"Discipline is 95 percent anticipation."
Woody Hayes
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
If Health Care Isn't a Right....
Then why are the words life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness so important to us?
Hard to have life w/o health care. Hard to have full liberty if you are sick or injured. Hard to pursue happiness when you are depressed.
Hard to have life w/o health care. Hard to have full liberty if you are sick or injured. Hard to pursue happiness when you are depressed.
On Scene
Scene is a trailer house. In a bedroom a 20 some year old injects heroin. In another part of the house are his 5 children. In the room with him is his pleading mother.
The shooter becomes unresponsive. EMS is called. They do their meds, and et tube etc. He is dead. Mom becomes hysterical. Collapse and becomes unresponsive. We are called as a 2nd crew.
I am able to wake Mom. She has not much to say. She does not want to go to the hospital. Police say we must take her.
During the transport I tell her I am not a counselor but a set of ears that can listen. She is angry. Why didn't the first crew save her son? I don't bother with telling her how heroin can kill. She wants to know who sold her son his lethal does. She cries, but is largely stoic.
Our role was minor and for one too late. Lots of things go thru my mind: damn junkies, poor mother, what about the kids, how could a child do that to a mom, the power of addiction, what could have been done to prevent this.
I compartmentalise pretty well. You do your treatment protocols, and that is what you control. This one leaks out of the boxes of my mind.
Is it the drug that triggers my angst? What about the guy with liver issues and bands to prevent bleeding from esophageal varices from drinking? How different is he?
Police were on scene they will try to find the source of the drugs. At a drunk driving scene why don't they go looking for budweiser, jack and coke, the box of wine?
We're EMS the last resort. There is nothing as a paramedic i could've done to prevent this.Still the thought lingers....
There's catch and release fishing. Really we treat and release. The guy I had last week was a probable OD. Got him breathing to the ED where he is released.
Yet I like the challenge of calls like this- if not medically at least emotionally. They get me to an aspect of life in a direct experiential way. They get my brain ticking. There is not a filter, a newspaper story, or a brief TV news video. I am on the scene fully as can be.
The shooter becomes unresponsive. EMS is called. They do their meds, and et tube etc. He is dead. Mom becomes hysterical. Collapse and becomes unresponsive. We are called as a 2nd crew.
I am able to wake Mom. She has not much to say. She does not want to go to the hospital. Police say we must take her.
During the transport I tell her I am not a counselor but a set of ears that can listen. She is angry. Why didn't the first crew save her son? I don't bother with telling her how heroin can kill. She wants to know who sold her son his lethal does. She cries, but is largely stoic.
Our role was minor and for one too late. Lots of things go thru my mind: damn junkies, poor mother, what about the kids, how could a child do that to a mom, the power of addiction, what could have been done to prevent this.
I compartmentalise pretty well. You do your treatment protocols, and that is what you control. This one leaks out of the boxes of my mind.
Is it the drug that triggers my angst? What about the guy with liver issues and bands to prevent bleeding from esophageal varices from drinking? How different is he?
Police were on scene they will try to find the source of the drugs. At a drunk driving scene why don't they go looking for budweiser, jack and coke, the box of wine?
We're EMS the last resort. There is nothing as a paramedic i could've done to prevent this.Still the thought lingers....
There's catch and release fishing. Really we treat and release. The guy I had last week was a probable OD. Got him breathing to the ED where he is released.
Yet I like the challenge of calls like this- if not medically at least emotionally. They get me to an aspect of life in a direct experiential way. They get my brain ticking. There is not a filter, a newspaper story, or a brief TV news video. I am on the scene fully as can be.
From the World Almanac
P. 114 Nations most expensive auto insurance is in New Jersey at $ 1,184 yearly expenditure. Least expensive is Iowa at $ 555 per year.
Quote
“Youth is not a time of life. It is a state of mind. It is a test of will, a quality of imagination, vigor of emotions, a predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite of adventure over love of ease. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals. Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.”
