Another Drive4show 'Anything goes' thread

[super_realist]

First topic message reminder :

Kobe beef isn't that a real thing.Not familiar with the gent but Basketball is a great spectator sport in that there is a score every few seconds and always a result .
Lowry has done very  well to say the least in view of the stick he gets.Good lad

Do you think so? It's certainly a great sport to play, but it's pretty boring to watch. 75% of the game is irrelevant. It only becomes slightly interesting in the last quarter when the match is won and lost. I thinks that's the problem with American sport. They concentrate so much on there being frequent scoring, that it becomes routine and lacks excitement when they do score.
I prefer moments of brilliance in sports rather than just constant routine points.

[McLaren]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

[Soul Requiem]

But there are also people blindly accepting everything the government has said and done.

Government's should be held to account, even during these moments. I think blindly accepting is worse then questioning, especially when you can compare it to others.

The Government are acting on the advice of the medical experts, the moment you know what about preventing these things than Chris Whitty do enlighten us all.

I think blindly questioning is worse than acceptance myself. It basically amounts to people not understanding that different countries need to take a different approach, we are not Italy nor are we China so the advice and guidance changes.

[super_realist]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

More unsubstantiated nonsense. If that is the case, why haven't you done anything with this alleged skill and made something of yourself in the scientific realm?

[beninho]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

Now, you just look a bit daft.

[super_realist]

So, can you only criticise something if you are an expert?

Anyone, can hold a view on how they think the government is handling the situation.

You can make comment, but Mac is making some quite ridiculous statement as if he knows better than the government, whilst making absurd claims such as "they are getting their advice from think tanks".
Who would I rather take advice off? The government, or Mac. Of course you can have opinion, but when you make a claim that you know better, and you're just a peasant from a tenement in Edinburgh then don't expect your opinions to be taken seriously.

I don't think he's asking anyone to take his advice, that would be daft. He is questioning the way thinks are being handled by the government. That us fine.

Don't think he's said he knows better then anyone though. I may be wrong.

Well, he's just claimed he can read and understand a scientific paper better than anyone in the cabinet, so there's the hubris and completely deluded proof you were after.

edit: I see you beat me to it.  Mac's too scared to even say what he does for a living, or what his alleged MSc is in, but somehow we are supposed to believe him over a government taking advice from global experts in the field.

[beninho]

But there are also people blindly accepting everything the government has said and done.

Government's should be held to account, even during these moments. I think blindly accepting is worse then questioning, especially when you can compare it to others.

The Government are acting on the advice of the medical experts, the moment you know what about preventing these things than Chris Whitty do enlighten us all.

I think blindly questioning is worse than acceptance myself. It basically amounts to people not understanding that different countries need to take a different approach, we are not Italy nor are we China so the advice and guidance changes.

I have not claimed to no more then the CMO. You must have misunderstood my point in order to make that statement. Just because you question something is not stating you are the expert. I question the fact that the chancellor has said he will loan with interest rates to companies who are going under due to this. It doesn't mean I can become governor 3the boe.

[McLaren]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

Now, you just look a bit daft.

Think about whether this reflects well on me or poorly on them.

[super_realist]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

Now, you just look a bit daft.

Think about whether this reflects well on me or poorly on them.

No, it reflects badly on you. The government are taking advice from renowned experts, and somehow you are better qualified to deal with that information. Oaf.

[JAS]

And his unelectability (is that even a word?) is precisely why I wanted him out of this race. Who know where it goes from here, but Biden is the best chance to swing any and all moderate votes.

I get that many saw him as unelectable (like Corbyn) but I do see Biden like Hillary and Obama, neoliberal and Wall Street choices. Even if he beats Trump (and I don’t think he will) he will merely preserve the status quo in favour of big corporates rather than ordinary people. It’ll be the same over here, people really subconsciously detest neoliberalism but they are way too scared to try and change it from the left which means they’ll sleepwalk into the far right grabbing centre stage at some point.

