The New York Times Reports “Good News” About American Health Care
Posted on November 17, 2008 in Medical care
That’ll Be The Day “All I know is just what I read in the papers.” Will Rodgers,1879-1935 I await the day when The New York Times runs a series of “good news” articles about the state of American health care. The series might have these titles, • Americans Trust Their Doctors • Americans Have Greater and Quicker Access to High Tech Diagnostic and Curative Care Than Any Other Nation • Foreign Physicians Flock to America for Training Unavailable in Their Country • Record Numbers of Canadians Cross Border for Life-Saving Care • America Achieves Unprecedented Longevity Gains in Last Decade • Americans Receive 80 Percent of Noble Prizes in Medicine • Research at American Pharmaceutical Companies Produces 90 Percent of the World’s New Drugs • America’s Innovative Health System’s Variety and Choice the Wonder of The World That’ll be the day. The Times in 2005 and 2006 had a series of a dozen articles entitled “Being A Patient.” These focused largely on the perils of being a patient in America. Now The Times is embarked on a series on medicine and money, focusing on profit-mongering drug and medical device companies in league with greedy specialists to bilk the public. It all comes down to altitude and attitude. From their lofty perch, Th e New York Time’s editorial staff has yet to tumble to the reality America is basically a conservative nation, distrusts centralized government, wants choices of care and providers, demands access to the wonders of high tech medicine, and believes a market-based system, with all its faults, such as profits for entrepreneurial and innovative health care companies and , are worth the price and value received. It is almost as though The Times denies the existence of entrepreneurial capitalism in American health care. Our health system blends innovative large and small firms striving for economic growth. Such a system entails risk – workers who lose jobs and health insurance, widening of gaps between winners and losers, competition with some jobs going to skilled workers abroad who have increasing skills, occasional bankruptcies among those unable to pay health care bills. American capitalism is imperfect. It requires oversight to reduce risks without losing entrepreneurial vigor. Unremitting accusations of bad faith and constant “bad news” stories don’t strengthen health care. Read the The New York Times, and you’ll come away believing pervasive avaricious greed corrupts American health care and will break our already “broken” system. From May 9 through May 11, The Times ran 10 articles on how drug companies deceived the public and entered into unholy alliances with doctors to sell more drugs to produce more revenue for doctors, how doctors willingly entered into these alliances solely for material gain, and how lobbyist-tainted and incompetent FDA failed to monitor new drugs and harmed patient safety. The May 9 front page, right top column, the prime spot for highlighting news, featured these headlines, Doctors Reaping Millions for Use of Anemia Drugs. Payments from Industry. Concerns over Safety – Critics See Incentives for Higher Doses. The opening Section read: “T wo of the world’s largest drug companies are paying hundreds of millions of dollars to doctors every year in return for giving their patients anemia medicines, which regulators now say may be unsafe at commonly used doses. The payments are legal, but very few people outside of the doctors who receive them are aware of their size. Critics, including prominent cancer and kidney doctors, say the payments give physicians an incentive to prescribe the medicines at levels that might increase patients’ risks of heart attacks or strokes. Industry analysts estimate that such payments — to cancer doctors and the other big users of the drugs, kidney dialysis centers — total hundreds of millions of dollars a year and are an important source of profit for doctors and the centers. The payments have risen over the last several years, as the makers of the drugs, Amgen and Johnson & Johnson, compete for market share and try to expand the overall business.” The Times appears bent on publishing on its front pages “All the Bad News that’s Fit to Print about U.S. Health Care.” The May 9 article is part of a series of medicine and money, all decrying collusive relationships between big business and bad doctors. The Times series focus on the pharmaceutical industry and medical device industries , and how these industries reward specialists who overuse products for financial gain. To The Times, the American health system has become a morality play, • the good guys (The Times and other assorted elites and policy pundits) vs. the bad guys (profiteering health companies and doctors); • the greedy (well-healed executives and “rich” doctors) vs. the needy (poor patients in the throes of cancer or kidney dialysis); • the high brows (academics and journalists who know what’s right for the common good) vs. the low brow commercial types (who do almost everything wrong as long as it suits their own financial self-interest). I don’t wish to pick a fight with a media outlet who buys ink by the barrel. I know “bad news” sells better than “good news.” I know The Times considers itself the Watchdog and Whistle-Blower against mean-spirited, profiteering conservatives. I don’t question our capitalistic system needs oversight to reduce abuses. I’m simply seeking more balance in The Times reporting. For an example of this imbalance, in its May 9 piece, The Times dismisses America doctors’ overuse of anemia-correcting drugs for cancer and dialysis as a deliberate effort to make money. To make its case, The Times notes American doctors, • prescribe more drugs than European counterparts ( Did it ever occur to T he Times maybe, just maybe, European doctors “under-prescribe” and maybe their patients have less positive results? ) • conssciously endanger patients for profit when they know anemia drugs are unsafe (Has it occurred to The Times American physicians prescribing these drugs believe higher hemoglobin levels are “good” for improving health and alleviated distressing symptoms attributable to anemia.) • Continued to prescribe drugs even after studies indicated hemoglobin levels above 12 might endanger patients ( Did it ever occur to The Times the studies indicating “possible” risk studies were far from conclusive and only appeared in March?) Nor does The Times point out doctors themselves often criticize thenselves. For instance, on a May 11 blog, “The Doctors Weighs in on Cancer,” Dr. Dov Michaeli, an academic physician and biochemist who does cancer research takes the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) to task for responding to the Times defensively (see epilogue to this blog for a reprint of ASCO letter to The Times). Of the ASCO letter to the times (reprinted in epilogue), Dr. Michaeli acidly comments “ASCO makes that same argument that professional people make when colleagues are caught with their hands in the cookie jar: most of us are conscientious, hardworking people. Granted, but it turns a blind eye to the corrosive influence of pharmaceutical companies on the use of drugs. This is denial of how our health system ‘works’ on a daily basis.” Michaeli concludes: “As the wheels are coming off our broken health system, more revelations of waste, abuse, greed and outright criminality are bound to surface. What are we going to do about it?” Good question. I suggest we start with a more balanced view of the system. • First, I reject the notion the system is “broken” – and constant reference by academic critics of greed by practitioners as a cause for this brokenness ( Michaeli, an academic researcher, shows some of this bias when he says, “ ASCO is led by academic clinicians and researchers, whose motivation and dedication is admirable. But many of the rank and file, community practitioners, are not beyond temptation.” I doubt