Superbug, Rita and more...

Not to depress you, but there's a couple of interesting news developments that seem highly likely representative of the coming years for humans.

First, I assume most people know about the notorious bird flu that is just waiting to become a mutation that can be infectious from human to human. IF that gets started, millions will die worldwide. Read this article if you aren't aware of the avian flu killer:

Bird flu pandemic inevitable

Then there's this other lurking staph germ killer on the loose:

Study: 'Superbug' Germ Kills 3 in Chicago

Three Chicago-area children have died of a toxic shock syndrome-like illness caused by a superbug they caught in the community and not in the hospital, where the germ is usually found.

The cases show that this already worrisome staph germ has become even more dangerous by acquiring the ability to cause this shock-like condition.

"There's a new kid on the block," said Dr. John Bartlett of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, referring to the added strength of the superbug known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

"The fact that there are three community-acquired staph aureus cases is really scary," continued Bartlett, an infectious disease specialist.

Of course, apparently whooping cough has made a comeback in Los Angeles:

California Whooping Cough Cases Surge

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Nearly three times as many whooping cough cases have been reported in California this year compared to 2004, according to the state Department of Health Services.

The state tallied 1,276 cases and four infant deaths through August. For the same period in 2004, it logged 450 cases and two deaths.
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I won't mention much about Hurricane Rita today, since we're more or less in limbo as to where and when it'll hit. But just the sheer volume of hoards of evcuating people from the Texas coast is causing problems; there's been reports of people running out of gas on the interstate due to idling in the long, long lines of cars heading for higher ground. I would suggest they take a hint, and think about relocating somewhere else. The coastal areas in many parts of the world are doomed as global warming increases.

On the lighter side though, I'll end this post with a chuckle (sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying!):

George Bush got called up to heaven. Presently he was ushered into the Almighty's presence.

Without waiting George asked "God, why are you sending all these hurricanes against America. Katrina could be understandable but another one named Rita that is even stronger? Oh Lord, what have we done to deserve this?"

The Almighty looked down on George Bush and said, "First George, you have to address me by my proper name."

"Start by calling me Allah."