Disqus - Latest Comments for drewg41

Re: Don’t Forget to Sanitize Your Hands

drewg41 — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:55:25 -0000

Never would carry it. I've used it once and that was enough for me. Kate has the right idea with soap and warm water. Hand sanitizer, I've read, kills off too much bacteria that can help strengthen one's immune system. If I worked around kids, I'd probably use it but not excessively. I think it's more important to just be mindful about where you putting your hands to your face/mouth.

Re: Ignorant Americans to Show their Support On Cinco De Mayo

drewg41 — Thu, 07 May 2009 06:51:37 -0000

Estimado, Cristo! ¡Eso era muy divertido!

Re: Just how worried are you about the Swine Flu?

drewg41 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:50:42 -0000

Still fairly pricey, IMO.

A jolly laugh at "social responsibility" for pharmaceutical companies. Since when have they had the public's best interest in mind? "You need this pill! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to feel this way! And...umm..we need your $$$$$!"

As far as our relations with the Mexican border, I suppose I've flipped back and forth as to whether or not they should 'close the border.' I think the majority of people who read this website know that the border is NEVER officially closed. It would be naive to believe in such nonsense. That said, even if they were somewhat serious about it you and I both know why it wouldn't be completely shut down.

Immigration and the overall image that American's have of Mexico is a subplot to this whole story. In the back of my head I hear "Paper Planes" playing. "Packed and delivered like UPS trucks."

Outside of the spring break Cancun drinkathon, how do you all feel about Mexico? Perhaps a better question would be to ask what you feel the exent of our relationship with Mexico should be.

Re: Just how worried are you about the Swine Flu?

drewg41 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:08:01 -0000

Linsey,

Thanks for your comment! It's great to have you back on this site!

It's true that an imminent threat isn't the same as immediate deaths. If people felt that they were backed against the wall, at this point you might see some people going a bit further with their efforts to prevent such an illness. To be fair, however, I have heard of people staying away from pork (which has been declared as safe to eat) along with Mexican food. Others are canceling their trips to New York or Mexico and I'm sure there are a number of people wearing masks. I don't think any of these are necessary but I will get to that in my last point, which applies to your personal situation.

I think you bring up a great point when you mentioned the number of flu-related deaths (not Swine Flu). Basically at this point (and these aren't exact figures) you have about 500,000 cases of influenza in the world and 500 of the Piggly-Wiggly flu. Call me a little bit more paranoid about this year’s influenza and not something that's just come along in the past month.

Another good point that you bring up is the discrepancies between the people in Mexico contrasted to people in America. I'm still at a loss as to why the cases in Europe and the South Pacific are not being talked about as much as the former two but I digress. Why are people in Mexico dying and people in America only mildly ill? Apparently (and this isn't coming from a serious source but more so word of mouth) in Mexico the slaughtering of pigs is a big deal and the lowered agriculture standards of how these pigs are maintained has a lot to do with this. Not to gross anyone out but the pigs that are slaughtered are then fed to other pigs before they are slaughtered. It's a viscious cycle that has basically left dead pig remnants are all over the place in Mexico; in the water, in the food, etc. I'm proud to say that our agriculture standards are slightly better in America but that's not really saying much. Perhaps that's a discussion for another day.

As far as your living situation and having a weakened immune system; I strongly urge you to tell your family members to wash their hands, cover their mouths when yawning and coughing. I don't think your family has to go above and beyond, with hand sanitizers or masks. Just simple hot water and soap should suffice. Also just reminding them that you need to remain in good health because of your situation isn't really a crime. Bottom line; their well-being could seriously affect your safety.

Good luck and be safe.

Re: Fighting for our right to Party

drewg41 — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:02:37 -0000

That is by far and large more persuasive! You mean if I enlist Ukranian women will run after me? Where do I sign up?!?

I really have very little to add to this discussion but I will say that I believe too much emphasis is put on enlisting, as a means for showing your "national pride." Since when is putting your life at risk the ONLY means of showing how much you love your country? Aren't there other ways?

I'm no genius but I do love my country. Using my sub-genius brain levels, I'm going to make an educated guess that there are, in fact, other ways to support my country and it may not require me risking my life.

How's staying home (in America), working full time, supporting the AMERICAN economy, and being critical of America's motives (yes that includes our foreign relations and war efforts) any less patriotic than a person who's decided to learn how to run and shoot a gun at the same time? What about raising a child? Isn't that something "bigger" than one's self?

I'm sure the people who enlist are the first ones who will call me selfish but I can handle the criticism. Go ahead and call me what you will but I think I'll stay put....

...right in front of my laptop.