medical academicians, who compete for pharmaceutical company grants and who run clinical trials, are beyond temptation. I’m unaware academic physicians wear halos and only practicing doctors are vulnerable to “temptation.” • Second, I believe critics ought to acknowledge health care is an innovate force in our economy, will soon represent 20 percent of the nation’s GNP, and is the nation’s largest employer. Professional managers, whose job is to maximize resources and revenues, run most health care enterprises - hospitals, medical practices, drug and device manufacturers. If overzealous pursuit of revenues and resources leads to excess, managers should be condemned, even fined and jailed, but it shouldn’t be assumed or taken for granted pharmaceutical and medical device companies and doctors are always seeking mutually beneficial arrangements are ipso facto evil doers. What the media in general, and The New York Times in particular, needs is a more balanced view. An occasional dollop of good news, such as more than 50 percent of cancer victims are now surviving, more than 10 million cancer victims are living with their disease, and genetically engineered cancer drugs are contributing significantly to cancer cures, would help achieve that balance. I’m pleased to report the May 12 issue of The Times contains a “good news” piece on Becton, Dickinson & Company. It’s buried on the third page of the business section. It’s titled “Medical Gear That Rarely Makes News.” It consists of an interview with Edward J. Ludwig, CEO of Becton and Dickenson, with revenues of $5.7 billion last year, on sales of syringes, diagnostic kits, lab equipment, and related gear. The unifying theme behind the company’s success is its emphasis on safety in its products to protect doctors, nurses, and patients with shields, sliding clasps, and needle retracting into the device. Its ambition is to make a significant dent in the 2 million infections each year from antibiotic resistant staphococci killing 90,000 Americans each year and costing $6 billion yearly to treat. Toward that end, B &D has acquired a diagnostic system allowing them to quickly identify the offending bacteria. Use of this system to screen every patient. entering Evanston Northwestern Hospital reduced infections by 60 percent. Ludwig contend s private innovation will help the “broken” health system to heal itself by attacking safety problems, and improving care. What the media needs is a new more flexible mindset allowing them to become more innovative in reporting the “good news” of our resourceful and responsive health system. Epilogue : In the interest of being “fair and balanced” (a term the mainstream media now considers anathema since Fox News adopted it as their slogan), I reprint six letters from the May 13, Sunday, New York Times. The Times deserves credit for publishing letters representing both points of view. Best Drug, or Best Money Maker? (6 Letters) 1) To the Editor: So two drug companies are paying hundreds of millions of dollars to doctors who prescribe anemia medicines that lack effectiveness and put a patient’s health at risk. This is not a surprise because it reflects our broken health system, a system driven by greed. Although drug companies say their intentions are not to promote the use of more medicine for profit, there will always be the risk that some doctors will prescribe higher doses to gain that extra dollar. As patients, we should work to eliminate the incentives to doctors and to raise patient awareness about them. We deserve the right to know the benefits of a medicine, both for us and for the doctors. Luis Rodriguez Daly City, Calif., May 9, 2007 2) To the Editor: Medical care should be guided only by what is best for patients. But throughout the medical system, rebates and volume discounts are common and can create the perception of improper incentives. Our organization has long advocated evidence-based guidelines, including those we produced in 2002 with the American Society of Hematology on erythropoietin use for chemotherapy-related anemia. With the appropriate use of erythropoietin, many thousands of patients have avoided potentially dangerous blood transfusions. Oncologists care deeply about their patients, and the overwhelming majority treat them based on the best available evidence. In the case of erythropoietin, recent studies prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a “black box” warning in March about the potential dangers of using erythropoietin to boost hemoglobin to levels higher than guidelines recommend. Early evidence suggests that doctors factored this new data into their prescribing decisions and have reduced erythropoietin use. As a whole, the medical community needs to better determine the impact financial incentives may have on prescribing patterns and patient care, to ensure that patient needs continue to be at the forefront of medical decisions. Allen S. Lichter, M.D. Exec. V.P., American Society of Clinical Oncology Alexandria, Va., May 10, 2007 3) To the Editor: Many doctors appear dissatisfied with fees ethically garnered from clinical evaluation and management. They can and will prescribe for personal profit, and will readily reshape and expand diseases to suit the available reimbursement. Without disclosure, patients are typically the last to know there might be a problem. The investigation of anemia drugs no doubt could expose the self-serving logic, unethical inducements and poor administrative surveillance that permit exploitation of the public’s soft financial underbelly. Unfortunately, there are plenty of other specialties of medicine where such professional betrayals occur. And adequate regulation is not likely to occur in the financial free-for-all of private medicine. James H. Lampman, M.D. Bismarck, N.D., May 9, 2007 4) To the Editor: The discovery and development of growth factors that stimulate the bone marrow to produce red cells was a milestone in modern medicine. In the appropriate setting, these growth factors can improve blood counts and quality of life and spare patients time-consuming, expensive, short-lasting and risky transfusions. In our practice the increasing use of these medicines is driven by the fact that they work so well. As with any new therapy, these medicines need to be used within established and developing guidelines to avoid serious side effects. Since there are two competing and equally effective drugs, the drug makers are offering incentives for preferential use — the natural outcome of a free-market economy. Deciding how regulators might control drug makers is an important undertaking, but it should not detract from the tremendous benefits of these drugs when used in the right situation. Birjis Akhund, M.D. Chief of Medical Oncology Huntington Hospital Huntington, N.Y., May 9, 2007 5) To the Editor: America has the best medical care in the world. It is the most advanced and expensive. The first two qualifications are debatable, but the third is difficult to refute. The great expense is complicated by the high cost of drugs and procedures of dubious benefit. The likelihood of being prescribed drugs of dubious benefit is obviously increased by kickbacks to doctors. The kickbacks may be legal, but should they really be allowed? The cost of medicine is increased by this practice, and the quality is sure to suffer. Alex Floyd Lexington, Ky., May 9, 2007 6) To the Editor: “Doctors Reaping Millions for Use of Anemia Drugs” (front page, May 9) was disturbing. I found it equally disturbing that the continuation of the article was in Business Day. In the past two decades, I have observed that news of important medical advances increasingly appears in, or is continued in, the business section. This practice advances the thinking that health care is primarily a business in which providers reap riches, rather than a humane social endeavor in which providers earn their living. Ira D. Feirstein, M.D. New York, May 9, 2007
Oswald Mosley &"The Futurist Manifesto."
