The Random Thought Thread

[JoeyFlex5]

Random thought. Watching the news coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm just praying all of you are practicing safety guidelines and remain healthy. NYC is a war zone right now and it is heart breaking. A friend I've known for over 40 yrs now is Covid positive. He worked in the Corrections department of NYC and was also a tennis instructor. Heartbreaking but hopefully he'll recover. These stories will become common place sooner rather than later it seems like. Please pray for all our friends and family here and around this magnificent country.

I’m doing my best to stay safe but me and my wife are both considered essential and it has me a complete nervous wreck. I’m not doing very well right now holding myself together but luckily my wife has this hereditary nerves of steel thing, like her whole family could be in the middle of a firefight and they’d act like nothing is even happening, so at least someone is level headed in the household right now. Really hope for the best for your friend. I just wish the whole country could’ve heeded the warnings a month ago, this disaster could’ve been greatly mitigated, but now it’s too late and we’re at a point of no return, a point where it could be considered optimistic to expect under 100k death toll in the US alone. It’s just terrible what’s happening right now, and I hope like hell we alter our course when this all over, take this second chance and make it count dammit, be better humans.

 

[RavensMania]

Random thought. Watching the news coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm just praying all of you are practicing safety guidelines and remain healthy. NYC is a war zone right now and it is heart breaking. A friend I've known for over 40 yrs now is Covid positive. He worked in the Corrections department of NYC and was also a tennis instructor. Heartbreaking but hopefully he'll recover. These stories will become common place sooner rather than later it seems like. Please pray for all our friends and family here and around this magnificent country.

I know two couples who have Covid-19. One couple has a minor case and was just cleared. The other couple's husband has it really bad. He just got out of the hospital though and still needs 4 - 6 weeks to recover. Everything tires him out and he is still having breathing issues. They had to leave their 13 year old home alone for others to take care of until the older daughter was able to get to her. She's in her upper 20s.

My wife's company just had an ER doctor pass away in NYC.

 

[BloodRaven]

I have some friends in NY, most are isolated except for one who is a firefighter and his wife who is a nurse. Another buddy of mine in Brooklyn said first responder sirens have been running for two days straight.

 

[Sandtown]

I’m doing my best to stay safe but me and my wife are both considered essential and it has me a complete nervous wreck. I’m not doing very well right now holding myself together but luckily my wife has this hereditary nerves of steel thing, like her whole family could be in the middle of a firefight and they’d act like nothing is even happening, so at least someone is level headed in the household right now. Really hope for the best for your friend. I just wish the whole country could’ve heeded the warnings a month ago, this disaster could’ve been greatly mitigated, but now it’s too late and we’re at a point of no return, a point where it could be considered optimistic to expect under 100k death toll in the US alone. It’s just terrible what’s happening right now, and I hope like hell we alter our course when this all over, take this second chance and make it count dammit, be better humans.

I would first like to say thank you to you and your wife for the essential service for our people. Its sucks that you have been a nervous wreck and its good that your partner has been level headed through all this but do not worry. There may be a crisis or a pandemic going on in our country but once a person brings a crisis to their mind then it clouds judgement and have them acting in ways they shouldn't. This Corona virus may be considered a battlefield but truthfully the battlefield starts in the mind. I know people are dying from this virus but do not worry, i know the news is projecting that things could get worse but do not worry and I know there is over 50 thousand reported cases of the virus globally but do not worry. Worrying doesnt make things better. Worrying just makes things worse and defeats progress.

Football teams dont becoming great by worrying. The Ravens dont make that Miles High miracle play by worrying when they went against The Broncos in the playoffs in 2012/13. Justin Tucker doesnt stay one of most accurate kickers in the league by worrying.

We talk about football alot on this site and life been similar to a football game. So continue to strap up, put on your cleats and get ready to hit life obstacles in the mouth. Play it safe and stay healthy but do not worry.

 

[JoeyFlex5]

I would first like to say thank you to you and your wife for the essential service for our people. Its sucks that you have been a nervous wreck and its good that your partner has been level headed through all this but do not worry. There may be a crisis or a pandemic going on in our country but once a person brings a crisis to their mind then it clouds judgement and have them acting in ways they shouldn't. This Corona virus may be considered a battlefield but truthfully the battlefield starts in the mind. I know people are dying from this virus but do not worry, i know the news is projecting that things could get worse but do not worry and I know there is over 50 thousand reported cases of the virus globally but do not worry. Worrying doesnt make things better. Worrying just makes things worse and defeats progress.

Football teams dont becoming great by worrying. The Ravens dont make that Miles High miracle play by worrying when they went against The Broncos in the playoffs in 2012/13. Justin Tucker doesnt stay one of most accurate kickers in the league by worrying.

