Which is more important?
Every day I see a commercial about this:
After February 17, 2009, you will be able to receive and view over-the-air digital programming with an analog TV only by purchasing a digital-to-analog set-top converter box. Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be able to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to be used toward the future purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Eligible converter boxes are for the conversion of over-the-air digital television signals, and therefore are not intended for analog TVs connected to a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV service.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the coupon program. For more information, visit the NTIA website at www.dtv2009.gov. The Commission’s DTV website, www.dtv.gov, also provides information for consumers on the upcoming digital-to-analog converter box coupon program. More detailed information regarding NTIA’s coupon program, what digital-to-analog converter boxes will be eligible, where and when they may be purchased, and the related costs involved will be provided by the Commission and NTIA as the commencement of the coupon program on January 1, 2008, approaches.
Once a week I see this commercial:
The government is seeking comments from the public and interested stakeholders by July 3 on a series of key recommendations it hopes will improve the nation’s preparedness for an influenza pandemic.
The draft documents cover 3 main areas, among them, the use and purchase of facemasks and respirators. The government is suggesting that each household stockpile approximately 20 respirators that can be used, if needed, when caring for an ill family member. Decisions on stockpiling facemasks and the number to obtain would depend on a family’s situation and individual expectations for close contact in crowded settings such as public transit, when having 100 facemasks on hand is recommended. The cost of a box of N95 respirators is about $15 to $30, and the cost of a box of 50 facemasks is about $10 to $20, according to the guidance document.
If an influenza pandemic appears, we could expect the following:
Given the high level of global traffic, the pandemic virus may spread rapidly, leaving little or no time to prepare.
Vaccines, antiviral agents and antibiotics to treat secondary infections will be in short supply and will be unequally distributed. It will take several months before any vaccine becomes available.
Medical facilities will be overwhelmed.
Widespread illness may result in sudden and potentially significant shortages of personnel to provide essential community services.
The effect of influenza on individual communities will be relatively prolonged when compared to other natural disasters, as it is expected that outbreaks will reoccur.
Something just doesn't seem quite right here.
lisa