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[warrior queen]

Hi all

I finally have a new addition to my little household! Well, not quite - he arrives next weekend. Hasn't been named yet, but I am sure he will let me know what he wants to be called when he gets here Isn't he just the most glorious colour?!!!
It has been a long time since I had a pup and I am superkeen to meet this little guy!

How is everyone holding up in semi-isolation? I am a little over it. Just want to go see my kids and grandbabies again
Unfortunately, I live in that part of Tassie that is currently having the major outbreak, so I am locked down a little tighter than most (all shops closed except essential supermarkets, banks, chemists, bottleshops) and we are being restricted from leaving the North-West region by actual roadblocks!!! Even hardware stores are closed to the public; trade only.
At least another 2 weeks to go before our restrictions are lifted.

Not sure how anyone else feels about this covid app...... but I will be downloading it. ANYTHING that gets us back to some semblence of normality is ok in my book!
Besides - apart from my sex-life, the rest of my existance is boring as (and there won't be any parties for a while now as it's too dangerous!)

Stay well, and as sane as you can

 

[warrior queen]

Riding my silly bike around empty streets, delivering mail and feeling like i'm stuck in that Don Hendley song from back when, "Boys of summer". Was that 1979? Jesus i'm old...

And happy.

Butterfly's everywhere today. Little fluttery fuckers floating around like tinsel or confetti. You're all fucked with this virus, yay, have some glittery pretty things... Mother nature is a vindictive bitch. I love her.

One spider web has about twenty butterflies in it all flapping and fluttering and feeling like the rest of us but spiders don't particularly like the taste of them so it's left them up there like an animated advertisement for self isolation...

Kids. Bloody kids. Poor buggers. They still run out to grab the mail like it's a present from santa and i just cant stop them. They need the interaction and i feel like fucking typhoid mary everytime i wait and put it on the mail box instead of in there hands and remind them to 'wash your hands'.

Old. Feeling like i'm looking at a world i don't recognise. I grew up through the 80's cold war when we lived like tomorrow the bomb would drop and these days, the bomb is like a sneaky thing that we didn't see coming. Still hasn't killed as many people this year as road accidents... Why don't we take cars more seriously. Probably just my ptsd and all the old pictures making me rant on that one.

Stay safe you bunch of twisted fucks.

LMAO
Totally agree with you re mother nature.
Woke up this morning to screaming wind, heavy rain, and no power.
2 hrs later and the sun was shining, the sky clear and the wind eased, and the power back - in short, it is going to be an absolutely brilliant afternoon!

I am calling this the Zombie-less Apocolypse.
Nothing to kill, but still we hide away and fortify our little retreats....
All that lasertag practice wasted

 

[darkelf9]

Afternoon all,

Has been a rainy day here in Melbourne town and a touch cooler than a few days ago. The rain actually started late last night. Had to use the heater last night. It's also quite noticeable here in the south how much less daylight we have now. It's lights on by about 5:30pm.

Had a chat with a friend from Canada and they are still having snow in the mountains. It was a balmy -1 when I called. Thankfully she still has a job but has had to switch to working from home doing call centre duties which she hates. Still it pays the bills. Telecom companies are now a vital service. Especially since their OS call centres are down. There is a good chance you will speak to someone in your own country. Kinda like the old days have come back.

Well I guess somethings don't change in these times. Middle aged men paying more for a Virgin. Gotta keep those trays in an upright position.

Have noticed people using 'iso' to describe social isolation. Quality managers all over the world would be having a chuckle over that one. Why you ask? Well ISO is the international standards organisation which authorises and publishes international standards used to produce and process things like PPE and testing kits. Every hospital has to also abide by ISO standards for operating and treating patients. So it's quite apt that people are using 'iso' at this time not realising what they are evoking. Next time you buy something from Bunnings or get on the PT look for the ISO symbol.

Anyone on meds would realise that most if not all come from OS. Something people would not normally consider. I checked mine the other day and discovered they come from Europe. So if Europe shuts down it has a major impact on the medicines we take. Even the toothpaste we use comes from OS. About the only thing that comes from here besides the fresh produce is hippie soap. Don't fancy washing my mouth with that stuff

I see that they are now testing poo to see which areas have virus outbreaks. Wow imagine if they test the sewerage in Byron. The druggies will go into meltdown. Then again they will probably be out of it when the cops arrive. "Man you want my shit. Have some good stuff out back."

If Smoko can't enforce his own party to download the app then what hope has he got in convincing the public to use it. Given these pollies have been elected into their jobs they should be leading the way by example. What have they got to hide? Barnaby would be concerned cause if it was mandated when he was fooling around it would of shown up on his phone. Kinda makes you wonder what other stuff is going on that pollies don't want anyone to find out. Like making secret trips to places they shouldn't be going.

The people that won't be downloading that app will be the elderly which is the part of the population most at risk. Most don't own mobile phones. They can barely operate the remote. Most have no idea what all the buttons do. Some still use the Green Guide to tell them what's on the TV. No issue with the younger generation. They'll download anything regardless of the purpose. Just give them the option to have followers by using the app and they're in. "Oh look I got 1000 likes from the Police...love their songs."

