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Hi Reaper,
I agree with everything you have said.
With regards to hindsight and making mistakes - it’s inevitable, right?
My opinion is this - our country/culture is still figuring it out. We had many weeks of social distancing that came to an outcome. Now we have some easement, which will have an outcome. I’m not optimistic about the latter at this point into the pandemic, but I hope I’m simply being chicken little.
Either way, we’ll learn. If social distancing/“lockdown” was phase 1 in our social experiment, and “easement” is phase 2 in our social experiment, I am marking May 29 - June 5 being the phase 3. My thought is that phase 3 will be a big argument about which approach is best. Phase 3 will end quickly and phase 4 will start by June 12 - 15. Will we continue “easement” or go back to social distancing (or somewhere truly in between)? That’s the question. I have my thoughts on how it’ll turn out.
On another note, my son isn’t digging minecraft. I TOTALLY thought you were on to something. And I think he’ll actually get there. He’s just too much of an “outdoors” active three year old boy at this point. It’s a good thing, but somewhat tiring :).
Hey Reaper,
Hope you are staying safe and sane! I need a place to vent a little, but also don’t want to cross any lines. Don’t think I will, so here I go:
1. People are unemployed and afraid for their financial futures
2. Some small business owners (eg. in the hospitality and restaurant businesses) are suffering greatly due to COVID and closures.
So what’s the answer? Open up (hopefully responsibly) and hope people show up inside businesses? Disqualify employees to receive PPP now that you’re open, yet probably won’t come close to hitting the revenues you had prior to COVID? So in reality, you’d be better off staying closed so your employees can get unemployment + $600?
Here’s what I think needs to happen, IN THR SHORT TERM:
1. We bailed the banks and lenders out in 2008. It’s their turn now. DEFER (not forgive) debt payments for 3 - 6 months while people stay safe. No mortgage payments (for everyone, including landlords which means) no rent, no credit card payments, no car payments. In other words, people don’t have to stress too much about money
2. Fix PPP now. How the heck do the LA lakers qualify for this program when real small businesses are suffering?!?! The Lakers did the right thing by giving the money back, but which small businesses suffered because of the Lakers held up the money?
In other words, keep money in the pockets of people so they don’t have to worry about debt. Thus, it encourages social distancing as much as possible until a vaccine and/or tamiflu-like treatment can be developed. Simultaneously we come up with a plan to open the economy in a responsible way (including mask wearing and social distancing).
Unfortunately, it seems that we are just going to open up while the day-over-day death rate will increases. Given my concern that my son’s daycare will remain closed in June, coupled with my wife starting her new job on June 1, it means that I can’t feasibly work in June while she focuses on establishing herself in her new role. So we lose money by “forced voluntary” unemployment on my part - to take care of my son. I assume many other parents are finding themselves in a similar situation.
In my opinion, the reality is that we are going to be dealing with,and compensating for, COVID-19 for at least a couple years. Better for us to figure out a responsible approach sooner than later, in my opinion.
Off my soapbox now :)
Hi Reaper,
Thanks, man. It’s been an interesting path. When we speak to our son about our surrogate (it’s weird for me to call her by a functional name - we always refer to her by her name), we tell him that he was in her tummy. He seems to be at the beginning age of understanding the concept. Hasn’t reiterated back to us, by word, of his understanding, (unlike many things he does seem to understand right now), but we can see the the light bulb beginning to brighten over his head.
On a separate, but related note; a little backstory. Major junior hockey is NOT a big thing in the United States. As a hockey fan, I was fortunate to grow up in WA (where there were three WHL teams in WA and one in OR (Portland). Now there are four in WA, but that’s beside the point. As we began to interact more with our surrogate and her extended family (in the time before our son was born), we learned that her high-school aged nephew played hockey and was a fan of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. Being a fan of the WHL’s Everett Silvertips, the two of us hit it off quickly and found ourselves in a small world. “Surrogate family members” and rival fans of WHL teams in a small piece of the PNW. Two things that are fairly rare circumstances, each on their own, yet have bonded our families together. Our surrogate’s husband, nephew and I have an open text message thread that we’ve had opened for a couple of years. We at least text each other a couple times a week. If they lived in Seattle (or we lived in OR), we’d be able to visit with them more often.
As for being “constructive” with how i spend my profits here - that is hit or miss :). Try to be responsible enough, I suppose.
Keep on staying safe and well!
To clarify one part of my last reply - I am hoping the OTC can be a channel I play properly to contribute to funding us having another child. The process to have our first child has already been paid in full :).
Hi Reaper,
That video gave a few great belly laughs, man. Thanks for sharing!
This is our first kid. To make an extremely long story short, we had a wonderful, gestational surrogate carry our son for us. He’s fully of our lineage, but we needed some help for someone to carry him. And now we have a fantastic relationship with her and her family (who live in Oregon). Its been a great relationship that will last the rest of our lifetimes. We look forward to see her and her family again after this COVID-19 thing shakes out a bit.
That being said, it’s a fairly expensive process to have a surrogate, which is part of the reason I find myself back in OTC world after a small hiatus. I don’t expect “wins” here to fully fund having another child, but it’s a channel we’re using to (potentially) gain some funds. Even if nothing is gained here, I enjoy the “thrill” of buying and selling these risks (of course, only with money that we can afford to lose). Obviously I also enjoy getting into discussions with people here and having some fun that way. Heck, even the trolls and “saviors” on some of the boards are fun to have conversations with.
Thanks again for sharing the video. Stand-up comedy is a much tougher job than it looks like. Kudos to the ladies and gentlemen who do it!
Hey Reaper,
Just checking in to see how you and others are doing? My family seems to remain healthy - which is encouraging. I had vented a little, last week, about a job interview my wife went through. Good news - they were able to offer her the job despite a hiring freeze due to COVID-19. So that’s definitely a win!
While I mostly enjoy having extra time to spend with my son, he and I have hit a stage where we’re testing each other’s patience. Not in a bad way, necessarily, but heated at times. Which is interesting, because I’m in my early 40s and he is three. So, not quite sure what that says about me, but... whatever :).
Keep staying safe!
Hi Reaper,
Gotcha. Your observation is definitely valid. There’s uncertainty with how COVID is affecting agriculture and the availability of fresh foods. We have stocked up on frozen foods, but try to eat as much fresh food as possible these days.
I’m more worried about grocery stores closing their doors and only doing delivery or curbside pickup. I think those are actually great options, but the infrastructure to do that is just not there in our grocery stores - so I don’t think it’s practical. They’d need to hire more people to fill carts, and then they’d just be back to having a lot of people inside the store.
So I think that getting those workers the PPE they need,to feel comfortable being exposed to so many people, will help calm nerves somewhat.
Hi Reaper,
I get it. We’re approaching a bit of a crossroads, as far as the safety of some workers, could affect us all.
My opinion is that I very much think that retailers, who are deemed as an essential business, face some risk. There are many opportunities for them to come within a physical proximity to others that’d be under 6 feet - given the number of people in the store vs. the capacity of the store.
My hope is that enough PPE can be manufactured and then distributed to those places of business - right after our first responders and medical workers are covered, of course.
Not sure where you’re living, but here in WA, it was “weird” for about three weeks after the second Snohomish county case (third in the country behind the first Snohomish county case and the first King Countu case). Now when I go to the grocery store (which is still infrequent - purposely), it feels like everyone is beginning to accept this new normal. It’s not forever, and I think that line of thought is gel-ing with people. Heck, there is toilet paper on the shelves again! Who’d have thought that would happen again?! I jest and am serious in the same breath.
Hey Reaper,
Thanks, man! When this all began, I told myself this would be a “blip” in hindsight. I still believe that to be true. However, while living through it, it’s the longest “blip” ever :).
Still making our daily trips to the airport to watch planes, and stare at all the parked planes at the adjacent Boeing facility (thought they are going to begin work in Everett again very soon). Definitely fewer flights taking off and landing (just commercial flights these days), but still a fun activity for both my son and me to enjoy.
Had to go into the office today to work. Nice change of pace - even for just a couple of hours.
Continue staying safe!
Sore from sleeping wrong? HAHAHA. Sad, but true.
Sorry, I’ve been offline the past couple of days. Like everyone else, social distancing is taking its mental toll on my household. This weekend, my three year old was acting out more than usual, and I think it was due to cabin fever. We made it all the way up into Whatcom County yesterday for a “time-killing” drive. If this keeps up, I’m going to make it all the way up to the Peace Arch crossing before turning around :).
I can’t wait for his daycare to open again. Not just for the sanity of my wife and me, but for him. He’s a social kid and misses his friends. I’m optimistic, that once testing becomes more readily available, we’ll be able to start easing some of the restrictions we’re currently under. Barring another outbreak of this magnitude happening in the fall, my hope is that this is the longest “shelter-in-place” order that we experience during this pandemic. Feels like we’ll be more cautious as a society after easement happens, and most people will do their part to avoid having to do this again.
TBD. Keep staying safe!
Iz...is the man. <sigh> I can’t wait to go back to Hawaii. Hadn’t even thought about it until now. Brings a smile to my face.