We talk about football alot on this site and life been similar to a football game. So continue to strap up, put on your cleats and get ready to hit life obstacles in the mouth. Play it safe and stay healthy but do not worry.

I don’t even do anything essential, my company was just able to skirt around the rules to keep making a fucking dollar, my wife is essential in a way though.

and man I wish it was that simple, some folks just completely lack the ability to not worry, I’m just wired in my brain for a lifetime of worry and fear and panic

 

[Sandtown]

I don’t even do anything essential, my company was just able to skirt around the rules to keep making a fucking dollar, my wife is essential in a way though.

and man I wish it was that simple, some folks just completely lack the ability to not worry, I’m just wired in my brain for a lifetime of worry and fear and panic

Thats understandable even though the art of not worrying is technique that takes time to master. Hope you have a great weekend though

 

[Ellicottraven]

I’m doing my best to stay safe but me and my wife are both considered essential and it has me a complete nervous wreck. I’m not doing very well right now holding myself together but luckily my wife has this hereditary nerves of steel thing, like her whole family could be in the middle of a firefight and they’d act like nothing is even happening, so at least someone is level headed in the household right now. Really hope for the best for your friend. I just wish the whole country could’ve heeded the warnings a month ago, this disaster could’ve been greatly mitigated, but now it’s too late and we’re at a point of no return, a point where it could be considered optimistic to expect under 100k death toll in the US alone. It’s just terrible what’s happening right now, and I hope like hell we alter our course when this all over, take this second chance and make it count dammit, be better humans.

We are all so grateful to you and your wife. Stay safe. I agree we may have in excess of 100K deaths in the US alone. A lot of these deaths could've been prevented with early action but it is what it is. In a country that prides in all kinds of freedoms real or perceived, it is really hard. But, now we all have to come together as one to beat this fucking virus. We absolutely will with the courage of people like you.

 

[Tank]

I don’t even do anything essential, my company was just able to skirt around the rules to keep making a fucking dollar, my wife is essential in a way though.

and man I wish it was that simple, some folks just completely lack the ability to not worry, I’m just wired in my brain for a lifetime of worry and fear and panic

Man all you can do is do everything you can to stay safe and keep your family safe. Anything else is out of your control and worrying and stressing about it won't change anything.

 

[Willbacker]

I don’t even do anything essential, my company was just able to skirt around the rules to keep making a fucking dollar, my wife is essential in a way though.

and man I wish it was that simple, some folks just completely lack the ability to not worry, I’m just wired in my brain for a lifetime of worry and fear and panic

My company gave me printed up essential paperwork to carry in my private vehicle just in case. One thing I've noticed is the sanitary practices of the restaurants I deliver to are 100% amazing right now. Not that it was bad before but I mean its to a T now. I strongly believe a lot of good is gonna come from this.

Thank goodness you got a strong wife lol but seriously as you may know from other posts I've made the best thing to do is try to stay positive. Its what I believe. I know its easier said than done especially when you're not sure if something could be passed to you but there's many of us working out in the field. Also we got nothing on the first responders and the health care providers. They are heroes.

Thank god we got the draft to talk about and look forward too cuz even tho Im working I'm seriously going stir crazy especially when I'm even social distancing from my buddies.

 

[Tank]

Great article about Kevin Byrne highlighting his stellar career and what he has meant to the Ravens organization.

"Kevin is one of the most highly-regarded communications professionals in the history of pro sports," Owner Steve Bisciotti said. "For over 40 years, his dependability, dedication and forward thinking helped countless players, coaches and executives connect with their fanbases. The contributions he made to the Ravens are everlasting."

https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-executive-kevin-byrne-to-retire

 

[BloodRaven]

I don’t even do anything essential, my company was just able to skirt around the rules to keep making a fucking dollar, my wife is essential in a way though.

and man I wish it was that simple, some folks just completely lack the ability to not worry, I’m just wired in my brain for a lifetime of worry and fear and panic

Stress can be a healthy reaction but prolonged stress isnt good for you and will make you more susceptible to the disease. I take after my mom in a sense, she never worries about things she can't control despite being immunosuppressed and 60. Back in January we started stockpiling essentials and her meds so she wouldn't have to leave her home until after the projected apex.

 

[JoeyFlex5]

Just to inform all of you, people with poor mental health and severe consistent anxiety and depression can’t just “not worry” about things lol. I appreciate the words of support, I’m trying to keep my head on straight but the fact that the world is more concerned with a dollar than a human life is really taking a toll on me.

