Glad to hear things are looking up, and that he's in good enough shape to be upset about being in the hospital. Hope the news is even better from the EEG--that the weird waves are gone.
Thanks for your updates, Teresa, Helen, Velma. I'll continue to pray.
Governance by ballot initiative and referendum works, methinks, better on the inverse of the size of the governed body. The idea that Mr. or Ms. Everyperson can run an enterprise larger than most corporations and, indeed, most countries (i.e. California) is beyond insane. The fact that so many Californians are just shocked and angered that things are in gridlock only goes to prove the point.
I can't take statin drugs, as I have the dreaded musculature deterioration side effect. Instead, I am prescribed another drug that is very effective (much more so than statins were), without the crippling side effect. Because cholesterol metabolism is the biggest part of my heart problem, this is a big help. However, the drug (Zetia) is pretty expensive, and my cardiologist gives me samples because I couldn't afford it otherwise.
abi @ #150: I happened to need to visit my cardiologist's office Friday, to pick up more samples of the cholesterol med I use, so I asked about the policy on free drug samples. The clinician who came out to talk told me they're not required to account for whom the samples are prescribed, only that the samples are given rather than sold. In some cases, a brief course of a drug is given to a patient to determine its effectiveness, and the doctor doesn't feel the patient should have to pay for an experiment. In other cases, the patient just can't afford the needed medication. The only cases where non-controlled medications are tracked by patient is if there's an inquiry by a payer or a lawsuit.
I told her the reason for my asking, that a posting on a blog about health care coverage had stated that required government accountability might consider free samples as fraud. She told me that she was aware of the call for more accountability, and strongly agreed with it. She said the two main areas of concern are gifts and perks for high prescription rates (basically, bribes) and issues surrounding the prescription of narcotics. She did say certain types of universal coverage would probably end the need for free samples, but that currently "discounts and samples" are at the discretion of any practice, and that will probably continue, as "there will always be a few people who fall through the cracks of the system, just, hopefully, not so many."
Ironically, when I got home, local sheriff's officers and the DEA were conducting a raid on the medical clinic across the alley. They walked two of the doctors out in handcuffs. I'd heard rumors that there were "scrip doctors" there and noticed what seemed like a large percentage of young, healthy-looking but druggy-looking people there, considering it's a radiation oncology practice. Apparently the docs continued to prescribe oxycodone and hydrocodone even after their licenses to do so were yanked.
I might ad that, since moving to another town, I've driven myself to the hospital each time I've needed to go, just so there's no question of which hospital. You can't imagine how long that trip can be when you're having major chest pains.
But whether they're "really proud of what [their] party is doing" or not, you can damn well betcha that they're proud of the support they'll get from the GOP for their next political race, if they continue to toe the line.
Steve C., AAMAF, I've always been listed as self-pay with my GP, and have always gotten a discount that seems to average 35%. Same goes with my cardiologist, for follow-up. But that was definitely not the case with the hospitals, labs, or consulting doctors.
John Stanning, I was good friends with the head of the EMS at the time, as well as the dispatcher who took the call, so I can't say about the ambulance. When I arrived at the (good) regional medical center, I was out of it (good ol' morphine). Someone came in a day or two after my surgery to get my information, or lack of it. During my subsequent stays, they've had my records, and just remind me to fill out the forms I get in the mail so they can be reimbursed by the county fund that takes care of indigent care.
While I believe our potential access to excellent care in the US is second to none (hence the "greatest health-care system in the world" bullshit), I don't believe we can continue with the system as it is now. And I wonder how much the lack of a system in the US affects the availability of services in Canada, with many specialists relocating south of the border.
Lee @ #65, the prices you're quoting are about what I paid for some catch-up dental work from the Baylor Dental College in Dallas in 1990. In 1999-2000, I caught up again and, for x-rays, cleaning, three fillings and one root-canal-and-crown, I paid nearly $3,000. Actually, that included impressions for a replacement bridge (I chew so vigorously that I dislodge dental work), as well. However, during that process they raised the cost of the bridge from $2,500 to $3,900, so I backed out.
