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Started By
Message
TulaneLSU's Top 10 lessons from Walmart and Sam's 3/17/2020
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:49 pm
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:49 pm
Dear Friends,
I hourly send prayers to our God for your and your family's health and safety. May each of you cope in these trying times. Mother and Uncle and others are leaving tonight for the family's secret camp that has an underground bunker in Mississippi. Our family's Mississippi purlieu goes back five generations to the time of the New Orleans yellow fever epidemics. More recent generations have used it as a hurricane shelter.
I shall remain, however, ensconced here. I have a duty to you, my dear friends, and I will not cower from this invisible enemy. I have fought invisible enemies my entire life, and this one shall be no different. With God and love of neighbor, we shall defeat it.
Today, we remember the great saint, Patrick of Ireland. He faced great uncertainty and enemies in his life, those who were accoutered with scian and sword. Fear did not conquer him and he used courage and the clover to bring Christianity to the island of Ireland 1600 years ago. I love the prayer of St. Patrick:
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
May we too see the Triune God in the simple things of nature, like the clover, as St. Patrick did. This cookie cake, at a mere $18, was my splurge today.
We are traveling along together in waters unchartered for all of us. Our first pandemic together is causing quite a bit of fear as well as anxiety, especially as we begin to consider the economic consequences of this outbreak. I will do my best to document this time, taking my lessons from trips to Walmart and Sam's. These stores are at the heart of the American psyche and I believe by visiting these reservoirs of the American Volksgeist, I can predict where we are heading. In short, to examine the crowds and the shelves at Walmart-Sam's is to get an accurate pulse on the nation. You can read previous observations in the past few weeks here: TulaneLSU's Top 10 quarantine preparations and TulaneLSU's Top 10 lessons from Walmart and Sam's 3/13/20
Today I used for the first time in years my N99 respirator. I had previously used this for an anatomy course, due to the noxious formaldehyde fumes emanating from the cadavers. This time I also wore goggles, which made me the only person in either store so well protected. I did not wear gloves, as I do not understand how gloves decrease virus spread if you wear the same pair constantly. My concern was both giving and receiving a virus. While I remain asymptomatic, I am very healthy and the possibility of being a carrier is there. I washed my hands before leaving and immediately upon returning. I touched no one, remained at least six feet away from people as much as possible, and spoke not a word to anyone, although I did hear many words as I waited to pay for my items.
TulaneLSU’s 10 lessons from Walmart and Sam’s on St. Patrick’s Day, 2020:
10. Over the counter drugs are well stocked
Both Walmart and Sam’s did not show a shortage of vitamins, cold medicines and other over the counter remedies. I find this somewhat surprising. Also in no short supply were toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. By the way, the French are saying you should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin and Aleve if you get the new coronavirus. It’s a strange recommendation, but I won’t take these medicines, as I normally would for a cold, if I do get sick in the coming weeks.
9. Le Sueur peas and other canned vegetables are in very short supply
I tried to emphasize to you a few weeks ago that le Sueur peas, and other canned vegetables for that matter, would be hot commodities if the virus spread continued. Walmart and Sam’s were both out of le Sueur’s, but Walmart had about six cans of Dubon Premiers, which is a suitable substitute. All other peas and beans were completely gone.
When I was in Walmart, I also noticed can openers were sold out. I hope Cuisinart and other can openers makers are ramping up operations. What good will canned goods be without can openers?
8. Milk and almond milk were sold out
I have never seen both Walmart and Sam’s sell out of both products. It may have happened before, but I have not seen it. Sam’s still had a small supply of the six 64 oz carton almond milk that did not require refrigeration. I highly recommend you get these if available still.
7. Toilet paper remains an absurd golden calf
I arrived at Sam’s at 8 AM, believing I would be able to enter with my Sam’s Plus membership. When I got there, at least 100 people lined the entrance. An employee cheerfully and politely waited at the end of the line to tell newcomers that the doors did not open until 9 to allow the store to be restocked. I thanked him, and decided to make a quick run to Walmart to investigate the situation there before Sam’s opened.
