are you on the square? are you on the level? are you ready to swear right here, right now?

This comes from a Discord server for an SL business, on March 14th. Some information given is now out of date, I've tried to correct that where I can. But also due to being from Discord, I've anonymized names, because Discord is technically a private service. Also, because it's from Discord, not SL group chat, the naming conventions will be very different.

[8:40 AM] Qxxx: THE VOICES FORETOLD THIS EONS AGO!
[8:41 AM] Qxxx: ain't no god preventing this [s**t], yo!
[8:42 AM] Qxxx: stay away from me you freak! you too, you sicko!
[8:43 AM] Qxxx: You made them do it! It's fact! Fact? Fact this, you weirdo!
[8:44 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: #justaflubro

I know it's meant as a joke here, but I swear, any time someone says this or a variation of this, I just cringe.

[8:44 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: using this [jxxxx]
[8:44 AM] Qxxx: Not much cause mental decline like a pandemic... or any kind of apocalyptic scenario.... many feel apocalyptic panic now, so.. lol

Pretty much, yeah. And as we've seen, it doesn't seem to take much to panic a double truckload of folks, does it?

[8:47 AM] Lxxx Pxxx: DON'T PANIC (with the "don't" crossed out)

Variations on this concept already exist.

[8:47 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: "i don't mean to brag but, This is like the tenth end of the world i've survived"
[8:47 AM] Mxxxxxxx: "NO coughing"
[8:48 AM] Lxxx Pxxx: I survived the pandemic, and all I got was this crappy t-shirt
[8:49 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: thats more for a shirt not a wall XD
[8:49 AM] Lzzz Pzzz: Haha, true
[8:49 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: #blamegenZ is a good one tho lol
[8:50 AM] Lzzz Pzzz: And, of course, "OK, Boomer"
[8:51 AM] Mzz: lol
[8:57 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: xD
[9:04 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: wow even TP online is sold out or cant be delivered

Amazon emptied of all stock the first day that seclusion was announced, even.

[9:04 AM] Mzz: yep
[9:04 AM] Mzz: restocking in April
[9:04 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx:
[9:05 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: its cookoo
[9:08 AM] Txxx: That is friggin nutts
[9:08 AM] Txxx: So glad my daughter hid two 9 packs months ago so I bought another mega pack lol
[9:09 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i dont hvae a tp issue myself but some friends do lol
[9:09 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i do have a bread issue
[9:09 AM] Txxx: I have family that does

Most of the shortages, though not all, at least in the states, have resolved. It was strange to hear what was short state by state, though. Most states were gutted of paper goods, hand sanitizer, fresh meat, milk, butter--and ramenm of all things. Stores in my locality lacked the above (barring baked goods) for four days, but ramen stores were fine. Ironically, while no state seemed to have a run on fresh vegetables, I saw a lot of images of fully stocked vegan products (with the commensurate sneering about no one wants to eat them even during a pandemic)--by in my local stores? Maybe it's a measure of how heavily tilted we may be towards vegetarians, but most of the vegan/vegetarian foods were gutted as well.

[9:10 AM] Txxx: awwwwww I got two loaves yesterday, they are cheap bread but they are bread lol. That was honestly my last worry, my grandmother gave me a bread machine so I can make my own lol. I bought yeast like last month to start giving it a try on making it
[9:10 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: well that was my other option, getting breadmix
[9:10 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: but its sold out everywhere
[9:11 AM] Qxxx: i have a ton of TP... i always buy a 24 pack when i have 5 or so left... i had like 20 left and decided to buy a pack so now i have like 40+
[9:11 AM] Txxx: Seriously, people are off their rockers. I am down to one pack of meat. So I have to go when I get paid tomorrow and try to grab some things. But I finally found ramen noodles so the kids can live off of those.
[9:12 AM] Txxx: My fingers are crossed that these crazy folks back off and the stores get restocked quickly lol
[9:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i mean i get over here, when they impliment the same rules as italy that u cant go outside for like 2-3 weeks ( which they plan on doing tomorrow ) , that u want enough stuff for 2 weeks but ppl are buying stuff to last them 6 momths lol
[9:13 AM] Qxxx: i have 2 smallish freezers full of stuff... my parents have 3 huge freezers full so we dont need to worry for ages.... just restocked some dry stuff yesterday

We spend a few hours resenting our building's edict against chest freezers. Considering our freezer space in the refrigerator is about the size of two 1940's-style bread boxes side by side, we would have had no issues at all if we'd been able to have small chest freezer to store plan-ahead meal kits, meats, cheese, and whatever else. But no, they are disallowed, along with waterbeds, all sources of flame, and even medically prescribed cannabis. (I am not prescribed cannabis, I'm allergic, but it has come up in conversations with other residents.)

[9:15 AM] Txxx: My oldest son called me last night and said something about the state shutting down. I'm like they gave schools until the end of day on Wednesday to shut down so hopefully stores will wait until then. I am still fighting with my boss about the work schedule. I told her we shouldn't extend our hours. We should just keep normal hours and only do to-go orders
[9:15 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: where are you abouts ?
[9:15 AM] Txxx: Our business was cut in half this past weekend
[9:15 AM] Txxx: Alabama
[9:15 AM] Txxx: we went from zero to 1 case to now 22 and 2 confirmed near me. One in Alabama and one in Georgia

Unfortunately, I'm quite close to an epicenter of outbreak. Our first case was a whining elderly dowager who just could not believe she couldn't be released to go home from the Diamond Princess. I guess the quarantine officials tired of her noise and sent her on. So she was our first official case, diagnosed before she left (before anyone realized how bad this was going to get). Within a week we had at least one case in every county of the state; no one's entirely sure how it's tracing out, but the general impression is people coming down from a state harder hit, above us. And recently we went up from 24 cases total, in-state, to 114 cases total, in-state, and I expect it to spiral up from there.

[9:16 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: ahhhh ok , I havent been following the US situation that much , i just hear bits n bobs from ppl
[9:16 AM] Txxx: its just as crazy over here
[9:16 AM] Txxx: I assure you
[9:16 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: its all over the world now and not stopping
[9:16 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: my wedding.......
[9:16 AM] Txxx: I was out all week last week with the flu, well the kiddo had the flu and then I caught his cooties because well people are hoarders
[9:17 AM] Qxxx: a woman from my town has died... 6 total in the country.... 1000+ sick

We just hit five hundred deaths in the US.

[9:17 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: its so frustrating....come with a CURE finally!!

Still a year out for a vaccine, if that soon. A cure is going to take far longer, if it's ever found.

[9:17 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: well if u look at the stats it really is like a flu but its just i think more contagious and a tad more deadly

It's....not, though. I know a lot of leaders tried to downplay this around the world, by saying 'Hey, the flu is worse, don't worry!"...but that was pretty high up in the stupidsphere as an idea to comfort worried people. Because now a lot of them believe it. And because they've had the flu before, and it's been no big deal, then hey, everyone's just blowing this out of proportion, right?

Wrong. Does this sound like flu? In point of fact, the way the virus attacks cells is closer to how HIV is transmitted--it's not HIV, far from it, but both this strain of coronavirus and HIV target T-cells, one of the few cells in the body that have no natural defenses against intrusion, largely because there's so many other lines of defense to pass through before reaching them. But if there's a new virus who's able to slip by the usual defenders, and target T cells directly? Very very bad things happen. Which is what we're seeing.