My own experience with the American health-care system: Other than a few dental problems, I had been extremely healthy to age 50, with only a trip to the doctor every couple of years for sinus infections. In my early 40's, I had a job for a couple of years that gave me medical benefits, and I started getting semi-annual check-ups. However, after I went back into business for myself I did not get health insurance, because of the exorbitant cost and encouraged by my ongoing good health. My work involved some hard physical work, I was in good shape, with blood pressure in the high-normal range and total cholesterol of 140+/-. By age 50, I had retirement savings of >$200,000, as well as a healthy business that allowed me to also support my brother, who had suffered a debilitating back injury. He was on full SSI disability, but at that time in Texas, his monthly payment was only $551, which did not cover his living expenses, much less his prescriptions, which Medicare did not cover.
On 04 Oct 01, I had a major heart attack. I was taken by ambulance to the local hospital, stabilized, then transferred to an area hospital with a good reputation as a cardiac care center, and received immediate emergency care. The next morning, after an angiogram revealed blockages, I went into surgery, and received a quadruple bypass. I was in CICU for three days, and then on the cardiac recovery ward for another three. My hospital bill alone was $99,800; additional doctors' and lab bills added $65,000 to that. The charge by my local hospital for my 40-minute stay in the emergency room and a clot-buster shot was $14,000. All my medical expenses, plus the costs of aftercare and living for the two months before I was able to return to work in any meaningful way took up most of my savings.
In January of the following year, I had chest pains again, took myself to the local hospital, and was again immediately admitted. My symptoms only lasted an hour, and lab work indicated just a very minor infarction, but the doc there kept me for a week, because my doc wasn't in town and he didn't "want to take any chances." That $38,000 stay was something I couldn't pay for in a timely fashion, and it pretty well shot my credit.
Since then, I've had several other health problems, and then, in 2008, a new blockage caused five more heart attacks before another angiogram (my third) revealed the problem and an angiogram fixed it. Because of the emergency nature of my problems, I've always had immediate access to great care. My cardiologist's group continues to treat me, with only a small monthly payment. However, other health problems go untreated, because visits to other doctors must be paid at time of service, and I just can't pay. That's exacerbated by the fact that my problems have affected my ability to work, and now I'm basically penniless.
I can't complain about the care I got, at all--it's been excellent. But I'm not sure exactly what all that life-saving work has saved me for.
I just love Alton Brown to death, but heating the oven to 500F in the summer here, especially during the afternoon or evening, is just stupid. IMHO, concerns about over-charring on a quickly-cooked steak are a bit niggling. If you're wanting one medium to well, deal with the oven (or hell, just cook a roast). Of course, a charcoal grill is great, and a wood grill is even better, but what a hassle for a single steak!
My method is lower-tech; it only calls for the well-seasoned cast iron skillet, an oven mitt or kitchen towel, and a meat fork (as I don't like to scrape the charred bits to eat with the steak). Put the dry skillet on a burner, with heat on high. Turn the exhaust fan on high, too, if you're indoors. Set a timer for 3 minutes if you don't have a second hand to look at. Rub a 1.5" steak of your favorite cut with kosher salt and pepper, plus garlic powder if you like it garlicky. Don't use fresh garlic or herbs--they burn rather nastily. Then rub a little olive oil in. When the skillet starts to discolor, lay the steak in and start the timer. After 3 minutes, turn the steak with the meat fork, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Check it with the thermometer if you like. Plate and enjoy.
If your preference or budget dictates thinner steaks, use the directions Lee @ #40 gave, but use a cast-iron skillet. Heating an artificially-coated non-stick surface to these temperatures guarantees you'll be seasoning your steak with plastic particles, as well as ruining your skillet.
As far as cuts of meat are concerned, it seems like flatiron steaks are all the trend in the places that pride themselves on trendiness. I haven't seen one for less than $50 at a restaurant here in North Texas, and never in a store, and understand their rarity exceeds their comparative flavor (only 2-4 per cow). I follow my friendly butcher's recommendations, and if I want something really impressive go to either of a couple of meat cutters in the ranching country northwest of here for their aged, range-fed beef.
