justlikeDennis.COM
Blurry vision but trying real hard to see
Web log
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Colin came down with the flu beginning last Saturday, Dec 19 and had it fully by Sunday. He remained in bed (with fever) for four days. Today on Christmas he opened packages but was ready to go to bed soon after. Summer now has the flu fully. Sheri and I both feel less than well. What a Christmas!
I drove to MD to Christmas dinner alone. We met at Judy's for lunch and exchange.
As I was leaving to go, outside were Henry and Marian Lehman visiting their son's family next door.
Oh yeah, Doug was at Judy's for dinner but not well. Dorinda was too ill with the flu to come.
I received from Sheri an electric shaver as requested.
Colin raked in on Bionicles (2 so far and I believe 2 more on the way as well as a Lego kit). Summer had a wooden cat in her sock and was sore displeased as she wants a REAL cat.
Judy's house is nicely decorated with two artistic (floristically speaking) trees and village scenes with action scenes.
I gave my siblings and parents family history books.
I drove to MD to Christmas dinner alone. We met at Judy's for lunch and exchange.
As I was leaving to go, outside were Henry and Marian Lehman visiting their son's family next door.
Oh yeah, Doug was at Judy's for dinner but not well. Dorinda was too ill with the flu to come.
I received from Sheri an electric shaver as requested.
Colin raked in on Bionicles (2 so far and I believe 2 more on the way as well as a Lego kit). Summer had a wooden cat in her sock and was sore displeased as she wants a REAL cat.
Judy's house is nicely decorated with two artistic (floristically speaking) trees and village scenes with action scenes.
I gave my siblings and parents family history books.
posted by Dennis # 9:35 PM
Monday, December 22, 2003
I met with Ray Huber today about our future at MIH.
In brief, his expectations:
1. Two for one - he wants both us to work full-time under one financial package. Ray did not think much of the idea that together Sheri and I would be one full-time person and I could persue other non-MIH work.
2. He expects me to find my place, which may mean starting his visionary programs relating to development of life skill training opportunities, working toward developing courses which may integrate with local universities along the line of cross-cultural or international themes; investigate the possibility of offering cultural sensitivity training courses for governmental organizations (schools), write grants, other?
3. He wants an answer in February 2004
4. He wants Sheri to start an English Language school of some type.
5. The phrase, "the workman is worthy of his hire" was used. I question if the present goals for me at MIH are sufficient to warrant a salary (full-time) and require an aspiring to-be Phd.
My initial response:
1. If Mt. Vernon is the primary supporter, we could no longer be at Mt. Vernon
2. I would prefer Mt. Vernon (or whoever) to support MIH not us.
3. I believe support should go to what people are doing rather than what people are dreaming. This applies in that most of what Ray wants us to do is in the realm of new and visionary rather than directly relating to what is already happening at MIH. Sheri's work is more closely related to what is already happening.
4. I sense that business goals (property and rental fee development...) and spiritual goals (bringing people into the fold) are being mixed, which can lead to expectations where there is no way to measure for success.
5. Ray appears to be saying, "Here is a chance for a motivated visionary to do something new. Here is the opportunity. You make it work, you develop the vision, mission statement, funding and implement it. However, I want that vision to follow these basic goals" (as above). Unfortunately, at this point, (and all points since last spring for me), it still isn't clear to me how these goals relate to MIH nor how they might be operationalizable.
6. At this point, I do not see me at MIH.
In brief, his expectations:
1. Two for one - he wants both us to work full-time under one financial package. Ray did not think much of the idea that together Sheri and I would be one full-time person and I could persue other non-MIH work.
2. He expects me to find my place, which may mean starting his visionary programs relating to development of life skill training opportunities, working toward developing courses which may integrate with local universities along the line of cross-cultural or international themes; investigate the possibility of offering cultural sensitivity training courses for governmental organizations (schools), write grants, other?
3. He wants an answer in February 2004
4. He wants Sheri to start an English Language school of some type.
5. The phrase, "the workman is worthy of his hire" was used. I question if the present goals for me at MIH are sufficient to warrant a salary (full-time) and require an aspiring to-be Phd.
My initial response:
1. If Mt. Vernon is the primary supporter, we could no longer be at Mt. Vernon
2. I would prefer Mt. Vernon (or whoever) to support MIH not us.
3. I believe support should go to what people are doing rather than what people are dreaming. This applies in that most of what Ray wants us to do is in the realm of new and visionary rather than directly relating to what is already happening at MIH. Sheri's work is more closely related to what is already happening.
4. I sense that business goals (property and rental fee development...) and spiritual goals (bringing people into the fold) are being mixed, which can lead to expectations where there is no way to measure for success.
5. Ray appears to be saying, "Here is a chance for a motivated visionary to do something new. Here is the opportunity. You make it work, you develop the vision, mission statement, funding and implement it. However, I want that vision to follow these basic goals" (as above). Unfortunately, at this point, (and all points since last spring for me), it still isn't clear to me how these goals relate to MIH nor how they might be operationalizable.