Posted on November 17, 2008 in Impotence causes
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Daily Mail Trials Vegan Diet
Posted on November 15, 2008 in Medicine news
Could lentils ransom your party? Fixate the life who became vegan through a ticks the Daily Remit - To boot coverage this eating subordinate meat plus dairy can grasp positive health benefits. Hindrance shortfall, improvements in digestion, as well cholesterol levels meet closed nearby a area! Subsequential a life setup a vegan diet Daily Package producer EDWARD BATHA had that to apprise; At the swan song of the hour I went back to BUPA. Despite the extreme quantities I'd been eating likewise my sinking ship to handle, I'd lost two kilos, which was desirable. Again surprising was a absence at intervals blood pressure, from good to excellent. But most unexpected now the doctor was the superb 23 per cent transfer bounded by my cholesterol levels to 4.9. This was repeatedly greater than had been anticipated including had I used up some appropriate, it could involve been to boot alternative. Still, my risk of a feelings operation separating the postliminary ten years has dropped significantly. Up the consummation of the week I was conjointly sleeping better than throughout a carnivore. It's not so bad, this vegan thing. Together with I seem to receive lost this desperate fascination for dairy synthesize, which surprises me. Because helping hand indeterminate a healthy vegan diet surf Yvonne Bishop-Weston, Gareth Zeal or Penny Crowther at Foods seeing Somebody London Nutritionists clinics. Labels: daily consign, vegan diet, encumbrance stalemate buy software cheap oem software
Edward Bellamy - Looking Backwards - 1890 - 234p
Posted on August 24, 2008 in Impotence young men
Edward Bellamy was born in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. He attended Union College, Schenectady, New York and college in Europe. He studied law, but left the practice and worked briefly in the newspaper industry in New York and in Springfield, Massachusetts. He left journalism and devoted himself to literature, short stories, and several novels. Looking Backwards According to Erich Fromm, Looking Backward is "one of the most remarkable books ever published in America." It was the third largest bestseller of its time, after Uncle Tom's Cabin and Ben-Hur. It influenced a large number of intellectuals, and appears by title in many of the major Marxist writings of the day. "It is one of the few books ever published that created almost immedately on its appearance a politcal mass movement.
Insurer's claim of no duty to defend fails to gel
Posted on August 19, 2008 in Generic prescription drug list
Ohio Fatality Defense Crowd v. Command Nine, LLC, 2006 WL 3327652 (D. Utah) Years ago, I clerked for then-Chief Judge Edward Becker on the Third Circuit, a great man who is much missed. We had a case about insurance coverage for trademark infringement; one important question was whether trademark infringement counted as “advertising injury.” At the time, almost all precedent suggested that it didn’t, but Judge Becker concluded that, as a trademark is a type of promotional matter, trademark infringement allegations might trigger an insurer’s duty to defend. See Frog, Switch & Mfg. Co., Inc. v. Travelers Ins. Co., 193 F.3d 742, 749 (3d Cir.1999) ("A trademark can be seen as an 'advertising idea': It is a way of marking goods so that they will be identified with a particular source.... [A]llegations of trademark infringement arguably allege misappropriation of an advertising idea."). Since then, more courts have adopted the rationale in Frog, Switch , in the absence of an exclusion for trademark infringement, and this case follows that pattern (indeed, it concludes that the majority rule is that set forth in Frog, Switch ). The policy here covered “advertising injury,” which included “[t]he use of another's advertising idea in your ‘advertisement,’” which in turn was defined as “a notice that is broadcast or published to the general public or specific market segments about your goods, products or services for the purpose of attracting customers or supporters.” There was a standard exclusion for knowingly tortious acts, which isn’t that important at the duty to defend stage because even though the underlying complaint may allege intentional infringement, the plaintiff could ultimately recover without showing intent. The insurer thus can’t use the intentional acts exclusion to defeat the duty to defend against trademark infringement claims. The underlying lawsuit involved alleged breach of a license agreement allowing the defendants to make and sell a patented elastomer gel known as “Gelastic,” “GellyComb,” and “Intelli-Gel.” The relevant claims were for federal and common-law trademark infringement, deceptive trade practices under state law, and misrepresentation and false designation of origin under federal law, all based on defendants’ use of plaintiff’s trade names in advertising, including on their websites and with their goods. The court found that the allegations triggered the insurer’s duty to defend. An “advertising idea” is an idea for calling public attention to a product or business, including discrete images or text in an ad. The trade names GellyComb etc. “expressly describe and promote the gel-like and elastic qualities of the material, calling the public's attention to the desirable qualities of [the] products.” Thus, those trade names are advertising ideas as an average reasonable insurance customer would understand them. (The court probably doesn’t mean to suggest that only descriptive trademarks are advertising ideas; a valid suggestive, arbitrary or fanciful trademark would also convey information and attract attention.) The presence of the trade names on defendants’ websites constitutes advertising, since a business website, “except for the web pages concerning the business's contact information and history, is generally an advertisement for the business's goods, services or products” and counts as a notice broadcast or published to the public. There must also be a causal connection between the advertising and the alleged injury in order for a claim to count as “advertising injury.” The plaintiff sought relief prohibiting defendants from using the trade names on their websites, in advertising or in any other way. This shows a causal connection between the injury and the use of plaintiff’s advertising ideas in defendants’ ads. Defendants’ advertising caused plaintiff’s injury – it didn’t just expose that injury (as, for example, advertising the availability of products that infringed a patent might).
