Pig flu and an economic crisis...
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brisvegas
Age: 46
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HongKongPhoey,
You are absolutely spot on!
Mention the words Pandemic and Outbreak, a few shots of people with face masks and if at all possible reference flu outbreaks at the turn of the century and bob's your uncle...we have a news story.
You are absolutely spot on!
Mention the words Pandemic and Outbreak, a few shots of people with face masks and if at all possible reference flu outbreaks at the turn of the century and bob's your uncle...we have a news story.
Swine flu pandemics and other porkies
This article from today's crikey.com.au puts things in perspective
Swine flu pandemics and other porkies
Canberra correspondent Bernard Keane writes:
The human capacity for self-distraction is astonishing.
In terms of impacts on human lives, the current outbreak of Swine Flu in North America is minimal compared to hundreds of other issues. This morning we had the remarkable sight of the US Homeland Security Secretary dolefully intoning that Americans would inevitably die from Swine Flu.
Except, Americans will inevitably die from flu any time. Whether it is one specific strain of flu or another would, particularly to the victims, seem to be moot. Particularly elderly victims, many in nursing homes, whose deaths are frequently attributed to flu in the same way that police tend to blame motor vehicle accidents on speed i.e. because it’s a convenient thing to write on the form.
The US Homeland Security Department in fact would save far more lives if it directed some of the resources now being allocated to fighting Swine Flu to gun control. Firearms will account for thousands of deaths in US in the course of this year. Motor vehicle accidents will take plenty of Americans as well. One could go on. Breast cancer. Falls in the elderly. SIDS.
All real priorities but Swine Flu -- the pig link is so compelling isn’t it -- gets the attention, despite accounting for fewer deaths than a week’s road toll.
Predictably, politicians here have seized on the opportunity to look simultaneously caring but stern, and assure voters that they’ll be protected. Here there has been talk of detention powers – seemingly the inevitable Australia response – to make sure we remain Swine Flu free. God help any boat people landing on Christmas Island while running a fever. And we can’t control that nationalistic instinct, can we -- we have the biggest Tamiflu stockpiles in the world, according to Nicola Roxon. Once again, we’re ahead of the curve and leading the world. To paraphrase Wayne Swan, every Health Minister in the world would gladly swap places with us.
Egging the politicians on has been the mainstream media, which has led every bulletin with the latest trivial update on the death toll (or, as it was rendered in the SMH yesterday as the first doubts were cast on the hype, "probably deaths"). Plagues sell papers, of course, and what better way to get those eyeballs locked back in than to spread panic and suggest I Am Legend is just around the corner.
The World Health Organisation put paid to some of the more hysterical coverage today by saying there had only been seven confirmed deaths. Let’s see if that takes the panic-stricken edge off the some of the coverage, which seems aimed solely at stoking public concern rather than accurately informing the public.
Canberra correspondent Bernard Keane writes:
The human capacity for self-distraction is astonishing.
In terms of impacts on human lives, the current outbreak of Swine Flu in North America is minimal compared to hundreds of other issues. This morning we had the remarkable sight of the US Homeland Security Secretary dolefully intoning that Americans would inevitably die from Swine Flu.
Except, Americans will inevitably die from flu any time. Whether it is one specific strain of flu or another would, particularly to the victims, seem to be moot. Particularly elderly victims, many in nursing homes, whose deaths are frequently attributed to flu in the same way that police tend to blame motor vehicle accidents on speed i.e. because it’s a convenient thing to write on the form.
The US Homeland Security Department in fact would save far more lives if it directed some of the resources now being allocated to fighting Swine Flu to gun control. Firearms will account for thousands of deaths in US in the course of this year. Motor vehicle accidents will take plenty of Americans as well. One could go on. Breast cancer. Falls in the elderly. SIDS.
All real priorities but Swine Flu -- the pig link is so compelling isn’t it -- gets the attention, despite accounting for fewer deaths than a week’s road toll.
