The Covid-19 community thread

[RDW]

First topic message reminder :

With not much sport going on I want to create a thread for anything to do with the global pandemic.

Feel free to use it however you want.

If you need to release stress or anxiety about what's going on to a bunch of strangers who don't know you then go ahead.

If you're self isolating and want some benign chat then crack on.

If you're struggling and looking for anyone to help with anything then reach out here and see if anyone can help out.


This may not be used or it may kick off and help someone out - either way please be nice. We're literally all in it together!

[RDW]

Max always flattered to deceive IMO - he looked like he was jinky and had a good sidestep but he rarely actually made anything from it. He didn't break the line overly often or cause chaos in broken play like Darcy Graham can do now.

I think he was a pretty average international and we only think higher of him because we had a terrible back line and he was the only one who had any kind of spark!

Agree on Tom Evans though - he would have had a fantastic career and it's a tragedy it was stopped so short. We can just be thankful he can lead a normal life enough given how horrific an injury it was. He's certainly done well on the 'relationship' front over the years though!

[WELL-PAST-IT]

I have developed a theory about Covid-19. It is the alcohol in hand sanitiser that kills the germs. Well if you keep sufficient alcohol in your bloodstream will it have the same effect and keep you immune?


Not much good for you liver, but how much do you need to keep immune?

[RDW]

That sounds like good science to me!

It's my birthday today (you can send me birthday cake later) - my first birthday in 10 years that I've been working, cause there's not anything else to do! My first birthday working as a grad I hated it so swore I'd never work my birthday again.

[WELL-PAST-IT]

Sorry I couldn't send the real thing, but it might have been a bit stale by the time it got there.

Happy Birthday

[RDW]

Thanks!

[jimbopip]

 

Sorry I couldn't send the real thing, but it might have been a bit stale by the time it got there.

Happy Birthday

RDW HIPPO BIRDIE TWO EWES I'm shouting so you can hear me in the land of Oz.

[dyrewolfe]

There aren't many more loathesome men than Elon Musk

Oh I dunno.

His companies are making great advances in space travel, green energy and transport. We're basically relying on people like him to ensure humanity doesn't come to a premature end.

Humanity is at a no risk of a premature end.  You really shouldn't listen to the pseudo science doomsday cults like Extinction Rebellion. There is no scientifically backed claim that we are due to go extinct due to climate change whatsoever. Climate change is of course real, however the hysterical claims of groups like ER simply are not justified.

God...where to start on this one...

1. I think Extinction Rebellion are a bunch of self-aggrandising, egocentric female sex organs who think vandalism and generally screwing up everyone's lives is a valid way to make a point everyone is already well aware of.

2. If you DON'T think the planet is at serious risk then you're equally as stupid.

3. If the planet is at risk then so is humanity. Climate change brings about drastic changes to ecosystems, which in turn affects the water cycle, crops, animal populations...basically all the stuff we rely on to keep living.

4. I never listen to the hysterical rantings of groups like Greenpeace, FOTE or ER. I do however, listen to people like David Attenborough and the IPCC...all of whom have confirmed that the Earth IS at serious risk...therefore so is our current way of life. If we fail to adapt, or find ways of reversing these changes...we are screwed.

[dyrewolfe]

There aren't many more loathesome men than Elon Musk

Oh I dunno.

His companies are making great advances in space travel, green energy and transport. We're basically relying on people like him to ensure humanity doesn't come to a premature end.

Volkswagen make reasonably decent cars that doesn't mean a great deal in the scheme of things and yes I am equating Elon Musk to that.

Well don't forget to thank him when you're riding one of his spaceships to Mars, away from a dying Earth.

Or maybe you'd prefer to stay and perish?

Oh and he's acquiring ventilators & masks...which he is distributing for free. What a complete bar steward, eh?

https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2020/03/24/elon-musk-ventilators-tesla-coronavirus-covid-19-spacex/2905980001/

[mikey_dragon]

"Hi mate, you disgust me. You pollute the earth with that nasty v8 engine. Therefore I'm going to pollute the earth to create an electric car and I suggest you buy it - that's the philanthropist in me."

How much will it cost me to buy this electric car?

"Over a 100K fam."

[WELL-PAST-IT]

Boris has had the kiss of death (politically), Trump thinks he is fantastic (well today anyway)

[WELL-PAST-IT]

"Hi mate, you disgust me. You pollute the earth with that nasty v8 engine. Therefore I'm going to pollute the earth to create an electric car and I suggest you buy it - that's the philanthropist in me."

How much will it cost me to buy this electric car?

"Over a 100K fam."

To be fair, the Model 3 starts at circa £40k, the equivalent Lexus is £36K and not really very good.

