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General discussion

From an AP article.

Mar 16, 2020 3:45AM PDT

"The real numbers may be even higher, as some have questioned the government’s reporting."
This one is Iran, but could be almost any country, questioned for any reason.
Remember third grade math? 'The rate is the small number divided by the total.'
But it's useless if neither number is accurate. Inaccuracy can stem from poor data collection or data suppression
Poor government in either case.

Casually mentioned in one recent article is that COVID19 death rate is higher than for seasonal flu, also in the news for comparison. That's not good, if true. Is it true? See my above.

Discussion is locked

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No government will ever be honest with the people
Mar 16, 2020 10:04AM PDT

The fact that the data is not accurate is clear. But! it must be remembered that coronavirus in MOST cases occurs in mild form with similar symptoms of a common cold. Either old people or people with serious concomitant diseases die from this disease. As a result of everything that happens, we get rushing paranoids fighting in the market for toilet paper. Let's stay objective.

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Good comment.
Mar 16, 2020 11:57AM PDT

What I was emphasizing was the public health danger from 'inaccurate as usual'.
IF the death ratexis higher than we all need to know that, especially the medics. Inany cases they're as befuddled as we are. By the governments who say they exist to "protect and serve".

I'll give you $500 for that roll of toilet paper.

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(NT) $1000.
Mar 16, 2020 11:57AM PDT
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cheaper alternatives....
Mar 16, 2020 2:04PM PDT

paper towels, paper napkins, or best of all.....soap, water, and a washrag.

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Your local Roto Rooter guy likes your advice
Mar 17, 2020 8:57AM PDT

None of the mentioned alternatives will properly disintegrate if flushed away so, to avoid expensive and embarrassing moments calling the guys with the electric snakes, you'll be putting that waste in your regular garbage. From past reading, I don't think you'd be affected as much as city folk but I'm already imagining a lot of folks thinking alternative paper products will be just as good. I'm sure drpruner knows well the old military method of conserving TP Devil

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I have lots of 'bear' woods here
Mar 17, 2020 2:14PM PDT

and plenty of leaves....even in the winter.....just make sure no poison oak or ivy is picked up by accident. LOL
I already reasoned that common sense (an oxymoron since so many have lost that gift) would tell you not to try flushing paper alternatives since trash is normally picked up once a week and the paper alternatives will dissolve naturally in a landfill. The 'end' result is to use soap and a washcloth afterwards. LOL I would use these methods before fighting somebody in a store over TP...
The whole idea is to think about things like 'what did people use before TP was 'invented'....and 'what did dogs eat before somebody 'discovered' bagged/canned dogfood"? It's time to get back to basics, people. Instead of panicking all over the place, be resourceful and think out of the box that society has crammed you into where government does your thinking for you and 'solves' all your problems.
Like Reagan said....the biggest fear you should have is when the government knocks on your door and tells you they are there to 'help you'. It rarely turns out well....They aren't the solution; they are the problem.

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corn cobs
Mar 17, 2020 3:15PM PDT

3 wipes per cob. Quite soft after the dry corn's been twisted off the cob.

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that's crazy
Mar 17, 2020 3:12PM PDT

Many have back injuries, spinal fusions, and such like, where they can't even use TP to wipe themselves, because they can't twist enough around t do so. They use a long handled bath brush, put some soap on it, step into shower, and clean themselves off that way. Anyone can do it, and not be so dependent on TP. They end up cleaner too than smearing it off with TP alone.