General MacArthur’s Creed for Youth.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Have a Good Read: The Marriage of True Minds
The title is from Shakespeare. The story is modern & manic. The ending is life affirming and adds to my feeling that we might be better off with more animals than humans.
4th Quater blues or ?
From Packers.com
7: The number of times the Packers scored 10 or more points in the fourth quarter this season. Unfortunately, the Packers' record in those seven games was just 4-3. The Packers scored 150 of their 419 points in the fourth quarter this season, by far their most productive quarter at 35.8 percent, and they were never shut out in the fourth. Contrast that with the first quarter, which was the team's worst with just 61 points (14.6 percent). The Packers were blanked in the first quarter six times and never scored more than seven points in the opening quarter until Week 17.
7: The number of times the Packers scored 10 or more points in the fourth quarter this season. Unfortunately, the Packers' record in those seven games was just 4-3. The Packers scored 150 of their 419 points in the fourth quarter this season, by far their most productive quarter at 35.8 percent, and they were never shut out in the fourth. Contrast that with the first quarter, which was the team's worst with just 61 points (14.6 percent). The Packers were blanked in the first quarter six times and never scored more than seven points in the opening quarter until Week 17.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
From the World Almanac
Private label brands are the most popular sellers is several categories such as : bottled water (Private label 1st, Aquifina 2nd,) Cereal (Private Label 9.8%, Cheerios 5.0%), and Ice Cream (Private Label 23.4% Bryers 13.9%)
P. 112
P. 112
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ambition?
I've been sensing a lack of ambition lately? Do I lack goals? Have I not lined up the next challenge?
Or on a day when 6200 jobs are cut, the state I live in is over 10 percent unemployment how much ambition is there to feel?
Or on a day when 6200 jobs are cut, the state I live in is over 10 percent unemployment how much ambition is there to feel?
Have a Good Read: Netherland
Netherland: not sure I see gatsby parallels. Lots to the book but again not sure I got it all. Regardless I know I read something meaningful and can now enjoy deciphering it.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
From the World Almanac
P. 94 Who is on the $ 100,000? Woodrow Wilson is the answer. Not likely to see one as they are used only for transactions between the Treasury Dept. and Federal Reserve.
Have a Good Read: The Spies of Warsaw
Haven't read Furst in awhile glad I returned. This book takes place prior to WW II starting with a French military attache featured. There is a slow developing love affair and a successful intelligence maneuver to enjoy. Crisply and decsively written!-----------------------
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
From the World Almanac
Harvard is the undergraduate alma mater of 5 presidents: John Adams, JQ Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, FD Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy.
President Obama attended Harvard law School graduating in 1991.
President Obama attended Harvard law School graduating in 1991.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Quote
"It made me think, if everybody did their job, whatever that job was, as well as that pilot did his job, we'd be in pretty good shape," the President-elect said.
President Obama on 'Sully' and his water landing.
President Obama on 'Sully' and his water landing.
Innaugral
Here are some of my favories from Pres. Obama's inaugural:
"We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans."
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met."
"On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics."
"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -"
"For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
"the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
"why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."
"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
"We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans."
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met."
"On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics."
"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -"
"For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
"the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."
"why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."
"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
44
Change is official
Here is what I expect: solutions to problems that face us. An ideologue is one who pushes solutions without relating to reality. I will judge President Obama on what he accomplishes, how he solves problems, on progress that is made. All this in relation to the reality- sure to be changing- that we jointly face. I will look for this regardless of politics.
Or as President Obama said: "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works."
Here is what I expect: solutions to problems that face us. An ideologue is one who pushes solutions without relating to reality. I will judge President Obama on what he accomplishes, how he solves problems, on progress that is made. All this in relation to the reality- sure to be changing- that we jointly face. I will look for this regardless of politics.
Or as President Obama said: "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works."
