H1N1 UPDATE

Surprise, surprise. There may be a shortage of H1N1 vaccine, according to some media reports.

Maybe some media outlets bought it up in their markets so they'd have a big story?

Really, media doesn't do stuff like that, except maybe during ratings sweeps? Sorry, made that up.

Remember, wash your hands frequently, and cover your mouth and face when you cough or sneeze, even when reporters are nearby.

BALLOON BOY

An exciting two hours of cable TV a while back featuring that drifting balloon across parts of eastern Colorado that for a time, authorities and TV anchors all thought might be carrying a 6-year-boy.

Stunt or not, media, including the cable news networks, handled it fairly professionally. Although, references to "We don't know if a child is on board or not" were not quite as breathless as those describing what might have been going on and what could happen. And on some channels no commercials. Bet some producers will pay for that.

SOCIAL SECURITY

There's no cost of living increase for Social Security recipients for the first time in years.

Never fear, it'll probably be taken care of. There's word Congress will see to it that those on Social Security will get another $250 payment.

No politician wants to offend that many seniors, although finding a way to pay for it should create some sparks.

What the heck! Succeeding generations will pick up the tab.

HEALTH-CARE REFORM UPDATE

Done yet? Guess not.

Here's an idea, just forget about it.

Find another issue. There's the economy, or how about making the federal budget deficit line by line more entertaining and divisive?

Give the pundits something new and exciting.

STATE LARGESS

In Illinois, state government apparently doesn't have a constituency it doesn't want to please. Doesn't matter if the state is broke.
 Some $200 million to cover the cost of some college students' tuition for next semester. Springfield will worry about where the money will come from later? Really? Sort of like balancing the budget?

Then there's the teeth-gnashing over the question of free or reduced rides for senior citizens on Chicago-area trains and buses.

If they delay a decision on senior fares long enough, Illinois Valley seniors might be able to catch trains to and from the city free. Makes you wonder if there'll be any seats left for those younger than 65 to take public transportation to the city.

• JIM FRENCH of Ottawa is retired after 43 years in radio broadcasting, including 33 years in Ottawa. You may reach Jim through The Times by e-mailing newsroom@mywebtimes.com.