Predictably, politicians here have seized on the opportunity to look simultaneously caring but stern, and assure voters that they’ll be protected. Here there has been talk of detention powers – seemingly the inevitable Australia response – to make sure we remain Swine Flu free. God help any boat people landing on Christmas Island while running a fever. And we can’t control that nationalistic instinct, can we -- we have the biggest Tamiflu stockpiles in the world, according to Nicola Roxon. Once again, we’re ahead of the curve and leading the world. To paraphrase Wayne Swan, every Health Minister in the world would gladly swap places with us.
Egging the politicians on has been the mainstream media, which has led every bulletin with the latest trivial update on the death toll (or, as it was rendered in the SMH yesterday as the first doubts were cast on the hype, "probably deaths"). Plagues sell papers, of course, and what better way to get those eyeballs locked back in than to spread panic and suggest I Am Legend is just around the corner.
The World Health Organisation put paid to some of the more hysterical coverage today by saying there had only been seven confirmed deaths. Let’s see if that takes the panic-stricken edge off the some of the coverage, which seems aimed solely at stoking public concern rather than accurately informing the public.
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mexico outbreak traced to 'manure lagoons' at pig farm.
The thick plottens...
Mexico outbreak traced to 'manure lagoons' at pig farm - Times Online
The thick plottens...
Mexico outbreak traced to 'manure lagoons' at pig farm - Times Online
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: gold coast QLD australia
Age: 86
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Listen you guys, at my age I have heard this crap, (you are all going to die) perhaps 10 times, very few did, perhaps the very young, and like my self the very old. This stuff is a medias manna from heaven, the reality is Mexico is a third world country, 90 per cent have nothing, 10 per cent do allright, very little medical care for the majority, so the end result is no mystery, out here with the help of a GP you will be no worse off than if you just got the normal flu, wash your hands, remember the A/C aircondioning is effective in filtering virus's and get on with your life, there is money to made out of all this madness and it won't be you, only chemists, scientists and bull sh%t artists, (and you can be assured the "natural health" people will have a tablet out in the next few weeks to save you), its happened before and will happen again, sadly it never lives up to the pessimists predictions, and most of us survive, but the damage to the airline industry is damaging everytime, and it costs jobs, THAT should be your main concern, not a couple of days in bed.
Yet another media blow up
There isn't much to report apparently, so now we have a "Swine Flu" epidemic.
The media are desperate to sell STORIES. I guess they don't get paid otherwise.
Just like SARS, Bird flu etc, foot and mouth disease, mad cow disease.... The fact is if the media didn't lie about the magnitude of these issues, we wouldn't even think about it.... or allow it to be manifested in our reality.
The journos will get tired of swine flu, after causing health alerts, thermal screening of passengers, increased fares and swine flu levies, and move on to the next horror story. We will all pay for a flu vaccination perhaps.
"Pilots will required to report flu symptoms on board" Nonsense. The pilots will fly the aeroplane.... the cabin crew will be the ones to identify and report sickness to the tech crew for report to the authorities..
When this issue has subsided, the media will be back to bitching about the awful economic situation we are supposedly in. Which has been caused by them.
The road toll will get some more exposure. The media focus on NEGATIVITY which is destructive.
We'd still be buying new cars if they hadn't scared us to death!
This is just another attempt at sensationalism by the media to get us to watch the news!. Negativity sells .. apparently.
We all know how they report aircraft incidents with total ignorance, therefore everything they print has to be regarded with suspicion!
Live in the present moment, plan for the future, and do not be sucked in by the scourge of mankind..... aka Journalists.
It is yet another beautiful day in Australia. Lets skip watching "The News"!
The media are desperate to sell STORIES. I guess they don't get paid otherwise.
Just like SARS, Bird flu etc, foot and mouth disease, mad cow disease.... The fact is if the media didn't lie about the magnitude of these issues, we wouldn't even think about it.... or allow it to be manifested in our reality.
The journos will get tired of swine flu, after causing health alerts, thermal screening of passengers, increased fares and swine flu levies, and move on to the next horror story. We will all pay for a flu vaccination perhaps.
"Pilots will required to report flu symptoms on board" Nonsense. The pilots will fly the aeroplane.... the cabin crew will be the ones to identify and report sickness to the tech crew for report to the authorities..
