Asskicking redux

I had my last appointment of my October Healthcare Tour today, and what a relief to be done with all of those! This one was just a cleaning at the dentist, so it was an easy one, too. I got a good check-up from the wonderful Dr. Herbster. He told me I didn’t have a lot of plaque build-up and said, “Good job!” Yay! I can’t help it...I like getting praise from my healthcare professionals. It means I’m doing something right!

As he scraped away, he chatted with me. (We went to high school together, so we have that little bond.) He said, “Hey, I got my flu shot!” He changed instruments then, so I was able to say, “Me too!” He went on to say that he went twenty years without getting a flu shot, but last year, he got nailed with the flu, and so did his wife—at the same time. He said he’s never been so miserable in his life, and he understands now why people are hospitalized with influenza and even die from it. He changed instruments again, and I said, “Exactly! That’s what I keep trying to tell people...it really can be a killer!” He agreed and said that he wasn’t taking that chance again, so he got his shot as soon as he could this year. He also said that when him and his wife were sick, his folks wanted to come over and help them, but he told them that the best thing they could do was stay away. He didn’t want them to get it. He’s exactly right. Some people are more susceptible to complications from it, and that includes the elderly.

PLEASE don’t ignore the flu shot. Influenza might not kill you if you’re very healthy, but it will definitely make you feel like shit for a good couple of weeks. And who wants to feel like shit for that long? Not me!

Speaking of healthcare, some of you may recall that I wrote a blog entry back in April titled “This needs an asskicking.” It was a response to one of those things that makes its way around the Interwebz via email and social media posts. It was about some creepy guy confronting a group of young people in a restaurant about the Affordable Care Act and schooling them about what it means to be free. The email being passed around was one of the dumbest of its type that I’ve ever read, and I had a little fun skewering it. (It really was a fun one to write!)

Well, I’ve been noticing that that entry was getting a lot of hits. Not up in the thousands or anything like that, but I’ve been getting multiple hits per day from all over the country, mainly on that entry. I was wondering what was going on, and I was finally able to track down the source, at least somewhat. Some of the visits seem to be just from people doing a search for that particular email letter. Since I copy the whole thing in my entry, it’s understandable that a search for it would give that entry as one of the results. Although I honestly do not know how anyone other than my small group of readers came across it, I found a couple of places where someone had posted it. Both were discussions of that email thing, and someone posted the link to my entry in both forums.

One was an IMDb forum. I have no idea why that was being discussed on an IMDb forum. I use IMDb occasionally to look up stuff about movies, but I don’t participate in any discussion forums, so that was weird.

Even weirder was that one of the discussions was on a Florida Sportsman forum.


I know, right? I was like, “How the heck did my blog entry end up on Florida Sportsman??” There was some back and forth discussion on the Affordable Care Act, from both supporters and haters. Someone there posted the original email letter thing, and one of the guys on the forum responded, “And an equally amusing response” and provided the link to my entry. I don’t know how he came across it, but it apparently amused him enough to post the link in a discussion forum! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Gary!

You know how we always say, “Of course, the people who need to read this never will”? Perhaps this time that didn’t hold true. At least one person said that they couldn’t get past the first paragraph or so because it was a typical liberal response, blah blah blah. But maybe one or two read it and it planted a little kernel of doubt in their minds about their hysterical response to a law designed to insure more people. Truthfully, I kind of doubt it. It still makes me happy that they saw it, though, and maybe got an eyeful of just how ridiculous those circulated things appear to some of us.

Galaxy Quest

No, not the movie, although I love that one and I’m probably due for another viewing soon!

My two-year contract with Verizon was expiring in November, and Ken got a message that we could come in and upgrade my phone. Wheeeee! I’d been having increasing problems with my phone, where it would freeze or lock up, so I was more than ready for one.

I’d been hearing some good things about the Samsung Galaxy, and a couple of friends love theirs, so I had already made up my mind that that was what I wanted. I don’t have to have the newest and best the moment it comes out, so I was fine with getting the S3, and we saved $100 by getting that model rather than the newest one. They had one in stock, so the salesperson was able to move my contacts over and get me all set up. (Thanks, Rachel!)

I’ve been occupied with getting it figured out, but since I’ve had a smartphone for a couple of years, the learning curve isn’t nearly as steep this time around. I’ve been getting my apps installed and updated, and great day in the mornin’, this thing is BLAZIN’ fast! I absolutely love it! I even figured out how to make “Sympathy for the Devil” my ringtone, and I was quite pleased with myself for doing that this morning. Haha! It’s thinner and lighter than my previous phone, and the display is crisp and clear. Well done, Samsung. This baby is sweet.

