Lucky my name is not Ivy

... because according to No.3 on Milton Glaser's (of 'I ❤ New York' fame) list of things he has learned, that may make Poison Ivy. Let me go find a plant and hug it.

Here is the 'infallible' test, according to Milton, to determine whether you are toxic or nourishing:

" ... observe whether you are more energised or less energised. Whether you are tired or whether you are exhilarated. If you are more tired then you have been poisoned. If you have more energy you have been nourished."

If golf was a person, it would definitely be as toxic *cue Britney Spears*

So let's stick with this toxic theme. This swine flu maybe/maybe not pandemic reminds me of this Tracey Ullman State of the Union skit. While the word "medieval" has yet to surface on news reports/broadcasts etc, the sensationalisation of the event has been pretty full-on. The facts are: 300 confirmed swine flu cases; 12 deaths due to the virus and as indicated by the Freakonomics link, the problem could have been contained but for poverty and lack of access to proper medical facilities. The media has such an enormous influence on day-to-day lives. No wonder people are taking this piggy cold seriously - bad time to get married in Mexico.

On other toxic related news, I'm back on the little blue pills. It is seriously giving me scatter brain. I feel unable to function in swine-flu ridden society.