Saturday, March 17, 2007
Science geek moment
So many things to comment on, so little time...which is why I'm far behind in my posts. However, here's a little science geek thrill moment in the news (yeh, yeh, last week, but still): a Rockville, MD, based team circumnavigated the world, collecting DNA from marine microbes. Evidently, there's a lot out there & this expedition was just a start, yielding discoveries of new life forms and ones that could prove extremely valuable in medicine as well as just neat. Read the whole thing here.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
On the bright side...
...did I mention how HAPPY I am that DC enacted its smoking ban in restaurants and bars?
This weekend DH Jeff & I were having sangria at the Jaleo's bar while we waited for friends to join us. And it was pleasant! No acrid smoke! No irritated lungs or watery eyes! I didn't even mind when it got crowded! Wow! Jeff mentioned the same thing. I'm like, "Yippee!"
This has to be the most enlightened legislation the District has enacted in - well, forever!
Now, you say, jeez, isn't that awfully nanny state of you, Renee? Well, here's where I explain that I'd be a libertarian if not for people and their human nature. Please explain to me why it ever was acceptable to share your smoke? Oh yeh, you have the right to carry out this systematic poisoning of YOURSELF, but do you have the right to impose it on others? And why should I avoid bars and other places because they haven't achieved enlightenment in this sense? Sometimes legislation is necessary to enforce behavior that folks won't voluntarily carry out on their own.
Virginia in general, however, hasn't reached this point of enlightenment, BUT, I was pleasantly surprised that a neighborhood restaurant, Clarendon Woodgrill, VOLUNTARILY went smoke-free! Wonders never cease!
Technorati topic: smoking, politics
This weekend DH Jeff & I were having sangria at the Jaleo's bar while we waited for friends to join us. And it was pleasant! No acrid smoke! No irritated lungs or watery eyes! I didn't even mind when it got crowded! Wow! Jeff mentioned the same thing. I'm like, "Yippee!"
This has to be the most enlightened legislation the District has enacted in - well, forever!
Now, you say, jeez, isn't that awfully nanny state of you, Renee? Well, here's where I explain that I'd be a libertarian if not for people and their human nature. Please explain to me why it ever was acceptable to share your smoke? Oh yeh, you have the right to carry out this systematic poisoning of YOURSELF, but do you have the right to impose it on others? And why should I avoid bars and other places because they haven't achieved enlightenment in this sense? Sometimes legislation is necessary to enforce behavior that folks won't voluntarily carry out on their own.
Virginia in general, however, hasn't reached this point of enlightenment, BUT, I was pleasantly surprised that a neighborhood restaurant, Clarendon Woodgrill, VOLUNTARILY went smoke-free! Wonders never cease!
Technorati topic: smoking, politics
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Because they're all so law-abiding
There's an article in WaPo today about an Arlngton woman (around my age, no less) who was attacked, beaten and sodomized with a stick by - anyone, anyone? - an illegal foreign national from El Salvador, while she walking on a bike path. Wow! Our county/state/country is richer for his inclusion! Wait a minute, no it's not - although he faces life in prison, that's on our dime and he's only 18-years-old. Why can't we just execute him and let whatever diety exists (if indeed one does) deal with his soul (if indeed he has one)? Furthermore, why was he in our country in the first place? Anyone, anyone, Bueller? Silence.
Technorati topic: immigration, crime
Technorati topic: immigration, crime
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Ah, the poor
This post concerns two-no-three recent WaPo articles, the first about how "high housing costs & an unpredictable job market" sends many into homelessness; the second how a young boy died of an infected tooth and the final one (today anyway) concerns childcare subsidies for poor "families." Secondly, this post is also about how liberal publications like to throw sob stories around as proof that we need to do more for the poor and our social services need to be "reformed" (read: more bloated with my tax dollars with still no end in sight).
In the first article about a couple who lost their jobs and because of aforementioned economic woes, is now "poor" and "homeless." It also mentions that the female is pregnant and that prior to their joblessness, they had been supporting children from "other relationships."
The second article is about a kid who had an infected tooth and by the time his "mother" found a Medicaid dentist, the infection had spread to the boy's brain - and he died. First, let me say, I feel bad for the kid - I cannot imagine the suffering he went through and I cannot imagine having such an irresponsible parent.
The third article, in today's WaPo is about all these "poor families" who desperately need childcare subsidies so they can stay off welfare. And they spotlight this single mother (is there any other kind?) who is staying home from her job to take care of her child because she's on a waiting list for childcare subsidies (VA state & federal funds - that means tax dollars to you and me).
