Sunday 15 March 2020

Time to Implement Rationing During Corona Fever

It Was Necessary in Previous Wars. How About This One?

People are going nuts. Supermarket shelves are more empty than I have ever seen due to panic and selfish buying. So much for all of us pulling together.

My parents used to tell me about rationing during the war. Metals and certain food basics were simply not available. They all went to soldiers and the war machine. I don't know for sure but if there were black markets, those caught were no doubt punished and treated with disgust.

That is what I now feel when I see people at the cashier with an entire cart full of something like hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bread or even meat - every man and woman for themselves apparently. Children be damned. Meanwhile ten people behind them have nothing. It is not quite at the Boxing Day level with fighting yet but I expect it soon will be.

Perhaps now the governments should quickly legislate against this and direct the stores to support and enforce the rules. Place a limit on these vital items like 2 packages each or even one in some cases. Cashiers should be instructed not to cash out any more than that. Today, POS devices (electronic cash registers) could be programmed to enforce this. Some will try to come back for more or send family members but it would be an improvement over the current situation.

Sometimes when people act like children that is how you have to treat them. Logic, reason, and sharing are not working.

Sad but true.


#thebrewsterblock


Friday 13 March 2020

Wise Advice for Corona or Any Other Crisis

Did You Listen to Your Financial Advisor?

I know it might be a bit late for this current crisis in your life but when the #COVID-19 subsides I strongly advise everyone to look at this as just another unforeseen happening. Then think about and do something about the advice that banks and advisors have been giving for decades. Create an emergency fund for the possibility of six months or better with no income.

This was usually a guard against potential job loss but it applies equally here. With all the shutdowns yet to occur, you might be laid off. If not then for sure you must have seen people stocking up on - in some cases hoarding - certain things from the supermarket. Stocking up means buying extra - with what? If you immediately thought about your credit card you are in trouble.

Many years ago I was a financial advisor and for sure gave the same advice. Most people ignored it. Thank goodness I followed it myself. As just mentioned, this does not mean increasing your credit or credit card debt. That way lays disaster. You are adding to the first crisis or problem with a second one - throwing fat onto the fire.

The usual excuse was that nobody could afford it. I once wrote an article pointing out places most people could find extra cash if they had the willpower, not the means.
 

There are lots of lists out there of what things to stock up on for an emergency - essentially the basics of life so I won't repeat them here. Cash or available funds however are also one of them.

So here are some of those items I once wrote about. Just remember your #CORONA experience when you ask yourself if any of the following are VITAL and CRITICAL to your life. 

Can you at least cut down on (and put into your emergency fund):

1. Beer, wine, or other beverage?
2. Your monthly TV or entertainment package?
3. The need to have the newest, biggest TV to watch nightly?
4. Meat - one of the most costly forms of food. Buy cheaper cuts and learn how to cook them.
5. Going to movies?
6. The latest and greatest phones for both you and your kids?
7. New clothes or fashions?
8. A new car? Buy smaller and pre-owned for a couple of years. I always do this.
9. Vacations? Do a staycation once or twice and add a bundle to your fund.
10. Reno's and furnishings. This is very rarely vital. The same applies to the size of your home.

While you are at it, involve your kids in the discussions. It will be a great life lesson and a good test for your parenting ability.

#thebrewsterblock


Wednesday 11 March 2020

Best Corona Article by Colin Berkshire

Read This COVID-19 Article People. Then Get Some Sleep

This is by far the best article I have read on the #COVID-19 virus. Read ALL of it:

https://talkingpointz.com/coronavirus-get-over-it/?fbclid=IwAR0d05uEG_AZvvCTj3VyxESpV9T4z6k4E7lem0iBvpvz8zBmcSBDoc_RhWg

Thank you Colin Berkshire. If people would read this and follow it the Markets and general health of people would be a lot better off. Take note of the advice about masks. I have been saying this myself. A virus will pass right through a mask and some will collect in it.

If posting this helps just a few of my readers feel better then I have accomplished something. Thank you again W.R. for posting it on Facebook.

#thebrewsterblock

Monday 9 March 2020

More Snake Oil for Corona COVID-19 From Jim Bakker

This Guy Did Not Learn His Lesson

Have a look at this: 

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/ny-ag-hits-jim-bakker-with-cease-and-desist-order-over-alleged-coronavirus-cure/ar-BB10Xnjd?ocid=spartandhp. Scroll to the end.

Many won't recognize this character but more probably will. He was sent to prison for fraud years ago after bilking millions from innocent believers and now look what he is up to. He even cried when they took him away years ago - not crying now.

The AG of New York has apparently sent a cease and desist order to Jim Bakker ordering him to stop promoting “Silver Solution” as a remedy for the coronavirus. Google Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker if you want to know more about him. She passed away.

Next he will be offering stays in (now defunct) Heritage USA to be cleansed and sanitised in luxury. You might even enjoy Tammy Faye's sprit singing to you. It would not surprise me.

Some people will demonstrate the worst of our human character when others are desperate. This is another example. 

As a suggestion if a corporation really wants to be a good citizen then any who manufacture masks and sanitizers should make efforts to get people to stop hoarding them. How about REDUCING the price and asking retailers to limit quantities to each customer? 

Unfortunately on the mask topic there is a mixed message here. Some authorities were saying that they don't really work when you walk around breathing through them. They are meant more for those already infected so that their breath, sneezes, and coughs don't go directly into the air. Also if you wear them too long they can possibly collect the virus as it is being filtered making the person wearing the mask sick.

The problem here is that in the next sentence they will ask that the masks be left for care givers who need them. I assume the caregivers are not sick and hence not spewing out the virus. On the other hand how can they protect care givers against intake by wearing them but not citizens on the street? 

This needs clarification.

Let me close by observing once again that most people are still sneezing and coughing into the air. They are also not washing hands properly, holding or rubbing them very briefly under the tap with no soap.

Jimmy boy is not the only one who has not learned a lesson yet.

#thebrewsterblock


Saturday 7 March 2020

God Bless America (New Found Verses)

Please Forgive Me Irving Berlin

God help America
Land that we loved
Whisper to her
To show her
You still care
With a light from above.

From the right wing
To the left wing
Those who tarnish her good name
God help America
Remove their shame.

God help America
Seeking a way
To caring
And sharing
To the soul you gave her every day.

From the east coast
To the west coast
North and south please, help us all
God help America
Once more stand tall

#thebrewsterblock