Europe is epicentre of coronavirus pandemic - WHO

[URMySunshine]

The photographer Nick Nosztis had this to say on his Facebook. 

 

I would not vote for Merkel's conservative party, and disagree with many of her party's policies. I am standing a few more steps to the left politically.
In these times of crisis however i have to admit that i am very glad that she is our chancellor.
Her address to the nation yesterday was excellent. She managed to walk the fine balance between communicating the seriousness of the challenge, but without spreading panic. She instilled confidence in the system. And very importantly - she explained the difficulty and necessity for the harsh measures restricting many civil liberties and how this is indeed a challenge for our democracy, and that these measures can only be temporary in a democracy. She appealed to societal solidarity instead of falling into the populist trap of announcing tough man pseudo-solutions.
In crisis one can see the quality of people. Merkel did not disappoint.

[Logosone]

19 minutes ago, URMySunshine said:

The photographer Nick Nosztis had this to say on his Facebook. 

 

I would not vote for Merkel's conservative party, and disagree with many of her party's policies. I am standing a few more steps to the left politically.
In these times of crisis however i have to admit that i am very glad that she is our chancellor.
Her address to the nation yesterday was excellent. She managed to walk the fine balance between communicating the seriousness of the challenge, but without spreading panic. She instilled confidence in the system. And very importantly - she explained the difficulty and necessity for the harsh measures restricting many civil liberties and how this is indeed a challenge for our democracy, and that these measures can only be temporary in a democracy. She appealed to societal solidarity instead of falling into the populist trap of announcing tough man pseudo-solutions.
In crisis one can see the quality of people. Merkel did not disappoint.

 

Lol, the German goverment has shown shocking incompetence.

 

As early as 2012 the Robert Koch Institute in a paper anyone can read online warned of an epidemic due to a SARS-like coronavirus.

 

Since 2012 the German government could have prepared for this scenario. It of course did nothing. They have failed us and risked lives with their incompetence.

 

Now they take the measures that should have been taken long ago. The German government is like these fools who did not prepare for bad times but in a space of days want to go panic buying to make good their deficiency, thereby creating problems for everyone else.

 

I have ZERO confidence in this woman's ability to handle this crisis. She knew since January that a case happened in Germany. She did not stop flights, she did not check anybody, nothing was done. NOTHING.  Lufthansa out of themselves had to end flights to China. Meanwhile dozens of flights from China were arriving each day, entering unchecked.

 

The current border sealing is a JOKE. Commuters are waved through. I mean the response of the German government is so bad, it is actually worse than England's.

 

At least the British are holding serious Cobra press conference and Boris Johnson does more than address the populace in solemn tv speeches without serious questioning.

Edited March 19, 2020 by Logosone

[URMySunshine]

1 hour ago, Logosone said:

 

Lol, the German goverment has shown shocking incompetence.

 

As early as 2012 the Robert Koch Institute in a paper anyone can read online warned of an epidemic due to a SARS-like coronavirus.

 

Since 2012 the German government could have prepared for this scenario. It of course did nothing. They have failed us and risked lives with their incompetence.

 

Now they take the measures that should have been taken long ago. The German government is like these fools who did not prepare for bad times but in a space of days want to go panic buying to make good their deficiency, thereby creating problems for everyone else.

 

I have ZERO confidence in this woman's ability to handle this crisis. She knew since January that a case happened in Germany. She did not stop flights, she did not check anybody, nothing was done. NOTHING.  Lufthansa out of themselves had to end flights to China. Meanwhile dozens of flights from China were arriving each day, entering unchecked.

 

The current border sealing is a JOKE. Commuters are waved through. I mean the response of the German government is so bad, it is actually worse than England's.

 

At least the British are holding serious Cobra press conference and Boris Johnson does more than address the populace in solemn tv speeches without serious questioning.