Here are a few of my observations:
1. Liberal publications like WaPo like to find these sob stories (it's all about the CHILLLLDDDDRRRENNN!) and basically try to guilt the rest of us into supporting more government programs to help the PPPPOOOOORRRR! Then they manage, ironically, to find the least sympathetic people to highlight.
2. Case in point, if the folks cannot even afford to support themselves or won't take the steps to do that, why are they having children?
3. What? Ever hear of condoms, people? If the females in question can't manage their own contraception and are too irresponsible and weak to demand condom use from the dogs who are screwing them, perhaps they should just keep their legs closed.
4. A glaring omission in the last two stories: where are the sperm-donors and why aren't they contributing to the children's upkeep? I know, out impregnating other females! In the first story, it's stated that the dog is happily depositing his sperm everywhere with no care about consequences until bills come due.
5. Another glaring omission in the second story: why do/did these kids (both of them) have such rotten teeth? Answer: because their "mother" doesn't ensure that they're actually brushing their teeth - or for that matter, around to monitor their eating habits. Come on people - both items are part of parenthood! And I don't have to be a parent to know that - I had two who actually attended to those responsibilities! Go figure!
6. In the first article, these two are so irresponsible and plain stupid, it's hard (actually impossible) to feel any sympathy for their "plight." They abdicate thought mostly and pop out kids they have no way to support. Yet look suitably sad, desperate and pathetic for the Post's cameras. Yeh, it's all about the economy!
And if all of us (I mean folks who work, and live within our means, paying gobs of taxes for all these programs) just stopped working and keeping this industry (yes, poverty and its attendant helpful programs is an industry - and a self-perpetuating one at that!) humming along, what then? No matter what cosmetic actions politicians may enact to mollify us (conservative, responsibility-oriented "us"), there will be yet another pop-up program (see "childcare subsidies") to soak up more cash and accomplish - well, more programs! Welfare by any other name is still welfare. I suppose these liberal publications seek to elicit a response - and they do - in me it's anger.
Technorati topic: welfare
In the first article about a couple who lost their jobs and because of aforementioned economic woes, is now "poor" and "homeless." It also mentions that the female is pregnant and that prior to their joblessness, they had been supporting children from "other relationships."
The second article is about a kid who had an infected tooth and by the time his "mother" found a Medicaid dentist, the infection had spread to the boy's brain - and he died. First, let me say, I feel bad for the kid - I cannot imagine the suffering he went through and I cannot imagine having such an irresponsible parent.
The third article, in today's WaPo is about all these "poor families" who desperately need childcare subsidies so they can stay off welfare. And they spotlight this single mother (is there any other kind?) who is staying home from her job to take care of her child because she's on a waiting list for childcare subsidies (VA state & federal funds - that means tax dollars to you and me).
Here are a few of my observations:
1. Liberal publications like WaPo like to find these sob stories (it's all about the CHILLLLDDDDRRRENNN!) and basically try to guilt the rest of us into supporting more government programs to help the PPPPOOOOORRRR! Then they manage, ironically, to find the least sympathetic people to highlight.
2. Case in point, if the folks cannot even afford to support themselves or won't take the steps to do that, why are they having children?
3. What? Ever hear of condoms, people? If the females in question can't manage their own contraception and are too irresponsible and weak to demand condom use from the dogs who are screwing them, perhaps they should just keep their legs closed.
4. A glaring omission in the last two stories: where are the sperm-donors and why aren't they contributing to the children's upkeep? I know, out impregnating other females! In the first story, it's stated that the dog is happily depositing his sperm everywhere with no care about consequences until bills come due.
5. Another glaring omission in the second story: why do/did these kids (both of them) have such rotten teeth? Answer: because their "mother" doesn't ensure that they're actually brushing their teeth - or for that matter, around to monitor their eating habits. Come on people - both items are part of parenthood! And I don't have to be a parent to know that - I had two who actually attended to those responsibilities! Go figure!
6. In the first article, these two are so irresponsible and plain stupid, it's hard (actually impossible) to feel any sympathy for their "plight." They abdicate thought mostly and pop out kids they have no way to support. Yet look suitably sad, desperate and pathetic for the Post's cameras. Yeh, it's all about the economy!
And if all of us (I mean folks who work, and live within our means, paying gobs of taxes for all these programs) just stopped working and keeping this industry (yes, poverty and its attendant helpful programs is an industry - and a self-perpetuating one at that!) humming along, what then? No matter what cosmetic actions politicians may enact to mollify us (conservative, responsibility-oriented "us"), there will be yet another pop-up program (see "childcare subsidies") to soak up more cash and accomplish - well, more programs! Welfare by any other name is still welfare. I suppose these liberal publications seek to elicit a response - and they do - in me it's anger.
