text:
Are you looking for a private transfer or a taxi from London Heathrow Airport to Oliver Plaza Hotel? With Mytransfers you can book your trip in less than 60 seconds and with instant confirmation. Our driver will be waiting for you with a welcome sign upon arrival at London Heathrow Airport and will take you directly to Oliver Plaza Hotel.
Great service! Nice driver. Quick and efficient. Will use again!
The car cleanliness is satisfactory. The driver was nice and friendly. We arrived at our destination a bit earlier than expected and the ride was comf...
The service was good and very smooth
Excellent service. Road works and road closures made it difficult for the driver to get to us on time but we were still on time for our flight. Our dr...
Great service. Driver polite and helpful!
Driver arrived on time, was polite, very helpful and drove beautifully - could not be happier. Many thanks.
Book your sedan, minivan or bus from the airport London Heathrow Airport to Oliver Plaza Hotel
By booking a private taxi or minivan with us from London Heathrow Airport to Oliver Plaza Hotel you will benefit from our final prices, with no surprises. Our driver will be waiting for you on arrival and will take you directly to your hotel, villa or other destination in Oliver Plaza Hotel. Remember that all our transfers are private and with door to door service.
Vehicles with capacity for more than 4 people or for passengers with special luggage needs are rare at London Heathrow Airport. If you book in advance with us, the transfer from London Heathrow Airport to Oliver Plaza Hotel will be carried out with a vehicle that will be perfectly adapted to your needs.
You can reserve any type of vehicle for this route. Use the availability search on this page to see all the vehicles available for transfer between London Heathrow Airport and Oliver Plaza Hotel.
The cost of a taxi or private transfer from London Heathrow Airport to Oliver Plaza Hotel is EUR € 72.39
Depending on the chosen vehicle, the price of a private transfer may vary. Use the availability search at the top of this page to find the best rates for your transfer to Oliver Plaza Hotel.
For any question:
Questions about any existing reservation

subset: commoncrawl


text:
HTC Wildfire Antivirus & Anti-Malware Protection
Learn how to protect your HTC Wildfire from viruses and malware. Here are the best Antivirus, Anti-Malware, Virus Cleaner, Anti-Theft, Anti-Phishing, Virus Scanner, Virus Removal and Mobile Security apps for HTC Wildfire.
Detecting the presence of viruses and malware is the first step toward removing them. If your HTC Wildfire has problems like:
Slow Performance: Noticeably sluggish performance, slow app launches, and frequent freezes can be indicative of malware.
Excessive Data Usage: Unexplained spikes in data usage could be due to malware running in the background.
Battery Drain: Rapid battery depletion, even when the device is idle, might be caused by malware activities.
Unwanted Ads: Unexpected pop-ups, ads within apps, or redirects to unfamiliar websites are signs of potential malware.
Unusual Behavior: Apps crashing, settings changing on their own, or unfamiliar apps appearing on your device point to a possible infection.
This article will guide you through the process, ensuring your device remains secure and optimized. There are steps you can take to effectively remove viruses and malware from your HTC Wildfire.
This article contains:
How to perform a virus scan on HTC Wildfire?
The easiest way to check for threats on your Android smartphone is to run an antivirus scan.
You can perform a virus scan and get protected your HTC Wildfire from threats like viruses and malware.
- Open the Settings menu.
- Tap Device Care and wait for the checking device process to finish.
- Tap the Security section.
- The last time that your device was scanned will be visible in the middle of the screen.
- Tap Scan Phone.
- Wait until the scanning process to be completed.
- If any malicious threats detected on your smartphone, select the infected app then click Uninstall.
How To Remove Viruses And Malware From Your HTC Wildfire?
There are simple and free steps to ensure your HTC Wildfire is secure and virus-free. Follow the simple steps below to get rid of viruses and malware that has invaded your smartphone.
Boot In Safe Mode
Boot your device into Safe Mode to prevent any malicious apps from running in the background:
Press and Hold the Power Button: This will bring up the Power Menu.
Long-Press "Power Off": Tap and hold the "Power Off" option until the "Reboot to Safe Mode" prompt appears. Confirm and restart your device in Safe Mode.
Uninstall Suspicious Apps
Once in Safe Mode, proceed to uninstall any unfamiliar or suspicious apps that could be the source of the malware:
Go to Settings: Open your device's Settings app.
Select "Apps" or "Application Manager": Navigate to the section where you manage installed applications.
Identify and Remove: Review the list of installed apps and uninstall any apps that you suspect could be malicious.
Clear Cache and Data
Remove any residual files left by the malware to ensure complete removal:
Settings: Navigate to the Apps or Application Manager section.
Choose the App: Select the app you uninstalled or suspect is causing the issue.
Clear Cache and Data: Tap on "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data" to erase any remnants of the app.
How To Protect Your HTC Wildfire From Viruses and Malware?
Want to make extra sure your HTC Wildfire is safe? Follow these tips to keep your smartphone malware-free and stay safe.
Update Device and Apps
Keeping your device and apps updated is crucial to patching known vulnerabilities that malware may exploit:
Device Update: Go to Settings > System > Software Update and check for any available updates for your device.
App Updates: Open the Google Play Store, tap the three horizontal lines at the top left, then "My apps & games" to update your installed apps.
Change Passwords
If you suspect that your passwords might have been compromised, change them for all relevant accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Practice Safe Browsing
To minimize the risk of future infections, adopt these safe browsing habits:
Download Only from Trusted Sources: Stick to downloading apps from the Google Play Store and avoid third-party app stores.
Be Cautious of Links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown or suspicious sources, especially in emails or text messages.
Use Secure Wi-Fi: Connect to secure Wi-Fi networks and consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on public networks.
Install a Reputable Security App
To add an extra layer of protection against future threats, consider installing a reliable antivirus and anti-malware app from a reputable source:
Google Play Store: Search for well-reviewed antivirus apps, choose one, and install it.
Scan for Malware: Run a full device scan using the antivirus app to identify and remove any remaining threats.
Best Free Antivirus And Anti-Malware Apps For HTC Wildfire
There are a number of security apps you can download to help protect your HTC Wildfire, scan for viruses, and get rid of junk files and any potentially infected apps.
In a world where our Android devices have become extensions of ourselves, protecting them from the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats is paramount.
Antivirus apps have emerged as essential tools to defend against viruses, malware, and other malicious entities that can compromise your device's security.
We explore the top antivirus apps for Android devices, offering a shield of protection to ensure your digital experience remains safe and seamless.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Bitdefender Antivirus Free is a powerful option that combines ease of use with robust security features.
It offers real-time scanning, on-demand scans, and automatic updates to keep your device protected against the latest threats. Its user-friendly interface and minimal impact on device performance make it a popular choice.
Norton Mobile Security
Norton is a well-established name in the cybersecurity arena, and its Mobile Security app lives up to its reputation.
With features like anti-malware scanning, web protection, anti-phishing, and anti-theft capabilities, Norton offers a comprehensive security suite. It also includes a safe browsing feature to protect you from dangerous websites.
Avast Mobile Security
Avast Mobile Security is another heavyweight contender in the antivirus space. It provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and phishing attacks.
Additionally, it offers features like Wi-Fi security scanning, app locking, and a privacy advisor that helps you control app permissions.
McAfee Mobile Security
McAfee is a recognizable name in cybersecurity, and its Mobile Security app doesn't disappoint.
It offers a host of features, including anti-malware protection, anti-theft capabilities, and a privacy feature that can help protect your sensitive data. It also includes performance optimization tools to keep your device running smoothly.
Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus
Kaspersky is renowned for its advanced security solutions, and its Mobile Antivirus app brings that expertise to Android devices.
It offers real-time scanning, anti-phishing, and anti-theft features. It also includes a "Privacy Protection" feature that helps safeguard your personal information.
AVG Antivirus Free
AVG Antivirus Free offers a range of features to keep your Android device secure.
It includes real-time scanning, app locking, Wi-Fi security checks, and performance optimization. Its intuitive interface and regular updates make it a solid choice for protecting your device.
Avira Antivirus Security
Avira Antivirus Security offers a mix of antivirus protection and privacy features.
It includes real-time scanning, app locking, anti-theft capabilities, and a "Privacy Cleaner" that helps you remove sensitive data from your device. It also has a VPN feature to enhance your online privacy.
ESET Mobile Security Antivirus
ESET Mobile Security is known for its efficient malware detection and anti-phishing capabilities.
It provides real-time protection, scheduled scans, and a proactive anti-theft feature that can help you locate your device if it's lost or stolen.
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile
Sophos Intercept X for Mobile delivers industry leading protection against malware and other mobile threats. The app has consistently achieved a 100% protection score in AV-TEST's comparison of the top Android security and antivirus apps.
Sophos Intercept X is a comprehensive solution that combines antivirus protection with advanced features like real-time device protection, web filtering, and Wi-Fi security checks.
Trend Micro Mobile Security & Antivirus
Trend Micro Mobile Security offers features like real-time scanning, privacy protection, and anti-theft capabilities.
It also includes a "Safe Surfing" feature that warns you about malicious websites before you visit them.
The safety of your Android device is of paramount importance in today's digitally connected world.
By promptly identifying and addressing malware and virus infections, you can ensure your personal data remains secure, your privacy intact, and your device's performance optimized.
By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can take control of your device's security, safeguarding it against present and future threats.
Stay proactive, stay vigilant, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a safe and secure digital experience.


text:
Fedora is a leading edge, free and open source operating system that continues to deliver innovative features to many users, with a new release about every six months. We bring to you the latest and greatest release of Fedora ever, Fedora 13! Join us and share the joy of Free software and the community with friends and family. We have several major new features with special focus on desktops, netbooks, virtualization and system administration.
What's New in Fedora 13?
For desktop users
A universe of new features for end users:
- Streamlined Installer. The user interface of Anaconda, the Fedora installer, has changed to handle storage devices and partitioning in an easy and streamlined manner, with helpful hints in the right places. Thanks to Chris Lumens and others on the Anaconda team, and Máirín Duffy, Fedora Design team lead, for her user interface review.
