Ben Franklin aaid, “Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, and which incorporates itself with the grapes to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy!"

People often misquote that in reference to beer.

@CoffeeQueen wrote:

Besides, if I were 20 years younger and in this situation I would waking and baking every day.

Until the paranoia sets in

Interesting, pot never made me paranoid. You must have had some bad weed.

Actually I could use some about now as it tends to focus me quite specifically in cleaning.

We are running a FIFO system here on groceries picked up about once a week. The notion is to keep enough ahead of needs that incoming items have a couple of days for their packaging to decontaminate itself. New refrigerated stuff goes on the bottom shelf of the garage refrigerator and stuff from the bottom was moved up before going shopping. The garage has my pantry shelves and the stuff clusters together for a few days before getting arranged out into its proper spaces. The washing machine is in the garage and on return from the store, outer wear gets dropped in the washer before coming into the house and a fresh muumuu gets thrown on after a hand wash to the elbows, a face wash and a glasses wash in the laundry sink. Not a big inconvenience and far better to have a thought out plan than be worried.

My oldest boy goes to the community college. One prof has assignments put up online, but IDK how it's going to work out because the class is American Sign Language, which is really an "in person" class. He will probably pass, under the circumstances, but he did *NOT* learn all that he was supposed to learn for that class and to be prepared to go on to the next level class

Another class can be done mostly online since it's Itnro to PC

The final class, Philosophy....the prof has been lazy and awful this whole time. My son has asked over and over how to do a certain type of assignment that is due with each unit; I've tried to help him; I've emailed the prof. The prof literally ignores him when my son asks in class and will say things in class like, "I'm not paid enough to have office hours and help you all outside of the classroom hours" What a douche.

Anyway, that prof has said that everyone will just get the grade that they have now for the class. He's so lazy....NOT a TEACHER who loves the profession, for sure

My kids all work.
19 year old son works delivering food trays in the local hospital. He's also asthmatic
18 year old girl works at a grocery store
17 year old daughter works at a grocery store.

I think I want them to quit. I'm severely asthmatic. Son is asthmatic and husb is diabetic. They're afraid of how it will affect their ability to get jobs in the future.

***EDITED: 18 yo is 19 lol

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/23/2020 06:51AM by Jill_L.

UPS also has a version of Informed Delivery. It will give you a delivery window and let you know when the package is delivered.

@Jill_L wrote:

My oldest boy goes to the community college. One prof has assignments put up online, but IDK how it's going to work out because the class is American Sign Language, which is really an "in person" class. He will probably pass, under the circumstances, but he did *NOT* learn all that he was supposed to learn for that class and to be prepared to go on to the next level class

These are unusual times and circumstances. A thoughtful appeal should help your son resolve that which is of importance to him.

The first question for him to ask himself is whether these are 'interesting' courses towards just getting a degree or whether these are indeed career preparation classes. I took classes in college that included 'Painters of the Reformation' or some such and a hands on class in ceramics. These met my Fine Arts requirement but were irrelevant to my Botany major. If I were doing it today and all of my classes had been flipped to online classes it probably would be to my advantage to appeal to the college for my science classes to be marked as "incomplete" with tuition waived to retake them once the current chaos is over. My Fine Arts classes I would find acceptable to have just graded based on work to date to be done with them. Distance learning is not a bad thing categorically but a flip mid-semester from in-school to distance learning with teachers who have no background in distance learning is catch-as-catch-can. Give them credit for trying but your son also needs to be his own advocate.

@plmccut wrote:

It was the first time I had heard of it, too, and I do monthly trips to the post office for a project. And you are right, maybe they just haven't pushed it.

No, maybe they haven't pushed it. But you did a great service here by mentioning it (it's been awhlle since myself or other members have talked about it). Because of you, another shopper learned about it and signed up. So, good job!!

@Flash wrote:

@Jill_L wrote:

My oldest boy goes to the community college. One prof has assignments put up online, but IDK how it's going to work out because the class is American Sign Language, which is really an "in person" class. He will probably pass, under the circumstances, but he did *NOT* learn all that he was supposed to learn for that class and to be prepared to go on to the next level class

These are unusual times and circumstances. A thoughtful appeal should help your son resolve that which is of importance to him.

