New York Times - Oct. 8, 2009

There was a very interesting profile piece on the history and genetics of Michelle Obama. The story told of her ancestor, Melvinia Shields, who was a slave in South Carolina in the 1850's. She was sold to a family in Georgia, and would eventually give birth while still a teenager to a baby, fathered by a white man. Centuries later, Michelle Obama, ancestor of Melvinia, would end up in the White House, with as much power and say as humanly possible in the nation. I thought it was a very interesting piece, but I feel like the New York Times must have been short on content. Although it is intriguing, it really shouldn't front page news-worthy.

Also in the news, New York City is reporting that flu levels are about as average as ever, despite the H1N1 virus floating around posing a threat to everyone in the city. Schools are reporting normal attendance levels, and the general population of the city seems to be healthy for the most part. That seems unusual, however, because the rest of the country is currently seeing disease numbers rise to highs never seen before at this time of year. Everyone needs to be wary of this flu epidemic as it tears through the country.