What about the Pandemic?

LONDON - Earlier this year, bird flu panic was in full swing: The French feared for their foie gras, the Swiss locked their chickens indoors, and Americans enlisted prison inmates in Alaska to help spot infected wild birds.

The H5N1 virus — previously confined to Southeast Asia — was striking birds in places as diverse as Germany, Egypt, and Nigeria, and a flu pandemic seemed inevitable.

Then the virus went quiet. Except for a steady stream of human cases in Indonesia, the current flu epicenter, the past year's worries about a catastrophic global outbreak largely disappeared.

What happened?

More ...

The important news

Hidden within news about the school shooting in Colorado was this little nugget of news: Longest fingernails.

It's good to know that there is still someone out there who is looking for news instead of repeating the same stuff over-and-over. Reuters may be the devil, and growing you fingernails this long is impractical and offensive, but it was a nice break from the daily overload of similar news.

Lions assistant arrested for nude driving and drunken driving

Yes, that's my team. I guess you are asking for it when you hire from the University of Illinois. Go Lions!

Lions assistant arrested for nude driving and drunken driving

Another 'Lost' actor arrested

What is going on with 'Lost' actors having problems with the cops in Oahu? And they are all traffic incidents. Mr. Eko should be careful -- you know what happens to the last two from the show who were pulled over.

`Lost' actor Akinnuoye-Agbaje arrested

11-year-old wins Alaska State Fair cabbage weigh-off

It looks like the big cabbage contest goes to an 11-year-old this year, and it was a 73 pounder! Another good example of why Alaska is cool.

11-year-old wins Alaska State Fair cabbage weigh-off

It's gone too far

It's really gone too far with celebrity obsession. That's all I have to say -- you can read the story and form your own opinions. By the way, the first bowel movements from babies are not solid.

"Tomkitten's" 'first poop' goes on display in New York

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Rock Star

I've watched a couple episodes of Rock Star on CBS and decided Dilana is much better than the rest of the group. She's a little odd, but amazing to watch. The way she did Ring of Fire on Tuesday night was outstanding. She may not fit the stereotype of what people think this band should be, but maybe they should have something different.

Roller Derby

I think I am starting to get into roller derby. I've always been interested in the sport, but there is finally more access with new leagues popping up around the country every day. In fact, there was recently a TV show based on the TXRD in Austin, Texas, and a documentary in the final production stages. I think I need to marry a roller derby queen.

Magic?

I'm watching Criss Angel Mindfreak on A&E and I realize that Criss might not be doing illusions at all. I've watched hundreds of illusions, and you can often find the same "situations," but with some of Criss' magic, it seems very different. I'm not a magician, so I don't know, but you think some magic may be real? Either way, it's a damn good show.

English language stuff

The English language is quite interesting when you take a close look at it. One example is the etymology, or the origin of words in the language. Think you have it figured out? Take an etymology quiz and see just how much you know.

Now that we know the origin of the words, how do we put them together? It appears we often do that incorrectly. Avoiding "writerisms" can help you become a stronger writer. Still coming up short? Make an office call to Dr. Grammar to cure your writing ills.