Having a happy wife, is indeed, a great part of a happy life. She was told today that she “got the job” for a long interview cycle she just went through. And then she was quickly told that they’re not sure if the job role is going continue because of COVID. They’ll know more in two weeks.
It’s a defeating feeling. In this day and age, two weeks feels more like two months. In addition to that, there is still so much unknown about COVID, that it’s VERY possible that it only takes two weeks for a job opportunity to disappear - despite it being a slam dunk a month ago.
Sorry to gripe. I know there is much support on this board. Despite my tone, I’m doing okay.
Hey Reaper,
We’re trying to make the best out of it - especially since we don’t have a choice. My wife and I rotate in having “bad days” and picking up the slack for each other on those days.
To be clear, managing a three year old is hard. Especially when we’re both trying to work full time jobs. While we’re not perfect, and we have our own head-butting incidents, we feel like we’re doing the best job that we can right now.
Thanks for sharing the quote. It very much reminds me of a quote my mother had hanging on our wall when I was growing up. It was titled, “Hawaiian Rules For Life,” and it read, “there are two ways to be rich. Make more... or desire less”. I try to hold that philosophy close, but man, I’d love to win the lotto right now so I could quit my job and focus on my son 100% :).
Listen - I am fortunate right now. Steady income and a great family. Can’t say the same for everyone at this point in time.
Hi Reaper (and other friends here),
Just checking in to see how everyone is doing? Hopefully everyone continues to stay safe
I’m trying to figure out a way to “socially distance” from my three year old without CPS taking him away. I think my efforts are going to fail on that front :).
So, just trying to do the best to enjoy the extra time with him. He’s a pretty funny dude, as it turns out. But... also has the temper of a three year old. We enjoy trips to Paine Field/Snohomish County airport to watch the planes. Even though commercial travel is very slow, Boeing uses Paine Field for storing and testing planes. Today we got to watch an American Airlines plane do safety testing (ie. Take off, land, fly in circles, repeat). It was actually a nice change of pace and my son loved it. Then we took a two hour drive all the way into Skagit County (almost into Whatcom County) while he FINALLY took a mid-day nap for the first time in three weeks.
Anyhow, hope all is well for others!
I don’t think anyone should buy MSSV.
Take a trip to Brooklyn and decide if this pandemic is fake.
Sociopathy is not a gift. It’s a mental problem.
I don’t know - maybe because non-essential businesses have been shut down for the time being?? It’s called reality. Holy shit.
Anyway, good luck in the bubble.
There’s a pandemic. SMH, RME
Lololol
Thanks, Reaper! I appreciate the ideas. I’m definitely going to download Minecraft and see what he thinks.
My fingers are crossed, but I think he may be interested in it. He’s been playing a game on the iPad where the goal is to “pop” as many moving bubbles as possible. He gets into it for a few minutes at a time.
That said, I’m looking forward to playing video games with him, in general. It’s probably the biggest sacrifice (of an indulgence) that I’ve made since having a kid - playing video games.
Stay safe. We’re in lagging-indicator territory right now. On that topic, Trump and Fauci are spot on. What happens today is reflective of 2 - 2.5 weeks ago. Regardless of (coulda, shoulda, woulda), I’m optimistic on where the curve will be at in a couple of weeks. Though that optimism doesn’t compare to the sadness of the loss of life that will happen between now and then. IMO
Lololol.. RME
Hey Reaper,
I’m with you in regards to the cameras. My new laptop has a simple (physical) slider to cover the web cam. And I’ve proven that it works. No more need to use electrical tape or a torn piece of (taped) paper to cover the camera. Who’d have thought a simple physical barrier would come back as a “technical innovation” to help us protect our privacy? Haha.
On a different topic, my wife and I survived the first full week home (under shelter-in-place orders and a daycare that is temporarily closed) with our three year old while we are also trying to work. It is truly a challenge, but as difficult as a three year old can be at times, I’m enjoying that I have more time to spend with my son.... so far :). We’re now on shelter-in-place in WA until May 4. Though, I think we have at least until June 1 before the gates begin getting lifted on social distancing.
So, my apologies in advance if I post here in the future with a little more “passion” than usual. It means that I still love my family, but would love a long weekend trip to Mars :).
I agree.
It seems to me that AR and VR were already beginning the move past “cutting edge” before this pandemic hit. Even when social distancing mandates are relieved, we’ll have already become somewhat accustomed to communicating with others using technology. Heck, I “had a beer” with a couple of buddies via FaceTime the other day. It was different in that we weren’t sitting at a bar, but we still had a lot of fun.