From the World Almanac
George Washington was inaugurated April 30, 1789 in New York City. Thomas Jefferson was the 1st chief executive to be inaugurated in Washington DC.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Have a Good Read: Beat the Reaper
Full on plot drives consistently towards a unique ending. I think maybe 'Leo' has the film rights? Good mob and medical insight, interesting main character, good riffs on many aspects of current life.-----------------------
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Quote
"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one."
Elbert Hubbard
Elbert Hubbard
Snow Day
Per Bill Steffen Muskegon received 14.8 inches of snow on Saturday. Old daily record of 8.0 inches occurred in 1930.
For the season we have 116.2 inches. This is 58.7 inches more than last year.
At my house I recorded 8 inches of fresh snow.
For the season we have 116.2 inches. This is 58.7 inches more than last year.
At my house I recorded 8 inches of fresh snow.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Value of Experience
Upon saying he would stay a Sooner Heisman winning QB Sam Bradford said: " I really feel that there’s no need to cut this experience short."
When USC QB Sanchez declared for the NFL his coach Pete Carroll said: "Mark is going against the grain in this decision, we know that, he knows that."
Essentially Carroll thinks that past experience says QB's who start for 1 year in college don't fare well in the NFL.
Others base it mainly on money. Sanchez's value may have peaked, he could get hurt in college next year.
In this case I side with Bradford who wants value in something other than money and with Carrol who stood up for himself. Further Mark Sanchez should consider Matt Ryan....
When USC QB Sanchez declared for the NFL his coach Pete Carroll said: "Mark is going against the grain in this decision, we know that, he knows that."
Essentially Carroll thinks that past experience says QB's who start for 1 year in college don't fare well in the NFL.
Others base it mainly on money. Sanchez's value may have peaked, he could get hurt in college next year.
In this case I side with Bradford who wants value in something other than money and with Carrol who stood up for himself. Further Mark Sanchez should consider Matt Ryan....
From the World Almanac
P. 90 Personal Expenditures: In 1985 $ 6.8 billion was spent on casino gambling. By 2007 this had grown to $ 85.3 billion more than is spent on books ($ 46.3 B) airline fares ($ 36.7 B) and secondary schools ($ 49.5 B).
Quote
"Why run a race? You race to test yourself, for the ritual, the camaraderie, and for the adventure and discovery."
The New York Road Runners Club Complete Book of Running
The New York Road Runners Club Complete Book of Running
Friday, January 16, 2009
From the World Almanac
P. 77 25 years ago....William Gibson's Neuromancer is published which introduced the cyberpunk genre.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Have a Good Read: The Whistling Season
Doig again writes about small town Montana. He creates an interesting family of boys succeeding without their late mother. It seems my preference is more for the pictures writers create than the plot twists they use. When the plot turned I was disapointed, but not about the strong story prior.-----------------------
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.
Willing?
Worked an easy shift with one job in 12 hours. In fact we had a patient with us for exactly 1.7 miles.
Heading in for the day I said to my partner well we kept the work to pay ratio at a good level. I then further commented hey we're payed to be available and we were.
He came back with we're not paid for what we are available to do, but what we are willing to do. Like for instance standing in a snowy ditch holding in someone's guts etc.
So what do you get paid for? Is it skills, availability, willingness or something else?
Heading in for the day I said to my partner well we kept the work to pay ratio at a good level. I then further commented hey we're payed to be available and we were.
He came back with we're not paid for what we are available to do, but what we are willing to do. Like for instance standing in a snowy ditch holding in someone's guts etc.
So what do you get paid for? Is it skills, availability, willingness or something else?
From the World Almanac
50 years ago...Fidel Castro assumes power in Cuba February 16th...Castro's health is rumored to be in decline.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Have a Good Read: The Eleventh Man
Another excellent story from Doig. Tense story right to the end. Good flying stories. As usual mines Montana for color. Top notch!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Run the Country Pay for yr. food
Per National Geographic "State dinners, barbecues for Congress, and holiday receptions for the diplomatic corps are paid for by taxpayers, but the President is billed for all food consumed by his family and his personal guests."