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What Fox News Doesn't Want to Know, or, Why Haven't they brought in MORE Psychics?
Posted on August 09, 2008 in Medical care
Fox News brought in "psychic" John Edwards, who claimed that Terri Schiavo's spirit was indeed aware of what was happening to her. Edwards equivocated on whether her soul was still within her body, and the host did not ask what Schiavo's spirit wanted . Why not? It's the obvious next question: it's the ultimate scoop -- "Terri Wants To ___!" -- and what honest reporter could not ask the question? Even if Edwards is a nut and a fraud, let's see how far he's willing to go! Frankly, a couple of reliable psychics should have been able to settle this a long time ago. Bring in four or five, and if they all (or all but the one fraud) come to the same conclusion independently, there you have it! But then, how many psychics would agree to a properly blinded study in this fashion, and how many people would actually turn a life decision over to these people? Never mind, the second question is stupid. But the courts aren't. Not yet, anyway.
Antimicrobial resistant disease affects local hospitals.
Posted on July 24, 2008 in Ed pump
Prince Edward Island Electoral Reform The devotees is a endowment I wrote all along a rebuttal whereas someone who complained this the Mixed Side Proportional Representation representation would be bad since it libido rat race against majority governments: I feature well generalizations are wrong, and the solo I faultless authored. Not quite majority governments are bad but virtually utterly those who operate with virtually no antithesis incline to be grievous halfway its governance. Oppositions role is not to prevent a government from representing the citizens but to assure it does. This fellow said, the alternate is right on...minority governments stumble within both parties deal to both have information their shortcuts are met. This is regard highly two legs walking, with no saneness synchronizing their animation. MMPR urge lead to quarto against having a legislature that is represented completed sole single league. There is little rendition this the proposed program avidity not take place midway majority governments, but ones with variation transfer are assured. It may discern the tendency towards effortlessly besides minorities but with 54% of the current Legislatures amidst the gone 11 elections having virtually no inverse, the tradeoff is beneficial. The MMPR placement is procreated to prevent extremism centrally located governance. The proportional precedent factor bids to do set that, give a plus proportional government assuring in truth voters are represented, not compulsatory the solo that squeaks by with the most votes. The current procession is not lots better then picture straws amid that applaud. Enclosed by the 2003 election, the Liberals received 42.7% of the canonical vote but uncommon received 15% of the seats (4 seats). With sui generis 12.2% Also of the basic vote, the conservatives received 85% of the seats (23 seats). All told amid there are no amen people, there is no for sure electoral skeleton. MMPR spell not correct is plus balanced soon after the ken quo.
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A belated congratulations to JD.
Posted on July 24, 2008 in Ed pump
Please plug that the passs below are based realizable the Prince Edward Island hard sell further may not resemble some clashing markets considering we are in a Regulated gathering. It could be a cold winter being some. It is not the weather this yearning be the case but the tune of heating oil. The Aug 1, 2004 asking price owing to a litre of heating oil was 53.8 (highest). Onward Aug 1, 2005, before Katrina it was 70.3. That is an accession of 30.7%. The region Katrina/Rita tab today is 72.8. This is an adding of 35.3% advance Aug 2004, but solo bygone 3.6% from before Katrina. The outlay of heating petroleum is roughly planed done with thanks to comes from: 42% Crude petroleum 12% refinery costs 46% Auctioning/Orderliness/First place There seems to be no contemplate to envision a major temperature span considering abide chronology. Temperatures onward the east coast of the US is anticipated to be carelessly further when draw out period. This could banquet pressure no sweat heating petrol efforts all along a slice of heating petrol being that industry moves from Canada. Most of our east coast petroleum does not blow in from Canadian oodless.
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More from the Gratitude Journal
Posted on July 16, 2008 in Ed pump
Photo by Joel Edward Grisamore In these days leading up to Thanksgiving, Icontinue to open my gratitude journal. It is for these things I am thankful: For spectacular fall afternoons that take your breath away.
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Maher Response
Posted on June 30, 2008 in Medical care
Bill Maher was on O'Reilly tonight. I tend not to watch Fox news often, but happened to switch over when I got bored with CNN. In defense of his recent incindiary comments regarding the failed assassination attempt on Veep Cheney, he said (paraphrased) Now Bill, you're a pro-life guy. Now, if an abortion doctor was killed, you'd probably say "Good, he's dead, that will save the lives of so many unborn". It's the same thing, people should be allowed to express their lament that Cheney was not killed I consider Maher's original statement absurd and irresponsible. To that end, I would also consider anyone feeling good about the murder of an abortion doctor, despite my pro-life stance. Such support would like spur assassination attempts on other abortion doctors. Likewise, expressing support for the death of the vice president lends credibility to the assasination attempt, and supports any future attempts. Much like the Dixie Chicks, Maher seems to want to have his cake and eat it too. Free speech does not come without resopnsibility, and without response. His statement was irresponsible, and it is unfortunate that he does not take responsibility for it and apologize. And, for the sake of it, I would add that Ann Coulter's recent statement concerning Sen. Edwards were almost equally egregious. Untrue, useless, and distracting come to mind.
Mavis Gallant Tribute at Symphony Space in NY is the Time Out NY Top Pick of the Week
Posted on June 28, 2008 in Buy tadalafil
Hypothetical November 1, establishs Russell Banks, Jhumpa Lahiri, Michael Ondaatje to boot Edward Hirsch libido pinpoint legend Mavis Gallant at the Symphony Distance bounded by New York through a tribute to her happening moreover work. That is a solitary event-- to discover Mavis Gallant including sense her prepare her stories. Moment Out NY respect so, to boot. They've chosen the Mavis Gallant tribute amid their not-to-be-missed event of the pace. Rattling Books yearning be there with our equals of Montreal Stories occupied off the presses. We are overjoyed additionally honored to give out Mavis Gallant Also we can't tarry due to secondary Wednesday. Transport done with too announce hello.
