UK - Swine Flu

It is always best that the Public should be fully aware of infectious bugs such as the current swine flu or influenza A(H1N1), though in a responsible way without causing panic.

Here in the UK, the government have chosen to run an awareness with a major TV and Radio Campaign, providing common sense information such as;

* Use clean tissues when you cough or sneeze

* Bin tissues after use

* Wash hands with soap, hot water or gel

This week a brochure is being delivered to every household in the UK (photo featured above) I received my copy this morning. But I wonder if it has been kept a little too general when a little more detailed information would have been helpful, it covers little more than the commercials being run.

The current number of UK swine flu infections confirmed is still in the 30's and it has been found that those identified having been given a course of the drug "Tamiflu" and all have quickly recovered. Rightly five schools have been closed were a public has been taken ill.

Now Governments worldwide when they discover a vaccine which they are currently working night and day on have the decision if they should scrap the current 2009 winter flu vaccines now in production?

Personally I have been given the vaccine each year and have kept away from any serious bout of flu and even heavy colds.

What is important is that people do not get complacent and once it the current spread slows down feel that is it, we have to be prepared if it should return this winter. Meanwhile we just to keep up with the simple protection advice!

Jon E Favreau - Writing Skills

Writing is a real skill, be it books, articles or speech writing and it is so good to be given the recognition you fully deserve, especially from respected peers. Jon E Favreau a friend has just been featured in the 2009 TIME World's Most Influential People and at 27. Of course Jon is known for his skills and the amazing working relationship he has had with President Barack Obama for the last four years, but even in his last days at "Holy Cross" and more so with his "validation speech" it was evident he had real natural talent which was a Gift and I can assure you he is a real genuine guy as well.
As a youngster even when aged eight I just loved to write stories, my imagination was just so active and I won a few competitions, words just always seemed to flow so natural, even now when I am writing something personal I don't like to check my work, as the words seem to come from the heart. When it later came to exams I just fell to pieces and I was never able to develop my skills, I often wonder how I found it so easy on the radio? Jon Favreau has another talent which I admire, he is a trained classical pianist. Again when I was young and still two instruments really seem to touch me and give me such inner peace and that is the piano and violin. I could never see myself picking up the violin so I longed to play the keyboards. We didn't have a piano at home, but my Parents did buy me an electric organ, nearly full size, but they never had the finances for lessons for me and I struggled with the self learn books. I have always found myself more practical and very organized than having self learn skills.


Jon inspires me with his writing skills and richly does deserve this award, but in the same week he has also received a second accolade, being voted in PEOPLES Magazines 100 Most Attractive People! okay a little more light hearted value award, but nice?

It is so good when skills are recognized and also when they are fully used, too often young people don't get given the dues they deserve and also like The President, Jon worked hard in the community before going into politics, people often think people like Barack and Jon go from University into the Political world without experience, but in there case that is from the truth - Congratulations Jon you deserve your Award!

Before I close, watched the Oscar Winning "The Reader" on DVD last night, what a movie, it really reached out touching and challenged me especially judgement, sure I will write more more about that soon. What superb performances by Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes and the young German actor David Kross. But what moved me was the soundtrack, written by Nico Muhly, now movie soundtracks are so important to me and I have such a large collection, but this along with the piano and strings really spoke to me and Nico is just 27!