Dagny

Man, you can't please anyone these days. Either the instructor is boring is all hell and you can't stay awake or they're animated and outrageous and call themselves God and you're afraid to fall asleep. What's wrong with a little insanity once in a while?

As crazy as it seems that people would find appearances so distracting or enthralling, there was some discussion in the post-debate wrapup about the power appearance has on voters. You've seen that in the upcoming election with discussion over Kerry's tan and long face, the way Bush smirked through the first debate and leaned on the podium. It is said that Nixon's appearance during his 1960 debate with John Kennedy played a key role in his loss. He looked sickly and run down due to weight loss, was seen wiping perspiration from his forehead often, and the freshly painted backdrop had dried to a color matching his suit. Radio listeners overwhelming thought Nixon won the election, while TV viewers felt Kennedy took it. Though it seems to be a small factor, I think both candidates recognized the importance of their appearance as a factor which may help sway votes. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Ha! I'll give him that one. I don't even have to be a poker player to know that I can't read what's behind those droopy eyes of his. So is he bluffing or playing a good hand? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Where does that leave Kerry then? The biggest thing I noticed he was missing on his day at the debates was a facial expression. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

That's one area of unkept promises, then, that I'm not too worried about. I'm not sure it's in the best interest of the country to enable that plan with social security. I just foresee bad investments or wasted funds leaving the aging citizens of the US without any type of retirement income. I'm not saying that everyone would be irresponsible with their money, but I am saying that without a system in place to provide the retired with some form of income I believe there would be a lot more homeless and hungry elderly. Oh! Here's my opinion on Kerry making the "senators' health care plan" available to the general public. I think it's a great idea in theory, but hell...you could show me the hope diamond, too, and just because I want it doesn't mean I can afford to buy it. If the senators have such a lucrative health care plan, I can't imagine how I'd be able to afford it. I think we need to improve the existing insurance coverage for the general public rather than provide a different, surely costly plan that no one can truly afford. (except for those people earning >$200,000 a year, maybe?) Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

You know, I wanted to respond with scathing rhetoric when you called doctors greedy and inferred that the very act of caring for your medical needs isn't the selfless act that it is or can be, but is a selfish attempt to make another payment towards that BMW. But, I won't because I doubt I could change your opinion...and yet, I am saddened by your viewpoint. So, instead, I'll just say that I chose to become a doctor because I enjoy helping people to live healthier, better lives. The most positive trait I have, in my opinion, is my integrity and I struggle daily to maintain it. I am working very hard right now so that when I graduate I can earn a decent living, a comfortable living. But, I would like you to understand that the "perks" don't come without sacrifice. I'm almost 30 years old. I will graduate from school in just over two years with between $200,000 and $250,000 in student loan debt to repay. I have a car that is six years old, but will need to last until the end of my residency. Graduation date, 2007. End of residency, (likely) 2013. My residency years, I'll get to keep up with all my bills on $30-40,000/year. After that, I'll keep paying off student loans (probably for the next 20 years or so). In the meantime, I'd like to have kids. I'd like to get married. My career will make those difficult endeavours at best. I'll need a husband that can deal with a wife who won't be home often and my kids will need a nanny to care for them because I'll only be there half the time. Still, I want to be a doctor because I feel called to this field. It is where I belong. My life isn't easy now and I hear that it doesn't get much better in the coming years, but how do you deny a calling? I just want you to understand that there is a lot of personal sacrifice involved in the career. I want to be an ob/gyn and despite my projected income, I'll have to pay obscene amounts of money for malpractice. Regardless, I belong here and I enjoy helping people. Even the people who think I'm greedy. I believe the income that physicians make is well deserved given the level of education and amount of years of commitment and professional and personal liability they take on in private practice. And also for the personal time they lose. I'm sorry you disagree. You're entitled to that. But, I want you to know that myself and the majority of my classmates are absolutely concerned about providing the best level of care that we can for our patients. It's important to us know and it will be important to us then. Hopefully, when we're practicing we can show our patients what you clearly don't see...that we are empathetic and caring with the patient's best interest at heart. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

