what exactly is dengue fever?

also known as 'breakbone fever', dengue fever is an acute fibrile disease spread by mosquitoes. according to the world health organizaition: "some 2.5 billion people, two fifths of the world's population, are now at risk from dengue and estimates that there may be 50 million cases of dengue infection worldwide every year. The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries".

currently there is no vaccine.

as the world says aloha oe to beloved surf legend andy irons, a native to the island of kauai, hopefully his passing will raise awareness about this disease and its prevalence around the world.
irons after his win at pipe in 2005

irons left behind his wife, who is currently seven months pregnant. please send them your love and prayers.

E pili mau na pomaika'i me 'oe to the irons family.

sweeter words have never been uttered...

"We have finished processing your passport, and it has been mailed to you using Priority Mail.

You should receive your passport on or about 11/06/2010."

thank you department of state. believe me, you did not want to be on the business end of the hissy fit i would have thrown if you didn't get me my passport before the 23rd...