FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2001, 12:00 a.m. Frequently Asked Questions about Barnes Place and the West Nile Virus BARNES PLACE (ATLANTA, GA) -- Through the years, Barnes Place has been committed to the pursuit of increasing society's standards of ambiance by facilitating the connectivity between guests. Of greatest concern is the safety and comfort of our guests in this pursuit. In the wake of the West Nile Virus Scare, the Social Secretary has put together the following informational pamphlet with answers to some of our most frequently asked questions regarding the West Nile Virus. 1) WHAT STEPS IS BARNES PLACE TAKING TO PROTECT GUESTS FROM THE EVER-PRESENT THREAT OF CONTRACTING THE POTENTIALLY FATAL WEST NILE VIRUS WHILE ON BARNES PLACE GROUNDS? Great question. First, it's important to understand the official stance on pests at Barnes Place: Absolutely not. They are removed from the Social Register as soon as possible. Oh, and we don't like bugs either. Second, it's important to understand the expertise with which we tap into for our Pest Control Strategies. Barnes Place has an entomologist on the Barnes Place Social Register. The Co-Directors consult with him on a regular basis regarding issues surrounding bug psychology, fine wine and the weather out in Stone Mountain. In fact, many guests may be familiar with Entomologist Jim, who is a regular at Barnes Place functions. In his role as Director of Structural Pest Control for the State of Georgia's Department of Agriculture, Entomologist Jim has had Barnes Place inspected several times (not a favor; anyone can request it) to evaluate the Barnes Place termite abatement process used here. In one case, Entomologist Jim determined the process was not completed accurately, which resulted in the State of Georgia forcing the contractor to re-treat Barnes Place. Most recently, Entomologist Jim developed a Wasp Control Strategy and a Hornet Control Strategy, both of which have been implemented flawlessly with absolute precise tactical skill. Third, it's important to understand specific steps that have been taken prior to Jungle Fever. The co-directors of Barnes Place are working diligently to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by eliminating standing water in left over cocktail glasses. Cocktail glasses shall be removed as soon as they are empty, and we're asking for the cooperation of our guests in this area. Additionally, the evening of Jungle Fever, the grounds will be treated with Raid Yard Guard Outdoor Fogger, citronella torches (please do not light your cigarettes using the torches) will be distributed strategically around the gardens, and, along with temporary Blanche tattoos, bug repellant will be readily available for guests to apply to their skin. We also plan on placing a mannequin in the corner of the yard, spritzed with cheap cologne, in an effort to divert any mosquitoes surviving said tactics. 2) HOW CLOSE IS BARNES PLACE TO THE EPICENTER OF THE CRISIS? Birds tainted with the nasty virus have been turning up dead within a mile of Barnes Place. However, we'd like to point out you have a greater chance of contracting something from the prostitutes on 14th Street. Cheap cologne is also a bad idea in that area. 3) IS BARNES PLACE USING CHEMICAL COMBATANTS AGAINST WEST NILE MOSQUITOES, AND DO THEY HARM THE ENVIRONMENT? Yes, we are. Nasty chemicals toxic enough to kill mosquitoes. Is it harming the environment? We'll ask this question: if you kill a mosquito as it sucks on you, are you harming the environment, or are you surviving? 4) DOES ANYONE AT BARNES PLACE ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THE WEST NILE VIRUS? Of course we do. We care very deeply. And we are saddened by the deaths of those who have been stricken by this virus, as well as the more serious, more common mosquito-spread diseases. And for the record, we are also gravely concerned about the negative side effects bad fashion has on our society. 5) IF YOU ARE SELECTED TO BE THE NEXT MISS TEEN USA, WHAT WOULD YOU DO ABOUT THE WEST NILE VIRUS? Well, first of all, I had a very close friend who once had West Nile Virus, so I know exactly about how important this issue is because it's very near and dear to my heart. It's very important. And second, my Daddy always taught us to believe in ourselves. So I'd believe in myself and have faith that through education we could educate people that this is a serious issue our society faces. And that we have to deal with it and that if we can come together, we'll have a solution and [BUZZ!] and that's what I'd do as Miss Teen USA. --END--