10 WEEKEND THINGS FOR CAPITAL AUTO MALL

1 – DAY 11: The world remains on pause. At our house we’re extremely lucky to be safe, are doing our best to help others, and I’m keeping busy with a ton of remote/virtual Recovery coaching. Everyone’s got an opinion on the Coronavirus pandemic right now but mine is that it’s simply something we’re going to ride through together. Along the way people are getting a lesson in patience, fiscal responsibility, and a good many other important things. Above all, if you’ve been ordered to stay home, STAY HOME.

2 – SERIOUS STUFF: The world is in a state of trauma. Two definitions I’ve learned for trauma are “Any situation your brain can’t comprehend”, or “A deeply distressing or disturbing event”. If you don’t find this crisis traumatic, then consider yourself extremely lucky. For most people it is so, if that’s you, seek out the proper help.

3 – PAUSE: It’s fascinating how the Coronavirus specifically struck the Sports & Entertainment worlds in North America first (the industries I’ve been earning a paycheque in since I was 16). People are measuring the “suspension” by how many days it’s been since the NBA and NHL last played games. Of course the crisis now affects everyone, but it seems everything stopped when NBA players were pulled off the floor just before a game in Oklahoma City on March 12.

4 – HOW COULD YOU?: There’s a nagging notion to criticize anyone who’s gone on with their normal routine amid this crisis, whether it be the NFL, ESPN, or any restaurants or other businesses still providing services. However any trauma counsellor worth their salt will tell you the sooner you can get back to your routine, the better. (It gives you a greater sense of safety). Anyone still operating as this heads into its second- or third week simply needs to ignore the critics, as tough as that may be. I got my trauma/stress relief training shortly after the Humboldt Broncos crash because I got called out of the bullpen to help, but didn’t have the paperwork. However what qualified me at the time is that I’m a “human”.

5 – FURTHERMORE: On the weekend I was notified by a passenger on a cruise ship on the other side of the world that they were listening to reruns of The Rod Pedersen Show while they’re stranded. They said it’s helping them with their anxiety and stress because they feel they’ll be isolated until the end of the month, at least. I made it clear on the show on March 13 that we’ll stay on the air as a means of entertainment and diversion, but not as a source of information or breaking news. I did those broadcasts during “The Blackout” at Mosaic Stadium and the Humboldt crash, but this is not that.

6 – COULD BE WORSE: You (likely) still have power while gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and other important services remain open. If you need help, reach out for it. You’ll find that people are only too happy to lend assistance. If you don’t need help, then enjoy the positives of what we’re going through like a break, and extended family time. Because when we emerge, the world’s going to look a helluva lot different than what we’ve known our whole lives. It could be better, similar to what New York was after 9/11. (People became much friendlier, and less selfish. That remains to this day).

7 – BACK ON THE ICE/HARDWOOD: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is suggesting the league convenes for some sort of All Star tournament as a means to entertain fans. “People need a diversion. They are at home and need to be entertained,” Silver told ESPN. However I say if you’re not getting back on the floor with a means towards handing out the Larry O’Brien Trophy, then don’t bother. The same goes for the NHL and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If it doesn’t include every player, then what’s the point?

8 – WHITE OUT: UFC President Dana White lashed out at critics in the media who chastised him for continuing to stage events throughout the crisis. “The weakest, wimpiest people on earth cover the biggest, baddest sport on earth,” White said on Instagram “What do you expect them to say? What do you think they’re gonna say? Listen, the media can talk as much s— as they want. They don’t feed families. They don’t take care of f—ing people. They don’t have people that count on them. They don’t have people to support.” My gosh I admire that man.

9 – STAYING RELEVANT: TSN’s Darren Dreger mentioned late in the week that the NHL and its players are discussing ways of keeping hockey relevant during the Coronavirus suspension. The Langenburg, SK product reported the NHL and NHLPA are hoping for media accessibility to players, coaches and GMs via conference calls, Skype, FaceTime, etc. beginning this week. We’ve been very fortunate over the past week on the RP Show to have NFL, CFL, NHL, WHL, etc. guests, including Dreger! Stay tuned.

10 – RANDOM THOUGHTS: I mentioned to my wife that if we’re going to be housebound for weeks, at least we get along. She replied, “We do?” …  I’ve downloaded the Tik Tok app and so far it appears to be nothing more than a haven for Lululemon enthusiasts and Hip Hop music? … Tik Tok is so new that it doesn’t pass spellcheck. I’m so old, I can remember when the words “website” and “blog” didn’t pass it either. … Football maven John Lynch figures QB Patrick Walker of the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks would be a great find for the CFL. Trouble is, the XFL’s best player has drawn interest from at least 5 NFL teams. If he signs in The League, that will legitimize the XFL enough to ensure a Year 2. … They say you’ll meet every personality type in society by the time you’re 40. GOOD! I’m tired of surprises, and think I finally have a handle on them all. … I don’t trust people with 3 different Facebook accounts! They get outed on their birthday when all 3 accounts show up in the birthday feed. (2 accounts, I can handle). … Season 3 of Ozark starts on Friday on Netflix!! Right now, that’s what I’m looking forward to the most. … See you on Facebook! At 10 am MT on Monday for The Rod Pedersen Show and RodPedersen.com/ListenLive.

Y’er welcome,
RP
@rodpedersen