Bad Things

Nice! We visited Tahiti and Moorea years ago and loved it. Very expensive though. The Cooks are a LOT cheaper and less built up. It's really like going back in time. They are just a short flight from here. There isn't a language barrier and they use our (NZ) currency. Life couldn't be easier than in the Cooks!

Better for whom?

Cook Islands. (Rarotonga and Aitutaki.) The wife and I were scheduled to fly there next week, for a two-week holiday. Cancelled. The sad part is that the Cook Islands haven't had a single case of Covid-19 and we're free from it, apart from Kiwis returning from overseas.

? Yup... don't accept any responsibility.

Good Lord. For you to imply that I only read the headlines shows how ignorant you are. I think you simply get hurt feelings when someone doesn't agree with you. That said... if you think things are going well up there... good on you!

Sorry, not sure what you mean by that. All I know is that when watching the news coming out of the US, it seems like no one knows what's going on. In some areas people have to wear masks, in other areas don't. Some are even protesting against having to wear a mask. In some areas bars and restaurants can be open, but in other areas they are still in lockdown. In some areas schools will be open for students, in other areas, not so much. It all seems like a big cluster-F. I don't have the time or desire to look up what's specifically happening back in upstate NY. Just thought someone could share their experience.

How large are these pieces? I see on the site it says the smallest one is "1 X 1". 1 inch? 1 foot? I'd love to have some, but not if it's only a square inch.

If that's what it takes to stop the spread of the virus, then yes. What restrictions are currently in place for NY? (I honestly have no idea.) I am fully aware that it’s a completely different situation down here in NZ with only 5 million people and easier controlled borders, but… as our Prime Minister said, when the first case of the virus appeared on our shores back in March, we went in hard and early. Our borders were immediately closed to everyone apart from Kiwi citizens and the entire nation went into a FULL lockdown until the virus was stamped out. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53274085 All returning Kiwis must also go into a managed 2-week quarantine upon arrival. For 70+ days now, we haven’t had a case of community transmission, but have caught numerous incoming cases at the border/quarantine. The problem is that the US should have had a nationwide, united-front in battling this, instead of the scattershot approach that actually happened. (Not to even mention the undermining comments that Trump projects to the nation.) I know you don't like hearing my thoughts on this, but you asked.

Yes

Wait til Otis sees us. He loves us!

Nope, it sure didn't!

Mate, my wife and I talk about this all the time. We moved away from the US 15 years ago and try to imagine how our level of sanity would be in we never moved. One controversy after another. Day after day. Kia Kaha! (Stay strong!)

The Blues Brother movie.

RIP Charlie. One of my favourite old memories from the 90's was swinging all those pretty Colorado gals around the dancefloor to this song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UbcAXgET8w

I do! That's his job! During my career working for the public, I have personally stuck my neck out on numerous occasions, to support the common good. These instances could've easily gotten me fired. Was I worried? Yes, but I was raised knowing right from wrong, and had faith in myself that I could get back up on my feet again if the schiit his the fan. These guys don't give a flying fig, apart from "PR" and damage control.

It is simply shocking how this pandemic has become such a political issue up in America. It speaks volumes about the broken/corrupt system if health professionals don't feel safe speaking the truth due to political pressure.

Very interesting to read that Trump and the FDA are claiming that 99% of Covid-19 cases are harmless. https://www.businessinsider.com/fda-commissioner-wont-defend-trump-99-percent-coronavirus-cases-harmless-2020-7?r=AU&IR=T

Good!

… or the surprise family reunions with Military families. If they would really care about them, the reunions would be made in private and not in front of 80,000 fans. It's embarrassing.

Oh boy, this is going to go down well. That said, why do they even have to play the national anthem? (When two American teams play each other.) I can kinda understand it during ice hockey and other sports where a team from Canada or another country comes to play.

Bugger!

Well, if that's the case, then there shouldn't be any surprise why America leads the world in infections and deaths.

You do realize that this is effecting the entire world, right? My wife works at a local medical centre, and even though New Zealand hasn't had any community transmission for well over a month, the staff must still wear full PPE gear when testing patients. As stated above by Teef… I think this goes to show the quality of care that you're receiving. (Or you're full of it and are just being a troll.)

Yeah, sorry... was just being sarcastic.

Yeah, go for it. What could possibly go wrong?