Tutto Il Resto

Death toll from 1976 "swine flu" illness: 1
Death toll from 1976 "swine flu" vaccine: 25
Number paralyzed with "Guillain-Barre syndrome" from vaccine: around 500
Remember this before you get your "swine flu" vaccine next month.

It's incredible the reaction people have to this thing; some people become ultra paranoid, some reject alarmist tones. A few people have a measured response of preparedness and increased awareness.

Some joke about it:

"It was once said that a black man would be president when pigs flew. Well behold 100 days into his presidency, swine flu!"

I could write more and get more nuanced but I don't think it's as important a subject. I just wanted an excuse to reflect on people's viral reaction.

NYU’s 177th Commencement 2009, webcast requires Windows Media Player. If you’re using a Mac, that’s lame.

At the new Yankee Stadium.

10:50: Schools are marching in. How many schools does NYU have?  What are we up to, 17? 18? Link: Schools at NYU.

10:57: The band sounds pretty good.  Each school’s delegation is still marching in.

10:58: The NYU torch is being carried in, followed by bagpipe players (at least 14) and drummers, the NYU Pipe & Drums.

11:02: NYU President John Sexton marches in, with the delegation behind the Pipe & Drums.  A moment after, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton marches in also.  John Sexton is wearing a NY Yankees baseball cap.

Microsoft makes me sad: