for worst of it for winter ahead. There is no need to become another Italy example if we are smart about it all as a society.
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These 2 posts are an absolute credit to you both. As good as anything I've come across in the 13 plus years I've been annoying people here. Congratulations.
 
Blue Pulse said:
Just to step around the misery of mankind for a second, Wildcats are once again NBL premiers and Andrew Bogurt is a sook of the highest order, what did he expect the NBL to do?
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Perth got the trophy and deservedly so considering the circumstances
 
What I have to say doesn’t have anything to do with the AFL and the pandemic so I’ll post it here.

We had to visit two supermarkets today to do our shop. Woolworths was better stocked than Coles (in Sunbury) but it’s disappointing that, despite the assurances, you can’t do a complete shop. We‘d like to buy some facial tissues, paper towels and paper napkins but it’s a vacuum out there. We managed to get some free range eggs at Woolworths which we will share with the family. The time for hiding in your house is nigh.

As for the world of policy. My first point is that the RBA has spent more money on this crisis than the Federal Government. Don’t put the two together when your reporting the news. It’s misleading.

I think the Federal Government has promised about $89 billion so far. It’s mainly targeted at businesses and welfare recipients. Welfare recipients are up for two payments of $750 now and many will require these special payments. I have reservations about the breadth of the payments. Not all those on payments require the $1,500 and I think the money could be spent elsewhere. Max payments of welfare are a good starting point but the lower you go in entitlement the greater the chaos for those who don’t really need the money.

The Federal Government has been running down services (less staff and reduced services) since September 2013. Centrelink will not cope with what is being asked of its Staff. They will be asked to work long hours and I know from experience that this leads to poor decision making (aka wasting money by just making payments).

During the GFC the Federal Government made similar payments through the welfare system. Immediately, as a result of these announcements, people will be applying for payments in the hope of qualifying for the one off payments. So the inundation has probably started. Then the misinformation on claims will start with no hope of verifying information which means payments being made to unentitled people. Given Robodebt no one is going to ask for the money back.

My view is that they could give everyone the payment and save the pain. Those on a good wicket could wait and get it as part of their tax returns. The Federal Government could even means test and target those with greater needs.

I‘m not in favour of allowing people access to $10,000 superannuation for the next two years. The rules exist now for people in financial hardship being able to access their super. Running down savings is not the answer.

So I think the Federal Government needs to step up and fork out another $100 billion and make across the board payments.
 
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I know someone mentioned earlier of there was a way for the club/league to try and make something of these times....this is a cool idea...
www.news.com.au

Shock move: Aussie motorsport to go ahead

Sport starved Australians will soon have a new way to watch the Supercars after all the drivers agreed to race online for the next three months.
www.news.com.au www.news.com.au
 
jezzajay said:
I know someone mentioned earlier of there was a way for the club/league to try and make something of these times....this is a cool idea...
www.news.com.au

Shock move: Aussie motorsport to go ahead

Sport starved Australians will soon have a new way to watch the Supercars after all the drivers agreed to race online for the next three months.
www.news.com.au www.news.com.au
Click to expand...
The question for me becomes, do the skills for driving a supercar immediately translate to being capable at playing the video game version of the races?

The games themselves are pretty good at recreating the physics of races these days. It's just, so much of what you do in a car is muscle memory and instinct as much as thought or input. You'd almost be better off with a reality television show pitting progamers in races against the pros, and running a sports like tournament between them.

Seems a bit gimmicky to me.
 
Gethelred said:
The question for me becomes, do the skills for driving a supercar immediately translate to being capable at playing the video game version of the races?

The games themselves are pretty good at recreating the physics of races these days. It's just, so much of what you do in a car is muscle memory and instinct as much as thought or input. You'd almost be better off with a reality television show pitting progamers in races against the pros, and running a sports like tournament between them.

Seems a bit gimmicky to me.
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I understand your points.
I've watched a bit of the F1 Esports on Foxtel and enjoyed it. I think I'd enjoy this also. It helps that I play and enjoy the game though.
And the different dynamics might bring some of the lesser drivers up against the better drivers...who knows. But at least they're trying something and providing another outlet of entertainment in sport for those looking for it.
I'd be all up for watching Cripps (or another player) take on an opposition player in the AFL game...better than nothing - too each their own I guess.
How long the novelty would last is another thing.
 