Walmart had no paper products like toilet paper or napkins or paper towels. When I returned to Sam’s, the toilet paper was already sold out. I overheard one lady say, “They only had four pallets of Scott’s (toilet) paper. It was gone in five minutes.” As I walked by the empty back aisle, I saw one man holding up a jumbo pack of napkins inquiring out loud to himself, “Are these safe to flush in a toilet?”
Am I the only one who doesn’t use toilet paper? My toilet had a Bidet, but I found taking a quick shower was far more effective. I haven’t used toilet paper since I was a kid. To me, toilet paper and the process of wiping oneself with paper, is uncivilized.
I hourly send prayers to our God for your and your family's health and safety. May each of you cope in these trying times. Mother and Uncle and others are leaving tonight for the family's secret camp that has an underground bunker in Mississippi. Our family's Mississippi purlieu goes back five generations to the time of the New Orleans yellow fever epidemics. More recent generations have used it as a hurricane shelter.
I shall remain, however, ensconced here. I have a duty to you, my dear friends, and I will not cower from this invisible enemy. I have fought invisible enemies my entire life, and this one shall be no different. With God and love of neighbor, we shall defeat it.
Today, we remember the great saint, Patrick of Ireland. He faced great uncertainty and enemies in his life, those who were accoutered with scian and sword. Fear did not conquer him and he used courage and the clover to bring Christianity to the island of Ireland 1600 years ago. I love the prayer of St. Patrick:
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
May we too see the Triune God in the simple things of nature, like the clover, as St. Patrick did. This cookie cake, at a mere $18, was my splurge today.
We are traveling along together in waters unchartered for all of us. Our first pandemic together is causing quite a bit of fear as well as anxiety, especially as we begin to consider the economic consequences of this outbreak. I will do my best to document this time, taking my lessons from trips to Walmart and Sam's. These stores are at the heart of the American psyche and I believe by visiting these reservoirs of the American Volksgeist, I can predict where we are heading. In short, to examine the crowds and the shelves at Walmart-Sam's is to get an accurate pulse on the nation. You can read previous observations in the past few weeks here: TulaneLSU's Top 10 quarantine preparations and TulaneLSU's Top 10 lessons from Walmart and Sam's 3/13/20
Today I used for the first time in years my N99 respirator. I had previously used this for an anatomy course, due to the noxious formaldehyde fumes emanating from the cadavers. This time I also wore goggles, which made me the only person in either store so well protected. I did not wear gloves, as I do not understand how gloves decrease virus spread if you wear the same pair constantly. My concern was both giving and receiving a virus. While I remain asymptomatic, I am very healthy and the possibility of being a carrier is there. I washed my hands before leaving and immediately upon returning. I touched no one, remained at least six feet away from people as much as possible, and spoke not a word to anyone, although I did hear many words as I waited to pay for my items.
TulaneLSU’s 10 lessons from Walmart and Sam’s on St. Patrick’s Day, 2020:
10. Over the counter drugs are well stocked
Both Walmart and Sam’s did not show a shortage of vitamins, cold medicines and other over the counter remedies. I find this somewhat surprising. Also in no short supply were toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. By the way, the French are saying you should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin and Aleve if you get the new coronavirus. It’s a strange recommendation, but I won’t take these medicines, as I normally would for a cold, if I do get sick in the coming weeks.
9. Le Sueur peas and other canned vegetables are in very short supply
I tried to emphasize to you a few weeks ago that le Sueur peas, and other canned vegetables for that matter, would be hot commodities if the virus spread continued. Walmart and Sam’s were both out of le Sueur’s, but Walmart had about six cans of Dubon Premiers, which is a suitable substitute. All other peas and beans were completely gone.
When I was in Walmart, I also noticed can openers were sold out. I hope Cuisinart and other can openers makers are ramping up operations. What good will canned goods be without can openers?