- Automatic print driver installation. We're using RPM and PackageKit for automatic installation of printer drivers, so when you plug in a printer, Fedora will automatically offer to install drivers for it if needed. Thanks to Tim Waugh and Richard Hughes.
- New desktop applications and enhancements. The Shotwell photo manager, Deja-dup backup software, Pino Identi.ca/Twitter client, and Simple Scan scanning utility are all delivered by default to provide an enhanced desktop experience out of the box. Palimpsest, the desktop utility for handling storage devices, can now manage LVM and RAID disks easily. As with the past several releases, Fedora 13 includes enhanced webcam support. Hans de Goede from Red Hat has specially focussed on better support for dual mode camera's for this release.
- NetworkManager improvements include better Mobile Broadband, Bluetooth, and new command line abilities. NetworkManager was introduced in Fedora 7 and has become the de facto network configuration solution for distributions everywhere. NetworkManager is now a one-stop shop for all of your networking needs in Fedora, be it dial-up, broadband, wifi, or even Bluetooth. In Fedora 13 NetworkManager adds mobile broadband enhancements to show signal strength; support for old-style dial-up networking (DUN) over Bluetooth; and command line support via nmcli in addition to the improved graphical user interface. Thanks to Dan Williams of Red Hat for his extensive work on these features upstream and within Fedora.
- Color management. Do you like your printouts to look the same as they do on screen - or your scanner output to look the same as what you just scanned? Color Management allows you to better set and control your colors for displays, printers, and scanners, through the gnome-color-manager package. Thanks to Richard Hughes from Red Hat for his involvement upstream and in Fedora.
- Enhanced iPod functionality. Newer Apple iPod, iPod Touch and iPhone models are supported by some of your favorite photo management software and music library applications such as Rhythmbox. The devices are automatically attached using the libimobiledevice library, so you can work with your content more easily.
- Enhanced streaming and buffering support in Totem. Totem's Movie Player and web browser plugins are now better at handling large streaming media, such as HD movies and Podcasts, thanks to the new disk-buffering support in GStreamer.
- 3D support for ATI cards (R600 and R700) via Radeon driver. In Fedora 13, 3D support for many ATI cards has moved out of experimental status and is enabled by default. 2D support for the latest generation (R800) is integrated as well in this release. Thanks to Red Hat's Dave Airlie and many others for involvement upstream and in Fedora.
- Experimental 3D graphics support extended to free Nouveau driver for NVidia cards. This release also adds experimental 3D support to a wide range of NVidia cards, adding them to the list of liberated video capabilities. Install the mesa-dri-drivers-experimental package to try out the work in progress. Thanks to Red Hat's Ben Skeggs for involvement upstream and in Fedora.
- KDE improvements. KDE in Fedora continues to provide tight integration with the latest technologies in Fedora. In this release, we have improved integration with PulseAudio via Phonon and the volume control KMix, which controls per-application volumes and moves application sounds between hardware devices, as well as with the latest PolicyKit authorization framework. We have also integrated new major versions, based on the KDE Development Platform 4, of the KOffice office suite, the K3b CD/DVD/Blu-ray burning application and, for developers, the KDevelop IDE, which provide better integration with the KDE 4 Plasma Desktop and no longer require the KDE 3 compatibility libraries. Thanks to the work of a growing community of KDE contributors in Fedora.
- DisplayPort support improvements. Fedora 12 added initial support for the new DisplayPort display connector for Intel graphics chips. Support for Nvidia and ATI systems has now been added in this release. Thanks to Red Hat's Xorg team.
- Experimental user management interface. The user account tool has been completely redesigned, and the accountsdialog and accountsservice test packages are available to make it easy to configure personal information, make a personal profile picture or icon, generate a strong passphrase, and set up login options for your Fedora system. Try out the work in progress. Thanks to Matthias Clasen from Red Hat's Desktop team and others.
For developers
For developers there are all sorts of additional goodies:
- SystemTap static probes. SystemTap now has expanded capabilities to monitor higher-level language runtimes like Java, Python, and Tcl, and also user space applications, starting with PostgreSQL. In the future, Fedora will add support for even more user space applications, greatly increasing the scope and power of monitoring for application developers. Thanks to Mark Wielaard from Red Hat.
- Easier Python debugging. We've added new support that allows developers working with mixed libraries (Python and C/C++) in Fedora to get more complete information when debugging with gdb, making Fedora an exceptional platform for powerful, rapid application development. Thanks to David Malcolm from Red Hat.
- Parallel-installable Python 3 stack. The parallel-installable Python 3 stack will help programmers write and test code for use in both Python 2.6 and Python 3 environments, so you can future-proof your applications now using Fedora. Thanks to David Malcolm from Red Hat.
- NetBeans Java EE 6 support. The NetBeans 6.8 integrated development environment is the first IDE to offer complete support for the entire Java EE 6 specification. Thanks to Victor G. Vasilyev from Sun/Oracle for his maintenance and support of NetBeans in collaboration with Fedora.
- IntelliJ IDEA Community Edition, Java IDE. Along with Eclipse and NetBeans already provided by Fedora, IDEA is a popular Java-based development environment newly introduced in this release. It comes with an intuitive GUI, integration with Ant and Maven, extensive language support, version control systems and test tools integration and compatibility with Eclipse projects. Thanks to Lubomir Rintel and Michal Ingeli, Fedora community volunteers, for packaging and integration of this feature.
For system administrators
And don't think we forgot the system administrators:
- boot.fedoraproject.org (BFO). BFO allows users to download a single, tiny image (could fit on a floppy) and install current and future versions of Fedora without having to download additional images. Thanks to Mike McGrath, Fedora Infrastructure lead.
- Zarafa Open Source edition Groupware. Zarafa Open Source edition is a complete, 100% free and open source groupware suite that can be used as a drop-in Microsoft Exchange replacement for Web-based mail, calendaring, collaboration, and tasks. Features include IMAP/POP and iCal/CalDAV capabilities, native mobile phone support, the ability to integrate with existing Linux mail servers, a full set of programming interfaces, and a comfortable look and feel using modern Ajax technologies. Thanks to Robert Scheck, Fedora community volunteer, for packaging and integration of this feature.
- Btrfs snapshots integration. Btrfs is capable of creating lightweight, copy-on-write filesystem snapshots that can be mounted (and booted into) selectively. Automated snapshots allow system owners to easily revert to a filesystem from the previous day, or from before a yum update using the yum-plugin-fs-snapshot plugin. Btrfs is still an experimental filesystem in this release and requires a "btrfs" installation option to enable support for it. (This option is only available for non-live images.) Upcoming releases will integrate the snapshot functionality into the desktop while working on stabilization of the filesystem in parallel. Thanks to Josef Bacik, Btrfs filesystem developer at Red Hat, for filesystem work and the new yum plugin and Chris Ball from OLPC team for leading this effort.
- LVM Snapshots merging support. Recent LVM (and device-mapper) snapshot advances included in Fedora 13 allow system owners to merge an LVM snapshot back into the origin. In the process you can rollback the origin LV to the state it was in before the system upgrade. As noted earlier, the yum-snapshot-fs-plugin can work with both Btrfs and LVM volumes exposing this functionality and making it easier to use. This feature was developed and merged upstream by Red Hat's storage team.
- Virtualization enhancements. Fedora continues its leadership in virtualization technologies with improvements to KVM such as Stable PCI Addresses and Virt Shared Network Interface technologies. Having stable PCI addresses will enable virtual guests to retain PCI addresses' space on a host machine. The shared network interface technology enables virtual machines to use the same physical network interface cards (NICs) as the host operating system. Fedora 13 also enhances performance of virtualization via VHostNet acceleration of KVM networking, Virtx2apic for enhanced guest performance on large multi-processor systems, and Virtio-Serial for simple IO between the guest and host user spaces. Thanks to the Red Hat virtualization team for their ongoing contributions.
- System Security Services Daemon (SSSD). SSSD provides expanded features for logging into managed domains, including caching for offline authentication. Now users on laptops can still login when disconnected from the company's managed network. The authentication configuration tool in Fedora has already been updated to support SSSD, and to be even more attractive and functional. Thanks to Stephen Gallagher from Red Hat for new capabilities, and Tomas Mraz and Mairin Duffy of Red Hat for the redesign.
- Pioneering NFS features. Fedora offers the latest version 4 of the NFS protocol for better performance, and, in conjunction with recent kernel modifications, includes IPv6 support for NFS as well. Thanks to Steve Dickson from Red Hat.
- Dogtag Certificate System Dogtag is an enterprise-class open source Certificate Authority (CA) supporting all aspects of certificate lifecycle management including key archival, OCSP and smart card management. Brought into the fold as part of the Red Hat acquisition of Netscape technologies, this certificate server is fully free and open source and now included in Fedora. Thanks to the PKI team at Red Hat.
And that's only the beginning. A more complete list with details of all the new features on board Fedora 13 is available at:
OK, go get it. You know you can't wait.
If you are upgrading from a previous release of Fedora, refer to
In particular, Fedora has made preupgrade a more robust solution and pushed several bug fixes to older releases of Fedora to enable an easy upgrade to Fedora 13.
For an quick tour of features in Fedora 13 and pictures of many friends of Fedora, check out our "short-form" release notes:
Fedora 13 full release notes and guides for several languages are available at:
Fedora 13 common bugs are documented at:
Fedora Spins
Fedora spins are alternate version of Fedora tailored for various types of users via hand-picked application set or customizations. Fedora 13 includes four completely new spins in addition to the several already available, including Fedora Security Lab, Design Suite, Sugar on a Stick and Moblin spin. More information on these spins and much more is available at
Power PC Support
With Apple moving to Intel based machines and Sony PlayStation dropping Linux support, Fedora PowerPC (PPC) usage has dropped considerably. In Fedora 13, PPC is now a secondary architecture and the Fedora release engineering team no longer manages PPC releases. If you would like to participate in the PPC effort or any of the secondary architecture teams, refer to:
For more information including common and known bugs, tips on how to report bugs, and the official release schedule, please refer to the release notes:
There are many ways to contribute beyond bug reporting. You can help translate software and content, test and give feedback on software updates, write and edit documentation, design and do artwork, help with all sorts of promotional activities, and package free software for use by millions of Fedora users worldwide. To get started, visit http://join.fedoraproject.org today!
