Watching too many YouTube videos. I saw a couple about the stock market crash of 29

[captain queeg]

There were some definite similarities. Then I ended up watching a series about the end of the Bronze Age and collapse of the great ancient civilizations. They don’t really know how & why it happened though there are some common things, including the mysterious Sea People. But one theory talked about what they called system failure. All those civilizations were more or less around the Mediterranean. And at that time there was an enormous amount of trade and interdependence. So when things started going to shit it was like a house of cards. Very simplified version but I thought of today and the global economy. Many people say the level of international trade will need to be re evaluated. Seems to be some truth to the idea. Critical items like face masks are mostly made elsewhere. For all of T’s talk of making America great and bringing work back to the US he continues to have his cheap MAGA stuff made in China. All these international companies have been moving production elsewhere for decades. Without international trade we’d be screwed. And the pandemic is throwing a monkey wrench into that trade.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. At present I have no opinion as to whether we are at the collapse of our civilization.

I certainly hope not, but it's far too early to tell.

What I am certain is that this whole corona virus thing is going to profoundly alter many, many things. I hope most of those changes will be good ones, but a lot depends on who wins the next Presidential election.

If all goes well, the good changes I see include the following:
Some kind of universal basic health care
Possibly a Universal Basic Income (UBI)
A huge reduction in the cost of public colleges and universities
A large increase in taxes on high incomes and the wealthy
A very strong sense of connectedness, and people helping each other out
A rethinking of the education system
Many more jobs being done from home
People realizing that family matters enormously. Also friends.
A willingness for people to go back to multi-generational living


When I walk around my neighborhood, or even when I drive to the store, I see people out and about that I never saw before. Families on bikes. People walking dogs. Or just walking themselves, as I'm doing. We often exchange friendly hellos, keeping our distance of course.

I live in a cul-de-sac, and I've already started telling neighbors, as I see them outside, that when this is all over (and I stress that it will be some months if not longer) I want to have a block party for all of us who live on this cul-de-sac. So far, everyone has been enthusiastic. I will make no guesses at this point as to when it might possibly happen, but I am very much looking forward to it.

I shudder to think what it will be like if Trump remains President.

[captain queeg]

2. Yes this could all lead to some good outcomes ultimately

The jury is still out.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

3. Absolutely, the jury is still out.

And none of those things I suggest will happen overnight, even if they do happen.

[UTUSN]

4. Ah, yes - I've been enrolled in The University of YouTube for the past year

Last edited Mon Apr 27, 2020, 01:06 PM - Edit history (2)

Today the birth of the Re-NAY-ssance (Cosimo, the Medicis), two (2!) docs on Victoria (she wasn't Victorian!). I've found that there are stars on YouTube - HITCHENS, Dick Cavett. i do lots of Greco-Roman-Egyptian, Dame Mary BEARD. Joe ROGAN (same appeal and lack thereof as MAHER). The Naked Archaeologist. Josephus. Oh, and today, too, "The Real MacBETH"!1

Not to mention all the how-to items, today, unlocking the pump bottle of liquid soaps (hold onto the base while rotating the squirter).

----(Next day: ) What, SHAKESPEARE's mother - whoever thought of such a thing?!1 All these years of being told we don't even know that SHAKESPEARE existed, here is over an hour about his mother!1