OT: Coronavirus 2, the No Politics Version

[Nomad]

Interesting conclusions from a Swiss doctor, it is long. https://swprs.org/a-swiss-doctor-on-covid-19/#latest

[Canoerebel]

Thanks for posting, Nomad. I don't know if the source is credible, but this assertion is interesting: "The latest data from the European mortality monitoring Euromomo show that several countries such as France, Italy and Spain are already entering a below-average mortality. The reason for this is that the average age of Covid19 deaths was very high and fewer people than usual are now dying in this age group." Hmmm.

[RangerJoe]

Some local restaurants are now open but I did not yet go into one. The local Salvation Army had been giving out free takeout meals in the afternoon, now they are having meals served outside between 1 and 3 pm. Last Thursday, it was two hot dogs done on a grill. buns, baked beans along with a small bag of chips. They will serve outside (weather permitting) four days a week even if they cook inside. You can still get "Bread Table" and produce stuff that has been donated. These are products that are near or just past the date on the package. I go to that town because it is the "major" shopping area in the locality.

I go back on Monday with Sweet Pea for her attitude adjustment surgery. I had been planning to use the returned rent deposit from my last landlord to pay for that. It has been 6 weeks since I turned in my key and I have heard nothing about it. [X(] The law says that the landlord has 21 days to return the deposit. Oh well, payback can be fun and profitable - especially for a disabled individual. [:D] I belong to a certain organization and because of that, some law firms will only take 20 percent of a settlement . . .

[BBfanboy]

Good to see you back RJ! We were starting to get worried about your absence. Did you get a newer computer yet?

[BBfanboy]

Re: the "opening up" situation it appears the states doing so gradually are not having much increase in cases while the ones that threw the doors open without restrictions are getting hit harder. Last night's news showed that 20 states have had an increase in daily cases of 25% or more in the past week. That seems like more than a little spike to me, and it is unclear if there is a strategy to isolate the problem. I think they might have to do more shutting down again, which will play havoc with consumer confidence.

Meanwhile Germany and a few other places have come out of their lockdowns gradually and without significant increase in cases - suggesting that is the way to go. It's a matter of learning what the new business experience will look like to the customer while still staying fairly safe. I am ready to go to a restaurant again if they have some kind of distancing and good sanitation of the tables - and masks during contact with servers.

[RangerJoe]

No, no newer computer. [:(] I have to make sure that I can pay for Sweet Pea's operation.

But I have found out about a program where I can apply for up to 1000 USD for help if I have been affected by this virus. I will see about a new computer, accessories, a decent desk and a small freezer. The money goes directly to the vendors, not to me. Unfortunately, no freezers appear to be available.

[fcooke]

RJ - in most states the deposit needs to be kept in an escrow acct. And should have your name on it. So you could pursue that line of data. The oddness of what can be bought (or not) is interesting. Victory gardens are getting very popular - likely the reason small freezers have gone MIA. My relatives were over a few days ago and saw my kayak floating in the pond. Said they were trying to buy a couple but could not find any. I think the same for bikes.. I'll consider the greater demand for exercise related stuff to be a thankful consequence to this thing.

And because my Mom taught me to be a thrifty shopper I had oodles of paper products before this thing hit. I haven't had to buy any in the last three months. The next run will likely be on veggies....[:)]

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: fcooke

RJ - in most states the deposit needs to be kept in an escrow acct. And should have your name on it. So you could pursue that line of data. The oddness of what can be bought (or not) is interesting. Victory gardens are getting very popular - likely the reason small freezers have gone MIA. My relatives were over a few days ago and saw my kayak floating in the pond. Said they were trying to buy a couple but could not find any. I think the same for bikes.. I'll consider the greater demand for exercise related stuff to be a thankful consequence to this thing.

And because my Mom taught me to be a thrifty shopper I had oodles of paper products before this thing hit. I haven't had to buy any in the last three months. The next run will likely be on veggies....[:)]

That is sounding familiar - having been raised in the north where no roads led south (there was a railroad link) until I was in my teens, I learned from my parents to get a freezer and stockpile what you need in summer because prices got a lot higher in winter. So when I moved to my apartment 22 years ago, the first thing I bought was a small upright (refrigerator style) freezer. It's not that I can't get meets and frozen veggies when needed, I just hate shopping and prefer to buy enough for a couple of months if I can. That worked out well for this pandemic.

