Health care is always a big issue. It always comes up in politics. It's always on the TV. It's everywhere. What people keep overlooking, though, is that it's not really the doctor's fault. Sure, sometimes all they're looking for is a big paycheck. But not all.
The big issue why our medical care is so screwed up in two words:
Insurance.
Companies.
That's right. The very people paying for your medical care. I'm sure everybody's had to wrangle with their insurers at some point to get them to pay up. The truth is, a lot of these companies act more like scammers. All they want is for you to pay them their dues every month or so. Then they don't want to give that money up when you need it. YOU are paying THEM to cover your medical costs which they're reluctant to do. Does this make any sense? Greedy-sense, definitely.
We've got so many government officials talking about how they want to improve health-care and insurance. How about they start by imposing laws or some sort of regulations that keep current insurance companies from trying to suck the life out of people?
It's not just about the lack of cough-up reflex on the side on these companies either. A lot of patients aren't getting the care they need because doctors aren't allowed by these companies to tell their patients. Here's a personal example:
When I was young, I had a urinary tract problem called kidney reflux. It's where the tubes connecting the kidneys and bladder don't close right, causing urine to travel back up into the kidneys. This results in severe infections. I suffered with this for several years, having to take all sorts of medications. Some of those had some really bad side-effects. I remember playing really hard at school one day, coming in from recess, and my legs collapsing underneath me. I couldn't stand. All this time, the doctors could have told my family about some procedure an experimental clinic could've given me. It would have solved all my problems. Instead, the doctors stayed mum. It wasn't until my family moved back to a different State that I finally got it. And that was only because my Mom knew of an All Children's Hospital close by.
So, in my opinion: Stop blathering about universal health insurance, and improved health-care. Slap the insurance companies into doing what they're suppose to. Get them to stop telling the doctors what they can or can't do. Let the doctors have that freedom again, and maybe our health-care system might get better.
18 October 2008
19 September 2008
On Taxes
Okay, there's a lot of debate going on right now in the elections about taxes. Namely, whether the voters should vote to support raising or lowering. Here's the thing no candidate or anyone has talked about:
Millionaire's money DOES NOT SIT AROUND. When people have a lot of money, they INVEST IT to combat INFLATION. That way, it doesn't lose value. So, by raising taxes on these folks, their ability to invest in businesses and housing and so on is decreased. That leads to a bad effect on ECONOMY.
Further, I know firsthand that the middle-class end up being hit the hardest by this "raising taxes" mantra. Middle class citizens end up having to pay out more, causing them to enter financial hardship.
Even more, small businesses that are getting their feet under them end up hitting a wall, having to cut back, cut jobs, and so on.
So, the BEST policy for this country:
FORGET OUR CURRENT TAX SYSTEM. Why should we continue to have a tax system that is so messy and convoluted? We have so many taxes for so many things, it's ridiculous. How about we throw it out and instate something sensible.
I know I'm a supporter of the Fair Tax system. With this system, you can bring home 100% of your income. More money in the pocket means more will be there to spend. People LIKE to spend money. Just look at all the marketing ads for toys and gizmos out there.
Having a better tax system would also take a lot of wind out of politicians sails. They won't be able to use that card quite as much as they do now.
C'mon, people, let's try to straighten this country out!
Millionaire's money DOES NOT SIT AROUND. When people have a lot of money, they INVEST IT to combat INFLATION. That way, it doesn't lose value. So, by raising taxes on these folks, their ability to invest in businesses and housing and so on is decreased. That leads to a bad effect on ECONOMY.
Further, I know firsthand that the middle-class end up being hit the hardest by this "raising taxes" mantra. Middle class citizens end up having to pay out more, causing them to enter financial hardship.
Even more, small businesses that are getting their feet under them end up hitting a wall, having to cut back, cut jobs, and so on.
So, the BEST policy for this country:
FORGET OUR CURRENT TAX SYSTEM. Why should we continue to have a tax system that is so messy and convoluted? We have so many taxes for so many things, it's ridiculous. How about we throw it out and instate something sensible.
I know I'm a supporter of the Fair Tax system. With this system, you can bring home 100% of your income. More money in the pocket means more will be there to spend. People LIKE to spend money. Just look at all the marketing ads for toys and gizmos out there.
Having a better tax system would also take a lot of wind out of politicians sails. They won't be able to use that card quite as much as they do now.
C'mon, people, let's try to straighten this country out!
25 August 2008
The Difference Between Martial Arts and Fighting
This may seem very strange. I bet a few of you are asking, "Aren't they the same thing?" The answer:
No. Never has been.