I had to laugh at the store, because Rachel mentioned that you can get a trade-in on your old phone. She checked her tablet to see what my trade-in value was, and said, “Seven dollars.” I burst into laughter and she kind of laughed, too. That phone is only two years old, and it was like a $300 phone at the time. It just shows you how quickly these things become obsolete. Amazing.

We sprang for an extended battery cover, because Ken has one for his iPhone and loves it for traveling. It will be great to have that for New Orleans later this month. (He gets an iPhone through his company. I’m happy with my Androids, but his company is generous enough to give us a discount on my phone.) I have a couple of everyday covers on order, including a super cool skull cover. I’m very pleased with my new phone and look forward to messing around with it. Oh, one thing I got right away was Vine. My previous phone wasn’t compatible with it, so I’m happy to have it now. A fun new toy!

After that, we headed to BW3 for a bite to eat, some beers to drink, and some football. Then in the evening, it was the Notre Dame-Arizona State game, which was a nail-biter, but the Irish prevailed! Today it’s more football (my Colts won!), and I’ve got a pot roast cooking in the crockpot. We’ll watch “The Good Wife” followed by an episode of “The Walking Dead.” We have two more episodes to go on Season 3, and the premiere of Season 4 is in ONE WEEK! Fangirl approves! I think it’s safe to say that you can expect some Walking Dead stuff coming up this week. You have been warned.

I hope you are having a pleasant weekend and that your week starts off well tomorrow!

Gnats and the Cone of Death

Man, what a relief to stick around here today! I enjoyed being at home today.

Has anyone else experienced Gnats Gone Wild lately? A friend (I forget who) recently mentioned that they were seeing a lot lately, and I was like, “Man, us too!” They’re driving us crazy here in the house. They hang out in the kitchen garbage can, they cling to the cans to be taken out to recycling, and at night, they seem to hover around our computers—AND our faces. It’s maddening! It must really be a year for them. Maybe because it’s been unseasonably warm. I don’t know, but I have just about had it with these em-effin’ gnats in our em-effin’ house!

So I looked for gnat traps online today. I don’t know it there are commercial products out there, but I saw quite a few homemade traps, and thought I’d try that first. Natural is always better, right? So I’m trying the thing pictured here (not my photo, but mine is also in a Ball jar!), and see if it works.

You put 3-4 tablespoons of cider vinegar in a glass or a jar, add a drop or two of dishwasher soap, and curl a piece of white paper into a cone and insert it into the jar. So far, I’m not seeing a major attraction there for the gnats, but I was thrilled when I finally saw one in there. “I caught one!” I hope that the cider smell will start to permeate the paper a little more and attract them. I sure wish I had a piece of filter paper from the lab! Hmm...I bet a coffee filter with a hole cut in the bottom might work well, too. I’m watching it closely, urging the little bastards to crawl in. I hope that when we get up tomorrow morning, I’ll see some dead ones in there. Die, die, die!

Speaking of little bastards (no, not John Mellencamp), I was hearing an odd noise outside earlier today, and when I looked out, I saw the little squirrel we call Piney Squirrel sitting on the grill, tearing strips off of the grill cover. What the heck? I went out and said, “Cut it out!” and he ran off with a strip of cloth in his mouth. He’d torn quite a bit off already, and although there is still a canvas layer underneath what he tore off, he managed to put a couple of small holes in the thing. I understand that you’re trying to make a cozy nest for the winter, Piney, but leave the grill cover alone! Maybe I’ll put out some dryer lint and he’ll like that better. We might need to buy a new grill cover. Perhaps a little duct tape will get it through this winter, though!

Finally, I’ve noticed that this year’s flu shot is providing a more robust immune response than I’ve encountered in the past. I usually experience a very slight soreness, but this year, my shoulder is more sore than usual, and it is slightly red and warm. Do not be alarmed, Citizens! These are normal, mild side effects, and I hope it means that my immune system is really ramping up its efforts to produce antibodies against the strains of influenza included in this year’s vaccine. I don’t feel crummy at all, but the sore shoulder makes it hard for me to sleep on my left side, which is my side of choice. I don’t know if it’s just me, or if the shot this year is a little more of an irritant. But don’t let that stop you from getting the shot. Influenza can be much worse than a sore shoulder, believe me!

A low-key weekend coming up for us. Notre Dame is playing Arizona State in the Shamrock classic, which is in Dallas this year. We’ll be watching that tomorrow evening. During the day, it looks like we’ll head over to the Verizon store and get my [cue “The Price Is Right” announcer voice] BRAND NEW PHONE! I want to go with one of the Samsung Galaxy phones. It will depend on what they have in the store, because I’m not sure I want to wait for something to be shipped. But we’ll see.