Technorati topic: welfare
Friday, February 23, 2007
Now I'm sure my gov't is on crack
Read here about what both DHS and my own Arlington County is spending taxpayer money on (WaPo, February 22, 2007). Wow - how's that for a security booster. I'm a friend to animals, but this is ridiculous.
Here are some wonderful quotes from the article:
Because Arlington County, illegal capital of the country, knows about security!
Yes, I'm "shocked" too, Christopher.
Um, what? Are you all insane?!
Technorati topic: national security
Here are some wonderful quotes from the article:
The Department of Homeland Security approved the county's use of $20,000 of a $217,000 Urban Area Security Initiative grant for pet sheltering, Powers said. The county decided that the trailer was the best way to use the funds.
Because Arlington County, illegal capital of the country, knows about security!
Arlington resident Christopher Bannon, 47, a software developer, said he was "shocked" to learn that the county was "spending homeland security money on pets. It doesn't seem to be the right priority."
Yes, I'm "shocked" too, Christopher.
Last year, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act, which mandates that localities have provisions for pets in their emergency plans.
Um, what? Are you all insane?!
Technorati topic: national security
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Credit cards for illegals - come get your goodies!
Bank of America cares about illegals - mostly that they're potential customers. So...persons without SSNs or credit history can now get BoA credit cards. Story here. Yeah!
Some folks aren't actually thrilled with this development and some are actually doing something about it:
-Dennis Miller closes his account with BoA.
-A San Diego Radio Show Host holds a BoA credit card shredding party for those who want to demonstrate their dismay.
Unfortunately, BoA isn't the only bank catering to illegals; Wells Fargo & even the Federal Reserve Bank are cashing in on the complete lack of border control. Sellouts. Well, I don't have time tonight to get the links to these stories, but hopefully will soon...
Hat tips: The Stein Report & Michelle Malkin.
Technorati topic: immigration
Some folks aren't actually thrilled with this development and some are actually doing something about it:
-Dennis Miller closes his account with BoA.
-A San Diego Radio Show Host holds a BoA credit card shredding party for those who want to demonstrate their dismay.
Unfortunately, BoA isn't the only bank catering to illegals; Wells Fargo & even the Federal Reserve Bank are cashing in on the complete lack of border control. Sellouts. Well, I don't have time tonight to get the links to these stories, but hopefully will soon...
Hat tips: The Stein Report & Michelle Malkin.
Technorati topic: immigration
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Five things I'm really tired of
I may just do a "5 things" blurb from time to time...This is "5 Things I'm really tired of":
1. Jihad, jihad, jihad. I'm sick of reading accounts of suicide bombers, honor killings, of torched cars, of offended Muslims, of Muslims in this country crying discrimination and - uh - racism! Etc.
2. Racism, racism, racism. It's the fall-back charge whenever the "slighted party" wants to avoid any real discussion of the issue. Like illegal immigration. Like criminal activity by certain other parties. Like Muslims detained for suspicious behavior on airplanes.
3. Marching. Any demonstration - don't care what your topic is - don't you have something better to do with your time?
4. Metro incompetence. You've heard it before: can't handle any little snow or rain, escalators and elevators always out of order.
5. The cold. Hasn't been that long a spell, but I'm ready for spring and temps that reach freezing.
Technorati topic: minutiae
1. Jihad, jihad, jihad. I'm sick of reading accounts of suicide bombers, honor killings, of torched cars, of offended Muslims, of Muslims in this country crying discrimination and - uh - racism! Etc.
2. Racism, racism, racism. It's the fall-back charge whenever the "slighted party" wants to avoid any real discussion of the issue. Like illegal immigration. Like criminal activity by certain other parties. Like Muslims detained for suspicious behavior on airplanes.
3. Marching. Any demonstration - don't care what your topic is - don't you have something better to do with your time?
4. Metro incompetence. You've heard it before: can't handle any little snow or rain, escalators and elevators always out of order.