8. Milk and almond milk were sold out
I have never seen both Walmart and Sam’s sell out of both products. It may have happened before, but I have not seen it. Sam’s still had a small supply of the six 64 oz carton almond milk that did not require refrigeration. I highly recommend you get these if available still.
7. Toilet paper remains an absurd golden calf
I arrived at Sam’s at 8 AM, believing I would be able to enter with my Sam’s Plus membership. When I got there, at least 100 people lined the entrance. An employee cheerfully and politely waited at the end of the line to tell newcomers that the doors did not open until 9 to allow the store to be restocked. I thanked him, and decided to make a quick run to Walmart to investigate the situation there before Sam’s opened.
Walmart had no paper products like toilet paper or napkins or paper towels. When I returned to Sam’s, the toilet paper was already sold out. I overheard one lady say, “They only had four pallets of Scott’s (toilet) paper. It was gone in five minutes.” As I walked by the empty back aisle, I saw one man holding up a jumbo pack of napkins inquiring out loud to himself, “Are these safe to flush in a toilet?”
Am I the only one who doesn’t use toilet paper? My toilet had a Bidet, but I found taking a quick shower was far more effective. I haven’t used toilet paper since I was a kid. To me, toilet paper and the process of wiping oneself with paper, is uncivilized.
This post was edited on 3/17/20 at 12:57 pm
12
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:49 pm to TulaneLSU
quote:
a
Riveting
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:49 pm to TulaneLSU
6. Walmart and Sam’s employees are true American heroes.
People, especially certain members of the OT brother and sisterhood, make a habit of insulting both the employees and patrons of Walmart. But these very people are the backbone of our country. At both Sam’s and Walmart, the meat departments were depleted. But at both, the employees were hustling with effort rarely seen to restock. As some have suggested, these workers need enormous bonus checks. As restaurants close, they are doing the heavy lifting to ensure that Americans are fed. May God bless you, Walmart and Sam’s employees.
5. Sam’s seems to have increased prices on certain high demand objects
When I purchased a three pack of Clorox bleach at Sam’s two or three weeks ago, it was $10. Today, it was $14. Perhaps these bottles are larger than the ones I previously bought or perhaps Sam’s is moderately adjusting prices due to demand. I never price toilet paper, so I cannot say how those prices have changed, if at all. A man I heard by the water department said prices on the bottled water were also higher than normal.
4. Bottled water is in low supply
The Sam’s brand water, which was $2.98 for 40 half liter bottles, is sold out. Instead, Sam’s this morning had Dasani, which is more than twice as expensive. Even the Dasani, however, was running low. I have no idea what the supply chain looks like, but if buying continues at this pace, it will be hard to get items like bottled water. As long as the S&WB continues its excellent service, we will be fine. I was happy also to see that the alcohol aisles are full, showing that people are not wasting their time on the bad liquids.
3. Takeout containers were going fast
As restaurants switch to all takeout, I figure they were the ones buying them. I fear that, as many restaurants struggle in good times, we will see a significant number of local restaurants close in the coming weeks. As they do, our grocery stores will become even more strained and profitable in their operations. Zuppardo's reopened at the perfect time. I can only imagine the profits of grocery stores and Walmart in the coming months. If this shift in food distribution, from restaurant to grocery, continues, those laid off from restaurant work should look for work in groceries, as grocery stores will be hiring.
2. Are our fresh food supply chains going to withstand the onslaught?
I believe they will, but Sam’s vegetable aisles were quite thin, and that was not long after opening. Walmart was fairly well stocked. I again encourage all people to be well supplied, at least for two weeks. If you become ill with the new virus, you will be required to quarantine for at least two weeks. Prepare now in case that happens.