Fedora 14
Even as we continue to provide updates with enhancements and bug fixes to improve the Fedora 13 experience, our next release, Fedora 14, is already being developed in parallel, and has been open for active development for several months already. We have an early schedule for an end of Oct 2010 release:
Contact information
If you are a journalist or reporter, you can find additional information at:


text:
Avoiding Cognitive Decline
Of those aged 60 and older, 12 to 18 percent have mild cognitive impairment. People living with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to develop Alzheimer's, and almost two-thirds of people currently living with Alzheimer's are women.1
There are three basic forms of cognitive decline associated with aging:2
- Age-related changes in memory, which are a natural consequence of aging.
- Mild Cognitive Impairment, which involves mild memory loss such as forgetting important events or appointments, or an inability or difficulty with finding the right word in a conversation.
- Dementia, which includes Alzheimer's disease, is a chronic, progressive, irreversible and comprehensive cognitive impairment that may affect daily functioning.
There are a range of risk factors that can lead to cognitive decline, including:2
- Increased age
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking
- Excessive use of alcohol
- Physical and mental inactivity
- Chronic stress
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
- Low social involvement
Strategies to Help Manage Cognitive Decline
Intellectual Stimulation
Reading, learning a musical instrument, and playing cards or board games are all activities that stimulate the brain and may reduce cognitive decline.
Staying physically active can improve your mood, reduce stress, and help eliminate some of the medical conditions that are risk factors.
Low-Fat Diet
A nutritious diet, low in fat, may help reduce contributory risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.2
A Sound Night's Sleep
It's normal for sleeping difficulties to emerge with age, but insufficient sleep can impair memory and learning. Going to bed and waking up at the same time can help. However, if you have a sleep disorder, consider seeking qualified assistance.
Stay Social
Staying engaged with friends and family stimulates the brain. If you live alone or have limited social ties, look to build up contact with neighbors and social groups.
Talk to Your Doctor
It's best not to self-diagnose or treat yourself if you think you are suffering from cognitive impairment. Visit your doctor to explain your symptoms and let him or her assess your condition and recommend the necessary treatment and counseling.
1. Alz.org, 2023
2. ClevelandClinic.org, 2023
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.


text:
Documentation can be filtered by selecting one or more tags above. Select multiple pages to print or export to PDF.
0 documents found.
This Gemini community support site can be used to find solutions to product issues. You can log in using Open Id, Google Profile and even Facebook. Feel free to ask a question or browse FAQs and documentation. Product tour videos are also available along with how-to videos demonstrating key Gemini capabilities. |
0 documents found.


text:
The Capstone Project places you in the shoes of a CIO of a hypothetical FMCG firm, Indus Consumer Products Limited, who is required to select a portfolio of IT investments for the decision year that is aligned with the business strategy and objectives of the firm. Different business units in the company have proposed different applications to implement. Your job as CIO will be to analyze the business case for each of the projects and identify those that best serve the long-term business strategy and objectives of the firm. Your choice of IT investments is constrained by the IT budget for the given financial year.
The case consists of the following artifacts:
– Letter from the CEO
– Company Report
– IT Assessment Report
– Proposal for the SCM Initiative
– Proposal for Rural Connect
– Proposal for the new ERP System
The case is designed to provide a Capstone experience on many of the concepts and frameworks learned in the specialization. Learners need to:
(a) Identify a broad business focus of the company using the competitor data. Provide a couple of lines on the strategic pain points for the firm.
(b) Which one of the five applications must the company invest in? Why? Provide strategic and financial reasons in support.
(c) Thoroughly analyse past projects to remove redundant or unviable investments.
(d) Identify and propose strategies for managing risk associated with large scale IT investments.
(e) Create an organizational structure and communication plan that will engage various stakeholders of the organization.
Price: Enroll For Free!
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Capstone Project: Business Technology Management – Indian School of Business
TUN Helps Students!
Copyright, 2024 – TUN, Inc


text:
Class of 26 UTVs at Dirt Riot Coppermines OffRoad Park and Seconds Separate Pro 4400 Class Winners
Class Winners – Pro 4400: Clay Gilstrap ; Mod Trail: Justin Lawson
Stock Trail: Doug McDowell ; UTV: Wesley Gryner
PLACERVILLE, CA APRIL 29, 2013: The largest class of Dirt Riot UTV racers, to date, hit the course on Saturday April 13th at the Coppermines Offroad Park for the second round of the Dirt Riot Central Series. There were 26 UTV's on course, but that certainly didn't take away from the Pro 4400 class where the top 3 all completed 13 laps within seconds of each other for the entire race. "The Coppermines Park always has so much to offer the racers and spectators that we love to come back here every year, " said Rich Klein, President and founder of W.E. Rock Events. "We were excited to see such a great turn out in the UTV class. We have always had this class as an option, with an easy entry fee and safety requirements, and I am glad that it is really starting to take off."
26 UTV's took the start; in the end, Wesley Gryner would come from starting 25th to taking the overall win, his second win in the Dirt Riot Central Series. Only one minute separated him from Levi Shirley in second place and Brian Shirley in third place over the course of an hour. Jason Baird started first off the line and managed to hold on to a fourth place finish, having never seen the leaders, only corrected time told the story. Of the 26 who began the race, only five didn't see the checker, a pretty remarkable task for a tough course. See the full list of drivers results and split times at http://www.werocklive.com/2013/dirt-riot-central-2-coppermines-ok
In the 4400 class, the race was very exciting and wasn't over until the three hour mark on the last and final lap, where Clay Gilstrap would take the overall win. Spencer Murphy who started 7th after qualifying had made strides over the course of the day to be in contention for first by lap three. Corrected time again played a factor, by lap 4, Spencer was leading – it was truly too close to call amongst the top four racers: Levi Shirley, Brian Shirley, Clay Gilstrap and Spencer Murphy. Each lap remained the same, only seconds separating the top four. By lap 6, Levi was out of contention; the other three remained as close as before, changing leads by mere seconds. At the start of the last lap, Clay Gilstrap was behind Spencer Murphy by 26 seconds. As Clay emerged out of the dust first, having completed most of the seven mile horseshoe course, the crowd and teams held their breath, if Spencer came out of the dust within two and a half minutes, he was likely to win. The seconds ticked by, two minutes, then three, Spencer didn't emerge until almost six minutes after Clay, he had a mechanical issue in the waning minutes of the race that cost him the win. The win went to Clay Gilstrap, his first, on the eve of his 30th birthday. Spencer Murphy would hold on to second, followed by Brian Shirley, Doug Kahlstrom, Carl Langerhans, Tony Arledge, Shawn Inman and Todd Wooten. Aaron Peters in his first outing with a new car wouldn't take the checker this go round.
The Modified Trail Class and Stock Trail Class ran together for two hours of pacing the 7.4 mile course that incorporated a variety of terrain including a modified motocross short course track, wash bottoms, rocky ledges, rally style dirt roads, rolling hills, goat trails and included a stadium jump, the telephone pole wall, concrete drainage pipes and tank traps around the Red Dawg Saloon. The Stock Trail class winner was Doug McDowell with Mikey Longone not far behind in second. Cody St Clair and Jason Davis didn't take the checker flag, but got third and fourth respectively. In the Mod Trail Class, Justin Lawson took first, with Shelby Gilstrap taking second and Emma Wilson taking third. Brandon Cox and Darrell Gray would take fourth and fifth respectively with Duane Garretson not able to complete a lap taking a DNF for this race.
In Dirt Riot there are 3 Professional 4×4 classes, a Trail/Sportsman 4×4 class and a UTV class. The classes are built to encourage local 4×4 or UTV participants to join the Pro Classes in a day of fun racing. For registration information go to http://www.werocklive.com/2013-fees-payout. Dirt Riot is an Endurance Racing series that is composed of 4 series of 3 races that stretch across the country.
There are more photos, results, videos and more posted at http://www.werocklive.com/2013/dirt-riot-central-2-coppermines-ok/
The next, and final, Central Series Race will be June 1st at Canyons Off Road Park outside Fredericksburg Texas. More information at http://www.werocklive.com/events/dirt-riot-central-round-3/
The next Dirt Riot Race is the Southwest Round 2 next weekend in Cedar City at the Three Peaks Recreation Area. More information at http://www.werocklive.com/events/dirt-riot-southwest-round-2/
TAG & SHARE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151597556345926.1073741830.163589210925&type=3
[nggallery id=66]
Photos compliments of Shea Nutt – Racin' for the Cure!
TAG & SHARE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151599288045926.1073741831.163589210925&type=3
[nggallery id=67]
Videos compliments of See You on the Trail and Ape Eater Racing
[vsw id="4tTbZi0PwQU" source="youtube" width="425″ height="344″ autoplay="no"]
[vsw id="k35PG8hrDaM" source="youtube" width="425″ height="344″ autoplay="no"]
How To Read Results: Drivers are listed in Starting Order. Column 1 is their Car Number. Column 2 is their Start Time. Top of Lap #1 is their lap time from the START (Total Time on Track from Start of Race), the bottom of Lap #1 is the Adjusted Time of their Actual Lap Time. The following laps are coordinate the same. The Final Time is the Adjusted Total time raced. Next Column is the Total Number of Laps Raced. The final column is the Finishing Order. Winner is determined by the most number of laps completed in the shortest amount of time.
4400 1st Clay Gilstrap; 2nd Spencer Murphy 3rd Brian Shirley
Stock Trail 1st Doug McDowell; 2nd Mikey Longone; 3rd Cody St Clair
Mod Trail 1st Justin Lawson; 2nd Shelby Gilstrap 3rd Emma Wilson
UTV 1st Wesley Gryner; 2nd Levi Shirley; 3rd Brian Shirley
**Updated Results Posted 4/29/13**
This will be the second round of three in the longest running Central Series.
