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 'card'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:25 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829022&cid=t_103492_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fgreat-customer-service-from-citibank.html I am a CitiGold customer, and had some issues with the billing on my credit card which had not been resolved for quite a few months.I spoke to my Relationship manager, who promised to fix the problem. I am very confident she'll take care of this - but what I really liked is the fact that I can reach out and talk to a human being who will take ownership of the problem and solve it for me.It's such a pleasure to receive good customer service - it's become so rare these days ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829022 Sat, 14 May 2011 10:08:00 +0100 4829022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813208&cid=t_103492_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F10%2F2011-tennessee-womens-health-report-card-highlights%2F Today marked the release of the 2011 Tennessee Women’s Health Report Card, a publication which provides a snapshot of the health status of women in our state, and the disparities they experience. It’s a handy resource for anyone interested in making a case – or understanding the need – for improved health services and community programs, and includes statistics that clearly illustrate some of the challenges we face. Among them: 18.4% of us – or almost 1 in 5 – smoked while we were pregnant. The rate is highest (21.4%) among white women, and lower among African American (10.3%) and Hispanic (2.4%) women. African American women experience tremendous disparities in their infant mortality rate, with 16 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 6 for... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813208 Wed, 11 May 2011 00:48:20 +0100 4813208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780347&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F03%2Fhonoring-your-mom-when-your-relationship-is-thorny%2F Mother-daughter relationships come in many different stripes. But all have one thing in common: They involve a complicated bond. Nothing brings this to light more than the holidays — especially if your relationship has been strained and shaky. On Mother’s Day, in particular, it can be “hard to figure out a way to honor a mom that has been difficult,” said Linda Mintle, Ph.D, marriage and family therapist and author of I Love My Mother, But…Practical Help to Get the Most Out of Your Relationship. I spoke with Mintle for my article on mother-daughter relationships. (Stay tuned!) And I wanted to share her straightforward and wise advice. So how do you honor your mother when your relationship is thorny? Let’s be honest, most Mother’s Day cards are mushy, nauseatingly so. (My... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780347 Tue, 03 May 2011 11:40:43 +0100 4780347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684433&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F04%2F05%2Fare-facebook-friends-real-friends%2F I don’t think I realized just how insecure I was until I joined Facebook two years ago. I thought the 12 or so years of therapy would have resulted in a more evolved woman. But here’s the truth: every time I lose a friend on Facebook I take it personally. Yes, that is ridiculous. I know. But I still feel the blow. I try not to remember the number of friends I have when I go to bed at night, but somehow it sticks—unlike every phone number I’ve tried to memorize. So, upon logging on to Facebook every morning, I immediately notice that I lost two friends overnight. While I was sleeping! What especially irks me is when I lose three friends right after I post something. Now I know that it probably has nothing to do with the content of my post, but it’s the same punch in the gut that I... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684433 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:00:08 +0100 4684433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642595&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fverification-the-new-scam-in-town%2F2011.03.27 There’s a new scam in town. Company calls over and over again (claiming to be the phone company, actually) just wanting to “verify your address”. Over and over again they get told we aren’t interested, leave us alone, don’t call. Finally, my solitary staffer gets sick of fending them off and goes through their voice activated “address verification”, during which a mechanical voice asks questions, followed by a command to “Say Yes or No, then press the pound key.” So she goes through the innocuous questions, including her full name, the office address and phone number, plus several iterations of saying “Yes or No, then press pound.” The calls stop; everyone is happy. Until I get the phone bill six weeks later. Lo and behold, there is an extra $49.99 charge (plus tax) f... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642595 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:00:37 +0100 4642595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399506&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FqpvPLv4QH9o%2F By Andrew J. CoulsonNew science test scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress were released today, and they’re not comparable to the scores for earlier years. You may want to know whether our schools are getting better or worse over time in this subject, but apparently the federal government is more ambivalent. There are actually two different flavors of the NAEP tests: the Long Term Trends (which stay the same over time so that we can see, well, trends), and the “Nation’s Report Card,” which can be redesigned whenever it is absolutely… convenient. But here’s the thing: the NAEP Long Term Trends science test has not been administered since 1999, when it showed that a statistically significant decline in achievement had taken place at the... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399506 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:50:41 +0100 4399506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343202&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F13%2F5-ideas-for-cultivating-a-sense-of-wonder%2F Reverb 10 is an annual end-of-year project that helps readers reflect on the old year via a series of prompts. One of 2010′s prompts was “How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?” This question made me think about cultivating wonder in our lives all the time, from the old year into the new. Wonder is a magical word, I think. And it’s a word that needs more exploration. We need to explore wonder more often, because as adults, many of us lose our sense of wonder in life. It gets buried under piles of bills, deadlines, responsibilities and housework. Maybe you think you’re too old, too mature or too sensible to have a sense of wonder. According to Dictionary.com, wonder means to admire, to be amazed, to be in awe, to marvel. It means something strange or s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343202 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:28:08 +0100 4343202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4324809&cid=t_103492_97_f&fid=35606&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theangriestpharmacist.com%2F2011%2F01%2F08%2Frequirements-versus-services%2F