I think the run on bikes and such is because people could not go to gyms for a time. It remains to be seen how many will return to the gym and how many will continue to use their new exercise equipment. Up here, almost no one tries to use their bicycle in winter, and kayaks have trouble breaking the two-foot thick ice ...

My lady and I tried to get inner tubes for our 20 year old bikes with flat tires and the stores had very few tubes, none in the size we needed. We'll keep looking when we happen to be out shopping/getting gas, etc.

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: fcooke

RJ - in most states the deposit needs to be kept in an escrow acct. And should have your name on it. So you could pursue that line of data. The oddness of what can be bought (or not) is interesting. Victory gardens are getting very popular - likely the reason small freezers have gone MIA. My relatives were over a few days ago and saw my kayak floating in the pond. Said they were trying to buy a couple but could not find any. I think the same for bikes.. I'll consider the greater demand for exercise related stuff to be a thankful consequence to this thing.

And because my Mom taught me to be a thrifty shopper I had oodles of paper products before this thing hit. I haven't had to buy any in the last three months. The next run will likely be on veggies....[:)]

That is sounding familiar - having been raised in the north where no roads led south (there was a railroad link) until I was in my teens, I learned from my parents to get a freezer and stockpile what you need in summer because prices got a lot higher in winter. So when I moved to my apartment 22 years ago, the first thing I bought was a small upright (refrigerator style) freezer. It's not that I can't get meets and frozen veggies when needed, I just hate shopping and prefer to buy enough for a couple of months if I can. That worked out well for this pandemic.

I think the run on bikes and such is because people could not go to gyms for a time. It remains to be seen how many will return to the gym and how many will continue to use their new exercise equipment. Up here, almost no one tries to use their bicycle in winter, and kayaks have trouble breaking the two-foot thick ice ...

My lady and I tried to get inner tubes for our 20 year old bikes with flat tires and the stores had very few tubes, none in the size we needed. We'll keep looking when we happen to be out shopping/getting gas, etc.

Don't try to find the drain with a bicycle in the rain. [X(]

Yes, the deposit should be in an escrow account collecting interest. The deposit should be returned within 21 days. Or the reason for not returning it should be given. None of that has been done. Nor the reason for the landlord's employees to enter the apartment before or after they did so - a notice which is required by state law. They also should not have removed any of my property from the apartment before I officially left. Done properly, payback can be fun and profitable. [8D]

I can get free fruits and vegetables sometimes, so I want to freeze the excess. The same with excess bread products but only for a short period of time. I suppose I can fish but I don't know if I can safely eat them. I can't eat cod nor tuna without problems.

I am stocking up on canned veggies but I prefer fresh or frozen. I am not too worried about stocking up on meat but when it is on sale, I will. I am going to start stocking up on some canned fruits as well. But I am only buying them when I get a good price.

It might sound stupid, but I want to have at least a three month supply of products that I need in case I have another medical situation where it is difficult for me to get around. With no vehicle and having to depend upon a bus, it does tend to get tiresome waiting up to an hour for a bus. But they will come to right where you are and help get you loaded and unloaded if needed. Every bus has a lift platform on them. So if I were to get a good (free) scooter . . .

As far as stocking up on things, it helps if you have the financial resources and OCB.* [;)]

I had thought of getting a bicycle but with the problems with my feet, that might be too painful to push the pedals. Maybe I can get x-ray pictures of them to post for Zorch to give me an opinion on them . . . [8|]

*Obsessive Compulsive Behavior, not necessarily a disorder. If at first you don't succeed, quit? Not a good option if you are in water over your head and are trying to learn how to swim!

[fcooke]

I like fresh but frozen is better than canned.

I think Lowes has an appliance sale this week - so you could get lucky.

And boy - having stock going into this thing was a good thing. I am a firm believer that if you have the space, stock the non-perishable goods. AE logistics and all.

[RangerJoe]

I saw the prices. Walmart is cheaper and then another store, unfortunately those are out of freezers here. If I get the chance, I will check tomorrow.

To get to Lowes, unless I take a taxi, I would have to take a bus. All day trip and it may not bring me back here but it might. I don't know if I could get the freezer on the bus or not due to the number and type of passengers. If I did get it on the bus, I would have to use the wheelchair lift and the freezer would also take up a wheelchair space.

Yes, fresh is better but if you can freeze it when you get it free then the price is right. I am better off eating lots of vegetables and fruits while limiting carbs and protein.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

I saw the prices. Walmart is cheaper and then another store, unfortunately those are out of freezers here. If I get the chance, I will check tomorrow.

