Swine Flu

The World Health Organization said yesterday the world is nearing a pandemic, raising its threat level as the swine flu virus spread and killed the first person outside of Mexico, a toddler in Texas.

“Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world,” WHO Director General Margaret Chan raised the official alert level to phase 5, the last step before a pandemic. This is the first time that the World Health Organization has declared a phase 5 that I know of in my life-time.

The virus, is a mix of pig, bird and human genes to which people have limited natural immunity, had spread to at least nine countries. In the United States, nearly 100 have been sickened in 11 states.

This is just crazy stuff!! I know that if people don't think the world is getting smaller, and we are 'connected', then all they have to do is look at what's happening.

What is truly scary for me is I keep having flash-backs to Joe Biden (before he became VP) and he said "Obama will be tested". Look, I don't (necessarily) believe in the prophecy, but I will say that Obama hasn't had an easy first 100 days. And doesn't it seem like he's been president a LOT longer than 100 days? Let me be clear that I think he has done a GREAT JOB and I wish him continued success.

(Oh I just read that Biden said something 'Biden-like' by saying to stay off trains/planes etc. HOW Mr. VP are NYers supposed to get around? We travel via subway and on yea...they are raising the cost of these trains - yet AGAIN, and if the ridership gets lower, will raise it again. WE CAN'T AFFORD THIS.

From the NY Daily News - The gaffe-master Vice President stomped all over President Obama's stay-calm message by blurting out that he's told his family to stay off planes and subways to avoid swine flu - exacerbating fears.

"I would tell members of my family - and I have - that I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now," Biden said on NBC's "Today" show.

Biden even went into specifics: "It's not just going to Mexico - if you're in a confined aircraft and one person sneezes it goes all the way through the aircraft."

"That's me. I would not be at this point, if they had another way of transportation, [be] suggesting they ride the subway."

Biden's staff instantly went into damage control mode with a what-Joe-really-meant statement, saying the veep thought planes and subways were still okay for his family and they should stay off them only if they felt sick. - Mr. President, aren't you guys tired of your VP and damage control??)

How did it start, how did these students at St. Francis Prep (in Queens) get it, how can you prevent it, what does the bible (if you believe in it) say about sickness and the fall of nations? Look, not going to do the bible thing. I'm no scholar on that, but I have friends who are. If you're interested in a deep discussion, then I can put you in contact with them.

What I am saying is that we really, truly need to take care of each other and our planet. These type of diseases don't just happen over night. Maybe we need to take additional care on the type of food we eat. We also need to take special care of the children and elderly who may not be able to take care of themselves. I keep saying that you are born in one family and then you create a family (your friends and those in your inner-circle). Let's take care of our family, friends and this planet we have. After it's gone, there isn't another.

For more information go to the Center for Disease Control

Do take care of your self....

Happy Birthday Mom

I wanted to also take a moment to send a very Happy Birthday to my Mommy.

We had a wonderful couple of days together. Of course, my dad...love him two, but he's just such a baby!! He kept calling, asking "where's my wife...oh and I love you too" he would say to me. You would think that she was here for months like the last time.

I know these two love each other but geeeezzzz already. lol

Mom, I want you to know that you are such an amazing woman, who makes me want to try to be a better person. I don't know if miracles can happen...but I'm trying. Thank you for coming up to share in my special night, and I look forward to eating our way through the food fair in June.

Much Love
Lisa

Talent comes in Two to Britian's Got Talent.

I have been gone so long from you that I feel terrible and will try to be better. The column I'm writing has taken on a life of it's own, with me working harder than I'e ever...but I love it! While this is a short blog, I want you to check out two people from Britain's Got Talent. Shaheen Jafargholi - this kid is AMAZING!!! I also Love Susan Boyle and have not seen the others that are on this show; I would love to see them both win. Watch it - Simon does stop him in the first 20 seconds, but wait to see what happens. Simon really does have an ear - who knew?? I may be a bit cynical (no comments please), but I really think that this show (the British version) showcases new and undiscovered REAL talent. The American Idol version just seems so 'canned'. What do I know...my singing makes dogs howl...

I wish I knew how to embed video - if I did....I would post it - PLEASE go to the link

Shaheen Jafargholi Auditions For Britians Got Talent With Amy Winehouse's Version Of Valerie But Then Simon Cowell Asks Him To Sing His Other Song Which Is a Michael Jackson Song And The Judges Love Him And Also The Audience Give Him A Standing Ovation

Of course here is our girl Susan Boyle...I don't know if you know the words to the actual song from Les Miserables - so here they are as well. If you want to hear the cast version - here is is...close your eyes and you will hear Susan soooo close. I just wish I had talent like this. Anywho...enjoy them both.

Here are the lyrics...I can relate to the character Fantine...can't we all at some level or another. We all have dreams, and some die and then some others are born in another form.
[Fantine is left alone, unemployed and destitute. She sings...]

There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
And they turn your dream to shame

He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.