Spring with New Hope

Winter posed itself longer than usual this year. We did not experience heavy rains on March but this year was different. Spring has taken a back seat for a while and now it has sprung!

I welcome the entry of this wonderful season called Spring. Although here in the hot climate of the Middle East, we are not privileged enough to enjoy Spring season in its full scale. We don't see enough verdant greens and natural blossoms of beautiful spring plants. Most of the plants here are artificially cultivated because they won't survive the harsh summer months.

Spring brings new hope after a gloomy season. It beacons new life. With all the problems the world is facing right now, the "seeming" pandemic around us because of the H1N1 virus, the dissent of other countries, the oppression of the poor, the compromising of peace talks, the global recession and the increasing number of poverty, we could only pray and hope that Spring brings a bright future as it enters the changing of the season.

Swine Flu Alert

First it was Mad Cow Disease, next was Bird's Flu and now Swine Flu. The virus around us has mutated that even without contact to pigs, people can acquire Swine Flu.

There are plenty of information in the internet regarding this "modified" Swine Flu. It poses like a regular flu but until you get yourself tested, you or the doctors will not know whether you have it or not. Please practice precautionary measures. We can never be too sure these days.

For more information on the Swine Flu and its symptoms, you may check World Health Organization's advisory alert on the H1N1 strain.