These are the most cogent, accurate and thoughtful websites I've found that deal with the H1N1 "swine flu" outbreak. The most important thing you can do for yourself and your household is to prepare yourself with knowledge. Epidemics don't work in the real world like they do in fiction (see The Stand, for example). Just because most patients recover and the bodies aren't piling up on your street does not mean this is "just another flu".

The Flu Wiki - A wiki brought to you by leaders in virology, epidemiology and health care
Wiki: http://www.fluwikie.com/
Forum: http://www.newfluwiki2.com

Effect Measure - A blog by an epidemiologist involved with federal efforts to track and prepare for pandemics
http://scienceblogs.com/effectmeasure

CDC swine flu information site
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu

How to prepare your household for pandemic flu
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html
http://www.getpandemicready.org
http://www.fluwikie.com/index.php?n=Consequences.HomeAlone

Homeopathic "Medicine" Scam Alert - Print a copy and distribute widely
http://www.youngausskeptics.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/swine-flu-scam-alert.pdf

WHO - What "level 5 pandemic" means
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/phase/en

CDC - pandemics occur in waves, don't be lulled by a reduction of new cases
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol12no01/05-0979.htm

Tips and strategies for your workplace
http://www.uschamber.com/issues/index/defense/pandemic_influenza.htm

Also filed under nightmare scenario or science ♠ comments: ∅

The facebook world has been deluged with messages asking users to visit fbstarter.com and kromked.net. I tried to check out the sites, but on this windows machine not much happened; my local DNS didn't even find the site. I'll take a look from my laptop and see if I can find any more info. Interestingly, the domain ownership information has a few surprises. fbstarter.com is registered with a Turkish registrar, and kromked.net isn't anonymized! Names, addresses, everything is right there in the record.

First, fbstarter.com:

Arastirilan alan adi: fbstarter.com
Ad / Name Boris Soroka
Adres Stavropolskaya str. d.18 kv.164 Moscow Moscow 109386
Tel +7.4957851102
Faks
E-posta vy@seostudio.at
Guncelleme / Updated

Ad gizli
Ad / Name Boris Soroka
Adres Stavropolskaya str. d.18 kv.164 Moscow Moscow 109386
Tel +7.4957851102
Faks
E-posta vy@seostudio.at
Guncelleme / Updated


Ad gizli
Ad / Name Boris Soroka
Adres Stavropolskaya str. d.18 kv.164 Moscow Moscow 109386
Tel +7.4957851102
Faks
E-posta vy@seostudio.at
Guncelleme / Updated


Alan Adi Sunucusu1 / DNS1 ns1.freedns.ws
Alan Adi Sunucusu1 IP / DNS1 IP
Alan Adi Sunucusu2 / DNS2 ns2.freedns.ws
Alan Adi Sunucusu2 IP / DNS2 IP
Son Guncelleme/ Last Updated
Kayit Tarihi / Registration Date 2009-04-30
SKT / Exp. Date 2010-04-30
Statu Aktif

And kromked.net:


Domain name: kromked.net


Name servers:
ns1.nameself.com
ns2.nameself.com


Registrar: Regtime Ltd.
Creation date: 2009-04-30
Expiration date: 2010-04-30


Registrant:
Liza Doblex
Email: doblexliza@gmail.com
Organization: private person
Address: Garilda ave 13-33
City: New York
State: NY
ZIP: 13512
Country: US
Phone: +1.8121291341
Administrative Contact:
Liza Doblex
Email: doblexliza@gmail.com
Organization: private person
Address: Garilda ave 13-33
City: New York
State: NY
ZIP: 13512
Country: US
Phone: +1.8121291341
Technical Contact:
Liza Doblex
Email: doblexliza@gmail.com
Organization: private person
Address: Garilda ave 13-33
City: New York
State: NY
ZIP: 13512
Country: US
Phone: +1.8121291341
Billing Contact:
Liza Doblex
Email: doblexliza@gmail.com
Organization: private person
Address: Garilda ave 13-33
City: New York
State: NY
ZIP: 13512
Country: US
Phone: +1.8121291341

Also filed under Random or technology ♠ comments: ∅

I don't normally have the patience to sit through "fact finding" youtube videos, but this one is worth it. A systematic explanation of the lies coming from the Traditional Values Coalition regarding the federal effort to add sexual orientation to the federal hate crime list. It's really well done, succinct, and not preachy. And has plenty of details to inform your discussions on the subject.