Sydney opening it's beaches doesn't make any sense considering Sydney still has the highest amount of virus infections in all the country. One of those places with high infections is one of the areas where they have opened the local beach. Obviously some councillors in local Sydney suburbs were pressured into it. Saving votes is top priority before people's lives. Fuckwits.

Can understand if places like WA open things up given the lack of cases in the past week.

Golf courses....really. Why are they open? If they are open then why not skate parks or state forests for people to go camping. Can't get more socially distanced than a tent in the bush. Don't get it. We are doing so well compared to other countries, why take a chance now. Stupidity.

Hope you are doing well. If not talk to someone. Otherwise if you are doing well phone up your mates to see how they are going. Unless you're a double decaf soy latte drinker...there is no hope for you. You're just taking space away from real coffee drinkers.

 

[darkelf9]

Hi all

I finally have a new addition to my little household! Well, not quite - he arrives next weekend. Hasn't been named yet, but I am sure he will let me know what he wants to be called when he gets here Isn't he just the most glorious colour?!!!
It has been a long time since I had a pup and I am superkeen to meet this little guy!

How is everyone holding up in semi-isolation? I am a little over it. Just want to go see my kids and grandbabies again
Unfortunately, I live in that part of Tassie that is currently having the major outbreak, so I am locked down a little tighter than most (all shops closed except essential supermarkets, banks, chemists, bottleshops) and we are being restricted from leaving the North-West region by actual roadblocks!!! Even hardware stores are closed to the public; trade only.
At least another 2 weeks to go before our restrictions are lifted.

Not sure how anyone else feels about this covid app...... but I will be downloading it. ANYTHING that gets us back to some semblence of normality is ok in my book!
Besides - apart from my sex-life, the rest of my existance is boring as (and there won't be any parties for a while now as it's too dangerous!)

Stay well, and as sane as you can

Hey WQ,

You really should of started of that first para with the puppy pic. Reading it on its own sounds like you've adopted a back packer . Sorry but it made me laugh out loud.

Zombies are immune to the viruses so they would survive even though technically they are already dead but walking around and eating anything they find. So if we do get Zombies don't bite one. Not sure if pangolins can be Zombies but they sure got their revenge on humans.

Yep the govt is counting on people being desperate enough to down load the app. The LNP is the biggest voice against it so if they won't do it why should we? I won't be downloading it mainly because I hardly use my mobile much ever since I retired. Would prefer if I could get a test at my local GP. If they had enough test kits they should be testing more of the population to give us all more assurance. Right now people are just suspicious of everyone. Test people based on their locale. Clear that locale then move on. If they find any sign of infection restrict movement in that area. Unless the app is mandatory and the govt is going to give mobile phones to those who don't own one, like the homeless, the app is next to useless. We will get a false sense of security since not all the population is covered by the app. None of the statistical evidence will be worth looking at. The app is only useful once someone is infected so it's a case of shutting the stall door after the horse has bolted which doesn't help with prevention and certainly doesn't help in eradication, only nationwide testing can do that. If that doesn't happen they the medical fraternity will be just chasing their tails for another 18 months. If you don't know the state of the population as a starting point you won't have a clue if your actions are adequate. Then we get surprise outbreaks which won't give anyone confidence of going about their daily lives.

Everyone who came back from OS should of been tested but the govt didn't have enough testing kits so came up with a rule around that they had in stock. Not what was the wise thing to do.

What next. We all have to wear meters that detect virus spores and it goes off if you are infected. Logan's Run all over again.

 

[missswannie]

Hey WQ,

You really should of started of that first para with the puppy pic. Reading it on its own sounds like you've adopted a back packer . Sorry but it made me laugh out loud.

Zombies are immune to the viruses so they would survive even though technically they are already dead but walking around and eating anything they find. So if we do get Zombies don't bite one. Not sure if pangolins can be Zombies but they sure got their revenge on humans.

Yep the govt is counting on people being desperate enough to down load the app. The LNP is the biggest voice against it so if they won't do it why should we? I won't be downloading it mainly because I hardly use my mobile much ever since I retired. Would prefer if I could get a test at my local GP. If they had enough test kits they should be testing more of the population to give us all more assurance. Right now people are just suspicious of everyone. Test people based on their locale. Clear that locale then move on. If they find any sign of infection restrict movement in that area. Unless the app is mandatory and the govt is going to give mobile phones to those who don't own one, like the homeless, the app is next to useless. We will get a false sense of security since not all the population is covered by the app. None of the statistical evidence will be worth looking at. The app is only useful once someone is infected so it's a case of shutting the stall door after the horse has bolted which doesn't help with prevention and certainly doesn't help in eradication, only nationwide testing can do that. If that doesn't happen they the medical fraternity will be just chasing their tails for another 18 months. If you don't know the state of the population as a starting point you won't have a clue if your actions are adequate. Then we get surprise outbreaks which won't give anyone confidence of going about their daily lives.

Everyone who came back from OS should of been tested but the govt didn't have enough testing kits so came up with a rule around that they had in stock. Not what was the wise thing to do.

What next. We all have to wear meters that detect virus spores and it goes off if you are infected. Logan's Run all over again.

