Coronavirus Tales

I believe 2 of my neighbors are Covid. At best.

We noticed a couple weeks into the quarantine strange looks from these neighbors for some of the precautions we were taking. Wiping down groceries, wearing masks as soon as we left the house, keeping at least 6 feet of distance whenever we talked to people, etc. We don't wipe groceries down anymore, but it definitely felt like we were being viewed as overly cautious.

Last weekend the neighbor right next door to us had a birthday party. There were probably 15 people there. No masks. People going into the house together, etc. Multiple households. The other neighbors from across the street were there. We weren't invited. We wouldn't have gone, but it's interesting that we've become the social pariahs because we believe Covid is a real thing and that serious precautions should be taken.

It amazes me how upset people are getting over other folks trying to protect them.

You don't wear a mask for you, you wear it for everyone else, so getting pissed at mask-wearers is being angry that they're trying to help you.

Malor wrote:

It amazes me how upset people are getting over other folks trying to protect them.

You don't wear a mask for you, you wear it for everyone else, so getting pissed at mask-wearers is being angry that they're trying to help you.

To an extent, I get it. I don't particularly like having to rely on everyone else for my safety for this, but it is what it is.

In light of the jump in infections and deaths, I’ve noticed that some of the conspiracy crowd at work are wearing masks now and have, for the time being stopped spouting ridiculous untruths about the pandemic.

Baby steps! On the other hand, I’ve noticed folks easing up on coronavirus measures, some people even not wearing masks (hey it’s Japan, that’s weird). This is in the middle of some cities having record daily counts. The government will need to take some kind of action or risk losing any semblance of control.

To be fair, for all I know a supervisor rounded them up and told them to back off on the political sh*t and wear the goddam masks that are provided to them by the company. I give it two weeks tops before they start back with the nonsense. In the meantime I’m going to enjoy this little respite.

lunchbox12682 wrote:
Malor wrote:

It amazes me how upset people are getting over other folks trying to protect them.

You don't wear a mask for you, you wear it for everyone else, so getting pissed at mask-wearers is being angry that they're trying to help you.

To an extent, I get it. I don't particularly like having to rely on everyone else for my safety for this, but it is what it is.

Hold on. You don’t like depending on others for your safety, so you understand being upset at the people that are trying, as opposed to being upset with the people that aren’t?

Chumpy_McChump wrote:
lunchbox12682 wrote:
Malor wrote:

It amazes me how upset people are getting over other folks trying to protect them.

You don't wear a mask for you, you wear it for everyone else, so getting pissed at mask-wearers is being angry that they're trying to help you.

To an extent, I get it. I don't particularly like having to rely on everyone else for my safety for this, but it is what it is.

Hold on. You don’t like depending on others for your safety, so you understand being upset at the people that are trying, as opposed to being upset with the people that aren’t?

Sorry, I butchered how I wrote that.
I was attempting to get at the feeling that it is frustrating to have to rely on others so much for your own (and your families) safety and health. Especially in a way that is so indirect, like with masks. There's levels of that cooperation that you (royal/general you) are used to and see the direct results of versus something so new (at least to many of us).
I can empathize with that feeling. But in the end, we adult up to do these things anyway, since that's how we get through this.

lunchbox12682 wrote:
Chumpy_McChump wrote:
lunchbox12682 wrote:
Malor wrote:

It amazes me how upset people are getting over other folks trying to protect them.

You don't wear a mask for you, you wear it for everyone else, so getting pissed at mask-wearers is being angry that they're trying to help you.

To an extent, I get it. I don't particularly like having to rely on everyone else for my safety for this, but it is what it is.

Hold on. You don’t like depending on others for your safety, so you understand being upset at the people that are trying, as opposed to being upset with the people that aren’t?

Sorry, I butchered how I wrote that.
I was attempting to get at the feeling that it is frustrating to have to rely on others so much for your own (and your families) safety and health. Especially in a way that is so indirect, like with masks. There's levels of that cooperation that you (royal/general you) are used to and see the direct results of versus something so new (at least to many of us).
I can empathize with that feeling. But in the end, we adult up to do these things anyway, since that's how we get through this.

If folks stopped to think about it briefly, it wouldn't be so odd. We depend on a vast chain of people for our safety at all times.

Every time we use an electrical appliance in the kitchen, we depend on engineers, factory workers, the electrician who did the wiring for our home, the people who made the wiring, the power station which sends our electricity, and so on. When we flip that switch it's literally a life and death thing dependent on every point in that chain to follow the rules and keep us safe.