In the end success will be written in how many you saved from an early death and whether your economy recovers and social order is maintained. I wouldn't bet against Germany on that score. Empty nationalistic rhetoric will seem doubly hollow in the aftermath and leaders that failed at this challenge will face the blind wrath of fury of the populace. Our healthcare workers and essential workers will be heroes to all.  My biggest worry now isn't the Chinese virus which will eventually be defeated but the American virus of financialization of the planet. Trump's cabinet is stuffed with Goldman alumni lest we forget. 

[WalkingOrders]

I think that global leaders are doing the best they can. Their collective wisdom is better then mine. So many experts, 2nd guessers, and conspiracy theorists, posting here. Mostly blaming for political purpose, or general hatred of Thai, or Thai gov, or of President trump, and to lessor degree other global politicians.

 

 

[WalkingOrders]

6 minutes ago, URMySunshine said:

the American virus of financialization of the planet.

Can you elaborate on this point please? What do you mean specifically?

[Chazar]

On 3/14/2020 at 10:50 PM, Opl said:

"France's health minister Olivier Véran warned the public on Saturday that anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and cortisone could be an aggravating factor in coronavirus infections." (By attenuating the immune system's response, taking an anti-inflammatory can therefore not only hinder the body's reaction to the entry of pathogens, but above all mask the signs of seriousness, thus delaying diagnosis. The same process is observed with cortisone)

"In case of fever take paracetamol. If you are already on a course of anti-inflammatories or if you are in doubt then consult your doctor,"

 

considered "fake" by german press

and  also fake  by the WHO who said they have no evidence for this  currently

[URMySunshine]

12 minutes ago, WalkingOrders said:

Can you elaborate on this point please? What do you mean specifically?

No problem it refers to the process where investment banks and other entities such as hedge funds create instability in the world by creating a multitude of financial products, processes and services which are engineered to make them as rich as possible whilst diluting the social nature of capital and 'normal' investment. It's money making money rather than money making things. Essentially these guys are parasites on the normal productive nature of society and yet they are the richest guys on the planet. When the dust settles they will be targets as the scramble to defend their ill-gotten wealth. They will fail.

 

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/financialization.asp

 

Understanding Financialization
In the United States, the size of the financial sector as a percentage of gross domestic product has grown from 2.8 percent in 1950 to 7.9 percent in 2012. Financialization has also caused incomes to increase more in the financial sector than in other sectors of the economy. Individuals working in the U.S. finance sector have experienced a 70 percent increase in their incomes relative to workers in other sector since 1980.

 

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/the-great-american-bubble-machine-195229/

 

But this is it. This is the world we live in now. And in this world, some of us have to play by the rules, while others get a note from the principal excusing them from homework till the end of time, plus 10 billion free dollars in a paper bag to buy lunch. It’s a gangster state, running on gangster economics, and even prices can’t be trusted anymore; there are hidden taxes in every buck you pay. And maybe we can’t stop it, but we should at least know where it’s all going.

 

Edited March 19, 2020 by URMySunshine

[Logosone]

57 minutes ago, URMySunshine said:

In the end success will be written in how many you saved from an early death and whether your economy recovers and social order is maintained. I wouldn't bet against Germany on that score. Empty nationalistic rhetoric will seem doubly hollow in the aftermath and leaders that failed at this challenge will face the blind wrath of fury of the populace. Our healthcare workers and essential workers will be heroes to all.  My biggest worry now isn't the Chinese virus which will eventually be defeated but the American virus of financialization of the planet. Trump's cabinet is stuffed with Goldman alumni lest we forget. 

 

You have absolutely hit the nail on the head, this medical crisis will pass. Eventually a vaccine will be found. However, the true financial implications of this virus are still to come and will be with us long after the virus is vanquished.

 

We are already seeing German trade unions clamouring for additional hand outs for employees and the German governments at local and national level look to be ready to bend over and give the panicked electorate whatever it wants. So we can see an increase in debt for Germany, granted not to the obscene levels of the UK, but the virus will have a similar effect on borrowing for Germany.

 

The real crunch time will be if there is any real issue with the financial system, as a result of multiple large company failures. If people start withdrawing their money from banks in a bank run to save their cash it could be real bad.

