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Community => Social Issues and Causes => Topic started by: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 02:36:11 PM

Title: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 02:36:11 PM
Being cooped up inside our caves can be difficult, but that doesn't mean we can't have some sort of contact with the outside word. Most if not all of us have an televised image projector with which we can see shadows of the real world outside.

Popcorn and soda in hand accompanied by the guilt of having overeaten for the past few *cough* *cough* several days you sit in front of your TV and flick through the channels with your remote magic wand until you land on a mainstream news media station.

BREAKING NEWS!

Coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus :blahblah:

:watching:

"Ok, enough of this."

You flick through the channels again. CNN coronavirus...*click* BBC coronavirus...*click* BBC Brazil coronavirus...*click* until you finally land on a national news channel with lower ratings.

...and they're talking about something completely unrelated to coronavirus.

"What a lousy news channel," comes a voice from behind you. "We're in the middle of this crisis and they're talking about rescuing feral puppies."

::)

That's it. You turn the TV off (but still finish your popcorn and soda). I guess I'll just swipe through my social media feed instead. Little do you know what's in store for you...
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 02:36:31 PM
I was wondering how you guys feel regarding the saturated coronavirus content that's basically everywhere. Have any of you guys decided to limit how much news you watch?

Regarding mainstream media, I'm not a fan, even though I agree with the message they're trying to incessantly push that we should stay at home and not needlessly expose ourselves and others to the virus. I think they are being counter-productive because if more and more people decide to not watch anymore, the less informed those people will be regarding important updates.

It would be interesting to see a sociological study regarding this in the future. 
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 13, 2020, 03:07:51 PM
Honestly, I gave up long ago. I've grown disinterested and desensitized at the same time.

I still follow the numbers - while I was never particularly expert a statistician, they are kind-of fascinating, but those "arse-borne opinions" I mentioned in my own zombie-thread... Yeah. They can shove those back where they came from.

Not having a TV helps, I suppose. Mine is a public display, so no tuner attached. Still, "everything" and "everyone" I follow online or otherwise subscribe to fronts and centers the Zompocalypse. There is some good in it though - listening to shit I've heard a myriad times before is good for my Warhammer 40K model painting. I've finally got my army past 5000 battle points. (If any one is a fan, they will know - if not, it's a tabletop strategy+chance game played with way-overpriced models you assemble and paint yourself)
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 04:22:38 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on April 13, 2020, 03:07:51 PM
Honestly, I gave up long ago. I've grown disinterested and desensitized at the same time.

Yes, disinterested and desensitized are exactly what I'm beginning to feel as well. I follow several science-related news outlets from which I get my info from, and have given up on mainstream news, which are basically repeating themselves at this point. Not that coronavirus is supposed to be entertaining, but...seriously? Say something new or not blatantly obvious more than once a week! 

Also, I don't care for the opinions of journalists and reporters. If I wanted to hear or read an opinion piece I would look at specialist articles or videos, not theirs. Just another reason to turn the TV off.

QuoteI still follow the numbers - while I was never particularly expert a statistician, they are kind-of fascinating, but those "arse-borne opinions" I mentioned in my own zombie-thread... Yeah. They can shove those back where they came from.

Not having a TV helps, I suppose. Mine is a public display, so no tuner attached. Still, "everything" and "everyone" I follow online or otherwise subscribe to fronts and centers the Zompocalypse. There is some good in it though - listening to shit I've heard a myriad times before is good for my Warhammer 40K model painting. I've finally got my army past 5000 battle points. (If any one is a fan, they will know - if not, it's a tabletop strategy+chance game played with way-overpriced models you assemble and paint yourself)

Is that where you get your minions from? :P Painting little army models sound like fun. ;D I would be a disaster at it, but still sounds like fun. :grin:
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Old Seer on April 13, 2020, 05:32:02 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 02:36:11 PM
Being cooped up inside our caves can be difficult, but that doesn't mean we can't have some sort of contact with the outside word. Most if not all of us have an televised image projector with which we can see shadows of the real world outside.

