Monthly Archives: April 2009

Swine Flu’s Coming! Everybody Panic!

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When I read about Swine Flu, I have the same apprehension and cavewoman-like fear I did when I read about Bird Flu, West Nile Virus, Mad Cow Disease, Killer Bees, and the HDTV switch. The thought of a global epidemic reaching my door, making me sick, killing my loved ones, and panic in the streets…I can’t help but be reminded of the Vincent Price film “The Last Man on Earth” – which some may know better as “Omega Man” or “I am Legend”. Same story, different (awesome) actors. The basic gist is that a global epidemic hits and people are dropping like flies. One of the scientists (Vincent Price, Charlton Heston, Will Smith) is the sole survivor. He’s left alone to fend for himself, stay alive, fight off zombies, and continue his research looking for a cure. While the sickness is similar to zombies, it has the added bonus of vampirism.

I read all this news about Swine Flu and a part of me is scared because the news makes it sound worse than it is. According to the World Health Organization, as of today: The United States Government has reported 40 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection with the same virus, including seven deaths. Canada has reported six cases, with no deaths, while Spain has reported one case, with no deaths.

Breaking it down:

US: 40 confirmed cases, 0 deaths
Mexico: 26 confirmed cases, 7 deaths
Canada: 6 reported cases, 0 deaths
Spain: 1 reported case, 0 deaths

Note the difference between “confirmed” and “reported” cases. Remember, this is today’s update.

However, also today, CNN writes:

The number of cases confirmed by health officials worldwide totaled 82, most of them in the United States and Mexico, according to the WHO. But hundreds more cases are under examination, and Mexico has said 149 deaths may have resulted.

“82 confirmed cases” does not quite match the update given by the WHO. I counted, it’s more like 66 confirmed and 7 reported. Furthermore, the WHO reports 7 total deaths worldwide…not the 149 stated by CNN. Granted, they carefully use the word “may”. I’m not saying CNN is lying about the 149 deaths, but it’s obvious someone is wrong.

On April 24th, when news broke, the WHO reported 9 suspect cases of Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) in the United States. At the time, Mexico was reporting on 3 different cases of ILI: More than 854 cases of pneumonia with 59 deaths. In San Luis Potosi, 24 cases of ILI and 3 deaths and in Mexicali, 4 reported cases and no deaths. ILI does not necessarily mean Swine Flu.

Confusing, right? Totaling numbers together from April 24th, we have 62 deaths in Mexico. That’s kind of a big difference from the numbers they posted today. So what gives? I can’t seem to figure it out. If I go with the numbers posted today, it doesn’t quite sound like the global, end of the world, fire in the sky, dogs and cats living together, Armageddon that the media is shoveling.

Why the big difference in body counts? Digging a little deeper, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) also reports 40 confirmed cases in the United States, but I can’t seem to find worldwide statistics. So does this mean CNN is wrong? I think it does. Or at least, CNN is making a bigger deal out of this than it is. And it’s not just CNN. It’s every news outlet everywhere. And I like CNN. They’re my go-to news source when something big goes down…but they’re not always right and sometimes even the adorable Anderson Cooper is guilty of sensationalism.

Think about this, The United States is home to an estimated 303,824,640 people. If only 40 cases have been confirmed, I’d hardly call that an epidemic, let alone a pandemic. Also note that this is the 3rd time we’ve seen Swine Flu in our history. The first in 1918 (AKA The Spanish Flu) killed 20 to 100 million people worldwide. In 1976, Swine Flu was back, but this time it only actually killed 1 person. Oddly enough, 25 people died as a result of the vaccine. Don’t forget, in 1918, we didn’t have the medical technology and information we have now, nor any of the government health agencies we currently have in place. Furthermore, personal hygiene and food preserving methods weren’t as efficient as they are now. In 1976, one person died, yet people panicked anyway.

