Coronavirus

jtr1962

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Flushing, New York
Because America is coming apart at the seams. The two sides no long have a core set of beliefs in common and are headed toward a dissolution.

At least I won't have to read any more posts from the unhinged racist who just outed himself.
Crises have a tendency to unite people, so maybe this pandemic has a silver lining. This country can't go on this way with both parties completely at odds with each other. First the religious right took over the GOP. And the hard left took over the Democrats this election cycle. Even if Biden wins the nomination, I'm sure he's going to adopt a large part of the Sanders/Warren agenda for his party.
 

jtr1962

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Jan 25, 2002
Messages
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Location
Flushing, New York
You somehow seem to equate my dislike of him because he beat Hillary or the Dems...who I also despise greatly, just not as much as Donald.
As much as I hate to say this because I'm not a fan of Trump, the better person won the last election cycle. We had two really shitty choices, and Trump was marginally less shitty. If Hillary had won, I think it would have been a disaster on many levels. It's even entirely possible we might have gotten into a full-on nuclear conflict with Russia. I don't understand the people who practically worship Trump like the second coming, but I understand those who held their nose and voted for him. Had I voted in 2016, I would have been one of them.

This election cycle it looks like a repeat of 2016. Biden doesn't have the baggage of Clinton, but he has all the appeal of a glass of warm milk, and no ideas that resonate with a lot of the electorate. Say what you will about Sanders, but at least his supporters seem really passionate about his agenda. Personally, I think canceling student loans is the best part. His health care plan seems too costly. I support some level of universal health care, but we can't afford the taxes needed to pay for a system as generous as he proposes. And the Dems are in left field with the whole idea of open borders and giving illegals free health care and education. No, I don't want my tax dollars going for that. Give them a bus or plane ticket home. That's the only money we should spend on them. If they stick to that as part of their platform, they're going to lose even if the economy doesn't recover by November.
 

Handruin

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That's great that you're being critical of the government; I wasn't saying you're wrong in doing so in those posts? Having a 5:1 ratio some how excuses going off on a tangent earlier regarding "continually get beat by an idiot" and inferring I'm the idiot for also being undeniably against Trumps ability to run this country. If he were to do things well I'd give him credit but so far he hasn't proven to me that he's capable of such actions.

This is what I'm referring to earlier about "winning" with the numbers. Listen to him...he doesn't want the numbers to increase and that's his primary concern...the numbers are the first thing he wants to address, not the people, not their health...the perception. He has even said a few weeks ago "The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA." which was a false and misleading claim. The virus was not under control or we wouldn't be in this situation now.

What's the primary motive for him to keep the official numbers from growing in the US? He has a contained ship where people can be brought in carefully to get medical attention rather than leave them on where they will get far worse. If the US numbers go up because of this...so what? If done right these people are properly cared for and will be less of a risk. The primary concerns should be to provide care for these people AND ensure there is no spread of the infection. I'm not saying the numbers aren't important...this example shows his motive given the situation.

 

Handruin

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As much as I hate to say this because I'm not a fan of Trump, the better person won the last election cycle. We had two really shitty choices, and Trump was marginally less shitty. If Hillary had won, I think it would have been a disaster on many levels. It's even entirely possible we might have gotten into a full-on nuclear conflict with Russia. I don't understand the people who practically worship Trump like the second coming, but I understand those who held their nose and voted for him. Had I voted in 2016, I would have been one of them.

This election cycle it looks like a repeat of 2016. Biden doesn't have the baggage of Clinton, but he has all the appeal of a glass of warm milk, and no ideas that resonate with a lot of the electorate. Say what you will about Sanders, but at least his supporters seem really passionate about his agenda. Personally, I think canceling student loans is the best part. His health care plan seems too costly. I support some level of universal health care, but we can't afford the taxes needed to pay for a system as generous as he proposes. And the Dems are in left field with the whole idea of open borders and giving illegals free health care and education. No, I don't want my tax dollars going for that. Give them a bus or plane ticket home. That's the only money we should spend on them. If they stick to that as part of their platform, they're going to lose even if the economy doesn't recover by November.
Agree 100%, last election was a dumpster fire. If Hillary would have won, I don't think we'd have had full-on nuclear conflict, but there would be lots of other shady shit happening but in more secrecy. I get some of why people worship Trump. The divide is strong and they are hyped up without fully understanding the picture.