What I can't understand is WHY these crazy people are allowed to spew their bullshit? Besides the moment of fact checking it takes to disprove their blatant lies, where's the historical perspective? Doesn't anyone remember the movement for racial rights, and how the same idiots trotted out these same tired old lies? Civil rights are a definition, not a finite resource. Giving people rights doesn't mean that you're taking them away from someone else. I've heard the argument from rightwing wackos that "my values will be compromised if I have to treat people equally at my job". Too fucking bad, moron. If your momma didn't teach you to play nice with everyone, I guess someone else is going to have to step in and do the job for her.

My wife and I couldn't have gotten married 50 years ago, just because we have different concentrations of melanin in our skin. And like gay couples, we live our lives and do our thing and it makes no difference either way to anyone else. Watch this video and see the evidence that a) gay bashing is a very real threat to a lot of people living in America today, and b) making it a hate crime will only result in positive outcomes for our society.

And tell your representative too.

Also filed under Random ♠ comments: ∅

Somehow, I aquired a nonspecific topical bacterial infection on my right eye. I'm glad it's not viral pinkeye, but it's no joyride either. Yesterday, it began burning - not itching like allergies - and a thin film of mucous kept building up that I wiped off with a qtip so I could see. I figured I probably got a cat hair in it while I was snuggling my kitty and scratched my cornea or something. So I slept on it, but in the morning my eye was crusted shut and it HURT. I called work and told them I have swine eye (they didn't think that was as funny as I did) and made an appointment at the clinic.

I love my clinic. Everything's computerized; if I call in from my cellphone, my records pull up automagically when they pick up the line. When I check in, I swipe my card and the deductible is immediately paid. When they take me to an exam room, my records are right there waiting for the doctor. I've gained 4 FRICKIN' KILOS since I quit drinking! WTF!! But my blood pressure is still good, 102/80. She was able to confirm my history, my medications and get on with the exam in moments. She verified it's not pinkeye and not cancer, and prescribed ciprofloxacin, antibiotic "of last resort" according to Wiki. She clicked a button and the prescription was sent to my pharmacy. Hot DAMN, I love technology!

The prescription was ready by the time I walked the 15 blocks to the pharmacy. I got home and dutifully put a drop in my eye. I've always hated putting drops in my eye, and it took a couple of tries before the liquid actually landed on my cornea. ZOMG! THE PPPAAAAINNN!!!! It must be medicine, it hurts like all unholy hell. I haven't noticed any improvement in the discomfort, but the mucous isn't building up any more. It's now draining down my cheek. And probably dripping into my sinus, and hopefully I won't get a secondary sinus infection. That's all I need with the plague lurking around the corner.

So what have I done on my day off? Not much. Answered some for people at wordpress.org, hopped on the Wednesday Weirdness meme, watched a show about the excavation of Caesarea, played with the cat and generally fucked off. I'm supposed to stay home from work tomorrow too, lest I become Patient Zero at the office.

Also filed under pacific nw life ♠ comments: ∅

This week's Wednesday Weirdness meme features questions by: Another Suburban Mom.

• 1. Is there a particular smell that turns you on? If so what is it?

Yes, lots of things. I suppose the most interesting olfactory fetishes I have are orange Dial liquid hand soap and Dektol. Why? When I was in highschool, I took a lot of engineering classes, which were in the same wing as the art classes. I'd often wander out of drafting class and hang out with my girlfriend in the darkroom while she developed her photos. A dark, secluded area, a sense of danger, teenage hormones... you know what happened. Often.

Shortly before I met my wife, I dated a women who used Dial soap. A lot. Almost in an obsessive/compulsive sort of way, but I have a thing for hygiene, so it worked out really well. Interestingly, research seems to indicate scent is more important for female mammals then for men.

• 2. Have you ever tried or considered trying a Master Cleanse type method to lose weight?

Yes, in an effort to control IBS. They tasted yucky, I lost weight that I didn't need to lose, and I can't really said it did anything for my condition. Identifying and avoiding my "trigger foods" was much more useful.