And don't think drinking bleach or rubbing alcohol will eliminate the virus either. In fact, have an excellent list of myths about the virus, and ways to protect from the same. Please stay safe. Please keep up hand-washing protocols.

[9:17 AM] Txxx: awwwwwwwwwwwww [Exxxx] may you can have a nice summer wedding
[9:17 AM] Qxxx: yeah
[9:18 AM] Txxx: yeah the stats are pretty comparable.
[9:18 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: no not if this getting worse
[9:18 AM] Qxxx: far deadlier for the old ones

Yes, as the second video linked above points out, this strain of coronavirus is actually savagely inventive--by essentially 'hacking into' lung-tissue cells, and taking over the mini-factories producing cell components, rewiring them to pump out more virus particles--our own antibodies go on alert and attack the danger in the body--which is part of our body. It doesn't kill the virus in us, but it does a slam bang job of killing our lung cells. Which can, and has, left people with permanent breathing impairments. Joy.

[9:18 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: [Exxxx] was planning on getting married in the US, the travel agency doesnt kow what will happen to the flights etc , the whole family booked including me xD
[9:18 AM] Txxx: Only this one kills more older folks and the flu has killed more kids

Yeah, again...no. This strain of coronavirus has a good chance to kill everyone. We have deaths of elderly people, yes. We've also had 12-year-olds struggling to breathe on ventilators in hospitals. And the population of 24-to-40-year-olds who think they're immune aren't either; we're seeing them hit hospitals in full respiratory distress.

NO one is safe from this. Please keep that in mind.

[9:18 AM] Txxx: oh goodness
[9:18 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: its a [s**t] show
[9:18 AM] Txxx: I can imagine it is
[9:18 AM] Qxxx: we shall wed you online at [the store] if we have to!!!
[9:18 AM] Txxx: Thats why I am arguing with my boss
[9:18 AM] Txxx: I make the schedule
[9:19 AM] Txxx: So I have been dragging my feet on the schedule lol
[9:19 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: no Q!! thats not the same
[9:19 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: cant wear my dress lol
[9:19 AM] Txxx: Yeah totally not the same she needs that dress dang it
[9:19 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: shes already partnered to her partner inworld
[9:19 AM] Qxxx: you can wear it... just make it in mesh too
[9:20 AM] Txxx: An SL wedding can not replace an RL wedding sadly
[9:20 AM] Txxx: My son said Canada seems to have the best handle on it so far
[9:21 AM] Txxx: So hopefully someone will come up with a cure or vaccine.
[9:21 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: Or people's common sense will kick in

In point of fact, we need both--common sense, that ounce of prevention everyone's supposed to have, and a working vaccine. Chances are good, though, we'll have neither.

[9:21 AM] Txxx: Pfft I am surrounded by army wives
[9:21 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i dont get why ppl are buying so much to last them months
[9:22 AM] Txxx: These people have no common sense
[9:22 AM] Txxx: they are bitching about Disney shutting down

Sure, why not? Because nothing should shut down if it's just the flu, right? There are reasons these precautions have been taken. Disney has recognized this. Most bars and restaurants have recognized this. The CDC knows this full well. GameStop seems a little lost, but hey, let's hope some public shunning works in their case too.

[9:22 AM] Txxx: Yet they are hoarding like a mofo
[9:22 AM] Txxx: Because they think its the end of the world
[9:23 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: Shop for 2 weeks is not shopping for 2 centuries
[9:23 AM] Txxx: Right, I mean I typically shop for a month at a time because of the way I get paid
[9:23 AM] Txxx: and work

Sure, that makes sense. We were caught somewhat unprepared, as we've grown accustomed to shopping for small amounts every two or three days, but we're slowly adjusting.

[9:24 AM] Txxx: I just got a deep freezer so I am gonna make sure the kids have tons to eat while I am working.
[9:24 AM] Mxxxxxxx: You should make the sturdy shelter that people will survive the virus outbreak, and then a dummy shelter made entirely of tp where people inside surely did not make it.
[9:24 AM] Txxx: Not a year supply but enough for the three weeks they are stuck here
[9:25 AM] Txxx: at home
[9:25 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i just got my food delivery , dude staying a kilometer away from me "can u grab ur [s**t] out the fridgebox yourself" lol theyre not allowed to get close to ppl
[9:25 AM] Mxx: lol
[9:25 AM] Mxx: i mean it's smart.
[9:25 AM] Mxx: but
[9:25 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: #blamechina

Don't blame China. This could have happened anywhere live animals are being kept close to dead ones.

[9:26 AM] Txxx: Yeah here everyone is wearing gloves and stuff
[9:26 AM] Mxx: it's just so silly looking/sounding
[9:26 AM] Mxx: yeah but see
[9:26 AM] Mxx: if you still touch your face
[9:26 AM] Mxx: gloves don't do [s**t].

Now, in M's defense, they're not wrong, per se. Gloves can help, but only if we treat them as the thin protective layer they are. Touch an uncleansed surface, then touch our faces, the glove is now a carrier of whatever was on the surface to us. Treat them as a thin protective layer, and change when we touch our face or hair, or when we touch uncleansed surfaces, and then change gloves, and they'll continue to lower the chances of transmission.

[9:26 AM] Txxx: Righttttttttttttt
[9:26 AM] Txxx: But I work with food
[9:26 AM] Mxx: it's droplet based
[9:26 AM] Txxx: Soooooooooo
[9:26 AM] Mxx: so mucus membranes... lol

Exactly.

[9:26 AM] Txxx: I am constantly yelling at people to change their gloves
[9:26 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: i am staying inside for the first 3 weeks!!!!
[9:26 AM] Txxx: Because for some reason I am the only food safety certified person besides the owner
[9:27 AM] Txxx: The others are afraid to take the class
[9:27 AM] Txxx: So I just get to call them idiots
[9:27 AM] Txxx: and tell them how to properly handle stuff.
[9:28 AM] Txxx: So I am used to the whole wash your hands, don't touch your face, cover your cough, wash your hands after covering your cough
[9:28 AM] Txxx: and for the love of god wash your hair lol
[9:28 AM] Txxx: Hair holds the most germs
[9:28 AM] Txxx:
[9:30 AM] Txxx: I want to [Exxxx], I really want to just stay home with my kids. I was hoping since we are a little restaurant in the middle of no where that we would close. But she seems to think because people are hitting up steak houses and clubs that her little cafe is gonna see business.

Depending on where this cafe owner is, this is either a terrible idea, or a psychotically terrible idea, and either way, she'll likely recieve official state/government/province orders to shut down.

[9:33 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: here in belgium all the restaurants have to be closed, police are checking constantly
[9:34 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: but in europe i think its worse then in the US
[9:35 AM] Txxx: If cases move any closer to us they may. I know a lot of states are limiting hours of operation and making them cut their typical capacity in half . Fast Food places have closed their dining areas and only have the drive thru opened
[9:36 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: i feel like i am in a movie...
[9:36 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx:
[9:36 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: worldwar z and stuff....i hope the end credits come soon

I don't! I don't want the end credits to my movie for a long time, thanks anyway!

