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Tracking the next pandemic: Avian Flu Talk

Panasonic Orders Expat Families Home on Concern of

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dennis2 View Drop Down
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    Posted: February 09 2009 at 8:51pm
Panasonic Orders Expat Families Home on Concern of Flu Pandemic

Feb. 10 (Bloomberg) --  Panasonic Corp., the world's largest maker of consumer electronics, told Japanese employees in several emerging markets to send their families back to Japan on mounting concern about a potential influenza pandemic.

The company in December instructed staff assigned to parts of Asia, Africa, eastern Europe and South America to repatriate their families by September, Akira Kadota, a spokesman for Osaka- based Panasonic, said by telephone today. He declined to comment on the number of households affected.

Panasonic, which said last week it will cut about 15,000 jobs and report a loss this year, may be the first major company to order families home on concern people wouldn't receive needed health care in case of a widespread flu outbreak. A pandemic could kill 71 million people worldwide and lead to a "major global recession" costing more than $3 trillion, according to a worst-case scenario outlined by the World Bank in October.

"This is part of our preparations for a new type of influenza," Kadota said by telephone. "We chose areas after considering the prevalence of bird flu, and the capability of medical facilities and access to them.”

The world is closer to another influenza pandemic than at any time since 1968, when the last of the previous century's three pandemics occurred, according to the WHO.

International health officials have been monitoring the H5N1 strain of avian influenza for more than a decade for signs it could mutate into a form that is easily spread between humans. H5N1 has infected at least 406 people in 15 countries since 2003, killing 63 percent of them, according to the Web site of the World Health Organization.

More than half of Panasonic's 209 subsidiaries outside Japan as of April 2008 were located in the Asia-Pacific region. The Nikkei newspaper reported Panasonic's plans earlier.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kanoko Matsuyama in Tokyo at kmatsuyama2@****.net.

Last Updated: February 9, 2009 22:05 EST
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dennis2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 09 2009 at 8:57pm
By the way, I do not wish to get in trouble with Albert about mentioning some other flu site - but one site has had a memeber call Panasonic.
The informations was that they are looking at a Sept. timeline for getting families back (not the employees) so that they can pull out employees faster if needed and that there were not be family complications later. The have no special knowledge about the pandemic but doubt worry out the medical support in some countries.
after all is said and done- more is said than done
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacksdad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 09 2009 at 9:20pm

Wow. Very interesting article - good find.

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"Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ro2935 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 2:35am

Similar story but reported by yahoo

Panasonic to fly home workers' families over bird flu fears

Tuesday, February 10

Panasonic Corp. has ordered Japanese employees in some foreign countries to send their families home to Japan in preparation for a possible bird flu pandemic, a spokesman said Tuesday.

Family members of Japanese employees in parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, former Soviet states and Latin America will fly back to Japan by the end of September, Panasonic spokesman Akira Kadota said.

The firm decided to take the rare measure "well ahead of possible confusion at the outbreak of a global pandemic," he said.

Eight people have contracted the H5N1 bird flu virus in China alone this year -- five of whom died.

"The bird flu cases reported so far are infections from bird to human, but once an infection between human beings is reported, things can get chaotic with many other companies trying to bring back their employees," Kadota said.

"We wanted to take action early before it gets difficult to book flight tickets," he said.

The company did not say how many family members would return to Japan. Employees and their families in North America, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore will not be affected.

The H5N1 strain of the virus that is most dangerous to humans first emerged in Asia in 2003 and has since caused nearly 250 deaths, according to World Health Organisation figures.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, kills mainly birds but scientists fear it could mutate to jump from human to human, sparking a global pandemic.

Panasonic said last week it was cutting 15,000 jobs and closing dozens of plants worldwide as it braces to fall deep in the red due to the global economic crisis.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 6:41am
Originally posted by dennis2 dennis2 wrote:

The company in December instructed staff assigned to parts of Asia, Africa, eastern Europe and South America to repatriate their families by September, Akira Kadota, a spokesman for Osaka- based Panasonic, said by telephone today. 
 