True. And no matter who gets elected, I'll be interested to see how they affect the deficit during their tenure in office given their promises to reduce it within the next five years. Okay, what did you think of Bush's proposed social security plan to allow people private control of some of their personal assets? Honestly, I'd rather see the money remain in the social security fund as long as their is some guarantee that when I retire, I'll get what I've earned. If that can't be promised, then I want my money back and I'll take care of myself, thank you very much. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I felt like the religion question was a legitimate query by the moderator. Bush's faith has been brought into many a debate concerning its role in his legislative decisions. I am, without a doubt, for the separation of church and state. However, I felt it was a good opportunity to understand the personal motivation behind the two candidates. Particularly since both claim to be men of faith. Am I the only one who finds it very interesting that two Christian men can have such variable moral beliefs? (i.e. abortion rights, partial birth abortion stance, and homosexual partner rights) And, as far as the first question went, homeland security is a top concern given the continued threats against the US and the breaches of our immigration system which occur regularly. A debate on domestic issues would be remiss without its inclusion. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

You're right. Kerry didn't out her, but her sexuality or lifestyle had no business being brought up (yet again) in the debate. It was inappropriate and unnecessary. What really annoyed me was one of Kerry's campaign managers (cannot remember her name for the life of me) stating in a post-debate interview that Cheney's daughter was "fair game". It seemed more like an underhanded attempt to discourage Bush supporters or undecideds all wrapped up in a not-so-discrete backwards compliment. What I'm curious to know about Kerry is this...how can he take away tax breaks from small business owners (those who earn >200K per year) and implement a higher national minimum wage without causing downsizing and unemployment as well as increased cost to the consumer? The one thing I truly don't understand about his "plan" is how he can implement so many different programs while simultaneously cutting taxes? Overall, I liked this debate almost as much as the recent vice-presidential debate. The only thing that I was disappointed in was the amount of repetitiveness that occurred. Other than that, I thought it was intelligent and well done. And, I also enjoyed Bush's closing statements. I thought they were gracious, hopeful, and concise. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Spiders are a very real and credible threat! One time, I was driving and the H-U-G-E bugger was crawling along the windshield. I thought it was outside where I would be safe, but NO. It stops right in front of me and starts dropping down a web towards my lap. It was horrible...started coming closer and swinging from side to side. I had to swerve the car to the side of the road and jump out and spend the next 10 minutes trying to get it out of the car. Roaches are another part of the "axis of evil". Nasty little things. At least the terrorists can't spin webs out of their butts. *shudder* Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

...at the autopsy I attended this morning. And it was really incredible. As part of my education, I had to attend an autopsy. My "patient" was a male in his mid-70s who died after a night of sex and viagra. I dissected a body in gross anatomy class, but this was way different. Different color, different smell. All in all, we finished up in about two hours. Each internal organ was scrutinized and the cause of death was determined to be related to his heart. Looks like he went do to a lethal arrythmia (his heart had an irregular rhythm which wasn't compatible with life). It's related to his atherosclerosis and an old heart attack. It's amazing how much you can determine from an autopsy. But, hey, what a way to go...a night of sex, then you go to sleep and just don't wake up. I can think of worse things! There were a lot more autopsies waiting to be done...gunshot wounds, automobile accidents, a hanging, nursing home deaths. I only had to do one. You know...it's good to be alive! And it's a beautiful day! I think I'll celebrate being alive by studying at the sports bar while I watch the Saints kick the Bucs around and send 'em packing. And maybe I'll go jump out a plane tomorrow after my test. I hope whatever your doing out there that your having a good time doing it. It's a good day to be alive. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