Fighting is just where two (or several) people slug it out to see who can knock the other out first. That's what you see in pro-wrestling, pro-boxing, and so on. On the street, a fight can also become a matter of trying to put the other person in the hospital or morgue - excuse me, Forensics Institute. Fighting is an entirely physical endeavor with a lot of sweating and testosterone.
Martial Arts has similarities, but it's not the same. True Martial Artists rarely fight just to fight or put someone down. They might engage in some competitions, but only to challenge themselves. For them, their art is about disciplining oneself. It's a spiritual journey. You can always identify one by their calm, cool, collected manner. They don't believe in good luck or bad luck. They believe everything is a challenge, something to test themselves with.
I've met Martial Artists who've gone looking for challenges. One actually ate only oatmeal for a month. I've met others who've used their lessons of self-control to quit bad habits like smoking and drinking.
Martial Arts has been wonders for me. My focus is better, and I'm not nearly as shy as I once was. My journey hasn't ended, though, and never will. I'm still pushing myself, trying to do better and get stronger. I'm still working on controlling certain aspects of myself.
The point is, Martial Arts isn't all about kicking and punching like so many believe. You can learn so much more from it and use it to be successful in your life.
No. Never has been.
Fighting is just where two (or several) people slug it out to see who can knock the other out first. That's what you see in pro-wrestling, pro-boxing, and so on. On the street, a fight can also become a matter of trying to put the other person in the hospital or morgue - excuse me, Forensics Institute. Fighting is an entirely physical endeavor with a lot of sweating and testosterone.
Martial Arts has similarities, but it's not the same. True Martial Artists rarely fight just to fight or put someone down. They might engage in some competitions, but only to challenge themselves. For them, their art is about disciplining oneself. It's a spiritual journey. You can always identify one by their calm, cool, collected manner. They don't believe in good luck or bad luck. They believe everything is a challenge, something to test themselves with.
I've met Martial Artists who've gone looking for challenges. One actually ate only oatmeal for a month. I've met others who've used their lessons of self-control to quit bad habits like smoking and drinking.
Martial Arts has been wonders for me. My focus is better, and I'm not nearly as shy as I once was. My journey hasn't ended, though, and never will. I'm still pushing myself, trying to do better and get stronger. I'm still working on controlling certain aspects of myself.
The point is, Martial Arts isn't all about kicking and punching like so many believe. You can learn so much more from it and use it to be successful in your life.
23 August 2008
My Vocabulary
Here's a dictionary to help ya'll with my unique vocabulary. Some of these you might have seen before, others will be totally new to you. This will be regularly updated as new vocab is created and added.
Damsel-in-distress - When I use this, please hear, "Worthless, fearful, insecure, weak, doormat, unhealthy self-esteem, no confidence, I'm sure you get the picture.
Feminazi - boorish, nasty, negative, severely anti-anything-with-the-XY-chromosome, proChoice BUT ONLY their choice (no other options allowed), anti-family values, I'm sure you get it by now.
Gentleman - When I use this word, this is what I'm saying, "Respectful, selfless, gentle with women, gentlemanly, kind, caring, strong, confident, motivated, mature, responsible, caring, healthy self-esteem, and so on.
Lady - charming, kind, compassionate, modest, witty, sensible, intelligent, subtle, confident, has a backbone, respectful, selfless, mature, responsible, and so on.
Male - When I use this word to describe a human fellow, this is what I'm saying, "Little boy playing dress up, hyper-sexualized, gross, crass, rude, obnoxious, selfish, jerk, idiot, moron, abusive, aggressive, insensitive, self-centered, immature, irresponsible, cold, mean, sperm-donor, weak, insecure, feminized, I think you get the idea.
Man - interchangeable with "gentleman."
Woman - interchangeable with "lady."
Damsel-in-distress - When I use this, please hear, "Worthless, fearful, insecure, weak, doormat, unhealthy self-esteem, no confidence, I'm sure you get the picture.
Feminazi - boorish, nasty, negative, severely anti-anything-with-the-XY-chromosome, proChoice BUT ONLY their choice (no other options allowed), anti-family values, I'm sure you get it by now.
Gentleman - When I use this word, this is what I'm saying, "Respectful, selfless, gentle with women, gentlemanly, kind, caring, strong, confident, motivated, mature, responsible, caring, healthy self-esteem, and so on.
Lady - charming, kind, compassionate, modest, witty, sensible, intelligent, subtle, confident, has a backbone, respectful, selfless, mature, responsible, and so on.