Those Japanese are pretty sharp, and I'm inclined to take this as a sign that next winter could be it.   If the Japanese think a Panflu will hit sometime after next September, then they have probably learned something that they feel fairly sure about.   A sizeable advanced notice like this should probably not be squandered.   I'm putting my chips in with Japanese on this gamble, and I'm going to assume the worst for next winter, but I'm also somewhat of a gambler by nature, lol.   Come next August, people may want to consider stocking up once again, or doing it over the next 6 months.      
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacksdad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 8:44am
Albert - I've already started to bulk up my preps after reading that. Bought another 25lbs of beans today and I'll be rotating my medical preps in the next few weeks/months. I think you're right. False alarm or not, we should pay attention to this one. For a major corporation to do this, something's potentially in the pipeline. Just hope they're wrong.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 8:48am
It would be interesting to know if Panasonic will be retaining these employees in the present economic condition... another reason to bring them home.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote roni3470 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 10:05am
I have to say, of all the articles coming out, this one is the most disturbing I read....they are a huge company that knows the media coverage they will generate from a move like this.  I also think Albert is right that the Japanese don't cry wolf really and know their ****...this is super scary!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 1:39pm

People aren't dying from H2H... The virus is mainly still in infected birds that people are handling...or in bird doo...A lot of companies are downsizing in the current market.  Now if 20 foreign based companies were sending people home...

that might be more "super scary"

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 2:01pm
Originally posted by Mary08 Mary08 wrote:

...A lot of companies are downsizing in the current market.  Now if 20 foreign based companies were sending people home...

If you are implying that they are doing this because of the economy, and they don't want to admit it, I don't believe that's the case.   Although the virus is not currently h2h, the Japanese are clearly gambling that the virus will make the jump to h2h by next winter.  The Japanese are good with their money, and you just simply need to follow the trail in this case.  Now, whether they' re correct is another story.   Like I said, I'm leaning toward betting with the Japanese on this one.    
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote abcdefg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 3:28pm
I agree with Albert. Better safe then sorry. It may also put the pressure on the medical community to move things along. It may also make those who have become complacent to wake up.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 4:21pm
A little business sense tells us that Panasonic is not using a panflu as a scapegoat for downsizing.  First, they're not downsizing, and this has nothing to do with layoffs.  In fact, this maneuver is going to cost Panasonic quite a bit of money.  So why would they spend all of this extra money while the economy is in such bad shape?   If people think this is going to somehow save them money, it's actually the opposite.  
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 5:35pm
  • Panasonic also will shutter 14 overseas plants and 13 plants in Japan by the end of ... all post big decline · Obama loses 2 Cabinet picks to tax troubles ...
    www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090204/API/902040558&template=apart - 36k - Cached - Similar pages

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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Littleraven Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 5:54pm
    I agree with Albert on this one.  I believe they are playing their inside card and better safe than sorry. Just a bit of good old horse sense or something a little more in the know?  I have a friend on mainland China and he says that it is gradually heating up a bit, not just there but nearby countries.  Not anything that anyone in that part of the world would put out in the media of course but Japan may be seriously bracing for some concerns where Bird Flu is concerned.  I think Albert is right, the Japanese are careful people and they watch their money.
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacksdad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 9:13pm
      I've been thinking about this all day, and really I think it's a big deal. Obviously someone at the company has an inside track with regards BF information (maybe something we're not as yet privy to that's taking place in China) and it was compelling enough that a huge multinational company is acting on it immediately. As Albert pointed out, if Panasonic is making this a requirement then they're probably footing the bill as well so it's costing them quite a bit of cash to do this. I don't believe it's a downsizing tactic.
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    "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary.
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2009 at 10:18pm
     
    hi... I don't see any chatter over there to indicate that something major is up. 
     
    There are 13 Panasonic plants closing in Japan... economies are bad the world over. 
     