I am not sure about electric cars, running them is very green, but how about manufacture, last time I looked making batteries was one of the most polluting industries in the world. We just don't manufacture them in the West, someone else gets the pollution.

[lostinwales]

Just because it isn't great now doesn't mean it can't be better (or be the future). There was always going to be a finite limit on mass use of IC engines.

[mikey_dragon]

Yes running them is very green, not the manufacture. I see the argument for everyone driving an electric or hydrogen powered car at some point as that would reduce carbon emissions. Imposing tax on the poor isn't the way to go, nor is charging $100K for a Tesla. Some people are pretty delusional about the whole thing though too.

I never liked Lexus, more of a BMW guy.

[Pie]

Still nobody mentions population

The earth is telling us enough is enough

Its time for Phil Vickery to retire

[lostinwales]

Still nobody mentions population

The earth is telling us enough is enough

Its time for Phil Vickery to retire

Difficult times for players such as Phil.

As for the Earth it really doesn't care. It has seen mass extinctions and huge changes in climates many many times. Life in some form will go on however we mess things up.

We are however more than capable of making things much harder for ourselves.

[WELL-PAST-IT]

Still nobody mentions population

The earth is telling us enough is enough

Its time for Phil Vickery to retire

Difficult times for players such as Phil.

As for the Earth it really doesn't care. It has seen mass extinctions and huge changes in climates many many times. Life in some form will go on however we mess things up.

We are however more than capable of making things much harder for ourselves.

The only species on the planet that has the capability to.

[lostinwales]

Still nobody mentions population

The earth is telling us enough is enough

Its time for Phil Vickery to retire

Difficult times for players such as Phil.

As for the Earth it really doesn't care. It has seen mass extinctions and huge changes in climates many many times. Life in some form will go on however we mess things up.

We are however more than capable of making things much harder for ourselves.

The only species on the planet that has the capability to.

Globally yes but locally lots of species are capable of screwing up their environment if unchecked

[RDW]

This has all been a bit serious lately - anyone got some good community based chat??

Luke - how are you getting on?

It was my birthday a couple of days ago and the first time I had a wobble here. Was lovely getting all the messages from home but also hit me hard too. Mrs RDW looked after me well though and even managed to find some presents which was nice - I got an amazing pop up card that made a 3D Sydney Harbour Bridge - as a structural engineer I love it!

Easter weekend here so I'm off work Friday/Monday - not sure what we're going to do....

[Pie]

Still nobody mentions population

The earth is telling us enough is enough

Its time for Phil Vickery to retire

Difficult times for players such as Phil.

As for the Earth it really doesn't care. It has seen mass extinctions and huge changes in climates many many times. Life in some form will go on however we mess things up.

We are however more than capable of making things much harder for ourselves.

The only species on the planet that has the capability to.

I'd add Koalas and Pandas to that list

[Luke]

This has all been a bit serious lately - anyone got some good community based chat??

Luke - how are you getting on?

It was my birthday a couple of days ago and the first time I had a wobble here. Was lovely getting all the messages from home but also hit me hard too. Mrs RDW looked after me well though and even managed to find some presents which was nice - I got an amazing pop up card that made a 3D Sydney Harbour Bridge - as a structural engineer I love it!

Easter weekend here so I'm off work Friday/Monday - not sure what we're going to do....

Happy belated birthday.

Erm not great, this week can throw in boredom as well, so yeah. Not helped by the fact I don't think we will be out of this till August earliest. Could be alot worse though.
Society still being saved from my brother for at least another couple of days .

[jimbopip]

So Luke, the boredom is strong within you...
Do you want the sequel to the Big Lump - Old Hand - Jimbo concussion free for all ?

[Luke]

That's right.

I think I get it from my dad's side, he had a high boredom count in him.

And instead of cool hand Luke, it's now don't touch my hand Luke, although come to think of it that's been all the way through my life, so nothing new there.

[jimbopip]

That Luke, he would just smile and play his hand. Even if there was nothinh in it. A real cool hand Luke is what he was.

Great movie.

[Luke]

Never seen it.
Though do think Paul Newman is a great actor, and stars in two if my favourite films of all time.
Butch Cassidy, and the fantastic and amazing the sting, colour of money is underated as well.

[WELL-PAST-IT]

The Sun is saying "Boris is Out", Blimey, that must have come as a shock to his girlfriend.

[guildfordbat]

Never seen it.
Though do think Paul Newman is a great actor, and stars in two if my favourite films of all time.
Butch Cassidy, and the fantastic and amazing the sting, colour of money is underated as well.

Luke - treat yourself during this lockdown and watch Newman in The Hustler.

[Old Man]

Our lockdown has been extended to end of April.