The times when we aren't depending on someone else for our safety are the outliers by far. Some of our notions of independence are wacko IMO.

The thing that really amazes me is that cooperation is literally the basis for all human societies. It's built into our evolution (as it likely is for all social species). And yet we have a disease of thought that considers cooperation as weakness, abuse and exploitation.

We Americans really are too ignorant to do this the reasonable way. Churchill had a point.

Robear wrote:

The thing that really amazes me is that cooperation is literally the basis for all human societies. It's built into our evolution (as it likely is for all social species). And yet we have a disease of thought that considers cooperation as weakness, abuse and exploitation.

The folks ignoring scientific facts are cooperating... with the political ideology of the far right. I’m friends with a PoC who subscribes to the far right ideology. He’s a very intelligent guy who has fallen into one or more logic-traps, and has dug himself into the far right ideology so deeply that it will require a massive epiphany on his part for him to ever get out. He’s not at all close to reaching that epiphany.

lunchbox12682 wrote:
Chumpy_McChump wrote:
lunchbox12682 wrote:
Malor wrote:

It amazes me how upset people are getting over other folks trying to protect them.

You don't wear a mask for you, you wear it for everyone else, so getting pissed at mask-wearers is being angry that they're trying to help you.

To an extent, I get it. I don't particularly like having to rely on everyone else for my safety for this, but it is what it is.

Hold on. You don’t like depending on others for your safety, so you understand being upset at the people that are trying, as opposed to being upset with the people that aren’t?

Sorry, I butchered how I wrote that.
I was attempting to get at the feeling that it is frustrating to have to rely on others so much for your own (and your families) safety and health. Especially in a way that is so indirect, like with masks. There's levels of that cooperation that you (royal/general you) are used to and see the direct results of versus something so new (at least to many of us).
I can empathize with that feeling. But in the end, we adult up to do these things anyway, since that's how we get through this.

I understand now. Being upset with this whole *gestures vaguely* thing makes a lot of sense. But Malor wasn't talking about people being upset with having to wear masks; they were specifically talking about people who are upset with other people wearing masks. That's the part that doesn't make any sense.

Controversy starter: that's as crazy as being upset at who some stranger wants to marry!

Chumpy_McChump wrote:
lunchbox12682 wrote:
Chumpy_McChump wrote:
lunchbox12682 wrote:
Malor wrote:

It amazes me how upset people are getting over other folks trying to protect them.

You don't wear a mask for you, you wear it for everyone else, so getting pissed at mask-wearers is being angry that they're trying to help you.

To an extent, I get it. I don't particularly like having to rely on everyone else for my safety for this, but it is what it is.

Hold on. You don’t like depending on others for your safety, so you understand being upset at the people that are trying, as opposed to being upset with the people that aren’t?

Sorry, I butchered how I wrote that.
I was attempting to get at the feeling that it is frustrating to have to rely on others so much for your own (and your families) safety and health. Especially in a way that is so indirect, like with masks. There's levels of that cooperation that you (royal/general you) are used to and see the direct results of versus something so new (at least to many of us).
I can empathize with that feeling. But in the end, we adult up to do these things anyway, since that's how we get through this.

I understand now. Being upset with this whole *gestures vaguely* thing makes a lot of sense. But Malor wasn't talking about people being upset with having to wear masks; they were specifically talking about people who are upset with other people wearing masks. That's the part that doesn't make any sense.

Controversy starter: that's as crazy as being upset at who some stranger wants to marry! ;)

Ah, then I very much misread.
I can kind of see that view from the your action reflects on mine. But yeah, a little self reflection could go a long way for some people.

Rawk, they are *ideologically* cooperating with the idea of non-cooperation (I blame Rand), but that requires them to disdain *functionally* cooperating in a social setting. One notorious problem with preppers is that it's hard to get them to join together in a community, and even then, they tend to organize in opposition to the "sheeple" who are not prepping (but who could be very useful in a crisis).

Individualism has it's place, but worshipping it in the form of strong libertarianism is ultimately self-defeating, because we *all* depend on others for our everyday survival, as much as some don't want to admit it.

Robear wrote:

Individualism has it's place, but worshipping it in the form of strong libertarianism is ultimately self-defeating, because we *all* depend on others for our everyday survival, as much as some don't want to admit it.

I totally agree with this. I am currently having a very difficult time reconciling exactly how far-right leaning individuals can be convinced to stand in opposition to logic and reason. It’s a case of cognitive dissonance on my part that I’m trying to make sense of.

