Pandemics for Everyone

I am not saying that my family is prescient in any supernatural way, but my wife recently brought me a book from her semi-annual trip to Powell's in Portland that turned out to be predictive.  Just a little ahead of the breaking news coming out of Mexico City, she brought me 'The Little Book of Pandemics', by Dr. Peter Moore.  

Influenza (aka, 'the flu')? It's in the book.  So is cholera, malaria, leprosy, and the plague.  And 45 others, all presented in tiny chapters that are perfect for bathroom breaks.  Having some trouble going?  Read about cholera and be thankful. 

Not that Dr. Moore's book is perfect.  It's not.  Some of the details seem lazily researched and the graphics don't always fit the text (or vice versa).  But, hey, what do you expect from a 50 diseases in 50 minutes kind of enterprise?  Peer review?  

For what it costs (it was on sale), this little book is a painless way to experience dreadful disease.  It's probably enough to hold your own when the topic turns to 'Swine' flu.  And if anybody corners you and lectures you on how horrible this latest 'pandemic' is, bring out your 'Little Book' and read from the sections on ebola, dengue, smallpox, and yellow fever.  For a start.

That'll shut 'em up.  

Better yet, give them a copy and point them to the bathroom...