Saying Biden has the appeal of a warm glass of milk is even too nice. That brother has some seriously-questionable mental health given the characteristics shown over the past few months. The DNC is going to screw this up again by backing the moderate. I do believe the plan Bernie offers is what the US needs. I get he is labeled as a socialist but that's not the case. I do think the US and Bernie can find a way to make medicare for all work and be funded. Short term it may look scary but long term it will be for the better for everyone. If we can free up crushing debt for medical and schooling, the baseline goes up in a healthy way as do the people who can now go to a doctor without fear of a crushing bill. I don't have many issues with Bernies proposed immigration policy but I can appreciate why it may not appeal to all.
 

Stereodude

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Jan 22, 2002
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Michigan
This is what I'm referring to earlier about "winning" with the numbers. Listen to him...he doesn't want the numbers to increase and that's his primary concern...the numbers are the first thing he wants to address, not the people, not their health...the perception. He has even said a few weeks ago "The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA." which was a false and misleading claim. The virus was not under control or we wouldn't be in this situation now.
I've said they keep making unforced errors through their communications. The spread from China was under control. The spread through Europe/and the Middle East was not under control. It seems the lack of widespread testing led them to the wrong conclusions. Again, there's no benefit for him to intentionally to go out and lie about the current status. You can't hide the truth if you're wrong. The risk far outweighs the reward potential. You don't really believe that all the heads of the respective agencies told him that it wasn't under control and he decided to just go out and lie? That happened and they all were cool with it? None of them had the integrity or concern to go out and give an interview giving the real status contradicting him? I've been following this closely. When he gave that speech there was a pause in the numbers and it looked like it could go either way.

What's the primary motive for him to keep the official numbers from growing in the US? He has a contained ship where people can be brought in carefully to get medical attention rather than leave them on where they will get far worse. If the US numbers go up because of this...so what? If done right these people are properly cared for and will be less of a risk. The primary concerns should be to provide care for these people AND ensure there is no spread of the infection. I'm not saying the numbers aren't important...this example shows his motive given the situation.

It's like we need a Trump translator. As we've already established he's imprecise with his language. Replace the word "numbers" with "cases" and the whole thing becomes basically a non-story. The underlying sentiment of his comments isn't really wrong. The "numbers" are largely driving the media stoked panic. If the numbers of cases weren't public probably most everyone would be going about their business like normal like during the H1N1 outbreak years ago. I can understand why he'd like the "numbers" (cases) to be low. Bringing in a bunch of new cases especially non-Americans eats up resources that he would rather save for Americans. Additionally, low numbers = low numbers of cases / less sick Americans. He does care about the people of the country. The fact that we can't even all agree on something this basic shows just how divided the country is. And finally, he did take them off the ship and deferred to his experts.

Ultimately, I don't really care about his motives or what he says. I care about what he actually does.
 

snowhiker

Storage Freak Apprentice
Joined
Jul 5, 2007
Messages
1,668
Scores of videos on YouTube describing the great TP shortage of 2020.

As I mentioned I would above, I went back to the local Fry's Marketplace Supermarket this afternoon. The store was even more crowded than yesterday and for a normal Friday afternoon. Most items previously OOS have not been restocked, or where emptied out again before my next visit. Everybody calm, polite, not rushing for the most part. Saw some, "WTF" looks from people going to the TP aisle who didn't know about the shortage issue.

I grabbed a few things I forgot the day before and headed to checkout lines. Normally 2-4 checkout lanes (of 12 total) + 8 self-serve registers are open. Today there were 8 open+ all the self-serve ones. 4-6 people in each lane. Wait wasn't longer or more annoying than usual with everybody remaining calm.

