Coronavirus and Pandemics

This thread is a perfect example of the logical fallacy I recently identified that doesn't have an official name yet so I'm calling it the Y2K Fallacy. I first talked about this fallacy in message 468 of the following thread. You can follow other people's comments to it.EvC Forum: Quick Questions, Short Answers - No DebateThis virus has a death rate of about 20 times more than the flu, which kills about 70,000 people each year. If allowed to spread like the regular flu, it would be 70,000 x 20 people dead each year.The only reason we haven't seen that many people dead from this virus yet is because world governments have taken huge steps to contain it.No one has said that this virus poses an existential threat to us. That said, it has the potential to kill 70,000 x 20 people each year if allowed to spread freely like the common flu.

A few days ago, I was going to my office and stopped by Sams Club to get some grocery and stuff. Saw people grabbing toilet paper. Some people loaded up their flat carts with huge packages of toilet paper. So, I headed toward the toilet paper section. There was 1 left. I took it. I managed to grab a package of 45 Mega Rolls from Sams!So, a couple days ago I took our kids (aka dogs) to the park. Talking with other parents. Some people complained that they couldn't find any toilet paper. One woman said her family was down to 3 rolls and they still couldn't find any anywhere.Here is a news article about an Oregon PD telling the public to please stop calling 911 because they are out of toilet paper.https://ktla.com/...11-because-youve-run-out-of-toilet-paper

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It’s hard to believe that we even have to post this. Do not call 9-1-1 just because you ran out of toilet paper. You will survive without our assistance.

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In fact, history offers many other options for you in your time of need if you cannot find a roll of your favorite soft, ultra plush two-ply citrus scented tissue.

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Seamen used old rope and anchor lines soaked in salt water. Ancient Romans used a sea sponge on a stick, also soaked in salt water. We are a coastal town. We have an abundance of salt water available. Sea shells were also used.

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Mayans used corn cobs. Colonial Americans also used the core of the cob. Farmers not only used corn cobs, but used pages from the Farmers Almanac. Many Americans took advantage of the numerous pages torn from free catalogs such as Sears and Roebuck. The Sears Christmas catalog, four times thicker than the normal catalog, could get a family of three wiped clean from December through Valentine’s Day; or Saint Patrick’s Day if they were frugal.

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Then, of course, there are always alternatives to toilet paper. Grocery receipts, newspaper, cloth rags, lace, cotton balls, and that empty toilet paper roll sitting on the holder right now. Plus, there are a variety of leaves you can safely use. Mother Earth News magazine will even tell you how to make your own wipes using fifteen different leaves. When all else fails, you have magazine pages. Start saving those catalogs you get in the mail that you usually toss into the recycle bin. Be resourceful. Be patient. There is a TP shortage. This too shall pass. Just don’t call 9-1-1. We cannot bring you toilet paper.

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I must admit that before the Great Toilet Famine of 2020, I never ever ever ever thought it's actually a thing.Edit.Just did an inventory. We still have 14 mega rolls left before we have to open up this package. Bring it on, Great Toilet Paper Famine!Edited by Lammy, : No reason given.

Now is as good a time as any.My husband and I vow to not participate in any further toilet paper purchasing. We currently have 62 mega rolls. This will last the two of us for like a year. We will only buy some if we are down to 3-5 rolls.