6. At this point, I do not see me at MIH.
posted by Dennis # 9:36 PM
Friday, December 19, 2003
Colin and I went with Dan Gehman and his son, Ryan to Landis Valley Museum this evening. They had a large bonfire and some horn music. Summer and Sheri went to her dance class Christmas dance recital. They enjoyed it greatly. Summer particularly enjoyed the flower dance (three big girls and one little...)
posted by Dennis # 10:55 PM
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Barbara Nissley visited today. She is back from Lithuania for a couple weeks over the holidays.
Last night I attended a C.O.M.E. meeting at Mt. Vernon as a new member.
Lord of the Rings premiered yesterday. I hope to see it soon.
Last night I attended a C.O.M.E. meeting at Mt. Vernon as a new member.
Lord of the Rings premiered yesterday. I hope to see it soon.
posted by Dennis # 1:03 PM
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
MEDICAL MYTHOLOGY continued
I was talking with my sister today and I learned that she has the same skin condition on her finger tips as do I. And the doctor prescribed the same medicine, Fluocinonide Ointment USP, 0.05%. In one way it is conforting to know that two dermtologists in two states (PA and MD) prescribed the same thing for the same condition. OR it means that dermatologists (and by extension all doctors) are fairly narrow in what they prescribe apart from the BIG killers (cancer, heart disease, medical malpractice).
We as readers are bombarded daily with messages, OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM IS THE BEST, OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM WILL BRING IMMORTALITY. For example, look at the December 1, 2003 front cover of US News and World Report. "THE END OF HEART DISEASE."
If you have a heart attack while reading this and you make it alive to the hospital, this article will do you no good.
How is it that the promises of DNA research and new drugs can't help a dermatologist, whose only role in professional life is to understand and treat (toward healing) skin ailments, can summarily look at the raw ends of persons injured fingers and say, "Oh, that probably eczema or dermatitis. Wear gloves when you wash dishes, use hand cream, and maybe try some steroid cream to reduce inflammation." And don't call me in the morning since a summary visit like this can only generate $55.00 and future visits less!
Hello AMERICA!
I was talking with my sister today and I learned that she has the same skin condition on her finger tips as do I. And the doctor prescribed the same medicine, Fluocinonide Ointment USP, 0.05%. In one way it is conforting to know that two dermtologists in two states (PA and MD) prescribed the same thing for the same condition. OR it means that dermatologists (and by extension all doctors) are fairly narrow in what they prescribe apart from the BIG killers (cancer, heart disease, medical malpractice).
We as readers are bombarded daily with messages, OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM IS THE BEST, OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM WILL BRING IMMORTALITY. For example, look at the December 1, 2003 front cover of US News and World Report. "THE END OF HEART DISEASE."
If you have a heart attack while reading this and you make it alive to the hospital, this article will do you no good.
How is it that the promises of DNA research and new drugs can't help a dermatologist, whose only role in professional life is to understand and treat (toward healing) skin ailments, can summarily look at the raw ends of persons injured fingers and say, "Oh, that probably eczema or dermatitis. Wear gloves when you wash dishes, use hand cream, and maybe try some steroid cream to reduce inflammation." And don't call me in the morning since a summary visit like this can only generate $55.00 and future visits less!
Hello AMERICA!
posted by Dennis # 8:36 PM
Saturday, December 06, 2003
SNOW! Snow fell Friday and Saturday morning up to about a foot or so. Friday evening we went to the end of the street where Santa arrived via fire truck and set in a sled in front of Wileys Pharmacy. Summer and Colin set on his lap. Summer said something but I don't know what. Colin asked for a transformer. They received a stocking full of coloring supplies, orange, candy...
The the tree was lit as well across the street in the soccer field. The snow was falling, the Christmas band was playing.. quite traditional and nice.
Saturday we took the bus to town and saw the train layout in the Citizen's Bank building. We went to the old market for a hotdog after finding that the library and closed due to weather. We then visited the Heritage Museum and stopped at the Fulton on the way to the bus stop. The Fulton was about the show the Christmas Carol so the characters were entertaining in the halls. The Scrooge looked great and grumpy. The children responded as one might expect from such an excellent grump.
We're greeters at the church tomorrow. Colin and Summer wore themselves out tonight in the snow so to bed at a reasonably early time.
The the tree was lit as well across the street in the soccer field. The snow was falling, the Christmas band was playing.. quite traditional and nice.
Saturday we took the bus to town and saw the train layout in the Citizen's Bank building. We went to the old market for a hotdog after finding that the library and closed due to weather. We then visited the Heritage Museum and stopped at the Fulton on the way to the bus stop. The Fulton was about the show the Christmas Carol so the characters were entertaining in the halls. The Scrooge looked great and grumpy. The children responded as one might expect from such an excellent grump.
We're greeters at the church tomorrow. Colin and Summer wore themselves out tonight in the snow so to bed at a reasonably early time.
posted by Dennis # 11:52 PM
Thursday, December 04, 2003
the postman continues...