Quote
"To make your life a work of art, you must have the material to work with. The race, any race, is just such an experience."
GEORGE SHEEHAN
GEORGE SHEEHAN
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Here's 2009
2009 Aspirations
Intellect: Read a variety of materials that are interesting, educational and enjoyable.
Blog: Post daily. Use twitter & facebook to communicate.
Writing Project: Identify a suitable writing project.
----------------
Be great today
-------------
Travel: Trips such as NYC, Dakotas & Grand Marais.
Establish a travel fund to use for trips etc.
--------------
Break big goals into small targets.
---------------
Health: Exercise: Walk and stretch frequently. Diabetes: Achieve tight A1c control. Test frequently, monitor diet.
----------------
Simple is getting what you need not what you want.
----------------
Professional: Decide on statuPs. Continue to seek opportunities. Complete nescessary CE'S.
-----------
Being present is the highest form of consciousness.
--------
Personal: Stabilize and simplify finances. Focus attention on Jenn when we have time together.
-------
Experience is the core of being and a form of currency.
-----------
Intellect: Read a variety of materials that are interesting, educational and enjoyable.
Blog: Post daily. Use twitter & facebook to communicate.
Writing Project: Identify a suitable writing project.
----------------
Be great today
-------------
Travel: Trips such as NYC, Dakotas & Grand Marais.
Establish a travel fund to use for trips etc.
--------------
Break big goals into small targets.
---------------
Health: Exercise: Walk and stretch frequently. Diabetes: Achieve tight A1c control. Test frequently, monitor diet.
----------------
Simple is getting what you need not what you want.
----------------
Professional: Decide on statuPs. Continue to seek opportunities. Complete nescessary CE'S.
-----------
Being present is the highest form of consciousness.
--------
Personal: Stabilize and simplify finances. Focus attention on Jenn when we have time together.
-------
Experience is the core of being and a form of currency.
-----------
Friday, January 9, 2009
Tv fiasco
Rumblings that the whole digital tv switch maybe pushed back. This boils down to about 7 million/7 percent of tv viewers who are not ready.
How they have missed the billions of reminders on tv is beyond me! Maybe tv is not an efficient way of communicating? Perhps these folks are stupit?
In any event they have had time. Go ahead with the change and would the Obama administration get off of this and onto real problems!
How they have missed the billions of reminders on tv is beyond me! Maybe tv is not an efficient way of communicating? Perhps these folks are stupit?
In any event they have had time. Go ahead with the change and would the Obama administration get off of this and onto real problems!
Snow
We are at 88 inches of snow. 55 of this came in December.
Yet I went nearly a month without snow shoeing. How'd I manage this?
Combination of vacation, work and a late December melt.
Yet I went nearly a month without snow shoeing. How'd I manage this?
Combination of vacation, work and a late December melt.
From the World Almanac
Just over a year ago Clinton defeats Obama in New Hampshire. Things have turned with Obama soon to be POTUS and Clinton SOSUS....go figure....(P.53)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Have a Good Read: The World According to Bertie
Continuing charming tales from Scotland Street. Bertie may have a half brother, Dominica muses on Proust, Cyril is jailed. The enjoyment continues.-----------------------
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.
Perspective?
I used to work in the boat business. You know how every so often you get a compliment in writing on your work from a customer....yesterday I got a thank you card from a patient that had gone into cardiac arrest and that we brought back....little different from thanks for getting me those engine parts.
From the World Almanac
Salaries of Governors (P.45) Lowest: $ 70,000 John Baldacci (D) Maine. Highest: $ 212,179 Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) California. However, he does not accept the salary.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Quote
"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win."
ROGER BANNISTER
ROGER BANNISTER
From the World Almanac
P. 13: Michigan will not have a US Senate election until 2013 when Senator Stabenow stands for reelection. Next Senate elections are in 2011 when John Mcain, Evan Bayh, Harry Reid, and Russ Feingold will be among the incumbents.
