Signs of Swine Flu Abatement in Mexico?

Yesterday I commented that it looks as if the swine flu might be recessing here in Mexico.  News today seems to support that hypothesis. On Friday, the first day of the emergency, newspapers reported there had been 30 deaths.  By Saturday, the totals jumped to 100.  In the three days following, there were roughly another [...]

Why Swine Flu Appears to be More Deadly in Mexico

In this article on slate.com, David Dobbs notes that the only swine flu deaths that have occurred are here in Mexico and suggests four reasons why the virus seems to have a much, much lower mortality up north.  All of Dobbs’ reasons hinge on the idea that there is some key pathological difference — the [...]

(Swine Flu and) an Earthquake, too

Apparently, Mexico City was just struck by an earthquake, measuring 5.7 (or 6.0) on the Richter Scale.  That’s pretty sizable, as far as earthquakes go, but not a monster.  Preliminary reports — the news was on in a store I passed — indicate the temblor was centered in the state of Guerrero, possibly near the [...]

Swine Flu, Isolation, and Signs of Paranoia

Last Thursday evening, the president of Mexico met with senior advisors to discuss and plan their response to the reported outbreak of swine flu here in Mexico.  They closed schools, ordered the cancellation of every public gathering, and dispatched members of the army to hand out face masks at metro stations.  I’ve heard rumors that [...]

Mexican soccer in empty stadiums

This afternoon, Sunday 26 April, Pumas and Chivas played to a 1-1 tie at the Pumas’ stadium here in Mexico City.  Fans were not permitted to attend given the current concerns in Mexico City regarding the swine flu. Check out the pictures from this article on the Pumas’ website.  Almost like a practice……   México, [...]

Does wearing a mask prevent one from getting swine flu?

The answer: Yes and no and the jury is still out. Mexico City is full of people wearing small, gauze or paper facemasks.  I saw plenty of drivers in cars, a few bicyclists, most of the waiters at the local taquerías, and even a guy going for a run all wearing a blue or white [...]

Raw Egg and OJ

Just a note today: The guy in front of me a the juice bar this morning ordered a glass of orange juice and then had them drop two raw egg yolks into it.  Gulp! Perhaps in a day or three I’ll have a little more to say about the (over?)reaction to the piggy flu.  Mmmmmm, [...]

Using Children in Creepy Ads

Every society has its own cultural standards for the types of advertising that not only catch peoples’ attention but incite them to buy.  In Mexico, babies — accentuated for “cuteness,” of course — are a common theme in advertising.  They certainly are attention grabbers and must have drawing power.  Though, I must admit, sometimes these [...]

Graffiti as Art in Oaxaca

A trip to Oaxaca a few weeks back gave the opportunity to see some excellent graffiti/art throughout town.  Much of the graffiti really should be classified as art, while others, including the fat Ronald McDonald, are political or cultural messages. Shown below are some of my favorite examples, many from the walls surrounding an art [...]

Pictures in the Metro

The metro stations in Mexico City feature a wealth of public art exhibits, from murals, to sculptures, to rotating cultural displays.  I’ll probably post more pictures later, but there was one display in the Centro Medico station that is too unique (and awesome) to be grouped in with any of the other pieces I’ve seen. [...]