Books and other stuff I feel like discussing
By education and experience - Accountant with a specialty in taxation. Formerly a CPA (license has lapsed). Masters degree in law of taxation from University of Denver. Now retired. Part time work during baseball season as receptionist & switchboard operator for the Colorado Rockies. This gig feeds my soul in ways I have trouble articulating. One daughter, and four grandchildren. I share the house with two cats; a big goof of a cat called Grinch (named as a joke for his easy going "whatever" disposition); and Lady, a shelter adoptee with a regal bearing and sweet little soprano voice. I would be very bereft if it ever becomes necessary to keep house without a cat.
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Fearmongering
The whole Ebola thing is puzzling me. I've listened to and read more than one explanation of the risk involved, especially for persons who have not had, nor will have, any one on one encounters with someone who is currently ill.
Since I have no plans to travel to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Dallas or Atlanta, I'm confident I'm safe.
I've heard more than one admonition to get a flu shot, along with statistics relating how many people get seriously ill with influenza, sometimes unto death, annually in the US.
There are many comparisons to the early days of the spread of HIV. I recall the early 1980's and I see the comparisons.
BUT - operating against all exercise of calm and common sense are the graphics in newspapers and magazines showing the haz mat suits to be worn by persons caring for the infected. A recent episode of PBS's show Frontline showed health workers arriving at small villages where rumors had reported an outbreak, and having the inhabitants of the community flee in terror from the bizarrely dressed apparitions descending from the vehicle.
It's no wonder people are scared. These are scenes from gruesome movies portraying the spread of deadly unknown infection. I see a serious disconnect between the truth (the risk is minimal when compared to influenza) and the portrayal of recent actions in treating those who are ill. Too much of media coverage is stressing truly scary stuff which has a minimal chance of actually occurring to any of us.
My sensible analytical side is reassured by sensible explanations of what is going on. The little girl inside me feels an unpleasant thrill of apprehension when she reads the paper.
There's got to be a better way to cover this.
Since I have no plans to travel to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Dallas or Atlanta, I'm confident I'm safe.
I've heard more than one admonition to get a flu shot, along with statistics relating how many people get seriously ill with influenza, sometimes unto death, annually in the US.
There are many comparisons to the early days of the spread of HIV. I recall the early 1980's and I see the comparisons.
BUT - operating against all exercise of calm and common sense are the graphics in newspapers and magazines showing the haz mat suits to be worn by persons caring for the infected. A recent episode of PBS's show Frontline showed health workers arriving at small villages where rumors had reported an outbreak, and having the inhabitants of the community flee in terror from the bizarrely dressed apparitions descending from the vehicle.
It's no wonder people are scared. These are scenes from gruesome movies portraying the spread of deadly unknown infection. I see a serious disconnect between the truth (the risk is minimal when compared to influenza) and the portrayal of recent actions in treating those who are ill. Too much of media coverage is stressing truly scary stuff which has a minimal chance of actually occurring to any of us.
My sensible analytical side is reassured by sensible explanations of what is going on. The little girl inside me feels an unpleasant thrill of apprehension when she reads the paper.
There's got to be a better way to cover this.
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