 

But then Germany overcame hour zero in 1945, so this should be a cake walk.

Edited March 19, 2020 by Logosone

[URMySunshine]

3 minutes ago, Logosone said:

 

You have absolutely hit the nail on the head, this medical crisis will pass. Eventually a vaccine will be found. However, the true financial implications of this virus are still to come and will be with us long after the virus is vanquished.

 

We are already seeing German trade unions clamouring for additional hand outs for employees and the German governments at local and national level look to be ready to bend over and give the panicked electorate whatever it wants. So we can see an increase in debt for Germany, granted not to the obscene levels of the UK, but the virus will have a similar effect on borrowing for Germany.

 

The real crunch time will be if there is any real issue with the financial system, as a result of multiple large company failures. If people start withdrawing their money from banks in a bank run to save their cash it could be real bad.

 

But then Germany overcame hour zero in 1945, so this should be a cake walk.

Very true especially your last sentence. Buckle in the ride is going to get rough from now in. 

[candide]

46 minutes ago, Logosone said:

 

You have absolutely hit the nail on the head, this medical crisis will pass. Eventually a vaccine will be found. However, the true financial implications of this virus are still to come and will be with us long after the virus is vanquished.

 

We are already seeing German trade unions clamouring for additional hand outs for employees and the German governments at local and national level look to be ready to bend over and give the panicked electorate whatever it wants. So we can see an increase in debt for Germany, granted not to the obscene levels of the UK, but the virus will have a similar effect on borrowing for Germany.

 

The real crunch time will be if there is any real issue with the financial system, as a result of multiple large company failures. If people start withdrawing their money from banks in a bank run to save their cash it could be real bad.

 

But then Germany overcame hour zero in 1945, so this should be a cake walk.

Apparently, corporate debts is likely to become the key issue. As concerns Germany, they have a very specific banking system which may help protect the economy, at least partly.

[Chomper Higgot]

3 hours ago, URMySunshine said:

The photographer Nick Nosztis had this to say on his Facebook. 

 

I would not vote for Merkel's conservative party, and disagree with many of her party's policies. I am standing a few more steps to the left politically.
In these times of crisis however i have to admit that i am very glad that she is our chancellor.
Her address to the nation yesterday was excellent. She managed to walk the fine balance between communicating the seriousness of the challenge, but without spreading panic. She instilled confidence in the system. And very importantly - she explained the difficulty and necessity for the harsh measures restricting many civil liberties and how this is indeed a challenge for our democracy, and that these measures can only be temporary in a democracy. She appealed to societal solidarity instead of falling into the populist trap of announcing tough man pseudo-solutions.
In crisis one can see the quality of people. Merkel did not disappoint.

I know Nick Nostitz, I used to occasionally have a beer with him and Blenkinsop back when Bangkok was a place to enjoy.

[Logosone]

32 minutes ago, candide said:

Apparently, corporate debts is likely to become the key issue. As concerns Germany, they have a very specific banking system which may help protect the economy, at least partly.

That would be nice, looking at Deutsche bank and their debts, they seem to have had some isssues.

[candide]

2 hours ago, Logosone said:

That would be nice, looking at Deutsche bank and their debts, they seem to have had some isssues.

Private banks such as DB are not particularly in good shape, but public and cooperative banks are more stable.

[URMySunshine]

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I know Nick Nostitz, I used to occasionally have a beer with him and Blenkinsop back when Bangkok was a place to enjoy.

He seems like an allround decent guy - hounded out of Thailand by the Junta and their thugs. His Bangkok bar scenes photos are eye-poppers !

 

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=nick+nostitz+bangkok&tbm=isch&hl=en-GB&chips=q:nick+nostitz+bangkok,online_chips:twilight+zone&hl=en-GB&ved=2ahUKEwjFtL_OoqfoAhWS_4UKHZauDKUQ4lYoAHoECAEQFg&biw=2031&bih=928

[Logosone]

6 hours ago, candide said:

Private banks such as DB are not particularly in good shape, but public and cooperative banks are more stable.