5. The cold. Hasn't been that long a spell, but I'm ready for spring and temps that reach freezing.
Technorati topic: minutiae
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Book Review: Not Enough Indians
Not Enough Indians, by Harry Shearer (of Simpsons & Christopher Guest movies fame), has an interesting premise: a bankrupt town decides to save itself by requesting federal recognition as an Indian –ahem- Native American – tribe and subsequently setting up a casino there. Now, I was first attracted to this book because Harry Shearer is a hoot in his various incarnations, especially movies like Spinal Tap and A Mighty Wind – so I thought he would render a pretty funny/clever novel (even if it was his first). Well…while the book had some funny (not roll-on-the-floor-funny, but chuckle-funny) moments, it was rather insipid overall. The characters were two-dimensional, even stereotypical. Before I read it, I had put it on the potential selections list for our book club, but after reading it, I realized it was so content-lite that it wouldn’t provoke much discussion at all. So, I retracted that particular suggestion.
Although not a horrible first effort, I was not really jazzed by Shearer’s first novel. I’d rate this book a B- or C+.
Technorati topics: book reviews
Although not a horrible first effort, I was not really jazzed by Shearer’s first novel. I’d rate this book a B- or C+.
Technorati topics: book reviews
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
A bit of grousing
So, maybe I shouldn’t be complaining or feeling frustrated so soon after starting up this book club thing again…maybe I should just give it some time, but…
Besides those folks who were SO interested in joining a book club, yet aren’t going to show again…or haven’t communicated at all after the initial burst of enthusiasm…besides those folks who cancel at the last minute and give lame excuses…I have a new favorite “member”: the ones who won’t be attending this Sunday because of Super Bowl. Over half of the members have not even confirmed whether or not they’ll be attending – and I bet when I pull teeth yet again, they’ll tell me they have to go to a Super Bowl party and can’t make it.
You know, it’s not like coordinating this damned Book Club takes any time, effort or money…it’s not like I have anything better to do (work, school, etc.)…it’s not like we’ve consciously tried to make membership as completely easy as possible…as cheap as possible…as democratic as possible. What exactly are we doing wrong? Do we have to canvass the group to make sure there aren’t any exciting sporting events (mind you, watching – not playing), stubbed toes, sock-drawer-organizing emergencies that might derail meeting-attendance?
Hit a nerve? Good. I’m feeling very frustrated with the lack of buy-in of these “members.” If you just want to read books and not meet – then do so. But don’t act like you really want to be in a book club – which suggests, get this, that you actually SHOW UP for discussions. It’s once a month, for gosh sakes!
Whatever, tomorrow I’ll send out another email to those who haven’t responded (pulling teeth) and see what happens.
Technorati topics: manners, book club
Besides those folks who were SO interested in joining a book club, yet aren’t going to show again…or haven’t communicated at all after the initial burst of enthusiasm…besides those folks who cancel at the last minute and give lame excuses…I have a new favorite “member”: the ones who won’t be attending this Sunday because of Super Bowl. Over half of the members have not even confirmed whether or not they’ll be attending – and I bet when I pull teeth yet again, they’ll tell me they have to go to a Super Bowl party and can’t make it.
You know, it’s not like coordinating this damned Book Club takes any time, effort or money…it’s not like I have anything better to do (work, school, etc.)…it’s not like we’ve consciously tried to make membership as completely easy as possible…as cheap as possible…as democratic as possible. What exactly are we doing wrong? Do we have to canvass the group to make sure there aren’t any exciting sporting events (mind you, watching – not playing), stubbed toes, sock-drawer-organizing emergencies that might derail meeting-attendance?
Hit a nerve? Good. I’m feeling very frustrated with the lack of buy-in of these “members.” If you just want to read books and not meet – then do so. But don’t act like you really want to be in a book club – which suggests, get this, that you actually SHOW UP for discussions. It’s once a month, for gosh sakes!
Whatever, tomorrow I’ll send out another email to those who haven’t responded (pulling teeth) and see what happens.
Technorati topics: manners, book club
A heartwarming story
Here’s a heartwarming story (for a change) from WaPo: various groups and individuals making quilts for injured soldiers at Walter Reed Medical Center. Check it out.
BTW, I had no idea there were SO many dedicated quilters out there!
Technorati topics: war
BTW, I had no idea there were SO many dedicated quilters out there!
Technorati topics: war
Some good news for us Virginians
Evidently there are not only a few others in Virginia who are anti-illegal, pro-border control, but we actually have some representation in state government. Here's a WaPo article about the various bills up for vote that will start to make Virginia an undesirable place for illegals. About time!
Technorati topic: immigration
Technorati topic: immigration
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Episodic TV: a review of Grey's Anatomy
Because it was cheap and some folks had recommended it, I went and bought the first season of Grey's Anatomy. This series concerns a cohort of surgical interns and their wacky experiences and their torrid little lives. I can tell you, I was not impressed (can you tell already?).