I’m not saying that the aforementioned experience will directly lead to more demand for AR and VR, but I do think it’s somewhat indicative of people accepting the use of technology for entertainment and staying in touch with others. Just my high-level thought on it.
Keep staying safe!
Or the opportunists
Hi Reaper,
Once there is a vaccine and reliable treatment available - that’s when I think we’ll be able to get fully back to normal.
Until then, we’re going to be dealing with a super-contagious virus. I think LOTS of lessons will be learned from this.
In addition to that, maybe AR will wind up playing more of a daily role in our (socially distant) lives, and thereafter :)
There’s a pandemic, and opportunists are still trying to steal people’s’ money. The opportunists manifest themselves as all sorts of people. Most are cowards.
Hi Reaper,
The trivial arguments seem like they’d be more prevalent than domestic abuse. I based my comment on what’s been reported in the UK, and part of the reason they limited alcohol sales.
I’m also glad things seem to be going a route where people are coming together rather than going nuts. Let’s put it this way, any guns anyone has been stocking will NOT beat COVID. Maybe a stray bullet will hit a COVID molecule, but that’d just be sheer luck. Obviously I’m being flippant, but hope a little bit of humor can be taken :).
Keep on being part of flattening the curve. It’s going to be a rough couple weeks in some places, but it WILL get better. I believe we can honor anyone who passes from COVID by doing our part at stopping the spread, and doing whatever we (as laymen) can do to help our communities get through this.
Reaper, I need the world to feel safe enough again to the point where I can talk about the latest hockey games with 12yp again :)
Take care.
Hi Reaper,
I’ve heard the same thing about domestic disputes. I suppose, given the circumstances, if an abuser is stuck in close quarters with others for extended periods of time, it’s bound to happen. So, so, so unfortunate.
I carry a letter with me as an “essential worker.” My job is two-fold-essential. My business is involved in the supply chain and distribution (PPE distribution included). On top of that, I (of course) am Information Technology, so am deemed “essential” for that infrastructure, too. Not saying I’m more important than anyone else. It’s just the nature of the beast. If I can help support people work remotely (“essential” or not), that’s a win for me.
That being said, I think no one is more “essential” right now than our medical workers. I’d also put grocery store workers and food delivery people as a moderately close second. I try to tip more than usual for these types of workers when I can. They’re helping maintain the “social distancing” while keeping us fed.
I don’t know man, being in this situation sucks, but (at least here in Snohomish County, WA), I’ve had nothing but positive interactions with others (from 6’ apart or more, of course). None of us like it, but there seems to be an understanding of the necessity.
Thanks for the well wishes for my uncle. So far, he’s improved. And my other friend who has it? She’s been feeling much better, but still has to isolate until tests show she is no longer shedding the virus.
Hi Reaper,
I hope you and everyone else here is doing well. Two days ago I learned that my 65 year old uncle contracted COVID-19. Thankfully he is on the mend now, but is now the second person I know (first family member) to have contracted the disease. So, now I have the “I know someone who has/had COVIDl” out of the way. We seem to be at the beginning of the curve-flattening in WA. It’s encouraging, albeit, baby steps.
In my opinion, we’ve got at least a couple more months of the current level of social distancing left. And my son’s daycare just said they are only taking in children of essential medical workers (which is a decision I totally respect). So now I’ve got an extremely opinionated and in-tune pre-schooler to spend the days with. My mom just laughs at me. Karma :).
I would say that anyone who has stayed silent here probably believes that to be the case
Sure, they account for some of the people I’m talking about. But not all.
I don’t own any
Lololol. SMH
They know who they are. That’s all that matters.
Worldometers Coronavirus Statistics - United States
Other countries can be seen here, too, if you follow the breadcrumbs along the top:
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us
I don’t think stock board scamming falls within the definition of an “essential business.”
Congrats
I blame it on the third-party scammers.
Oops. Meant to share this in my previous post:
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/
Hi Reaper (and everyone else),
I wanted to share a very small bit of good news about this virus. The state of Washington had 248 new cases yesterday. Today, we had 119 new cases. It’s our first “down” day-over-day since this virus hit the Lifecare Center of Kirkland. Hard to know if it’s a trend. We’ll see. But perhaps it’s indicative of the measures of social distancing we’ve been doing in WA for about three weeks. Or, maybe it’s just an outlier. Either way, a little something to celebrate.
That said, the northeast (especially New York) is getting battered. There is still a big fight, but we’ll prevail.
As for my promise of posting about music, check out the song called “Pangea” by the Visionaries. Has a bit of intensity to it, but seems sort of appropriate now.
Good night!