The panic and pandemonium stepped up a few notches today as the populace responded to the National Cabinet’s latest edicts. Effectively, except for activities considered essential, it’s a lockdown (or more accurately) a lockout. The clear message is stay at home when you’re not working. It’s draconian but when you see Bondi Beach overrun with idiots you’re not left with another option.

It’s easier for Robbo and Mrs Robbo as we don’t have to work. I’m cushioned from the effects of the stock market crash because my government pension is bullet proof. Mrs Robbo is a different story. While she chose a relatively conservative mix for her superannuation savings it was still copping a hiding last time we looked. Best to ride out the storm than make any hasty decisions.

I have children working at the coal face. My daughter is a secondary school teacher and my son works for Services Australia. We had our first taste of the short term future last night when we had a Sunday meal without them last night. Sunday dinner at our house is a tradition that will be packed away until the pandemic subsides.

I see the people lining up at Centrelink offices around the country (I think we’ve seen the response of small and medium businesses). I see that the MyGov site is buckling under the pressure. This is not surprising. I saw the emasculation of staff (and services) by this Federal Government before I retired (which has continued unabated since I retired). Now it’s literally biting us on the arse. The mantra from now on must be to prepare for the worst of times.

I’m pessimistic about the immediate future. Runs on groceries. Runs on medication. A scenario of every person looking out for themselves means the vulnerable will get smashed. Hopefully we have enough resources to keep the vulnerable safe from these inconsiderate actions. However I’m optimistic about the future if this pandemic hits us hard enough to change the selfish attitudes of those who have (and the interests that protect them).

Finally be kind to all you meet and stay safe.
 
jezzajay said:
I understand your points.
I've watched a bit of the F1 Esports on Foxtel and enjoyed it. I think I'd enjoy this also. It helps that I play and enjoy the game though.
And the different dynamics might bring some of the lesser drivers up against the better drivers...who knows. But at least they're trying something and providing another outlet of entertainment in sport for those looking for it.
I'd be all up for watching Cripps (or another player) take on an opposition player in the AFL game...better than nothing - too each their own I guess.
How long the novelty would last is another thing.
Click to expand...
I'm not big into esports, but I am into gaming.

Unfortunately, each person is going to have to work out some means of sustaining themselves while this is happening. Jobs, socialising; all of it's out. It's a sensible person who's informed the government what's essential, though; they've left the bottle shops open (and, unfortunately, that's not me attempting to be funny).
 
Robbo's my hero said:
The panic and pandemonium stepped up a few notches today as the populace responded to the National Cabinet’s latest edicts. Effectively, except for activities considered essential, it’s a lockdown (or more accurately) a lockout. The clear message is stay at home when you’re not working. It’s draconian but when you see Bondi Beach overrun with idiots you’re not left with another option.

It’s easier for Robbo and Mrs Robbo as we don’t have to work. I’m cushioned from the effects of the stock market crash because my government pension is bullet proof. Mrs Robbo is a different story. While she chose a relatively conservative mix for her superannuation savings it was still copping a hiding last time we looked. Best to ride out the storm than make any hasty decisions.

I have children working at the coal face. My daughter is a secondary school teacher and my son works for Services Australia. We had our first taste of the short term future last night when we had a Sunday meal without them last night. Sunday dinner at our house is a tradition that will be packed away until the pandemic subsides.

I see the people lining up at Centrelink offices around the country (I think we’ve seen the response of small and medium businesses). I see that the MyGov site is buckling under the pressure. This is not surprising. I saw the emasculation of staff (and services) by this Federal Government before I retired (which has continued unabated since I retired). Now it’s literally biting us on the arse. The mantra from now on must be to prepare for the worst of times.

I’m pessimistic about the immediate future. Runs on groceries. Runs on medication. A scenario of every person looking out for themselves means the vulnerable will get smashed. Hopefully we have enough resources to keep the vulnerable safe from these inconsiderate actions. However I’m optimistic about the future if this pandemic hits us hard enough to change the selfish attitudes of those who have (and the interests that protect them).

Finally be kind to all you meet and stay safe.
Click to expand...
I see this as a test of the previous decade or two of governance at state and federal level, and a test for Australian democracy. If we can pull through (despite the dunderhead running things at federal level) this will demonstrate that, despite the clear inefficiency of the local-state-federal divide it can function as backstops for poor planning and leadership at each level.

If not, well, we know very much who to blame. Whether it's fair to blame him for all of it is debatable, but nominally the buck stops with him.
 
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