Male - When I use this word to describe a human fellow, this is what I'm saying, "Little boy playing dress up, hyper-sexualized, gross, crass, rude, obnoxious, selfish, jerk, idiot, moron, abusive, aggressive, insensitive, self-centered, immature, irresponsible, cold, mean, sperm-donor, weak, insecure, feminized, I think you get the idea.
Man - interchangeable with "gentleman."
Woman - interchangeable with "lady."
19 August 2008
Bein' A Lady
One goal I have in life is to turn myself into a lady. Now, as with practically everything in life, there are different categories of "ladyhood." There's an English lady, one from the Victorian age, a New England lady, a Western lady, an Eastern lady, and a Southern lady - though they prefer belle. My category: Southern belle. They are a breed of their own. Just read What Southern Women Know About Flirting, The Southern Rules, or any of those.
Now, bein' a lady isn't a simple thing. It ain't just about dress and manner. It's a way of life. Obviously. A lady's gotta be charming, kind, compassionate, modest, witty, sensible, intelligent, subtle, and - most importantly - has to have a backbone. Otherwise one is just a bloomin' damsel-in-distress. News flash: any girl can save herself if she puts her mind to it. Southern ladies do it as a rule with sweet smiles, a sense of humor, and usually a home-baked goodie.
I've been working to get there. Sweet smiles I was born with and sense of humor. I can cook. Gotta backbone, intelligence, and modesty. So, I'm part way there. I know for sure, 'cause I have guys opening doors for me, bein' real nice and polite, and acting more like gentlemen. I always give a smile and say "thank you." Reinforce that behavior.
The whole point is that you act like a lady and get treated like one. I love it. Makes me feel all feminine and appreciated. THAT is what every sensible woman wants.
Now, bein' a lady isn't a simple thing. It ain't just about dress and manner. It's a way of life. Obviously. A lady's gotta be charming, kind, compassionate, modest, witty, sensible, intelligent, subtle, and - most importantly - has to have a backbone. Otherwise one is just a bloomin' damsel-in-distress. News flash: any girl can save herself if she puts her mind to it. Southern ladies do it as a rule with sweet smiles, a sense of humor, and usually a home-baked goodie.
I've been working to get there. Sweet smiles I was born with and sense of humor. I can cook. Gotta backbone, intelligence, and modesty. So, I'm part way there. I know for sure, 'cause I have guys opening doors for me, bein' real nice and polite, and acting more like gentlemen. I always give a smile and say "thank you." Reinforce that behavior.
The whole point is that you act like a lady and get treated like one. I love it. Makes me feel all feminine and appreciated. THAT is what every sensible woman wants.
17 August 2008
Just another UNordinary day
Sometimes, you just have one of those days that start out normal, then something real crazy happens. Here's something I think everybody would appreciate.
I was driving to my Martial Arts studio, flipping through the radio stations, singing along to the songs I know, and trying not to get in an accident. Well, all the sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something waving around in the wind by the driver's side corner of Jeepie's hood. My first thought was, "Oh just some Spanish moss." I took a longer look and realized, that sure didn't look like any kind of moss I'd ever seen. It was worm-like but a bit too big for a worm. I drove further along and then spot fur sticking out from the hood's gap. There was a RAT in the Jeep's engine! I KNEW it had to be dead. I drove the rest of the way to the studio, trying to think of how to take care of a dead rat and wondering how in the world it got in there in the first place.
I finally pulled in to a parking spot and immediately popped open the hood. I hurried to the front, pulled the hood up, and guess what? That rat ran away and disappeared into the Jeep's engine parts faster that you could blink. I jumped like I'd been struck by lightning. I stood there for a good bit, deciding how to react. I settled for laughing.
But that's not all. I retrieved my uniform and continued on into the studio. First thing I asked Phil (a black belt staff member and friend of mine) was, "What do you do if you've got a live rat in your engine?"
He stared at me for a moment, and then replied seriously while shaking his head, "You know, you're the only one I could possibly have this conversation with." I burst out laughing.
Just at that moment, another staff member comes out and asks what we were talking about. Phil told what I'd asked. Her response? "I dunno. Chase it with a broom?"
Let me just end this blog saying: that story is all over the studio now with everyone laughing.
I was driving to my Martial Arts studio, flipping through the radio stations, singing along to the songs I know, and trying not to get in an accident. Well, all the sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something waving around in the wind by the driver's side corner of Jeepie's hood. My first thought was, "Oh just some Spanish moss." I took a longer look and realized, that sure didn't look like any kind of moss I'd ever seen. It was worm-like but a bit too big for a worm. I drove further along and then spot fur sticking out from the hood's gap. There was a RAT in the Jeep's engine! I KNEW it had to be dead. I drove the rest of the way to the studio, trying to think of how to take care of a dead rat and wondering how in the world it got in there in the first place.
