So, coronavirus...

[Ted.]

Lack of empathy is exactly what Rhubarb and Custard was pointing out.....

It doesn’t show any lack of empathy, life goes on and wallowing serves no purpose at all. Fall apart by all means but no reason not to be amazed by it...lots of people don’t have that luxury. (I am not including myself amongst them)

Guys - you are both right. Everyone deals with grief in different ways and have different coping strategies - lets not argue about something like this. There is no right or wrong in this sort of thing, just different!

You've gotta admit that being a supercilious sociopath sure helps as a coping mechanism.

[Bimbowomxn]

Absolutely correct! Those countries that pursued an elimination strategy have seen their economies suffer the least and have rebounded the fastest.

New Zealand’s small and relatively unconnected internal economy then.


There’s no such thing as elimination. Idiot.

You fucking what!

The virus like all viruses of this type will always be in existence, it won’t take hold again and it won’t become pandemic again post vaccination etc , but it’s a biological fact no virus has ever been eliminated.... it’s nonsense talk


If you meant about your economy then it’s relatively small and relatively in global in nature .

[Bimbowomxn]

Is Openside taking the piss, or is he genuinely unmoved and unconcerned about the pain and suffering of his countrymen and and the deaths of 65,000 of his fellow Brits from COVID-19?

I took it to be he’s content to grieve his own way and not feel the need to advertise “feelings” to a wider audience. As is perfectly normal.

No thoughts and prayers, then?

I light candles and make tik tocs

[Sandstorm]

I light candles and make tik tocs

Sharing is Caring (even for just 20 secs)

[Ted.]

New Zealand’s small and relatively unconnected internal economy then.


There’s no such thing as elimination. Idiot.

You fucking what!

The virus like all viruses of this type will always be in existence, it won’t take hold again and it won’t become pandemic again post vaccination etc , but it’s a biological fact no virus has ever been eliminated.... it’s nonsense talk

Maybe you could address the reason for my ridicule?

No, the bolded bit in your previous post.

[Ted.]

I took it to be he’s content to grieve his own way and not feel the need to advertise “feelings” to a wider audience. As is perfectly normal.

No thoughts and prayers, then?

I light candles and make tik tocs

It's relatively small, yes, but by any measure it is not unconnected.

[Bimbowomxn]

Maybe you could address the reason for my ridicule?

Your scorn is misplaced unless you think NZ is globally large economy with a reliance on imports and exports for its basics. All GDP is mostly internal but NZ is especially so.

[Bimbowomxn]

It's relatively small, yes, but by any measure it is not unconnected.

Literally by ANY measure it’s unconnected.

[Openside]

Just coming over as a bit of twat really

I am sorry if I am not wailing and gnashing my teeth enough for you. The point I was trying to make is I back my feelings up with actions as opposed to them being sound bites. Maybe it’s an Army thing, I am de-sensitised.

Ah, the Army

Good stuff, old chap. Proper spine, eh.

Indeed, you are attempting sarcasm but in fact you are spot on

[Openside]

I took it to be he’s content to grieve his own way and not feel the need to advertise “feelings” to a wider audience. As is perfectly normal.

No thoughts and prayers, then?

I light candles and make tik tocs

[SaintK]

I am sorry if I am not wailing and gnashing my teeth enough for you. The point I was trying to make is I back my feelings up with actions as opposed to them being sound bites. Maybe it’s an Army thing, I am de-sensitised.

Ah, the Army

Good stuff, old chap. Proper spine, eh.

Indeed, you are attempting sarcasm but in fact you are spot on

Oh I don't do wailing and gnashing of teeth either. But I fully respect anyone that want's to. What on earth has "actions" and "sound bites" have to do with grieving?
For you the military stiff upper lip is the way, for most others it isn't. Quite simple really

[Openside]

Ah, the Army

Good stuff, old chap. Proper spine, eh.

Indeed, you are attempting sarcasm but in fact you are spot on

Oh I don't do wailing and gnashing of teeth either. But I fully respect anyone that want's to. What on earth has "actions" and "sound bites" have to do with grieving?
For you the military stiff upper lip is the way, for most others it isn't. Quite simple really

Fair enough but surely I am entitled to be amazed when people fall apart?

[JM2K6]

For most people, caring about others is an emotional experience, not just a vague intellectual one.

We're back to having empathy again, though. It's not enough for you to lord your "stiff upper lip" over everyone else, but even the concept of understanding how it might affect other people more is totally alien to you.

[Biffer]

Indeed, you are attempting sarcasm but in fact you are spot on

Oh I don't do wailing and gnashing of teeth either. But I fully respect anyone that want's to. What on earth has "actions" and "sound bites" have to do with grieving?
For you the military stiff upper lip is the way, for most others it isn't. Quite simple really

Fair enough but surely I am entitled to be amazed when people fall apart?

That's entirely the point being made - you can't empathise with others, you're amazed when people don't react the same way as you.

[Glaston]

There will be a lot of quivering lips if the Russian/Chinese ever get territorially ambitious.