When I start looking at the facts, my cavewoman-like fears give way to logic and rationale. My big question is this: Why the hell do the news agencies of the world continue to scare the shit out of us? It’s just plain cruel, if you ask me. Sadly, most people don’t have the gumption to do all the research I’ve done. They listen intently to the news they trust and immediately start buying surgical masks, washing their hands 50 times a day, stay indoors, line up for Tami-Flu, and stock up for the end of the world. Hey, it even crossed my mind. I thought, what if this thing really hits big? What if people really start dropping like flies? Do I have an emergency kit? How about a food stock pile?

Truth is, people all over the world get the flu all the time. So why isn’t the common flu called a pandemic? Or is it? People still die from pneumonia all the time too. In fact, you’re more likely to die in a car crash than come down with Swine Flu. This is all just silly. Come to think of it, I’m a little embarrassed that I was scared to begin with. I’ll continue to watch and research, but as it stands…if the WHO and CDC are right…I don’t think we should call this a pandemic. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Relax. For now.

In the end, this is yet another super scary “run for your life” disease blown out of proportion by the media. Here we go again. I suppose, this just means we can only count on the media to a certain extent. But you already knew that.

Toilet Sink Combo Saves the Planet!

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In my life-long quest to live more efficiently and eco-friendly, we’ve purchased and installed a toilet/sink combo. Undoubtedly, you’re asking yourself why anyone would need a toilet/sink combo. What’s the point and why would you wash your hands with toilet water? I find myself answering (as best I can) these questions to just about everyone. The first thing people tend to think is that you’re washing your hands with dirty toilet water (grey water).

Here’s the basic gist: When you flush your toilet, water flows from the tank into the bowl, moving your waste into pipes, out to the street, etc. The tank and bowl refill with fresh water for the next flush. The toilet sink combo acts as a middle man during this process. When you flush the toilet, fresh water is rerouted through a faucet into a small basin that drains back into the bowl, ready for the next flush. While the water is flushing and refilling, you wash your hands.

What’s the point? Think about this: Most toilets use about a gallon and a half of clean water to flush your waste into city pipes and out into the septic system. This is clean water, the same municipal tap water you walk over to the sink to wash your hands with. By cutting out washing your hands in the sink and using toilet water you save water; which over time, adds up to gallons and gallons over the course of a year (depending on how long you wash your hands for). You’re not using extra water to wash your hands. Get it?

I never quite feel like I’ve explain it very well, but it does make sense. In the end, it’s a better use of water. The water that ends up in the toilet bowl is the water you just washed your hands with. It’ll be a little soapy, but your poo doesn’t care. I figure, you get more bang for your buck this way. Plus, it’s a lot more pleasant than the “If it’s yellow let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down” method. I also can’t help but wonder if the soapy water will eventually keep the pipes cleaner. *shrugs*

The savings here are small, but green living is about doing small things that add up. I’ve always sort of thought that toilet flushing was such a waste of water. All that water, just to move your poop out of sight. Sure, the modern toilet is a miraculous invention, but it’s hardly efficient. Like I said, most toilets use about a gallon and a half of water to flush. That’s a lot. How many times do you flush your toilet everyday? Double that on Burrito Night and that’s a whole lotta water.

If I haven’t accurately described the wonders of the toilet sink combo, you can find more info here: Sink Positive

Toilet Sink Combo Saves the Planet!

Toilet Sink Combo Saves the Planet!

April 2009 Free Photo Session Contest

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Hey everyone, I have an exciting announcement. As most of you know, I’m currently converting the garage into a fully functional studio. At the moment, it’s about 1/2 done and should be completed before Summer. I have, however, been using it successfully for the last month shooting product and portraits.

I’m posting because I’ve got a new lighting set-up that I’d like to test out on willing subjects at no charge to you except your time.

In exchange for your time, I’m offering:
1. A one hour photo session (up to 2 people per session)
2. Unlimited shots
3. Up to two outfit changes (or as many as time permits).
3. One free 8×10 print of your choice.
4. Images uploaded to an online proofing gallery to download and share for 90 days.

Participants will be picked at random and announced on April 31st, 2009 by email.

DEADLINE: APRIL 30TH, 2009

To enter:

1. Submit your full name
2. Contact phone number
3. The date you’d like to schedule your session (May 1st-May 7th, 2009)
4. Must be willing to travel to Pasadena studio.

I look forward to receiving your entries and wish you the best of luck!

Portraits : Headshots : Band Photos : Baby : Maternity : Couples : Musicians : Artists : Child and Parent : Anyone

Sincerely, Kristen Simental
www.kristensimental.com
(626) 394-2724

P.S. Look for a new promotion every month at www.kristensimental.com

Follow my professional Tweets: http://www.twitter.com/ksphotos for announcements, updates and new promotions!

In My Garden

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Spring is definitely here! Winter seemed a bit longer than usual this year…or perhaps this drafty old house makes it seem that way. Either way, the air is warming up to what one might consider: Absolutely perfect Southern California weather. I’m fond of saying that this is the time when tourists come to visit and decide to move here. They’re in for a surprise when Summer hits and temperatures reach the triple digits.

Until then, the sky is blue, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining. A feeling of renewed sense of everything is happening. It’s this time of the year that I can’t wait to get outside and fiddle around with my plants. I’ve been anxious to start growing productive greenery – things we can actually use and eat. I’m starting small with herbs and tomatoes, but eventually I’d like to have a small (manageable) vegetable garden. It will involve lots of work – specifically, removing a large bamboo thatch, clearing the land, and prepping it. I figure, it won’t be fully functional for at least a year. These things take time. Which reminds me, I need to start composting again.

In my garden, I currently have: Parsley, Oregano, Spearmint, Peppermint, Catnip, Aloe Vera, Oranges, Lemons, Kumquats, Apricots, Plums, Early Girl Tomatoes, and various other lovable plants and trees. Since I missed last year’s apricot and plum harvest, I’m going to get to them before the squirrels do and make preserves.

Here are some of the items I’m currently working on:

Homemade Butter. I Made Some.

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I like the idea of making my own food. This way, I know where it comes from and I know what’s in it. Over the last 5 years, I’ve become increasingly aware of what I eat and how bad store bought food is. Thus, I’ve attempted to eat better, make more of my own meals, and chide myself when I don’t.

When AJB and I moved into this house, one of the biggest selling points for me was the large kitchen – plenty of storage space, two ovens, and scads of counter tops. It’s the kind of kitchen you want to cook in. I’ve taken some time gathering good equipment, filing my favorite recipes, and gazing lovingly at foodie blogs (thanks to my sister’s influence). I’ve always loved cooking and I think I’m pretty good at it. Whether the Food Channel will call me and offer me my own show – well, that’ll never happen, but I do love being in the kitchen. I especially like making things you wouldn’t ordinarily make. I’m really getting into it. For example: Butter. I also recently got a brand-spanking-new Kitchenaid Stand Mixer for my birthday and have been anxious to try it out.

Homemade butter is so simple, it kills me. You imagine Danish girls on a country farm laboring over churns, but it’s so much easier than you think. In fact, all you need is a stand mixer (you don’t even really need that) a sieve, bowl, spatula, and a container for the butter. That said, I won’t tell you how to make your own butter. Go here for that. Truth is, I’m also not good at it, just yet.

Today’s experiment went over pretty well, but I don’t think I’m the butter master just yet. What I ended up with is very much like store bought butter, but tastes so much better. And because it’s organic, it’ll only last a week, so we’d better enjoy it. I wasn’t able to get all the buttermilk strained out. In fact, that’s the hardest part. Most recipes say to use a sieve, but I couldn’t figure out why the buttermilk wasn’t just coming out like in the instructions. I think that I should have left it in the mixer a bit longer. I ended up using thin kitchen towels to squeeze out the buttermilk. Probably not the ideal method, but it mostly worked. Oh well. What I got is pretty great, tastes good, and is so good for you! I’ll try again next week, I think.

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