Popcorn and soda in hand accompanied by the guilt of having overeaten for the past few *cough* *cough* several days you sit in front of your TV and flick through the channels with your remote magic wand until you land on a mainstream news media station.

BREAKING NEWS!

Coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus :blahblah:

:watching:

"Ok, enough of this."

You flick through the channels again. CNN coronavirus...*click* BBC coronavirus...*click* BBC Brazil coronavirus...*click* until you finally land on a national news channel with lower ratings.

...and they're talking about something completely unrelated to coronavirus.

"What a lousy news channel," comes a voice from behind you. "We're in the middle of this crisis and they're talking about rescuing feral puppies."

::)

That's it. You turn the TV off (but still finish your popcorn and soda). I guess I'll just swipe through my social media feed instead. Little do you know what's in store for you...
Agree. Recommendation: If you have a laptop/computer (this probably isn't new to you) bring up you tube. It has a wide variety of subjects that in my estimation would be interesting to anyone. My TV is connectable to my laptop, but watch very little TV programing.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: No one on April 13, 2020, 08:45:26 PM
I've been spending the majority of my time in middle earth and Hogwarts. We only have to deal with orks, the filth Saruman, the lifeless eye, and he who must not be named.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 08:50:01 PM
Quote from: Old Seer on April 13, 2020, 05:32:02 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 02:36:11 PM
Being cooped up inside our caves can be difficult, but that doesn't mean we can't have some sort of contact with the outside word. Most if not all of us have an televised image projector with which we can see shadows of the real world outside.

Popcorn and soda in hand accompanied by the guilt of having overeaten for the past few *cough* *cough* several days you sit in front of your TV and flick through the channels with your remote magic wand until you land on a mainstream news media station.

BREAKING NEWS!

Coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus :blahblah:

:watching:

"Ok, enough of this."

You flick through the channels again. CNN coronavirus...*click* BBC coronavirus...*click* BBC Brazil coronavirus...*click* until you finally land on a national news channel with lower ratings.

...and they're talking about something completely unrelated to coronavirus.

"What a lousy news channel," comes a voice from behind you. "We're in the middle of this crisis and they're talking about rescuing feral puppies."

::)

That's it. You turn the TV off (but still finish your popcorn and soda). I guess I'll just swipe through my social media feed instead. Little do you know what's in store for you...
Agree. Recommendation: If you have a laptop/computer (this probably isn't new to you) bring up you tube. It has a wide variety of subjects that in my estimation would be interesting to anyone. My TV is connectable to my laptop, but watch very little TV programing.

;D Yeah, I'm constantly watching stuff or listening to podcasts or lectures on Youtube while doing something else. There's a lot of crap there, but a lot of good stuff as well.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 08:52:19 PM
Quote from: No one on April 13, 2020, 08:45:26 PM
I've been spending the majority of my time in middle earth and Hogwarts. We only have to deal with orks, the filth Saruman, the lifeless eye, and he who must not be named.

:tellmemore: I've been waiting for an opportunity to listen to all the Harry Potter audiobooks read by Stephen Fry...It's time better spent than watching the news anchors just keep repeating what they said this morning, yesterday, the day before that and before that...

:grin: I just might do that!
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: No one on April 13, 2020, 09:02:50 PM
Why is autocorrect so stupid?
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 09:21:51 PM
Quote from: No one on April 13, 2020, 09:02:50 PM
Why is autocorrect so stupid?

The autocorrect shelves in your phone...elves! Elves, dammit!
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Biggus Dickus on April 14, 2020, 12:35:46 AM
I limit the amount of news I read with regards to Covid-19 on a daily basis, and I am trying to stick to my rule of no virus news from any source after 6-7pm each night...most of the news is the same day to day, so I usually look over a few news items from some of the news feeds in the morning I receive via email or links, and then see if there is anything worth reading in detail, otherwise I ignore and move on.