[9:37 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: Banks here have stopped doing lobby service, just drive through
[9:37 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: And closed branches at the collages
[9:38 AM] Txxx: Yeah colleges have closed and banks here are closing the lobbies which I don't blame them
[9:38 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx:
[9:38 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: -dead
[9:39 AM] Txxx: It is hard to believe all this started because folks eat some weird [s**t].

That's not why all this started.

[9:40 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: that is so going on the wall
[9:42 AM] Txxx: lol
[9:44 AM] Txxx: I can't wait to see this dang wall
[9:44 AM] Txxx: I have a feeling it will be sooooooooooooo awesome
[9:49 AM] Qxxx: bats are delicious.... not.... ewww ... why do peole eat weird [s**t]
[9:49 AM] Qxxx:
[9:51 AM] Txxx: Idk I'm sure some of the stuff we eat is weird to others
[9:52 AM] Txxx: Like asparagus
[9:52 AM] Txxx: Okay that's not exactly bat weird
[9:58 AM] Qxxx: i love that
[10:10 AM] Txxx: All the crap Americans deep fry is weird to me and I live here lol

Be fair, the American midwest invented deep-fried butter. As a nation we cannot be trusted with hot oil.

[10:12 AM] Moon: I knew I should have hoarded those twinkies
[10:12 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: zombieland
[10:12 AM] Mxxx: Lol
[10:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx:
[10:13 AM] Mxxx: Hahaha
[10:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: going on the wall
[10:13 AM] Mxxx: Woot!
[10:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: im gonne run out of wall space lol
[10:14 AM] Mxxx: Ikr lol
[10:15 AM] Txxx: You will need a bigger wall lol
[10:16 AM] Txxx: I wonder if the stores still have chips
[10:16 AM] Txxx: I need chips to go with my pb&j

At least where I am, snack foods didn't undergo the shelf-stripping that other foods did. Not sure why, and really, have no idea if it was different in other places.

[10:16 AM] Txxx: Also just had a work conference call and we may shut down for two weeks or close our lobby
[10:19 AM] Qxxx: you know those extreme couponing hoarders? I bet some of them will be robbed during this hysteria
[10:20 AM] Qxxx:
[10:20 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: i made a spot for wall art but yeah...maybe too small for all of this
[10:21 AM] Qxxx:
[10:23 AM] Exxxx Sxxxxx: i thought i made it big enough well [jxxxx] can do wonders with textures so...im not worried
[10:27 AM] Qxxx:
[10:30 AM] Qxxx:
[11:04 AM] Mxx:
[11:09 AM] Txxx: yall the pollen count is insane here right now. I cleared my throat as I got out of my car at the store and this woman looked me all crazy and ran to the door before me but then blocked me from going in until her husband came out.
[11:10 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i think i have corona, i'm coughing my lungs out
[11:11 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: im not kidding ...
[11:11 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: been coughing all day none stop

That's not a good sign, especially now. But I am hoping the best for him.

[11:11 AM] Txxx: Nooooooooooo, hopefully its just a cold. Though if you have healthy lungs you should be able to kick its butt as long as you stay hydrated and monitor your tempurture
[11:12 AM] Txxx: They gave me pills to relax my junk so I don't get the urge to cough because of the flu and my allergies
[11:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: if i die , [store] dies with it
[11:13 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: idk i got some cough syrup today from the pharmacy
[11:13 AM] Txxx: You can't die, you won't die. You will live forever, or at least another 50 years
[11:14 AM] Txxx: Its such an awkward time for this corona crap. Because Flu season is still active and now allergy season in some places.

Yeah, that's going to cause minor panics, I'm sure. The arrival of heavy pollen + the actual flu season winding down + COVID-19? It is a fervid, toxic stew of badly-timed confluences.

[11:15 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: i know im sure i just have a mild bronchite or something
[11:15 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: no fever etc
[11:15 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: just coughin'

Once it's fully set in, to the point that breathing becomes difficult, yes, there is always fever, as far as I understand.

[11:18 AM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: If it is a tickle any hard candy helps sooth that. Will burn a candle for you [Jxxxx]
[11:22 AM] Txxx: Regardless coughs suck big time
[11:23 AM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: suckin on ricola candies
[11:24 AM] Mxx: Flu is hitting our region HARD and pollen has started dropping so it's REALLY awkward for a lot of folks here.

I bet. Lots of dagger glances and shocked inhales.

[11:24 AM] Mxx: it doesn't help that you have idiots that go out in public with zero consideration for others and just cough and spit everywhere uncovered.

Because no matter what we do, the foolish people remain foolish.

[11:26 AM] Mxx: we had 1 confirmed case in our county last week, who was told to "self isolate" and now we have 3, and who knows how many more who either aren't going to the doctor or aren't getting tested.
[11:27 AM] Mxx: someone had said that a healthcare professional they spoke with is suspicious that the COVID-19 was the mystery virus that ran through our area last fall that kept testing negative for all flu tests but had the same symptoms.
[11:27 AM] Mxx: So it's likely been in the states long before now... it's just spreading

That is really interesting. If so, then it's never been the "China virus", it's just been a coronavirus mutation. And could have started anywhere.

[11:33 AM] Txxx: Mai it sounds like you are near me lmao
[11:33 AM] Txxx: as far as the pollen
[11:34 AM] Txxx: Heck we had nooooo cases in my state last week
[11:34 AM] Txxx: friday we had one and as of last night we had 22

From the vectors I've been watching, that seems to be how it goes. This is something that spreads exponentially. It's not one infected to two, to three, and so on, it's one infected, to two, to eight, to sixteen, and so on.

[11:35 AM] Txxx: Yeah I am wondering if this has been going around far longer. There was an older lady who passed away a few weeks ago from an Asthma attack. But she had had a cough since late December and they couldn't find anything wrong with her
[11:35 AM] Mxx: I just find it funny it's correlating right along with another flu run.
[11:36 AM] Mxx: I think it's definitely connected since they are basically the same family of virus.
[11:36 AM] Txxx: I had something in the fall that kept me coughing with a slightly sore throat
[11:36 AM] Mxx: yep, I also had it
[11:36 AM] Txxx: and they swapped me for strep
[11:36 AM] Mxx: and got labeled as "mystery respiratory infection"

To be fair, there are other strains of flu, and viruses in general, that hit the lungs. Like knees, lungs are not a sturdy design feature.

[11:36 AM] Txxx: and it was negative
[11:37 AM] Txxx: and then I got labeled as a mystery strain of infection
[11:37 AM] Txxx: Nothing helped me get better just rest
[11:37 AM] Txxx: and finally my symptoms went away
[11:37 AM] Txxx: Meds seemed to make it worse as far as them trying to treat it with anti virals and antibiotics
[11:38 AM] Txxx: they were at a loss, it was so bad I went to see about having my tonsils taken out to see if it would reduce my issues
[11:39 AM] Mxx: yeah rest and clear fluids was the only thing that helped... that and some MAJOR sudafed stuff that I had hoarded away... heh
[11:42 AM] Txxx: lol
[11:42 AM] Txxx: im trying to figure out why West Virginia hasn't had a case

There's twenty cases as of this moment, so whatever protections West Virginia had, they don't now.