My company has a bonus policy, I should have made 2 bonuses worth thousands last week, I performed an emergency install to keep surveillance on Baltimore county’s emergency supplies, working around EMTs and first responders coming in from the field, but because the company is slow right now we’re not getting bonuses. So not only is there no compensation for the risk, but my company is making thousands extra off of my risk and labor right now and telling us that we’re thin on money right now. Oh and I’m about to do it again this week, and this won’t be an emergency thing, just another ten thousand dollars in profit for my company for me working out in this world right now. Oh and my wife works at a pharmacy and drug store dealing with sick people all day and is not compensated at all for it. I’m convinced we’re both doomed to catch it right now because of our circumstances and we could die from this shit for minimal pay and our bosses will just shrug their shoulders and hire a replacement.

 

[BloodRaven]

Just to inform all of you, people with poor mental health and severe consistent anxiety and depression can’t just “not worry” about things lol. I appreciate the words of support, I’m trying to keep my head on straight but the fact that the world is more concerned with a dollar than a human life is really taking a toll on me.

My company has a bonus policy, I should have made 2 bonuses worth thousands last week, I performed an emergency install to keep surveillance on Baltimore county’s emergency supplies, working around EMTs and first responders coming in from the field, but because the company is slow right now we’re not getting bonuses. So not only is there no compensation for the risk, but my company is making thousands extra off of my risk and labor right now and telling us that we’re thin on money right now. Oh and I’m about to do it again this week, and this won’t be an emergency thing, just another ten thousand dollars in profit for my company for me working out in this world right now. Oh and my wife works at a pharmacy and drug store dealing with sick people all day and is not compensated at all for it. I’m convinced we’re both doomed to catch it right now because of our circumstances and we could die from this shit for minimal pay and our bosses will just shrug their shoulders and hire a replacement.

"Dont worry" is not my advice, Im explaining how we are different. Overall I'm not surprised that some predatory employers are taking advantage either, Im seeing more and more examples every day but doesn't surprise me in the least, call me cynical but I expect the worst from people I don't trust. If you're worried about catching it the chances are almost all of us will, there are new studies that suggest roughly 50 to 80% of people are asymptomatic, so that means the death rate is much lower but also the infection rate is much higher than the 310,000 (to date) confirmed cases, you may have already contracted it.

As for the lockdown I actually think it should continue, nations that have a lax attitude on social distancing are experiencing far worse death rate per capita. Our economy can bounce back, our dead cannot.

 

[RavensMania]

My company gave me printed up essential paperwork to carry in my private vehicle just in case. One thing I've noticed is the sanitary practices of the restaurants I deliver to are 100% amazing right now. Not that it was bad before but I mean its to a T now. I strongly believe a lot of good is gonna come from this.

Thank goodness you got a strong wife lol but seriously as you may know from other posts I've made the best thing to do is try to stay positive. Its what I believe. I know its easier said than done especially when you're not sure if something could be passed to you but there's many of us working out in the field. Also we got nothing on the first responders and the health care providers. They are heroes.

Thank god we got the draft to talk about and look forward too cuz even tho Im working I'm seriously going stir crazy especially when I'm even social distancing from my buddies.

we also have the Draft A Franchise game afterwords to keep us occupied with something.

 

[JoeyFlex5]

"Dont worry" is not my advice, Im explaining how we are different. Overall I'm not surprised that some predatory employers are taking advantage either, Im seeing more and more examples every day but doesn't surprise me in the least, call me cynical but I expect the worst from people I don't trust. If you're worried about catching it the chances are almost all of us will, there are new studies that suggest roughly 50 to 80% of people are asymptomatic, so that means the death rate is much lower but also the infection rate is much higher than the 310,000 (to date) confirmed cases, you may have already contracted it.

As for the lockdown I actually think it should continue, nations that have a lax attitude on social distancing are experiencing far worse death rate per capita. Our economy can bounce back, our dead cannot.

Exactly! Money can be recovered but a human life cannot, well never know if we did too much, but we will be damn certain if we did too little

 

[Dom McRaven]

Probably should go into the Politics thread (and please move it if you think so mods), but to piggyback off @JoeyFlex5 , I feel like Trump or any president for that matter is definitely in a catch-22 regarding this. Either quarantine TF out of everyone to save as many lives as possible and the economy suffers OR take the chance by keeping even non-essential jobs/services open and as a result, MORE casualties would occur along with the economy taking a hit.

 

[allblackraven]

 

[Inqui]

Probably should go into the Politics thread (and please move it if you think so mods), but to piggyback off @JoeyFlex5 , I feel like Trump or any president for that matter is definitely in a catch-22 regarding this. Either quarantine TF out of everyone to save as many lives as possible and the economy suffers OR take the chance by keeping even non-essential jobs/services open and as a result, MORE casualties would occur along with the economy taking a hit.