Store stocking levels per my last post mostly still apply.

- NO TP.
- NO Flushable wipes/hand wipes.
- NO Paper towels.
- NO Napkins.
- NO bulk bottled water.
- Minimal disinfectant cleaners.
- Minimal Can beans, chili, beef stews, etc.
- Minimal Bulk/bagged flower, sugar & salt.

Today's update:

- NO Chicken.
- Eggs at 40-50%. (mostly just expensive "organic/free range" eggs left).
- Beef around 30% of normal. (being restocked as I walked by).
- Bread at 50%.
- Rice now completely gone.
- Pasta now gone.
- Beans, chili, beef at 5-10%.
- Soup (save for a few $3.99/can "organic/specialty brands") now gone.
- Can fruit/veggies at 20-80% depending on type.
- Mac-n-cheese 30% (being restocked as I walked by).
- Peanut butter at 50%.

What still looks normal:
- Produce.
- Deli case.
- Seafood portion of deli case.
- Bakery.
- Coolers that hold all the Deli, Bakery, specialty meats/cheeses, etc.
- Slice and grated Cheese.
- Lunch meats and Bacon.
- Condiments, dressings, BBQ sauces, etc.
- Soda, chips, crackers, candy, fruit drinks.
- Coffee.
- Milk, cream, butter, yogurt, etc.
-"$12-16/case imported water"
- Cold/Flu meds and vitamins.


I also hit up Ace Hardware for four 16 oz bottles of propane for $20 (total) just in case. ;)
 

DrunkenBastard

Storage is cool
Joined
Jan 21, 2002
Messages
775
Location
on the floor
Scores of videos on YouTube describing the great TP shortage of 2020.

As I mentioned I would above, I went back to the local Fry's Marketplace Supermarket this afternoon. The store was even more crowded than yesterday and for a normal Friday afternoon. Most items previously OOS have not been restocked, or where emptied out again before my next visit. Everybody calm, polite, not rushing for the most part. Saw some, "WTF" looks from people going to the TP aisle who didn't know about the shortage issue.

I grabbed a few things I forgot the day before and headed to checkout lines. Normally 2-4 checkout lanes (of 12 total) + 8 self-serve registers are open. Today there were 8 open+ all the self-serve ones. 4-6 people in each lane. Wait wasn't longer or more annoying than usual with everybody remaining calm.

Store stocking levels per my last post mostly still apply.

- NO TP.
- NO Flushable wipes/hand wipes.
- NO Paper towels.
- NO Napkins.
- NO bulk bottled water.
- Minimal disinfectant cleaners.
- Minimal Can beans, chili, beef stews, etc.
- Minimal Bulk/bagged flower, sugar & salt.

Today's update:

- NO Chicken.
- Eggs at 40-50%. (mostly just expensive "organic/free range" eggs left).
- Beef around 30% of normal. (being restocked as I walked by).
- Bread at 50%.
- Rice now completely gone.
- Pasta now gone.
- Beans, chili, beef at 5-10%.
- Soup (save for a few $3.99/can "organic/specialty brands") now gone.
- Can fruit/veggies at 20-80% depending on type.
- Mac-n-cheese 30% (being restocked as I walked by).
- Peanut butter at 50%.

What still looks normal:
- Produce.
- Deli case.
- Seafood portion of deli case.
- Bakery.
- Coolers that hold all the Deli, Bakery, specialty meats/cheeses, etc.
- Slice and grated Cheese.
- Lunch meats and Bacon.
- Condiments, dressings, BBQ sauces, etc.
- Soda, chips, crackers, candy, fruit drinks.
- Coffee.
- Milk, cream, butter, yogurt, etc.
-"$12-16/case imported water"
- Cold/Flu meds and vitamins.