[11:54 AM] Mxx:
[11:55 AM] Mxx: I could say something but I wouldn't want to offend anyone from the W.Va area
[11:55 AM] Mxx: lol
[11:55 AM] Mal: or were you making the joke, just not as obvious as I was, [@Txxx]
[11:56 AM] Txxx: Oh I probably know where your head is at on that one, I have been giving my friends there a hard time about all the Blue People in the hills
[11:57 AM] Mxx: hahaha
[11:57 AM] Txxx: Mean I knowwwwwwwwwwwww and its not to offend anyone but they admit that there are creepy things going on there. They have all made the joke themselves too.
[11:57 AM] Mxx: i mean sudafed DOES contain a key element for making meth
[11:57 AM] Txxx: haha there is that too
[11:58 AM] Txxx: But Alabama wasn't safe and we have tons of those too
[11:58 AM] Txxx: Just more spread out
[11:58 AM] Mxx: pff Louisiana isn't much better.

Loisiana is very hard hit now. It's becoming another epicenter of mass infection, like New York and Washington.

[11:58 AM] Txxx: oh i know
[11:58 AM] Txxx: I was there a few winters ago
[11:58 AM] Mxx: although we have an influx of more cannabis heads now than previously
[11:58 AM] Txxx: when it snowed in December and then again in January
[11:58 AM] Mxx: so meth has seen a downturn I think
[11:58 AM] Mxx: oh yeah
[11:58 AM] Mxx: that was fun
[11:58 AM] Mxx: lol
[11:59 AM] Txxx: I was stuck there because I was testifying in a trial
[11:59 AM] Txxx: lol
[11:59 AM] Txxx: So I couldn't even come back home for my appointments I had to stay my butt there. They did let me go down to NOLA for the weekend though
[11:59 AM] Txxx: and damn it smelled awful
[12:01 PM] Mxx: hahahaha
[12:01 PM] Mxx: you get used to it (if you drink enough)
[12:01 PM] Txxx: haha
[12:01 PM] Mxx: I don't live in NOLA tho
[12:01 PM] Mxx: you couldn't pay me to
[12:01 PM] Mxx: the traffic and tourists would kill me.
[12:01 PM] Txxx: Yeah that is one place I couldn't live
[12:01 PM] Qxxx: 1119 Swedes now infected

That's fairly grim, too.

[12:02 PM] Txxx: I love it down there it is pretty to look at
[12:02 PM] Mxx: Q I'm ignorant on Sweden's population...
[12:02 PM] Txxx: I was staying Baton Rouge
[12:02 PM] Txxx: and my ass got lost trying to find a restaurant right off of LSU's campus
[12:02 PM] Txxx: and had all my Auburn stickers on my car and ended up on campus
[12:03 PM] Txxx: I was yelling at my son who was 16 at the time that we needed to abort mission
[12:03 PM] Txxx: lol
[12:03 PM] Qxxx: 7 dead now
[12:04 PM] Qxxx: we're just above 10 million
[12:04 PM] Mxx: just looked it up lol
[12:29 PM] Qxxx: this virus is a big virus... there's 2 types of virus, one kind have no shield around the center and the other has a shield around the center.... corona has a shield... this is a good thing. It makes it easier to kill with soap, so wash your hands a lot.... also, it is heavy.... if you stay 6+ feet from people, you are less likely to get infected... touching contaminated areas is not good, so wash wash wash.... but it is not an airborne virus really, it falls to the ground pretty fast since it is so big
[5:01 PM] Mxxxxxxx: I think you guys broke Discord earlier.
[5:02 PM] Cxxxxxxxx Bx Ixxxxx Fxxxxxx: Oh?
[5:34 PM] Txxx: i have that effect on discord
[5:34 PM] Txxx: lol
[8:59 PM] Qxxx: I am so bored .... SL doesn't want to work on this laptop today for some reason, all the corona aaaall over TV nonstop, and 5am so can't really do anything at all... gah
[9:00 PM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: Play some steam games
[9:00 PM] Jxxxx hxxxxxxx: I’m off back to bed
[9:00 PM] Qxxx: i would.... my connection keeps dropping though
[9:00 PM] Qxxx: sweet dreams
[11:13 PM] Qxxx:

And there we end. Stay safe, everyone.

stop your cryin', hold on tonight

Let me tell you about the event, A Fighting Chance. Or, rather, let me tell you what the creator in crisis said about it:

6 weeks ago I took one of the biggest steps of my life and filed a domestic violence restraining order against the father of my child. He was removed from our home and my child and I started rebuilding our lives. Since that removal, my now-ex has harassed me repeatedly and is retaliating by trying to take my child away because I finally filed for permanent, full custody.

Unfortunately, at this time, I do not qualify for assistance from Legal Aid.

I have contacted my local bar association and found an attorney willing to take on my case at a significantly reduced cost — nearly close to pro bono. However, I still cannot afford this vital assistance. I’ve reached out to shelters, local charities, and the Domestic Violence Resource Center in the hopes of being put in touch with a lawyer willing to help me free of charge and was unsuccessful. My only choice at this point is to pay to defend my custody petition if I want to ensure my son stays safe with me.

My prospective lawyer has given me a quote of $1800-$1900 for a custody case billed out at his reduced rate, to be paid as a retainer. They do not anticipate it costing more than this and if so, once the retainer is depleted, they will work with me on a payment plan suitable to my SSDI payments. They require the retainer upfront.

My child’s father has an attorney and they have mailed me their response to the custody petition I filed. My prospective attorney will begin work on the custody case ASAP, once his retainer fee has been satisfied. Currently there is no hearing set yet, but that can change rather suddenly and without notice.

I am scared. My 12 y/o child who is autistic is also terrified.

We need help--your help.

Now, I can say the creator behind Funky Junk (and that link goes to her Marketplace, because before all this went down, she'd closed the in-world store to move to a new sim) is not only a really talented builder of skyboxen, cottages, and other structures, but is also generous beyond belief--several of her very detailed builds I've bought on Fifty Linden Friday rounds, and she could easily charge six times the cost I paid for those homes, without raising an eyebrow on anyone. She's also a genuinely kind person, and is devoted to making sure her customers are satisfied with any purchase. Which makes this all the more horrifying, and it starts out fairly horrifying.

Hence, "A Fighting Chance", the charity event. Port in, and you can give to a direct kiosk, or peruse the offerings of other creators in support of her efforts. Or, you can choose to go to her Gofundme page, where she's desperately trying to generate funds to hire a lawyer.

It is a sad fact of reality that many of these cases result in the abusers trying to seize the children from the parent, because they know that will hurt them most. And most of these cases succeed, especially if said parent was a stay-at-home one, and, when they left the main wage earner of the family, can be logistically portrayed as having no visible means of support. It's awful, it's deeply wrong, and it's sadly commonplace.

I would ask you to give what you can. And I wish her all the best. I hope she and her son get through this, safe, together, and not homeless.

there's just one kind favor I'll ask of you, you can see that my grave is kept clean

The conversation was about toilet paper...

[20:41] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i bought my normal supply people can be stupid
[20:41] Nxxxxx Lxxxxxxxx: Limit one per customer!