I had always taken it for granted that German banks act more responsible than anyone else. After all the German Pfandbrief, the original securitisation instrument invented by Germany in 1769, has not seen a default since 1901. 

 

However, finding out that it was the Landesbanken who stupidly bought the contaminate securitisation products from the US in the billions has dented my confidence. Seeing what has happened to Deutsche Bank has further given cause for concern.

 

Hopefully the new rules after 2008 will make a difference. 

[WalkingOrders]

11 hours ago, URMySunshine said:

No problem it refers to the process where investment banks and other entities such as hedge funds create instability in the world by creating a multitude of financial products, processes and services which are engineered to make them as rich as possible whilst diluting the social nature of capital and 'normal' investment. It's money making money rather than money making things. Essentially these guys are parasites on the normal productive nature of society and yet they are the richest guys on the planet. When the dust settles they will be targets as the scramble to defend their ill-gotten wealth. They will fail.

 

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/financialization.asp

 

Understanding Financialization
In the United States, the size of the financial sector as a percentage of gross domestic product has grown from 2.8 percent in 1950 to 7.9 percent in 2012. Financialization has also caused incomes to increase more in the financial sector than in other sectors of the economy. Individuals working in the U.S. finance sector have experienced a 70 percent increase in their incomes relative to workers in other sector since 1980.

 

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/the-great-american-bubble-machine-195229/

 

But this is it. This is the world we live in now. And in this world, some of us have to play by the rules, while others get a note from the principal excusing them from homework till the end of time, plus 10 billion free dollars in a paper bag to buy lunch. It’s a gangster state, running on gangster economics, and even prices can’t be trusted anymore; there are hidden taxes in every buck you pay. And maybe we can’t stop it, but we should at least know where it’s all going.

 

The italics come from your links? Why do you do that when you post the links? 

 

So you are opposed to forex trading? Commodity trading? You draw the line on certain derivitaves or all? You are against futures trading? Stock trading on puts? Day trading for short term profits? Against trading options? Paper gold?

 

Others are not opposed. 

 

I don't see this instability you are talking about. Its what people wish to do. It's not only done in the USA, it's done in London, Tokyo, Sydney, etc. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Logosone]

7 hours ago, URMySunshine said:

He seems like an allround decent guy - hounded out of Thailand by the Junta and their thugs. His Bangkok bar scenes photos are eye-poppers !

 

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=nick+nostitz+bangkok&tbm=isch&hl=en-GB&chips=q:nick+nostitz+bangkok,online_chips:twilight+zone&hl=en-GB&ved=2ahUKEwjFtL_OoqfoAhWS_4UKHZauDKUQ4lYoAHoECAEQFg&biw=2031&bih=928

 

That may all be so, but I'm amazed at his blind trust in Angela Merkel. She has clearly dropped the ball with the virus. Again. The virus report came in December. German case in January. The Robert Koch Institute warned in 2012 about a coronavirus pandemic.

 

Merkel did nothing. Until it was too late.

[Sujo]

In a few days the US will be the epicentre.

[WalkingOrders]

10 minutes ago, Sujo said:

In a few days the US will be the epicentre.

I expect Kuala lumpur

[Chomper Higgot]

18 hours ago, URMySunshine said:

He seems like an allround decent guy - hounded out of Thailand by the Junta and their thugs. His Bangkok bar scenes photos are eye-poppers !

 

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=nick+nostitz+bangkok&tbm=isch&hl=en-GB&chips=q:nick+nostitz+bangkok,online_chips:twilight+zone&hl=en-GB&ved=2ahUKEwjFtL_OoqfoAhWS_4UKHZauDKUQ4lYoAHoECAEQFg&biw=2031&bih=928

He is a smashing bloke, though clearly not everyone’s cup of tea.

 

I have a signed copy of his ‘Patpong Bangkok’s Twilight Zone’.

 

It’s photography is stunning, the text a lightning rod to vivid memories of Bangkok’s nightlife in the 90s.

Edited March 20, 2020 by Chomper Higgot