Monday, January 5, 2009
From the World Almanac
A commonality between Obama and Palin? Both played on state championship winning basketball teams. Obama in Hawaii in 1979, Palin in 1982 in Alaska.
2 in 1 day
Seen at dinner last nite. Didn't make breakfast. He lies face down a little blood under his nose. A fine model of a clipper ship in his office. Highly neat apartment.
Confirmed class I. Her special freind thought she was napping. Epi, vaso and all that. No change. Family takes it calmly. Good to know you can have a special freind in the 8th decade.
The wheel is turning....for certain.
Confirmed class I. Her special freind thought she was napping. Epi, vaso and all that. No change. Family takes it calmly. Good to know you can have a special freind in the 8th decade.
The wheel is turning....for certain.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Have a Good Read: Long Strange Trip
The full story of the Grateful Dead is told. All the band's interesting personalties are highlighted. Not much emphasis on individual songs. For years the band remained chaoctic yet could cohere when needed....defined here as synchronicity.
From the World Almanac
P.9 Only 25 percent of americans considered the Israel-Palestinian conflict a top priority.
Playoff Indifference
Can't get into the NFL playoofs. San Diego is a wonderful city but the team is blah. Indy out early again, what new? Arizona are they serious? Baltimore is not much fun. Miami nice story but beyond that. Vikings have a hard time getting their fans into it. I could go on, but I don't care to...
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Have a Good Read: The Groucho Letters
Grouch was a wide ranging correspondent. You see a lot of his humor. Gets a bit repetitive though.---
Have a Good Read is written By Isaac Stephenson reader of over 100 books per year and operator of BookScoutLookOut Purveyor of Interesting Things to Read.
From the World Almanac
P.5 Southwest is the airline that carried the most passengers: 101.9 million in 2007.
5 Interesting Things Packers @ Cardinals
Since 1994 Packers 14-1 in final game of season
Packers have .656 W % v. Cardinals
Might be a preview of a playoff rematch as 6 of 8 scenarios match Packers @ Cardinals
Packers O will have 1200 yards back, 2 1000 yard receivers and 4000 yard QB for second straight season a unique feat
Curly coached Cardinals while Clay Matthews and Matt Leinart were teamates @ USC in 2004 with Leinart winning the Heisman and Matthews a redshirt
Packers have .656 W % v. Cardinals
Might be a preview of a playoff rematch as 6 of 8 scenarios match Packers @ Cardinals
Packers O will have 1200 yards back, 2 1000 yard receivers and 4000 yard QB for second straight season a unique feat
Curly coached Cardinals while Clay Matthews and Matt Leinart were teamates @ USC in 2004 with Leinart winning the Heisman and Matthews a redshirt
Experience, Learning or?
This article contained the concept of quest for learning and quest for experience. I feel I am on the experience quest as experience is a form of currency that is especially valuable in these lean times.
Which one are you on?
Which one are you on?
Friday, January 2, 2009
Quote
I have spent my whole life trying to do odd things at odd times, I went from the fire service to being a pro sailor, and so both have woken me up at strange times of the day and night to do weird and wonderful things.
Mike Golding
Mike Golding
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Years
2008 was a good year on my scale of life. On a larger basis clearly there was suffering. We may look back and find important changes got started in the midst of suffering.
With Obama not yet in office it fells like we are circling before landing. Once inaugaration occurs the tempo should pick up and perhaps hope will grow.
On the scale of my life I have aspirations for this year ranging from traveling to saving money to living in the moment.
Looks like we are almost certain to experience interesting times...
With Obama not yet in office it fells like we are circling before landing. Once inaugaration occurs the tempo should pick up and perhaps hope will grow.
On the scale of my life I have aspirations for this year ranging from traveling to saving money to living in the moment.
Looks like we are almost certain to experience interesting times...
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