For Specific Information & Directions to the Event: CLICK HERE
This will be the location for any updates over the weekend, Results and Photos! Please be sure to come back to see more.
Dirt Riot Continues Central Series Endurance 4×4 Racing This Weekend at the Coppermines OffRoad Park
Racing Saturday April 13th Starting at 9am in Altus, OK at Coppermines Offroad Park
PLACERVILLE, CA APRIL 10, 2013: The Dirt Riot Central Series continues to draw professional racers, local 4×4 club members and UTV racers to form a 2013 series that is already heavily contested in all classes this year. This weekend, the 2013 Dirt Riot Central Series second of three races will be at Coppermines Offroad Park on Saturday April 13th, with racing starting at 9am. "We are excited to be back at the Coppermines Park, it always has so much to offer for the racers and spectators that we really enjoy our time there. There was some strong weather at the beginning of the week which helped water down the track, and since it has improved to what should be mid-70's and clear by the weekend," said Rich Klein, President and founder of W.E. Rock Events. "The course this year will include more of the park, and the post party on Saturday night at the onsite Red Dawg Saloon should be a ton of fun with a live band."
Drivers that are confirmed to race at this event include Dirt Riot 2012 National Title holder Levi Shirley and his dad Brian Shirley. Texas locals, Clay Gilstrap with his fiancé co-driver Lindsay Syler. Crawling Chaos Club Members Carl Langerhans and Shawn Inman. Doug Kahlstrom will be in attendance along with Aaron Peters debuting his brand new Ultra4 car, and many others will register on Friday at the Driver Meet and Greet located at the park. The Stock Trail and Stock Mod 4×4 class will have common names at the Dirt Riot events including 2012 Central Series Stock Mod Champion Come Get Ya Some Duane Garretson. There are also over 10 UTV's already registered to race including last series race winner Wesley Gryner and Matt Enochs. With only some simple safety requirements, anyone is welcome to join and race as part of the action!
There are 3 Professional 4×4 classes, a Trail/Sportsman 4×4 class and a UTV class. The classes are built to encourage local 4×4 or UTV participants to join us in a day of fun racing. For registration information go to http://www.werocklive.com/2013-registration-form. Dirt Riot is an Endurance Racing series that is composed of 4 series of 3 races that stretch across the country.
Spectators are encouraged to come and enjoy the day of entertainment on Saturday April 13th. Qualifying for the 4400 4×4 group starts at 9am. Side by side racing action starts at 10am when three classes take the course at the same time for a one hour grand prix finish race: Trail Class, Stock, and Modified Stock. Following at 12:30pm, the UTV Class will race for one hour, followed by the professional 4400 4×4 at 2pm who will race for three hours with a grand prix finish at approximately 5pm. The winners of each class are determined by the most number of laps completed in the set amount of time. The awards ceremony and cash payout immediately follows the final race. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for ages 8-15, children 7 and under free and Military with ID get $5 off. There are vendors, food and amenities on site, and we encourage you to bring chairs and shade structures.
The race course is approximately 7.4 miles long and incorporates a variety of terrain including a modified motocross short course track, wash bottoms, rocky ledges, rally style dirt roads, rolling hills and goat trails. This year there will be additional pieces of the Coppermines Offroad Park incorporated around the Red Dawg Saloon including a stadium jump, the telephone pole wall, concrete drainage pipes and tank traps. It will be easy enough for UTV's and Stock 4×4 participants to have fun, but tough enough for the Pro 4400 cars to be challenged.
Event Sponsors: Maxxis Tires, Spider Trax, Trail Gear, Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts, Branik Motorsports, ADS Off-Road Racing Shocks, Artec Industries, ASR Offroad, Nitro Gear & Axle, Raceline Wheels, Crawl Magazine, PCI Race Radios, The SickLine.com, Race Team Store
CLICK HERE to pre-purchase tickets. Please use this method if you would like to use a credit card. There is limited online access at most event sites to process credit cards. These are rain or shine events, no refunds.
See the Pictures, Results and Video from First Round in Bryan TX at the Brazos Valley Off-Road Ranch: http://www.werocklive.com/2013/dirt-riot-central-series-1-bryan-tx/
Drivers, Please Pre-Register: CLICK HERE
See You At the Races!


text:
North Augusta Employee Retirement Plans
Sometimes it can be very hard to think about the future, especially when there is so much going on in your present. This is how many people feel about planning for their retirement. A part of this is due to many employers offering retirement packages, leading individuals to think that what they need is the right employer rather than the right retirement plan. If you are an employer that does not have a retirement package for your employees, then it is safe to assume that your ability to retain excellent employees is not as strong as it otherwise could be.
Help your employees accumulate tax deferred income for retirement with 401(k) plans and other retirement saving solutions designed by Larkins & Associates Financial Services LLC insurance experts. Our experienced advisers tailor cost effective benefits packages that offer advantages to employers and peace of mind for their personnel. Your employees can choose the amount they wish to contribute that will be automatically deducted from their paycheck and grow into tax deferred savings allowing for penalty free withdrawal at retirement age.
Customized 401(k) and other retirement planning options
Larkins & Associates Financial Services LLC offers customized 401(k) plans where employees can choose investments provided under the plan. Discuss the various options for employer contributions with our North Augusta group retirement plan experts who offer flexible and varied options that are good for employees and great for your business!
Choose from a Variety of Retirement Solutions for your Employees that Include:
- 401(k) employee plans that offer extra tax advantages
- Employee pension plans that provide added financial security
- Shared interest stock ownership options
- Enhanced retirement plans that offer extra savings for select employees
- Complete retirement planning solutions
- Employee investment strategies
Taking Care of Your North Augusta Employees in Retirement
Learn about the differences between qualified and non-qualified retirement plans and simplify the retirement options you offer while benefiting from tax savings and other incentives. Larkins & Associates Financial Services LLC helps employers make informed financial decisions and designs retirement plans that are best suited to your North Augusta business.
Consult with a Larkins & Associates Financial Services LLC retirement planning expert to determine the best savings options for your employees by contacting us via phone or email.


text:
Local Online Shopping Made Easy ! FREE Shipping
Plus -2 More
Tax included
SKU: CJZBNSJX00052-5 Ships From: China-BL0310
Secure Checkout
Online Support
P Katwis watches Tourbillon watches men burst through the end of the stars waterproof automatic mechanical watches
case height:14mm
case width:40mm
Strap width:20mm
At BABALINKS.COM, we pride ourselves on eliminating lengthy shipping times by partnering with local fulfilment warehouses and suppliers. This strategic approach drastically reduces the delivery time for our customers, allowing you to receive your desired items much faster than the weeks-long wait typically associated with international shipping. Whether you're purchasing clothing, electronics, home goods, or any other products, our efficient supply chain ensures swift delivery right to your doorstep.
In addition to speeding up delivery, our approach also translates into significant cost savings. By sourcing products locally, we avoid expensive international shipping fees and import taxes, which enables us to offer competitive prices. We believe in providing access to quality products without breaking the bank, and our commitment to affordability is evident in our pricing.
At BABALINKS.COM, our goal is to save you both time and money. By shipping products directly from local warehouses and suppliers, we ensure fast delivery, affordable prices, and a diverse range of quality products. Enjoy the convenience of modern shopping by choosing our online local retail shop for all your needs.
In today's global supply chain, international distribution centers play a pivotal role. As global shipping costs continue to rise, having local fulfilment centers and suppliers worldwide helps us cut both shipping costs and delivery times for our customers.
Our worldwide local fulfilment warehouses and suppliers are located in the following countries:
Experience the advantages of local fulfilment with BABALINKS.COM, where we prioritise your convenience and satisfaction.
Our mission is to provide a seamless and convenient online shopping experience for customers, offering a wide range of high-quality products at competitive prices. We aim to exceed customer expectations by delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining a user-friendly platform that is secure and trustworthy. We strive to be the preferred online local retail shop for customers around the world, offering a diverse selection of products to meet their needs and preferences.
Our vision is to revolutionise the online retail industry by continually innovating and adapting to the evolving needs of our customers. We take pride in our efficient and cost-effective service that sets us apart from traditional retail stores. We have revolutionised the shopping experience by dispatching products directly from your local warehouses and suppliers in each respective country. This innovative approach allows us to provide exceptional convenience, save valuable time, and offer affordable prices to our customers. We aim to build a brand that is synonymous with quality, reliability, convenience, performance and value. We aspire to become a global leader in the online local retail space, known for our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and ethical business practices.
We envision a future where customers can effortlessly find and purchase their desired products from our platform, while also enjoying a personalised and engaging shopping experience.
1. Customer-centricity: We prioritise the needs and satisfaction of our customers above all else. We strive to provide exceptional customer service, personalised shopping experiences, and promptresolution of any concerns or issues.
2. Quality: We are committed to offering only high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations. We carefully curate our product selection to ensure they are reliable, durable, and valuefor money.
3. Trust and Transparency: We believe in building trust with our customers by being transparent in our businesspractices. We provide accurate product descriptions, clear pricing, and honest reviews to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
4. Innovation: We embrace innovation and continuously seek new ways to enhance the online shopping experience. We invest in advanced technologies and platforms to provide a seamless and user-friendly interface, making shopping convenient and enjoyable for our customers.
5. Integrity: We conduct our business with the utmost integrity, adhering to ethical standards and legal requirements. We value honesty, fairness, and ethical behaviour in all our interactions with customers, suppliers, and partners.
6. Teamwork and Collaboration: We foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration, recognising that our success is a result of collective efforts. We encourage open communication, respect diverse perspectives, & empower our employees to contribute their ideas & expertise.
7. Sustainability: We are committed to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. We strive tominimise our carbon footprint, reduce waste, and support eco-friendly initiatives. We also promote ethical sourcing and fair trade practices to ensure the well-being of workers and communities.


text:
Tax included and shipping calculated at checkout
A fabulous new yarn from The Little Grey Sheep.