It's hard because there isn't enough in it for the lawyers. If they don't see enough possible profit for themselves (barring pro bono lawyers and such), then they won't take the case. You shouldn't have to give up a higher percentage of the money you are awarded to get lawyers to do their job. Other than allowing malpractice insurance premiums to stay at their already too inflated cost and allowing frivolous lawsuits to happen more frequently, this won't have an impact on any doctor...not even the bad ones. The doctors who make negligent or malicious errors are going to be sued one way or another. The question is, how much money do you want your lawyer to have? Because right now, they're taking almost up to half. Did you know that all doctors in Florida don't actually have to carry malpractice insurance? Some don't. They have to have $250k set aside should they be sued and place a sign in their office declaring that they don't carry malpractice. Lawyers don't tend to pick up malpractice cases on these doctors because their isn't enough possible profit in it for them. It's sad, really. Why should you have to wave a fat check in front of a lawyer to get their attention and the assistance you need? You shouldn't have to. And voting yes to this amendment isn't going to stop greediness. The only way things can possibly get better is when the doctors who harm people are being sued, while not suing the rest because of bad or undesirable outcomes. And another way to make things better is to have lawyers take malpractice cases because there was a negligent or malicious act that occurred and not because it'll bring them one step closer to driving a maserati. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Man, that is sweet! I've been looking into getting a kegerator for my place. Mmmmm....cold beer on tap any time I want it! And it's mine, all mine!!! Bwahahaha Well, for a mere $600 or so in pocket change, it'll be mine... Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I want to bring to the attention of Florida voters a proposed constitutional amendment - Amendment 3. I want to get the word out on what it is and how it will affect Florida citizens and Florida physicians. The choice is yours, but make it an informed decision. AMENDMENT 3: Section 1. Article I, Section 26 is created to read "Claimant's right to fair compensation." In any medical liability claim involving a contingency fee, the claimant is entitled to receive no less than 70% of the first $250,000.00 in all damages received by the claimant, exclusive of reasonable and customary costs, whether received by judgment, settlement, or otherwise, and regardless of the number of defendants. The claimant is entitled to 90% of all damages in excess of $250,000.00, exclusive of reasonable and customary costs and regardless of the number of defendants. This provision is self-executing and does not require implementing legislation. In other words, amendment 3 will cap attorney fees in malpractice suits. The Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers wants you to vote NO. Here's what they claim: BAD FOR PATIENTS Makes it nearly impossible for victims of medical errors to find a lawyer – even when a patient is killed or paralyzed. Will result in a devastating increase in medical injuries, which already claims up to 5400 lives in Florida each year. WILL COST YOU HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS A YEAR Medical errors cost every family in Florida over $500 dollars a year more in health care related costs, while those responsible for these errors get off scot-free. Amendment 3 will make this even worse -- That means higher insurance rates and higher health care costs for all Floridians. A GIFT TO INSURANCE COMPANIES & HMOS THAT TAKES AWAY YOUR RIGHTS Changes the Medical Liability System so that your right to hold the healthcare system accountable for a life-threatening medical error is virtually wiped out. Makes the Medical Liability System even worse by giving insurance companies even more of an unfair advantage over average citizens in Florida’s legal system. I believe it is in the best interest of both Florida physicians and citizens to vote YES to this amendment in order to help reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits as well as allow to put money into the pockets of the people it belongs to most. I mention these things because the television advertising being produced by the Florida Trial Lawyers is manipulative and misleading. Please view the following websites: Amendment 3 Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Misleading Advertising Their call to arms: On November 2nd Amendment 3 -- The CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO CAP ATTORNEY'S FEES will be on the ballot. We must ensure that voters understand the ramifications of this deceptive and dangerous initiative. The time to act is now! Don't be deceived! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Inquiring about a doctor's background is a smart thing to do. But beyond knowing how long they've been in practice, what their specialty is, whether or not they are board certified, and looking up malpractice claims against them, I don't see a point to learning which school they went to and where they did their internship. U.S. medical school education is uniform across the board. There are exams to determine that a student doctor knows the minimum basic knowledge necessary to be a physician. Out of curiousity, may I ask what type of physician schooling and training you look for? As for internship and residency, don't discount the doctor from a smaller unknown hospital as being less educated or less knowledgeable than a doctor trained at, say, Harvard or Yale. Each residency program emphasizes a certain degree of expertise and some of the larger and more well known programs emphasize a stronger background in research. It seems like the best plan would be to try the doctor out, see if your needs are met and if you feel like this is someone with enough empathy, education, and interest in providing your healthcare. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

If you truly feel your safety is compromised at your home dropzone, then you need to find a new place to jump. There are something like 12 dropzones in SA, surely you can find one that will meet your safety needs. If you can't change the system, change yourself...if you feel like your life is on the line. Since you have concerns over reserve repacks, then pay someone else to do it or bring your rig to another location and have it done. Pack your own main so you don't have to utilize the dz services. However, complaining that your rigger wasn't up to speed on a mirage recall and that he was passed out at the bar the night before repacking your reserve are minor issues compared to claiming that your packers are sabotaging your rig. That is not a claim you can make unsubstantiated because it could have a serious negative impact on people's livelihoods. That brings me back to this...if you feel like the riggers would band against you to sabotage you in an effort to scare, injure, or kill you then you need to find a new place to jump or start packing your own stuff. And if you want to pursue it with the DZO or legally, then you need to start looking for some evidence of malice. If you want to repair things at your home dz, then I would suggest giving things a cooling off period and, perhaps, talking with the rigger in question to see if a resolution can be met. Or maybe even using a third party mediator to help. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Eener!! What kind of self-respecting Harry Potter fan hasn't read all the books yet? And gotten on the waiting list for the third movie? And been reading all the tidbits that JK keeps tempting you with? And planning how you'll keep yourself entertained while waiting in the midnight Barnes & Noble line for the next book release? Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