I wish you long days and pleasant nights!

Takin’ Care of Business

Whoops, a few days without an entry here, but I’m not going to feel too bad about it, because it’s been a bit of a busy week for me. I’m looking forward to a day at home on Friday!

I’ve had three medical appointments in the past three days, and I have one more to go on Monday (the dentist). Good news on all fronts so far, with a negative mammogram, healthy eyes with no significant change from last year, and a good checkup with my doctor today. She is such a gem, and we even had a few laughs today. As we were finishing up, she said, “You’re doing great, and I’m happy that I don’t have to yell at you about anything!” I laughed and said, “And I’m happy to not be yelled at!”

I got my flu shot today, too. I have a slightly sore shoulder, but nothing major, and I’m always happy to get my flu shot taken care of. Happy to do it this early in the season, too! Everyone go get your flu shot, okay?

I’ve also had to make sure I was at home a couple of these afternoons, for a DirecTV technician (all fixed!) and a wine shipment (all delivered!). This is much more activity than I normally deal with, so I am ready for a down day!

I’ve been watching the shenanigans in Washington. And by ‘shenanigans,’ I mean the complete and utter batshittery of the Republican party right now. I’m not going to go into it at all here. I’m sure you’re all paying attention, and I’m also sure that you all know what I think about this bullshit and how disgusted I am.

What really astounds me is that all of this is because they want to keep millions of people from getting health insurance. I’ve been thinking about that a lot this week as I’ve gone to my various appointments to obtain preventive care. I’ve been fortunate in having employer-subsidized health insurance for my entire career. Since I worked in healthcare, it was always very good insurance, too. There were times when I paid maybe $10 a month for insurance. I usually had a copay, but that is still some pretty great insurance.

The reason I supported the Affordable Care Act from the beginning is because I want everyone to have that. I want everyone to have access to preventive care. I want everyone to get checkups and screenings and have a doctor that they can turn to when they have a medical problem. I don’t want anyone to be wiped out by medical bills, or have to declare bankruptcy because they get cancer or have a heart attack or a stroke, or whatever.

So while I watched the teabagger faction of the Republican party completely lose their shit this week, I also watched with joy as the exchanges opened on Tuesday and people began signing up. There are definitely problems with access, and some of that seems to be both volume and software. I am confident that these issues will be fixed soon. I have plenty of friends and family who may qualify for the exchanges and for subsidies, and my fingers are crossed for them.

As for the Republicans whose goal is to stop the Affordable Care Act, in the words of Austin Powers, that train has sailed.

The Final Countdown

Well, here we are.

The clowns have taken over the car and are driving it right into the main circus tent pole, apparently intent (Ha! See what I did there?!) on bringing the whole thing down.

On my way to the store today, I was listening to NPR, and they interviewed Maine Senator Angus King. He’s an Independent, but caucuses with the Democrats. He said that it goes against his grain to not try to cut a deal, but they aren’t going to negotiate with a gun held to their head. He also said that “This is no way to govern,” and that “We look like a third world country. It’s embarrassing.”

It IS embarrassing.

This has to stop. One way or another. To put it into perspective, I read a couple of things today that turned the tables. Imagine if Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat-controlled House had said that they wouldn’t pass a continuing resolution to fund the government unless we cut off funding for the Iraq war? Or unless Republicans agreed on single-payer healthcare?

How do you think the Republicans would have liked THEM apples?

This is just insanity. Michele Bachmann is apparently ecstatic, saying that they’re getting exactly what they wanted with a government shutdown. Fuck off, you crazy bunt. Real people are going to be affected by this, and for a party that claims to be all about fiscal responsibility, you sure don’t seem to have your panties in a wad over the several million dollars that a shutdown will cost, do you? This will have consequences, from the dollars generated in DC museums to the people working at the little drink stand in Yosemite National Park.

All of this because they don't want more people to have health insurance. HEALTH INSURANCE!

For the life of me, I don’t know how anyone can support these terrorists who are holding our government hostage.

This is shameful.

Here. Watch a hair band and glory in their posturing and the way their hair flows. Marvel as they coordinate their singing and guitar-playing in a little rockin’ dance. The ‘80s were a weird and slightly crazy time.

Things seem even weirder and crazier now…and that’s sayin’ something.

Beth’s Books: Doctor Sleep

I’m severely out of whack today because Stephen King kept me up until the wee hours of the morning! I hatelove him for constantly doing that to me.

Maybe one of these days, I’ll finish one of his books in the afternoon. It usually seems to work out that I’ve got about a couple hundred pages to go around midnight, and I can’t bring myself to put it down for the night. I have to finish. This morning, I was up until 5 AM. At least we didn’t have to go anywhere today!