Something I appreciate about Bezos' apology is that it was personal and in the active voice. I've personally donated large sums of money to the creation of a special circlet of Hell devoted to anyone who has ever uttered the phrase "mistakes were made."
Xopher @ #75: You know that I've been a design/build contractor for 37 years, don't you? Now you've done it. When you get ready to build that shrine, indoors or outdoors, just let me know. Mmmmm, what fun!
Xopher @ #75: You know that I've been a design/build contractor for 37 years, don't you? Now you've done it. When you get ready to build that shrine, indoors or outdoors, just let me know. Mmmmm, what fun!
I also know play from a child, but now know that you should have been prosecuted. Keep your "leg of horse" to yourself.
Ah yes. I once looked forward to the day when theRidiculousRepublican Governor of Texas would make a complete and incontrovertible fool of himself. Then, after appointing someone more conniving and corrupt, he bankrupted the country instead.
I think it's too soon to say whether Appalachian Mark has been forgiven. Certainly his peers (Rush, Newt, the other horndog hypocrites) have forgiven him. The SC legislature didn't embrace him, they only decided not to impeach, and they also know they only have to put up with him for a little while longer. I've read that his popularity among the voters is . . . not. He's lost his status in the national Repugnican Party, and has brought further discredit on them when they're already suffering.
And I suspect his home life is decidedly unforgiven. His wife Jenny had already thrown him out, or at least given him an ultimatum, to which he responded by making another trip south. She may well be keeping him around now just to draw out his misery. Or she may not be keeping him around at all.
As deep as Bush's brain.
As reassuring as Cheney's smile.
As clear as a Sarah Palin policy statement.
As tasteful as Michael Jackson's funeral.
As chilly as a look from Ann Coulter.
As safe as derivatives.
As even-handed as Bill O'Reilly.
As loving as Lou Dobbs.
As welcome as a letter from Nigeria. Or the IRS. Or your POA.
As excited as a kid in an electronics store.
"How did the kids like that new casserole?" "Oh, they gobbled it up like bailout money."
As repetitious as CNN Headline News.
Chris Quinones @ #3: Apparently it is, at least for the present. Whether that's by intent remains to be seen.
Earl Cooley III @ #4 It's questionable how well that worked for Swaggart. I remember his being castigated here in Texas after that stunt (by which I mean his televised "confession," as his sexual escapades had been the topics of rumors for years). In addition, his denomination, the Assembly of God, became the subject of (even more) ridicule among the general church-going establishment, as they were known as one of the more judgmental toward personal failings. After that, the practice that had already begun, but was previously rare, of local Assemblies changing their names in order to become unrecognizable as such (e.g.: from First Assembly of God to Open Arms Church, and from Gardens Assembly of God to Believers' Worship Center), became so widespread as to be almost universal. Swaggart's reputation may have finally recovered, but it was more a case of time healing wounds. At the time, he was a subject of incredulous ridicule, even among conservatives. "Up North," among those whose interest in him was more political and less religious, there may have been more forgiveness; my observations are as a Southerner.
Wyman Cooke @ #14: I think it was Princess Sarah who was more pissed at Jocko's pushing her off the front pages. Poor Mark Sanford was just so in luuuuurrve with Maria that he couldn't keep his mouth shut. And still is. I'm not sure where I first read it--maybe it was here--but he's made it clear by his statements that he really needs to just quit his job, get a divorce, and go to his beloved. He's been struck by The Lightning Bolt and needs to follow his bliss. (Sorry about the lame linked ref--it was the best I could find without spending hours.)
Josh Jasper @ #13: I disagree. Blagojevich committed not only the sin of being a grifter bastard in a position of Major Power, but also that of pride, as he continues to attempt to be A Public Personality. And the fact that he's already tried to appear on a "reality" show based on his notoriety, justified, at least in press releases, by his denial of guilt that's so obvious to all but the blind and deaf, or Laplanders, just amps the arrogance up, exponentially.