    Closing your plants due to a sharp economic downturn is not a tactic, it's reality.
     
    They are talking about the same things we do...what's happening in China.  They talk
     
    about how to wear a mask and here is a list they show...
     
    Stockpile list

      Stockpile list
    ○ American staple food (rice gruel for retort packed rice-rinsed rice alpha)
    ○切RI餅(vacuum-packed back Wednesday)
    ○ rehydratable noodle (udon noodles like spaghetti noodles, etc.)
    ○ cereal and serial
    ○ crackers
    ○ Long-life bread
    ○ foods retort food (a bowl of Miso soup curry)
    ○ freeze-dried food (soup and egg)
    ○ juice (fruit juice vegetable juice)
    ○ Frozen Foods (※ The case of a power outage, will not be saved)
    ○ canned (meat, fish, fruits, bean)
    ○ margarine and butter jam
    ○ dry matter (daikon and seaweed laver切干)
    ○ noodles
    Other water ○ sweet food (biscuits and chocolate caramel candy)
    ○ seasonings (soy sauce sugar and salt soup noodles)
    ○ Sports drinks (PET bottles in powder form)
    ○ adjust food nutrition (supplements) energy drink jelly
    ○ baby food (※ good digestion, the patient bite)
    ○ milk powder (※ Families with infants, you can have a lot)
    ○ Long-life milk (※ milk with long-term storage at room temperature) skim milk (in powder form)
    ○ water (※ consider the possibility of cuts in water supply, one person per day 3 ℓ × family size for × 2 ~ 3 days)
    ○ fondu
    ○ pharmaceutical medicine (a headache diarrhea gastrointestinal drugs, drugs for chronic disease) (※ Note the contents of the drugs that are prescribed in chronic disease hospitals)
    ○ antipyretic analgesic (※ fever flu in children under the age of 15 in the acetaminophen ○,
    Aspirin - salicylic acid - the system ×)
    ○ mask (highly sensitive to the virus through difficult material. Preparation of the extra disposable)
    ○ disposable gloves, rubber gloves (not torn) (※ Disposable gloves are available in department care.
    Rubber gloves are used repeatedly, each time a need to sterilize)
    ○ mouthwash
    ○ drug for nasal irrigation
    ○ thermometer
    ○ agent refrigerated ice cap water cushion
    ○ disposable bedpan Cairo
    ○ household chlorine bleach for disinfection and ethanol (oxygen bleach system is not effective for disinfection × [])
    ○ Hand washing soap (※ soap is so solid that adheres to the surface of bacteria or virus, the liquid ○)
    ○ goggles (※ To prevent infections from the lining of the eye)
    ○ plaster
    ○ cotton gauze
    ○ daily plastic bag (※ tissues with a patient, disposable mask, and sealed with a clean cloth and disinfectant
    To abandon)
    ○ sealed container with a lid (※ saliva and excrement, which had been contaminated with the virus, including runny nose
    To abandon the sealed)
    ○ flashlight batteries
    ○ kit mobile phone charger (battery-operated)
    ○ hand generator
    ○ Radio (※ When the electricity stops, to get out the information on your PC or TV)
    ○ cassette gas stove (※ equipped to stop the gas supply)
    ○ Kleenex toilet paper
    ○ kitchen wrap
    ○ foil
    ○ detergent (for dish clothes)
    Tissue moisturizing ○
    ○ diapers sanitary items (as needed for the baby for the elderly and women)
    ○ pet food (※ keep the family pet)
    ○ Emergency contact list


    ● Tips for reasonable reserves
    迫TTARA period of food consumption, with the usual meal and snack, to buy further.
    One way to buy a stockpile of goods for business use


    Page Top ↑


    Do you know the correct method of hand washing?

    http://www.city.saga.lg.jp/contents.jsp?id=17058
     
     
    ...........
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    Albert View Drop Down
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 12:44am
    Mary, you may want to read the article again.   It has nothing to do with layoffs and downsizing, and plants closing.  Are we reading the same story here??   Again, I really don't think this is a cover-up for job lay offs, which would be really strange, lol.   It can be difficult to sometimes separate the current econominc news, with other news, especially since the economy tends to be the main story these days.  It's also important to remember that not everything is a cover-up.    
     