To get to Lowes, unless I take a taxi, I would have to take a bus. All day trip and it may not bring me back here but it might. I don't know if I could get the freezer on the bus or not due to the number and type of passengers. If I did get it on the bus, I would have to use the wheelchair lift and the freezer would also take up a wheelchair space.

Yes, fresh is better but if you can freeze it when you get it free then the price is right. I am better off eating lots of vegetables and fruits while limiting carbs and protein.

Put the freezer on a four-wheel dolly and get in it -call it your scooter and the bus will have to take it!

[fcooke]

Or get it delivered. Pretty sure something like that comes with free delivery.

We've got lots of greens in the freezer. And three raised beds working on more. But I need my carbs and protein too.

I have a couple of ribeyes I picked up yesterday just begging to hit the grill.....

[RangerJoe]

Kidney issues so limited protein. I can get by with beans and sardines if a have meat occasionally. Beans and rice make a complete protein, beans and corn make a complete protein. Some meats like turkey can also cause gout attacks.

Lowes does not have it where you but it online for the size that I want, only at the store. If I get it closer, I know that I can get it on a bus, I don't know how many wheel chair riders are on the longer bus route.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Kidney issues so limited protein. I can get by with beans and sardines if a have meat occasionally. Beans and rice make a complete protein, beans and corn make a complete protein. Some meats like turkey can also cause gout attacks.

Lowes does not have it where you but it online for the size that I want, only at the store. If I get it closer, I know that I can get it on a bus, I don't know how many wheel chair riders are on the longer bus route.

Might be worth a call to the bus line to ask about coordinating your plan to put the freezer on the bus.

In Winnipeg we have a government-financed service called Handi-Transit which has cars and vans to transport registered handicapped people. Most are equipped with lift equipment and straps to secure cargo. Does your area have such a service?

[pontiouspilot]

In Alberta the stores are saying no more freezers until about august....combo of supply chain disruption and people hording.

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Kidney issues so limited protein. I can get by with beans and sardines if a have meat occasionally. Beans and rice make a complete protein, beans and corn make a complete protein. Some meats like turkey can also cause gout attacks.

Lowes does not have it where you but it online for the size that I want, only at the store. If I get it closer, I know that I can get it on a bus, I don't know how many wheel chair riders are on the longer bus route.

Might be worth a call to the bus line to ask about coordinating your plan to put the freezer on the bus.

In Winnipeg we have a government-financed service called Handi-Transit which has cars and vans to transport registered handicapped people. Most are equipped with lift equipment and straps to secure cargo. Does your area have such a service?

I don't think that it will be a problem since all of the buses have wheel chair lifts and can also lift the seats. I was the only one on the bus back to where I live at 9:30 this morning. In the major shopping center (a large community of about 5,000 people) there are bus routes but from the community that I am living in, it is dial-a-ride.

The store that I went to had four 7 cubic ft freezers last week. They sold out fast. I can't order one through the store but I will contact the main office by e-mail.

[Canoerebel]

A couple of things I've been mulling:

1. JohnDillworth has been in the vortex, living and working in and around New York City. John, have you known people who contracted Covid and had serious issues? If so, were there underlying health issues?

2. It looks like major league baseball may not play this year (I haven't seen any reports on the minor leagues, but suspect they've already decided to cancel). Basketball's resumption seems tenuous. Training camps for college and pro football start in July. They may be in peril of disruption.

3. There's lots of news of increases here and there in the US, though to this point the increases seem to be in positive test results rather than mortality (but a time lag is involved between onset and mortality, so this may take some time). In my area, there have definitely been an increase in positives, but little if any increase in hospitalizations and none in mortality. Deaths are still at 15 in my county - unchanged for more than three weeks.

[fcooke]

The Baseball thing is annoying. A bunch of millionaires and billionaires arguing about money when the country would benefit from having its pastime back, well, just not very patriotic. At least the weather up here in the northeast is better and people can get out. And most people I know NEED to get out.

[Canoerebel]

The baseball economic model is probably too complex to solve right now, given the interplay between stadium occupancy, travel, television revenue, and lingering and increasing uncertainties about the virus. Even if baseball could figure out a way to balance decreases in revenue against payroll and related expenses, the possibility of a renewed outbreak shutting everything down again is a back-breaker. They'd restart if there was a way to figure things out, but they probably can't. Too many uncertainties in too complex a situation.