And speaking of H1N1, an American Red Cross survey found that women take the virus far more seriously then men: 83 percent of them make extra efforts to cover sneezes, compared with 67 percent of men. Three-fourths of women disinfect home and work surfaces, compared to just half of the menfolk. And two-thirds of the women surveyed don't touch their face to avoid the bug; 47 percent of men do the same.
Men. Sheesh. Bad dogs. No biscuit.
"The flu doesn't favor one gender over another," observes Sharon Stanley, chief nurse of the organization.
The survey of 1,003 adults was conducted Oct. 8-11.
PENNE STATION
Antipasto, penne rigate con bollito misto with la famiglia delgrosso arrabbiata sauce, filet mignon with DAbruzzo wine and sugar beet reduction, mascarpone polenta, fava beans with leeks and pancetta, broccolini with garlic, lemon and olive oil; tiramisu.
Had enough? It's the menu for the 34th annual National Italian American Foundation gala on Saturday, which includes a veritable cast of thousands: 3,000 guests are expected. Among the notables:
Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr.; Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Republicans Sen. John Barasso of Wyoming; Republican Reps.John L. Mica of Florida, Pat Tiberi of Ohio and Steve Scalise of Louisiana; Democrats Reps. Michael E. Capuano of Massachusetts, Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey and Linda T. Sanchez of California; White House Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina; and former White House press secretary Dana Perino. Oh, and ABC's late-night king Jimmy Kimmel will emcee.
POLL DU JOUR
• 62 percent of Republicans say that President Obama will attempt to ban the sale of guns in the U.S.
