Fuel for Thought
From Corona to Virus
It may surprise some people to find out that Corona is a product of German immigrants. Yep, that “Mexican” beer is German, sort of. In 1925 the now famous pilsner beer was first made in Grupo Modelo (Cerveceria Modelo), which was and still is the largest brewery in Mexico. It wasn’t designed to have a wedge of lemon or lime inserted in the bottle’s neck though, that came out of necessity. It was used to keep the flies out of the beer.
Who invented toilet paper (as we know it today)?
Joseph C. Gayetty is credited as the inventor of modern commercially available toilet paper in 1857. His “medicated” paper was sold in packages of flat sheets watermarked with his name on them. His advertisements would claim "The greatest necessity of the age! Gayetty's medicated paper for the water-closet." In 1871, Seth Wheeler became the official “inventor” of toilet paper as we know it today. Seth Wheeler patented his rolled and perforated wrapping paper (of note, he also patented his toilet paper dispenser). His Albany Perforated Wrapping Paper Company began selling the first toilet paper on a roll. After many iterations, including an early “splinter free” version, we now have soft, multi-ply, conveniently rolled toilet paper.
Viruses predate humans. Viruses can range from unnoticeably mild to life threatening in humans and animals. Humans have dealt with many viruses over time. Some threaten entire populations while others are just annoying for a short while. Basic hygiene should be practiced at all times, not just when a “new” virus is said to be spreading. Proper cleanliness could even stop many viruses before they spread.
With all the sensationalism over the current Coronavirus (COVID-19), which by the way is far from being a “new” virus, maybe some good will come from it. People are more aware of basic proper hygiene and many are seemingly just now putting those basics into their daily routines. Once this scare is over, given the short attention span many have, these practices may dissipate and allow for the next round of viruses to “infect” the panic prone masses.
By the way, the CDC lists 7 different Coronaviruses, which were first discovered in the 1960s.
- 229E (alpha coronavirus)
- NL63 (alpha coronavirus)
- OC43 (beta coronavirus)
- HKU1 (beta coronavirus)
- MERS-CoV (the beta coronavirus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS)
- SARS-CoV (the beta coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS)
- SARS-CoV-2 (the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19)
Before you panic, educate yourself and use basic proper hygiene.
So have a Corona with lime, wipe when you're done and wash your hands.
See you down the road,
Greg