We had a problem.
After Susie shearing, and us both hand sorting over 400 fleeces from our fine wool flocks, we ended up with a batch of fibre which did not meet the minimum 75mm length required for worsted spinning. But what to do? we couldn't bring ourselves to not use this luxurious, lustrous fine wool, but it couldn't be added to our current yarn. So as my Nan use to say, 'When in doubt hoard it' So we stored it.
Susie an experienced shepherdess and award winning shearer, spends the summer months shearing small flocks of traditional British breed sheep. Susie was very concerned as this beautiful fibre was going to waste. These farmers had small flocks, which were truly loved and cared for, but were not producing enough fleece to warrant it being spun.
So we hatched a plan, to work with these farmers, and produce a blend from the county we call home. It was to be a truly British yarn, traditionally woollen spun and produced in Yorkshire. Working alongside skilled artisans that bring the heritage of Yorkshires historic textile industry into the modern era.
The Hampshire is a scrumptious lofty yarn, with good stitch definition. Once blocked the fabric blooms and has a silky quality which only improves with wear. Just right for a snuggly cardigan or a colour work project. The colours are based on the natural colours of our home county, working with the variegated base rather than trying to obliterate it with saturated colour.
Why love us and invest it our yarn?
Our farm has been here since Tudor times. Historically low intensive mixed farming was the best way to keep disease down and biodiversity up. Preserving the countryside and native wild life through traditional farming practices continues to be our priority to this day.
From start to finish, lambing, making the hay we feed, through to the scouring (washing) plant and spinning mill, right back to the hand dyeing on the farm. Everything is done in the UK.
Only pure virgin wool is used, no chlorine chemical treatments, no super wash just as nature intended.
Each part of the process relies on the artisans expertise, it takes years of training to produce our yarn, but it takes something else as well. Passion. Everyone involved, is nuts about producing the best of British yarn from Susie shearing, Matt washing and Michael spinning. Lastly but not least me hand dyeing every skein for your enjoyment.
We are able to dye to order
420m about 100g
26 x 36 on 2.75mm needles
Hand Wash 15°C, Cool Iron, Do Not Bleach, Do Not Tumble Dry, Dry Flat
Postage may be delayed due to us working on the farm, or spinning, please be patient.
All orders dispatched by FIRST CLASS POST
30 day no-quibble RETURNS as long as yarn is returned in same condition as it was sent.


text:
Wherein a surgeon tells some stories, shares some thoughts, and occasionally shoots off his mouth. Like a surgeon.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sad Times
[This post is another of my forewarned weekend rants, written in part a while ago, during my outage.]
The New York Times recently ran an article that hits home. For a variety of reasons, I've been feeling pretty depressed; if you put my mood on a pie-chart, the state of our nation and world occupies a large part of the dark areas. The rest, well, it's just who I am, and not worth sharing.
If anything, the article doesn't plumb deeply enough. The world IS depressing; and to the extent that some people don't see it that way, well, that's depressing, too. Where to start? OK, how about the war in Iraq?
I accept that some don't see it as the worst mistake ever made by a US president since the beginning of the Republic. It most certainly was, but that not everyone agrees isn't what disturbs me. What does, is that the argument for ending the war is characterized by all the Republican candidates as "surrender," as a great victory for al Queda. But it seems so obvious: our being there in the first place is an enormous victory for AQ. If you were a bunch of guys living in a cave, who had no army, no means on their own to take down this country, wouldn't it be perfect to sucker us into an endless war, depleting our military, our treasure, and our standing in the world, while providing them with a steady stream of recruits? In order to avoid "waving the white flag," as McCain et al like to put it, we must keep doing exactly what those cave-dwellers want: stay there forever, bleeding ourselves to death, and blatantly disregarding everything we've always stood for; not to mention ignoring the things that really might make us safer. On their own, terrorists could hurt but have no means to destroy us, yet it seems they inveigled us very possibly to have done it to ourselves. I'm not arguing that we have no obligation to the Iraqis whose country we so carelessly invaded, nor that leaving wouldn't potentially lead to big trouble within Iraq and beyond. I'm just saying that Bush's war is a win-win for al Queda, and a lose-lose for us. To frame the argument as "white flag" versus "love America" is depressing political bullshit. And stupidity. In his culminating project, ending his string of flip-flops du jour, Romney said, in effect, that voting for a Democrat is "surrendering to terror." How venal is that? How completely despicable!
"Stay on offense." "Strong on terror." What the hell does that mean? Invade another few countries? Of course we need to be intensely vigilant and to intervene when it makes sense. That requires the gathering intelligence; doing so, among other things, depends on having friends around the world who'll help provide it. Which is why it's so important to be respected and admired, rather than hated. Or laughed at. Mitt wanted to "double Guantanamo." If we are so insecure about the ability of democracy and our Constitution to deal with such an enemy, then what the hell are we doing trying to export such a system to the rest of the world?
It's depressing to hear the Republican candidates promise to be like George Bush only more so. McCain: more war, lower taxes. Giuliani wanted even bigger tax cuts. At their debates, they elbowed each other out of the way to exhume the corpse of Ronald Reagan. How many examples do we need before we agree that Reaganomics doesn't work? Reagan instituted tax cuts, everyone felt great, while the deficits mushroomed. It doomed George's dad, who followed him. Clinton raised taxes, Tom Delay and Newt Gingrich screamed, but it brought the budget into balance, the economy roared back; then Bush cut taxes, the Republicans felt great, the deficit once again skyrocketed, and the economy is crashing like the house of cards that it obviously was. And yet... all we hear from the right is a return to Reagan (who also, by the way, reversed all of Carter's initiatives to reduce oil consumption -- and look where that's gotten us.)
"George Bush has kept us safe." Reminds me of the guy falling off the Empire State Building who says, as he passes the thirtieth floor, "So far, so good." The things that HAVE kept us safe, any president would have done: airport security (anyone remember what a fiasco it was at first, because of Bush's insistence -- or was it Cheney's? -- that it be privatized); surveillance (any reason why it couldn't have been done legally; change the law if needed?) The centerpiece, the central front -- ie, Iraq -- has by no reality-based measure made us safer. The opposite is undeniably true. And the list of remaining needs is long.
Some things seem so obvious that they ought to transcend politics. Why is it only Republicans who deny global warming? Why do the people who believe Earth is six thousand years old (or is it twelve?), who want evolution out of school curricula and creationism in, come from the right wing? As the current government overtly tries to redact and ignore science, why isn't everyone screaming bloody murder?!!
How can anyone argue that the institution of marriage is threatened if people of the same sex who love each other have access to it? If your religion doesn't allow it, fine. No church ought to perform marriages of which it doesn't approve. But why prevent another from doing it? Why amend the Constitution? Where's the harm? I've been married thirty-six years. I feel not the slightest threat to my marriage if gays join together in love. Moreover, it's clear that sexual preference is for the most part genetically determined. Like claiming the age of the Earth is a few thousand years, arguing that homosexuality is some sort of abomination in the eyes of God is to ignore fact; at the very least, he has seen to it that there are gays in every culture, in every religion, in every age of man. If it's a perversion, who's the pervert? Clearly the fear-based need to cleave to certain beliefs trumps common sense and common decency.
Democrats, the hollerers spew, "blame America first." What crap!! There are those of us who know the transformative power this country can and has shown, who have seen its greatness, and who long for its return. To lament the last seven years is not to hate America, but to pine for lost love. I was in college when JFK was president; only two weeks before his assassination he spoke at my college, and I was there. His vision and his rhetoric, his wit and intelligence -- even his good looks -- were, to a young person like me (idealist, maybe, but not naive), inspiring and energizing. I hear echoes. But not from the right. From them (from their candidates and radio and TV hosts at least), I hear the peddling of fear, of divisiveness, of exclusion. To the extent that there's hope of harnessing the power of the diverse opinions and skills in this country and bringing it again to greatness of the positive kind, that hope resides not Rovian divide-and-conquer politics, but in imagining much more. From another website: "The reason Obama is winning and will win is so simple. Americans want to believe in themselves again." I think it's true for more than Democrats. But is it possible?
As a veteran, I find it depressing that for most Americans, "support our troops" seems to mean sticking a magnet on the back of their vehicle (well, I admit I have one: but it's this); that patriotism is defined only by loving the war in Iraq. When I was in Vietnam, my wife was working for George McGovern, and I felt supported as hell. How many nowadays would park their yellow-ribboned gas-guzzling SUV and agree to a tax surcharge to pay for the war and its long-lingering needs for our vets? Show of hands?
Ever since Ronald Reagan declared the US was once again "walking tall" after we (wow, successfully!!) invaded that super-power known as Grenada, keeping the world safe for people who couldn't get into American medical schools, there are some that are only proud of this country when it's "kicking ass." That form of patriotism is good for selling flags and ribbons and bumper stickers, but for not much else.
The people who would label me an America-hater and an infidel want to believe in fantasy, to live on borrowed money, to let another generation deal with the mess our politicians (and those who elected them) have made. Unfortunately, they may well have been successful to the point of no return. I'd like to think Barack Obama is right, that there is hope. In the thirst to be proud of this county again, and to be inspired one more time before senescence, I'm willing to risk disappointment. But I think it's too late. We're screwed, and we've done it to ourselves; by succumbing to fear and superstition, by twice electing a president who clearly does not believe in what has, until recently, made our country great. Respect: given and received. Laws: made and followed. Discourse: valued and encouraged. Reason: sought and produced. Power: respected and reserved.
Other than that, I'm feeling pretty good. And believe it or not, I edited a lot of stuff out before I posted this.
50 comments:
You are my new favorite person. Congratulations!
Sid, it's your blog, and you can do what you want with it, but any more of this stuff will lose you your audience, and the profession of surgery will be the worse for it.