I actually do have a general understanding of how this kind of group think comes about. The use of cleverly misleading propaganda has created a false narrative that suggests to the majority group of white, privileged Americans that they are victims. The propaganda machine then repeats this narrative ad-infinitum through a system of media outlets which fuels a swirling sh*t storm of hurt feelings and victimhood... (and right about here is where I start to lose the thread)

The reason I start to lose the thread is because it hurts my brain. I can continue to reason out how... (and there it is again. some combination of exhaustion and disappointment makes it impossible for me to take the next step.)

Yeah. I’m exhausted. I’m disappointed. I do small things that I think help make the world a better place, but my efforts amount to such a tiny drop in a giant, mostly empty bucket. (that’s scarcity thinking on my part) At least that’s how it feels. I feel defeated.

RawkGWJ wrote:

I totally agree with this. I am currently having a very difficult time reconciling exactly how far-right leaning individuals can be convinced to stand in opposition to logic and reason. It’s a case of cognitive dissonance on my part that I’m trying to make sense of.

I can't remember where I read it, but it might be that *all* humans can be convinced to stand in opposition to logic and reason, because for most of our time as humans, it was better that all members of the group were united even if we were wrong occasionally.

Of course, that's back when we were in small groups incapable of, say, changing the global climate. What was advantageous then can be deadly now.

cheeze_pavilion wrote:
RawkGWJ wrote:

I totally agree with this. I am currently having a very difficult time reconciling exactly how far-right leaning individuals can be convinced to stand in opposition to logic and reason. It’s a case of cognitive dissonance on my part that I’m trying to make sense of.

I can't remember where I read it, but it might be that *all* humans can be convinced to stand in opposition to logic and reason, because for most of our time as humans, it was better that all members of the group were united even if we were wrong occasionally.

Of course, that's back when we were in small groups incapable of, say, changing the global climate. What was advantageous then can be deadly now.

Absolutely! There’s evidence that there was selective pressure upon humans that helped this trait to emerge.

Im really just in a bad place at the moment. I should take a break from reading news, but on the other hand, I really want to know what’s going on around me, even if it’s bad. The irony is that I don’t spend all that much time reading news, but the things I learn trouble me.

I’m sure that these are troubling times for everyone. I’m just at a low point. My mood will cycle back up in a few days or weeks.

RawkGWJ wrote:
cheeze_pavilion wrote:
RawkGWJ wrote:

I totally agree with this. I am currently having a very difficult time reconciling exactly how far-right leaning individuals can be convinced to stand in opposition to logic and reason. It’s a case of cognitive dissonance on my part that I’m trying to make sense of.

I can't remember where I read it, but it might be that *all* humans can be convinced to stand in opposition to logic and reason, because for most of our time as humans, it was better that all members of the group were united even if we were wrong occasionally.

Of course, that's back when we were in small groups incapable of, say, changing the global climate. What was advantageous then can be deadly now.

Absolutely! There’s evidence that there was selective pressure upon humans that helped this trait to emerge.

Im really just in a bad place at the moment. I should take a break from reading news, but on the other hand, I really want to know what’s going on around me, even if it’s bad. The irony is that I don’t spend all that much time reading news, but the things I learn trouble me.

I’m sure that these are troubling times for everyone. I’m just at a low point. My mood will cycle back up in a few days or weeks.

Oh yeah, that was a downer, wasn't it?

I should have added in that the reason--no pun intended--I'm optimistic is how much *good* has happened. How much better things have gotten. And that's with the same old humans--we didn't acquire that ability to stand in opposition to logic and reason recently. It's always been with us, so anything good about today that is better than yesterday happened despite that trait.

That's what keeps me going. And knowing that left-leaning individuals are capable of it too, but they still manage to be on the right side of history. So maybe logic and reason aren't as important as we've always been told they are. That trait is there, but good things have happened despite it, and good people (edit) still manage to be good.

I kinda hate watching people who I used to respect show their true colors. There are so many polarizing flashpoints right now and it's sad to see people I care about declare themselves conspiracy believers, anti-protest, racist, or "how dare you close my gym" virus-ignorers. And then there's a few "why not just let the at-risk people die" even when that includes their own sister who's living in a home. Callous much?

I feel like a downer lately, but it feels like I'm surrounded by so many who only care about themselves and can't be bothered to even consider others.

