Doug sent you a story from TPM

Doug sent you a story from TPM: Post Wingnut Ergo Propter Wingnut http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/09/post_wingnut_ergo_propter_wingnut.php Visit http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com for breaking political news and analysis.

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South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson shouts, 'You lie' at Obama

*This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/09/joe.wilson/index.html

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Where were the fiscal conservatives during the past 8 years?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-12/the-gops-misplaced-rage/

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Labor Day BBQ

Niman Ranch lamb chops, marinated in mustard, garlic and Worchestershire sauce, slow grilled.

Sent from my iPhone

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10 minute health care video worth watching

This is an outstanding clip of Sen. Al Franken talking with constituents about health care reform. He has solid answers, and the back-and-forth with his constituents is the way I wish democracy always would be: .

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Random thoughts about health care

On my way to SFO on a recent Saturday, my Morrocan taxi driver was telling me how difficult it is for him to afford good health care for his family, yet he was grateful for San Francisco's comparably good system of public clinics. But he doesn't understand why Washington folks keep talking about health care reform while the problems get worse. Good question.... When I arrived in Barcelona the next day, I discovered that I left my asthma medicine home. In the US, if I walk into a pharmacy having an asthma attack, even the best places would make me wait until they check my prescription on the computer and of course make me pay. Here, I went into a farmacia, made my best attempt at asking for the medicine in broken Catalan and Spanish, and within less than 2 minutes, I had the medicine in my hand available for immediate use. And the price? The total price was about half my share of the cost at home with insurance coverage. Something about this doesn't make sense....

[Posted from my iPhone]

The search for decent barbecue

I defy anyone who has traveled much in the Southeastern United States to avoid becoming hooked on great 'cue. My love affair with smoky, spicy meat began in Lexington, NC, when the aromas drifting across the highway from Lexington Barbecue #1 drew me magnetically toward the most magnificent pulled pork I have ever had.

While I am fully aware that the Bay area is not known for barbecue, I figured surely someone must do it right. The old Flint's in Oakland in the 1970s and early 1980s certainly came close. And there is much to like about family-run Everett & Jones in Berkeley and Oakland. But what about the North Bay?

My search is not over, but I am pleased to report that Lombardi's Deli on North Petaluma Blvd. in Petaluma serves up credible 'Q. The five hot smokers lined up in front of the store was a welcoming sign on my recent visit.

The baby back ribs were slow smoked with light seasoning, then served with a sweet sauce infused with cayenne pepper on the side. Although the sauce had a rich, tomato flavor and good flavor overall, it should be served hot, not cold.

As for the ribs, they were meaty, hot, and smoky. But this wasn't falling-off-the-bone barbecue-these weren't cooked quite long or slow enough. Good taste, completely acceptable, but not championship barbecue.

Even though these weren't fantastic ribs, I was impressed at the variety of barbecued items offered at Lombardi's, and the men tending the grills definitely took their work seriously. Other items included fresh asparagus, juicy mushrooms, hamburgers, and fresh oysters. My starter of a filled (deviled) egg was a little bland but it was fresh and attractive.

All in all, Lombardi's makes a good lunch stop or carryout if you are in or near Petaluma. But it doesn't warrant a long drive.

My search continues. -- Post From My iPhone

San Francisco - SFoodie - The Cost of Doing Business in SF Helped Doom Jeanty at Jack's, Says Chef Philippe Jeanty

San Francisco - SFoodie - The Cost of Doing Business in SF Helped Doom Jeanty at Jack's, Says Chef Philippe Jeanty

Web 2.0: Managing Corporate Reputations - BusinessWeek

Web 2.0: Managing Corporate Reputations - BusinessWeek (credit @rctalley)

Johns Hopkins Hospital at center of identity theft probe -- baltimoresun.com

Johns Hopkins Hospital at center of identity theft probe -- baltimoresun.com

aschonland: Flight attendant jailed for bomb hoax

aschonland: Flight attendant jailed for bomb hoax

UCSF experts weigh in, calm fears, on flu outbreak - UCSF News Office

UCSF experts weigh in, calm fears, on flu outbreak - UCSF News Office

CDC no longer recommending immediate school closures

Based on the mildness of swine flu cases in the United States, the CDC has updated its guidance as of today and no longer recommends the immediate closure of K-12 schools based on a single suspected case of H1N1 or swine flu. The main recommendation now is the same as in other populations: keep sick people home and isolated, encourage frequent handwashing, and cover your mouth when you cough (not with your hands!) For more details: CDC H1N1 Flu | Update on School (K – 12) Dismissal and Childcare Facilities

Tam High in Mill Valley shut for flu fear

Marin health officials are closing Mill Valley's Tamalpais High School for three days while one suspected swine flu case there is investigated.