The first question for him to ask himself is whether these are 'interesting' courses towards just getting a degree or whether these are indeed career preparation classes. I took classes in college that included 'Painters of the Reformation' or some such and a hands on class in ceramics. These met my Fine Arts requirement but were irrelevant to my Botany major. If I were doing it today and all of my classes had been flipped to online classes it probably would be to my advantage to appeal to the college for my science classes to be marked as "incomplete" with tuition waived to retake them once the current chaos is over. My Fine Arts classes I would find acceptable to have just graded based on work to date to be done with them. Distance learning is not a bad thing categorically but a flip mid-semester from in-school to distance learning with teachers who have no background in distance learning is catch-as-catch-can. Give them credit for trying but your son also needs to be his own advocate.

He will pass. He's getting an A. But he really wants to LEARN ASL. He's taken courses in it prior to being a student at community college (we paid a tutor to teach him)

He has to take a year of foreign language for his bachelor's degree. His foreign language is ASL. He's interested in it and it will be classes toward a degree. Also, with 2 extra classes *(electives), he can get a "certificate" and can work in official places as a translator

I think his ASL prof is great; he likes her a lot.

@Jill_L wrote:

My kids all work.
19 year old son works delivering food trays in the local hospital. He's also asthmatic
18 year old girl works at a grocery store
17 year old daughter works at a grocery store.

I think I want them to quit. I'm severely asthmatic. Son is asthmatic and husb is diabetic. They're afraid of how it will affect their ability to get jobs in the future.

***EDITED: 18 yo is 19 lol

So what changed in the last 4 days?

Two students who work in town are thrilled with the switch to online learning. This suits them and their courses. They acknowledge that they don't know what fine and performing arts students are going to do about handmade pieces, practice times and performances, but...But i am happy for these two. They are supporting themselves or at least paying for some of their college costs, and staying focused. They are good parts of the future.It sounds like some forum members' kids are good parts of the future, too.

My degrees happened long ago, and we all know that I am aware of potentially little to no IC work in the foreseeable future. I had this recent frou-frou experience. Salons are closed, and I have to remove my fake nails. The soak off kits that I found online yesterday were gone today. (Mmm? What is up with that? ?) Now, I actually have to do something!

Preface - it was hard to choose the most appropriate thread since there are so many but I'll just put this here:

To see my inbox go from pages of job offers to maybe one or two a day is depressing. Although I didn't want most of those jobs that the MSCs had offered, and still don't, it's really depressing to see the Wide Open Spaces in my inbox. The few little emails I get for crap jobs I don't want are actually a welcomed sight these days. How often did we complain before about unwanted, multiple, repetitive emails? I sure am missing them now!

@sestrahelena wrote:

To see my inbox go from pages of job offers to maybe one or two a day is depressing.

Perhaps I see it different since I'm still working from home, but to me...it's a breath of fresh air. My inbox is like the Venice canals now! Occasionally a piece of trash will float by, but it's otherwise clean and manageable...

Hurray! Our corporate donor-bought politicians are watering down the "stimulus" originally proposed for Americans.

-No more coverage of all medical costs related to COVID19. Now, they are proposing just covering the testing. I have seen arguments that testing at this point isn't that helpful, as we have "community spread" of the virus (i.e., just assume everyone around you has it) and trying to test, contact trace, and quarantine select individuals is not as effective or even reasonable now (it would have been early on). Open for debate there.

-No more $1,000 for all Americans. Just those who make $75,000 or less ($150,000 for couples).

-No more "as long as it's needed" payments - this is just a one time dinky $1,000 payment, even though many businesses could be shut for months or totally out of business. Schools in my state, for example, are now shut for the remainder of the school year.

Without paid leave and/or paid sick leave and no guarantee of medical bills paid for COVID19, are we making it so potentially sick workers, who need their paychecks to survive, do not seek medical treatment when they should and instead end up working through it and possibly spreading it to others (in social circles and on the job)?

Meanwhile, corporate bailouts for the big companies (not mom and pop small businesses) are underway. Although, that may not last if the economy does not return to "business as usual" soon, as no one will be spending money anyways.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2020 02:08AM by shoptastic.

Shoptastic, this bill has not been passed yet. They're still ironing out the details. What's your source?

@Mert wrote:

Shoptastic, this bill has not been passed yet. They're still ironing out the details. What's your source?

Sorry - should have clarified that the bill is not set in stone yet (although, I figured people knew that part if watching news).