We probably don't need the app if Google Apple Facebook and Weibo cooperate. Each take a GPS upload every minute or so. You can purchase data from them which show a demographics movements over a certain time frame.
I'm not opposed to an app. I have seen them used in other countries. I have also seen triangulation monitoring of phone locations. What I would be opposed to is an app that gathers information by a company on behalf of the government without enabling legislation. Pop a draft legislation up for scrutiny specifying who owns the data, the period the data is retained for, what it can be used for, what it can't be used for, who can make a request to view data or get a court to request it if it is named in court,etc. An expiry date as well.
I don't think it is above a spot of transparency, voluntary or mandatory.
Naturally you could always ask the co-owners of the place at -28.694996° 114.841177° for the more geographically inclined if they would share their data and then all is done and dusted. But we would not be doing that would we....

 

[Rollinbones]

We probably don't need the app if Google Apple Facebook and Weibo cooperate. Each take a GPS upload every minute or so. You can purchase data from them which show a demographics movements over a certain time frame.
I'm not opposed to an app. I have seen them used in other countries. I have also seen triangulation monitoring of phone locations. What I would be opposed to is an app that gathers information by a company on behalf of the government without enabling legislation. Pop a draft legislation up for scrutiny specifying who owns the data, the period the data is retained for, what it can be used for, what it can't be used for, who can make a request to view data or get a court to request it if it is named in court,etc. An expiry date as well.
I don't think it is above a spot of transparency, voluntary or mandatory.
Naturally you could always ask the co-owners of the place at -28.694996° 114.841177° for the more geographically inclined if they would share their data and then all is done and dusted. But we would not be doing that would we....

Spot on. Legislation needs to be well read before implementation. A lot of stuff is being pushed at the moment that erodes civil liberty. Once it's in place, it's easy to use later for political reasons.

The problem i see is quality control on data. Personally, i'll be downloading the app onto four burner phones and duct taping them to different forms of public transport and an interstate truck. People whinge about facebook, google etc and their data harvesting but seriously the quality of information they must get would fill an office sized server with the Karens and Waynes sharing cat pictures and covid memes.

I often wonder about the man in the shades and black hat peering at my activity saying, "Ooh, that's interesting. Rollin's looking at porn again. I must alert the authorities immediately."

That facility looks kinda area 51. ARe the big mushroom looking things radio dishes?

 

[warrior queen]

Seems a lot of people have no idea how the covid-19 tracing app actually works.
It doesn't actively track you!

What it does, dumbed down....
I have the app on my phone. I go out to the chemist and have to wait for a script.... the app registers ON MY PHONE any bluetooth signal that has been near mine for 15 mins. That info is stored on MY phone, and on Jane's phone it registers that I was near her - but it doesn't say 'Jane Doe, pharmacist at x address, phone no 1234567890, was at High Street Chemist'.
My phone takes a code from Jane's phone with a time stamp.
Then say I get sick 2 days later with covid-19 and am confirmed by testing.
I hand over my phone, the health dept takes that code off my phone, links the code to Janes number, and they notify her that 2 days ago she was 'pinged' as having been near me for 15 mins and therefore needs to be tested.
It DOES NOT say where that happened, just that she was near me at some point in the past 2 days.

If I don't get sick, and neither does Jane, then the app deletes the code after 14 days if it has not been accessed/needed. It doesn't keep it forever.

The gov't is actively pushing through legislation so that this app can only be used by the health dept..... to be honest, the govt doesn't give a shit where you were or what you were doing - the only thing they want to know is if you (as a confirmed positive patient) were near anyone at all for 15 minutes while sick. It's the ONLY way they have to guarantee contact tracing.

Do a little test..... think back over the past 7 days. How many people can you accurately recall being near for 15 minutes? The vast majority of people won't be able to accurately remember every single contact, nor will they be able to say with certainty that they were there for 5/9/16/whatever minutes.

If that freaks the tinfoil brigade, then there are some real issues regarding explaining how this app actually works!

 

[missswannie]

That facility looks kinda area 51. ARe the big mushroom looking things radio dishes?

Kojarena ECHELON base.


Any monitoring app just needs to not have a "phone home" component, nor a store on the server component. They just need to put a piece of legislation out there that specifies it is only used for x, and noone else can have the data or subpoena the data, now or later. Pretty easy.

 

[warrior queen]

Lest We Forget

It was amazing to see so many out at the end of their driveways this morning for the dawn service
I would hazard a guess and say more people 'attended' the service this year than any in the past few years.

 

[Zach_lost_in_Aus]

It was amazing to see so many out at the end of their driveways this morning for the dawn service
I would hazard a guess and say more people 'attended' the service this year than any in the past few years.

Thought it might be just me... then the neighbours across and up and down appeared, looking bleary eyed, into the dawn.

 

[darkelf9]

Seems a lot of people have no idea how the covid-19 tracing app actually works.
It doesn't actively track you!