[Insane_Homer]

Covid cases have increased "very much" in recent weeks

[frodder]

Covid cases have increased "very much" in recent weeks

The Southerner strain

[SaintK]

Indeed, you are attempting sarcasm but in fact you are spot on

Oh I don't do wailing and gnashing of teeth either. But I fully respect anyone that want's to. What on earth has "actions" and "sound bites" have to do with grieving?
For you the military stiff upper lip is the way, for most others it isn't. Quite simple really

Fair enough but surely I am entitled to be amazed when people fall apart?

How sad!

[Openside]

There will be a lot of quivering lips if the Russian/Chinese ever get territorially ambitious.

Ain’t that the truth, mind you judging by some of the reactions on here there would be mass panic if Iceland sent us a strongly worded letter

[Dogbert]

Oh I don't do wailing and gnashing of teeth either. But I fully respect anyone that want's to. What on earth has "actions" and "sound bites" have to do with grieving?
For you the military stiff upper lip is the way, for most others it isn't. Quite simple really

Fair enough but surely I am entitled to be amazed when people fall apart?

How sad!

I wonder what Openside's thoughts are on the increasing number of suicides of ex-serviceman - Not enough backbones ?

[Openside]

Fair enough but surely I am entitled to be amazed when people fall apart?

How sad!

I wonder what Openside's thoughts are on the increasing number of suicides of ex-serviceman - Not enough backbones ?

A whole combination of factors are responsible, it isn’t just veteran suicides that are increasing suicides are at level not seen for two decades.

[Sandstorm]

A whole combination of factors are responsible, it isn’t just veteran suicides that are increasing suicides are at level not seen for two decades.

Since Diana died?

[Bimbowomxn]

Saint,

Any truth that some GP’s are demanding payment before giving the vaccine ?

[Jock42]

OS's 5 mile of death experience sets him apart from the rest of society.

[Saint]

Saint,

Any truth that some GP’s are demanding payment before giving the vaccine ?

From patients? That would be a violation of their NHS contracts.

[Sandstorm]

Saint,

Any truth that some GP’s are demanding payment before giving the vaccine ?

From patients? That would be a violation of their NHS contracts.

How much? Tenner?

[Bimbowomxn]

Saint,

Any truth that some GP’s are demanding payment before giving the vaccine ?

From patients? That would be a violation of their NHS contracts.

No from the NHS pharmacy supplies.

It’s strongly rumoured that they want at least the same payment they get for the flu vaccine ...

[Rhubarb & Custard]

How sad!

I wonder what Openside's thoughts are on the increasing number of suicides of ex-serviceman - Not enough backbones ?

A whole combination of factors are responsible, it isn’t just veteran suicides that are increasing suicides are at level not seen for two decades.

Is it the same for various abuses, drink, drugs, domestic...? And does this imply a lack of stiff upper lip in the military?

[Rhubarb & Custard]

Saint,

Any truth that some GP’s are demanding payment before giving the vaccine ?

From patients? That would be a violation of their NHS contracts.

I know the government had put forward proposals that would see GP surgeries providing the vaccines at a loss, considering the GPs run as small businesses as per a certain party that is perhaps the issue being worked around? Or is the government hoping for volunteers as with their testing in schools programme announced with no lead time and no money behind it this week?

[dpedin]

New Zealand’s small and relatively unconnected internal economy then.


There’s no such thing as elimination. Idiot.

You fucking what!

The virus like all viruses of this type will always be in existence, it won’t take hold again and it won’t become pandemic again post vaccination etc , but it’s a biological fact no virus has ever been eliminated.... it’s nonsense talk


If you meant about your economy then it’s relatively small and relatively in global in nature .

Again you are mixing up an elimination and an eradication strategy in PH terms. We have been here before!

We had the level of community transmission down to very low levels in the summer and should have maintained that by controlling the borders, implementing strict quarantine rules for those coming into the country and got test , track and trace into a state to control local outbreaks of community transmission. The piss poor UK Gov did the opposite, told us all to go out and congregate in pubs and restaurants, fecked up testing, tracking and tracing by giving contracts to their buddies and actively imported cases into the country by letting folk go to the costa del sol. In effect they have consigned the economy to a slow painful death. We could have pursued an elimination strategy a la NZ but didnt have the balls to do it - it would have been difficult but we might be in the same position as NZ or Australia now. No Public Health = no economic health ... simples.

[Openside]

OS's 5 mile of death experience sets him apart from the rest of society.

Fuck off I am not a rock ape!!

[Openside]

I wonder what Openside's thoughts are on the increasing number of suicides of ex-serviceman - Not enough backbones ?

A whole combination of factors are responsible, it isn’t just veteran suicides that are increasing suicides are at level not seen for two decades.

Is it the same for various abuses, drink, drugs, domestic...? And does this imply a lack of stiff upper lip in the military?

I would imagine a change in societal expectations is certainly a factor, whether that is driving a higher suicide rate than previously(I haven’t studied veteran rates to civ pop rates) I am not qualified to say, also I know you are just trying to create a stick to beat me with...