I also hit up Ace Hardware for four 16 oz bottles of propane for $20 (total) just in case. ;)
You may want to consider getting a refill kit that you connect to a 20lb tank to refill the little bottles.
 

snowhiker

Storage Freak Apprentice
Joined
Jul 5, 2007
Messages
1,668
You may want to consider getting a refill kit that you connect to a 20lb tank to refill the little bottles.

That would be the smart thing to do if I planned on using my Coleman camping stove for anything short of a full grid/utilities down situation. If the "panic/shortage" situation doesn't improve in a month I'll just pick up a few 20lb tanks as well. I did buy a bunch of "strike-on-anything" matches because, as I mentioned above, some of my old matches no longer work.
 

sedrosken

Florida Man
Joined
Nov 20, 2013
Messages
1,590
Location
Eglin AFB Area
Well, if the utilities go down I'm about 95% sure the wood stove downstairs is hot enough to cook on with a full fire going. Not that it's ideal to have a fire going in it with it getting warmer and all, but if I have to the option's there. I should have stocked up on water while I could but I didn't, so if the municipal supply goes down (it shouldn't, but if it does) I'm screwed.
 

DrunkenBastard

Storage is cool
Joined
Jan 21, 2002
Messages
775
Location
on the floor
For cooking consider a wood rocket stove, you can build your own, much more fuel efficient than using a wood stove in the warmer months.

For water storage a 275 or 330 gallon IBC tote seems to be a reasonable solution if you have room in a garage or basement, just fill with your domestic supply.
 

Handruin

Administrator
Joined
Jan 13, 2002
Messages
13,737
Location
USA
I've said they keep making unforced errors through their communications. The spread from China was under control. The spread through Europe/and the Middle East was not under control. It seems the lack of widespread testing led them to the wrong conclusions. Again, there's no benefit for him to intentionally to go out and lie about the current status. You can't hide the truth if you're wrong. The risk far outweighs the reward potential. You don't really believe that all the heads of the respective agencies told him that it wasn't under control and he decided to just go out and lie? That happened and they all were cool with it? None of them had the integrity or concern to go out and give an interview giving the real status contradicting him? I've been following this closely. When he gave that speech there was a pause in the numbers and it looked like it could go either way.


It's like we need a Trump translator. As we've already established he's imprecise with his language. Replace the word "numbers" with "cases" and the whole thing becomes basically a non-story. The underlying sentiment of his comments isn't really wrong. The "numbers" are largely driving the media stoked panic. If the numbers of cases weren't public probably most everyone would be going about their business like normal like during the H1N1 outbreak years ago. I can understand why he'd like the "numbers" (cases) to be low. Bringing in a bunch of new cases especially non-Americans eats up resources that he would rather save for Americans. Additionally, low numbers = low numbers of cases / less sick Americans. He does care about the people of the country. The fact that we can't even all agree on something this basic shows just how divided the country is. And finally, he did take them off the ship and deferred to his experts.

Ultimately, I don't really care about his motives or what he says. I care about what he actually does.
There is benefit for him...personally..egotistically. He's already displayed on numerous occasions that he's real petty and narcissistic about the most stupidest of things. Why draw on a map with marker to show a fake path of a hurricane? There's no benefit to him...and everyone will confirm that was a lie/false/misleading. Yet he went forward with it anyway. Actually yes...yes I do believe there is a mixture (not all) of people reporting to Trump the reality and he still does whatever he wants. His staff turnover is the highest of any president and he removes people who do not agree with him. Again I could apply your same logic to the point regarding something as dumb and simple as the hurricane path outlined in sharpie. Do you not believe that the heads of the respective agencies told him not discuss the path going into AL and/or to drop it and move on? None of that would have even registered if he just said...oops, I misspoke about AL and moved on...done. I really wouldn't have cared either. He couldn't let something that simple and petty go and forced a lie to back his ego. Why am I bringing this up...not because I really care or think the hurricane path mattered, but it's one example of many that show how he will continue false/misleading claims on some real petty shit when he makes a mistake. This can be applied to so many things...including his numbers of coronavirus and claims of things being under control.