• 3. When you browsing a book store for reading material, do you find yourself checking out a book solely based on the cover design?

Only if there's naked women on the cover. But I'm sort of a pig like that. I spend all my time in bookstores in the computer books area, or the auto racing magazine rack. If I start wandering around, I'll spend more money than I can really afford to.

• 4. Which 80's trend were you least happy to see come back this year; big shoulder pads or neon?

LONG LIVE PARACHUTE PANTS!

• 5. How long do you think could you disappear for until someone would notice your absence and start looking for you?

Until about midnight, then my wife would assume I'm at a bar relapsing and/or in bed with someone else.

• 6. Have you ever walked out of a movie and asked for your money back? Which movie(s) and why?

Yes. I walked out of "Shanghai Knights" because the sound was way off, and they gave us coupons for free admission to another movie. Otherwise, I'm pretty good about making sure I don't spend money to go see a flick in a theater unless I know it's worthwhile. There's been plenty of DVDs that I didn't bother to finish. The most recent is "Rise of the Lycans". I dont' know why I tried to watch it. The other Underworld movies were so bad I found myself hoping for the sudden onset of eye cancer to spare me from the disaster unfolding on the tv.

• 7. Have you ever changed your plans because of something you read in your horoscope?

Are you kidding? The horoscope changes for me!

Also filed under Random or pacific nw life ♠ 1 comment ⇒

• 1. Have you ever had angry sex?

Yes, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped. I think I liked leaving her hot'n bothered with nobody to play with the most.

• 2. Pity sex?

Only when I was pitying myself. Or she threw herself at me so hard I couldn't possibly say no. I'm not sure if that counts as "pity" or "desperation", but I believe past a certain point there isn't enough difference to really matter.

• 3. "Oh well, I might as well" sex?

Oh yeah. It's never been that good with other people though. It always seemed to happen after partying all night, when the body doesn't function as well as the mind would like. The several times a week I do it with myself works out much better ;)

• 4. One-of-you-knew-it-was-goodbye-and-the-other-didn't sex?

Yeah, from both perspectives. Every time I knew I wasn't going to see her again, the woman was always asking me "What's wrong?". I, however, was never as observant and had no idea what was about to happen.

• 5. Don't-remember-having-it sex?

I don't know, I can't remember ;)

• 6. Regret-it-afterward sex?

I've regretted sex right after the fact: "I just spent how much time and energy seducing you and [you're not any good at sex] [we don't fit together well] [you have personal hygiene issues]?!?!?" I've also regretted sex later... "Stop stalking me! We had sex, that was all! I'm not the answer to all the problems in your life! GO AWAY!"

• 7. Can't-remember-his/her-name sex?

Does it still count if I can't remember 20 years later? I'm pretty sure I remembered everyone's name at the time, to the best of my recollection (see #5).

• 8. Never-knew-his/her-name sex?

Not that I know of. I just sort of always had this weird thing about at least knowing that much, if nothing else. However, during my single years I often traveled in circles where self proclaimed monikers were all the rage, so I certainly didn't know everyone's -birth certificate- name, but I always at least knew what they went by.

Bonus: What was the worst single sexual experience of your life?

Losing my virginity was a beautiful disaster, for all the usual reasons. Fumbling around, trying to figure out what's what and what goes where, finally finding the right spot just long enough to... AAAaaahahhhhh OMG! That's great!

Also filed under Random ♠ 1 comment ⇒

Join the conversation at thatsmyanswer.com.

Also filed under Random or pacific nw life ♠ comments: ∅

Join the meme fun at Curious as a Cat and get yer Monday brain jumpstarted. I did and it was fun.

1) If I could make one change to my workplace, I would install taller cubicles. We have the half-height cubicles, and it looks like a graveyard with everyone's head and shoulders sticking up. And there's not enough room to properly display my Ferrari team flag and thumbtack the various charts and lists that I need immediate access to. I would really like to increase my privacy and wall acreage. If I could make two changes, I would also put a state of the art filtration/sterilization system to reduce my chances of getting sick.

2) The silliest thing I ever heard from my parents was either "Of course god exists, it says so in the [King James] bible" or my dad saying, "If you try drugs once, you'll go crazy forever." Little did he know, I was already irrevocably nuts ;)

3) The most fascinating crime that happened before my time would either be the destruction of the Knights Templar, or the antics of Jack the Ripper. I think the Knights Templar were a fascinating intersection of politics, religion, wealth and knowledge at a time before the four were necessarily as interdependent as they are today. Essentially, the betrayal of the Knights teaches us a lot about how the changing economy ground old political structures beneath it's incessant wheels. Jack the Ripper is cool, the first truly modern serial killer and inspiration of so many theories, arguments, speculation and ultimately even novels and movies.

4) Flipper the dolphin mated with a buffalo and is hanging out on the Porch! Get a camera!

Also filed under Random or pacific nw life ♠ 1 comment ⇒

You've no doubt heard about the latest swine flu outbreak. If you're like me, you found yourself curious why this particular outbreak is worth so much attention. I poked around teh intertubes for awhile, and found out why swine flu is such a big deal.

Swine flu is a generic name for a class of viri that was responsible for the 1918-1919 pandemic that killed 2.5% of the world's known population. This latest variety of H1N1 is believed to have killed anywhere from 60 to 100 people in Mexico already, and cases have been reported around the globe already. This variant includes some proteins also found on the SARS virus H5N1. It is unclear at this time if this has any effects on it's communicability or lethality. The death rate in Mexico is not definitively known, but reports indicate it's about 7%, plus or minus a point or two. This, I believe, is an inflated rate, as it only counts the number of diagnosed survivors. No doubt quite a number of people got sick but did not seek hospitilization.

While "normal" flu viri kill less than one half of one percent of flu patients a year, these pandemic flus kill several orders of magnitude more. Being healthy is somewhat of a liablity, as the stronger the immunological response you can muster, the more phlegm is developed, which can drown the patient or invite massive secondary bacterial infections. Of course, immunocomprimised patients are always at risk.

Fifteen percent of the diagnosed patients in the US had taken the flu vaccine. The vaccine is tailored every year to strains that are expected to spread, but these projections are made months before flu season and prognosticating plague is a less than exact science. Personally, I wound up in the hospital with life-threatening intestinal flu the year I tried the vaccine, so I haven't touched it since.

This flu is probably more dangerous than H5N1, the famous avian flu. It's spreading faster, and has at least the same lethality if not more. Fortunately, we have drugs to combat it. Or rather, some people do:

The article went on to state that only up to a quarter of a given Western nation population (except Great Britain at fifty percent) can be treated with antiviral drugs from government stockpiles during the first pandemic wave. This would mean, as Australia's Dr. Buddhima Lokuge et.al. states (see eMJA article), Australian government stockpiled antivirals "will be limited and reserved for those on a confidential rationing list." The United States public are in the same boat and face an identical government policy situation -- selective rationing:*)

In economic news, analysts indicate that for the most part the scare has had a negative impact on the markets, but Roche (the manufacturer of Tamifil, manufacturer of the drug that the flu responds to the best) has gone up.

Will 2009 be remembered as the year the epidemic started? Will history's recollection overshadow the first non-white president for a submicroscopic sliver of protein and RNA? Will the wildly disparate availability of medicine and medical care be the catalyst for worldwide revolution? Hopefully not the former, hopefully the latter.

EDIT 4/29/2009
It appears the H1N1 swine flu has arrived in Seattle.

Also filed under nightmare scenario or pacific nw life or science ♠ comments: ∅

I didn't want to say anything about the nationwide teabagging. I didn't want to give those wackos that kind of credit. Of course, Dispatches from the Culture Wars came up with some info too good not to share.

Above and beyond the usual hypocrisy the right brought out for display, the baseless jingoism and thinly veiled theocratic and racist ideals, the right's ability to completely ignore the history of the last century and rewrite this centurie's history were soundly picked apart.

The best part, of course, was this post describing in detail, with congress' own data, how the tax rate today is less than it has been for most of the modern era. Additionally, the data clearly show that the wealthiest 20% pay approximately 50% of their tax rate, while the 80% that includes eeryone I know pays nearly 100% of our tax rate.

Also filed under nightmare scenario ♠ comments: ∅