[Pete330v2]

Myself and a few mates had a virtual night out at the pub on Zoom last night.
I was dubious.
I felt more than a little sad and nerdy for doing it.

However, it was great fun and I'd strongly advise anyone to give it a go. There were only 6 of us on this occasion but the next one is being arranged and will involve many more regulars.
The drink is cheaper, you can do it in your pants and closing time is exactly when you want it to be. I might even extend doing it well beyond lockdown. It was a true spirit lifter.

[RiscaGame]

It is brilliant crack doing that aye. I’ve done a few quizzes etc on zoom, Skype et al and had a right laugh.

[Luke]

Never seen it.
Though do think Paul Newman is a great actor, and stars in two if my favourite films of all time.
Butch Cassidy, and the fantastic and amazing the sting, colour of money is underated as well.

Luke - treat yourself during this lockdown and watch Newman in The Hustler.

I've seen the hustler. Just preferred colour of money. But might be worth a Paul Newman afternoon.

[guildfordbat]

Never seen it.
Though do think Paul Newman is a great actor, and stars in two if my favourite films of all time.
Butch Cassidy, and the fantastic and amazing the sting, colour of money is underated as well.

Luke - treat yourself during this lockdown and watch Newman in The Hustler.

I've seen the hustler. Just preferred colour of money. But might be worth a Paul Newman afternoon.

Ha! We need to swap - I haven't seen Colour of Money.

[jimbopip]

Luke, Luke if you want to run with the cool kids remember;
Colour Of Money exciting camera work, Tom Cruise over acting for all he's worth, Paul Newman giving a masterclass in understated but commanding acting.
The Hustler; stark black white cinematographery, stunning performances from Piper Laurie, George C Scott and Jackie Gleason, Newman at the top of his game, a literate and thought provoking script about morality and the way people are bought and sold, the way people betray those closest to them AND some memorable lines... "Play it smart Eddie. Play the percentages. Isn't that what you always said? Well I got news for you... percentages players die broke too. Let's shoot some pool, fat man."

Watch it again Luke. One movie is Edinburgh Knitwear models thirds the other is Glasgow Warriors.

[Luke]

Damn so near to being with the cool kids, just so close.

To be honest, neither can wipe the sting, or butch Cassidy shoes. True genius film making, in lighting, script,performances, and genuine moments.

Just one question, er who are Glasgow Warriors?

[RDW]

Damn so near to being with the cool kids, just so close.

To be honest, neither can wipe the sting, or butch Cassidy shoes. True genius film making, in lighting, script,performances, and genuine moments.

Just one question, er who are Glasgow Warriors?

This has made my week.

[jimbopip]

Flounder, you should notice two things from Luke's post;

he admits he is not down with the cool kids,
he has no problem recognising the Edinburgh Knitwear models Thirds.

Leave the Dark Side, young Luke. Come over to Scotstoun Home Of The Once And Future Champions.

[WELL-PAST-IT]

Well Glasgow Warriors are one short from their training programme Petrus du Plessis has returned to the NHS as he is a respiratory physiotherapist. He must have been over here a long time as he graduated in physiotherapy from the University of Salford in 2008.

Hats off to Petrus.

[RDW]

How times have changed - it's Saturday night and instead of drinking in my pyjamas watching rubbish on TV I've just done a box fit class with the wife's former fitness group back in the UK.

I even went a run yesterday!

Definitely feel much better for it - sitting on my arse for 4 weeks was driving me crazy.

[alfie]

Something different this evening for me :

Our cricket club was - like all the local clubs - cut short at the end of the recent season ; with one of our teams primed to take its place in the competition final the next weekend only to be left high and dry by the decision to stop all cricket. Likewise our end of season gathering and award presentation night was cancelled due to the lockdown. All a rather sad and lack-lustre finish to a season.
But tonight some smart people at the club managed to arrange a "virtual" awards night conducted by Zoom so we were all enabled to sit around our homes swapping smart remarks and celebrating achievements , duck scoring records and the like ...really nice to see my mates and share a bit of fun together - and the added bonus that I could polish off a nice bottle of red while participating and not have to worry about driving home

This modern technology has some things going for it after all...

[RDW]

Sounds great alfie

Bet everyone wishes they bought shares in Zoom 4 weeks ago!

[WELL-PAST-IT]

I am getting old, what is Zoom?

[Luke]

Flounder, you should  notice  two things from Luke's post;

he admits he is not down with the cool kids,
he has no problem recognising the Edinburgh Knitwear models Thirds.

Leave the Dark Side, young Luke. Come over to Scotstoun Home Of The Once And Future Champions.

Oh no, never heard of them either. But I thought they were just a made up side.
And I'm even more in the dark side than you think. Take 2 players away, and change the rules and code. Then you'll find me.

