Flu epidemic arising due to ‘the other white meat.’ The swine flu has been in the news for the last few days due to the outbreak which started in Mexico and has spread to the United States with reported cases even being treated as far as Scotland and New Zealand.  The World Health Organization, or WHO (not to be confused with The Who), has raised the pandemic alert from 3 to 4.  I’m not exactly sure what that means in real terms since most of the world has opted to begin using the 900 to 24 scale in order to avoid the number bias.

Continuing with the plight of the Mexican people, a strong earthquake hit the world’s third largest metropolitan area today. The city, already dealing with the outbreak of swinefluenza, experienced a quake of 6.0 magnitude on Monday morning.  As the string of bad luck continues, one can only wonder if the gods are just after more blood for the soil.

Researchers in Vietnam have found that certain sea shell can be used to remove toxic metals like cadmium and lead from water. Although most developed countries can afford more sophistcated filtration systems, scientists are hoping that this find will lead to improved water quality in poorer parts of the world.  Of course, this breakthrough takes place years after someone first tried turning cheap vodka into a more drinkable substance by running it through a charcoal filter (scroll down).

The U.S. and Russia have set a date to begin talks to scale down nuclear armament and replace the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty signed 18 years ago. The plan is to set forth measures that will follow the No-Nuclear agenda which the leaders of both countries have publicly embraced.  Damn, Mr. Gorbachev they’re tearing down that wall. There are still some bright spots out there.

I’ve decided not to go to Switzerland. I was looking forward to a relaxing environment where I could hang free (hey, if I’m suited up when the only thing I’m wearing is a pair of swim trunks, you’ve got to go big for real freedom).

Yes please, I’ll take it with cream, a couple spoons of sugar, and a lead slug.  A Mississippi woman proves that you can’t kill southern hospitality after taking a bullet to her head from her derranged husband.  The medical miracle, although rare, can happen according to some medical journals which have recorded similar cases.

Ooops, my bad ya’ll. Didn’t mean to scare the living crap out of you.  Conspiracy theories? Any takers?

El Doctrine, Strictly Linkage