What it does, dumbed down....
I have the app on my phone. I go out to the chemist and have to wait for a script.... the app registers ON MY PHONE any bluetooth signal that has been near mine for 15 mins. That info is stored on MY phone, and on Jane's phone it registers that I was near her - but it doesn't say 'Jane Doe, pharmacist at x address, phone no 1234567890, was at High Street Chemist'.
My phone takes a code from Jane's phone with a time stamp.
Then say I get sick 2 days later with covid-19 and am confirmed by testing.
I hand over my phone, the health dept takes that code off my phone, links the code to Janes number, and they notify her that 2 days ago she was 'pinged' as having been near me for 15 mins and therefore needs to be tested.
It DOES NOT say where that happened, just that she was near me at some point in the past 2 days.

If I don't get sick, and neither does Jane, then the app deletes the code after 14 days if it has not been accessed/needed. It doesn't keep it forever.

The gov't is actively pushing through legislation so that this app can only be used by the health dept..... to be honest, the govt doesn't give a shit where you were or what you were doing - the only thing they want to know is if you (as a confirmed positive patient) were near anyone at all for 15 minutes while sick. It's the ONLY way they have to guarantee contact tracing.

Do a little test..... think back over the past 7 days. How many people can you accurately recall being near for 15 minutes? The vast majority of people won't be able to accurately remember every single contact, nor will they be able to say with certainty that they were there for 5/9/16/whatever minutes.

If that freaks the tinfoil brigade, then there are some real issues regarding explaining how this app actually works!

Hey WQ,

Since the IT geeks are not happy about the app then I trust them just as I trust health professionals for medical advice. Also given the minister in charge of this app is a fuckwit who also is responsible for the robodebt system and only got the job cause he is ScoMo's mate. I know programmers who investigate source code for fun so if those people are not convinced then that's good enough for me.

As for how many people I've been in contact with for 15 mins or more in the last 7 days well the answer to that is none. Even when I went to my mum's place last week I stayed at a distance and left after I did what she needed me to do. So the app for me makes no difference. I don't stand near or am in contact with anyone for more than 5 minutes if that.

The simple thinking is that everyone has a mobile phone, which isn't true. I know this comes as a shock to most people below the age of 50 but that is the reality. Unless everyone gets a mobile such as the homeless, every school age child (including grade 1's), every pensioner, the poor, disabled, carers, elderly, etc., then this app won't work. Besides as Miss Wannie mentioned every mobile has a GPS locater so they can track everyone now the moment you turn your phone on. The other issue also is that the phone has to be on all the time and on your person every minute of the day. I would like a more fool proof option. The other thing is how does the app know when the 15 mins is up if it is not already tracking the ID of a phone next to you when you first make contact? So to say it only tracks another phone after 15 mins doesn't make sense. It starts counting the second you come into contact with someone.

The storage of this data is on Amazon servers. We also know that Cloud services are not secure so I wouldn't put anything in the Cloud that you don't want anyone else to see. For the same reason you shouldn't give your computer away to anyone without destroying the hard disk. You might as well give them the keys to your front door.

I find it funny that people object to being tracked by GPS tracking on their phones but are willing to basically do the same thing via an app cause they want to get a haircut, go to the beach, have a party. What will happen is that people will believe they are safe cause they downloaded the app.

At times like these I want the nerds to speak up cause they are the SME's on stuff.

 

[darkelf9]

Spot on. Legislation needs to be well read before implementation. A lot of stuff is being pushed at the moment that erodes civil liberty. Once it's in place, it's easy to use later for political reasons.

The problem i see is quality control on data. Personally, i'll be downloading the app onto four burner phones and duct taping them to different forms of public transport and an interstate truck. People whinge about facebook, google etc and their data harvesting but seriously the quality of information they must get would fill an office sized server with the Karens and Waynes sharing cat pictures and covid memes.

I often wonder about the man in the shades and black hat peering at my activity saying, "Ooh, that's interesting. Rollin's looking at porn again. I must alert the authorities immediately."

That facility looks kinda area 51. ARe the big mushroom looking things radio dishes?

You forgot the dolphins

If we were in Russia I would of said Beluga Whales.

It would be harder to strap one onto Barnaby. Might need a dart gun and a collar he can't remove.

Oh wait I have a better option. Lets just micro chip everyone. Tell people it's a flu jab. Will need lots of machines that go Bip. Dogs will be thinking..."well it's about fucking time...now may be I won't be blamed for the farts"

 

[darkelf9]

Afternoon all,

Saw most of the Music from the Home Front on the TV the other night. Hope there is an encore of that. They aren't called repeats anymore. Was so good to see Aussie talent on our screens and also the not usual matchups of performers. They must do a DVD and/or a CD of that show.

Good to see Mystery Road back for another season. Should be a regular series.

Interesting to see some states are relaxing restrictions however as we have seen in cities people can't be trusted to follow the rules in open spaces. Opening things like beaches and parks is a folly at this stage. You just knew that opening the beaches in Sydney was going to go so wrong. If this gets away from us then we all have to pay for a few reckless people. We can see what has happened OS and we still think we are different which we aren't.