I’m not really going to give any spoilers here, just write a general review of the book. But if you like to be completely surprised by a book, you probably shouldn’t read this entry before you read the book. There were a couple of things that happened that made my jaw drop, and needless to say, I won’t be spoiling THAT for anyone!

If you don’t know anything about it, Doctor Sleep is the sequel to The Shining. We get to see what young Danny Torrance has been up to in the years since his Dad tried to beat him and his Mom to death with a roque mallet. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been up to much good, and is following in his father’s drunken footsteps.

After hitting rock bottom, he finds himself in a small New Hampshire town and encounters a couple of people who take a shine (so to speak) to him. He manages to claw his way back to sobriety and a job at the local hospice. With the assistance of the hospice cat, he is able to understand when the residents are ready to make the crossing to the Other Side, and he eases their journey; thus his nickname, and the title of the book.

He eventually encounters the shine of a young girl who is close by. She also attracts the attention of some very, very bad sorts who want her “steam”: her very powerful essence. This leads to a showdown between Good and Evil that King writes of so frequently.

There are a lot of great characters here that we come to genuinely care about, and chief among them is Dan Torrance, all grown up. His struggle is painful to watch, but he was a good kid and he’s a good man. You cheer for him the entire way. Abra, the young girl with the strong shine, is a fierce warrior. The bad guys are bad enough that you cheer for their complete and utter demise, although some of the acolytes are pathetic enough that you feel a tiny bit sorry for them. But not much.

King writes some great lines, and probably my favorite in the book was this:

We’re all dying. The world’s just a hospice with fresh air.

Brilliant. And so true.

Both Lisa and Ken asked me if they should read The Shining before reading this sequel. They have seen the movie but haven’t read the book. I hadn’t read it for many years, but recently revisited it in preparation for reading this book. I’m glad I did. You wouldn’t have to read it, but I think it gives a better insight into the characters and to Danny’s complicated and dysfunctional relationship with his father. I think it’s also important to understand how Danny’s experience at the Overlook followed him for the rest of his life, and to remember some of the horrible things he encountered there.

Because some things linger.

Wearin’ o’ the Green

Ken should get back from NYC late tonight, and hopefully he’ll get a good enough night of sleep that he’ll be ready to go for tomorrow’s game!

Notre Dame is playing Oklahoma, and the word is out that everyone should try to wear green to counteract the Sooner Red. Got it covered! I’ve got plenty of green ND shirts, and as you can see below, I’m even going with green nail polish. (No, it’s not a perfect manicure. So sue me.) Of course, I had to make the obvious joke (for me) that this means Saturday at Notre Dame is going to be a…(you know what’s coming, right?)...a GREEN DAY! See what I did there? I wish some deep-pocketed and well-connected alums would make it a true “Green Day at Notre Dame” and bring in the band! Maybe they could play “Fuck Time.” Bahaha! But I’m not going to hold my breath.

It looks as though it will be a perfect day, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Probably too warm for the players, but it’s kind of a crapshoot this time of year. I was chilled to the bone last week against MSU, but this Saturday it’s supposed to get up to around 80°. Great day for tailgating, and we’ll load up the truck and stop and get sandwiches on the way tomorrow. This could very well be our last tailgating for the year, because the next home game is October 19th against Southern Cal. It might turn out to be nice enough, and if so, we’ll say hit me baby one more time! But we usually figure on heading to one of the sports bars near campus for lunch and beverages around this time of year.

We were hoping to have Shane and Matt come out and tailgate with us tomorrow, but Shane has to work, drat it all! I hope we get a chance next season, because Matt has never been to an ND tailgate, and he definitely needs to experience one!

I finished this week’s lectures for History of Rock, and really enjoyed them. The prof made the great point that the British Invasion groups of the ‘60s took two paths. One type was the Beatles-style groups, more focused on vocals, harmony, and a polished sound, and one was the Stones-style groups, who sounded grittier and had a harder sound. But the two British bands that defied categorization were the Kinks and the Who. I couldn’t agree more. Both combined the heavy sound of the Stones with the clever lyrics of the Beatles. I have to say that Professor Covach really knows his shit, and I am really enjoying his take on all of this. I look forward to Part Two, as well as his Beatles course in February. I think my sister (the Beatlemaniac) is going to sign up for that one! I’m taking this course without the accompanying book (written by the prof), but I may look for a copy at some point. I think I’d really like reading his book.

Now I need to get back to the Stephen King book, and I’m looking forward to getting a lot read tonight.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and GO IRISH!