MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'belle'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:38:03 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610816&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2F30-dsc-day-6.html 6: Song That Reminds You Of Somewhere.Another relatively easy one. I love this song, and will never forget where I was when I first heard it. FWIW, it also reminds me of a person and an event...stillI might add, I was listening to it, so the big man's entrance took me completely by surprise... (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610816 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +0100 4610816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577908&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fbest-vs-worst.html No further rigors, no idea what the source was. Slightly worried I'm harbouring something nasty... but declined investigation so I guess I have to lie in my own bed.Increasingly find myself gripped by malaise, and dark feelings of hopelessness, which is somewhat self-indulgant considering my situation versus how it could be.Anyway, blame that for this post.In general, I have a low opinion of humanity. Essentially, I don't think we're as far removed from the beasts as we like to think we are. Left to our own devices, I think most people will happily crap on their fellow man, if it's to their own advantage.Altruism, generosity seem to me to be the exception.La Belle Fille firmly believed quite the opposite; she does have a bright shining soul though. She may be right.I suspect my job biases ... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577908 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:51:00 +0100 4577908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671977&cid=t_123585_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F06%2F17%2Fblanche-lincoln-as-scarlett-ohara-blue-you-good-dog-you%2F New cartoon by Trussell & Trussell on Politics Daily. Blanche Lincoln as Scarlett O’Hara: Blue, You Good Dog You. Filed under: Politics Daily Tagged: blanche lincoln, blue dog, chaos theory, deep south, democrat, political cartoon, scarlett o'hara, southern belle (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671977 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:06:20 +0100 3671977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3448856&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fsticking-with-you.html Continuing the theme of the weekend...Saturday was perhaps most notable for our avoidance of a cheese and wine party, a location where LBF would normally be found waxing lyrical about the virtue of cheese and its superiority over all other foodstuffs.This casual truanting did afford us the opportunity to meet GermanyJones in the pub. Germany is another of LBF's amigos, and is a lively lassie, with more artistic drive and imagination in her little finger than I possess in my entire flabby frame.Our conversation ranged from comparing Ross Kemp to PacMan (a dead ringer, apparently) to the grand plan to track down and interview 12 men from around the world who think they are the risen Jesus.I can't reveal more details, as it's still a work in progress, but you heard it here first. A GermanyJon... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3448856 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 21:45:00 +0100 3448856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3448857&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fprohibition-jazz.html An unusual weekend.The ongoing soap opera that is my own, and other people's lives continued. Spent the bulk of the weekend with LBF, work ahving intervened in our efforts to atend the weekend Lemon WeddingFirst we went to see The Original Rabbit's Foot Spasm Band, who play prohibition jazz. This is the haunt of JazzMan, who seems unable to do right by Schlingo. Of course, that's my definition of right, and trying to throw two people together because YOU think it'll work is potentially fraught.It is a shame tho', because Schlingo is aces, and JazzMan seems like a nice fella, barring this one thing.Anyway, that's their business, not ours.As for the jazz, they're excellent, and much grooving was done, wheels greased with joyous lager, and the stench of gin and sympathy.I was somewhat surpris... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3448857 Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:33:00 +0100 3448857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302318&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fno-help-required.html While out and about on the Streets of LBFville, we were hailed by a couple of teens, supporting a third, semi-conscious, mate. They wanted help getting him up, so they could get him home. This is, in itself, admirable.The mood was spoiled somewhat when they stopped worrying about him, and started begging for ciggies when we went over.Info was fairly sparse, but it was apparent he had drunk ' a lot', and was sparko. Try as I might, I couldn't raise a peep out of him. Getting him home seemed increasingly ambitious.As always in situations like this, a crowd gathered.They were all drunk too, and not really a great help.By this time, I was making some progress at the head end, and he was beginning to respond to my less than gentle ministrations.Suddenly home didn't seem such a far off dream aft... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302318 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:44:00 +0100 3302318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302319&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fvalentino.html Another Valentine's passed.The cynic in me says this is really just a great money spinner for jewellers / gift manufacturers / card makers etc, but it is undenisably nice to remind someone how much they mean to you.I had planned a little break for LBF and I, but things don't always break the way you want to. Firstly I couldn't get the time off work, or at least not without really making some enemies, which is never a good idea. Then I contrived not to see the folks for a while, and Pa Shroom's birthday falls right after Hallmark card day, so I kindof had to hook up with them...Anyway, I managed to spend some time with LBF and not f. up the presents I bought for her. We also saw the film Valentine's Day which was... interesting.It may not have been the most romantic of weekends, but I think... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302319 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:37:00 +0100 3302319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266921&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fiflail.html La Belle Fille has made the jump to the iPhone. (Other phones are available) As with all new tech, there were a few teething problems.So, shortly after she signed up for it, and whipped it out of it's box, I received a phone call. This one consisted of a few plaintive "hello"s by both parties, and her hanging up. Another call followed, which she hung up as soon as I answered. Then another, which consisted of LBF simply uttering the word: 'bollocks'.After a few more abortive efforts, it became apparent that she was struggling with the volume controls.A text followed, asking me to call her, to check that her phone was working. This call passed off without incident, barring much laughter in the background at her end.The cause: having taken the phone back, and proclaimed it defunct, the phone ... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266921 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:32:00 +0100 3266921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227755&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fbleak-bleak-bleak-happy.html Another flying visit to La Belle Fille.We went to see The Road, an unremittingly bleak piece, until the very end. I haven't read the book, but can't help but wonder if the (admittedly only slightly) upbeat ending was influenced by Hollywood.Or am I just too cynical? (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227755 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:58:00 +0100 3227755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208387&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fhigh-days-and-holidays.html Spent the weekend feeling a bit sorry for myself, while trying to have fun with LBF. Sick role avoidance. She had schoolwork to do - for those of you that think teachers have it easy, don't forget the marking. Oh, the humanity.Anyway, worksheets planned, books checked, we deployed to the supermarket where I fulfilled my stereotype by grumbling and generally acting like a 2 year old. LBF was very tolerant, as usual.We then whiled away a few happy hours watching a programme called 'Watch Me Showing Off', or 'If I Bend Over You Can See What I Had For Breakfast', or something. There was dancing in it, anyway, but I lost the thread when one of the first dancers elected to wear a pair of hotpants so small they barely deserved the name.Then Schlingo appeared, just in time for a new horror of a da... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208387 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:30:00 +0100 3208387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185337&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Flazy-sunday-afternoons.html So, after agreeing to work Saturday, then quietly grumbling about it under my breath, like a passive aggressive chimp, I tripped up to La Maison Belle Fille. I wasn't much use Saturday evening, barely able to stay awake for dinner, and frankly I'm not sure I was much better Sunday, but at least it was more fun.We schlepped down to a local pub for lunchtime, to sample their sandwiches, which LBF had described as 'amazing', a term she is fond of. They weren't bad after all, but I'm not sure they were amazing. Still, one man's meat, and all that...We picked up Schlingo on the way. She is always good company, being as prone as I am to outbursts of rage, and not afraid to speak her mind, which I respect greatly. Which made it all the more amusing when a phone call from her boss spooked her into... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185337 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:55:00 +0100 3185337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3180239&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fstressors.html I'm about to start a series of nights; I once again hope for some interesting tales to fill these pages. They may just be my last set of nights, too, so I'd better make the most of them. I should, in the next few weeks, evolve from Registrar to Consultant. (Attending, I think, in the language of my North American cousins)it is what I have trained and worked for, for all these sodding years. I have sat numerous exams, and slowly seen my mind rareify to the exclusion of all else.This transition, especially the final passing of my Fellowship exams, should have brought my stress levels down. And those of La Belle Fille. But that hasn't quite happened yet. I guess the effects haven't quite kicked in yet. Or, in the grand way of yin and yang, as my job stress goes down, so La Belle Fille's goes ... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3180239 Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +0100 3180239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3178779&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fholding-hot-potato.html Being the right man, or woman, in the right place, at the right time... sometimes isn't a good thing.When Shroom did a brief stint as a Plastic Surgeon, we rotated the days on call on a weekly basis, and the nights nightly. So this meant one week in 5 was pretty Hellish, but that the others allowed for concentrating on elective work, on learning.But, if you'd just done the day on call and the night guy didn't show... well you were holding the bleep. Right person, right place, etc. No-one really tried very hard to find alternate cover, and damn the fact that it meant you pulling a day-night-day 36 hour shift.I came in early today to cover a colleague's illness. Internal Cover. A stroke of genius by the NHS. The first thing Ol' Bosso said to me when he saw me concerned the fact that Ill Coll... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3178779 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:12:00 +0100 3178779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153372&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fzombie-apocalypse.html More evidence, if any were needed, that Great Britain can't cope with snow. And, latterly, that every time I agree to swap shifts with someone, it goes tits up...Tuesday, two days ago, I should have been on a day off, but had agreed to cover a shift for a colleague. It was the swing shift, 4pm until 1am.By just after 6 it was snowing pretty heavily, but didn't seem to be settling. By about 8 it was lying thick on the ground, and the flail had begun. Cars were getting jammed on the roads, big and small, and even the Ambos were getting trapped. It rapidly became apparent that no-one who couldn't walk home was getting home.This clearly included me.The only upside being that if we couldn't get out, no-one could get in. Ambulances couldn't even back into the Bay, a distance of some 10 feet, up ... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153372 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:30:00 +0100 3153372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3139039&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fgiving-up.html I'm trying to give up smoking, again; I don't really want to, but know I should. So I'll probably fail... but we'll see.It's strange what we will give up, and what we won't, and our reasons behind it. We all make sacrifices of one type or another, and sometimes, I suppose I can't be alone in this, look back and wonder if it was all worthwhile. Have other people made the same choices as I have? Have they had too? Or did they just make better ones?I don't know. I know how I have justified the choices I have made to myself, and they always made sense at the time, but sometimes, in the dark, alone, 10 years down the line... I'm not so sure.Morecheerfully, had a grand old dinne with LBF last night, and managed not to act like a twat. The next big choices to make will have to be made together, w... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3139039 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:20:00 +0100 3139039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865661&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fparking-spaces.html LBF is often enquiring after her character. I'm not sure she'll thank me for this...Part of exciting lives dictates that we occasionally go to the Supermarket. On our last visit, we were confronted by a Pay-and-Display car park. Having no change, we elected to fight the power, defy the man and park without paying. Ever fearful of parking Nazis, I stayed with the car, while LBF shopped. (Yes, that might be the 1950s calling)On returning, arms laden with produce, LBF pressed a 50p coin into my palm, not in an attempt to press gang me, but for the Pay-and-Display machine. She looked pleased with herself, I puzzled.She later explained she thought we had to buy a ticket, in case someone came round to check...(She doesn't drive a car) (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865661 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:22:00 +0100 2865661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846366&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fentry-redacted.html With satisfying timing, LBF contacted me today to express some concerns about the details included in the episode in which Schlingo made her debut...I should therefore make it perfectly clear that I know teachers, of all varieties are highly skilled, overworked, underpaid pillars of society. Their work is much more than colouring in shapes.Sometimes they stick the shapes on bits of card afterward. (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846366 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:54:00 +0100 2846366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2842539&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fintroducing.html Women are... interesting... make of this what you will.When I first wrote about LBF here, she phoned me up to complain; not unreasonable, you might think, since I hadn't let her know she was going to feature, and some folks don't want their comings and goings splashed on the 'net. However, this is, after all, the ramblings of a grumpy old man, not The New York Times, and mostly anonymous(-ish), so one might argue few people would either see it or recognise her.So, her entry was removed.It seems that the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about, and LBF now regularly mentions, just in passing that her character has been disappointingly quiet recently.Now it seems I have to expand her character and provide more back story.LBF need more companions to keep her company... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2842539 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:14:00 +0100 2842539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820225&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fcoming-soon.html By popular demand, more on the adventures of LBF, and a new character to grace the soap opera that is Shroom's life. (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820225 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:58:00 +0100 2820225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820227&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fgood-from-afar.html I t has been suggested to me that I should be writing more, and indeed, more about certain subjects; I surely agree that to keep my part in our covenant, dear reader, I should be writing more. Writing under duress, however, worries me; I worry that my output will resemble drivel more than usual. Duress, is probably too strong a word, and I certainly need the prodding.Well I'll try.I had something I wanted to pitch about close ups. Real and figurative. La Belle Fille shouldtake particular note that this an example of me thinking out loud in general terms, and not talking about specifics.I had ben struck by how many things in modern life look very shiny, or nice, or fun, until you see them close up, until you see their faults writ large. Everything, everybody has faults, but I fear modern li... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820227 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:33:00 +0100 2820227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2553029&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fmonkeys-wedding.html La Belle Fille's birthday has come and gone again. Having a Summer birfday affords her the luxury of celebrating with a picnic in the park. This was, despite my sour mood brought on by the Rugby, was a grand day. One of her friends, who shall remain nameless, provided the moment of the day, when opening a bottle of Cava; the cork erupted, unbidden, which is always a slightly worrying sign, but she then committed the ultimate schoolgirl error by glancing down, whence the cork had come, to be greeted, a split second later by the volcanic discharge of Cava.It's hard to convey quite how funny this was, although the consensus was that she dealt with it pretty well, because it was, as LBF put it 'pretty embarrassing'. (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2553029 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:22:00 +0100 2553029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398666&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fla-belle-fille.html follows me occasionally on the interweb; she is always keen to know what "her character" has been up to.Here's something of a rundown.Last week, she, and her partner in crime, Jim were gigging near their home town. LBF has a voice that makes other voices weep into their pints with envy, and she and Jim harmonise well. Now, it should be known that my taste runs to the eclectic, at best, and i have no musical talent at all; so all of my comments should be taken within that context.They should not, in case any Antipodeans are reading, be considered as attempts at "coaching".Their harmony sounds very natural; it sounds so natural that I imagine it is either genuinely natural, or the product of much hard work.Anyway, they hugely kicked ass, and LBF actually silenced the pub with some a capella... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398666 Sat, 09 May 2009 03:07:00 +0100 2398666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353791&cid=t_123585_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fwhat-is-wrong-with-gordon-brown.html This video is doing the rounds at the moment. It was recommended to me by my ageing Greek friend but it was probably Fraser Nelson in The Spectator who first commented on it.I would recommend watching it with the sound turned off at first. Concentrate on the facial expressions. Then take a look at Fraser Nelson's analysis, and watch it again. Look for the COMIC PAUSE, the VANISHING GRIN, THE SHOULDER SHIMMY, the HAND PUSH, and the POWER SHRUG in which the arms and hands join the shoulders in an upward burst.  And there is lots more. My particular favourite is the facial expression at 1.57 before he steels himself to say the dreaded words "Harriet Harman".  You are more likely to hear an actor naming the Scottish Play.Maybe this new, "improved" Gordon Brown was designed by Damien McBride'... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353791 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:01:00 +0100 2353791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348056&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fjoy-of-motoring.html I love my car.Not as much as La Belle Fille, who is always sparklingly funny, especially when she talks in her sleep, but quite a lot.However... it is an Alfa Romeo.The car looks good.It sounds good.It drives well.But it spends a lot of time broken down.I don't object to this as much as the fact that there are never any f.ing parts. Ever.Share with me my current car flail.Had the bastard serviced on the second, when they told me there was a problem with the power steering, and some sort of new tubing was required. It was, unsurprisingly, not in stock, but would be by the following Tuesday.On Monday afternoon, the expected phone call came; the parts weren't available, much to the dealers's surprise. I opined that this was just what i had expected. Never fear, I was told, they had put me on ... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348056 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:41:00 +0100 2348056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348060&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fcelebration.html Backdated.La Belle Fille and I went out to celebrate a year together. I find this vaguely startling, as my previou tendancies have been mostly directed at avoiding any sort of commitment. Still, it's all about the right person, I guess.This in itself is perhaps not enormously interesting to the rest of y'all, but I'm reasonably proud of myself, and, more importantly, the dinner had a satisfyingly 'Fawlty Towers' feel to it.Having slightly flailed our timing, we found ourselves at the restaurant about 15 minutes early. Poking our heads in the door we politley enquired as to whether they were open; a very young looking waiter looked a bit scared, went to check, and told us they were.It turned out they weren't, but they seated us anyway, while the staff sat down for their dinner. Slightly sur... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348060 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:27:00 +0100 2348060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2211100&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fredemption-song.html Out this weekend with La Belle Fille and her friends. I have kept my head down in her locale for a while, after failing to win her friends over with my drunken ranting. This weekend shaped up as dinner with her folks, who I do seem to have won over. All well as usual, with good food and wine, and the odd "Top Five" discussion.The opportunity for redemption arose after dinner, when her friends texted to summon us for a pint. One pint became two, and ended up as karaoke in a Chinese restaurant. Brilliant, although slightly intimidating, as LBF has the voice of an angel, and her friends all sing above the average, whereas I can't hold a tune for shit.Anyway, the point is that I was able to go out and have a few drinks without offending anyone, and act just like a normal person.Almost...LBF's ... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2211100 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:59:00 +0100 2211100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144707&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Ftravelling-riverside-blues.html Weekend japes.Glad to get away from the Department for a few days; the potboiler atmosphere of work, commute, revision is getting me down. The looming exam has had to be deferred; I'm disappointed by myself, I wanted to take the bloody thing, and get it out of the way, but for various reasons I can't, I won't be. Maybe more of that later, maybe not. It's fairly tedious, and I'm not convinced it makes for good reading.So, anyway, the weekend saw me and LBF away to Wales. The Alfa Shroom-mobile was back in the shop, with a holed radiator. I do love driving Alfas, but they are about as reliable as a chocolate teapot, once the warranty expires. I also had my suspicions that it wouldn't cope with the backroads I was sure we'd be taking.So; I broke the bank and hired an Audi Q7 (I think). A big ... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144707 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:08:00 +0100 2144707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2104686&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Froom-for-small-one.html The Crisis continues...The Hospital is full; yesterday an 'internal' Major Incident was declared. This sparked brief panic, as word spread around the Hospital. For those not in the know, a 'Major Incident' is usually declared in response to a sizable disaster - plane crash, train wreck, etc. The implication is that incoming workload will swamp the Hospital's ability to cope. An internal incident simply means we can't cope with the routine workload of the day...While the difference between the two was sinking in, a variety of anaesthetists and intensivists pitched up, looking for work, causing more confusion, as most of us hadn't been told about the move to Defcon 2, or whatever it's being called these days.As far as i can tell, a lot of Very Important People were summoned to the Department... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2104686 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:21:00 +0100 2104686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2094922&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fevil-has-many-roots.html Money troubles.La Belle Fille is cross with me; for a variety of reasons - because I'm working all the time, because I can't help but act like an infant around her friends, and now, because of money.I am convinced that money causes more trouble than it's worth; perhaps I can afford t have such an opinion because I've never been short of cash; Ma and Pa Shroom are well enough off, and Doctoring pays the bills... so maybe this invalidates my opinion.Money still causes grief tho'. LBF is owed some cash by an ex-housemate of hers, and he hasn't paid her for several months. I don't consider it a large sum, but that is all relative, of course. Ex-housemate now appears to be throwing a strop over the debt.I suspect there are valid points on both sides, but what seems a simple enough matter t me h... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2094922 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:30:00 +0100 2094922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2078307&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fcome-join-our-insect-nation.html Another New Year, another failure to cover myself in glory. Spent it with La Belle Fille and her friends, but failed to convince anyone that I'm funny, or interesting...Her friends don't like me very much, probably with good reason. Wallowed in self pity for a while, then realised work was back to cheer me up.Sometimes it's fun being me. (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2078307 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:46:00 +0100 2078307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040273&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fask-me-no-questions.html One to think about, or not.La Belle Fille asked me this one. She uses it t see inside the minds of children, or something."If someone asks you if you have a pen they can use, and you say 'no' without looking, is it lying?"Anyone? Anyone? Anyone? Beuller? (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040273 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:54:00 +0100 2040273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040275&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fbelle-of-ball.html Now that I'm posting again, La Belle Fille has not been slow to remind me she is disappointed with the level of her air time. Damned if I do, damned if I don't, it seems...Work commitments, and the impending Noel have limited the time we've been able to spend together, so I don't really have any great tales of 'The adventures of Shroom and Snaily' to report. She is spending much of the weeknights backstage, in make up this week, which I find endlessly entertaining.Anyway, out of script does NOT equal out of mind.So there. (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040275 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:37:00 +0100 2040275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1841171&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fodds-and-sods.html Ruminations...Struggle on, trying to finish some work related research, revise, generally live my life. It goes slowly; I think I'd be good as a sloth. Although not sure I'd pass the entrance exam.La Belle Fille continues to understand, which is good of her; spent the weekend hanging out, which is good for the soul; I also had the pleasure of seeing possibly the world's biggest round of cheese at the local French market. God love the French.A brief flag for NotDrRant. This blog has a very different spin on the NHS; a patient's view, and not a complimentary one. I'm in favour of free speech, so you should feel free to check them out, tho' I don't hold with their take on the causes of the faults ( to whit, it's all the doctor's fault. ) That having sad, the author doesn't seem to have been s... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841171 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:47:00 +0100 1841171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1833351&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fgods-dandruff.html Continue in low mood; it is what comes of spending long days alone, at home, ruminating on my own inadequacies.My impending exam - the Fellowship, the exit exam, the big one... what it takes to be board certified, I think, if you're one of my Colonial brothers or sisters... dwells heavily on my mind. I've spent the last year pretending it was an age away; and know it isn't. I'm not sure where the last year has gone; it seems to have slipped away from me.There must have been something on my mind (at least for the last 6 months).Caught a programme on the Beeb a few days ago, about the birth of the NHS. 'Twas interesting, if only to hear the concerns of the (largely) middle class docs regarding the State control of medicine. That the doctor would no longer work for the patient, but for the st... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1833351 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:00:00 +0100 1833351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826022&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fnights-drawing-in.html I continue in low mood; the 'Black Dog' and I always seem to end up struggling about this time; I suppose if I wanted to, I could call this Seasonal Affect Disorder. It always seems to coincide with the shortening of the days... but, not only do I dislike what I consider pointless labelling (see: IBS; CFS; Fibromyalgia...), but I actually enjoy this time of year; I enjoy the cold, crisp nights and mornings; I'm not quite so keen on getting up, and going home in the dark, but...I think it is just overpowering nostalgia. Some of my happiest memories are rooted in these months; and I think it just serves to remind me how far I've travelled from them. I miss my friends and my family increasingly these days, and all the more so at this time of year. This year, my mind is troubled with impending... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826022 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:04:00 +0100 1826022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826024&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fthings-that-make-you-go-why.html Hat-tip to Kal at TQ.Further details to follow, especially involving La Belle Fille, who was heard to complain that her 'character' appeared to have been written out...I could survive for 1 minute, 22 seconds chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor (Source: The KnifeMan) The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826024 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:59:00 +0100 1826024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1535881&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fim-mr-too.html Belligerent Shroom; Brief post; Apologies.Nights have been and gone, surprisingly quietly. The only evidence they were ever there are a few straightened ankles, and the disruption to my body clock.One of Shroom's good friends has found her life goin' a little bit sour. Through no fault of her own, but because one of her housemates lacks social integration skills. I can't pretend to be in his head, and it's true that every story has two sides, but he seems to have a crush, for want of a better word, on her. And is having trouble adjusting to the fact that his feelings are not reciprocated.I know how that feels, so feel I can offer the following advice: tough shit, Paddy.Life is full of disappointment; how we deal with it is one of the ways in which we measure ourselves. There will always be... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1535881 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:54:00 +0100 1535881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1518888&cid=t_123585_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fthey-seek-him-here.html Christ. I really have been away for a few weeks. I, again, resolve to try to post more often, which, if you're still reading probably counts as good news.For a certain value of 'good'.And 'news'.Anyway... one of my erstwhile readers, a proper doctor, not an honourary schmuck like me, has suggested a link between my real life and post frequency. He's more or less right. Sometimes, life just gets in the way.So; an update. Non-clinical flail first.Spent my time off NOT doing the hundred things I'd promised myself I would, so my car remains unserviced, and the kitchen unpainted. I did however spend some grand times in Wales, first with a bunch of citric types, then on a stag do.Things I have learned include:--It's not as easy as it seems to teach someone cannulation when your both blind drunk-... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1518888 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:28:00 +0100 1518888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=658838&cid=t_123585_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F05%2Fpost-mastectomy-clothing-offers-perfect-fit%2F Filed under: Breast Cancer, Products, Cancer SurvivorsJacqueline, a clever and crafty breast cancer survivor made this shirt -- pictured at right -- especially for the 2006 Susan G. Komen walk in Central Park. She didn't like the over-sized, over-advertised shirts passed out to the masses, so she designed her own. Notice the songbird stripe on the right side of the shirt? This seamstress renovated the piece to create visual balance for women who have lost a breast and wish to forgo mastectomy and prostheses.Jacqueline, who has named her clothing line Rhea Belle, had a right-side mastectomy in January 2004. She knew she would leave her body as is, but her existing wardrobe didn't "fit" her new shape. When she realized she could either accept her changed architecture or camouflage it, she ch... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=658838 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 658838