I will glance over these news feeds during the day to see if they've refreshed with something new or extremely relevant, but otherwise it gets to simply overloading on information.

Even non-news feeds I subscribe to are constantly bringing up the virus. (Like one for classical guitar)

You can definitely over-load on this information...of course it's important and necessary to be informed, but there's a limit to how much information we need.

I haven't said anything to my family, but some of them are constantly texting me information still regarding this...I almost want to block them. I stay silent thought ::)

I bet even porno-sites are relating virus news (I wouldn't know 8))




Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 14, 2020, 12:59:57 AM
Quote from: Papasito Bruno on April 14, 2020, 12:35:46 AM
I limit the amount of news I read with regards to Covid-19 on a daily basis, and I am trying to stick to my rule of no virus news from any source after 6-7pm each night...most of the news is the same day to day, so I usually look over a few news items from some of the news feeds in the morning I receive via email or links, and then see if there is anything worth reading in detail, otherwise I ignore and move on.

I will glance over these news feeds during the day to see if they've refreshed with something new or extremely relevant, but otherwise it gets to simply overloading on information.

Even non-news feeds I subscribe to are constantly bringing up the virus. (Like one for classical guitar)

You can definitely over-load on this information...of course it's important and necessary to be informed, but there's a limit to how much information we need.

I haven't said anything to my family, but some of them are constantly texting me information still regarding this...I almost want to block them. I stay silent thought ::)

I bet even porno-sites are relating virus news (I wouldn't know 8))

I'm mostly the one texting my family coronavirus memes and info but I know for a fact my mother watches the news all day long so I don't think she minds. As for the others, not sure... :notsure:

But I thought that porn sites being full of viruses is old news. ;D   
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 14, 2020, 01:43:22 PM
Another thing I think mainstream media should probably be doing is giving more human faces to the rising death toll. Instead of just going on repeat like a broken record, over and over again with the same old information and airing the same personal opinions of news anchors/journalists probably clinging onto their 15 minutes of fame, they could give more airtime to putting names and faces to the numbers.

If one of the main purposes of the media is to control people's behaviour and influence opinions, this is way more effective than simply giving growing numbers of deaths, which people are unable to effectively process. Since people are more emotional than rational, airing relatable stories might go a long way in changing people.

For instance, I saw a post on FB just now. A post of a healthy, young man complaining about the immense pain he was in due to the coronavirus and pleading people to stay home. That would be his last.

Sometimes it just takes 1 and not 120,728 (as of April 14, 2020, 12:00 GMT).   
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 14, 2020, 01:53:33 PM
I agree, BUT.

Some of our outlets have been running overly-dramatic, teary-eyed stories about how the poor, poor dead were DEAD and their poor, poor relatives, whose relative was now DEAD and tears and woe and viruses in word salads, saying very little of substance. I find that nauseating. There is a graceful way of doing this. For instance, rather than dwell on the tragedy aspect of what is, without question, a personal tragedy for all involved, tell a little about the life of the deceased, or even how they came to lose their final fight - you know, the before the whole coffins and tears and goodbyes through a glass wall and fake-comment-section-pity-parties situation.

I wouldn't even mind talking about the things on which I rag here, provided that they were presented in a manner, which takes into account the cold, hard truth that I, much like the vast majority of the population, don't actually care about the deceased on a personal level. While I sympathize with the loss, it's not for me to grieve for them.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 14, 2020, 02:37:29 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on April 14, 2020, 01:53:33 PM
I agree, BUT.

Some of our outlets have been running overly-dramatic, teary-eyed stories about how the poor, poor dead were DEAD and their poor, poor relatives, whose relative was now DEAD and tears and woe and viruses in word salads, saying very little of substance. I find that nauseating. There is a graceful way of doing this. For instance, rather than dwell on the tragedy aspect of what is, without question, a personal tragedy for all involved, tell a little about the life of the deceased, or even how they came to lose their final fight - you know, the before the whole coffins and tears and goodbyes through a glass wall and fake-comment-section-pity-parties situation.