Yesterday, I went to Linder Opticians in Belair
and spent $996.00 on ONE pair of glasses. Yes, they are Lux - Zeiss Gradal Individual Progressives (I went bifocal) and that includes some kind of fancy stylish indestructable minimalist frame.
Yesterday, I went to Linder Opticians in Belair
and spent $996.00 on ONE pair of glasses. Yes, they are Lux - Zeiss Gradal Individual Progressives (I went bifocal) and that includes some kind of fancy stylish indestructable minimalist frame.
posted by Dennis # 1:49 PM
http://www.som.tulane.edu/departments/fammed/t3/ushealth.pdf
The above link is the a copy of
Is US Health Really the Best in the World?
by Barbara Starfield, MD, MPH
from Journal of American Medical Association, July 26, 2000 - Vol 284, pages 483-485
Herein is claimed that the US is at the bottom of the list of industrialized nations regarding quality of health care.
There is also the claim that medical malpractice represents the 3rd leading cause of death in America.
YOU CAN DECIDE... is the high cost of medical care in the US due to litigious patients or due to a corrupt and deficient medical delivery philosophy and praxis?
The above link is the a copy of
Is US Health Really the Best in the World?
by Barbara Starfield, MD, MPH
from Journal of American Medical Association, July 26, 2000 - Vol 284, pages 483-485
Herein is claimed that the US is at the bottom of the list of industrialized nations regarding quality of health care.
There is also the claim that medical malpractice represents the 3rd leading cause of death in America.
YOU CAN DECIDE... is the high cost of medical care in the US due to litigious patients or due to a corrupt and deficient medical delivery philosophy and praxis?
posted by Dennis # 1:31 PM
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
10:30am - I went to an appointment with a physician's assistant, Karla Blixt, at the Lancaster Skin Center...
No diagnosis - just another guess... maybe dermititis or eczema of some sort... PRESCRIPTION - some kind of skin anti-inflamation ointment... wear gloves when you wash dishes, use hand lotion....
So far in 4 weeks
Spectozole $46.00 (cream) - NO EFFECT
Lamisil - 14 tablets $150.00 - NO EFFECT (consider that it is for nail fungus, I have no nail fungus... this doctor today says "I don't think it is fungus")
The pharmacist at Wiley's Pharmacy in Millersville today said that 14 days of Lamisil would have been inadequate for effect even if it had been a correct diagnosis.
And now another ointment - Fluocinonide $31.55 ... blah blah (This one treats symptoms - swelling - not the problem)
We will see. The 10 minute appointment costs $55.00
The original health checkup/blood tests with Dr. Baird (Manor Family Health Center) cost $350.00 - for about 15 minutes of me giving my health history, peeing in cup and giving up a vial of blood.
"Your healthy!" and a wrong diagnosis of whatever is eating at my fingertips...wrong in that both the first two medicines are for fungus and the dermatologist says it isn't fungus.
Welcome to the "world's best healthcare system"!
Oh yeah - Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the USA. (PA doctors are crying about Malpractice insurance costs. The blame falls on the litigious customers. However, insurance companies are for-profit companies and if the rates are high it is because malpractice is high - anything that takes power from the public is to be resisted. Let doctors monitor their own malpracticers and the rates will fall!!!!!!!!
The Canadian system costs 40% less per person with equal or better results
The US health care system is ranked 12 (YES TWELVE) among industrialized nations.
Oops... another American myth deconstructed
No diagnosis - just another guess... maybe dermititis or eczema of some sort... PRESCRIPTION - some kind of skin anti-inflamation ointment... wear gloves when you wash dishes, use hand lotion....
So far in 4 weeks
Spectozole $46.00 (cream) - NO EFFECT
Lamisil - 14 tablets $150.00 - NO EFFECT (consider that it is for nail fungus, I have no nail fungus... this doctor today says "I don't think it is fungus")
The pharmacist at Wiley's Pharmacy in Millersville today said that 14 days of Lamisil would have been inadequate for effect even if it had been a correct diagnosis.
And now another ointment - Fluocinonide $31.55 ... blah blah (This one treats symptoms - swelling - not the problem)
We will see. The 10 minute appointment costs $55.00
The original health checkup/blood tests with Dr. Baird (Manor Family Health Center) cost $350.00 - for about 15 minutes of me giving my health history, peeing in cup and giving up a vial of blood.
"Your healthy!" and a wrong diagnosis of whatever is eating at my fingertips...wrong in that both the first two medicines are for fungus and the dermatologist says it isn't fungus.
Welcome to the "world's best healthcare system"!
Oh yeah - Medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in the USA. (PA doctors are crying about Malpractice insurance costs. The blame falls on the litigious customers. However, insurance companies are for-profit companies and if the rates are high it is because malpractice is high - anything that takes power from the public is to be resisted. Let doctors monitor their own malpracticers and the rates will fall!!!!!!!!
The Canadian system costs 40% less per person with equal or better results
The US health care system is ranked 12 (YES TWELVE) among industrialized nations.
Oops... another American myth deconstructed
posted by Dennis # 3:17 PM