Now, there are limits in most places, yes. Precisely because of this behavior.

[20:41] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: worldwide scarcity
[20:42] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: sighs
[20:42] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: only think i bought more than n9ormal was cat treat

Not that surprising, actually. Just as overbuying things can make scared people feel like they're in control of something, ANYTHING, overtreating pets can also help. The whole "I can't do anything for me, but I can make sure the furkid knows they're loved".

[20:42] Exxxxx Sxxxx: Stores have plenty actually,.... let the first days pass and there will be plenty.. because... it doesnt get discontinued
[20:42] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: they rumor being discontinued the flavor and type
[20:42] Exxxx Sxxxx: no basics have been discontinued

Right. Think of it this way--anything produced in the states, and still capable of being driven around, we'll have. Anything internationally produced, that is unloaded on the docks and then driven around, we'll have. Anything we can't get through careful trade or produce on our own, we won't have, but that doesn't mean people will necessarily starve. (Who...weren't already starving due to income or lack thereof.)

[20:43] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: right warehouses are full just getting out to stores
[20:43] Sxxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: It's been out of stock here for a couple of weeks.
[20:43] lxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: my rl sister hasnt had any for over 4 days
[20:43] lxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: she is so pissed

Not surprising. Honestly, when all this first hit, the shelves were empty of paper goods in less than 24 hours where I live. We didn't want to stock up; we just wanted household things we needed. It took four days to finally find a store that got some in, and we had been contemplating ordering a case from Amazon. (Not because we wanted a case, but because all the listings we found were for one or more cases. Of course, the irony there is people emptied Amazon's supplies in about a day, too.)

[20:43] Exxxxx Sxxxx: nah, not out stock, its juts people went nuts first thing in the day
[20:43] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i bought normal replacement supply week before people went nut
[20:43] Txxxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: The only issue is that with states closing down (again, the USA) is that some truckers are being sent back. They aren't allowing them in.

Unless I'm wrong, no state has completely closed their borders to other states. Now, this may happen, we just don't know. But right now? I think all the roads are still open, just heavily discouraged to be on unless there's serious cause--ambulances, fire trucks, shipping of basic goods or medical supplies.

[20:43] Sxxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: (No pun intended, [Exxxxx]?)
[20:44] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: that is stupid now
[20:44] mxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: there was no ramen. RAMEN *dies*
[20:45] jxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i went to buy flour and sugar and the shelves were empty
[20:45] Exxxxx Sxxxx: i talk from experience in other country,.. people freak out bc is the only thing they can do to have a false feeling of control

As I mentioned above. But my, goodness. That would be unnerving, a store not having dehydrated noodles. I mean, it's the absolute bottom of the barrel for nutrition, but...it's cheap, it stores well, and it's ubiquitous. Not finding any would make me panic a little.

[20:45] jxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no bread
[20:45] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: most places have limits on the essentials now, thank god
[20:45] Txxxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: We were completely out of milk, veggies, toilet paper, diaper wipes, meat..most of the pasta. But lots and lots of cheese.

Which is also confusing. Why was the cheese left alone? In my neck of the woods the cheese left too, along with all paper goods, canned everything, and every scrap of fresh meat. But all the tasty veggies were heaped in bins!

[20:45] jxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the places here didn't put up limits til they couldn't keep up with demand
[20:45] Exxxxx Sxxxx: we never had lack of any basic,.. you wont have Oreo, but we always had bread, milk, fruits, fish...
[20:45] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: went to local walmart got everythnng but hambergutr meat
[20:45] Pxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the media drove a lot of that by reporting the shelves were bare so people got worried so grabbed some when they saw it and soon enough the shelves actually were empty and the shortage is self perpetuating
[20:46] Pxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: that will change once panic buyers fill their basement with tp
[20:46] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: *shrugs* a lot of places are doing the 2 per person on essentials now
[20:47] Exxxxx Sxxxx: yeah... give it a week
[20:47] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: ANNNDDDDD a lot of places are putting up "no returns on sanitiser, TP, etc., etc."
[20:47] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: so stop panic buying, y'all
[20:47] Exxxxx Sxxxx: well there are no returns on anything atm

I'm seeing that, too. I think it's largely because they just don't have the resources to process returns. Every hour of manpower for the most part is going into unpacking truck deliveries and restocking shelves. At least in the states.

[20:48] Exxxxx Sxxxx: they dont even sell clothes so you donthave to return sizes, for healh reasons
[20:48] Pxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: imagines someopne returning TYP claiming its the wrong size

Some of these prohibitions against returns are still in place. I don't necessarily think it's a bad idea, but it does mean that when we make a purchase, we'd better really need whatever it is, because we most likely cannot return it.

[20:48] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: [Exxxxx], are in the USA?
[20:48] Exxxxx Sxxxx: nop
[20:48] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: People just went nuts what are they going to do when the TP runs out.... maybe omg use a wash cloth and rinse it out...what do you think they did in other centuries before Toilet paper lol
[20:48] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: then totally diff over here
[20:48] Exxxxx Sxxxx: if you say so....
[20:49] Exxxxx Sxxxx: i speak from the future
[20:49] Cxxxxx Sxxxxx: it's a lil different over here on some aspects
[20:49] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i bought washclothes looks inncoent
[20:49] Exxxxx Sxxxx: we were there before
[20:49] Sxxxxxxx Sxxxxxxxx: thankfully I wont run out of anything, tp is made in the state I live in, plently of milk farms, got a bread factory here, meat farms, etc

You're placed really well, then. Most of us, me included, live in places far from farms. Though I do know that in my area, vegetables will remain fairly plentiful (even if we're cut off for whatever reason), plus certain types of flour, and we can make our own bread if we need to. There are chickens, and I believe there's a couple of small hobby-level rabbit farms.

[20:49] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i was in needs of them
[20:49] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: what's funny to me is that anyone hoarding toilet paper because they think it's the end of the world is not going to survive the actual end of the world. lol
[20:49] txxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: a bidet!
[20:50] Exxxxx Sxxxx: its fear purchase, lack of control purchase

Absolutely. When people took the time to step back, and breathe a bit, they realized they didn't have to overbuy. It wasn't the apocalypse, it was just unprecedented.

[20:50] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: it's like people were going crazy when stores ran out of water just before a hurricane.....erm....how about tap water?
[20:50] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxxx: mmm
[20:50] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: people can drown in a glass of water ya know
[20:50] Exxxxx Sxxxx: they see the neighbor do it, and they feel better doing it
[20:51] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: I read today that tampons were being hoarded

That's...irritating, if true.

[20:51] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i love our water and during natural dissaters may not have taps
[20:51] Txxxxxxxx Fxxxxxxxx: i would say use some rolled up tp but sighs
[20:51] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: well how ever things turn out in our world I do hope they can find a cure or a way to stop the spread of this horrible virus.

Even if we are extremely lucky, and there are miraculous breakthroughs, we're still a year out from a working cure. And considering what we know about coronaviruses, because of what they latch onto in the body, there will probably never be a cure.

[20:52] jxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Water won't stop flowing because of a virus. Now, if someone bombs your water treatment facility, that's another matter.
[20:52] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: newspapers too
[20:52] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i heard the Aussie authorities were worried about water and electric power because....what if the workers get sick?

