OINK!

A flu by any other name ......

The world's going to hell in a handbasket. Well, that's what we're led to believe, what with plummeting economies, 747s buzzing New York and, well, those darn pigs.

It's all the fault of our porcine friends.

But the World Health Organization is trying to put an end to some of that. They're now referring to the scourge by its scientific nomenclature, H1N1.

Just wash your hands after shaking the hoof of your piggy friends.

VIVA LA MEXICO

In sync with Cinco de Mayo

So who needs to go to Mexico now, anyway? Just because it's Cinco de Mayo tomorrow and it's tough going south of the border, that's no excuse not to celebrate the annual day of Mexican heritage and pride.

So get out, support the local economy and check out the Cinco de Mayo Street Festival downtown tomorrow night featuring bands, revelry and drink. Among the food purveyors: Cha Cha Cha Salsaria, Murphy's (Irish), Le Crepe Cafe (French) and Bale (Vietnamese).

Gotta love living in culturally diverse Hawaii.

FEAR OF FLYING

Misguided fears fuel flight to Hawaii

Tourism talk due to global health concerns is lighting up the blogosphere.

One recent exchange on The New York Times blog that Hawaii tourism officials might want to hear — or cheer, or despair:

“;I was postponing any vacations in Mexico until they got control of their kidnapping and beheading problems. Now, I think I'll wait even longer ... until they get basic public health issues under control. I'd rather visit Hawaii.”; — Augustine 25

The response:

“;On behalf of all Mexicans, thank you, Augustine 25.”; — Good luck Hawaii