[lostinwales]

I am getting old, what is Zoom?

video conferencing software

[jimbopip]

I am getting old, what is Zoom?

video conferencing software

That has to be the dullest answer on here for a while. Watching too much Gatlandball has dulled your sensibilities. Shape up man.

Oh yes, people from Edinburgh smell of Parma Violets and read The People's Friend.

[RDW]

Flounder, you should  notice  two things from Luke's post;

he admits he is not down with the cool kids,
he has no problem recognising the Edinburgh Knitwear models Thirds.

Leave the Dark Side, young Luke. Come over to Scotstoun Home Of The Once And Future Champions.

Oh no, never heard of them either. But I thought they were just a made up side.
And I'm even more in the dark side than you think. Take 2 players away, and change the rules and code. Then you'll find me.

So Luke this relates to the Edinburgh - Glasgow rivalry, both in a cultural and sporting sense. Think Manchester - Liverpool but with added Haggis, and much, much less people outside of that rivalry even knowing about it.

To translate Jimbo speak:

Glasgow warriors AKA:

Once and future champions (they won the league 47 years ago and haven't close to doing it again since - they go on about it more than 1966)
Soap Dodgers (true)
Great unwashed (see above)
Glasgow whingers (their fans boo a lot)
Weegies

Edinburgh rugby AKA:

Metrosexual festival luvvies (according to weegies)
Edinburgh knitwear models (ditto)
A proper rugby team

It is all in jest even if it comes across quite brutal at times - we like each other really!

[lostinwales]

I am getting old, what is Zoom?

video conferencing software

That has to be the dullest answer on here for a while. Watching too much Gatlandball has dulled your sensibilities. Shape up man.

Oh yes, people from Edinburgh smell of Parma Violets and read The People's Friend.

The name was a reference to at one time living in Wales and not exactly feeling part of it - Currently living in the land of Parma Violets.

[RDW]

Biggee what's it like being back out at work?

[BigGee]

I don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but you could believe from what we have seen, that certainly in London, it is starting to plateau.

Our hospital admissions have steadied over the last week and are now falling a bit, even in critical care, we are keeping our heads just above the water and I have not seen any instances of someone being denied invasive or non invasive ventilation, should they be suitable for it.

The efforts involved in the hospital reconfiguring and transforming it self as the demands required have been quite outstanding and I am immensely proud to have played some small part in that.

The weekend before Easter, we suddenly realised we were having issues with our O2 supplies. Low pressure alarms were going off all over the hospital and no one really understood why, other than the whole O2 delivery system was under enormous strain as virtually everyone in the hospital with Covid is requiring O2 and someone on a CPAP machine can chew through 25L/min of the stuff.

While people the know tried to work out the logistics of the delivery system, we had to randomly move patients around to try and create a better balance and to try and stop the whole system failing. It was simply not designed to cope with the demands we were putting on it and short of ripping out all the pipework and replumbing it, there was not much we could do.

When the system was eventually mapped and some limits of what we could run safety were established, we had to move whole wards around to get the system more in balance and relieve the pressure points on it. Usually a award move is days or weeks in the planning but we just had to walk in and say you need to move now. To everyone's credit it was done seamlessly, safely and without complaint from any of the staff and happy to report that we have not had any more issues since then.

Doctors and nurses are at the moment getting a lot of credit for what they are doing but the system is much bigger than that and lots of other people are also working incredibly hard to make things happen. Our procurement team is working round the clock to keep us supplied and the ancilliary workers, porters, cleaners, caterers, transport workers, security guards are all just doing the most amazing work. I would not even like to go into what kind of pressure the mortuary staff are under as well, we are currently running at 3-4 times our normal death rates and they are dealing with all of that in the most professional manner imaginable.

Good to report though that the NHS has not crashed under the pressure. We have not seen some of the awful scenes we saw in Italy and Spain. We still have beds and are still open for business. In fact I think we have had it easy if you compare it to some of the horror stories now coming out of the care sector, who have had to deal with this on a huge scale but without the resources that have been thrown at us in the acute sector.

This disease is devastating to older frailer patients, The ones that have made it into hospital have not done well. I can only imagine what it is like working in a care home where 15 or 16 people, all of whom you have a close relationship with as a long term resident have all passed.

There are a lot of unsung heros in this affair and many of them are not working in the NHS.

[guildfordbat]

Hi BigGee - thanks for your post. Can I ask what the public transport situation is like in London currently. I read last week that several bus drivers had died and I'm surprised that hasn't attracted more publicity.

[RDW]

Great post Biggee - good to get an insider view on things to get a bit of perspective.

[jimbopip]

gee, stay strong mate. You, and your colleagues, are doing a marvellous service to the country.

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