It's a concern, yes. However, it's a chill sort of comfort to know that the breakdown of basic functions in any country--water, power, heat or cooling, garbage pickup, street lights--will only happen when there are so few healthy workers left to operate the power, water and waste treatment plants. Trust me, we want to stop that before there are fewer than a dozen people left in every state.

[20:53] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: I read on reddit the other day that they have workers that go on lockdown for 30 days
[20:53] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: and they are paid 24/7 for the 30 days
[20:54] jxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: <---marked aids="" airborne="" from="" i="" safe="">

AIDS...is not...airborne. What?

[20:54] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: and the ppl that have trucks park at home then go on calls from home
[20:54] Exxxxx Sxxxx: there are several countries in lock down, predicted longer than 20 days
[20:54] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: anyone in the usa whose local cvs doesn't have toilet paper should just buy a snickers. the 25 mile long receipt they give you will work in a pinch.
[20:54] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: haha
[20:54] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: here they are taking turns
[20:54] sxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol
[20:54] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: minimal personnel...1 team out to work at a time, not all the workers
[20:55] txxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: doing only essential repairs if something fails, but no updating or upgrades like they were doing
[20:55] Exxxxx Sxxxx: well of course, here we keep the basics going, the rest have to work from home if they can
[20:55] Exxxxx Sxxxx: and still there are people that got fines for going on holiday to their beach house

Sure. Non-essential traveling. Now, I don't know what other countries are doing as specifically as I do locally, but I do know that some states, including mine, have now instituted fines for moving around if:

• they are closer than six feet to another person;
• they are shopping in a store in a time earmarked for senior citizens (if they aren't elderly) or for care workers (if they aren't medical workers);
• they are the owner of a bar, restaurant, fast-food franchise, outdoor or indoor market or mall, or church, and they keep that business open so people can congregate;
• and in some cities, attempt to leave the city without having an approved reason.

[20:55] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: today I saw workers working on traffic lighes in several locations
[20:55] Exxxxx Sxxxx: idiots
[20:56] Gxxxx Axxxxxxxx: maybe cause there's less traffic? Maybe. It's a decent working theory, at least--get to repairs now, because road, light, power line repairs generally space people away from each other anyway, and with less traffic, it's easier just to get the repairs done. Makes a lot of sense, actually.

Hang in there. It's only going to go downhill from here.

going anywhere has got to be heaven tonight, 'cause staying here has got to be hell

(Keep in mind I captured this about a week ago, fully intending to edit and put it up the same day. Things have changed, but I still feel there's some value to what's said here.)

And now, for something completely different.

[20:09] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I am on my way to the grocery! Hopefully I will remember everything this time!
[20:09] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol Yes [Wxxxxxxxx]...
[20:09] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: *nods
[20:09] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: good luck :) I go tomorrow morning
[20:09] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Take Care [Dxxxxx]! :3
[20:09] Yxx Axxx: case of tp and bleach
[20:10] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: soap!
[20:10] Yxx Axxx: 3 mos of critter food
[20:10] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: or stuff to make soap lol

It is possible to make soap at home. I've done it. Friends have done it. For a while, along with a family member we had a very small soap business, even, and I was quite proud of our caffeine soap. (Exfoliating from the coffee grounds, and coffee and guarana added to the mix, plus--it floated in water! I loved that stuff.)

Granted, I never made enough to get good at it, but it can be done. The trick is the lye mixture that makes the oil mixture soap. Here's a pretty good article on why that's important. From there, you can make her olive-and-coconut oil listed at the bottom of the entry; this recipe's pretty basic, too. A good basic liquid soap I know is this, which uses no lye (it uses potassium hydroxide flakes instead, a slightly stabler form, also available via Amazon). This is a good coconut-oil-based one. If you'd rather work with soap bases (goat's milk base you can buy at a lot of hobby shops, and on Amazon), this is a pretty easy, basic one. If you like shea butter soaps better, then try this one out.

If you've made soap before, you can scale things up a bit with an activated charcoal soap--it's a little more involved, but again, in a pinch all the ingredients can be bought at health food stores or on Amazon.

And for what it's worth, the simplest hand sanitizer recipe I know isn't exactly functional, but it does work--mix 3 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 part aloe vera gel. Toss in scent or color if you want, but those two ingredients are the only essential ones. Be warned: the aloe will make the end product feel sticky; it's sort of unavoidable in home formulas. If you want to get past that, try this recipe (keeping in mind to not let your pets lick your hands; tea tree oil is incredibly toxic for cats), or if you prefer using witch hazel to alcohol, try this one and swapping out alcohol for the witch hazel (keeping in mind that it's the alcohol that actually sanitizes, witch hazel will not have the same effect, but is gentler on the skin).

[[Insert from the Editrix: While you can still hit the links and see how to DIY these things, I would inform that it's **REALLY** important to make sure that whatever is used in the hand sanitizer, it **NEEDS** to be 60% alcohol or higher. However, in the intervening time, Tito's Vodka has pledged to convert part of their manufacturing line to making hand sanitizer, and a few other liquor companies are going along. I'll get how-to-buy instructions up when they've released the first batches.]]

[20:10] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: all this craziness lately gives new definition to March Madness
[20:11] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: true...
[20:11] Yxx Axxx: no sports will be interesting on male ego

And some female egos; I know a lot of female sports fans, too.

[20:11] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: awe or whoever like sports I guess...
[20:11] Yxx Axxx: now they can do the honey do lists lol
[20:11] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: poor sports fans
[20:11] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: They will be ok :3
[20:12] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: They can play wii sports or whatever lol
[20:13] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: our local news station played the weather 3 times in a half hour! This is strange not having a sports report
[20:13] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I'm sure there will be lots of video and online games played
[20:13] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oh yeah that's true, no sports means no sports news
[20:14] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: even our local racetrack ran races with no spectators this weekend, but yet they kept the casino open
[20:14] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Oh that's odd...
[20:14] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes our racetrack ran the horses with no spectators
[20:14] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: o.0
[20:14] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: wow...
[20:15] Exxxx Dxxxxx: thats funny keep the casino open with many buttons to push and get something transfered from, oh well let gamblers get it lol
[20:15] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: IKR
[20:15] Yxx Axxx: expendables

[[Insert from the Editrix: Not the wisest decision, and most states at this point (at least in the US) have now issued closing orders for all non-essential businesses.]]

[20:15] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: they still want their money, lol

A sad truth of things.

[20:15] Yxx Axxx: online gaming exists
[20:16] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I don't wish it on even gambling addicts though,, :(
[20:16] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: noooo
[20:16] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: but doesn't make sense to take chances that way to me
[20:16] Yxx Axxx: i worry for the homeless
[20:17] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and the prisoners :/

[[Insert from the Editrix: At this point, that worry seems well founded. It's spreading through the prison system.]]