It was like, maybe, a step down from ER, having a Peton Place-esque story line (everyone is having sex with everyone else, and in this version unprotectedly! Spreading pregnancy and diseases. Now that part rings true, believe it or not) that was 1) stupidly salacious and 2) vacuous. The characters are pretty much 2-dimensional with the typical liberal underpinnings. Yech. I'd give it a D+ - credit only for somewhat interesting surgical cases.
If I were to choose between "new" medical shows, I'd choose House. At least you have Hugh Laurie. And for your money, skip these medical shows altogether and stick with Law and Order (any of them) - they actually present various perspectives on the issues, without dumbing them down so incredibly. Also, they have good characters that effectively play off each other instead of just issuing lines.
Well, there you go.
Technorati topics: entertainment, tv
It was like, maybe, a step down from ER, having a Peton Place-esque story line (everyone is having sex with everyone else, and in this version unprotectedly! Spreading pregnancy and diseases. Now that part rings true, believe it or not) that was 1) stupidly salacious and 2) vacuous. The characters are pretty much 2-dimensional with the typical liberal underpinnings. Yech. I'd give it a D+ - credit only for somewhat interesting surgical cases.
If I were to choose between "new" medical shows, I'd choose House. At least you have Hugh Laurie. And for your money, skip these medical shows altogether and stick with Law and Order (any of them) - they actually present various perspectives on the issues, without dumbing them down so incredibly. Also, they have good characters that effectively play off each other instead of just issuing lines.
Well, there you go.
Technorati topics: entertainment, tv
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Episodic TV: a review of House, season 1
Ok, on a whim, I ordered the first season of the series House, mostly because I heard 1) it involved medical mysteries and 2) because the main character was a real, well, character.
Hugh Laurie, the actor who plays Dr. House, is the main reason to see the program: the character is a pill-popping misanthrope who says exactly what he's thinking, no matter what. This often gets him into trouble,...but for his medical mystery-solving skills. The support cast, I would say, is good and the mysteries are fun, but make no mistake, Laurie is the main draw. He says everything you'd want to say, and lots you wouldn't - very entertaining!
I'd give this series a B+ - and when I get another freebee situation from Amazon, I may just order season 2.
Technorati topics: entertainment, tv
Hugh Laurie, the actor who plays Dr. House, is the main reason to see the program: the character is a pill-popping misanthrope who says exactly what he's thinking, no matter what. This often gets him into trouble,...but for his medical mystery-solving skills. The support cast, I would say, is good and the mysteries are fun, but make no mistake, Laurie is the main draw. He says everything you'd want to say, and lots you wouldn't - very entertaining!
I'd give this series a B+ - and when I get another freebee situation from Amazon, I may just order season 2.
Technorati topics: entertainment, tv
Some random items
The good: our gym just got in some new cardio machines that mimic skating movement, with several levels of challenge. Today I did level 3 and my legs were killing me! This machine was very easy on the knees (smooth motion), but murder on the actual muscles. I'm going to do this exercise some more to see if I see progress.
The stinky: yesterday while having coffee & bagels with DH Jeff at Cosi, I noticed the distinct odor of urine wafting in from the open windows (warm out yesterday). We moved tables a few times to get away from it. I suspect it was vagrant urine, since the advent of the cover over the metro entrance, there have been more vagrants around. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Because this nice neighborhood needs lazy, dirty folks hanging around, pissing around, making it a sty. Thanks so much.
Technorati topic: minutiae
The stinky: yesterday while having coffee & bagels with DH Jeff at Cosi, I noticed the distinct odor of urine wafting in from the open windows (warm out yesterday). We moved tables a few times to get away from it. I suspect it was vagrant urine, since the advent of the cover over the metro entrance, there have been more vagrants around. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Because this nice neighborhood needs lazy, dirty folks hanging around, pissing around, making it a sty. Thanks so much.
Technorati topic: minutiae
Too much information
An interesting article in WaPo on the amount of personal information available on each of us. Good food for thought - how do we protect ourselves from unauthorized and unlawful use of that information?
Technorati topic: technology
Technorati topic: technology
Heathcare on the quick
There's an article in WaPo today about a new trend(?) by some drugstores and such to provide "quick-stop healthcare," that is, physician assistants and nurse practitioners on site (like at CVSs and such) that provide such healthcare services as diagnosis and treatment of common maladies (such as strep throat) and administration vaccinations. The up side to this is that these stations are very accessible, available more convenient and longer hours, and charge reasonable prices for their services.