    Those other flu sites pump so many lies into the translations that people have no idea what to believe.   
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote coyote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 2:54am
    WHO perplexed by Panasonic's move
    WHO perplexed by Panasonic's move to repatriate staff families over flu fears
    Feb 10 02:26 PM US/Eastern 

    A plan by Panasonic Corp. to repatriate families of overseas employees because of fears of a flu pandemic drew a perplexed reaction from the World Health Organization on Tuesday.

    WHO spokesperson Gregory Hartl said there is no evidence that the risk of a pandemic caused by the H5N1 avian flu virus is any higher now than it was last year or the year before.

    "There's been no change in the way that the virus is behaving," Hartl said from Geneva.

    "So there's really no reason for anyone all of a sudden to take such actions. Because today is no different from yesterday."

    Panasonic Corp. said Tuesday it has ordered families of its Japanese overseas employees to return home from countries or regions where the company believes there may be a pandemic risk. The orders were issued in December but families have until September to return to Japan.

    Company spokesman Akira Kadota said employees will stay put, but families of those working in China, Asia (excluding Singapore), the Middle East, Africa, Russia and South America are to return to Japan.

    more at link
    http://www.breitba..
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Loribearme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 4:31am
    I believe that someone very wealthy and high up there knows something that has been kept hidden from the public.   Possibly that there has been h2h --who knows?  but for them to announce such a thing means serious business.    Something very bad is going down over there and we should keep a close eye on this and airports around the country will be preparing for chaos.
     
    Everyone should stock up on food now - the time clock is ticking - (can't you hear it)
     
     
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 5:28am
    Originally posted by coyote coyote wrote:


    "There's been no change in the way that the virus is behaving," Hartl said from Geneva.
     
    We could have guessed that nothing has most likely changed in the virus, although, there is one factor that does in fact keep changing, which it "time", or the "timeline".   Time keeps passing, and in theory, we're becoming more and more over due.  In 2005, a lot of people were guessing that a panflu would hit within approximately 5 years given the average and frequency that panflus occur.  Based on history, we are overdue and perhaps Panasonic realizes that based on their own "panflu modeling".  Many countries have their own Panflu Models and predictions and each year that passes, we could in fact be getting closer.   If the WHO feels the virus will change very slowly and they can detect the changes as rapidly as they happen, then why do the culling?  
     
    Panasonic could be gambling on the amount of time that has now elapsed as a tool in gaging their prediction.  If the WHO is waiting for the virus to change before acting, they will be in the middle of a panflu by the time they detect "the change".   The WHO is awfully arrogant to think there can't be a panflu without them knowing first. 
     
     
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 6:54am
    This looks serious. Albert you may be right. This winter may be the one. Time to get writing huh?  Good find!

    Medclinician
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Neil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 7:27am
    So Panasonic now as well as making jolly good TVs, and now reputable pandemic experts? Ermm
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Neil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 7:32am
    Originally posted by Albert Albert wrote:

    Time keeps passing, and in theory, we're becoming more and more over due.  In 2005, a lot of people were guessing that a panflu would hit within approximately 5 years given the average and frequency that panflus occur.  Based on history, we are overdue and perhaps Panasonic realizes that based on their own "panflu modeling".


    For goodness sake...

    Anyone who has the most basic grasp of statistics understand that 'random' events do not become more likely because of past history. If a dice is thrown 5 times and a six doesn't come up, it's no more or less likely to come up on the next throw, than on any of the previous throws.

    Given mutation is a random event, it cannot be deemed to be more likely to occur just because it hasn't occurred yet...
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 7:35am
    It's called the rule "averages" when looking at the frequency of past events.  For example,   you can predict the average number of hurricanes each year based on previous years. 
     