[20:17] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I hope people stay as safe as possible and I am glad there is online activity nowadays or I would be SO bored lol
[20:17] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the people in the airports returning from abroad
[20:17] Yxx Axxx: madoff and epstien less so worried
[20:17] Sxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: well they can gamble online so they can stay home and lose their money
[20:17] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: *nods
[20:17] kxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and I thought the youtubers going to the stores just to record the empty shelves were stupid, but an open casino is just crazy!
[20:18] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Yes...
[20:18] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: our casino closed but the track has online gambling
[20:19] Yxx Axxx: my home has never been cleaner
[20:19] Exxxx Dxxxxx: if i want to waist money ill get 400 rolls of toilet paper that you cant eat lol
[20:19] Sxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: lol i am betting a lot of people homes are like that especially the ones having to work from home
[20:19] Yxx Axxx: rivals sl home now lol
[20:20] kxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I don't like going to the store during cold and flu season much less now!
[20:20] EYxx Axxx: ebola sars mers zika now this so no reprieve

[[Insert from the Editrix: Prevailing theory is, there's a strong possibility that this will join recurrent diseases, like measles, chicken pox, and the various flus, only remain in this deadlier form.]]

[20:21] Exxxx Dxxxxx: i envy people that can work at home, the joy of my job Friday was setting up a new printer in our local covid testing site
[20:21] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I work in retail and recently was moved to a commssion based position
[20:22] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: 2 weeks ago being stuck at home with the company paying me would be ok. But now..I'm not sure how I'm going to pay my bills.
[20:22] sxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [Gxxxx] that makes more sense at least
[20:22] Emilly Orr: Ouch, [Mxxxx].
[20:23] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yeah they are working with me to try and help me out, so I can claim "non selling hours" during the week when I do other stuff and they are not even checking to make sure I'm actually doing it and padding the hours . We had customeres on Saturday but I'm assuming it will be slower this week since they just closed all th schools
[20:24] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Hopefully if everyone follows directions by staying home except for groceries, washing their hands.... this virus will burn itself out soon

[[Insert from the Editrix: Well, no, on two grounds: first, a lot of people were idiots, and still went out to church services, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and spring break, which is why there are now cases in every single US state. Secondly, this will not 'burn itself out'. Immunity will reach enough mass through the population that the survivors likely won't get it again. But it will still be there, is the suspicion.]]

[20:24] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I have worked at home for nearly 4 years and I love it, so staying home will be nothing new for me
[20:24] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I chickened out on the groceries lol
[20:26] Sxxxxxx Exxxx: I am diabled myself, and caretaker to two elderly folks, so I have to be careful. Two grocery stores near me have where you can orderonline, and then go and pick the stuff up already ready to go. It's not delivery, but having that helped.
[20:26] Sxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: yeah i did that with walmart, the curbside delivery
[20:26] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: WB [Dxxxxx]!
[20:26] Axxxx Cxxxxx: I worry about what happens in say a month's time, when supplies and patience are running low
[20:26] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I agree, Gypsy, but unfortunately a lot of people just can't stay home, those who work in retail, etc., and the worst part of this to me is that it will probably kill a lot of small businesses like restaurants and boutique shops
[20:26] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Thank you!!
[20:26] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes grocery delivery helps, order early
[20:27] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I haven'[t seen my mom , she lives an hour a way but she's been sick a bunch that we agreed I shouldn't see her
[20:27] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and my boyfriend went to his brother's today but I stayed home. I did go to Wal Mart and tomorrow I'll go to work and get gas but that's as limited as I can get
[20:28] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: aw [Wxxx], you are right that some do have to go out and collectively we pray and think positive to keep them safe
[20:29] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: Stymied I am going to that right now, or figure out how to that at least! Thank you for reminding me!

[[Insert from the Editrix: Thankfully, at this point, most of the supply chain has reestablished itself, but with more and more of the country falling ill--our President having decided following Italy's plan was better than South Korea's--it's only a matter of time before we **DO** start seeing major shortages.]]

[20:30] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [Dxxxxx], I just decided to name my lovebird Corona in honor of present times, but it's a happy name because a corona is a halo or crown effect like the saints had in those old Renaissance paintings :)
[20:30] hxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: AWwwwwwww!! That is really beautiful, [Wxxx]!
[20:30] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: thanks :)
[20:30] Exxxx Dxxxxx: just remember social distancing and constant hand washing hygiene, even all us working in hospitals are not all getting sick

[[Insert from the Editrix: I'd highly recommend this suggestion be followed. Correct hand washing techniques--with soap, over all surfaces of the hand, between the fingers, and underneath the nails if possible, for at least 20 seconds--are proving to be better than hand sanitizer, masks, and most levels of protective gear. Barring hospitals--there, they truly do **NEED** the masks, the protective goggles, the gloves, the protective gowns--and they do **NOT** have enough of them. But keep hand washing in mind if you're just at home and not a hospital or care worker--it doesn't have to be hot or even warm water, in a pinch, it just has to be thorough and take at lease 20 seconds of time.]]

[20:32] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: excellent ideas :)
[20:32] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: corona viruses have been around for many years, but this one is new, thus the name novel, and our bodies have no immunity to it, so it spreads like wildfire
[20:34] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I was tyring to explain that to people at work [Wxxx] bc they kept saying it has been around since it's on the Lysol bottle itworks against coronoavirus
[20:34] mxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: but they just ddin't believe me
[20:35] Emilly Orr: The thing about this is, yes, there are a lot of strains of coronavirus, it's pretty common, but MOST of the ones we've been hit with cause symptoms. This one...doesn't. You get it, you start to feel sick 2 to 14 days after exposure. Which is why it's dangerous--anyone can walk around, thinking they're well, and be a carrier.

[[Having had the days between when this was captured and now, we now know that for some carriers, they can show no symptoms for up to **FOUR** weeks, which seems insane, or carry so nominal symptoms as to seem like a standard mild allergy attack. We also know from doctors who have gotten it and detailed their symptoms online that when one **DOES** fall prey to this, respiratory failure is not the only concern. It's also accompanied by a consistent fever, for several days to weeks, that never lowers below 101 degrees for the afflicted. Add to that immense fatigue and severe joint pain, and this is **NOT** a bug anyone wants to get.]]

[20:35] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I saw a good post on FB today that explained the difference between this virus and the others, which brough tit all into perspective
[20:36] Exxxx Dxxxxx: True honey why get good information Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness thats like saying flu swine flu bird flu is many types
[20:36] hxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Thank you, [Wxxx] : )
[20:36] bxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: agh [Mxxxx] amd Emily - my sister is so much smarter than i'll ever be but she's saying those exact Facebook-y group type things that are just making me CRAZY
[20:37] Emilly Orr: Yeah, there's a LOT of misinformation out there, unfortunately.
[20:37] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: people keep saying the virus is just like the flu, but it's not
[20:37] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes! please check facts on the CDC website
[20:37] Emilly Orr: Flu can kill too. And has. Dismissing it as something that *also* kills people makes no sense.
[20:38] Wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: true, very true, Emily
[20:38] Exxxx Dxxxxx: pneumonia kills thats how they are similar

[[Insert from the Editrix: The main thing that we're seeing now, that we didn't see at the time I put this together, is that it's not just a disease that will take out the elderly and the impaired. (And I am **STILL** highly irate with the guest at one of our dances that told me, **TO MY FACE,** that it's okay if I die because I'm "weak". Gosh, thanks for that, like I wasn't concerned enough. It wasn't like getting pneumonia sixteen times by age 20 was a **HOBBY**. No one **CHOOSES** that.) But at this point, we are seeing it going everywhere--through the aging population, yes, but also hitting the young, and that group of 24-to-40-year-olds that seemed to think they were invulnerable. Guess what, folks? You're not. Snap out of it.]]

