The movie sucked ... but I'm going to watch it again
I watched the movie. I didn't like it. The Southpark parody of it was way better.
In nerd fashion, a discussion occurred regarding the World War Z movie, and it's many shortcomings.
It was suggested that the book was way better, my friend, grabbed it from his bookshelf and insisted that I read it.
The book is very good so far.
This has inpired me to watch the movie again as it has popped up on Netflix.
Coronavirus
The outbreak in the book begins in China - it's not really a spoiler as it tells you that pretty much from the start.
The fact that it mirrors the uncertainty of the Coronavirus raised the hair on the back of my neck.
How many people are really affected?
There's a lack of trust when it comes to the Chinese Government, lack of trust, when it comes to Governments in general.
History has shown us that every Government has lied to its people. It's the naivity of the new generations, and blue pill people, that allows for a reset button on trust.
News I received yesterday from some friends overseas touts the amount of infected and dead at a way higher figure.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3871594
To every person I asked, they all believed that the Chinese government is lying. 100% regardless of the nationality (although, I haven't asked any of my Chinese friends. However, based on previous conversations, regarding different topics, they had no clue as to some of the activities, or contrary opinions, outside of the propaganda bubble.)
Is it a manmade virus?
Level 4 Biolabs are a thing.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosafety_level
In finding a cure to a threat sometimes you need to create the threat.
The idea that the lab is for defensive purposes is always partially true.
There is speculation that the Coronavirus was created from a morphing of the SARS virus, which, itself, is a morphing of other viruses.
The paper stating that it was a mutation from the AIDS virus was quickly dismissed, although, the Chinese Governement was using AIDS treatments in a bid to counter the corona virus.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-how-doctors-are-treating-the-new-coronavirus
However, all this is just speculation, I don't have any knowledge or experience with the Corona virus, except, that it was caused a disruption in some friends, returning from overseas holiday, are not allowed to return to work for 2 weeks.
Coronavirus benefits to me
Benefits? Yes, in a way.
The affect on the global economy, particularly, China shutting itself off from the world, opens up economic benefits here in Australia.
Petrol seems to be cheaper. This financially benefits me.
I'm not ignoring that the virus is probably terrible. But, it doesn't affect me directly at this point. I've seen the SARS, Bird flu, Swine flu and so on over the decades. I'm not one to over react to the virus. I don't have close Chinese travelling acquaintances. It is just something people comment on.
Export foods are now cheaper, and available, to people of this country.
The whole Global economic flows seemed to come at our expense. The best of our produce, the squeezing of prices, we seem to be just common fodder.
https://www.3aw.com.au/why-you-should-go-out-and-buy-yourself-a-lobster/
In a sick way, not a flu symptom sick way, we were being surpassed from a Global population that were willing to pay more, could afford to pay more, for our best produce.
Companies that stayed here, rather than settling in China, can take advantage of all of the problems now faced in China.
We have freedom of movement in general. The impact of the virus is not really felt.
- Grab World War Z, scare the bejezzus out of yourself, let your imagination get to work
Many years ago, I read a SF novel in which viruses were made and then delivered to enemy countries, in order to harm their economy. The hostility was not open, it was like secret cold war. Like, the USA would send a youth orchestra to China as a cultural exchange program, where they play concerts in a number of cities. Unknowingly they carry something similar to a Norovirus and spread it in China. So soon half the chinese population has diarhea for 2 weeks, which causes enormous damage to their economy. Its not really aimed to kill people, although some do, like people who had a weak constitution before, And to prevent a global pandemic, the virus is genetically designed to affect only Asians. Sounds familiar?
I think it was the novel "The Sheep Look Up" by John Brunner. It was written in the 60s or 70s, but it contains a lot of stuff that is happening today, like a never ending war against terrorism to limit personal freedom and so on. If you have a chance, read that - its astonishing.
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Sounds nefarious.
Was it Bill Hicks? who said the USA knew what chemical weapons Saddam had, because we sold them to him. We have the receipt!
Any military would definately keep an eye on biological weapons.
The usage of gas in WW1 by the Germans almost cleared the trenches had the Germans not hesitated. I don't think any political power/military/Govt can afford to be caught out weaponed.
The trading of weapons has always existed.
IRAN contra deal where you're selling weapons to your "enemy", French? I think, selling Nuclear parts/knowledge to "banned" countries.
I think contaminating the opposition with a virus, disease can cripple morale and fighting performance of your troops.
If an economy like China requires trade, was in a recent "Trade War", then has to close its borders due to a virus - alot of fiction can be written about that.
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I never saw the movie but really liked the book (which combined with the movie trailer put me off seeing the movie). I liked the bits that reflected on useful jobs/skills.
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