I wouldn't even mind talking about the things on which I rag here, provided that they were presented in a manner, which takes into account the cold, hard truth that I, much like the vast majority of the population, don't actually care about the deceased on a personal level. While I sympathize with the loss, it's not for me to grieve for them.

Yes, it isn't something that should be overdone otherwise it could risk putting some people off, as you say. People are at different points in the empathy spectrum, some won't care however you frame it, others will be moved by the numbers alone. Most might fall somewhere in the middle.

There are also obviously entire sets of beliefs that may or may not be 'corrupted' or even conspiratorial that influence how people react to this outbreak, but I won't go into those now. 

Speaking for myself, and going back to the FB post example, it moved me because it was precisely about what you mentioned -- the final days of some regular guy before he lost the fight to coronavirus. It wasn't some death packaged in over dramatic tear-jerking words with some obvious intent to control reactions, it was just a regular post that could have been anybody's, making it feel very real and close to home.

I believe probably most people who are resistant to social distancing will only do so (unless forced to by quarantine decrees) when someone they know personally becomes a victim of this virus.   
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 14, 2020, 03:00:37 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 14, 2020, 02:37:29 PM
It wasn't some death packaged in over dramatic tear-jerking words with some obvious intent to control reactions, it was just a regular post that could have been anybody's, making it feel very real and close to home. 
Indeed. I have read some stories shared by regular people, which were not at all like what I've described. Some were almost visceral in nature. Give a story like that to certain churnalists though, and they will try and spin it for clicks, hate-clicks most certainly included.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 14, 2020, 03:18:53 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on April 14, 2020, 03:00:37 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 14, 2020, 02:37:29 PM
It wasn't some death packaged in over dramatic tear-jerking words with some obvious intent to control reactions, it was just a regular post that could have been anybody's, making it feel very real and close to home. 
Indeed. I have read some stories shared by regular people, which were not at all like what I've described. Some were almost visceral in nature. Give a story like that to certain churnalists though, and they will try and spin it for clicks, hate-clicks most certainly included.

Yeah, it's hateful when they do that. Information is a cold product and the more 'click-baity' it is, the better it is for the business ratings or amount of page visits.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 14, 2020, 03:36:37 PM
...And with higher click ratings, comes increased job security for the churnalist.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Dark Lightning on April 14, 2020, 07:00:17 PM
"churnalist" I like that!
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 14, 2020, 08:24:38 PM
I stole it from either Sargon of Akkad (the YouTuber - not the emperor) or Tim Pool, who I believe stole it somewhere-or-other in turn.

On that note, I kind-of soured on them guyS of late, but they still make some very decent content - depending on what they're talking about.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Tom62 on April 15, 2020, 04:38:43 PM
I'm now ignoring the media about the Coronavirus, because I'm fed-up with it. All news items are about the virus and everyone is an expert. The so-called virus "experts" that are interviewed send out conflicting messages. Nearly every day some laboratory in the world develops a vaccine. What I also learned is that the virus is now supposed to be racist and that the best word leaders, that handled the situation in their countries, were women. Funny though that no-one mentioned that the virus is sexist, because more men die from it than women.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Old Seer on April 15, 2020, 07:33:12 PM
My rule of thumb. If an expert is wrong they're not an expert.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 15, 2020, 07:45:09 PM
By that logic, is any-one ever an expert?

As I see it, it's not about being wrong, but what you do when you are.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Davin on April 15, 2020, 08:54:20 PM
It is that, and also the trail that led to the expert being wrong. An expert doesn't simply conclude things.

At least no true expert...
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 15, 2020, 09:06:31 PM
Indeed.