Sanford doesn't seem to be all that proud of himself. He seems more to me to be a complete victim of his own lust and attraction. And he obviously views his attraction as so overwhelming (to himself, of course) as to automatically excuse any effect his behavior should have on his (current) family. It's as though he can't understand that everyone who cares for him might not be overjoyed that he's found his "true love." That he's also addicted to his gubernatorial position comes as much from his Neocon cheering section as his familiarity with the power he has and the popularity he's enjoyed in the past. How intent would he have been in his insistence on refusing the Fed's proffered stimulus funds had he not had a starring role in Rush's Radio Refusal Resistance in the offing, reinforced daily? His urge to be a star of the reborn Republican Party is only natural to a politician; its sway is only noticeable when there's a strong competitive power in motion, and of course the power of redemption is one he wouldn't recognize.
Chris Quinones @ #3: Apparently it is, at least for the present. Whether that's by intent remains to be seen.
Earl Cooley III @ #4 It's questionable how well that worked for Swaggart. I remember his being castigated here in Texas after that stunt (by which I mean his televised "confession," as his sexual escapades had been the topics of rumors for years). In addition, his denomination, the Assembly of God, became the subject of (even more) ridicule among the general church-going establishment, as they were known as one of the more judgmental toward personal failings. After that, the practice that had already begun, but was previously rare, of local Assemblies changing their names in order to become unrecognizable as such (e.g.: from First Assembly of God to Open Arms Church, and from Gardens Assembly of God to Believers' Worship Center), became so widespread as to be almost universal. Swaggart's reputation may have finally recovered, but it was more a case of time healing wounds. At the time, he was a subject of incredulous ridicule, even among conservatives. "Up North," among those whose interest in him was more political and less religious, there may have been more forgiveness; my observations are as a Southerner.
Wyman Cooke @ #14: I think it was Princess Sarah who was more pissed at Jocko's pushing her off the front pages. Poor Mark Sanford was just so in luuuuurrve with Maria that he couldn't keep his mouth shut. And still is. I'm not sure where I first read it--maybe it was here--but he's made it clear by his statements that he really needs to just quit his job, get a divorce, and go to his beloved. He's been struck by The Lightning Bolt and needs to follow his bliss. (Sorry about the lame linked ref--it was the best I could find without spending hours.)
Josh Jasper @ #13: I disagree. Blagojevich committed not only the sin of being a grifter bastard in a position of Major Power, but also that of pride, as he continues to attempt to be A Public Personality. And the fact that he's already tried to appear on a "reality" show based on his notoriety, justified, at least in press releases, by his denial of guilt that's so obvious to all but the blind and deaf, or Laplanders, just amps the arrogance up, exponentially.
Sanford doesn't seem to be all that proud of himself. He seems more to me to be a complete victim of his own lust and attraction. And he obviously views his attraction as so overwhelming (to himself, of course) as to automatically excuse any effect his behavior should have on his (current) family. It's as though he can't understand that everyone who cares for him might not be overjoyed that he's found his "true love." That he's also addicted to his gubernatorial position comes as much from his Neocon cheering section as his familiarity with the power he has and the popularity he's enjoyed in the past. How intent would he have been in his insistence on refusing the Fed's proffered stimulus funds had he not had a starring role in Rush's Radio Refusal Resistance in the offing, reinforced daily? His urge to be a star of the reborn Republican Party is only natural to a politician; its sway is only noticeable when there's a strong competitive power in motion, and of course the power of redemption is one he wouldn't recognize.
TNH @ #107: It beats getting it from Childhood.
My "welcome homes" too, to the recently unhospitalled several.
During my stays last year, I found the food in my particular hospital pretty good, and that was a surprise. I kinda like Jello, but never make it at home, so that was a nice departure. Having been on a cardiac diet while there, I was denied salt, but given plenty of Ms. Dash. And, being a cook, I had a good time separating the various ingredients by aroma, saving them, and adding to the various entrees as appropriate.
Really, my only gripe about the food was that, being in Texas, they just had to try CFS (chicken fried steak). And, since it was a hospital, it was really Chicken Microwaved Meatsubstitute. Really the nastiest stuff I've had in my mouth since I accidentally let a metoprolol tablet dissolve there.
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|---|---|
| 2009 | 108 |
| 2008 | 1 |
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