It's more like we should just have someone in this presidential position that does not need a constant translator. One of the most basic qualities a leader in this high of a position needs is to be able to communicate well. The thing is...you see it as translation when in actuality he's telling and showing you who he is and what his priorities are. Swapping out a word doesn't change things, it just softens them. His sentiment is wrong based on his past history and implied intent making his perceived numbers the priority and not the people. I also want to see the numbers low for the same reasons you mentioned and would have supported or believed he cared if there was a track record for that behavior. Since there is not a track record, it's a tough sell to believe. I'm aware the people were taken off the ship and that's good. My point was to show an example of how he originally wanted leave them mainly because he cared about the numbers. I'll defer to his own words in the mismanagement of this entire situation: "Leadership: Whatever happens, you're responsible. If it doesn't happen, you're responsible.".
 

Stereodude

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Jan 22, 2002
Messages
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Michigan
You may want to consider getting a refill kit that you connect to a 20lb tank to refill the little bottles.
Refilling the tanks is a little sketchy. You can easily overfill them if you don't have a real good handle on making sure your rig isn't causing the scale to read too light.

I would much rather get an adapter hose so you can run it directly off the larger style 20lb tanks used for a BBQ grill.
 

sechs

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jtr1962

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Flushing, New York
These guys are probably the reason for the hand sanitizer shortage.

In fact, profiteers are probably to blame for the shortages of everything now. I'm seeing 16 oz bottles of rubbing alcohol going for over $20 on eBay and idiots are buying them. If, or rather when, eBay shuts all these people down they're going to have a lot of leftover inventory with nowhere to sell it. Once this is over I'll bet there will be a fire sale on hand sanitizer and alcohol.
 

Handruin

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Your attempt at humor/snark has failed spectacularly and in so many ways. It doesn't even make sense. Do you routinely run into doctors who can't read?
Overreaction much?
Bad news for some of you. 🤣
It would have been a decent contribution by him towards draining the swamp.
 

snowhiker

Storage Freak Apprentice
Joined
Jul 5, 2007
Messages
1,668
These guys are probably the reason for the hand sanitizer shortage.

In fact, profiteers are probably to blame for the shortages of everything now. I'm seeing 16 oz bottles of rubbing alcohol going for over $20 on eBay and idiots are buying them. If, or rather when, eBay shuts all these people down they're going to have a lot of leftover inventory with nowhere to sell it. Once this is over I'll bet there will be a fire sale on hand sanitizer and alcohol.

Where and what is the line between retail arbitrage and complete scumbag?

Admittedly those brothers were dumb. They should have ramped up prices bit, by, bit, instead of going crazy to prevent themselves from being seen as obvious profiteers and getting themselves banned.

I think Amazon and eBay killing those accounts is a bit troubling. They should have warned the sellers that excessive profiteering will get you banned, but allowed them to continue and make a healthy profit. If those brothers were just using Amazon as the order and payment processer, but they were actually shipping the product, a $1 product might cost them $1+3 (shipping) = $4 + profit. So if they sell a $1 item for $8 they are not making 800% profit on original product.
 

time

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Joined
Jan 18, 2002
Messages
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Brisbane, Oz
Youtube suggested this today:

It's a TedTalk from nearly five years ago where, in the aftermath of Ebola, Bill Gates says the biggest risk to the human race is a virus. Check out the sixty seconds starting from 3:40.

He did some interviews on the same theme in 2015 as well.
 

Stereodude

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Jan 22, 2002
Messages
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Location
Michigan
Where and what is the line between retail arbitrage and complete scumbag?

Admittedly those brothers were dumb. They should have ramped up prices bit, by, bit, instead of going crazy to prevent themselves from being seen as obvious profiteers and getting themselves banned.