    On average over the last 300 years, we have had a flu pandemic every 30 years or so.  The longest stretch between pandemics is 40 years.  We are currently in the 41st year since the last pandemic, which is the largest gap since the 1600's.   
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Neil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 7:49am
    Originally posted by Albert Albert wrote:

    It's called the rule "averages" when looking at the frequency of past events.    


    I'm afraid random events don't work by rules like that... Especially ones which are not even guarenteed to occur ever...

    You're original statement was:- Time keeps passing, and in theory, we're becoming more and more over due.

    This is completely meaningless I'm afraid as again. Consider a six sided dice scenario again, with the number six appearing meing pandemic. You've thrown the dice 5 times, and not got the number six. That in no way affects the next roll(s). And, of course, we're assuming the numer six is even on the dice!

    The fact a pandemic has not occurred over the past years has absolutely NO bearing on the years to come... Random events are behind it all...
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anon54 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 7:50am
    Thanks for the email concerning this story Albert. Truth be told I was getting burned out on bird flu. Looks like I need to beef up my preps like NOW!!
      I tend to think the Japanese are playing it safe and this has nothing to do with the global economy at all and everything to do with a looming pandemic. Just curious what's everyone's tipping point to SIP? Or is it a fluid thing?
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 7:55am
    Originally posted by Neil Neil wrote:

    Originally posted by Albert Albert wrote:

    It's called the rule "averages" when looking at the frequency of past events.    

    Random events are behind it all...
     
    Of course the events are random, but you can also predict the frequency of specific random events.  This common random event could in fact be over due. 
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Neil Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 8:07am
    Originally posted by Albert Albert wrote:

    Originally posted by Neil Neil wrote:

    Originally posted by Albert Albert wrote:

    It's called the rule "averages" when looking at the frequency of past events.    

    Random events are behind it all...
     
    Of course the events are random, but you can also predict the frequency of specific random events.  This common random event could in fact be over due. 


    Duck the matter as much as you like but facts are facts.... Your statement of, 'Time keeps passing, and in theory, we're becoming more and more over due.' hold absolutely no water at all.

    To propose a pandemic will occur later this year, because it hasn't occurred over the past X years has no validity at all.

    Basically it's scaremongering. A pandemic has not occurred for X years. It is just as likely to not occur again for X years... Not more... Not less... (given the same conditions).

    And talking about conditions, lets keep in mind of course there is now (unlike before) active measures being taken against such pandemic out breaks, which if anything reduce its likelyhood. Maybe this is why we are breaking your 'law of averages'.


    Also, does no one else find the idea of Panasonic (of all people) having a pandemic crystal ball looking 9 months into the future rather odd?
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Birdfluman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 8:21am
    Actually a Hong Kong health official (can't remember her name) was recently quoted as saying that "Something terrible is happening in China." With 8 deaths already this year, and mounting, with who knows how many infections, plus the dead birds flushing down the Pearl River estuary landing up on Hong Kong shores, something terrible indeed is happening in there.
     
    The most disturbing thing is that the Chinese government has been steadfastly denying there has been any bird flu (bird to bird) outbreaks at all. 8 deaths but no dead birds, doesn't make sense. Having said that I understand that today (11 Feb) they have finally come clean. The province mentioned however is not on the river, so it's happening in more than one place.
     
    With millions of birds culled (and about a dozen dead) since this outbreak started a couple of months ago, bird flu (H5N1 variety) has now had its presense felt from Egypt all the way to Indonesia. This is a swathe of land covering 1/3 of the world's surface including India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, China and Taiwan.
     
    Panasonic is certainly getting the jitters. It will cost them a LOT of money to do this, so to think they have not carefully considered this decision would be naive. We also know that it would not be possible for them to know that a pandemic will be starting on a given date. So that's not it either.
     