Was laughable to see Rump giving medical advice telling people to inject disinfectant as it would clear the lungs, then when there was a big backlash from his supporters he came out the next day and said he was joking. Thankfully most Americans aren't dumb enough to follow Rumps medical advice even his followers. Biden doesn't have to do anything to win, just let Rump keep talking. Just call the election now and save the world from yet more reckless acts from a fuckwit who thinks he is king. Just shows how he managed to bankrupt himself so many times.

So the discussion from economists the other week was interesting in regard to rather coldly discussing what percentage of the population they were willing to sacrifice to get the economy going again. They were happy to lose those people that economists consider to be of no value to the economy such as the elderly, disabled who need care, those that can't work, the poor. Not sure these economists would be so willing to sacrifice people if these people were members of their own families. There was a guy last century who tried to eliminate people based on their value to society. He also came to power when the economy in his country was in the toilet. Who new the guy was an economist. The history books missed that one. Also he should of consulted the medical experts because is turns out that blue eyes don't exist. Everyone has brown eyes. Blue eyes are actually a loss of pigment so it is a defect. Nothing to do with purity. Amazing what you learn when you listen to experts.

It was 40 years ago that accountants and economists got the reigns of companies. Since then there are has been a calcualted decline in the value of people. Jobs moved off shore and now half the jobs in this country don't have any job security. I laugh when I hear that economists and accountants are innovators. They are very good at cutting costs and hiding money for the rich and getting a healthy commission for themselves. So when this covid virus thing is over we need to rework our economy for the benefit of all, not only the select few who think they can play with people's lives. If that doesn't happen then when the next disaster hits we can't blame anyone but ourselves for not learning to value the lives of people above profit at any cost. We also need to stop valuing people based on a dollar factor. Money can't save you from a virus nor does it make you immortal.

Supposedly we are getting more rain here in Melbourne town from mid week. The weather was rather warm late last week. Currently it's on the cooler side. Not much problem with people gathering on beaches here in Melbourne.

Cities should be the last places that go back to normal. We should be testing all regional areas so that they can get back to normal given they already have issues with distances to get stuff.

Hope the week is good for you. If we get the rain forecast well that could be a good thing to keep people inside. If we have to wear a mask, I'll have to search online for a Darth Vader helmet. Comes with it's own respirator. It's always the bad guy that has the good stuff.

 

[warrior queen]

Hey WQ,

Since the IT geeks are not happy about the app then I trust them just as I trust health professionals for medical advice. Also given the minister in charge of this app is a fuckwit who also is responsible for the robodebt system and only got the job cause he is ScoMo's mate. I know programmers who investigate source code for fun so if those people are not convinced then that's good enough for me.

As for how many people I've been in contact with for 15 mins or more in the last 7 days well the answer to that is none. Even when I went to my mum's place last week I stayed at a distance and left after I did what she needed me to do. So the app for me makes no difference. I don't stand near or am in contact with anyone for more than 5 minutes if that.

The simple thinking is that everyone has a mobile phone, which isn't true. I know this comes as a shock to most people below the age of 50 but that is the reality. Unless everyone gets a mobile such as the homeless, every school age child (including grade 1's), every pensioner, the poor, disabled, carers, elderly, etc., then this app won't work. Besides as Miss Wannie mentioned every mobile has a GPS locater so they can track everyone now the moment you turn your phone on. The other issue also is that the phone has to be on all the time and on your person every minute of the day. I would like a more fool proof option. The other thing is how does the app know when the 15 mins is up if it is not already tracking the ID of a phone next to you when you first make contact? So to say it only tracks another phone after 15 mins doesn't make sense. It starts counting the second you come into contact with someone.

The storage of this data is on Amazon servers. We also know that Cloud services are not secure so I wouldn't put anything in the Cloud that you don't want anyone else to see. For the same reason you shouldn't give your computer away to anyone without destroying the hard disk. You might as well give them the keys to your front door.

I find it funny that people object to being tracked by GPS tracking on their phones but are willing to basically do the same thing via an app cause they want to get a haircut, go to the beach, have a party. What will happen is that people will believe they are safe cause they downloaded the app.

At times like these I want the nerds to speak up cause they are the SME's on stuff.

The app has already been reverse-engineered (or whatever they call it) by a bunch of nerds, and found to be pretty much as I described - there are chats all over various tech forums.

 

[darkelf9]

The app has already been reverse-engineered (or whatever they call it) by a bunch of nerds, and found to be pretty much as I described - there are chats all over various tech forums.

In that case there should be no issue for the govt to release the source code which is separate to the app its self. Just keep in mind it is a lag system which means it won't protect you from getting the virus. I laughed when the govt suggested the app was like sunscreen, which is horseshit. Sunscreen is a preventive measure the app is a trace system once you get the virus. So clearly the govt ministers don't know how this thing works. Doesn't give me lots of confidence.

The only way to give people confidence to go out and do stuff is if we do mass testing so you know where the hot spots are and which suburbs are clear to do stuff like going to the park, the shops, etc. Currently everyone is looking at other people suspiciously and god forbid you sneeze or blow your nose in public due to the cold wind smacking you in the face.

So in short the app will not make you safe. Keeping away from other people till a medical option is available will make you safe. But that's just my opinion. I'm limiting my time outside and avoiding areas where crowds can gather. If other parts of the country are showing nil cases then let them open up first and lets see what happens. That isn't being contemplated here in VIC till mid May. I'm with our Premier on that one. He was the first one to shut stuff down and it has benefitted us so no need to change yet.