1. Grocery stores, Walmart, and Sam’s need a new purchasing system
If we are to be serious about avoiding large crowds, we need to overhaul the current purchasing system. I was at Sam’s with the VIPs at 9 AM, before the 10 AM masses arrive. I still waited in line over 30 minutes. During that time, I heard sneezes and coughing. People were generally in good spirits. However, just as we saw the pictures of the airports with dense masses of people, so too did the checkout lines look today.
People were not abiding by the six foot rule. Hundreds of people were gathered in relative proximity. Most did not have goggles and N99 masks like I did, and potentially were spreading contagions with each cough and sneeze.
I propose that these stores go 100% order online and by phone. Have pickup lines. Or better yet, hire restaurant workers on temporary leave to deliver them. The less we congregate now, the shorter our quarantines and pandemic will last. The sooner our economy will recover.
Until that time, make the lines efficient. As you wait in line, position your items so that the scan code is readily accessible for the scanner. Count your items. It should not, if you follow these tips, take more than two minutes to check out. Instead, I saw many inefficient techniques whereby customers searched all six sides of their items before finding the code. This sloppiness should never happen. You have plenty of time in line to organize your codes to be scanned. Use your time wisely.
Yes, Sam’s rotisserie chickens were still available this morning.
May you have a good Saint Patrick’s Day. Take care, my dear friends, and be well.
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
People, especially certain members of the OT brother and sisterhood, make a habit of insulting both the employees and patrons of Walmart. But these very people are the backbone of our country. At both Sam’s and Walmart, the meat departments were depleted. But at both, the employees were hustling with effort rarely seen to restock. As some have suggested, these workers need enormous bonus checks. As restaurants close, they are doing the heavy lifting to ensure that Americans are fed. May God bless you, Walmart and Sam’s employees.
5. Sam’s seems to have increased prices on certain high demand objects
When I purchased a three pack of Clorox bleach at Sam’s two or three weeks ago, it was $10. Today, it was $14. Perhaps these bottles are larger than the ones I previously bought or perhaps Sam’s is moderately adjusting prices due to demand. I never price toilet paper, so I cannot say how those prices have changed, if at all. A man I heard by the water department said prices on the bottled water were also higher than normal.
4. Bottled water is in low supply
The Sam’s brand water, which was $2.98 for 40 half liter bottles, is sold out. Instead, Sam’s this morning had Dasani, which is more than twice as expensive. Even the Dasani, however, was running low. I have no idea what the supply chain looks like, but if buying continues at this pace, it will be hard to get items like bottled water. As long as the S&WB continues its excellent service, we will be fine. I was happy also to see that the alcohol aisles are full, showing that people are not wasting their time on the bad liquids.
3. Takeout containers were going fast
As restaurants switch to all takeout, I figure they were the ones buying them. I fear that, as many restaurants struggle in good times, we will see a significant number of local restaurants close in the coming weeks. As they do, our grocery stores will become even more strained and profitable in their operations. Zuppardo's reopened at the perfect time. I can only imagine the profits of grocery stores and Walmart in the coming months. If this shift in food distribution, from restaurant to grocery, continues, those laid off from restaurant work should look for work in groceries, as grocery stores will be hiring.
2. Are our fresh food supply chains going to withstand the onslaught?
I believe they will, but Sam’s vegetable aisles were quite thin, and that was not long after opening. Walmart was fairly well stocked. I again encourage all people to be well supplied, at least for two weeks. If you become ill with the new virus, you will be required to quarantine for at least two weeks. Prepare now in case that happens.
1. Grocery stores, Walmart, and Sam’s need a new purchasing system
If we are to be serious about avoiding large crowds, we need to overhaul the current purchasing system. I was at Sam’s with the VIPs at 9 AM, before the 10 AM masses arrive. I still waited in line over 30 minutes. During that time, I heard sneezes and coughing. People were generally in good spirits. However, just as we saw the pictures of the airports with dense masses of people, so too did the checkout lines look today.
People were not abiding by the six foot rule. Hundreds of people were gathered in relative proximity. Most did not have goggles and N99 masks like I did, and potentially were spreading contagions with each cough and sneeze.