You can watch them debating the details live on TV.

The main point was that the goals have shifted a lot! Not as much help being discussed now for average Americans. We'll see how it goes, but it's not as Main Street-friendly as originally trumped up to be.

One other point:

Some people have used the statistic that for every 1% rise in unemployment, 40,000 die (made famous in the movie, "The Big Short," which was about the 2008 financial crisis).

Okay, but that's because of suicides and drug abuse, etc. related to NOT HAVING MONEY. If the government creates a bailout and stimulus package for COVID19 that covers that (i.e., gives people money in some way or form), then that won't be as big of a problem. Instead of helping Main Street in 2008, they bailed out Wall Street. Seriously hoping we do not repeat those same errors in 2020.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2020 02:55AM by shoptastic.

The recent details of the bill is a bit disappointing...

Some more details that are tentative so far by on the new developments this morning that have been agreed to:

It's one $1200 payment for independents making up to $75,000/yr ($2400 to couples making $150,000/yr). Between $75k and $99k ($150k to $199k), the payment amount decreases. And the income cap is $99k ($198k). You WILL NOT get the $1,200 unless you paid taxes in 2018 and made at least $2,500 yearly.

What irritates me the most is that this bill genuinely (or intentionally) forgets who the “middle class” is..... I don’t even live in somewhere ridiculous expensive like San Fran, NYC, etc.; I live in Denver. Most professionals make at least $75k, or even more than that $99k cap (including myself). I consider those income levels to be middle class. It’s like the bill ignores that high salary folks and/or professionals and/or those that live in areas with higher cost of living aren’t affected by this, and aren’t in need of this $1,200 assistance payment....

Anyways, enough with that rant. There are still lots of questions remain, specifically those that are self-employed (i.e. anyone paid with 1099’s, filing a Schedule C for their main source of income, etc.). Will their relief be similar as a small business owner, where they may only get tax credits or some sort of "small business loan," or if they'll be covered also with the $1,200 payments or a combination of both?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2020 09:10AM by Tarantado.

@SoCalMama wrote:

@Jill_L wrote:

My kids all work.
19 year old son works delivering food trays in the local hospital. He's also asthmatic
18 year old girl works at a grocery store
17 year old daughter works at a grocery store.

I think I want them to quit. I'm severely asthmatic. Son is asthmatic and husb is diabetic. They're afraid of how it will affect their ability to get jobs in the future.

***EDITED: 18 yo is 19 lol

So what changed in the last 4 days?

Had a bday. It takes me a month to remember their new ages, because I'm that much of a space cadet

@Tarantado wrote:

What irritates me the most is that this bill genuinely (or intentionally) forgets who the “middle class” is..... I don’t even live in somewhere ridiculous expensive like San Fran, NYC, etc.; I live in Denver. Most professionals make at least $75k, or even more than that $99k cap (including myself). I consider those income levels to be middle class. It’s like the bill ignores that high salary folks and/or professionals and/or those that live in areas with higher cost of living aren’t affected by this, and aren’t in need of this $1,200 assistance payment....

Anyways, enough with that rant. There are still lots of questions remain, specifically those that are self-employed (i.e. anyone paid with 1099’s, filing a Schedule C for their main source of income, etc.). Will their relief be similar as a small business owner, where they may only get tax credits or some sort of "small business loan," or if they'll be covered also with the $1,200 payments or a combination of both?

Not only that, what happens if a high salary person loses his or her job entirely? E.g., 25-year old engineer. Young, lots of debt, not much savings, etc. Does that person not "count" in this situation? I do agree on cost of living differences too.

Not saying millionaires need the $1,200 as much. But the cut-offs don't make sense at all for high COL cities. I've lived in one before and know the difference!

If you remember the $300 that was given to many Americans during the Bush administration (2nd Bush), that $300 was a loan on the person's or couple's next tax return. Meaning, it was dependent on how much you overpaid and expected to receive in your next tax return. It was subtracted from your return. I'm supposing here that at that time if you did not overpay enough during that tax year, you owed.

Now, fast forward to this new $1200 amount on this bill. According to several congress people, it is the same thing. A loan on your next tax return. It is not "free" money.

So, in essence, those who lost their jobs (think restaurant workers, low paid workers, etc), all who never had much money paid or received little back from their returns shall certainly receive little if any cash. Sure, they may get more on their unemployment (maybe). But it really is not going to be a "jump start".