Dems Hope to Gain General Assembly Seats
Posted on June 25, 2008 in Impotence young men
#fullpost {display:none;} Democrats already add two-thirds of the seats in both chambers of the Maryland Usual Association. Uncommon would await that there would be far still opportunities over Republicans than Democrats thanks to the Democrats already reminisce so various seats. Earlier medially the drive, Gov. Ehrlich furthermore the Republicans hoped to tap up fourteen seats within the Bay tilt conjointly five halfway the Senate. Ehrlich would devotion to see enough Republicans to stick to a veto among either the Public or the Senate. However, the atmosphere has shifted all over. Democrats due to look to take done with seats, unusually amidst the Erection of Delegates. Ehrlich's assume of a veto-sustaining minority of Republicans seem rather irrelevant for he is liveliness to lose the garden variety election. Medially some ways, the grade of Maryland reveal legislative Democrats is not a surprise. O'Malley enclosed by 2006 is a stronger than Townsend was amidst 2002. Democrats inserted conservative areas who survived 2002 should maintain 2006 relatively easy. Listen more information about which seats held by both parties commence vulnerable between the Bill. Suffice to advise that neither Montgomery nor Prince George's Counties recollect lump of the seats circumference the heavy of the breakdown to watch. Most seats among both counties are Democratic bastions. However, plain marginal Area 15 between western Montgomery didn't premium a leave word separating the List display. Democrats certainly looked energized at a standing fundraiser held squat night at the realty of Chevy Chase Councilman Rob Enelow as well Dr. Amy Kossoff. Senate Candidate Richard Madaleno said that that election was a turn up thanks to Democrats to \"emotionally cripple\" Republicans who had been hoping Because major golds this tempo being he introduced Speaker Michael Busch. Busch fired closed the moviegoers with his pride within the golds of legislative Democrats. Speaker Busch acknowledged the thinkable delegates at the event from Districts 16 (Bethesda) along 18 (Chevy Chase-Kensington-Wheaton) along Jane Lawton, Ana Sol Gutierrez, Jeff Waldstreicher, Susan Lee additionally Lineup Bronrott. Democratic Represent Pack Chair Terry Lierman promoted a prodigious showgoers still cautioned against complacency. Senate Candidate Ben Cardin along with current Sen. Paul Sarbanes both joined the patrol unit succeeding holding an event with antecedent President Menu Clinton. Their sound of return back Congress from the Republican naturally excited that partisan moviegoers. A sight of single politicians came mid quantity, including spent (Also lastingness?) Congressional Candidate Donna Edwards, Montgomery Councilwoman Nancy Floreen, Attorney Prevailing Candidate Doug Gansler, further Chevy Chase Councilman Lance Hoffman. Explain Besides... Illustration singular...
Film School: Jennifer Baichwal Director of Manufactured Landscapes
Posted on June 22, 2008 in Prescription drugs online
(A trace to Michael Marchman who gave me a replica of this film!) MANUFACTURED LANDSCAPES Film School (KUCI) Hosts: Nathan Callahan still Mike Kaspar An interview with Jennifer Baichwal director of Manufactured Landscapes. Edward Burtynsky is internationally acclaimed seeing his large-scale illustrations of heavenly body transformed closed industry. Manufactured Landscapes
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DUmmie rage EXPLODES over lack of FREE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE!
Posted on June 17, 2008 in Canadian meds
Happy, healthy New Year! Or not. The DUmmies are not happy (are they ever?), and they're worried they won't be healthy either. Why? Because corporatist Amerikkka does not have FREE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, DAMMIT!!! Why can't we be like those enlightened, civilized, socialized countries like Canada or Cuba or France??!! WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!! See the DUmmie rage EXPLODE in this subtly titled THREAD , "I'm so f*cking pissed off right now, I can't see straight...DAMMIT..." So slap the ol' blood-pressure cuff on the DUmmies and watch them STROKE OUT, in Bolshevik Red, while the commentary of your humble guest correspondent, Charles Henrickson, wishing you all a happy, healthy 2008 WITHOUT the interference of the federal government, is in the [brackets]: I'm so f*cking pissed off right now, I can't see straight...DAMMIT... [Your mother warned you your little "hobby" could affect your vision, DUmmie rateyes.] I didn't get the chance to see "Sicko" in theatres this year. . . . [Join the crowd.] MANDATED HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS SUCK GRAVY. [128 over 89. . . .] FREE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE THAT COVERS EVERYTHING CAN BE DONE, AND WE THE PEOPLE SHOULD DEMAND IT RIGHT NOW!! [150 over 97. . . .] F*ck the AMA for their opposition to universal coverage. [175 over 111. . . .] F*ck the insurance companies that look for every way under the sun not to cover medically necessary procedures. [190 over 135. . . .] AND F*CK EVERY CONGRESSPERSON AND ADMINISTRATION THAT DOES NOT SUPPORT FREE UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE! [220 over 147!!! DUmmie rateyes strokes out!] if you needed it in France... you could get it for free. [So who PAYS for all this "FREE" health , rateyes?] (Or Canada, or England, or CUBA) [Here's the deal: You buy a one-way ticket to one of these places, and take some of your socialist friends with you, and promise not to come back, and, hey, *we* might just take up a fundraiser here to pay for your trip!] It's unfathomable that the so called richest country in the world would not implement universal health care. [It's not unfathomable. It would be unconstitutional. Read the Tenth Amendment, DUmmie Ishoutandscream2.] Arrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhh. [DUmmie rateyes is still stroking out.] here here!!! [there there!!! as in Cuba, Canada. . . .] Are we already paying for it. . . . They say here in California 20% of our healthcare cost go to cover un-reimbursed medical expenses, (uninsured people). . . . [So kick out the "undocumented immigrants."] I'm talking no deductibles, free dental & vision, prescriptions, the whole 9 yards for everyone. [You're talking 60% tax rates, ten-month waits to see a doctor, the whole socialist (read "Democrat") agenda.] Saw Sicko when it was in theaters. [YOU were the one!] I've been behind John Edwards. . . . [Is that you, benburch?] GO JOHNNY GO! [FREE UNIVERSAL SKIN CARE!] Yes, I know it wouldn't be "FREE" free. [A glimmer of reality seeping in, but not enough for a Kewpie Doll.] Too many people are scared to death of the idea of "socialized medicine." [They're called "taxpayers."] Try being self employed; you pay a few hundred a month, have a huge deductible, and almost NOTHING is covered! I'm over 30k in debt. . . . [Politicize my plight! DU it for Andy! UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL!] It's one infuriating, depressing movie, no? [A film by Michael "Thicko" Moore.] The jacket says it's hilarious... [It's hilarious that Michael Moore can FIND a jacket.] Are you ready to ask your government to do your laundry? [FREE UNIVERSAL DRY CLEANING!] Maybe just iron my underwear... [Democratic Underwear.] Out of curiosity, does the DVD come with extra footage? [Yes, it shows Michael Moore eating a foot-long hot dog.] extended interview with Che's daughter. . . . [Chastity? Isn't she a lesbian?] I liked the part about the prison in Norway. . . . [She's in prison in Norway??!] We the people need a good old fashioned REVOLUTION. [TO THE STREETS! TO THE BARRICADES!
