(1) My ex nor Andrew's virologist friend were not referring to the swine flu. We have seen what that is about. Her and the virologist's riff is about the risk of a pandemic of an unknown disease that will be sudden, widespread, and deadly in the extreme, as was the influenza pandemic of the early 20th century. That disease appeared virtually simultaneously all over the world, despite the lack of rapid international transportation,* and killed hundreds of millions.

(2) I agree with Russ. What a great opportunity to score that new axe!

R.

*One take is that it came from space. This would explain why it occurred everywhere at once, including in isolated areas, why acquired immunity didn't seem to apply, and why Elvis is still being seen all over the Universe. Just remember--always carry a towel, and Don't Panic!