My wife and I set out for Costco Business Center to stock up foodstuffs, today. Our car is going into the shop for a short stint, and we wanted to grab grub from stores that are too far away to walk. But the entrance ramp onto HR-163 was inexplicitly closed, compelling us to abort. Trader Joe’s was nearby, eggs were on our list, and the grocery sells a dozen for the same price as the warehouse.
But would there be any in stock? For weeks, we’ve watched countless commentators warn about a shortage of eggs and skyrocketing prices (like seven bucks a dozen). Bird flu is blamed. If I learned nothing else from all the SARS-CoV-2(severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2)/COVID-19 insanity, fear is the virus—and, whoa, is it contagious. My advice to you: Don’t be afraid. Judge by what you see, not by what you hear someone say.
The Featured Image, captured using Leica Q2 Monochrom, makes the point. We found TJ’s to be well-stocked, and the price per dozen was exactly as expected ($2.99). No apparent shortage. No sticker shock. I can’t speak for the situation at Ralph’s next door.
But I know this: Fear causes irrational behavior that creates the problem prognosticators predict. People rush to supermarkets and buy more than they need, which depletes supplies and creates needless, artificial shortages and price spikes. We did buy more than typical, but not because of being afraid of some impending egg apocalypse. Car’s going into the repair shop.
Fear-mongering makes money for somebody. Talk of shortages of this lead to sales of that. News media wonks wag FUD flags (e.g., fear, uncertainty, and doubt) that attract viewers, which is good for advertising and ratings. YouTubers rack thousands more views and likes, which are monetized digital gold, so to speak. Governments exert more control (over fearful folks’ desperation for a rescuer). These entities all share in common: Making you scared benefits them.
So don’t be afraid. Don’t buy into what they say. Be responsible for yourself, family, and community by stepping back and taking pragmatic action. Be proactive, not reactive. Don’t be slave to hysteria. Master the moment.
Photo vitals, aperture manually set: f/4, ISO 1250, 1/30 sec, 28mm; 5:49 p.m. PST.