For the best muffuletta ever, make a visit to Central Grocery on decatur. Ask anyone if you can't find it. Get one, trust me. Eat it now, pack it for later, it's all good. Oh, and if you like mushrooms try their marinated mushrooms. Just yummy! (Oh, so you know, this is a grocery, not a restaurant. I like to get the Muffuletta and then park myself somewhere to people watch and eat) Cafe du monde (also on Decatur) is a necessity for cafe-au-lait and beignets. They're good, damn good! For a kick-ass poboy, go to Mother's restaurant (401 Poydras). Try the roast beef debris po-boy, you won't regret it. Be sure to grab a few extra napkins, though, it's a sloppy one! Of course, if you're drinking...try a hurricane, you can't beat the ambience of Pat O' Briens on St. Peter. Pat O's For some good cajun food, try Mulate's Cajun Restaurant at 201 Julia Street. They play a lot of zydeco music, too, so it has a good atmosphere. Mulate's Or you could try a very popular cajun restaurant called Cafe Maspero. It's at 601 Decatur. There are lines at high traffic times, but it's definitely worth the wait. My last suggestion is to try some local beer while you're there. My favorite is Abita beer. For something a little different, try Abita's Purple Haze. Abita beer Anyway, enjoy your trip. The places I listed are popular local and tourist hot spots with really good food in a casual atmosphere. Have fun! Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Yeah, seeeeeee.....I think my mouse is defective. My highest score is around 8000. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

If you haven't already found it, c-span is hosting video of the VP debates and you can also read/print the transcript from it. CSPAN VP debate Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I agree...the movie did honor their lives. It was a beautiful tribute to the profession of firefighting. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

I feel all the time, sometimes I just want to feel good. It's not like the whole movie was a feel good movie. I mean, his best friend, the steam guy...not happy moments. Who said we have to be sad in order to feel? I know its a dangerous job. I know people die and people get injured being firefighters. I know that human nature makes people survive tragedy and keep living life, be it pulling hoses up thirteen flights of stairs, or walking past the remains of the WTC, or even just waking up every morning. I just would have appreciated the movie better with a different ending. I really hate to cry. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

SPOILERS AHEAD...proceed with caution. Okay, maybe I'm the only one here, but I walked out of that movie swearing that I will never watch it again. In fact, I almost walked out at the end. I absolutely loved the movie for its majority. The cinematography was awesome and I thought Joaquin Phoenix was thoroughly convincing in his role. But, in the end, when he died, I got absolutely pissed. The ending ruined the movie for me. I felt like it was totally manipulative. There was enough death and injury in the course of the movie to make the point that firefighting is a dangerous profession. I felt like his death was overkill. Don't get me wrong, the whole celebrate his life thing and video of firefighters getting out there and doing the job even when things go all to hell and back was done well. But, at the end, all I could think was "you gotta be kidding me". Honestly, could they have gotten any more melodramatic with the death, the widow, the kids. I hate crappy, sad, surprise endings that make me cry and have to hide my face as I leave the movie theatre! My parents asked what I thought of it and I had to recommend it. Despite that, I put it on my list of movies never to watch again...like Pay it Forward. Another movie that left me sobbing in the theatre and totally pissed off. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

Lisa, damn. I hadn't heard how anyone fared after Jeanne in Sebastian and I am really really sorry to hear that the storm tore your place up. I completely understand that you want to get back home. Not a real good welcome from FL, but DAMN. Sebastian isn't going to be the same for me without you there. You were the second dz.commer I ever met and totally supported me through my AFF and beyond and I am going miss the hell outta you if you go. I am free this weekend. It's one of the few that I have a little spare time. If you're in town, I'll drive up to Sebastian and give you a hand with your place. Or buy you a beer. Or both. Seriously, let me know if you'll be in town and I'll make the drive over there. Fuckin' hurricanes. Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali

That's quite the list, PhillyKev. I don't know how old you are, but I hope you: 1. Don't smoke. 2. Maintain a healthy weight. 3. Exercise regularly. 4. Get your flu shot. (ha, kidding, i know you wash your hands of vaccines) (really, not kidding, get your flu shot.) (okay, nevermind) You've got a lot of diseases to be careful to avoid...stay away from diabetes! Nasty illness. (now go out and get your flu shot already! ) Take me, I am the drug; take me, I am hallucinogenic. -Salvador Dali