    The people they have working in all these areas are scared. If anyone's seen any of the Beijing blogs for example you'll know that that's just about all they talk about. If this is an indication of what real world Beijing is talking about also, then there's a low level panic going on. This will filter it's way from on the ground senior management to head office decision makers.
     
    Whether it turns out Panasonic acted prematurely and they end up suffering some sort of consequence, or whether they end up being hailed as 'visionary', only time will tell.  
     
    One good thing that will hopefully come of this is that Panasonic's news will be the catalyst for bird flu to get back into the mainstream media. People will begin again to take notice and pandemic planning will either be started at last, or reviewed again.
     
    Birdfluman a veteran business continuity planning professional and operator of Bird Flu Manual Online (http://www.birdflu-manual.com)
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote earwax Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 8:34am
    Thanks for keeping me on the email list Albert even after tossing my loginID:  earwax

    Here is the link to the story mentioned above:

    http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/253916,hong-kong-expert-warns-of-terrible-china-bird-flu-outbreak--summary.html
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote earwax Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 8:35am
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote earwax Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 8:42am
    Oops.  My account may or may not have been punted.  I could not get on for the longest time and now I can log in but it tells me that I have to activate my account by clicking on the link of the email that was sent to me.  I never received one and in fact never tried to reactivate it (unless my brain cell is wrong again). 

    It's possible that my account is just in some limbo state.  Albert, can you look into this and tell me if I'm banned and if not, how I can get my account back up to snuff.  I can only post replies as a guest at the moment.

    If I'm banned, well, shucks.  Interesting times a comin', keep up the good work anyway.
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Albert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 8:50am
    You're not banned.  Your username should be working now, although you may have to request a new password.
     
    Best,
    Albert
     
     
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote roni3470 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 9:16am
    I agree with Albert.  The cost of moving families greatly outweighs the simple escape of laying them off due to the economy....and honestly, would elicit less publicity since everyone is laying off folks right now.  I also agree that given history on pandemics, that we can assume a pandemic of sort sort is overdue.  If we can't rely on historical data to make an educated guess, then there is simply no other method of predicting these things such as hurricanes, etc.  Now does it happen that they predict 10 and there is really 14...sure, but the point is that they are making educated guesses in order to prepare people.  I think its perfectly reasonable to try to predict events that are even unpredictable by using historical data. 
    With all this said, I think that things are falling into place that make it a little more scary than it has been in previous years, so everyone should take that thought and do with it what they may.....if you dont' agree, then just don't do anything different.
     
    Albert - thanks for the email, it was nice to see a notification coming from you on the important matters and made me feel more at ease that I will be among the first to know!  Blesses!
    NOW is the Season to Know

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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NeilF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 11:01am
    Originally posted by roni3470 roni3470 wrote:

    I agree with Albert.  The cost of moving families greatly outweighs the simple escape of laying them off due to the economy....and honestly, would elicit less publicity since everyone is laying off folks right now.  I also agree that given history on pandemics, that we can assume a pandemic of sort sort is overdue.  If we can't rely on historical data to make an educated guess, then there is simply no other method of predicting these things such as hurricanes, etc.  Now does it happen that they predict 10 and there is really 14...sure, but the point is that they are making educated guesses in order to prepare people.  I think its perfectly reasonable to try to predict events that are even unpredictable by using historical data. 
    With all this said, I think that things are falling into place that make it a little more scary than it has been in previous years, so everyone should take that thought and do with it what they may.....if you dont' agree, then just don't do anything different.
     
    Albert - thanks for the email, it was nice to see a notification coming from you on the important matters and made me feel more at ease that I will be among the first to know!  Blesses!
    There is pseudo science at play here... 'We're overdue for a pandemic, so it's more likely' - Suggesting this of course is utter nonsense.

    Also, let's try not to resort to scaremongering. Yes WHO have suggested 'the world is now closer to a pandemic than in 40yrs'... But let's remember this 'news' is many years old....