Gruntdoc said it best (Feb 10):
I am very tired of reading political diatribes on otherwise worthy medical blogs. If you're going to do them, please tell us in big letters that a) it's political, not medical, therefore out of your area of specialized knowledge and just a muddled recapitulation of what others of your particular political bent have already said (and have said better), and b) tell us if you're kidding. The one I read tonight I had to read twice it was so bad. I was sure it was a joke. Apparently not, which is a pity. Do us all a favor and just comment in the forums at your favorite "me, too" political place. That's what I do, as a service to you, my dear readers. Nobody comes here to see what I think about any politics outside medicine, and I respect all my readers enough to not insult the half who won't agree with me if I did. Oh, and my presidential endorsement remains. - 2/17/2008 9:05 AM
- Nurse K said...
" Reminds me of the guy falling off the Empire State Building who says, as he passes the thirtieth floor, "So far, so good."
I don't think the people jumping off the WTC were equally as impressed with their level of security. - 2/17/2008 9:18 AM
Sid, I was going to remark about how you write so many words without swearing! I can't get past the first paragraph, usually. But then I read your friend JB's comment.
Dear Gruntdoc, who/whereever you are: Sid's right and you are an ostrich. :P Heh, now that the obligatory name-calling is out of the way, the name-dropping. In spite of your pseudononymous Gruntings, Howard Zinn actually said it best, "Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that numbers of people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of the leaders of their government and have gone to war, and millions have been killed because of this obedience. . . Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty"
So, JB, go ahead and turn off Sid's channel and enjoy your gated-and-blinkered community while it lasts. Those of us stuck in the real world have a tendency to think, and speak, outside *your* area of specialized knowledge and that clearly makes you uncomfortable. Just one of many projects we're not qualified to write about is called democracy. We'd like to actually try it out sometime. If that's okay with you. - 2/17/2008 9:25 AM
- Sid Schwab said...
Well, jb, other than the fact that it's small letters and not big ones, I did exactly what you said. The post begins with such a warning, and was preceded last week by an explanation and a plan to post these rants on weekends. I don't much care if I lose readers -- although I'd think most are able to separate one type of post from another. I don't see why it must be so that only talking heads, or typing fingers, of the overtly political sort can be allowed to express opinions, especially in these times of such truly existential import. I don't care what medbloggers think about football teams, but many of them post on that.
I don't blog for money; there will always (until I run out) be posts on surgical matters, and the older ones get regular read by people searching for useful information. I've appreciated your comment in the past, and I hope you'll come back in the future. Rants such as these will always be so labeled. No need to read further when you see the warning. It'll probably be better for your general health. - 2/17/2008 9:26 AM
Agree, and agree Sid. Thanks for a great post.
If we have to put up with medical bloggers with no background in health policy waxing on about health policy, then you're plenty welcome to tell it like you see it (and how I see it, too).
I also appreciate such a respected surgeon being so progressive about gay marriage, too. A pleasant surprise.
Having a "War on Terror" is like having a "War on Jealousy," as David Cross says. It's one you can never win, but it does a great job of scaring people into doing what you want them to do! - 2/17/2008 9:34 AM
- Patrick Bageant said...
"If it's a perversion, who's the pervert?"
I actually laughed so hard I lost my place on the screen!
jb: I don't buy it. I just wrote a long, long comment about what the fuck you might mean by "the profession of surgery will be the worse for it," but my cooler head prevailed I deleted it. I'll just say I disagree, and I don't think your prediction will bear out. - 2/17/2008 9:36 AM
- Sid Schwab said...
I certainly don't expect these posts to be non-controversial, and I understand jb's point of view, though I don't agree. I'd be honored if there's lively conversation here, and most hopeful that it will remain as civil as it seems so far, mostly.
- Patrick Bageant said...
Hey, just sticking my head in to say, "Sorry about the F word, jb." It adds a bunch of malice that you don't need.
Also, Sid: The effect on your readership is an empirical question: you once said that your traffic dips on weekends, and picks up on weekdays. This reader (and weekend warrior? maybe that's the name of your weekend column!) would be curious to know if, after a month or so, the traffic flow changes . . . ? - 2/17/2008 9:49 AM
- Not Important said...
Dr. Schwab,
I hope to meet you someday in person. - 2/17/2008 9:56 AM
- Sid Schwab said...
Gdad: likewise. We have good friends in Cleveland, whom we visit once in a while...
- MamaBee said...
I think you have some excellent points, and I found your entry thought-provoking. I read it to my husband and at the end he said, "Smart guy. He sounds like an engineer."
I told him you were a surgeon, and he said, "Yeah. Same thing, only the parts are floppier." Then he thought about it for a minute and said, "He probably wouldn't be amused by that, but it's a compliment." - 2/17/2008 10:08 AM
- rlbates said...
Dr Sid, I especially like this:
"made our country great. Respect: given and received. Laws: made and followed. Discourse: valued and encouraged. Reason: sought and produced. Power: respected and reserved."
I like Obama as an orator. I might even like him as a person if I got to meet him. But I worry about the "univeral healthcare" that the democrats purpose. I happen to believe in personal responsibility. I think we have a personal responsibility to do our personal best to be healthy. We doctors are there to help our patients do that. But I don't think the government should be my employer.
That said, I would join the armed services to provide care to the soldiers and their families (not sure they would take a 50 yo). My husband would not be happy with that decision. I will not "accept" Tri-care or Medicare or Medicaid. The reasons would take too much space. I will take care of them on an individual basis.
Keep writing Dr Sid, no matter the subject. I'll stop by and read. And like a few of your other readers, I hope to meet you in person some day. - 2/17/2008 10:29 AM
I, for one, deeply appreciate the honest and deep reflection of these weekend posts (and the prior 'political' posts in the past about the Iraq war). Please keep them up. You are more articulate than I could ever be--and you spark good, thoughtful discussion here that helps us all, regardless of political persuasion, come to better positions.
Andy - 2/17/2008 10:36 AM
- RiddleMeThis said...
rlbates: If insurance companies didn't have outrageous standards of who and who cannot have health insurance, and ludicrous costs for employers, I would agree with you that people need to take their own responsibility for their health.
Unfortunately, health care is not accessible to everyone. Many corporations don't offer health insurance to the lower employees, and if those people have a pre-existing medical condition, they are out of luck. It's simply unethical and there needs to be a change.
I think we as a nation, as well as our "Politicians" need to look at the options, and have serious discussions to find a rational and practical way for everyone to have health care.
These are not easy times for sure, but we need to stop watching the talking heads discuss these issues, and start taking these matters into our own hands, and community. - 2/17/2008 10:57 AM
- Justine Johnston Hemmestad said...
Dr. Schwab,
What a wonderfully insightful and thought-provoking post, you should be proud (I say that knowing how important it is for brain health to live in expanded thought). I heard Barack Obama say this morning that what he must first do is INSPIRE a nation, then he can work on doing the right things. I believe he's right, and for me, its such a wonderful thing to trust my belief in him, to feel like my family and I can rest in safety if he is our president. As a country, we must know what it means to feel inspired...inspired as in Lincoln or Kennedy inspired. By contrast I listened to Romney's speech as he withdrew his candidacy and I felt that he was inciting (the impatience of) fear...The difference is quite clear. One candidate will offer fear, the other candidate will offer (the patience of) hope. - 2/17/2008 11:10 AM
Since this is a ranting weekend. Can someone answer questions on universal healthcare?!! I'm an independent in Ohio with my ballot in hand not knowing who to vote for!! I don't think any of them know what to do with the war. I don't just blame the Bush adminstration as Congress helped. I remember in grade school that our government was set up with checks and balances. So, I don't think the Democrats have any better answers then the Republicans. I do know that Obama did not join the cause, but something tells me not to trust him. I don't know what it is but it comes from the gut. Then Oprah endorsed him and that totally turned me off Obama. Then there is Hilliary...she seems to always be on a power trip and she has to many scandals that have surrounded her. McCain... no personality do I say more. Huckabee is the guy I would have a conversation over dinner with, but to religious for my vote. Yes, I'm a Christian, go figure.
Back to universal health care... "a guarantee of health care does not guarantee quality health care." That is a theme I've heard over as I have researched this issue. I've looked at other countries with unviversal health care who appreared to have many problems... quality of care, death rate increased, waiting list?. So, can you professionals discuss this as I don't believe the politicians. They usually just tell you what you want to hear. I do think something has to change, but I'm not one to rush out buy something because everyone tells me to do so. I would appreciate the people in the line of fire giving me their input. I think you guys can give me better information.
Sid, it is your blog, so whatever you want. If something has a problem with it they either get over it or go on. You did give a disclaimer at the beginning. - 2/17/2008 11:28 AM
- Sid Schwab said...
mamabee: tell your husband he's wrong. I love that comment. I'll have to use it myself!
anonymous 11:28. It's a good and important question. I just hope this comment thread doesn't go off in that direction, because I'm enjoying the comments on the subject(s) of this post. Good and bad. It's a huge subject, is universal healthcare. I put in my two cents here and here, a while back, and there are extensive comments from professionals in them. I'm in a minority of docs on that subject. - 2/17/2008 1:50 PM
- Sid Schwab said...
ramona: I have reservations, too; in part it's because all the plans continue to use insurance companies which suck away so many healthcare dollars. Nor do I kid myself about costs, problems, etc. But, when people don't take responsibility and don't have coverage, we end up paying for it anyway, just less directly. I also think it's a pretty sure bet that whatever legislation happens, if it happens at all, will look nothing like any current candidate's plan.
- net said...
Amen, Doc! Preach it!
- Lynn Price said...
I heard Barack Obama say this morning that what he must first do is INSPIRE a nation, then he can work on doing the right things.