 

[darkelf9]

Evening all,

Has been a cold and chilly day in Melbourne town. Had to resort to using the heater during the day to warm up the lounge. Just escaped it for a short period to do stuff before going back.

I'm still amazed that people are baking bread at home. Why? Bakeries have been open all this time. There hasn't been a bread shortage at any time, so I don't get it. Baking cakes at home with the kids, that I get. Can't have enough cake.

Animals can get the COVID virus as was recently seen, so there goes that myth. So no kissing pussies...no I'm not going to make the obvious joke...

Apparently the virus acts differently in different parts of the world. In Aussie land the safe zone is 1.5m from others, but in the UK it's 2m and in the US it's 6ft (1.83m). Now that is some smart virus that it can tell distance or are we as humans just making shit up?

Seems the Chinese govt doesn't like other countries asking questions about the origins of the virus given the virus originated in China and they lied to world about it. I agree with ScoMo we need to know how it started and the Chinese govt needs to come clean if it wants to continue to consider itself a good global citizen and especially if it want to continue to trade with other countries.

Hope the weekend is good for you. Don't forget to follow ScoMo's advice and put sunscreen on your mobile after you've downloaded the covid safe app which won't keep you safe. I'm waiting for someone to apply sunscreen then get the virus then complain that they got it. If it's going to happen anywhere it will be QLD or Bondi.

Numbyourstay

Birdienumnum

 

[missswannie]

In that case there should be no issue for the govt to release the source code which is separate to the app its self. Just keep in mind it is a lag system which means it won't protect you from getting the virus. I laughed when the govt suggested the app was like sunscreen, which is horseshit. Sunscreen is a preventive measure the app is a trace system once you get the virus. So clearly the govt ministers don't know how this thing works. Doesn't give me lots of confidence.

The only way to give people confidence to go out and do stuff is if we do mass testing so you know where the hot spots are and which suburbs are clear to do stuff like going to the park, the shops, etc. Currently everyone is looking at other people suspiciously and god forbid you sneeze or blow your nose in public due to the cold wind smacking you in the face.

So in short the app will not make you safe. Keeping away from other people till a medical option is available will make you safe. But that's just my opinion. I'm limiting my time outside and avoiding areas where crowds can gather. If other parts of the country are showing nil cases then let them open up first and lets see what happens. That isn't being contemplated here in VIC till mid May. I'm with our Premier on that one. He was the first one to shut stuff down and it has benefitted us so no need to change yet.

I thought this one floating around the traps was quite apt. Schrodinger's Virus is a good way of explaining the way we approach things.

 

[CharlieB4]

Just keep in mind it is a lag system which means it won't protect you from getting the virus. I laughed when the govt suggested the app was like sunscreen, which is horseshit. Sunscreen is a preventive measure the app is a trace system once you get the virus. So clearly the govt ministers don't know how this thing works. Doesn't give me lots of confidence.

Fuck I’m sick of the ‘professional whiners’ and negative nellies who find fault in everything. Despite a couple of notable hiccups involving cruise ships and allowing yanks into the country unchecked Australia has flattened the curve and kept fatalities under 100 so far. Yep, the app isn’t a panacea but it is a tool that can help tracing to stamp on the inevitable outbreaks as we ease restrictions on movement. If it can help get people back to their jobs and some semblance of normality, whatever that means post the virus, we should give it a chance.

 

[warrior queen]

In that case there should be no issue for the govt to release the source code which is separate to the app its self. Just keep in mind it is a lag system which means it won't protect you from getting the virus. I laughed when the govt suggested the app was like sunscreen, which is horseshit. Sunscreen is a preventive measure the app is a trace system once you get the virus. So clearly the govt ministers don't know how this thing works. Doesn't give me lots of confidence.

The only way to give people confidence to go out and do stuff is if we do mass testing so you know where the hot spots are and which suburbs are clear to do stuff like going to the park, the shops, etc. Currently everyone is looking at other people suspiciously and god forbid you sneeze or blow your nose in public due to the cold wind smacking you in the face.

So in short the app will not make you safe. Keeping away from other people till a medical option is available will make you safe. But that's just my opinion. I'm limiting my time outside and avoiding areas where crowds can gather. If other parts of the country are showing nil cases then let them open up first and lets see what happens. That isn't being contemplated here in VIC till mid May. I'm with our Premier on that one. He was the first one to shut stuff down and it has benefitted us so no need to change yet.

I know the app won't keep me safe..... but it will mean I can be notified fast if I have been near someone who tests positive (provided they have the app also) which means I won't inadvertantly spread it to my family and older friends.
And that is worth everything to me.

 

[darkelf9]

Just keep in mind it is a lag system which means it won't protect you from getting the virus. I laughed when the govt suggested the app was like sunscreen, which is horseshit. Sunscreen is a preventive measure the app is a trace system once you get the virus. So clearly the govt ministers don't know how this thing works. Doesn't give me lots of confidence.