I remember that story prof. Dawkins told about one of his own teachers. The man was "wrong for the past 20(?) years." Would that have made him "not an expert?"
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 15, 2020, 09:25:47 PM
Quote from: Old Seer on April 15, 2020, 07:33:12 PM
My rule of thumb. If an expert is wrong they're not an expert.

Experts are not the owners of Truth at different points in time, but are human and also very prone to being wrong. Especially in fields of knowledge that are constantly evolving.

In my view, experts are people who have studied a subject extensively and know a whole heck of a lot about it. That doesn't necessarily make them smart or infallible, just very knowledgeable in a field.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 15, 2020, 09:29:58 PM
Quote from: Tom62 on April 15, 2020, 04:38:43 PM
I'm now ignoring the media about the Coronavirus, because I'm fed-up with it. All news items are about the virus and everyone is an expert. The so-called virus "experts" that are interviewed send out conflicting messages. Nearly every day some laboratory in the world develops a vaccine. What I also learned is that the virus is now supposed to be racist and that the best word leaders, that handled the situation in their countries, were women. Funny though that no-one mentioned that the virus is sexist, because more men die from it than women.

Yikes, people trying to fit this pandemic into whatever ideology is annoying. 
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: xSilverPhinx on April 15, 2020, 09:49:22 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 15, 2020, 09:25:47 PM
Quote from: Old Seer on April 15, 2020, 07:33:12 PM
My rule of thumb. If an expert is wrong they're not an expert.

Experts are not the owners of Truth at different points in time, but are human and also very prone to being wrong. Especially in fields of knowledge that are constantly evolving.

In my view, experts are people who have studied a subject extensively and know a whole heck of a lot about it. That doesn't necessarily make them smart or infallible, just very knowledgeable in a field.

Just to add to this, regarding the new coronavirus:

It's a new virus for humans. Not even the experts knew from the beginning of this pandemic how this outbreak would play out, which is why they might send out conflicting and contradictory messages. They are learning as well as new data is being transformed into valuable information. Be kind to the experts as well.  :)

One thing that's happening is basically a lot of the world's human and financial resources are now being invested into learning about this virus. A whole lot of information is being churned out on an hourly basis. Hundreds of new studies every day.

While this is great, there are two major problems:

1) Nobody can keep up with the amount of new information being produced daily and so are bound to ignore some vital parts of it;

2) Some if not all important science journals which are publishing new covid-19 results have dramatically sped up their publishing process. Anyone who has published in a reputable science journal knows it can take at least a month to go through peer-review and then even more time to perform requested revisions (which in experimental sciences usually means more experiments, which take time). Articles are being accepted and published quickly, which most likely means these journals have exceptionally laxed their peer-review process.

(Peer-review, for those who don't know, is a vital part of the scientific process. It's the stage after you submit a manuscript when experts review what you've done, how you did it and how you interpreted your results. Having an article go through peer-review and being accepted without requested revisions is extremely rare.)         

So, tl;dr: the scientific process takes time, and when it happens too quickly (as it is) there are bound to be errors and lower quality or less robust scientific studies being published in reputable science journals. Experts don't know everything, they are also learning about this new virus and can be wrong.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Biggus Dickus on April 19, 2020, 06:34:20 PM
I thought this would be a good place to post this, but if not please feel free to move it to a more appropriate thread.

Earlier this week in Michigan, as well as in some other states, there was a rally at the State Capital in Lansing.

These "Protesters" who ignored social distancing rules, were gathered to demonstrate against lockdown orders they call "tyrannical" and "worse than the virus".

Many were decked out in MAGA hats (Of course), and with Donald Trump posters, but some also had Confederate flags, and of course some (The really stupid ones) carried their guns.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, said those protesting, again some flying Confederate flags (Michigan was with the Union, so these are just Neo-Nazi, White Supremicists assholes), had likely lengthened the lockdowns.

QuoteShe said: 'The sad irony here is that they...may have just created the need to lengthen it.'

The governor also told reporters: 'I saw someone handing out candy to little kids barehanded. People are flying the Confederate flag, and untold numbers who gassed up on the way here or grabbed a bite on the way home.

