SPECIAL REPORT: Ebola virus may spread faster than Brad-Angelina sex tape
To avoid creating widespread panic with that headline, let me begin by assuring everyone there’s NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! You did not somehow miss a Brad and Angelina sex tape that was leaked onto the Internet. However, before giving a huge sigh of relief, there’s still that whole Ebola thing going on in Texas which, depending on who you ask, is right here in the U.S.
As I mentioned yesterday, being a journalist means I’m trained to recognize subtleties the average person might overlook, such as a reluctant glance, misspoken word or, in the case of yesterday’s breakfast, a festive filtration mask wedged between the Egg McMuffin and hash brown in my McDonald’s food sack…
My journalistic instincts immediately told me 1) The government isn’t being honest with us about the danger posed by the spread of Ebola, 2) The only way to get to the truth was to fly to Dallas and see for myself, and 3) No one at Long Awkward Pause was going to pay for my flight. As it turned out, my instincts were wrong on that last one. Chris was able to call in a favor and arranged for a chartered flight directly to Dallas/Ft. Worth early this morning…
My objective was to remain stealth so I could arrive in Dallas without the typical kind of “dog-and-pony show” often arranged by government officials trying to hide something. The only exception was the time I stood and made that accusation during what turned out to be an actual dog and pony show, causing a miniature Clydesdale to panic and step on a teacup poodle. This time, I was taking no chances and made sure no one knew of my arrival. In addition, I also made sure there was no type of animal show in town. After landing in Dallas, I arranged for a rental car and immediately noticed something the untrained eye would have missed…
It wasn’t until pealing back the plastic and getting into my car I realized how close I’d come to having my cover blown by Karl Rove, who was getting into the rental next to me…
As I drove through town looking for a hotel to stage my investigation from, I have to say I was impressed by Dallas’ commitment to recycling. These special trash receptacles are available literally EVERYWHERE and are easy to spot thanks to their bright red color and clearly marked “recycling” symbol…
Instead of driving around and hoping to find a hotel, I decided to save time by asking someone. I followed the suggestion of the this average Dallas citizen…
To my surprise, not only did I get a room, but it was upgraded to a suite for the price of a single as part of a promotion Ramada is calling its “Pick a Room, Name a Price and We’ll Take It” incentive program. According to the desk clerk, the hotel was completely empty. Probably because it was the middle of the week. When the private elevator to the suite opened, I was more than impressed with what my $29.99 got me…
As an added touch of class, the hotel provides guests with these in case they forget toiletries. There’s even zip-up coveralls for lounging if you happened to forget your robe…
Given that I had seen no signs of concern from Dallas residents in spite of their close proximity to Gov. Rick Perry one of the deadliest viruses known to man, I couldn’t call my investigation complete without a visit to the epicenter of the Ebola threat debate: Presbyterian Hospital. Taking the I75 loop around Dallas, I exited Walnut Hill Lane and came upon the hospital — and a sight that put the last of my fears to rest…
So rest easy, everyone! As Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease said:
Ned Hickson is a syndicated columnist with News Media Corporation. His first book, Humor at the Speed of Life, is available from Port Hole Publications, Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.
Aw, man. I did not see that Clydesdale /poodle thing coming. Tragic.
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Neither did the poodle.
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You left out the part where folks strip down and bathe in hand sanitizer lotion in public. Rubbing alcohol is the new Chanel No5.
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You’re thinking of a scene from an adult movie called “The Hot Zone.”
Or so I’ve heard.
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I never thought of using it for that. Is it spermicidal?
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Yes, but don’t use it as a lubricant. Very painful.
Or so I’ve heard. Again.
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Well then glad there’s no worries and all are safe. 😉
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There’s still a danger from Rick Perry.
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Right I forgot that might be the biggest one!
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Exactly the sort of timely, informative reporting I have come to expect from my number one source for news; “LAP”
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Thanks! We’re giving FOX news and Weekly World News a run for their money!
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Thanks for risking your life for us to give us your report. I can ignore all those headlines now and get some sleep at night.
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Thanks, Amy. It’s what I do.
Get sleep, I mean…
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Nothing more to say than “I loved this so much.”
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Thanks, Cary! I won’t ask you to elaborate any further.
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ve to sacrafice Jerry Jones in the fight, so be it.
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Great stuff your blog makes me happy every time, never stop writing☺
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Wow, thanks Laureen. That’s probably the nicest thing anyone has said to me 😉
Other than “You’re free to go.”
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Someone told me yesterday that there are more job openings in Texas than people to fill them. Now I know why.
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It’s true. I had seven job offers before I left the airport. And I don’t even have a pilot’s license.
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Those of us in Texas are actually pretty disturbed by the daily increasing number of folks who were infected by the deceased Mr. Duncan. Would that we could all be the boy in the bubble right now. But soon Atlanta and Maryland can worry as well–it appears that “Clipboard Man” may be coming down with a case of the virus soon enough. Hopefully, no nurses will get sent up to the northwest for treatment.
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In all seriousness, the shuffling around of people with the virus is more than a little disconcerting. It would seem keeping them isolated would be best for everyone. And I doubt any Northwest nurses will be sent anywhere unless there are hallucinogenic mushrooms or marijuana involved.
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The size of my dohickey?
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If you have a dohickey of any size, there’s a problem.
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Bahahahah hahaaa. Glad to see you’re on the case.
Oh, and some of the best days of my life involved duct tape and vodka. Just sayin’.
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HA!
Didn’t E.L. James write a book about vodka and duct tape?
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Well, who do you think that particular part was the uh, modeled on, so to speak?
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I don’t mean to brag, but I had some influence on the Yoo-Hoo and bungee cord scene.
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Aw man! You always have the best constriction stories. I give up.
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I guess you don’t want to hear about my Gingerale and licorice whips then…
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OMG! LOL!!! (and weirdly, last night I just wrote about my addiction to Jamaican Ginger Beer! hmmmm.)
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I’d suggest the red licorice whips for that…
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Are you sure the sex tape isn’t under wraps too?
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Maybe Christmas wrap.
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Oh, Ned, you’re a genuinely funny guy and a kick-ass scribe – and the only reason I keep coming around this site. (I had a bizarre interaction with a LAP member yesterday and I swore off this site until I remembered your contributions.)
If I can someday channel 10% of your talent, Ned, I’ll be a happy blogging bellman.
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I always have bizarre interactions with everyone here.
Still, you’re entirely too kind, Hook. Thank you.
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I am currently writing an Ebola song. It’s going to be a hit. I know it.
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I’m sure it will have no problem catching on, as long as you have an infectious chorus.
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How’s this… E-bola, E-bola, how am I’m glad not to know ya….
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Ha! Or maybe “Night Fever, Night Fever, you know how to…”
Oh wait, I think that’s taken.
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I wonder when the news cycle of running out of petroleum will come around again. Can’t wait for the gas lines to stretch down the street and around the block again.
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With my Safeway fuel rewards, I paid $1.65 a gallon for gas yesterday. The gas I got from eating at the Mexican restaurant at lunch was more expensive! But I’m sure you’re right. Enjoy it while you can.
The gas prices, I mean. Not the gassiness.
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