As for self employed (as we are), there is nothing to address our lack of work or pay.

The few good things are that "supposedly" the big companies shall be banned from stock buybacks, big bonuses and some of the other ways the last bailout was used. Nonetheless, I am super weary of this sort of bailout of big business. There are so many ways clever accountants change "bucket" amounts in order to enrich those who do not need enrich.

It's worth pointing out that the bill has still not been approved in the Senate with a vote (though there is little doubt that it will pass) and has yet to go to the House or be signed by POTUS. It is almost certain that some aspects of the bill will be altered in the House a little and need to return to the Senate for a second vote.

That said, though details are not fully public yet, my understanding of some of the above-mentioned issues;
* The relief going to individuals would not be a loan. (I could be wrong, but the wording in the articles I've read suggest it's not a loan.)
* Relief for businesses will be a loan.
* Whether or not somebody is below the threshold to get the relief will be based on their "adjusted gross income" on their 1040 form. No mention was made in what I read on whether it would be 2018 or 1019 returns. This would help 1099 workers.
* People earning above the threshold ($75K for individuals, $150K for joint filers), could still qualify for relief, but it would be scaled down.
* There is a provision for self-employed individuals to be able to apply for four months of unemployment benefits.

Again, I am relying on reporters' understanding from interviews with senators. The text of the bill had not been released at the time the stories were written. Moreover, the bill, in whatever its current form, could very well be changed, even significantly, before it becomes law.

NBC News: [www.nbcnews.com]

Vox News: [www.vox.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/25/2020 12:56PM by MFJohnston.

The latest House bill was available in it's entirety. I downloaded it late last night and hope to start reading it today. Can't the same be done with the Senate bill?

@French Farmer "As for self employed (as we are), there is nothing to address our lack of work or pay" At least one of the bills, I don't recall which, would allow ICs to collect unemployment.

The Senate bill might be available now (I haven't checked). I suspect it was not immediately available as the final agreement was not hashed out until late last night and they needed a little time to type it up.... The Senate bill is said to offer unemployment benefits to IC's. I don't know as much about the House bill as it seems that the Senate bill is the one that is far more likely to gain traction in the other chamber.

COVID-19 continues to be a learning experience. The CDC is indicating that the virus was found on surfaces 17 days after passengers departed the Diamond Princess cruise ship. This was in cabins of those infected as well as those who were not infected and was prior to any disinfection. This means I need to rethink what we have been told--that it can only survive a day or two on hard and porous surfaces.

[www.cnbc.com]

There will be no more fresh fruits or fresh vegetables that are not cooked except those whose rinds or skins can be disinfected with Clorox.

The general recommendations are against using bleach or disinfectant on produce. I've checked several sources and so far all have said variations of this,

“The recommendation for washing fruits and vegetables has not changed because of the coronavirus.” Wash lettuces and leafy greens in cool water; use a scrub brush on rough textured produce like potatoes, cantaloupes and carrots. It is not necessary to use special rinse solutions, she said. “There is no data that suggests anything more than water will do a better job of eliminating coronavirus on produce.” However, adding a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to the water is acceptable and may help you feel better.

Consumer reports is saying in addition to bleach both hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol are effect on coronavirus along with good old soap and water. While spreading so easily is the claim to fame for COVID-19, it appears to actually be quite easy to kill.

I'm certainly not concerned about potatoes as they must be cooked and at our house carrots and celery are primarily used in cooking rather than snacking. Certainly apples and pears at this point will be handled by cooking them--baked apples, poached pears, etc. It really is the bananas, melons, strawberries and grapes that concern me. I can see lemon juice on strawberries and grapes. I keep a sprayer of dilute Clorox that gets dumped and refilled about once a week anyway. It is used on raw meat plastic cutting boards before putting them in the dishwasher as well as for general disinfecting in the kitchen. I plan to just spray melons and bananas before bringing them in the house. Since the skins of neither of those items are consumed it should work okay.

Someone would have to pry my wooden cutting boards out of my cold, dead hands. LOL.

My wooden cutting boards are for cooked meats only and for veggies. I use the plastic/nylon ones for boards that need to be sanitized regularly. I too love my old wooden boards. A few of mine are the walnut and cherry ones my Dad helped me make for my own home more than 50 years ago. More of them are inherited from my parents and grandparents.