On the one hand, one can see the attraction to patients over regular medical centers and doctors' offices: no waiting, accessibility, availability of vaccines such as flu shots, reasonable charges, no hassle. I know for a fact that it can be very inconvenient to make a regular appointment at my medical center - one must schedule a month ahead to be sure and you have to go through the healthcare insurance system. Then you have to hope that the office staff are competent in submitting accurate and appropriate charges to the PPO/HMO/insurance company (I had an incident recently where that was not the case, and I had been dealing with the same office for years). Sometimes that's simply not acceptable or feasible.
On the other hand, regular healthcare facilities are concerned that there's no continuity of care, and that this may end up jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable patients - children. One can also see that these "quick-stop" stations take a chunk out of doctors'/healthcare facilities' profit. I perused my latest statement from my PPO and for what was a straight-forward shot, administered by a nurse, the PPO was charged for "follow-up care" and for the physician of record's time (when I didn't actually see or speak to the physician at all - just the nurse). And not cheap either.
I think this is a really interesting situation to consider. We have these "help stations" serving a need and solving existing (and continuing) healthcare issues - great for the consumer. Look, I have a CVS across the street from where I live. Would I be happy to mosey on over, let's say, on a Sunday to get a flu shot? You bet. Would I mind that they're not MDs but PAs and NPs? No, because I've had PAs/NPs treat me frequently in a regular healthcare facility over the years with no ill effects & they tend to be easier to deal with than some doctors. Plus, no middleman with staff & insurance. Just pay the fee. On the other hand, if patient histories aren't taken/taken carefully, and if the treatment information isn't conveyed to the primary doctor/facility, there could be serious problems. Evidently, these stations do take care of the above items. And they're not performing brain surgery - just minor - but necessary - procedures. Well, perhaps (and this thought is discussed in the article too) regular facilities need to be more patient-friendly and take a lesson from these retail-based stations.
Technorati topic: healthcare
On the one hand, one can see the attraction to patients over regular medical centers and doctors' offices: no waiting, accessibility, availability of vaccines such as flu shots, reasonable charges, no hassle. I know for a fact that it can be very inconvenient to make a regular appointment at my medical center - one must schedule a month ahead to be sure and you have to go through the healthcare insurance system. Then you have to hope that the office staff are competent in submitting accurate and appropriate charges to the PPO/HMO/insurance company (I had an incident recently where that was not the case, and I had been dealing with the same office for years). Sometimes that's simply not acceptable or feasible.
On the other hand, regular healthcare facilities are concerned that there's no continuity of care, and that this may end up jeopardizing the health and wellbeing of the most vulnerable patients - children. One can also see that these "quick-stop" stations take a chunk out of doctors'/healthcare facilities' profit. I perused my latest statement from my PPO and for what was a straight-forward shot, administered by a nurse, the PPO was charged for "follow-up care" and for the physician of record's time (when I didn't actually see or speak to the physician at all - just the nurse). And not cheap either.
I think this is a really interesting situation to consider. We have these "help stations" serving a need and solving existing (and continuing) healthcare issues - great for the consumer. Look, I have a CVS across the street from where I live. Would I be happy to mosey on over, let's say, on a Sunday to get a flu shot? You bet. Would I mind that they're not MDs but PAs and NPs? No, because I've had PAs/NPs treat me frequently in a regular healthcare facility over the years with no ill effects & they tend to be easier to deal with than some doctors. Plus, no middleman with staff & insurance. Just pay the fee. On the other hand, if patient histories aren't taken/taken carefully, and if the treatment information isn't conveyed to the primary doctor/facility, there could be serious problems. Evidently, these stations do take care of the above items. And they're not performing brain surgery - just minor - but necessary - procedures. Well, perhaps (and this thought is discussed in the article too) regular facilities need to be more patient-friendly and take a lesson from these retail-based stations.
Technorati topic: healthcare
Monday, January 15, 2007
Movie Review: The Pursuit of Happyness
Just saw The Pursuit of Happyness, with Will Smith and his real-life son. I must say, it was a really good movie. Will Smith did a fine job of portraying this bright, nice Chris Gardner on the out-and-outs, trying to make something of himself and raise his son alone at the same time. Yeh, those cynics out there will say - heck, women have been raising children by themselves for ages - what's so special about this guy? Don't be a cynic - Smith's Gardner is so earnest, sweet and determined to do the right thing, to keep it together against odds and his own perpetual Murphy's Law, that you really do root for him. And some of the character's situations are positively painful. Oh, yeh, and his kid is cute. Anyhoo, worth a go-see!
Here are a few more reviews for your reading pleasure.
Technorati topics: entertainment, movies
Here are a few more reviews for your reading pleasure.