[Openside]

A whole combination of factors are responsible, it isn’t just veteran suicides that are increasing suicides are at level not seen for two decades.

Since Diana died?

You’ve used that reference before is there a correlation or some relevence to me?

[Bimbowomxn]

You fucking what!

The virus like all viruses of this type will always be in existence, it won’t take hold again and it won’t become pandemic again post vaccination etc , but it’s a biological fact no virus has ever been eliminated.... it’s nonsense talk


If you meant about your economy then it’s relatively small and relatively in global in nature .

Again you are mixing up an elimination and an eradication strategy in PH terms. We have been here before!

We had the level of community transmission down to very low levels in the summer and should have maintained that by controlling the borders, implementing strict quarantine rules for those coming into the country and got test , track and trace into a state to control local outbreaks of community transmission. The piss poor UK Gov did the opposite, told us all to go out and congregate in pubs and restaurants, fecked up testing, tracking and tracing by giving contracts to their buddies and actively imported cases into the country by letting folk go to the costa del sol. In effect they have consigned the economy to a slow painful death. We could have pursued an elimination strategy a la NZ but didnt have the balls to do it - it would have been difficult but we might be in the same position as NZ or Australia now. No Public Health = no economic health ... simples.

I’m mixing nothing at all up. I used the words I wanted to use.

The eat out to help out scheme didn’t add to the current issues at all.

Track and trace has been a failed policy here and else where.

I believe your in Scotland, I’ve never heard you so critical of their government...

There was no chance of the same strategy as has been pointed out lots of times the virus was already well bedded in here long before anyone “locked down” , why you insist this isn’t the case is quite beyond comprehension.

[Bimbowomxn]

OS's 5 mile of death experience sets him apart from the rest of society.

Fuck off I am not a rock ape!!

A good mate of mine used to carry her handbag on military days.

[Jock42]

OS's 5 mile of death experience sets him apart from the rest of society.

Fuck off I am not a rock ape!!

Thats what I'd say too

[Sandstorm]

A whole combination of factors are responsible, it isn’t just veteran suicides that are increasing suicides are at level not seen for two decades.

Since Diana died?

You’ve used that reference before is there a correlation or some relevence to me?

2 decades ago. Nothing personal.

[frodder]

Guys, shall we take a breath before going at OS (again)

[dpedin]

The virus like all viruses of this type will always be in existence, it won’t take hold again and it won’t become pandemic again post vaccination etc , but it’s a biological fact no virus has ever been eliminated.... it’s nonsense talk


If you meant about your economy then it’s relatively small and relatively in global in nature .

Again you are mixing up an elimination and an eradication strategy in PH terms. We have been here before!

We had the level of community transmission down to very low levels in the summer and should have maintained that by controlling the borders, implementing strict quarantine rules for those coming into the country and got test , track and trace into a state to control local outbreaks of community transmission. The piss poor UK Gov did the opposite, told us all to go out and congregate in pubs and restaurants, fecked up testing, tracking and tracing by giving contracts to their buddies and actively imported cases into the country by letting folk go to the costa del sol. In effect they have consigned the economy to a slow painful death. We could have pursued an elimination strategy a la NZ but didnt have the balls to do it - it would have been difficult but we might be in the same position as NZ or Australia now. No Public Health = no economic health ... simples.

I’m mixing nothing at all up. I used the words I wanted to use.

The eat out to help out scheme didn’t add to the current issues at all.

Track and trace has been a failed policy here and else where.

I believe your in Scotland, I’ve never heard you so critical of their government...

There was no chance of the same strategy as has been pointed out lots of times the virus was already well bedded in here long before anyone “locked down” , why you insist this isn’t the case is quite beyond comprehension.

Oh dear! There was clear evidence that was published that the eat out to help out scheme raised the levels of community transmission. I am sure you can google it.

The examples I used - eat out to help out, Serco test, track and trace and border control - were all UK Gov policy decisions.

The virus was spreading at very high levels up to the 1st wave but the level of community transmission was reduced to very low levels following the first wave lock down. If the test and trace systems were up and running properly we could have maintained and reduced the levels of transmission further, we didn't because Serco/Deliottes test and trace was a feckin shambles and not fit for purpose.

In Scotland the daily new cases were down to single figures in July and August but genomic tests have shown that the increase in cases was partly down to folk bringing the virus back from Spain in particular. Kids coming back from holiday and then starting school in mid August saw cases increase into September onwards. We have struggled to contain the community transmission since then however we have kept new cases per million low (1,049 for last 7 days in Scotland v 2,475 in England) and the % of positive tests low (4.7% in Scotland v 6.9% in England).

It was a political decision to not go for an elimination strategy and to adopt a containment strategy. It has failed miserably - we have one of the highest death rates to to covid19 in the world and one of the worst performing economies in terms of drop in GDP. The numbers tell the story!

[Sandstorm]

UK School Pupil Testing plan. Shambles. No-one is shocked.