Fuck I’m sick of the ‘professional whiners’ and negative nellies who find fault in everything. Despite a couple of notable hiccups involving cruise ships and allowing yanks into the country unchecked Australia has flattened the curve and kept fatalities under 100 so far. Yep, the app isn’t a panacea but it is a tool that can help tracing to stamp on the inevitable outbreaks as we ease restrictions on movement. If it can help get people back to their jobs and some semblance of normality, whatever that means post the virus, we should give it a chance.

Blind faith meets desperation is not a good combination for success. Having an opposing opinion doesn't make it less valid and in fact it might be the truth. I'm not willing to play with peoples lives based on a faulty tool which has been put out too quickly. None of the systems needed to make it work are in place plus most iPhones as of yet won't work with it. The app actually doesn't work now because there isn't any infrastructure for the data to go on nor does it have the people to make the system work. None of the states and territories are ready for it.

You want people back to doing normal stuff well then mass testing is only way to do that. Test areas suburb by suburb in the cities and by regions in country areas. What is going to happen if like in other countries this virus gets away from us and thousands end up dead by going too early? How will you feel then? How many people are you willing to let die just so people can go to the pub, down the beach and have parties. Are old and vulnerable people expendable in our society? Is that what we are saying? Teachers at the moment are fucking nervous about having to go back to work. Doctors and nurses are also bloody scared about the virus and that is based on the small numbers we have had thus far. How many of them are we willing to lose? Their counterparts have died OS in the US, a rather wealthy country.

Making decisions without sufficient information on the population is just guess work and that's what we have now. Self interest is not objective thinking. I don't call people on cruise ships dying a fucking hiccup. People died. If it takes another couple of months to do the necessary testing then so be it. Life will go on after the virus. Let us not fuck it up now.

 

[darkelf9]

I thought this one floating around the traps was quite apt. Schrodinger's Virus is a good way of explaining the way we approach things.

Yep very apt

 

[darkelf9]

I know the app won't keep me safe..... but it will mean I can be notified fast if I have been near someone who tests positive (provided they have the app also) which means I won't inadvertantly spread it to my family and older friends.
And that is worth everything to me.

I guess we will see if the app actually works to provide timely health care. I used to analyse methodology for various industries and currently the processes around this app don't stack up. So yes we have a tool but right now it can't plug into anything and the legislation on this still hasn't made parliament. Singapore had a similar system and they thought they were safe which gave them a false sense of confidence.

Statistical sampling of the population is the most cost effective and reliable method to see where the virus is in the populous. When we know that we can target those areas with the health system. That will give you and everyone else confidence that moving around the place won't put you in danger. The faster we do that the faster people can get back to work.

 

[darkelf9]

Afternoon all,

Well we are headed for a recession so I guess a cruise is out. I guess I'll have to hang on to my place for another year. More scotch needed.

So the app is a clusterfuck. Has to be open. Phone has to be unlocked and bypass normal security and power saving. Doesn't work on iPhones and only works on newer phones. Besides the fact you can't put the data anywhere yet. Now the govt is threatening people that if we don't down load it well then the restrictions will keep going. Not a good way to convince people. Now I hear that older smart phones won't work with the app. Some people still have phones with physical keypads on them so they are going to have to upgrade. Women's clothing is going to have to change. Can't have the phone in your handbag ladies. Needs to be on your person. I reckon lets just microchip everyone like we do with pets. That way we know who's been in contact with whom. There you go, problem solved. Oh wait ankle bracelets. Will have to come in other colours than just black. We have that technology now plus they are weather proof. Wow see what options we have.

So the NRL thing is going well till the players discovered that their pay deal wouldn't extend past May. So much for social distancing. AFL would be watching closely but isn't as desperate for dollars as the NRL is.

Those Swedes have the right idea. Just put shit on places where you don't want people to gather. Don't mess with a Viking.

I guess is shouldn't surprise anyone that private industry would put self interest ahead of their country. Those PPE shipments obviously came with a few strings from the Chinese govt. Our minister was not happy nor should he of been.

Well minister Dan got his arse handed to him. Doubt he acted alone but quite the smack down when that school here in VIC had to shut down due to the virus. Good to see our Premier didn't retaliate, then again he didn't need to say anything.

Hope the rest of the week is good for you. Having some dry days here in Melbourne town but it has been chilly mornings. Don't forget to phone your mum this weekend if she is still with us. Stay safe everyone.

 

[CharlieB4]

Blind faith meets desperation is not a good combination for success. Having an opposing opinion doesn't make it less valid and in fact it might be the truth. I'm not willing to play with peoples lives based on a faulty tool which has been put out too quickly. None of the systems needed to make it work are in place plus most iPhones as of yet won't work with it. The app actually doesn't work now because there isn't any infrastructure for the data to go on nor does it have the people to make the system work. None of the states and territories are ready for it.

You want people back to doing normal stuff well then mass testing is only way to do that. Test areas suburb by suburb in the cities and by regions in country areas. What is going to happen if like in other countries this virus gets away from us and thousands end up dead by going too early? How will you feel then? How many people are you willing to let die just so people can go to the pub, down the beach and have parties. Are old and vulnerable people expendable in our society? Is that what we are saying? Teachers at the moment are fucking nervous about having to go back to work. Doctors and nurses are also bloody scared about the virus and that is based on the small numbers we have had thus far. How many of them are we willing to lose? Their counterparts have died OS in the US, a rather wealthy country.