Most countries have a staggered plan that starts with preventing new cases coming in and then ramps up to measures that stop community spread.

The gold standard is to not mess around in the first phase (testing, screening, contact tracing, etc). Not many countries did well at that, but it's no coincidence that the ones who did are the ones with institutional experience dealing with SARS (bearing in mind that coronaviruses including this one are a type of SARS).

Once it's clear that those early prevention measures haven't worked, the choice between preserving the economy and slowing the internal spread should honestly be a no-brainer. One of the earliest countries to treat it as a dichotomy was actually Iran. That approach quickly overwhelmed the healthcare system, cost a metric ton of lives and still wrecked their economy (it's way worse than it looks over there). Other countries to prioritise the economy in some capacity more recently include the US, the UK, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands. And the countries that are handling this phase abysmally is more or less the same list - Spain's finally seeing their cases tail off but it's taken three weeks of a lockdown unprecedented in peace time, which gets at what I'm saying. Basically, anyone who tries to ensure the cure isn't worse than the disease makes both of them worse.

The part where Trump's in a no-win situation is that the US (along with many other countries) is pretty woefully prepared for a massive outbreak like this. There are a lot of failures at the structural level. Here's Bill Gates in 2015 saying something like this was a matter of time, and it's also a case study in how global cooperation can make everyone's lives better even if not everyone sees it.

 

[Inqui]

Just to inform all of you, people with poor mental health and severe consistent anxiety and depression can’t just “not worry” about things lol. I appreciate the words of support, I’m trying to keep my head on straight but the fact that the world is more concerned with a dollar than a human life is really taking a toll on me.

My company has a bonus policy, I should have made 2 bonuses worth thousands last week, I performed an emergency install to keep surveillance on Baltimore county’s emergency supplies, working around EMTs and first responders coming in from the field, but because the company is slow right now we’re not getting bonuses. So not only is there no compensation for the risk, but my company is making thousands extra off of my risk and labor right now and telling us that we’re thin on money right now. Oh and I’m about to do it again this week, and this won’t be an emergency thing, just another ten thousand dollars in profit for my company for me working out in this world right now. Oh and my wife works at a pharmacy and drug store dealing with sick people all day and is not compensated at all for it. I’m convinced we’re both doomed to catch it right now because of our circumstances and we could die from this shit for minimal pay and our bosses will just shrug their shoulders and hire a replacement.

I was going to say that "don't worry" is a naive at best response. Your mind can easily be your own worst enemy and it's not as easy as choosing to shut it off. I remember how spooked I was when I found out I'd been exposed to someone who'd been exposed to the virus (then started getting a mild fever shortly after...) so I can only imagine how scary it must be for you and your wife. I'm not an American, but thank you for both of your service. The word "hero" gets thrown around way too much, but the medical profession (as well as the supporting players) fits the bill, especially these days.

A time like this shows a lot of people's true colours. I'm a landlord in NZ and a lot of people in a group I'm in have left me disgusted with landlords in general. I've seen people trying to find ways to kick their tenants out, advice that people should tell outgoing tenants to "self-isolate in a car", and weasel their way into being an essential service so they can get around certain quarantine rules and make a few thousand dollars extra. I know it's not everyone (people calling them out in that group is good for the soul), but it's honestly shameful. And the sad thing is that there won't be any kind of account for them, nor the bosses who do similarly shady things. If you're relying on people to do the right thing against their own rational best interests, you know something's fucked.

 

[Tank]

Just to inform all of you, people with poor mental health and severe consistent anxiety and depression can’t just “not worry” about things lol. I appreciate the words of support, I’m trying to keep my head on straight but the fact that the world is more concerned with a dollar than a human life is really taking a toll on me.

My company has a bonus policy, I should have made 2 bonuses worth thousands last week, I performed an emergency install to keep surveillance on Baltimore county’s emergency supplies, working around EMTs and first responders coming in from the field, but because the company is slow right now we’re not getting bonuses. So not only is there no compensation for the risk, but my company is making thousands extra off of my risk and labor right now and telling us that we’re thin on money right now. Oh and I’m about to do it again this week, and this won’t be an emergency thing, just another ten thousand dollars in profit for my company for me working out in this world right now. Oh and my wife works at a pharmacy and drug store dealing with sick people all day and is not compensated at all for it. I’m convinced we’re both doomed to catch it right now because of our circumstances and we could die from this shit for minimal pay and our bosses will just shrug their shoulders and hire a replacement.

Understood. I’m sure saying it may mean little but my point was to try to focus the worry and stress on things you control, things that are actionable in your sphere of influence.