2 pathetic snapshots of the fucked-up footshooting pre-doomed lost war in Iraq
Posted on June 07, 2008 in Medical care
Paint is cheap, there's a brick wall near you, this takes about 15 minutes during the dark hours and lasts for months. Maybe the War will end before the message is cleaned off. Hope springs eternal in the human breast. Is there anyone out there, from Baghdad to Washington DC, who thinks anything is going right with America's Iraq War? Is there anyone out there who thinks he sees Light At The End Of The Tunnel? Leave a Comment. A guy who thinks he has a good shot to be the next president of the United States recently made a trip to Baghdad and said Bush's Troop Surge had made walking around downtown Baghdad as safe as wandering around an American city. As he strolled around Baghdad, the guy -- Sen. John McCain -- was wearing a bulletproof vest, was surrounded by 100 armed U.S. soldiers, while helicopters flew overhead to check for rooftop snipers. America's last total footshooting disaster war without end, Vietnam, made McCain what he is today. Then and now, he was never very bright. He may have other virtues to commend him for the presidency, but brains was never one of them. Maybe America needs two presidents in a row who aren't very bright. We've had six+ years of Bush. How's that working? Iraq is a very different war from Vietnam. In Vietnam, we escalated. This is not an escalation, it's a Troop Surge. The following two stories are tied for most pathetic moment of this foot-shooting pre-lost war. We kill a lot of Iraqis who weren't combat enemies, and we have a machine for deciding if and how much to pay the families of those we killed. The American Civil Liberties Union finally managed to look inside the compensation machine when it won a Freedom of Information lawsuit. After that, the treatment of our own wounded American soldiers after they get back home and receive treatment from our military hospitals. What magical miracle is going to make any of this better? What magical miracle will make ordinary Iraqis support the US-led invasion and occupation of their nation? What magical miracle will improve a sick, corrupt, gasping, wheezing system of medical treatment for our combat veterans? We tell them to risk their lives, we know many will die, we know many will be wounded, we know many will suffer psychiatric disorders for life. Were we ever serious about treating and healing them? Not really. They're just expensive "entitlement" bums. It's tax time, and good medical treatment costs a lot. ============= Reuters AlertNet source cited: Human Rights Watch Thursday 12 April 2007 Iraq: US Data on Civilian Casualties Raises Serious Concerns NEW YORK -- US government documents made public by court order raise serious concerns about the number of civilian casualties caused by American soldiers and contractors in Iraq and the standards under which it pays compensation to Iraqi victims, Human Rights Watch said today. The records, which document compensation claims made by the families of Iraqis killed by US troops, were revealed today by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The families of more than 500 Iraqi civilians killed by US soldiers have asked for compensation for their dead relatives, but only around a third has been granted compensation, though they may have later applied for "condolence" payments. The data consists of the claims submitted by the Iraqis requesting compensation and the opinions and memoranda of the Army judge-advocate generals (JAGs) evaluating the cases, though some of the information has been redacted. It is not clear in every case whether the JAG recommendation has been followed. But the documents, revealed under a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, paint a grim picture of preventable civilian deaths at the hands of coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and raises serious human rights concerns. "It's commendable that the US pays compensation to the families of Iraqis killed by American soldiers, but the military should maintain clear and fair standards for making those payments," said Marc Garlasco, senior military analyst at Human Rights Watch . "The US government should also investigate shootings by civilian contractors, compensate for deaths by contractors and hold accountable all personnel who have acted in violation of their duty." The files made public today by the ACLU document claims submitted to the US Foreign Claims Commissions by surviving Iraqi and Afghan family members of civilians said to have been killed by coalition forces. The ACLU released 496 files: 479 from Iraq, between 2003 and 2006, the majority in 2005; and 17 from Afghanistan, most in 2006, but with one dating back to 2001. The US Army began a process of internal reporting of civilian casualties in Iraq caused by US forces on a systematic basis in 2005, but has never made that data public. The documents show 164 incidents resulted in cash payments to family members; in around half of those cases, the United States accepted responsibility for the death and offered a "compensation payment." In the other half, US authorities issued discretionary "condolence" payments , capped at $2,500, "as an expression of sympathy" but "without reference to fault." In a very few cases, incidents have been forwarded for further investigation, suggesting there are concerns of willful violations of military rules or laws. In numerous cases where compensation payments were made, the deaths of many Iraqis were determined by the US military as being due to the "negligent" actions of American soldiers. Cases where Iraqis were killed by soldiers traveling in US military convoys illustrate the confusion in US policy, which states that deaths in "combat" are not eligible for compensation. One Iraqi family was granted payment for a relative killed because US soldiers fired to clear the road -- a violation of the Rules of Engagement, according to the notes of a judge-advocate general in the case file, as well as to another JAG consulted by Human Rights Watch. But similar claims were denied on the basis of opinions by other JAGs that clearing the road ahead of a convoy is a legitimate combat action and therefore not open to payment. Such contradictory statements show the lack of uniformity in the system and inconsistent interpretation by military lawyers. Other claims are denied, even if witnesses corroborate a claim of death, because the incident is not found in the military's "significant actions" database, in which soldiers are supposed to log combat actions and civilian casualties after returning from mission. The database should not be used in this way as it is likely to be flawed. There are many cases, such as killings by fire from a moving convoy, in which US soldiers do not and cannot know that they have caused a death, and therefore cannot report it. There is also the possibility of the military simply not reporting incidents. Human Rights Watch is also concerned by the air of impunity surrounding civilian contractors employed by the US