'We know that this rally endangered people. This kind of activity will put more people at risk and, sadly, it could prolong the amount of time we have to be in this posture.'

This picture was taken on the streets outside the Capital Building.
(https://i.imgur.com/iXf1p7g.jpg)

These three morons are standing on the Capital Steps.
(https://i.imgur.com/Huu0Aus.jpg)

I don't see theses type of protests going on anywhere else in the world, which has now fully convinced me that America is a land of fools, and our future is bleak.

One woman interview at the rally said she was upset because she can't get her hair done (White woman obviously, probably named Karen)

A man who was also interviewed at the rally was complaining about the Governors orders which shut down the all golf courses in the state, and he damn't wants to play golf, "cuz it's his fucking right".

This has been depressing.

Mitch Albom, a long time columnist, journalist, author and radio host here in Detroit wrote the following article. (He wrote the books "Tuesday's With Morrie", and the "Five People You Meet In Heaven", among others (I didn't care for the latter which I read some years ago)

Mitch Albom: The Michigan I know doesn't lose its head in a pandemic (https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/mitch-albom/2020/04/19/mitch-albom-michigan-capitol-protests/5159235002/?utm_source=freep-Coronavirus%20Watch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=baseline_greeting&utm_term=newsletter_greeting)

I enjoyed the article, in it he compared the protesters with the Israelites from the Book of Exodus.

QuoteI don't usually reference biblical anecdotes, but this seems too fitting.

In the book of Exodus, when the Israelites are freed from bondage and flee across the Red Sea, all they want is protection from the pursuing Egyptians. They don't want to die. When the sea collapses on their enemy, they rejoice and thank the Lord who saved them.

But soon they start complaining. And after wandering a mere seven weeks, they grow impatient when Moses ascends a mountain to receive the Ten Commandments, something the Lord promises will protect them forever. When Moses doesn't return exactly on time, the people revolt, they build a golden calf as something new to believe in, and — well, you know how that works out.

QuoteIn the biblical tale I cited, the Israelites began their golden calf worship one day before Moses came down from the mountain. A single day! And for that act of unfaithful impatience, they suffered 40 years in the wilderness.

Let's hope this foolishness doesn't end up costing us...but we Americans are a foolish people, and sometimes I fear the worst.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: billy rubin on April 19, 2020, 08:06:07 PM
the gun aspect is interesting. the connection between any government interference in one's life and a threat to disarm society is reflexive with a lot of americans. i know people who regard the second amendment right to bear arms as the major issue in their political awareness. any perceived infringement on any personal freedom by the government is immediatelt translated into the gun-grab controversy, and th eguns come out to be displayed as symbols of whats important in america. like with these three guys.

the direct connection between protsting quarantines and dispolaying firearms is obscure to me, but apparently not to everybody.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Icarus on April 19, 2020, 09:49:41 PM
Is there any way we could ship those dumb bastards off to Singapore?  Let 'em try that shit there and see whether their guns, MAGA hats, and confederate flags save their asses. 

News today shows that the beaches around Jacksonville Florida are teeming with people in close contact with one another.  Bruno is spot on.  The U.S. is sadly overpopulated with really stupid people
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Tank on April 19, 2020, 10:19:28 PM
I feel  so sorry for the millions upon millions of educated smart Americans. It must be like living in a nightmare. :(
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: billy rubin on April 19, 2020, 10:28:33 PM
i have to confess to an unsocial willingnezz to allow natural selection to take its course.

but the problem is that those people will infect more than each other.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Dark Lightning on April 19, 2020, 10:39:51 PM
Quote from: billy rubin on April 19, 2020, 10:28:33 PM
i have to confess to an unsocial willingnezz to allow natural selection to take its course.

but the problem is that those people will infect more than each other.