I think Amazon and eBay killing those accounts is a bit troubling. They should have warned the sellers that excessive profiteering will get you banned, but allowed them to continue and make a healthy profit. If those brothers were just using Amazon as the order and payment processer, but they were actually shipping the product, a $1 product might cost them $1+3 (shipping) = $4 + profit. So if they sell a $1 item for $8 they are not making 800% profit on original product.
Not to worry, under extreme public pressure (and very likely the threat of legal action from the state) they have now "donated" it.


I think their business idea/model was distasteful and probably unethical, but not illegal. They should have known better than to talk to the media.
 
Last edited:

Stereodude

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Joined
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Youtube suggested this today:

It's a TedTalk from nearly five years ago where, in the aftermath of Ebola, Bill Gates says the biggest risk to the human race is a virus. Check out the sixty seconds starting from 3:40.

He did some interviews on the same theme in 2015 as well.
There were other people saying the same thing well before 2015, but climate change/global warming became the scientific causes célèbres that sucked up all the oxygen in the room of the public's eye to the political advantage of the globalists.
 

snowhiker

Storage Freak Apprentice
Joined
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Messages
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I received another email from my HOA. The community center, the two aux community centers, ballroom, workshops, activity rooms, pools, workout/weight room, sports bar, tennis courts, softball field and every other building/room have now been closed immediately and until at least May 1. Everybody is receiving a refund for all cancelled events.

At least the actual HOA office is remaining open but they want people to call/email if they need assistance.

I may hit to grocery store again just to see if things have gotten worse.
 

Stereodude

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Cool, there's a potential vaccine now. Hopefully things will calm down in relatively short order.
That's not how this works. There isn't going to be a vaccine in time for this outbreak. It's going to have to be stopped by other methods or run its course and burn out.
 

sedrosken

Florida Man
Joined
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Eglin AFB Area
Of course that's not how it actually works, but that's how it does in most people's minds, so hopefully they'll stop panicking for three seconds and realize that they're not helping.
 

snowhiker

Storage Freak Apprentice
Joined
Jul 5, 2007
Messages
1,668
I got an email from Bath & Body Works today (I must have bought a candle online 150 years ago or something?). The email's purpose was to inform me that all of their stores will temperately close.

The big mall next to where I used to live in Cali has closed. "South Coast Plaza closes for 2 weeks after store employee tests positive for COVID-19" I haven't been to that mall in over 20 years but back when malls were something this was one of the most elite malls in the country.

After driving mom to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription (used drive-thru as always) I went back to my local Fry's Marketplace grocery store. The store's shelves are emptier than a few days ago. A few days ago the empty shelves were just "mostly empty" with a box or can or two here-n-there on the shelves, but now the shelves are wiped clean. One aisle (both sides) did not have one single item on any of the shelves. Completely wiped out. A few aisles only had one side empty. But again completely wiped clean. Empty.

You'd see this type of emptiness now and then for those folks that are effected by hurricanes and such but this is the first time I recall, in my 50+ years, seeing a grocery store's shelves completely empty. As far as my store's stock, here's another update on what stock has decreased.

- Bacon now gone.
- Slice and grated cheese about 40%.
- Bakery almost empty.
- Seafood portion of deli case about 50%
- Produce mostly good except a few items*.
- Mac-n-cheese and similar processed items now gone.
- Soup now gone.
- Can beans, chili, beef, tuna, etc, now gone.
- Bread now gone.
- Beef about 20%.
- cleaners just about gone.
- Bulk/bagged flower, sugar & salt now gone.

Everything else mentioned previously is still at those same levels or lower (listed immediately above). Except ONE pallet of store branded bottled water, 32-pack size. The pallet was rolled out an hour before store closing, which has been reduced from 11 to 10pm.

*The produce still looked mostly fine. In fact a decent sized display of strawberries was added in the last day or so. However the 5# and 10# bags of potatoes were gone and onions looked lower than normal. There hasn't been bananas in the store for 7-10 days now.

All the junk food, soda, booze, crackers, chips and coffee was still fine. I didn't check/see baby food/diapers or PB&J status.
 
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