Deadly animal diseases poised to infect humans (Independent) The world is facing a growing threat from new diseases that are jumping the human-animal species barrier as a result of environmental disruption, global warming and the progressive urbanisation of the planet, scientists have warned. [News Source]

Flu season not over, but lessons emerging. The 2009 flu pandemic was not the disaster public health authorities feared. But it's been pretty bad, with hundreds hospitalized in Minnesota and a tragic death toll among the state's children. It's also held enough surprises to keep experts guessing all the way. [News Source]

Thailand is turning the tide (Los Angeles Times) Phuket and Phi Phi, devastated by 2004's tsunami, sport luxurious rebuilt and new amenities. Now the challenges are tightfistedness and civil unrest. In the maze of dive shops, souvenir stores and cafes tucked behind Tonsai beach on Phi Phi Don island, shopkeeper Mab Pat waited for paying customers. "People come," she said, "but they don't buy." [News Source]

Sunday January 03 2010 (The Malaysian Insider) JAN 2 — Traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur are something many would gladly live without. Surprisingly, I’m beginning to see the bright side of it. That is, if I’m in a taxi. [News Source]