Technorati topics: entertainment, movies
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Book Review: Because They Hate
In Because They Hate, Brigitte Gabriel describes her idyllic childhood as a Christian in Lebanon and her teen years spent with her aged parents in a bomb shelter there during hostilities between Lebanon & Israel in the 1970s. She describes her perception of the destruction of her birth country by Moslems.
She makes the case that Islam is an extremely acquisitive ideology with world domination in mind – not peaceful coexistence. Gabriel goes on to advise us about threats to western civilization and culture, and specifically to our (U.S., she’s an American citizen now) country – and what our response should be to fend off that threat.
I first heard about her on Michelle Malkin’s blog and a link to a U-Tube video of her giving a speech at Heritage Foundation or American Enterprise Institute (I'm not sure which & I can't seem to find the link - bad girl!). Wow. She’s a really powerful speaker and dynamo. It’s also gratifying to hear a naturalized citizen so fully embrace our country and furthermore, become an activist in its preservation and protection: Gabriel started an organization, the American Congress for Truth to do just that. This book is an extension of those efforts and a warning to all who value our freedom and security. Compelling read!
Technorati topics: book reviews, islam
She makes the case that Islam is an extremely acquisitive ideology with world domination in mind – not peaceful coexistence. Gabriel goes on to advise us about threats to western civilization and culture, and specifically to our (U.S., she’s an American citizen now) country – and what our response should be to fend off that threat.
I first heard about her on Michelle Malkin’s blog and a link to a U-Tube video of her giving a speech at Heritage Foundation or American Enterprise Institute (I'm not sure which & I can't seem to find the link - bad girl!). Wow. She’s a really powerful speaker and dynamo. It’s also gratifying to hear a naturalized citizen so fully embrace our country and furthermore, become an activist in its preservation and protection: Gabriel started an organization, the American Congress for Truth to do just that. This book is an extension of those efforts and a warning to all who value our freedom and security. Compelling read!
Technorati topics: book reviews, islam
Saturday, January 13, 2007
New Year's Resolutions
I shouldn't, but I did - make New Year's resolutions. Let's call them "goals" or "action plans." Regardless, here they are:
1. Get back down to a size 4. I know, shallow, but it’s a goal. When was a size 4 I felt more confident because 1) I looked better and 2) I wasn’t compelled to disguise so many figure flaws. There is merit in throwing something on without a lot of fuss and having it look good.
2. Develop blog. In the last year, I’ve blogged a lot, but not consistently. This year I want to not only post regularly, but make the blog more visually interesting – pictures, etc. This will entail learning a little HTML. So be it. Thanks to one of Jeff’s coworkers, J, I have a good resource book to mine. Also, I will be adding ads of different kinds with the hope of earning some cash. I know, sell-out, but there it is.
3. Start on a real career. I hereby renounce my forty-year career as a dilettante. Yes, I’ve always made ends meet, but never have I really felt job satisfaction that comes from a nexus of subject interest, salary, quality and efficacy control that comes from having both credentials and experience.
Forensic science will always be a keen interest of mine, but what I’m running into is that I would need a lot more education plus low-paid or no-paid (read: internship) experience to get even a toe-hold in the business. If I were twenty years younger, I would probably be willing to suck up the debt, time and hassle of accomplishing that, but from my current vantage point, I’m unwilling to do those three things, plus sacrifice my standard of living and scrounge to pay bills.
So, I’m going to finish the Forensics Certificate (instead of the degree program) so that I have some take-away from these current studies, and I’m going to see about starting some sort of accounting program at a convenient, less expensive school, with the aim to pass the CPA exam. Not as sexy as forensic science, but one can practice accounting anywhere in the country and get paid well. Yes, I’m mercenary – I like my wine and chic-chic food – but I also think I’d be really good at it. And, there’s still the thought of “fighting the good fight.”
4. Become more of a political activist. Now mind you, this doesn’t mean marching around – not my cup of tea. I mean besides ranting on my blog, actually engaging my elected officials in what they should be doing for this pro-border control, pro-national security run by adults, fiscal conservative, capitalistic, small-government constituent. Doesn’t mean my efforts will amount to much, but at least they’ll have my opinion.
5. Do more for the troops. I’m already a member of Laura Ingraham’s coffee club for the troops. For every order of four coffees, two coffees are donated/sent to some military installation (Hat tip: Mom). You get your tasty coffee fix each month and so do deployed service men and women. Click here for details. I’d like to do more. Details to follow…still thinking about what I’m going to do.
None of these resolutions are out of my reach – and you, gentle readers, will hear about my progress in each!