I propose that these stores go 100% order online and by phone. Have pickup lines. Or better yet, hire restaurant workers on temporary leave to deliver them. The less we congregate now, the shorter our quarantines and pandemic will last. The sooner our economy will recover.
Until that time, make the lines efficient. As you wait in line, position your items so that the scan code is readily accessible for the scanner. Count your items. It should not, if you follow these tips, take more than two minutes to check out. Instead, I saw many inefficient techniques whereby customers searched all six sides of their items before finding the code. This sloppiness should never happen. You have plenty of time in line to organize your codes to be scanned. Use your time wisely.
Yes, Sam’s rotisserie chickens were still available this morning.
May you have a good Saint Patrick’s Day. Take care, my dear friends, and be well.
Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU
This post was edited on 3/17/20 at 2:01 pm
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:49 pm to TulaneLSU
quote:
a
Not your finest work.
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:50 pm to bluebarracuda
quote:
a
He succumbed to the Chinese Flu.
This post was edited on 3/17/20 at 12:51 pm
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:50 pm to TulaneLSU
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:50 pm to TulaneLSU
quote:
a
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:51 pm to TulaneLSU
Meanwhile at target
Posted on 3/17/20 at 12:55 pm to TulaneLSU
Do you even scan and go?
Posted on 3/17/20 at 1:14 pm to Flipadelphia
God bless you and your peas Tulane. You are a true patriot 
Posted on 3/17/20 at 1:23 pm to TulaneLSU
Thanks for the post.
Please post a picture of yourself wearing goggles and a mask.
Please post a picture of yourself wearing goggles and a mask.
This post was edited on 3/17/20 at 1:24 pm
Posted on 3/17/20 at 1:38 pm to Bigfishchoupique
Friend,
My face protection is quite similar to this:
I cannot post an image, though, due to a certain segment of the underworld still seeking me for reasons of ill will and revenge.
Yours,
TulaneLSU
My face protection is quite similar to this:
I cannot post an image, though, due to a certain segment of the underworld still seeking me for reasons of ill will and revenge.
Yours,
TulaneLSU
Posted on 3/17/20 at 1:53 pm to TulaneLSU
quote:
due to a certain segment of the underworld still seeking me for reasons of ill will and revenge.
Now I’m curious.
The Rouses I went to in BR today had plenty of milk, eggs, and canned goods. I absentmindedly forgot to check for peas, though.
This post was edited on 3/17/20 at 2:40 pm
Posted on 3/17/20 at 1:58 pm to TulaneLSU
Thank you Captain obvious. You are a very strange duck.
Posted on 3/17/20 at 2:05 pm to TulaneLSU
This topic makes me want to punch you in the face. One, because this gimmick is so stupid. And two, because it kind of takes somebody who I probably would not like in real life to come up with a gimmick like this.
I could make a more poignant and interesting post in just two short points than you could in ten ridiculous ones
I could make a more poignant and interesting post in just two short points than you could in ten ridiculous ones
This post was edited on 3/17/20 at 2:06 pm
Posted on 3/17/20 at 2:06 pm to Bigfishchoupique
quote:
Please post a picture of yourself
When I read his post, for some reason I picture Colonel Sanders writing those words in my mind.
Posted on 3/17/20 at 2:15 pm to TulaneLSU
quote:
As long as the S&WB continues its excellent service, we will be fine. I was happy also to see that the alcohol aisles are full, showing that people are not wasting their time on the bad liquids.
Posted on 3/17/20 at 2:18 pm to TulaneLSU
You bought an $18 cookie cake? Jesus Christ.
Posted on 3/17/20 at 2:30 pm to TulaneLSU
Which Sam's Club was this? The one on Airline in Metry? Some items have two barcodes where one works and the other doesn't.
You have a filter on the NOLA S&WB tap water?
You have a filter on the NOLA S&WB tap water?
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