I finally pulled in to a parking spot and immediately popped open the hood. I hurried to the front, pulled the hood up, and guess what? That rat ran away and disappeared into the Jeep's engine parts faster that you could blink. I jumped like I'd been struck by lightning. I stood there for a good bit, deciding how to react. I settled for laughing.
But that's not all. I retrieved my uniform and continued on into the studio. First thing I asked Phil (a black belt staff member and friend of mine) was, "What do you do if you've got a live rat in your engine?"
He stared at me for a moment, and then replied seriously while shaking his head, "You know, you're the only one I could possibly have this conversation with." I burst out laughing.
Just at that moment, another staff member comes out and asks what we were talking about. Phil told what I'd asked. Her response? "I dunno. Chase it with a broom?"
Let me just end this blog saying: that story is all over the studio now with everyone laughing.
15 August 2008
10 Uses for a Boyfriend
Here's a fun little list of what a GOOD, DECENT, GENTLEMANLY boyfriend can and SHOULD do for us ladies.
1) Be the lady's chauffeur in times of need. If she has to take her vehicle in to get fixed, for example, arrangements should be made so that he can pick her up and take her where ever she desires until the vehicle is finished at the shop. Further, his responsibility is to drive whenever the lady is in his or her car. Along with this comes the obligation to DRIVE SAFELY AND CAREFULLY. Rarely do ladies get in cars just for a roller-coaster type ride.
2) Personal massage therapist. Listen up, guys: a man who knows how to rub away achy muscles is one women adore. That doesn't mean digging into their flesh like you're trying to make ground beef. Some women like deep-tissue massage. Others like the lighter touch massages like Shiatsu. The point is: know how to massage well.
3) Personal package carrier. Now, I'm rather independent and like to show-off my physical strength, but even I like having fellows carry those heavy things about for me. Even if it's just a small shopping bag, it makes the fellow more masculine in the girlfriend's eyes.
4) Car doctor. Even if the man isn't a mechanic, he should learn about cars to an extent. That way, if the lady's car breaks down, he can pop open the hood and know where to look. Then, he can tell his lady what he thinks is wrong so she can relay that to a mechanic. In any case, it looks cute (at least to me).
5) Personal chair assistant. Anytime the lady needs to sit down, the man must pull out her chair, help her into it (even if she's quite capable of doing it herself), and then help her scoot it in. If, for some reason, the chair or seating is attached to the floor, he must still help the lady into it. THEN he can seat himself. It makes the lady feel ultra-feminine and cared for.
6) Personal warmer. Movies are the most popular place for this. You're sitting in the theater, watching the film, when your lady starts getting cold. What to you do? Offer her your jacket (if you have one), and let her cuddle up to you. Guys run hotter the gals for this reason alone (forget what science tells you). This scenario applies elsewhere as well, like a night on the town, etc.
7) Jacket assistant. This comprises of three duties. One: he must always help the lady out of her coat/jacket/sweater anytime she desires to remove it. Two: if there is no place designated to hang it, he must carry it (tying back into the package carrier role). Three: if the lady wants to put it back on, he must help her into it. I've had an older friend of mine do this for me, and WOW what a rush. I felt so appreciated and feminine.
8) Personal cheer-up doctor. If the lady has just had a bad day, the man is obligated to think of something to cheer her up. It could be something as simple as giving her a hug and kiss (WITHOUT DEMANDING MORE) and telling her she looks gorgeous and she's still number one in your world (believe me, THIS would go a LONG way). It could be more complex, like planning a night-out to her favorite places. It could sitting and watching her favorite chick flick, no matter how unmalely (a word from my vocab) it might feel. Just do something to put a smile on her face.
9) Personal door opener. Anytime the lady is to go through a door, the man MUST open it and hold it for her. I adore this one. I always smile and say “thank you” when a fellow does this for me. What a rush of femininity!
10) Personal guard. Now going hyper-protective is NOT healthy behavior. But feeling obligated to watch over the lady's personal health – both physical and psychological – is fine. This means: getting in between her and any shady characters in the street, keeping her away from stupid drunks should there be any around, defending her when someone attempts put her down or bully her around, being her support in times of darkness, etc. DON'T Try to protect her from whatever it is (except if it's something physical hurtling towards her). Just be there with her. Be her knight in shining armor with common sense.
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