Technorati topics: resolutions
1. Get back down to a size 4. I know, shallow, but it’s a goal. When was a size 4 I felt more confident because 1) I looked better and 2) I wasn’t compelled to disguise so many figure flaws. There is merit in throwing something on without a lot of fuss and having it look good.
2. Develop blog. In the last year, I’ve blogged a lot, but not consistently. This year I want to not only post regularly, but make the blog more visually interesting – pictures, etc. This will entail learning a little HTML. So be it. Thanks to one of Jeff’s coworkers, J, I have a good resource book to mine. Also, I will be adding ads of different kinds with the hope of earning some cash. I know, sell-out, but there it is.
3. Start on a real career. I hereby renounce my forty-year career as a dilettante. Yes, I’ve always made ends meet, but never have I really felt job satisfaction that comes from a nexus of subject interest, salary, quality and efficacy control that comes from having both credentials and experience.
Forensic science will always be a keen interest of mine, but what I’m running into is that I would need a lot more education plus low-paid or no-paid (read: internship) experience to get even a toe-hold in the business. If I were twenty years younger, I would probably be willing to suck up the debt, time and hassle of accomplishing that, but from my current vantage point, I’m unwilling to do those three things, plus sacrifice my standard of living and scrounge to pay bills.
So, I’m going to finish the Forensics Certificate (instead of the degree program) so that I have some take-away from these current studies, and I’m going to see about starting some sort of accounting program at a convenient, less expensive school, with the aim to pass the CPA exam. Not as sexy as forensic science, but one can practice accounting anywhere in the country and get paid well. Yes, I’m mercenary – I like my wine and chic-chic food – but I also think I’d be really good at it. And, there’s still the thought of “fighting the good fight.”
4. Become more of a political activist. Now mind you, this doesn’t mean marching around – not my cup of tea. I mean besides ranting on my blog, actually engaging my elected officials in what they should be doing for this pro-border control, pro-national security run by adults, fiscal conservative, capitalistic, small-government constituent. Doesn’t mean my efforts will amount to much, but at least they’ll have my opinion.
5. Do more for the troops. I’m already a member of Laura Ingraham’s coffee club for the troops. For every order of four coffees, two coffees are donated/sent to some military installation (Hat tip: Mom). You get your tasty coffee fix each month and so do deployed service men and women. Click here for details. I’d like to do more. Details to follow…still thinking about what I’m going to do.
None of these resolutions are out of my reach – and you, gentle readers, will hear about my progress in each!
Technorati topics: resolutions
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Catch & release; repeat ad nauseum
This article confirms what I already suspected was the case: that those illegals actually arrested for other crimes (besides entering the country illegally, of course), are arrested repeatedly (about three-fourths of the sample):
Um, do y'all understand my cynicism and despair at this issue? You can be one of those who sniffs glue and convinces yourself that all these illegals are benign, hard-working value-added units, but if you're sober you realize this is not the case. And the administration (plus every Democrat & every other Republican) wants amnesty with no border control, thus ensuring more illegals, thus more crime, more gangs, more drugs (because America just can't do without their drugs - wahoo!).
And we’re supposed to have faith in our leaders to uphold the law and protect us (that means, primarily American citizens) from criminals and invaders – and we certainly pay for that thru our taxes – and yet, this is the garbage we’re given. We cannot even be assured that those who have ignored our immigration laws, who have broken other of our laws (sometimes violently), who have been incarcerated for those transgressions – will be permanently removed from our country. Huh.
Technorati topics: immigration
The findings by Justice Department Inspector General Glenn A. Fine are based on a sampling of 100 illegal immigrants arrested by local and state authorities in 2004, the latest complete data available. They show that 73 of the 100 immigrants were arrested, collectively, 429 times -- on counts including traffic violations and weapons and drug charges. (WaPo, January 9, 2007)
Um, do y'all understand my cynicism and despair at this issue? You can be one of those who sniffs glue and convinces yourself that all these illegals are benign, hard-working value-added units, but if you're sober you realize this is not the case. And the administration (plus every Democrat & every other Republican) wants amnesty with no border control, thus ensuring more illegals, thus more crime, more gangs, more drugs (because America just can't do without their drugs - wahoo!).
And we’re supposed to have faith in our leaders to uphold the law and protect us (that means, primarily American citizens) from criminals and invaders – and we certainly pay for that thru our taxes – and yet, this is the garbage we’re given. We cannot even be assured that those who have ignored our immigration laws, who have broken other of our laws (sometimes violently), who have been incarcerated for those transgressions – will be permanently removed from our country. Huh.
Technorati topics: immigration
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