He's got it backwards. People draw inspiration from KNOWING what those "right things" are. So far, Obama has kept this a tight secret. - 2/17/2008 2:35 PM
- Bongi said...
straight off, i'm not american, so my opinion is of little concern here. but....
sid, you will never lose me as an avid reader of your work. please continue with your 'controversial political commentaries'.
in our small neck of the woods, we were attacked by a superpower. ok it was 1899, but, deep in our psyche we distrust big brothers coming with guns to 'liberate' us from our 'backward' ideas.
we also jokingly say that the americans have their president because they deserve him. let's face it, you guys are the laughing stock of the thinking world. why vote him in again???? sid is right when he says that you need to restore your reputation on the world stage.
but i speak from the perspective of a small nation that has never been a world player (except when we held the super power of the day at bay for three years), so, except for my excitement at the voice of reason that is sid's, please ignore all the rest of my ramblings - 2/17/2008 2:47 PM
- Sid Schwab said...
lynn: you've picked up the meme coming from the right: that Obama is only talk. If you take the time to go to his website, you'll see policy in detail that is quite more than McCain. And I think you missed the point: he says that in order to accomplish real changes in how the US does political business, there needs to be a strong level of support from the electorate. If he gets it, he'll be able to do some of the things he talks about, but it'll take a groundswell to overcome the entrenched legislators who pander only to their party's base with no willingness to find ways to solve problems. Their goal is re-election only; but if people -- meaning rational people from both sides of the aisle -- make it clear that they won't get re-elected if they keep behaving like that, then things might actually happen for the greater good. Open your mind to the possibility, at least; who knows, some day I might even reconsider Reiki!
- Sid Schwab said...
I got an email from a reader who tried to post but for some reason, was unable. At his request, I post his comment for him:
Sid -
It needs to be said, not just on political blogs but on all blogs written by intelligent writers such as yourself.
I look forward to your weekend rants.
I think that what the Republicans have been doing to this country is the obscenity. They know the words of morality but are blind to the deeds. They have been busy writing garbage laws to make "In God We Trust" more prominent on our money while ignoring the corruption of the "rebuilding of Iraq" by money-grubbing contractors who don't even want to hire Iraqis to do the work.
That's the obscenity.
The healthcare system in the United States is an obscenity; health insurance is a "perk" for most companies while those who work for smaller companies are left to fend for themselves. They avoid going to the doctor when signs of illness first show themselves because they can't afford to go until their only option which remains is the ER. In the meantime, without treatment, viruses flow through the air to the rest of us.
That's an obscenity.
Republicans in Minnesota are defending their senator by attacking Al Franken for his "nastiness." I call Al Franken "blunt." We need Al Franken and others like him in the Senate no matter who the President turns out to be - Senators who are unafraid to use a four-letter word occasionally when faced with corruption and real-world obscenities.
jb can safely ignore these rants if he wants. I'll keep reading them. And I am not even a surgeon.
Mike Haubrich, FCD - 2/17/2008 3:19 PM
- Ladyk73 said...
I think it is admirable that you spoke your mind.
My Liberal friends think I am conservative, my conservative friends think I am liberal.
(I've been told I have been rational).
I think all those who are running on admirable on many levels. When I vote, I don't read the ads, I read about their voting record.
I have lots to say...
But I think those who votes for whoever the AMA, the AAPA, CWA, SEIU, etc...tells them what to do, should take a minute and think.
You are a thinker.
I biggest thing we need is HOPE.
Thanks for your thoughts - 2/17/2008 3:23 PM
- Justine Johnston Hemmestad said...
You're great, Dr. Schwab, and on a side note, my step father in law is on his second tour of duty in Iraq. - 2/17/2008 3:51 PM
It seemed I touched a nerve with my Grundoc quote. Good.
My concern is that you are a gifted surgeon, and a gifted writer. When you write about surgery, you make my life easier, and better, because you teach me about my craft, and you teach civilians about it also, in a way that I wish that I could. For that I thank you, and admire you, and fervently hope that you continue.
When you stray into politics, you are doing something that you have every right to do, as I stated in my earlier post. For what may be selfish reason, I wish that you wouldn't. You are getting into an area where your expertise, however well validated by other posters, is minimal. While it may get you a short term warm feeling due to the "attaboys" from people who agree with you, it damages your credibility among many who, unlike me, may incorrectly assume that your veracity in things surgical parallels your expertise in political matters.
You have accepted the NY Times version of reality- military stretched beyond capacity, destroyed economy, the whole ChimpyCheneyBushHalliburton end of the world as we know it. From my perspective, when a bunch of folks proclaim that they want to destroy us, I'm happy to take it to them. It hasn't been done perfectly, but it has been done damn well, liberating two nations out of totalitarianism in the process. Our losses and costs, while high, have been lower than any other similar activity in the history of the world. If you don't shudder when you read the rantings of the anti-American and anti-Semitic trash that comes out of the enemy, it's because, like many of the people on the hard left, you believe that history began last week. It didn't. It didn't even begin in the 1930s, but that is a good place to start. They want to do the same thing to us. Don't let the cave dwellers fool you. The only reason that some of them are in the caves is that the US military keeps them there. They have other plans for us. Never again. - 2/17/2008 4:57 PM
- Sid Schwab said...
jb: well, look how easy it was to express your opinion, and well. Sorta like me. I don't buy the "credibility" issue: if people distrust my surgical posts because I'm a liberal, well, that would be strange indeed.
As to the stretched military, it's the generals who say so, including the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs. As to cost: in today's dollars, only WWII was higher, per several charts I've seen. As to our standing in the world (I realize some don't care, but I think it's crucial) you only have to listen to other world leaders, international polls, etc. And it ain't just the NYT that says the economy is in rough shape: surely you agree with that.
I was wholly in favor of the Afganistan war, and horrified when we left it half done to go where there was no threat. The "liberation" was the easy part. The havoc wreaked will require generations to fix. And the idea that we're just running up debt to pay for the war is a disaster in the making . Made.
The cave-dwellers haven't fooled me: I realize the threat. They fooled George Bush, by getting him to take his eye off the ball and getting tied up forever in a way that only helps them. And they were living in caves long before the US military showed up. They are, evidently, totally safe there.
Expertise? None, I suppose, other than being a very engaged voter who reads politics voraciously, from many points of view. Books, magazines, newspapers, internet. You didn't touch any of my nerves, nor in any way offended me: I'm happy to have the discussion, even if I don't change any minds. - 2/17/2008 5:45 PM
My grandfather's chief of staff from his US Senate days, at Grandpa's funeral, quoted what the chief of staff of another Senator had said to him: "You're lucky: you always know how your guy is going to vote. By his conscience. My guy hides in the closet till he sees how things are swinging so that he'll always vote on the winning side." (My grandfather was a Republican who voted for the Civil Rights Voting Act of 1964, with conviction that it was the right thing to do, and was widely denounced for it at the time in his party. History has a way of clearing the view over time...)
I've thought of that staffer's quote many times of late. Obama was willing to vote his conscience and vote against expanding the war to Iraq, voting by what he felt was right, no matter what it appeared at the time that it might cost him personally.
I guess I'm answering anonymous at 11:28. - 2/17/2008 8:17 PM
- gay CME guy said...
Another excellent post. I don't get jb's comments about how this somehow diminishes your medical postings. One of the reasons I keep coming back is because you speak on things other than just medical. You are insightful, well thought, and to piggyback on Graham, I appreciate your gay supportive views (which have little to do with you being a surgeon). jb, perhaps a less myopic view of your own would expand your own horizons. I don't think you'll bw losing your audience.
Thank you for your thoughts, your words, and for being the man of your convictions that you are, and for saying it like it is. - 2/17/2008 8:24 PM
- Sid Schwab said...
alison: how impressive to have a grandfather who was a US Senator, especially in that era, and willing to vote for the voting rights act. My brother was Senate page, in about 1960, for Richard Neuberger, a moderate Democrat from Oregon. Maybe he knew your grandfather. In those times, as you know, there was actual collegiality among them all, and members of both parties who worked in cooperation with each other: Javits, Dirksen, Goldwater, Neuberger; nearly all of them, really. Could it happen again? One can hope. But probably not.
- Patrick Bageant said...
I think there is something fundamentally wrong with the "leave it to the experts" model of social discourse: it is undemocratic.
I bristled this morning because I perceived (correctly or not) the suggestion that surgery might be better off if it stayed out of politics.
Well, maybe that's true as far as it goes. I guess I don't know.
But whatever the effect on surgery, all of us will surely be worse off if surgeons stay out of politics. Surgeons, like university professors, judges, lawyers, etc., represent the minds of our culture. It is as senseless to pigeonhole them into their profession as it would be to refuse to use the fire extinguisher in the hall because the fire is in the kitchen. (Okay, sloppy metaphor. Sorry.) The point is that asking surgeons to check their tongue on politics is a a waste of intellectual energy that is likely to hurt all of us in the long run.
I grew up in rural Idaho, where poor rural voters turned out for Bush in droves. They have no clue that his policies are part of the reason they hurt so much. And they are not likely to come around on their own -- someone has to show 'em. Now, who is that going to be if everyone keeps their nose in their work?
I politely submit that talking politics and taking an, ethical, human line like Dr. Schwab has done here is the most professional thing a person can do. Workers in the trades go to work for a wage, and leave their work behind them at 5:00 PM. The professions link their work to the greater well being of a the community as a whole. I know that sounds like hokey BS, but that is the fundamental distinction between, say practicing medicine and selling Band-Aids, or practicing law and filing motions, or teaching and instructing. It is the distinction between a profession and a trade. It would be a far greater disservice to the profession of surgery if Dr. Schwab or any other surgeon were to reduce it to a trade by declining to mix his life with his work.
The suggestion that Dr. Schwab may do a disservice to his profession when he mixers his medicine and politics has it backwards. Dr. Schwab is only a professional in the true sense to the degree he does precisely that.
That's just my humble, young, ill advised and likely idealistic two cents. But I don't WANT to get my political advice from the experts or the pundits or the informed sources. Or, at least I don't want to get all of it there. I also want -- need, even -- to hear someone say, "last time I saw this happen was . . . " or, "This reminds me of when . . ." or, "I've been bothered by this for 30 years, and here is why . . ." or whatever. I don't think I am unusual in that respect.
So, rock on, Dr. Schwab. This week, Monday is the weekend too, you know! - 2/17/2008 8:55 PM
- Sid Schwab said...
FWIW, my interpretation of jb's "surgery will be the worse for it" comment was actually complimentary: he was, I think, saying that it would be too bad if I lost readership because the surgery aspects of the blog are good for the profession. But maybe not.