The irony less than 4 months down the line from rejecting Socialism wholeheartedly is that we’re braced now for a state aid package 3 times larger than the “alleged lunacy” proposed by Corbyn & MacDonnell. Will it bankrupt us? NO ergo you have to ask, would Labours plans have bankrupted us? NO. Some of us knew that, others read the Daily Mail

[Soul Requiem]

And his unelectability (is that even a word?) is precisely why I wanted him out of this race. Who know where it goes from here, but Biden is the best chance to swing any and all moderate votes.

I get that many saw him as unelectable (like Corbyn) but I do see Biden like Hillary and Obama, neoliberal and Wall Street choices. Even if he beats Trump (and I don’t think he will) he will merely preserve the status quo in favour of big corporates rather than ordinary people. It’ll be the same over here, people really subconsciously detest neoliberalism but they are way too scared to try and change it from the left which means they’ll sleepwalk into the far right grabbing centre stage at some point.

The irony less than 4 months down the line from rejecting Socialism wholeheartedly is that we’re braced now for a state aid package 3 times larger than the “alleged lunacy” proposed by Corbyn & MacDonnell. Will it bankrupt us? NO ergo you have to ask, would Labours plans have bankrupted us? NO. Some of us knew that, others read the Daily Mail

Wow just wow.

[McLaren]

Soul

How do you form your political opinions?

[Soul Requiem]

Engaging my brain. I also refrain from trying to politicise such situations, point scoring really does show the worst of people.

We'll ignore the job losses, the effect on small businesses, the effect on peoples long term, the uncertainty but most of all we'll ignore all the unfortunate souls who are ill or even worse.

[McLaren]

I have no idea what or who your second sentence is referring to.


So you just engage your brain and the policies pop into your head?

[Soul Requiem]

I have no idea what or who your second sentence is referring to.


So you just engage your brain and the policies pop into your head?

I sit there, I look at the policies, consider their viability and how they impact on my life and those around me, then I make a decision. As you can see real planning goes into it and after all that I consider my opinions to be more credible than anyone else.

[McLaren]

Explains a lot.

[JAS]

Engaging my brain. I also refrain from trying to politicise such situations, point scoring really does show the worst of people.

We'll ignore the job losses, the effect on small businesses, the effect on peoples long term, the uncertainty but most of all we'll ignore all the unfortunate souls who are ill or even worse.

Hmm engaging brain? Ok we’ll take your word for it. I’m not politicising the current situation, for what it’s worth I think Johnson is actually steering the ship rather well, I think he is a LOT better suited to fronting this one up than most of his peers and yes I do think Corbyn would have struggled.

Having said that I don’t see anything traitorous in pointing out the huge lie & deception that we were sold and many bought back in December. The circumstances that illustrate my point are indeed awful but that doesn’t mean the point isn’t valid. Just because you don’t agree doesn’t make it any less valid either.

[super_realist]

And his unelectability (is that even a word?) is precisely why I wanted him out of this race. Who know where it goes from here, but Biden is the best chance to swing any and all moderate votes.

I get that many saw him as unelectable (like Corbyn) but I do see Biden like Hillary and Obama, neoliberal and Wall Street choices. Even if he beats Trump (and I don’t think he will) he will merely preserve the status quo in favour of big corporates rather than ordinary people. It’ll be the same over here, people really subconsciously detest neoliberalism but they are way too scared to try and change it from the left which means they’ll sleepwalk into the far right grabbing centre stage at some point.

The irony less than 4 months down the line from rejecting Socialism wholeheartedly is that we’re braced now for a state aid package 3 times larger than the “alleged lunacy” proposed by Corbyn & MacDonnell. Will it bankrupt us? NO ergo you have to ask, would Labours plans have bankrupted us? NO. Some of us knew that, others read the Daily Mail

We have been here before JAS. It wasn't just the funding, it was the crackpot nature of Corbyn's policies.

We aren't going into these things as a choice, they are a last resort. Corbyn would actually choose this.

[JAS]

And his unelectability (is that even a word?) is precisely why I wanted him out of this race. Who know where it goes from here, but Biden is the best chance to swing any and all moderate votes.

I get that many saw him as unelectable (like Corbyn) but I do see Biden like Hillary and Obama, neoliberal and Wall Street choices. Even if he beats Trump (and I don’t think he will) he will merely preserve the status quo in favour of big corporates rather than ordinary people. It’ll be the same over here, people really subconsciously detest neoliberalism but they are way too scared to try and change it from the left which means they’ll sleepwalk into the far right grabbing centre stage at some point.

The irony less than 4 months down the line from rejecting Socialism wholeheartedly is that we’re braced now for a state aid package 3 times larger than the “alleged lunacy” proposed by Corbyn & MacDonnell. Will it bankrupt us? NO ergo you have to ask, would Labours plans have bankrupted us? NO. Some of us knew that, others read the Daily Mail

We have been here before JAS. It wasn't just the funding, it was the crackpot nature of Corbyn's policies.

We aren't going into these things as a choice, they are a last resort. Corbyn would actually choose this.

Pretty sure he wouldn’t have chosen a virus spread as an opportunity to implement policy ffs!! And no I disagree  the proposed spending WAS one of the central planks of the spit roasting he was given by the right wing press  in the campaign (along with a lack of simplification of the Brexit policy has his general lack of leadership)
The point being...how can you say £120bn would bust the country but 4 months down the line £350bn wouldn’t...how can you explain that without going all Abbot on me??

Finally I’ll just say it again, just finishing watching the daily brief, I DO think Johnson is genuinely playing a blinder, apart from flanking himself with scientific experts his personality is actually bang on for leading the country through this.

[JAS]

Meanwhile, did anyone else watch the documentary on Dominic Cummings last night? Makes Alastair Campbell look like the tooth fairy!!

[dynamark]

Took my daughter to work earlier today and she (22) is just about hysterical -the country will be locked down by the weekend-could not give her any solace at all really strange experience
TBH meltdown.
Boris looks like the man for the job so lets get on with it

[beninho]

Boris looks beaten down, as most leaders will. I man who's schtick doesn't work for this kind of situation. So out of his depth.

I'm sure others will disagree.

[Soul Requiem]

And his unelectability (is that even a word?) is precisely why I wanted him out of this race. Who know where it goes from here, but Biden is the best chance to swing any and all moderate votes.

I get that many saw him as unelectable (like Corbyn) but I do see Biden like Hillary and Obama, neoliberal and Wall Street choices. Even if he beats Trump (and I don’t think he will) he will merely preserve the status quo in favour of big corporates rather than ordinary people. It’ll be the same over here, people really subconsciously detest neoliberalism but they are way too scared to try and change it from the left which means they’ll sleepwalk into the far right grabbing centre stage at some point.

The irony less than 4 months down the line from rejecting Socialism wholeheartedly is that we’re braced now for a state aid package 3 times larger than the “alleged lunacy” proposed by Corbyn & MacDonnell. Will it bankrupt us? NO ergo you have to ask, would Labours plans have bankrupted us? NO. Some of us knew that, others read the Daily Mail

We have been here before JAS. It wasn't just the funding, it was the crackpot nature of Corbyn's policies.

We aren't going into these things as a choice, they are a last resort. Corbyn would actually choose this.

Pretty sure he wouldn’t have chosen a virus spread as an opportunity to implement policy ffs!! And no I disagree  the proposed spending WAS one of the central planks of the spit roasting he was given by the right wing press  in the campaign (along with a lack of simplification of the Brexit policy has his general lack of leadership)
The point being...how can you say £120bn would bust the country but 4 months down the line £350bn wouldn’t...how can you explain that without going all Abbot on me??

Finally I’ll just say it again, just finishing watching the daily brief, I DO think Johnson is genuinely playing a blinder, apart from flanking himself with scientific experts his personality is actually bang on for leading the country through this.

I think everyone is well aware that the £350bn will leave the country in dire straits, interested to know where you're getting that £120bm figure from.

As for Beninho, we must be watching Johnson through different spectacles at the moment.

[beninho]

Imagine how labour would have done if Andy Burnham had won in 2015. He is very impressive.

[BlueCoverman]

Picked up a prescription from the local doctors today. Stood outside in the cold for ages with lots of other people including many elderly. Normal friendly and lovely staff would only speak to you through a half opened window, and on the condition you were standing at least six feet away. Who can blame them, felt I was in the start of the worst horror movie ever.

[navyblueshorts]

I am not sure if they are just ignoring the advice from epidemiologists or don't want to admit what that advice entails but the Government has been shockingly quiet on how this effects us over the next year or so. For starters herd immunity from infection by the actual virus is not an option, too many people would die (500000 in UK) and a vaccine still has to go through all the processes of bringing a drug to market, that will take around 18 months.

If this virus follows roughly the same track as 1918 H1N1 we could see a fall in infections in the summer followed by horrendous rates in the autumn/winter. Social distancing and other suppression measures will have to be carried out in waves until a vaccine is available to avoid this. At a minimum the government must be aware that a year long strategy is needed and that it must be communicated now. Without knowing how the virus will mutate, rates of acquired immunity, reinfection rates, actual death rates etc it has to be assumed that we are not returning to normal until the vaccine becomes available.

Why aren't the government open with people about this fact?

Umm, let me see - panic? That and no-one really knows what's going to happen.
Immunity to CV family members is often poor, so not sure how well a vaccine is going to do - have to wait and see.

[navyblueshorts]

There is no need for panic. If we know there are measures that work and that need to be taken then better preparation can be carried out. For example any down time in the summer months can be used to more sensibly prepare for the autumn/winter.

Tell that to the shoppers...

[navyblueshorts]

I am not sure if they are just ignoring the advice from epidemiologists or don't want to admit what that advice entails but the Government has been shockingly quiet on how this effects us over the next year or so. For starters herd immunity from infection by the actual virus is not an option, too many people would die (500000 in UK) and a vaccine still has to go through all the processes of bringing a drug to market, that will take around 18 months.

If this virus follows roughly the same track as 1918 H1N1 we could see a fall in infections in the summer followed by horrendous rates in the autumn/winter. Social distancing and other suppression measures will have to be carried out in waves until a vaccine is available to avoid this. At a minimum the government must be aware that a year long strategy is needed and that it must be communicated now. Without knowing how the virus will mutate, rates of acquired immunity, reinfection rates, actual death rates etc it has to be assumed that we are not returning to normal until the vaccine becomes available.

Why aren't the government open with people about this fact?

Because Mac there are numerous ways of handling such outbreaks and none of us is qualified to say what is best. Furthermore I do find it funny that people expect to be constantly updated as to what the plans are of a government. Why would anyone expect to be given all the details when everything is so uncertain? Isn't that the problem that the hysterical media has caused? I think it's only sensible if the government keeps information close to their chest unless they can be certain about what to do with it, don't you?

You should probably also realise Mac that cases in China ( if we are to believe the reports) have dramatically reduced, so how is it they are managing to recover without a vaccine, but we can't?

They aren't. They've stomped on current infections, but there's no way 60-70+% have had it. Unless something else happens, there'll be 2° outbreaks. Ditto Korea.

You're right about Government telling us stuff. Trouble w/ modern society is we have the attention span of a fruit fly and think we have a right to know everything and be updated every second of every day.

[navyblueshorts]

People want information rather then leaked info from government sources to journalists to be put in websites and twitter.

Its testing the water, and causing concerns. It's also not good enough. Same with any minister advising policy via columns behind a paywall as handcock did.

And worse, they are using advice from a think tank. If people are not aware think tanks are snake oil salesmen masquerading as scientific institutions. They are ideological and do not employ scientific methods. This "behavioral unit" or whatever it is called is an utter joke. Might as well ask the PR team of any political party what to do about a virus outbreak.

Says you. You have no idea who's part of it have you? A 'think tank' can be anyone, even including relevant experts. Maybe you should contact HM Government, Mac, and offer them your expertise, both in virology and behavioural science....

[navyblueshorts]

But there are also people blindly accepting everything the government has said and done.

Government's should be held to account, even during these moments. I think blindly accepting is worse then questioning, especially when you can compare it to others.

With respect, just do what you're told; you have no better advice. You can analyse/criticise/vote out after this has passed.

[navyblueshorts]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

Probably true; unfortunately.

[navyblueshorts]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

Now, you just look a bit daft.

Actually, I think that's more you. There aren't any actual basic scientists in the Cabinet, are there? Haven't you read some of Mac's recent posts? I don't know what he does/did, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

[navyblueshorts]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

Now, you just look a bit daft.

Think about whether this reflects well on me or poorly on them.

No, it reflects badly on you. The government are taking advice from renowned experts, and somehow you are better qualified to deal with that information. Oaf.

You should think through what you write sometimes. Read that back again....

[Soul Requiem]

SR is right, you not only need to understand what the science is saying but how to implement that. I'd bet my house that Johnson and his cabinet are in a better position to do that.

[navyblueshorts]

Engaging my brain. I also refrain from trying to politicise such situations, point scoring really does show the worst of people.

We'll ignore the job losses, the effect on small businesses, the effect on peoples long term, the uncertainty but most of all we'll ignore all the unfortunate souls who are ill or even worse.

Hmm engaging brain? Ok we’ll take your word for it. I’m not politicising the current situation, for what it’s worth I think Johnson is actually steering the ship rather well, I think he is a LOT better suited to fronting this one up than most of his peers and yes I do think Corbyn would have struggled.

Having said that I don’t see anything traitorous in pointing out the huge lie & deception that we were sold and many bought back in December. The circumstances that illustrate my point are indeed awful but that doesn’t mean the point isn’t valid. Just because you don’t agree doesn’t make it any less valid either.

JAS. No-one said Corbyn's policies couldn't be done, just that there will be consequences. There'll be consequences of what Johnson's Government is now doing. What they ultimately are re. economy, we'll have to see. Be interesting anyway...

[beninho]

But there are also people blindly accepting everything the government has said and done.

Government's should be held to account, even during these moments. I think blindly accepting is worse then questioning, especially when you can compare it to others.

With respect, just do what you're told; you have no better advice. You can analyse/criticise/vote out after this has passed.

Trying to do what I'm told, but I cant stay at home. Still have to go into work every day with hundreds in the same building.

[navyblueshorts]

Boris looks beaten down, as most leaders will. I man who's schtick doesn't work for this kind of situation. So out of his depth.

I'm sure others will disagree.

If you say so. I do indeed disagree, and I think Johnson has a load of flaws. He could save the Universe and you'd disagree that he'd done any sort of decent job. Sticks in the craw a bit, I imagine.

[navyblueshorts]

Imagine how labour would have done if Andy Burnham had won in 2015. He is very impressive.  

Would have been interesting. Not radical enough to satisfy Momentum etc al. Labour have to go through their internal convulsions. Maybe they'll work it out some time.

[beninho]

Super

I am almost certain I could read and understand a scientific paper better than any member of the cabinet.

Now, you just look a bit daft.

Actually, I think that's more you. There aren't any actual basic scientists in the Cabinet, are there? Haven't you read some of Mac's recent posts? I don't know what he does/did, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

Maybe.

[navyblueshorts]

SR is right, you not only need to understand what the science is saying but how to implement that. I'd bet my house that Johnson and his cabinet are in a better position to do that.

The latter part is correct, I have no doubt. Understanding the actual science? Hmm...

[beninho]

Boris looks beaten down, as most leaders will. I man who's schtick doesn't work for this kind of situation. So out of his depth.

I'm sure others will disagree.

If you say so. I do indeed disagree, and I think Johnson has a load of flaws. He could save the Universe and you'd disagree that he'd done any sort of decent job. Sticks in the craw a bit, I imagine.

I will admit Rishi Sunak is coming across well. In fact much more statesmanlike then Mr Johnson. Though big test today for him.