[20:38] Emilly Orr: And hospitals are already dealing with people who've swallowed rubbing alcohol or bleach to 'kill' the virus. Please don't do that.

I'm not kidding. This video goes into two of the recent cases, and exactly why such treatments will not work. So play it safe and don't do it.

[20:38] wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Ohhhh NO!!!

Oh, yes, unfortunately. It's happening, because people don't check if something is true before doing it. Don't believe anything blindly.

[20:39] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: 0_o
[20:39] Sxxxxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: everyone knows you drink purel for that

[20:39] Exxxx Dxxxxx: Virus

severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2)
[20:39] Exxxx Dxxxxx: Disease
coronavirus disease
(COVID-19)

[20:39] Exxxx Dxxxxx: two different things
[20:41] bxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxxx: we can't all afford to have to see a doctor at the same time and crash the system

[[Which is **EXACTLY** why social distancing is important. It won't **KILL* this thing, it won't stop it in its tracks, but the hope is we can space out the cases so none of our hospitals have to deal with a thousand new cases for a building that holds 300. I have seen pictures of Italy where there are patients in the halls, stacked six to a room, pushed into closets, and people are still dying because they don't have enough ventilators for all the afflicted.]]

[20:42] axxxxxxxxxxxxxx: plenty of people care for a older family member so make the effort for community health
[20:43] wxxxxxxxxxxxxxx: one recommendation I've seen is to call your doctor if you have symptoms, dont' just show up at the ER or urgent care, or use a telehealth system to speak to a doctor about your symptoms
[20:44] axxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: as mentined before cdc website is very informative
[20:45] Exxxx Dxxxxx: yes where you are you should have a health link number or on the news some number to call. going infecting all at regular hospital not a good idea.
[20:46] txxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes there is a checklist
[20:47] Exxxx Dxxxxx: even if call 911 you should let them know you have symptoms so they come prepared
[20:47] Exxxx Dxxxxx: if you do have they symptoms that is

That's not always helpful, though, at least in the US. While there is no earthly reason for any medical professional not to know these things by now, there was an incident where a fellow called in with mild symptoms (calling in to a nurse specifically so if he did have the virus, he wouldn't infect people in the hospital), and the nurse laughed. Told him to turn off the TV, and if he had coronavirus, he'd know it. Then hung up on him.

That's the thing, as I explained above. With an incubation period of 48 hours to two full weeks, it's not only possible to feel no symptoms and be infected, it's likely. I am hoping word starts getting around and reinforcing, but if we can't even trust our nurses and doctors, where do we go?

Thankfully, for most in the medical field, they are trustworthy, and they are willing to help. It's the outliers that paint the worst pictures of things.

[[Last insert from the Editrix: While I did want to mention that story, because it's appalling, I will say that everything I've seen since then paints doctors and nurses as brave, caring, fierce caregivers, and even those who've fallen ill are trying to track their symptms and pass them on so that might help others. I'm also hearing that several countries are now sending protective supplies to the countries hardest hit, Italy in specific, but others, with words of comfort and support. If nothing else, we can say that this horrible virus did help, for at least a while, to bring the world together. I just wish it had been something a little less fatal.]]

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part five)

(Continued from part four.)



The last of them, whee!



"Flamingo Mini Kiss04" is a hot blush pink with glitter-sparkle purple lips.



"Flamingo Mini Kiss05" is a hot blush pink with sparkly rose gold lips (I mean, they're likely just gold glitter lips? But with the color-drenched background, they look rose gold).



And this one in hot blush pink with sparkly hot pink lips. This is "Flamingo Mini Kiss06".



This is a seriously hot pink with sparkly hot pink lips, titled "Flamingo Mini Kiss07".



This is that same color-drenched hot pink with sparkly purple lips. It's named "Flamingo MiniKiss08".



This is in a tone I don't think is reproduced in any other outfit from this folder, "Flamingo Mini Kiss10". It's in a heathered purple shade with sparkly hot pink lips.



and for some reason, "Flamingo Mini Kiss19", which was a bright pink with the words "Kiss" and "XXX" written in black script over hot pink lips.

The seams are very well done, the texturing is good, the patterns are fun, but I have no idea if Ed will rename them and toss them on the Marketplace, or if he's actually planning to open a store later, or...what, exactly. Next time I see him I'll ask. Until then, you have the designer's name, and some of what he does, so drop a notecard if you're interested in any of them.

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part four)

(Continued from part three.)

The best maintenance is percussive maintenance? Anyway...



More Flamingo minis!



We start with "Flamingo Mini Heart 10W", a white mini with very hollow hearts in wine.



And for the life of me, I honestly cannot tell you whether the heart placement on this dress, "Flamingo Mini Heart11W", is so odd because I'm pushing the limits on what the Maitreya will do for the chest, or if it's just an odd placement on the top hearts. But this one is wine read, with the solid white hearts.



And the reverse, "Flamingo Mini Heart12W", which is white with wine red hearts, and it has that same odd placement across the bosom.

And now, the Kiss variants.



This one's a solid black dress with glitter-sparkle pink lips. It's called "Flamingo Mini Kiss01".



This variant, "Flamingo Mini Kiss02", is black, with the same glitter lip prints, this time in gold.



And "Flamingo Mini Kiss03", black with sparkly silver lips.

Continued in part five!

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part three)

(Continued from part two.)



Because we're still staggering through the Flamingo dresses...



This is a wine red number again, this time with an all-over solid tiny heart print in white. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart05W".



This version is in a strong Kelly green centered ombre, again with the all-over heart print. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart06j".



And the reverse of the wine red, this time in white with an all-over solid tiny heart print in wine. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart06W".

And now some hollow patterns. All of the next three are some variation of white and wine, or vice versa.



We start with "Flamingo Mini Heart07W", wine red with large white hollow hearts.



And the reverse, "Flamingo Mini Heart08W", which is white with wine red hollow hearts.



And the last, a wine red centered ombre shade with very narrow white hollow hearts, which, under some lights, almost look gold. This is "Flamingo Mini Heart09W".

Continued in part four!

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)

you look as good as the day I met you, I forget just why I left you, I was insane (part two)

(Continued from part one.)

Back to the Flamingo minis!



Yesss, precious. Yesss there are more.



The powder-pink version, this one named "Flamingo Mini Heart03mr". It's a soft gradated tone, and it goes well with the all-over heart print.



Another two-tone dress, this one in the wine red with simple white hearts tiled across. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart03W".



And this one's a color-drenched hot pink with the all-over heart print. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart04j".



Very soft shell pink, and on this one, the all-over heart print almost looks like scales. This is "Flamingo Mini Heart04mr".



This one's the reverse of 03W, in white with simple wine hearts tiled across. It's named "Flamingo Mini Heart04W".



And...back to the orange tone. Different? The same? Maybe the center of the ombre shading is darker? It's called "Flamingo Mini Heart05j".

On to part three!

(All pictures taken in the Faerie Grotto.)