If only they could catch it and not pass it on, agreed. I guess stupid is equal opportunity.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Recusant on April 19, 2020, 11:59:05 PM
Quote from: billy rubin on April 19, 2020, 08:06:07 PM
the gun aspect is interesting. the connection between any government interference in one's life and a threat to disarm society is reflexive with a lot of americans. i know people who regard the second amendment right to bear arms as the major issue in their political awareness. any perceived infringement on any personal freedom by the government is immediatelt translated into the gun-grab controversy, and th eguns come out to be displayed as symbols of whats important in america. like with these three guys.

the direct connection between protsting quarantines and dispolaying firearms is obscure to me, but apparently not to everybody.

I guess you haven't spent much time listening to the sort of fellow who'd get strapped and meet up with his comrades to stand around at a public gathering embodying a caricature.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: billy rubin on April 20, 2020, 12:10:10 AM
i think i run in different circles mostly

i dont mind keeping it that way
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 20, 2020, 12:31:44 AM
Quote from: Tank on April 19, 2020, 10:19:28 PM
I feel  so sorry for the millions upon millions of educated smart Americans. It must be like living in a nightmare. :(
Spoken like a true middle-class-or-above urban elitist. You don't need formal education to be smart. You don't need high IQ to be wise. You don't need any of that to be successful in your own way or to be a net contributor to your society.

But nah, them poor surgeons and lawyers and feminist dance majors, who have to deal with those filthy, unwashed masses! It must be hell indeed!
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Biggus Dickus on April 20, 2020, 04:19:09 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/WUDlmj2.jpg?1)

Today in Colorado there were more protests against coronavirus lockdowns and social distancing measures by Trump supporters who think this is all a hoax.

Healthcare Workers counter-Protested, and blocked intersections.

The Lady in the truck is yelling out the following at the healthcare worker blocking her truck.

This is Land of the free!

Go to China if you want communism!

We want to open up and go to work!

You go to work, why can't I go to work!

(https://i.imgur.com/woXFNAo.png)

Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Old Seer on April 20, 2020, 05:10:20 AM
Quote from: Asmodean on April 20, 2020, 12:31:44 AM
Quote from: Tank on April 19, 2020, 10:19:28 PM
I feel  so sorry for the millions upon millions of educated smart Americans. It must be like living in a nightmare. :(
Spoken like a true middle-class-or-above urban elitist. You don't need formal education to be smart. You don't need high IQ to be wise. You don't need any of that to be successful in your own way or to be a net contributor to your society.

But nah, them poor surgeons and lawyers and feminist dance majors, who have to deal with those filthy, unwashed masses! It must be hell indeed!
From what I make of it, they're saying the State governments have gone to far. They say the State is imposing things that aren't sensible. IE- You can take your canoe out onto the lake but not a boat with a motor, that sort of thing.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Biggus Dickus on April 22, 2020, 08:54:37 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/4SK2qFS.jpg)

How Trump and his supporters see things. (By that I mean white people)
(https://i.imgur.com/RJb331L.jpg)

This is spot on with one aspect of what is wrong with this country.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: billy rubin on April 22, 2020, 10:09:51 PM
we ll zee what tbe consequencez are, and whether any of it zticks to trump.

im beyond understanding tge people of my country.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Dark Lightning on April 22, 2020, 10:54:43 PM
Quote from: Papasito Bruno on April 22, 2020, 08:54:37 PM

How Trump and his supporters see things. (By that I mean white people)
(https://i.imgur.com/RJb331L.jpg)

This is spot on with one aspect of what is wrong with this country.

