we're on a two or less social isolation quasi-lockdown here, punishable by fines, jail, etc. First death just recorded today. Rate of increase is slowing despite the worst being still to come.

I'll be fascinated to see which of all these mathematical models of epidemiological statistics actually pans out and what the aftermath is in terms of recession/depression, subsequent flare-ups, and if life-as-we-know-it substantially changes (e.g. working from home becomes the norm not the exception).

I remember after the GFC there were many predictions of the end-of-capitalism, and then we got more inequality than ever and almost all subsequent elections in the Anglo-Sphere were wins for the right. It was business as usual soon enough.

But in any case, this is a serious dress-rehearsal for subsequent pandemics. Governments will need to have Quarantine-towns set to go for all incomers (particularly cruise ships). There'll be debates over how many we can sacrifice to keep the economy afloat and if the government can just print their way out of every crisis.

If you listen to the end of the actual official Donnie Darko commentary with guest Kevin Smith, he makes a few pre-#metoo comments about filming naked actresses. It's good to be the Director.

Remember to always point the lightsaber out before turning it on.

You'll win some 'my wound is more badass than yours' contests with those.

Hope you recover fast, man.

After more than five years, finally got around to watching the movie and listening to the commentary. Both a lot of fun. Charming film for anyone that hasn't seen it.

Interesting to hear your prescient comments re: limits to presidential terms pre-Trump. Because not every president is FDR.

Take the specific example of 1M+ Syrian refugees taken into Europe. It's the highest ideal... fleeing a war-torn hellscape and seeking sanctuary and a new life in a modern safe prosperous free liberal western democracy. But invariably, there can be tensions, and if you take a side, you throw the other side under the bus.

Do unto others as you would like have done to yourself?
Do unto others as they would like?

There's a paradox with cosmopolitanism The full spectrum includes: (1) "you can't come in unless you sign up to our values", all the way to, "welcome, do what you want, knock yourself out"

When we visit Dubai, do we expect to hold hands on the beach? Or as guests, we must conform to local laws/customs, which means there are no universal human values we all share?

I'm still wrestling with this. But if you say you have an easy answer to it, I'd love to hear it.