Anecdotal experience - mask mandates in an area actually seem to work. We took a short vacation to Smoky Mtn. National Park a couple of weeks ago, mostly because it seemed like a safe way to take a vacation (we had our own cabin and recreation was 100% outdoor activity in the park). We stayed in Wears Valley, which is halfway between Townsend, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN. While we were there, Pigeon Forge had a mask mandate (Sevier County order) and Townsend (Blount County) did not.

We made exactly two trips into Pigeon Forge, for gas and groceries. With a very small handful of exceptions, everyone was wearing a mask. The only ones I saw who didn't were 20-something guys. This honestly surprised me, as I was prepared for rural TN to be very much in the COVID deniers category.

We also made exactly two trips into Townsend for takeout. WAY more people not wearing masks. More what I expected.

My impression was without the mandate, people tended to pretend the pandemic didn't exist. With a mask order, signs on businesses, and the expectation there may have been a lot of "grumble grumble this is stupid" but people did it.

And on the flip side you have folks around here who wear a mask to get into a store that requires it and then remove them once inside. Infuriating.

So I'm posting this here and in the Discussion and Debates Coronavirus thread. I know opinions on the COVID-19 vaccines vary, but I wanted to let people know the option was available. What you do with it is up to you. Debate-y responses should go in the other forum.

You can now sign up to volunteer for phase 3 of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials at https://www.coronaviruspreventionnetwork.org/clinical-study-volunteer/

The site went live earlier this week. (Full disclosure, I work for the company that provides the platform for the screening registry.)

I won't get into the safety debate that's already taken place in the D&D forum thread regarding a new vaccine for a new disease. I will point out that there are multiple vaccines from multiple companies in different phases right now, and not all are at phase 3 yet. Also, in my completely uninformed opinion, I have serious questions about the long-term efficacy and frequency of boosters.

Lastly, you are providing your contact information as well as some personal health information to a entity funded by the federal government. The trials are governed by HIPAA rules. There is an informed consent form on the first page of the sign-up process that you should read, but if you usually skip over all that stuff, don't miss the following:

We have a Certificate of Confidentiality from the US government, to help protect your privacy. With the certificate, we do not have to release information about you to someone who is not connected to the study, such as the courts or police. Sometimes we can’t use the certificate. Since the US government funds this research, we cannot withhold information from it.

I went to buy some tofu for the go to crispy tofu, broccoli and rice meal but they were all out. Never thought tofu would be all gone. Now I'm forced to eat people.

Oh crap maybe I should have checked if they had meat before eating those people. Golly gee wiz I'm such a goof ball.

Really though is there a run on tofu now? Not a big deal just had my heart set on something.

Next time roast some crickets.

Baron Of Hell wrote:

I went to buy some tofu for the go to crispy tofu, broccoli and rice meal but they were all out. Never thought tofu would be all gone. Now I'm forced to eat people.

Oh crap maybe I should have checked if they had meat before eating those people. Golly gee wiz I'm such a goof ball.

Really though is there a run on tofu now? Not a big deal just had my heart set on something.

No idea if tofu has supply problems. I sure wouldn't think so because of all the US soybeans that farmers weren't able to sell to China thanks to that trade war thing. No idea how the soybean thing played out. There are always weird things cropping up as unavailable. I've been trying to get Diamond kosher salt from the store, and they're out. Trying not to order online because the box can get screwed up and leak.

Oh, and if you want to see some tofu porn in sadness that you can't find any, check out the Portland tofu place that's been here forever: https://www.otapdx.com/

Baron Of Hell wrote:

I went to buy some tofu for the go to crispy tofu, broccoli and rice meal but they were all out. Never thought tofu would be all gone. Now I'm forced to eat people.

Oh crap maybe I should have checked if they had meat before eating those people. Golly gee wiz I'm such a goof ball.

Really though is there a run on tofu now? Not a big deal just had my heart set on something.

Soylent Green took place in 2022. Was it prophetic?

kazar wrote:

Soylent Green took place in 2022. Was it prophetic?

Nobody was watching movies on their phones. I’d have to say no.

You know why Kosher salt became chef's salt? Because it's cheap, and it sticks well to meats, being a coarse grind intended to draw out moisture. Other than that, it's salt; plain salt that's been manufactured on rabbinically blessed equipment. Nothing special about it. (Well, it's not iodized... That could be a problem over time...).

Yeah, I've noticed that a lot of the "specialized" salts (coarse, stuff that emphasizes it's "sea salt", etc.) are not iodized which bugs me.