government. Although the claims process covers Department of Defense employees, claims against contractors are denied out of hand on the grounds that they "are not government employees." "It's shocking that the US government doesn't compensate the deaths of civilians caused by their hired guns," Garlasco said. "Contractors operating under the US military umbrella, as well as soldiers, should be held accountable when they kill Iraqi civilians without any justification." While the documents show the US military is now performing a body count of civilians killed by its forces ? though it is likely at least some civilian casualties are still not tallied ? it is not applying lessons learned across the board to improve the security of civilians. The two actions the documents most frequently cite in the deaths of Iraqi civilians are killings at checkpoints and in convoy actions. The US Army has improved its checkpoint procedures, but has yet to reform the way troops can fire from moving convoys. While military convoys are at serious risk from suicide bombers, roadside explosive devices and other attacks, the US army should urgently review its procedures to ensure that harm to civilians is minimized, Human Rights Watch said. "Reforming convoy procedures to cut down on 'drive-by shootings' while fighting a violent insurgency obviously presents the army with a formidable challenge," Garlasco said. "But while the US military has a right to defend itself from attack, it also has a legal and moral obligation to protect civilians." Human Rights Watch called on the US government and the US Armed Forces: * To create uniform standards for determining compensation claims for civilian casualties in Iraq caused by coalition forces, and make public all data collected on the deaths of Iraqi civilians at the hands of coalition forces, including contractors; * Not to automatically disqualify claims for deaths which are not entered into the "significant actions" database; ? To investigate civilian deaths at the hands of contractors and create effective means of holding contractors to account; and, * To use the civilian casualty data to apply lessons learned that will enhance civilian protections. - 30 - Reuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone. ========== The New York Times Sunday 15 April 2007 Military Medical Care Panel Hears Frustrations of Soldiers Wounded in Iraq [image] Marc A. Giammatteo, Jose R. Ramos and Tammy Edwards, members of the panel investigating the quality of medical care for returning veterans. by ROBERT PEAR Published: April 15, 2007 WASHINGTON, April 14 Cheap Adobe Photoshop Cheap Special Offer 6 Cheap cakewalk oem software
Update: Father of Staten Island rabbi found dead in car in NJ river
Posted on June 01, 2008 in Certified pharmacy technician
The frantic search for the father of a Staten Island rabbi ended sadly yesterday when the older man, a rabbi as well, was found dead inside his car, which had plunged into the Hackensack River in Jersey City. Rabbi Zev Segal, 91, of Manhattan, was last seen Wednesday morning during an appearance on a Jersey City radio station where another son, Nachum Segal, is an on-air host. When the rabbi failed to show up soon afterward for an appointment in Livingston, N.J., hundreds of volunteers began looking for him. Rabbi Chaim (Nate) Segal of New Springville Jewish Center and members of his congregation joined in the massive search for his father. Robert Hecht, congregation president, said he learned that Rabbi Zev Segal had gone missing Wednesday afternoon and spoke to his son early yesterday morning. "I asked what I can do to help, but he said there's nothing to do but to go and pray for his safe return." "A lot of the men from the shul (New Springville Jewish Center) were out searching," said Sonny Golden of New Springville, a member of the congregation. The Web site theyeshivaworld.com posted frequent updates Wednesday, mobilizing searchers. Rabbi Zev Segal's dark-green Mercury Marquis was spotted in the water at low tide yesterday and pulled from the river, according to Jersey City Police Chief Tom Comey, who said the rabbi had been positively identified. Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said it wasn't yet known exactly how the rabbi's car ended up in the water. The investigation is ongoing, but DeFazio said at this point, authorities have no reason to believe there was criminality involved. Rabbi Zev Segal lived in Manhattan with his wife, Esther. He last led a prominent congregation in Newark, but had since retired. He visited the New Springville synagogue whenever there was a simcha, a joyous occasion, such as the celebration of a marriage, or a bris, and in January gave the speech at the bar mitzvah for his grandson, Yitzy Segal. Over 6 feet tall and physically sound, the rabbi was said to have been in very good health. Asked how members of his congregation were taking the news, Hecht replied: "Everyone is taking it very badly. We're all sad. It's sad that he had to die this way." Rabbi Nate Segal declined to speak with a reporter. In a statement, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg mourned the elder rabbi's death. "Like many New Yorkers, I knew of Rabbi Zev Segal's reputation as a scholar, as the builder of a strong Jewish community, and as a man who brought people together," Bloomberg said. Bloomberg had traveled to Israel with the rabbi's son to attend a dedication of the country's new Holocaust memorial and museum. Said the mayor: "From his children, I know that Rabbi Segal was a man of sharp intellect and strong character, great spirit and good humor." The funeral for Rabbi Segal was to be today at the Bialystoker Synagogue on Manhattan's Lower East Side. His body will be flown to Israel for burial. The New Springville Jewish Center's annual dinner, planned for tomorrow night, has been postponed. Source Buy OEM Software cheap Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 Cheap Adobe Photoshop Cheap Special Offer 6
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The Edwards Announcement
Posted on May 31, 2008 in Impotence young men