Not all white people of course. I find that having to take a knee as a protest shouldn't necessary, but totally understand it, and approve. The chump should just keep his lie-hole shut 'til he blows a gasket. :smilenod:
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Tank on April 23, 2020, 08:21:24 AM
'lie-hole' I like that :D
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Dark Lightning on April 23, 2020, 03:31:11 PM
 ;D It sort of came out at another site where we were discussing the chump and his pie-hole. Naturally, lie rhymes. My wife tells me that we should respect him because he's President. It is to laugh.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Asmodean on April 23, 2020, 09:07:04 PM
Quote from: Dark Lightning on April 22, 2020, 10:54:43 PM
Not all white people of course. I find that having to take a knee as a protest shouldn't necessary, but totally understand it, and approve. The chump should just keep his lie-hole shut 'til he blows a gasket. :smilenod:
Actually, I believe that according to the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Victimization, them huhwites are a monolith.

If they were not, than this huhwite person would say that if someone wants to kneel before a national symbol, then why the hell not? It's a bit too submissive a gesture for my liking, but then I'm not him, so it's also none of my business.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Old Seer on April 26, 2020, 05:58:14 PM
I Like my retirement. I'm already in my cave (where else would a Seer be)  ::) I have a few things to do like be sure I have enough over night wood in. I might have to head for the store 2 miles away. No corona virus in this area tho. I go on line to converse with du -ah no, not that- persons with like interests.  :)
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Randy on May 16, 2020, 10:48:00 AM
Quote from: Old Seer on April 13, 2020, 05:32:02 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on April 13, 2020, 02:36:11 PM
Being cooped up inside our caves can be difficult, but that doesn't mean we can't have some sort of contact with the outside word. Most if not all of us have an televised image projector with which we can see shadows of the real world outside.

Popcorn and soda in hand accompanied by the guilt of having overeaten for the past few *cough* *cough* several days you sit in front of your TV and flick through the channels with your remote magic wand until you land on a mainstream news media station.

BREAKING NEWS!

Coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus...coronavirus :blahblah:

:watching:

"Ok, enough of this."

You flick through the channels again. CNN coronavirus...*click* BBC coronavirus...*click* BBC Brazil coronavirus...*click* until you finally land on a national news channel with lower ratings.

...and they're talking about something completely unrelated to coronavirus.

"What a lousy news channel," comes a voice from behind you. "We're in the middle of this crisis and they're talking about rescuing feral puppies."

::)

That's it. You turn the TV off (but still finish your popcorn and soda). I guess I'll just swipe through my social media feed instead. Little do you know what's in store for you...
Agree. Recommendation: If you have a laptop/computer (this probably isn't new to you) bring up you tube. It has a wide variety of subjects that in my estimation would be interesting to anyone. My TV is connectable to my laptop, but watch very little TV programing.

I don't have a TV in my room. Even if I did, my daughter doesn't have cable. She has Netflix, and something else. I have Prime Video and my caretaker has Hulu. We share accounts. So I watch one of the net channels or I'll flip to YouTube.
Title: Re: Media and the new Coronavirus
Post by: Randy on August 03, 2020, 07:36:17 PM
'This epidemic is now out of control': Why social distancing and face masks aren't enough. (https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/03/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html)
Quote(CNN)Once again, Covid-19 deaths are rising after weeks of record-breaking new cases and hospitalizations.
"This epidemic is now out of control. And it's out of control mostly because of our own behavior," said William Haseltine, chairman and president of ACCESS Health International.

"People have not taken the consistent warnings of our health officials seriously. They are gathering in private and in public places without adequate protection. They are ignoring the advice."
At least 30 states suffered higher rates of new deaths this past week compared to the previous week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

In 12 of those states, the increase in deaths was at least 50%: Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Texas, Mississippi, Michigan, Ohio, Maine, Virginia, West Virginia and Alaska.
And test positivity rates -- an indicator of how rampantly a virus is spreading -- remains stubbornly high in more than 30 states.

From CNN about the county I live in and the COVID-19:
QuoteIn Gwinnett County, Georgia, where some parents protested in favor of in-person classes, at least 260 school district employees tested positive for the virus or were in contact with someone infected, a district spokeswoman said.

That announcement came days after teachers returned to classrooms for in-person pre-planning, CNN affiliate WSB reported.

That's the only mention of it in the entire article.0