Guybrush, as it has been explained to you numerous times via posts on this thread and privately, that we are requesting to keeping this thread open to comments on what is happening in your corner of the world. This is not the forum for discussing your opinion on different theories on what, why or how the government is dealing with it. I don't care if you or anyone else is in support of or against, it doesn't belong here. Take it up on social media such as Twitter or reddit, somewhere where people seem to thrive on debating everything and anything.

Your first amendment rights do not apply to Gameboomers. This is a private forum. You agreed to the rules when you signed up. If you don't like it, I can show you the door. Your choice. The mere action of you posting this question publicly after our off forum message to you, shows a complete disregard of our rules and your feelings that you are above them. You are welcome to express your opinions to me or a moderator off the forum, in a respectful manner, or if you continue to choose to publicly post your disdain for our rules, we will be forced to suspend your posting privileges. Your move.

Ana

Thank you, Ana. Gameboomers is an oasis where I can come to enjoy part of my day, not just another Facebook or Twitter argument. You have carried MaG's vision for Gameboomers forward and I, for one, would hate to see it sullied by things like this.

Well said, Ana. Like Draclvr, I love GameBoomers precisely because people can chat amicably together without it becoming confrontational or overtly political. Places like that online are very few and far between.

Agreed Ana.

Guybrush, there's no denying the global situation has an overarching political theme, which is unfortunate. Here in this place though, we are not discussing power struggles, or hypotheses on political power transfer. I'm sure you are already well acquainted with the many forums that are available to you for debate and discussion about those types of issues for which you are concerned.

Here we commiserate about our common situations and attempt to help each other through this virtual medium the best we can. Please respect that and Ana's efforts to keep this place the haven it is.

TM

Thank you, TM.

And thank you from me, too !!

Thank you Drac, Marian, Trail and Mad for your support! Greatly appreciated!

And a huge thank you to our moderators from me, too!

Ana, I approve your message.

Thank you hagatha and Pokey! Your support is truly greatly appreciated!

BrownEyedTiger, great message and you also have my vote of confidence, the world situation is critical, sad and highly emotional on everyone and thus why I LOVE this Forum, a place where you can get : Information, Support, Encouragement, and most Important "A lot of Virtual Hugs and Kiss' when needed, and oh not to forget all the wonderful members and Moderators of this Forum being on your side when one loses a loved one, or when one is sick or needs an operation, etc. It is really nice to know that you have the Support through hard times.
Keep up the Fantastic work Mods.

And don't forget great little YouTube videos like the Mash one you posted! I can go elsewhere if I'm in the mood for a political argument! Just not here.

Thank you for the words of encouragement Draclvr, much appreciated.

One thing I forgot and it has been awhile I wanted to mention this but my short memory of mine keeps forgetting........ Is... this Forum also reminds me of the old series "Cheers" and more Importantly the theme song "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" and this is the feeling I get when I step into this great forum.

For everyone, stay vigilante, safe and let us all pray that this Blasted Virus comes to an end sooner than later.

At our laboratory it's been decided that we want to help the icu with caribg for the covid patients. We can help by drawing samples of blood and running the tests that they have been running themselves (blood gas analyses that they usually measure on a device we set up for them). A colleague of mine drew the samples and I tested them tonight. We were on the emergency icu, set up in the recovery of the operating theatres. 12 patients are being cared for there. Words can't describe the feeling you get when you are there. 12 people sedated and on ventilators so that their immune systems can focus on fighting off the virus. That is the difference between the flu and covid-19. The number of new icu patients and new patients on the regular covid wards is stabilizing. People are getting better and are eithrr discharged to the regular ward or to their homes. Social distancing is working. Hopefully we will see more people get well enough to go back home.

That sounds somewhat encouraging, Jarkeld. It's interesting to get a glimpse of what is going on in the Netherlands. Thank you very much for that description, and thank you for what you are doing.

Ana, there is enough of that on social media. We all have opinions, but they do not belong here.

Jarkeld, that is disturbing, but still encouraging news. That is exactly the difference my ICU nurse neighbor has told me about here too... normally, flu does not require sedation and ventilators as COVID-19 does. Just to hear you say that the social distancing is working to stabilize the numbers makes me hopeful. If it can happen in the Netherlands, it will happen here too!

She told me one of the benefits of social distancing has been a drastic reduction in the cases of seasonal flu.

Thank you for being there to be one of those helping your fellow health care professionals!

And, Starcom, I love the Cheers analogy!

Jarkeld, I just want to say that people like you on the front lines are heroes. I mean that sincerely. You're saving lives. Thank you.


Our BC Government isn't giving us details, but we now have about 80 cases on Vancouver Island so I assume that our hospital here must be treating a few people at this point. I'm quite worried, because my husband has to go to the hospital this week for his blood test, which will determine whether he needs to go back on chemo. Naturally, there are no masks to be had, but I 'm hoping they'll give him one at the reception desk. Of course, we're hoping his numbers are okay and he can stay at home for another month. The fewer times he has to go in, the better.

Looks like a good day for boating. Apparently there are lots of small Springs around (I think you call them King Salmon in the US), though they're still mostly feeder size. You never know, though. Might get a bigger one.

Hagatha, I so hope that your husband's blood test results will be okay. Positive thoughts for both of you!

Thank you. He's beaten the odds so far. He's a tough and ornery old thing.

Fingers crossed, and flyrods at the ready. Salmon await!

"Tough and Ornery" is definitely the right way to be - and I sincerely hope all goes well.

And that hope is for both of you

[Can't keep those fly rods waiting !!!! ]

Hagatha, prayers and positive thoughts for your husband's test.

Hagatha, sending positive thoughts for your husband. Hope your trip will be completely uneventful!

Positive thoughts from us as well.

Fly fishing for salmon in the far northwest? Yeah, I'm envious.