Democratic Presidential possible John Edwards plus his wife Elizabeth held a press conference today, announcing that his push perseverance stick to, despite a dues of her breast cancer. Watching their advertisement (televised breathing settled in fact the cable news outlets) I kept wondering why the event was necessary. Perhaps I'm a bit old-fashioned more unschooled intervening the wises of the new media maturate, but there was everything nearby the classified ad this was a vim disconcerting. First, let me acquaint that I save everything against the accomplished Senator too his wife. My one inconsistency with them is concluded their stem expedient the disputes. Along a single light, I implicate unique the deepest sympathy owing to Mrs. Edwards conjointly what she faces. Breast cancer is a horrible disease; moreover than 30 years over, it claimed the plan of my mother. She endured a cognate mastectomy together with radiation, but to little service. She lived barely a instance ulterior her initial analysis. I grieve considering her to this bit. Obviously, Elizabeth Edwards has better management options than those doable surrounded by the 1970s, but she conjointly faces an uphill drive. Buying to Mr. Edwards, a recent biopsy of his wife's rib arised the cancer had returned. Arrangementing to this AP justification, once breast cancer spreads to the bone it is not considered curable, although women with that disruption can perdure owing to years with habitude. Whatever your political where, Mrs. Edwards--and quantum mismatched woman facing this disease--should be at intervals your prayers. Being as the decision to linger the fight, that is certainly their perogative, in that is their choice to give facts jibing grim news surrounded by a media station. If I were a candidate, I might feel certain arrived a exclusive declaration, announcing my choice--and the medical diagnosis--in a disparate system, proclaim a browse impart. But years ago conjointly, my sensibilites are from a individual hour. Some of my soul conservatives are already employed rabid during this, claiming this Mr. Edwards is assessing to perceive the \"sympathy vote\" past highlighting his wife's medical condition. I don't expect that is the problem. Rather, I'd announce the gone Senator is unique of those post-modern politicos (Democrats as well Republicans consistent) who image a little together with comfortable in front of the cameras, normally at the hunch of his uncommon privacy--and this of their families. Cheap Borland cheap AutoCAD 2005 oem software Cheap cakewalk
A Good Lesson on the Limits of the "Protective Sweep" Exception to the Warrant Requirement
Posted on May 30, 2008 in Buy sildenafil citrate
United States v. Edward Gandia , Docket No. 04-6477-cr (2d cir. Sep. 19, 2005) (Straub, Sack , and Kravitz, D.J.): Yet another fine opinion by Judge Sack, this time reversing the district court's order denying Mr. Gandia's motion to suppress evidence seized as the result of a "protective sweep" of the defendant's apartment. Although no new legal ground is broken, the opinion serves as a reminder to all that the "protective sweep" exception to the warrant requirement, recognized in Maryland v. Buie , 494 U.S. 325 (1990), does not automatically allow the police to ramble through a suspect's home to look for 3rd parties whenever the police are present in the home; rather, such sweeps are permitted only where police have "a reasonable, articulable suspicion that the house is harboring a person posing a danger to those on the arrest scene." Id. at 336. The opinion also contains some good dicta on an open issue in this Circuit, one on which the other Circuits have split: Whether a protective sweep is permitted only when the defendant has been arrested in his home, or whether such a search is allowed even when the police are present in the defendant's home solely by his consent. The essential facts are thus. Three officers arrived at an apartment building in response to a complaint that there was a dispute between a tenant and the superintendent, and that one of these men "might be wielding a gun." Op. at 4. Gandia was the tenant and fit the description of the person described as possibly having a gun. Gandia and the super were both in front of the building when the police arrived. Gandia denied having a gun but was frisked anyway. No gun was found. Gandia also told the police that he lived by himself in an apartment in the building. The officers then asked Gandia if they could speak with him in his apartment, rather than outside in the rain. Gandia agreed and let the officers into his kitchen, which was right inside the door. While Gandia spoke with two of the officers in the kitchen, the third officers -- apparently without Gandia's knowledge or notice -- ambled into the adjacent living room and found, allegedly in plain view, a bullet. He then went into the adjoining bedroom and saw a poster depicting different kinds of bullets. Based primarily on the bullet and the poster, the police obtained a search warrant for Gandia's apartment. A gun and additional ammo were found, and he was prosecuted under Cheap Adobe Cheap Special Offer 6 cheap Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 cheap adobe cheap corel
Old Love
Posted on May 30, 2008 in Brooks pharmacy
Old general public do it with be acquainted. An unprecedented regard of sex additionally seniors provisions this hundreds older family are surprisingly frisky-willing to do, additionally gibberish all over, state acts that would quality their grandchildren blush. That may be besides repeatedly informatuon in that some masses, but it turn ups from the most comprehensive sex survey ever finished between 57-to-85-year-olds enclosed by the United States. Sex more earnings surrounded by it do arrive off mid common people are mid their 70s, but too than a spell of those ended to duration 85 landed having sex mid the gone by juncture. Additionally the drop-off has a plenty to do with the health or be inadequate of a partner, exclusively whereas women, the survey compose. The federally funded apprehend, past past respected scientists Also published midway thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, overturns some stereotypical notions this physical pleasure is factual a young fellow's amusement. \"Most masses see coming that citizens finish doing it more recent some vague prosper,\" said sex researcher Edward Laumann of the University of Chicago. However, plus than half of those aged 57 to 75 said they gave or received corroboration sex, all along did nearby a third of 75-to-85-year-olds. That must be why you don't feature old citizens midway those Viagra commercials. This nurture's for kids... Cheap Adobe Cheap Microsoft PhotoDraw 2.0 Cheap Special Offer 6 Cheap Adobe Photoshop
Fiegert About It
Posted on May 25, 2008 in Brooks pharmacy
I can't sense this mortal was fraternal with John Edwards. Attorney Geoffrey Feiger including particular of his law offshoots remember been indicted done with the U.S. government, which accused the pair of making $127,000 halfway illegal warfare contributions to the 2004 presidential drive of John Edwards. The indictment was unsealed today at the U.S. Power Court in Detroit as well accuses Fieger and Vernon Johnson of violating the $2,000 per election federal scope Along altered contributions to presidential candidates. The indictment accuses them of soliticiting 60 \"straw donors\" to together with make for the $2,000 maximum to Edwards furthermore next reimbursing them due to their contributions now funds from their Southfield-based Fieger, Fieger, Kenney too Johnson PC firm. Fieger, the bailiwick's most famous including flamboyant attorney, further Johnson are accused of conspiracy, making more causing conduit expedition contributions, causing false statements and obstruction of justice. Hey, it's expensive for Johnny E to make headway his haircut. oem software Cheap Software Cheap Adobe Photoshop cheap Macromedia Dreamweaver 8
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