Making decisions without sufficient information on the population is just guess work and that's what we have now. Self interest is not objective thinking. I don't call people on cruise ships dying a fucking hiccup. People died. If it takes another couple of months to do the necessary testing then so be it. Life will go on after the virus. Let us not fuck it up now.

I’d prefer to put my faith in the chief/deputy medical officers from each state and the federal pandemic team who have so far done a remarkable job despite a chorus of knockers either suggesting the virus was a hoax or without welding people in their homes 100s of 1000s would die. Are you saying it’s blind faith to follow something that’s working? Even the ABC’s Dr Swan who predicted when we got to 3000 confirmed cases that we’d have 8000 by the next weekend is now saying the governments are getting it right. And we still haven’t got to 8000.

“Given the timeframes they pulled this off in, it's quite a good initial release... There are some bugs, but that's inherent in all software. I imagine we'll see many of them resolved in the next update." Jessica Glenn, executive chair of technology firm QTE.am. Quote from ABC online story looking at problems with app.

Can’t say I’m an expert on testing. I’ll have to bow to your obvious extensive knowledge on the subject.

https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/armchair-epidemiologist-mark-humphries-gives-his/12139700

No one is expendable in our society and how you came to think I was suggesting anything like that is beyond me. I wrote as we ease restriction I didn’t write open slather. Even Italy is coming out of lockdown. Yep I wrote the cruise ship was a hiccup but not as you suggest trivialising the deaths that occurred. I was referring to the responsible governments handling of the disembarking passengers. Take the Ruby Princess blip out of Australian figures and we beat NZ without going to stage 4 lockdown. Unfortunately we can’t turn back time. Mistakes were made but they learnt from them and changed strategies.

Teachers are fucking nervous? My daughter is doing yr 12 & she started back at school today. Her high school will have there year 12 back four days a week, a week before the Premier suggested it would happen at the teachers request. It will be five days for her because she does extension subjects. Her teachers wanted to be back because it halves their workload compared to setting up online lessons.

My wife works at the regional base hospital and the place is half empty. Work shifts have returned to normal, doctors who’s leave was cancelled have been stood down, three wards that were converted for the predicted surge are going back to general activities. All because of the great work done by state and federal governments. Are we out of the woods? Not by a long shot

Really I think you should take some of your own advice,

“Making decisions without sufficient information... is just guess work...”

Because unless you have a direct line to listen in on the the national government meetings you have insufficient information which might be why you sprout so much crap.

 

[darkelf9]

I’d prefer to put my faith in the chief/deputy medical officers from each state and the federal pandemic team who have so far done a remarkable job despite a chorus of knockers either suggesting the virus was a hoax or without welding people in their homes 100s of 1000s would die. Are you saying it’s blind faith to follow something that’s working? Even the ABC’s Dr Swan who predicted when we got to 3000 confirmed cases that we’d have 8000 by the next weekend is now saying the governments are getting it right. And we still haven’t got to 8000.

“Given the timeframes they pulled this off in, it's quite a good initial release... There are some bugs, but that's inherent in all software. I imagine we'll see many of them resolved in the next update." Jessica Glenn, executive chair of technology firm QTE.am. Quote from ABC online story looking at problems with app.

Can’t say I’m an expert on testing. I’ll have to bow to your obvious extensive knowledge on the subject.

https://www.abc.net.au/7.30/armchair-epidemiologist-mark-humphries-gives-his/12139700

No one is expendable in our society and how you came to think I was suggesting anything like that is beyond me. I wrote as we ease restriction I didn’t write open slather. Even Italy is coming out of lockdown. Yep I wrote the cruise ship was a hiccup but not as you suggest trivialising the deaths that occurred. I was referring to the responsible governments handling of the disembarking passengers. Take the Ruby Princess blip out of Australian figures and we beat NZ without going to stage 4 lockdown. Unfortunately we can’t turn back time. Mistakes were made but they learnt from them and changed strategies.

Teachers are fucking nervous? My daughter is doing yr 12 & she started back at school today. Her high school will have there year 12 back four days a week, a week before the Premier suggested it would happen at the teachers request. It will be five days for her because she does extension subjects. Her teachers wanted to be back because it halves their workload compared to setting up online lessons.

My wife works at the regional base hospital and the place is half empty. Work shifts have returned to normal, doctors who’s leave was cancelled have been stood down, three wards that were converted for the predicted surge are going back to general activities. All because of the great work done by state and federal governments. Are we out of the woods? Not by a long shot

Really I think you should take some of your own advice,

“Making decisions without sufficient information... is just guess work...”

Because unless you have a direct line to listen in on the the national government meetings you have insufficient information which might be why you sprout so much crap.

I sit here in my over priced house, drinking my rather expensive scotch, watching people run towards a cliff. I've posted signs but it seems they are moving too quick to read them and are determined to jump.

The meek might inherit the earth but there is no cure for stupidity.