Geoausch

I got a haircut yesterday. The guy did a good job, everything is neatly trimmed and clean, but the visit was a bit awkward. He tried to make small talk when I first sat down in the chair and I answered all of his questions (what do you do, where are you from, etc.), but the questions were soon followed by silence. 

Prior to moving to Dallas, I had used the same guy to cut my hair for 15 years. Over the course of that time, I developed a rapport with him and the conversations were always natural and easy (Rangers, Cowboys and college football).  Since moving to Dallas, I’ve used several different people to cut my hair, but have yet to develop a relationship with any of them. With that said, it’s always a bit of an awkward situation when I walk in for a trim.

It got me to thinking, what is the proper etiquette when sitting in the chair? Am I supposed to initiate the conversation with the cutter, or they with me? Is it rude not to strike up a conversation with the person cutting my hair? I noticed an older gentlemen in the seat next to me pretending to sleep, would that be considered rude?

Everywhere I look today, people are talking about the “swine flu.” Evidently, this is the real deal, a “potential pandemic” situation according to experts.  I’m not doubting that at all; however, I am curious as to how this particular virus flew under the radar for so long. We’ve been hearing about the “bird flu” for almost a decade, yet until two nights ago, I had never heard of “swine flu.”

There seems to be so many questions regarding this situation. How did it spread so quickly? Who is most at risk? How deadly is it? How worried should we all be?

I guess my initial reaction is that its one more reason to secure our borders. The governments of the United States and Mexico can say what they want, but the potential of a deadly virus spreading across our porous borders is a real threat.  I don’t think anyone can give us an accurate count of how many people cross the U.S./Mexico border, illegally and legally, each day.  We know that many who cross illegally, often travel in groups, which I would think be a great source for the spread of a virus like this. 

Instead of talking about the borders, the political angle will turn to public health and the I’m sure Obama and the Democrats will use this a pawn to push through pieces of socialize medicine legislation. It’s a shame really.

I’m going to look more into this, but for now, I guess I can be happy that local officials are being somewhat proactive.