When this issue has subsided, the media will be back to bitching about the awful economic situation we are supposedly in. Which has been caused by them.
The road toll will get some more exposure. The media focus on NEGATIVITY which is destructive.
We'd still be buying new cars if they hadn't scared us to death!
This is just another attempt at sensationalism by the media to get us to watch the news!. Negativity sells .. apparently.
We all know how they report aircraft incidents with total ignorance, therefore everything they print has to be regarded with suspicion!
Live in the present moment, plan for the future, and do not be sucked in by the scourge of mankind..... aka Journalists.
It is yet another beautiful day in Australia. Lets skip watching "The News"!
The W.H.O. has just raised its alert level to FIVE - Pandemic imminent.
For your own health, and that of your family and friends, do not ignore this matter and make preparations as recommended by the Government.
Translation: The posts by Pushback, Teresa Green and the article by Crikey are completely wrong. This is serious.
It is serious for a number of reasons. Firstly, the virus is a new species never before seen. It is highly infectious. While it appears to be relatively mild at present, as it travels around the world the virus is going to have many opportunities to mutate, and it could mutate into a deadlier strain. We do not yet have a handle on it's lethality because the information coming out of Mexico is stuffed, but we already know its highly infectious.
Even if its not directly lethal, the main killer in many influenza infections is secondary infection - usually with pneumonia, which can be a killer.
But wait, there is more. Can you imagine what happens to the health system when perhaps 20% of the population are requiring treatment at any given time?
ANd while it is currently a remote possibility, can you imagine what would happen if our wonderfful, globalised, just in time supply chain breaks down as a result of massive absenteeism?
But don't listen to me, just stick your head in the sand.
To pick an aviation example, what happens when not just one, but all of the refuellers at YMMB come down with Flu all at once?
For your own health, and that of your family and friends, do not ignore this matter and make preparations as recommended by the Government.
Translation: The posts by Pushback, Teresa Green and the article by Crikey are completely wrong. This is serious.
It is serious for a number of reasons. Firstly, the virus is a new species never before seen. It is highly infectious. While it appears to be relatively mild at present, as it travels around the world the virus is going to have many opportunities to mutate, and it could mutate into a deadlier strain. We do not yet have a handle on it's lethality because the information coming out of Mexico is stuffed, but we already know its highly infectious.
Even if its not directly lethal, the main killer in many influenza infections is secondary infection - usually with pneumonia, which can be a killer.
But wait, there is more. Can you imagine what happens to the health system when perhaps 20% of the population are requiring treatment at any given time?
ANd while it is currently a remote possibility, can you imagine what would happen if our wonderfful, globalised, just in time supply chain breaks down as a result of massive absenteeism?
But don't listen to me, just stick your head in the sand.
To pick an aviation example, what happens when not just one, but all of the refuellers at YMMB come down with Flu all at once?
Child dies in US
As always, read the fine print...
The news followed the death of a 23-month-old child from swine flu in the United States - the first fatal victim outside Mexico.
The toddler who died in Texas was a Mexican who crossed the border for treatment...
The toddler who died in Texas was a Mexican who crossed the border for treatment...
Yet another media blow up
There isn't much to report apparently, so now we have a "Swine Flu" epidemic.
The media are desperate to sell STORIES. I guess they don't get paid otherwise.
Just like SARS, Bird flu etc, foot and mouth disease, mad cow disease.... The fact is if the media didn't lie about the magnitude of these issues, we wouldn't even think about it.... or allow it to be manifested in our reality.
The journos will get tired of swine flu, after causing health alerts, thermal screening of passengers, increased fares and swine flu levies, and move on to the next horror story. We will all pay for a flu vaccination perhaps.
"Pilots will required to report flu symptoms on board" Nonsense. The pilots will fly the aeroplane.... the cabin crew will be the ones to identify and report sickness to the tech crew for report to the authorities..
When this issue has subsided, the media will be back to bitching about the awful economic situation we are supposedly in. Which has been caused by them.
The road toll will get some more exposure. The media focus on NEGATIVITY which is destructive.
We'd still be buying new cars if they hadn't scared us to death!
This is just another attempt at sensationalism by the media to get us to watch the news!. Negativity sells .. apparently.
We all know how they report aircraft incidents with total ignorance, therefore everything they print has to be regarded with suspicion!
Live in the present moment, plan for the future, and do not be sucked in by the scourge of mankind..... aka Journalists.
It is yet another beautiful day in Australia. Lets skip watching "The News"!
The media are desperate to sell STORIES. I guess they don't get paid otherwise.
Just like SARS, Bird flu etc, foot and mouth disease, mad cow disease.... The fact is if the media didn't lie about the magnitude of these issues, we wouldn't even think about it.... or allow it to be manifested in our reality.
The journos will get tired of swine flu, after causing health alerts, thermal screening of passengers, increased fares and swine flu levies, and move on to the next horror story. We will all pay for a flu vaccination perhaps.
"Pilots will required to report flu symptoms on board" Nonsense. The pilots will fly the aeroplane.... the cabin crew will be the ones to identify and report sickness to the tech crew for report to the authorities..
When this issue has subsided, the media will be back to bitching about the awful economic situation we are supposedly in. Which has been caused by them.
The road toll will get some more exposure. The media focus on NEGATIVITY which is destructive.
We'd still be buying new cars if they hadn't scared us to death!
This is just another attempt at sensationalism by the media to get us to watch the news!. Negativity sells .. apparently.
We all know how they report aircraft incidents with total ignorance, therefore everything they print has to be regarded with suspicion!
Live in the present moment, plan for the future, and do not be sucked in by the scourge of mankind..... aka Journalists.
It is yet another beautiful day in Australia. Lets skip watching "The News"!
Pushback, you are a fool.
I've been following this for Five years. The W.H.O. is bending over backwards to be conservative in it's response. Governments everywhere are doing their best to be seen as conservative and responsible, making reassuring noises to their populations so as to avoid panic....for now.
But don't listen to me, start educating yourself:
Flu Wiki - Main - Flu Wiki
Plan for Pandemic: ::
/www.singtomeohmuse.com
I've been following this for Five years. The W.H.O. is bending over backwards to be conservative in it's response. Governments everywhere are doing their best to be seen as conservative and responsible, making reassuring noises to their populations so as to avoid panic....for now.
But don't listen to me, start educating yourself:
Flu Wiki - Main - Flu Wiki
Plan for Pandemic: ::
/www.singtomeohmuse.com
Think about it
This is a forum in which we can present our views. It is not appropriate to level personal criticism.
If you have scientific proof to support your opinion.... then present it. Present it from your own personal knowledge or support it with non media related evidence.
I do not wish to attack your personal beliefs, and you are welcome to pm me, I would be delighted to talk to you.
I am of the opinion that the media is a negative influence on our society due to their inability to report the TRUTH.
Lets go forward in life with a positive attitude.... it is the only way to make things happen.
If you have scientific proof to support your opinion.... then present it. Present it from your own personal knowledge or support it with non media related evidence.
I do not wish to attack your personal beliefs, and you are welcome to pm me, I would be delighted to talk to you.
I am of the opinion that the media is a negative influence on our society due to their inability to report the TRUTH.
Lets go forward in life with a positive attitude.... it is the only way to make things happen.
Think positive
Sunfish.
PM me your postal address, I would like to send you a gift... a book, titled The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale. Just to begin with.
Brgds
Pushback
PM me your postal address, I would like to send you a gift... a book, titled The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale. Just to begin with.
Brgds
Pushback
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Australia
Age: 51
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I saw on the news last night: News anchor said
"Brisbane has 4 suspected cases...including 2 people who have tested negative".
In other words, BN has 2 suspected cases.
"Brisbane has 4 suspected cases...including 2 people who have tested negative".
In other words, BN has 2 suspected cases.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Oz
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just another media beat up. Lets not give it credence.
Certainly be a bit cheaper than using costly scientists and other field professionals.