    Yes, by all means be informed. But remember this electronics company do not have crystal ball, so the sky is not quite falling down yet...
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NeilF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 11:04am
    Originally posted by Birdfluman Birdfluman wrote:

    One good thing that will hopefully come of this is that Panasonic's news will be the catalyst for bird flu to get back into the mainstream media. People will begin again to take notice and pandemic planning will either be started at last, or reviewed again.
     


    ...and put some more money in your pocket?
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 11:17am
    Wow NeilF, you really want to fight with everyone.  Hmmm.  Reminds me of someone else...
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 11:23am
    History is history, and it always repeats itself.  Whether it be pandemics, famines, ice ages, global warming, fallen economies, and on and on.  The law of averages is always in affect.  Time frames are hard to pin down.  No one here is looking for exacts.  Arguing about it is senseless.  A pandemic will happen again.  At least now we have the knowledge to track history to see how things happen and "approximately" what the time frame may be.
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mashburn20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 11:38am
    i am scared hlf to deah of td lum hbb think's it's noncense and won't let me stock up on stuf and whave3 kid's age's 6 and 2and 4 month''s i worry tht they could die i can't fid a job so my hubby is our only source of income so im  scared that he could die to should i stock up anyway's mash
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacksdad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 11:45am
       While I agree that pandemics are random events that cannot be predicted, I'm also a believer in the old adage that those who choose to ignore history are destined to repeat it. Pandemics happen and always will. This decision by Panasonic might not mean anything, but when the stakes are so high and a big multinational makes a move like this, I think it warrants attention. Maybe next year we'll look back on this and wonder why we got so excited, but I'd rather that than be unprepared and kicking myself for not heeding the warning signs. Someone in Panasonic knows something we don't and that's the way I choose to view this. We've got 46 people, including 10 members, on today and this thread is the most viewed judging by a quick look at the active users list, so it's got the attention of a lot of people.
    "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep"
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jacksdad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 11:53am
    Mash, stocking up for an emergency - whether it's natural, manmade or economic - is always a good thing. My wife doesn't know about our preps and we have a LOT of stuff. I have my son and wife (and most likely my in-laws) to think about when I prep, and I know my actions could make the difference between them all surviving or potentially losing a loved one, so I don't pay attention to anyone else, and I continue to prep alone. Don't panic - it's probably not going to happen tomorrow, next month or maybe this year. Read the posts here and feel free to ask as many questions as you want. We'll help all we can. 
    "Buy it cheap. Stack it deep"
    "Any community that fails to prepare, with the expectation that the federal government will come to the rescue, will be tragically wrong." Michael Leavitt, HHS Secretary.
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mashburn20 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 12:55pm
    yeah but that's just it we don't have the money to stockkk up on stuff and everyone i try to tell abought the bird flu think's im nut's if we had the money i would stock up but it's hard when your liveing paycheck to paycheck  i agree it may not happen this year or in 10 years from now but it is better to stock up all i have right now is one box of evaporated milk no one no's when it will happen but it's better to be prepared
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote elained2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 12:56pm
    The Medical community has concerns about " wearing out" the sensitivities on this subject. They are afaid that they" may cause people to ignore the warnings" if it is broached too much. Kinda like the little boy who cried wolf....
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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote vmd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 1:15pm

    Its just good to see that they're taking things seriously. Actually seems XTRA serious. I appreciate their sense of urgency. Which relights a fire under my backside. I do beleive that you're gonna get the most honest assessment from the Japanese who aren't part of the Chinese propaganda machine.

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    Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NeilF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2009 at 2:18pm
    Originally posted by Mary08 Mary08 wrote:

    People aren't dying from H2H... The virus is mainly still in infected birds that people are handling...or in bird doo...A lot of companies are downsizing in the current market.  Now if 20 foreign based companies were sending people home...

    that might be more "super scary"

    Indeed... Isn't the number of deaths per year generally going down (over the past 3-4 years)?
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