More info at http://marinij.com and http://marinflu.org. -- Post From My iPhone

Now 29 California cases

State reporting now 29 H1N1 cases confirmed; 130 more "probable" cases being investigated further. A school in Berkeley now joins the small list of schools (one in Marin, a few in Santa Clara) in the Bay area closed as a precaution after one student got sick. It definitely appears that the spread is relatively slow -- my guess is that the precautions may be working. Keep washing those hands! -- Post From My iPhone

Now 26 confirmed cases in California, two more "probable" in Marin

The state health department now reports 26 confirmed cases of #swineflu or #H1N1 in California. Most of the cases are in southern California counties near Mexico - Imperial, San Diego and San Bernadino.

In Marin County, the local health department reports two more "probable" cases, including one in a 35-year-old man who had not been to Mexico. This would indicate probable human-to-human, or second generation, infection, which is a step closer to "pandemic" if it becomes widespread. Note that the illnesses in these individuals have all been reported to be minor. More information is on the Marin County health department's flu update page.

The state updates are posted on the state web site.

View CDPH Swine Flu Tracking in a larger map

Swine flu implications for travel

Reports during the past few days of commerical planes being diverted to alternate airports, passengers being quarantined, hotels being cordoned off, and of course Vice President Joe Biden's absurd comments have raised concerns among people planning travel. 

Here is an attempt to separate some of the facts from fiction.

Flu, including swine flu, is transmitted by droplets. Unless you are within about three feet of an infected and contagious individual, the risk is relatively small. The primary guidance for managing a suspected sick passenger on an airplane is to try to move other passengers so that there is nobody within 3-6 feet of the individual, to provide a surgical mask for the ill passenger (to prevent their sneezes or coughs from infecting others), and for flight crews to use disposable gloves when handling possibly infected materials from the passenger. The crew also has to alert U.S. health officials prior to landing, who are to make the appropriate arrangements for medical personnel to meet the plane on arrival. The CDC has traveler quarantine stations in about 20 cities, so diverting an aircraft would seem to be an unlikely -- and very costly -- event.

The CDC also has very specific recommendations for cleaning airplanes, trains, cabs, and other transit vehicles during an outbreak. The cleaning focuses on areas where a suspected ill passenger or crew member was located. On airplanes, cleaning with a disinfectant is recommended for all surfaces such as seat belt latches, armrests, tray tables, windowshades, and passenger controls such as lighting and audio.

The flu virus can survive outside the human body for more than 24 hours, but the CDC says that it is highly doubtful that sufficient amounts to be infectious would be present on any surfaces on an airplane or other conveyance after many hours.

If you are traveling, the most practical advice from the CDC is to carry a pocket-sized alcohol gel so that you can keep your hands clean throughout your flight or other travel. Although this does not take the place of thorough hand washing with hot water and soap, it is a very effective interim measure.

For more information, visit the CDC's Travel Notices page, which is frequently updated.

Only 24 cases of H1N1 flu in CA

The latest update from the California Department of Public Health shows only 24 confirmed cases of swine flu in the state. Although another 77 "probable" cases are under investigation, the key message here is that lots of people have been tested... And very few people actually have been sick. -- Post From My iPhone

San Rafael's Bahia Vista School, Pickleweed library close after 'probable' swine flu case - Marin Independent Journal

San Rafael's Bahia Vista School, Pickleweed library close after 'probable' swine flu case - Marin Independent Journal

Spreading facts, common sense instead of germs

The government public health experts have a lot of different flyers and other useful guides that help explain what really prevents the spread of swine flu or other infections, and hopefully debunks some of the alarmist or fake advice popping up seemingly everywhere.

Here are a few flyers that I think convey clear messages:

• Swine (H1N1) influenza and you - CDC
• San Francisco Dept. of Public Health - Is it a cold or the swine flu?
• Stopping the Spread of Flu Germs at Work - CDC

The federal government also has developed an outstanding central site for all of its swine/H1N1 flu information - pandemicflu.gov. Everything from clinical recommendations to video chats can be found there. Many local health departments have created flyers with specific information about local resources, such as procedures for getting tested for possible flu. Unfortunately, good information has been hard to find in the major media. Even publications or broadcasts that have had accurate and helpful content have been illustrating their coverage with alarming -- and in many cases, misleading -- images, such as reporters or others wearing surgical masks, which is at best a dubious measure of protection.