SARS, FKO highlights

Brittany at the cottage last month.
(click on image for larger version)



Toronto is still SARS-worried, with certain local media encouraging public fear about the virus. The Toronto Sun's bold headline today reads "2 MORE DEAD" with a photo of someone in protective medical gear including face mask, surgical medical gown, gloves. Reminds me of a scene from the movie "Outbreak" with Dustin Hoffman.

I've seen several people on the local transit wearing face masks, including a bus driver who donned the mask after an elderly man near the front of the vehicle started coughing. "Sir, please cover your mouth when you cough!" the driver told the man as she pulled out the mask. "You're making me nervous." Before my dentist's appointment yesterday, the office called to screen me for SARS symptoms. My physiotherapist told me that at least one patient has cancelled her appointment yesterday because of fear of getting SARS.

From what I've read, the chances of catching SARS in Toronto is extremely low. Ticks me off to see headlines like the one in The Sun, obviously trying to stir up fear and panic. Sure, the virus is a serious one that shouldn't be ignored, but it's no reason to be afraid of leaving one's house or apartment each day.

I'm curious to know what SARS coverage is like in other countries or areas of Canada (if there is any coverage, that is).

A few FKO highlights (more to come):

- Letting Joey Shoji convince me to have ice cream pie as my main course on Thursday night. I had also ordered some beef stew for later (dessert, I suppose), but was full by the time it arrived.

- Hearing Lyanne Quirt play a gorgeous Debussy piece on flute in open filk Saturday night (thanks for the chocolate birthday cupcakes, too, Lyanne!).

- To Greg & Maya: Thanks for the chocolate raspberry, yum!

- Getting to hear some rough mix tracks from Ookla the Mok's upcoming CD, "OH OKAY L.A.". Veryvery excited about getting hold of the final product! I've pre-ordered my copy already.

- Lounging in the hot tub and the pool with Dave Clement. We arrived early on Thursday and spent about an hour alternating between both. I was in happy relaxed raisin mode by the end, ready for the official start of the convention.

- Celebrating my birthday at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday in the hotel room with Allison and Jodi.

- Being surprised by Jeff, who visited the hotel on the morning of my birthday to take me out for breakfast. He went looking for me in the hotel restaurant, where he ran into Joey Shoji and Lyanne Quirt. Lyanne had already seen Jeff's photo in Blatherings but said she had never actually seen him MOVING before. :-)

Links/News:

My sister Ruth is being interviewed on TVO at 7:30 pm.

According to an announcement on the Air Canada Web site, the airline filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday. They claim they are operating "business as usual", however, and that all Aeroplan points will continue to be honoured. Sure hope so, since that's how I plan to get to Concertino in July.

Apr/2003 comments: Read | Post | LJ