[navyblueshorts]

But there are also people blindly accepting everything the government has said and done.

Government's should be held to account, even during these moments. I think blindly accepting is worse then questioning, especially when you can compare it to others.

With respect, just do what you're told; you have no better advice. You can analyse/criticise/vote out after this has passed.

Trying to do what I'm told, but I cant stay at home. Still have to go into work every day with hundreds in the same building.

I'm luckier perhaps; I can work from home at this time of year. This forum aside, look after yourself.

[Soul Requiem]

Boris looks beaten down, as most leaders will. I man who's schtick doesn't work for this kind of situation. So out of his depth.

I'm sure others will disagree.

If you say so. I do indeed disagree, and I think Johnson has a load of flaws. He could save the Universe and you'd disagree that he'd done any sort of decent job. Sticks in the craw a bit, I imagine.

I will admit Rishi Sunak is coming across well. In fact much more statesmanlike then Mr Johnson. Though big test today for him.

Sunak does appear to be an impressive speaker it has to be said but I actually think that Johnsons more personable manner is exactly what people need right now, a bit of personality goes a long way.

[JAS]

Boris looks beaten down, as most leaders will. I man who's schtick doesn't work for this kind of situation. So out of his depth.

I'm sure others will disagree.

If you say so. I do indeed disagree, and I think Johnson has a load of flaws. He could save the Universe and you'd disagree that he'd done any sort of decent job. Sticks in the craw a bit, I imagine.

I will admit Rishi Sunak is coming across well. In fact much more statesmanlike then Mr Johnson. Though big test today for him.

Sunak does appear to be an impressive speaker it has to be said but I actually think that Johnsons more personable manner is exactly what people need right now, a bit of personality goes a long way.

As I think you are all aware, I do lean ever so slightly left...however I do have to hold my hands up and say Sunak is playing a blinder right now. I would NEVER in a million years have imagined a Tory chancellor doing what he’s just done, fair play!!

[Soul Requiem]

There's little else he can do for employees but does need to find a solution for the self employed which in general is harder to police so to speak. Even as a Tory I have to admit that thank christ Osbourne and Hammond are long gone, spreadsheet Phil would be having a breakdown by now.

[beninho]

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/20/south-korea-rapid-intrusive-measures-covid-19

Interesting, someone on here mentioned testing being pointless. But, ibooks like South Korea went all in, and have dealt quite well.

The UK was to slow to react, I think that's pretty obvious.

[kwinigolfer]

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/mar/20/south-korea-rapid-intrusive-measures-covid-19

Interesting, someone on here mentioned testing being pointless. But, ibooks like South Korea went all in, and have dealt quite well.

The UK was to slow to react, I think that's pretty obvious.

I don't know yet about this week, ben, but you've a 15 x better chance per capita of getting tested in GB (Canada too) than the US.
Thank your luckies,

But Mrs kwini works in our State's biggest hospital and it's eerily quiet, a lull waiting for a storm. Perhaps.

[beninho]

While, I've got my issues with our lot, that idiot you have in charge, Kwini, is making a real horlicks of it all. That press conference response to the guy who asked about people being scared is just embarrassing.

[kwinigolfer]

While, I've got my issues with our lot, that idiot you have in charge, Kwini, is making a real horlicks of it all. That press conference response to the guy who asked about people being scared is just embarrassing.

Yet he has a positive (just) approval rating. Which just goes to show that the promise of $1,000.00 cheques in the mail counters an absence of leadership and honesty every time.

[dynamark]

Can you believe golf England have come out with some guidelines for golfers including the 2 m rule and not touching the flagstick,play 2 balls etc.
Obviously haven't seen me play lately I rarely get with 20 m of anyone else except in the car park.

[Plunky]

I read on Shackelford today that Tiger Woods Foundation has given free access to online STEMS teaching materials. It's aimed at grades 6-12 (age 12-18) and I've no idea how good it is but it is free if anyone is interested now that schools are closed. Shackelford blog has a link to get to it.

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