Thanks for sending me your previous posts. I had no intentions of sending the thread into the wrong direction. I've been reading/researching since I put the kids to bed. I feel like I have some better answers. I still have a couple of weeks to go over all the information.
Sorry that you had a "depressing mood" but hope that you see the beauty within our country. My hometown, Allen Co. KY lost 4 people to the recent tornadoes. Macon Co. Tn (13 died, 300 homes destroyed) is just across the line or as we say "spitting distance". (no hillbilly jokes!!) The land, homes, livestock, are gone but not the spirit of the community. No politician brought that out. It was the people who brought hope to those who had none. Put that in your pocket to brighten your tomorrow.
Good night. - 2/17/2008 9:37 PM
Sid, your interpretation of my comment regarding your possible audience loss is 100% correct. Like it or not, this country is pretty evenly divided on its view of Bush as either the worse president ever, or one whom history will treat a lot more kindly than present day comments suggest (if you don't think that's possible, check out what was said about Harry Truman when he was president). I'm in the latter group- I think that a lot of things that Pres. Bush has done were bad, but I think overall he will prove to be a force for good, and I shudder to think where we would be today if Gore, Kerry, or Clinton (any Clinton) were in the Oval Office today. My opinion. Some of your correspondents will think I'm an idiot and skip over this and any of my future posts. Not a problem. It is a problem, in my view, if some of your readers think that you are a Code Pink/Cindy Sheehan/Michael Moore type nutjob because of your political posts, and skip over your terrific surgery writings.
I'm going to let this thread go now. Just wanted to clear that up. - 2/18/2008 6:35 AM
- mark's tails said...
Sid Wrote: If you were a bunch of guys living in a cave, who had no army, no means on their own to take down this country, wouldn't it be perfect to sucker us into an endless war, depleting our military, our treasure, and our standing in the world, while providing them with a steady stream of recruits?
That's exactly how they brought down Russia or have we already forgotten the Russian-Afghan war that was covertly funded by America. Sure it led to what now seems to be the temporary downfall of Communism but it also put the Taliban in power in Afghanistan.
Sadly America is responsible for it's current place in Global politics and for creating many more of the same terrorists we want so desperately to fight. It's going to take a lot of work to fix it.
PS it's your blog, write what you want. Although I don't think you need to see those words from me.
Regards - 2/18/2008 6:43 AM
- Sid Schwab said...
jb: thanks. I don't think I'll live long enough to witness the judgment of history; but it seems impossible that a president who ran up trillions of dollars of debt and left it for the next generations, and who embarked on a war for a variety of ever-changing reasons that upset the balance of power in the Middle East in favor of Iran and Syria will be regarded favorably. If things eventually work out over there it will be in spite of, not because of the misadventure. It'd be like giving credit to a person who started a forest fire that led to better fire control, after burning a million acres. But I've appreciated your comments. It's a weird and discouraging world.
- Alex Stoker said...
I realise that much has already been said on this, but isn't politics and government supposed to be of the people, by the people, for the people?
I'm pretty sure the root origin of the word lies with the Greek for citizen, much as Policeman, and Metropolis. As such, isn't everyone's view not just valid, but a form of expert opinion?
Or am I being too British? (See Bongi's comment)
"Politicks is the science of good sense, applied to public affairs, and, as those are forever changing, what is wisdom to-day would be folly and perhaps, ruin to-morrow. Politicks is not a science so properly as a business. It cannot have fixed principles, from which a wise man would never swerve, unless the inconstancy of men's view of interest and the capriciousness of the tempers could be fixed." [Fisher Ames (1758–1808)]
- Lynn Price said...
Open your mind to the possibility, at least; who knows, some day I might even reconsider Reiki!
Good one, Sid. Actually, I'm not a McCain fan, either. I don't consider myself a Republican, but rather, a conservative. To date, no one floats my boat other than Newt (waiting for tossed snowballs to fling my way). I can't go with any of the Democrats because they aren't conservative. They want to help themselves to more of my hard-earned money in all their entitlement programs.
As for Iraq, I believed in the war in the beginning because I used to live there, and in Iran, and in Saudi Arabia. Anyone who believes Saddam didn't spirit his weaponry to Syria isn't facing reality. They have/had every intention of blasting us off the earth. Same goes for Iran.
We knew this was going to be a long war, but I don't think Bushy has done right with his decisions. And, he's no conservative.
Now, as for the Reiki, y'all come on down and let me melt your synapses sometime. - 2/18/2008 10:30 AM
- Lynn Price said...
Added to say: hey, this is your blog and you have every right to speak your political mind even though this is a medblog. Geez, we are still in America, right?
- Sid Schwab said...
Lynn: Newt is a bright and witty and thoughtful guy who very often says things worth thinking about. Were it not for the fact that he is perhaps the single person most associated with the beginning of the "the other side is evil and deserves nothing but derision" brand of politics now so prevalent, I might even consider him a worthy person. But he is. So I don't.
You, on the other hand, are surely worthy, even as we disagree. - 2/18/2008 10:42 AM
Remember that John Kennedy upped the ante in Viet Nam, right after the Bay of Pigs failure. I remember vividly his going on TV and apologizing for the B. of P., taking full responsibility. With his untimely death he escaped responsibility for Viet Nam.
- Alpha Female said...
Thank you Dr. Schwab for writing so eloquently what I've been feeling for so long. Don't listen to the naysayers, for we all have a duty as Americans to become involved in the governing of our country - even if that's just by posting insightful and heartfelt political "diatribes" on a medical blog :-)
This post made me cry - everything makes me cry, so don't take it personally - but it so wonderful to see an American being passionate about these things that seem so important to me. I won't have a vote in the US election but what happens will affect everyone everywhere and it is heartening to see an American voter who cares so much about things that I believe in also.
Personally, I prefer this to the surgery stuff, but that's just me. - 2/19/2008 10:36 AM
I am a medical professional; I enjoy your blog. I disagree with most of your political writing.
It is called the War on Terror simply because of political correctness (an invention of the Left) It is a war on jihadists/radical islam.
That is the group that attacked us and has been responsible for most of the global terrorism within the past 40years.
I voted for Bush 43 twice; I am very disappointed in his performance but that being said given the choice I'd rather have him as POTUS in a time of war than any of the alternatives.
I view the conflict in Iraq as a spark that will bring change and force radical Islam into the 21st century. We freed a quarter of a billion men, women and children from two tyrannical regimes (Afganisthan and Iraq)the nationbuilding process in both those countries will take years but will bear fruit.
This war will be won on resolve; it will take leaders with same. I'm sorry but I don't see that in Pelosi, Reid, Obama, Clinton, etc. - 2/19/2008 11:51 AM
- Sid Schwab said...
anonymous: I'm glad you like the other stuff. I think it's called the War on Terror (it seems we agree on the stupidity of the name) because Bush wanted a convenient meme by which to anoint himself a self-proclaimed "war president," and as a convenient way to keep us always scared, and to convince people -- you included -- that we need someone like him to keep us safe. It's a war, but not one that will be won with armies. The people whom you dismiss understand much better than he, in my opinion, what it will in fact require to win, and they take the task as seriously as anyone; they just have a clearer eye on what's needed. The war in Iraq -- need I say it again? -- has done exactly the opposite of helping to win that war. Your long-term view is, at this point, the only optimistic one that's left, and I hope it's true. But we'd have gotten then more quickly and in a less devastating way, had we not blundered into the invasion. We may, eventually, be able to put the fire out and to restore and improve the area. Better, however, not to have lit the fire in the first place.
- SeaSpray said...
Well this will be a weird comment in that I haven't read the post and ever so briefly skimmed the 1st few comments.
I am really behind in my blog reading/commenting as my dsl was knocked out by an ice storm and it took 6 days to get the replacement part and now I am personally distracted.
As I said...we are at opposite ends of the spectrum and even though I don't agree with some things, I still read.
I like you as a person...which comes through in your writing and further evidenced in your congenial manner while interviewed by Dr A.
I love your writing and would never stay away because I disagreed with something.
I can also appreciate that some people might stay away because of the intense feeling of having their blood boil and so I do think it is a good idea to warn them if they were seeking only medical posts. :)
To that I would say turn the channel but come back on another day or you will miss good the stuff you came here for in the first place.
How does it go? Sometimes great minds have to agree to disagree. And as long as people are civil...we can all learn from one another. - 2/22/2008 2:57 PM
- Sid Schwab said...
seaspray: hear, hear!
Nurse K
re"I don't think the people jumping off the WTC were equally as impressed with their level of security."
One question. Just what does the WTC destruction have to do with Iraq? Please do answer that one. - 2/23/2008 2:48 PM
- DHS said...
Dear Anonymous 11:51 19 Feb:
I hope your practice is better than your arithmetic. I cannot see where your "quarter of a billion" comes from; the combined populations of Iraq and Afghanistan are only 60 million. - 2/28/2008 4:37 AM
Moving this post to the head of the list, I present a recently expanded sampling of what this blog has been about. Occasional rant aside, i...
In no way is it false modesty to say that physicians are not healers. At best, what we do is to grease the way, to make conditions as favora...
Finally I'm getting around to writing about the gallbladder. Don't know what took me so long, seeing as how, next to hernias it'...
I finished the previous post with the sad story of my patient, illustrating diagnostic difficulties at the fringes of biliary disease. An...


text:
Rai's Mobile Notary LLC & Apostille, with its highly experienced team of professional notary agents, can provide you with insured and bonded mobile notary services across Sikeston City Mobile Notary. With over 10 years of experience, Rai's Mobile Notary LLC & Apostille offers quick and efficient traveling notary services to help you get your legal papers notarized. What's more: Our mobile notary agents in Sikeston City Mobile Notary always make sure that your legal documents are handled in accordance with Sikeston City Mobile Notary's notarial laws.
Rai's Mobile Notary LLC & Apostille is always ready to serve you. Allow our skilled and dedicated team of professional notaries to help you with the following concerns: