Joe Biden Strikes Again

"Swine flu is on the loose! Stay in homes, lock all the doors, cover your windows with plastic sheeting and duct tape, and by all means if you have to leave your home, don't use the subway or fly on airplanes or you will die!"

Okay, okay... so maybe that isn't exactly what Joe Biden said this morning on The Today Show, but it was something similar and now the White House is working hard to stop the gaffe machine story before it really gains traction.

CNN reports this evening that Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had to spend much of the afternoon spinning, retracting, and clarifying what VP Biden "really meant to say."

Here is Reuter's take on the actual events this morning:

Asked on NBC's "Today" show what he would tell members of his family if they asked him whether they should get on a commercial airliner to Mexico in the next week, Biden said:

"I would tell members of my family -- and I have -- I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now."

He said the problem is that "when one person sneezes it goes all the way through the aircraft."

"I would not be, at this point, if they had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway. So from my perspective, what it relates to is mitigation," he said.

Anyone who knows Joe Biden, or has followed his campaigns, should not be surprised. In fact, the White House should be happy he hasn't done anything else this silly yet.

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to buy a hazmat suit before I use the city transit system. Why? 'Cuz Joe said so. Oh, he meant that figuratively? Oops.

New Developments: Missouri Reports First Likely Case of Swine Flu

Governor Jay Nixon announced this afternoon that the state's first likely case of swine flu has been confirmed in Platte County, up around Kansas City. The governor urged people to be alert but not to panic. It was only just a matter of time before the flu reached the state.

An investigation is now taking place to determine how the individual contracted the flu.

More details here: Swine Flu Reaches Missouri

Lots of Rain Headed This Way

Flash Flood Watch is out for much of Missouri. Please check your local National Weather Service office homepage for details. Be aware that rapid rises on streams and creeks are possible. Also, do not drive into areas where water covers the road. As the National Weather Service puts it: "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

Mayor of Sedalia Passes Away; City Remembers A Good Man

I have a soft spot in my heart for the city of Sedalia. I called it home for a little over a year back in 2001 and 2002. There is sad news from that community this weekend as their mayor, Bob Wasson, passed away Friday after battling cancer.

The Sedalia Democrat, the town's newspaper, has a moving story on the life and the legacy of the mayor. He seemed to be a good man. I think the title of the article says it all: "His Heart Was In Sedalia."
Mayor Wasson was 78.

Links Worth Reading: Swine Flu

I know a lot of people are concerned about swine flu, but officials are urging people not to panic. Education is obviously key when dealing with any medical condition. As a result, I have compiled a few links that you might find interesting regarding swine flu:

Q&A: Why Is Swine Flu Such A Big Deal (NBC News)

Human Swine Flu Investigation (CDC)

Swine Flu Basics (FOX News)

Pandemic Potential

That is what the chief of the World Health Organization said on Saturday as a new swine flu strain has claimed the lives of 68 and least another 1,000 ill in Mexico. Still to early to determine the magnitude of this outbreak the pandemic potential cannot be ruled out at this point according to officials. With cases now being reported in Texas and California, officials met Saturday to discuss the next course of action.

While no deaths have been reported in the United States, Mexico City has become a city gripped by fear as officials handed out masks, closed schools and canceled public events. Saturday 24 new cases in Mexico City alone were reported. Residents were being urged to stay home and avoid close contact with others.

This new disease, a mix of human, pig and bird strain has not been limited to attacking infants or the elderly. Most of the cases so far have consisted of healthy young adults. There are currently two flu drugs that the CDC reports as being effective against this new strain, Tamiflu and Relenza. The makers of Tamiflu said they are prepared to send out stockpiles of the drug immediately if needed.

Going, Going, Gone...

I will be out of town on a working trip until Sunday. Blogging will likely be little to none from my end. So, unless Donna gets moved by the blogging spirits sometime in the next couple of days, there won't be a whole lot of information on this page until Sunday. Get out and enjoy the awesome weather!

Congrats To Skills USA Students

The Southwest Region did very well at the recent Skills USA state contest. Below is a link from The Monett Times detailing of the students who placed at the competition. Skills USA often is overlooked in our school system so I wanted to make sure that provided that link. Congrats to all!

Area Vo-Tech Students Win Medals At State

I Remember Columbine...

I remember Columbine, the nation stunned by two boys who had death on their mind.
Ten years ago today, another part of our innocence was lost.

I remember Columbine, the media rushing to be the first with the exclusive interview.
Ten years ago today, another senseless act of violence occurred.

I remember Columbine, the teacher who perished just doing his job.
Ten years ago today a mother wept the loss of her son.

I remember Columbine, the child who was asked if she believed in God before being shot.
Ten years ago today a father discovered his son was a murderer.

Cassie Bernall,
Steven Curnow,
Corey DePooter,
Kelly Fleming,
Matt Kechter,
Dan Rohrbough,
Dave Sanders,
Rachel Scott,
Isaiah Shoels ,
John Tomlin,
Lauren Townsend,
Kyle Velasquez,
Daniel Mauser

Don't ever let the world forget what happens when someone fills with too much rage.
Don't ever let the world forget what happened to innocent people on that day.
Don't ever let the world forget the importance of family connection.
Don't ever let the world forget that we never know when our life will end.

I remember Columbine... do you?

The KTTS Can of Worms

Jason, over at Life of Jason, has conducted his investigation into the KSGF Tea Party that took place yesterday that I blogged about with disdain (see below). While we have a difference of opinion, I do think you should read over his thoughts as well. I have also commented on his post to elaborate on my thoughts and feelings.

Feel free to chime in and let me know, as Jason did, that I am completely overreacting. :-)