The smart alecks that post wise guy comments on my, and other pharmacist websites, usually only have one or two things they say regarding the worth of pharmacists. The root of their hatred for the profession that does so much for the common citizen is seeded in their jealousy of the wages paid to such highly trained professionals. Along the same lines, they only see pieces of paper (money and prescriptions) coming in and bottles filled with 30 pills each going out. Haters see it as overly simplified. Exoterically, from the outside looking in, it is, but for those of us that spent 6 to 8 years getting a doctorate, we don't agree. Compared to backbreaking labor outside in the hot sun, I can at least understand. I've also had a recent brash of problems with patients being rude/uncaring about ... The Angriest Pharmacist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4324809 Sat, 08 Jan 2011 06:15:50 +0100 4324809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265689&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FwOubvfvQOi8%2F By George ScovilleThat’s the title of an upcoming FOX News Channel feature program with John Stossel, in which Cato Executive Vice President David Boaz and Director of Health Policy Studies Michael F. Cannon weigh in on some of the hidden, unforeseen, and unintended consequences of the attempts to deliver on promises our politicians make. Politicians promised that: Cash for Clunkers would save the auto industry. Increasing the minimum wage would be good for the working poor. Title IX would end gender-based discrimination in college sports. Mega-construction projects like stadiums, arenas, and conference centers would create jobs. Changing the tax code would save small farmers and the environment. Credit card reform would save us from banking fees. Reforming the health care system wo... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265689 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:34:24 +0100 4265689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253139&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwomens-health-in-the-u-s-gets-an-f%2F2010.12.12 The Oregon Health and Science University has published its fifth report card since 2000. It grades and ranks the United States on 26 health-status indicators for women. In 2010, not one state received an overall “satisfactory” grade for women’s health, and just two states — Vermont and Massachusetts — received a “satisfactory-minus” grade. Overall, the nation is so far from meeting the goals set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that it receives an overall grade of “unsatisfactory.” The national report card uses status indicators to assess women’s health: Women’s access to healthcare services (medically under-served area, no abortion provider, no health insurance and first trimester prenatal care) Wellness... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253139 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:00:00 +0100 4253139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179309&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FRmAi2EpN2P8%2F By Andrew J. CoulsonOver the past two decades, the media and federal education officials have tended to focus on modestly improving test score trends of 4th and 8th graders. As my colleague Neal has mentioned, new 12th grade results were released today, and they once again call that practice into question. Whether one looks at the fixed “Long Term Trends” series of national test results reaching back to the early 1970s, or at the ever-evolving “Nation’s Report Card” series, it seems as though student achievement has improved a little over time at the 4th and (to a lesser extent) 8th grade levels. By the same token, both of those data series show little or no improvement in achievement at the end of high-school over the past one, two, or four decades. Indeed th... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179309 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:25:03 +0100 4179309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159285&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F11%2Fin-honor-of-those-who-serve-2010%2F Today is Veteran’s Day, and we’d like to take a moment to honor those men and women who have chosen to serve our country in military service. With an all-voluntary armed forces, our country is at the mercy of individuals who, for little reason other than a desire to serve their country, willingly risk their lives and put their entire ordinary lives on hold (especially those in the National Guard and reservists). For you and I. We should do all that we can to ensure these folks come back to a country who welcomes them home, is thankful for their service, and provides them with all the necessary health and mental health care humanly possible. That’s our duty, as ordinary citizens, to recognize the sacrifice these men and women have made. I’d also like to take a moment... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159285 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:00:45 +0100 4159285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946718&cid=t_103492_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FvTX5k-_xa24%2F As I was preparing for a humorous speech contest last week, I was putting together some props for my speech about receiving the dreaded AARP card. I used a mailbox as my main prop and filled it with free sample items that you can get for free by filling out the sample card at the back of the AARP magazine. As part of my props I designed a simple “Can’t Remember Sheet.” It’s basically a sheet of paper with four bright yellow boxes where you can write the names of things you need to remember. For my speech I used milk and eggs as examples. To use the sheet, you just write down the items you want to remember and put the sheet on your refrigerator door. When you are ready for work, just take the sheet with you and post it in your car or keep it on your desk at work. That way you’ll ... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946718 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:35:11 +0100 3946718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3935909&cid=t_103492_136_f&fid=39215&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcancersuucks.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fso-now-i-am-work-after-conning-my.html So now I am work after conning my friend Theresa into working a double for me last night. New York was exhausting, mainly because of the fifth floor walk up, and also because unfortunately the landlord was a total asshole. Didn't let them move in til the third then gave them the wrong keys so we couldn't get in. Then she had the gall to be mad at me when I called her at 1 a.m. to have her drive over and let us in. She did not, but had another tenant go down the fire escape and let us in. Instead of using the cancer card, I used the lawyer card instead. Now Laura and her roommate are considering law school. Wow, should have used the cancerous lawyer card. She would probably be getting free rent or something.Her apartment is very cute, the area is quite nice. However, her roommates mother is... Cancer does suck but it is a little funny. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3935909 Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:33:00 +0100 3935909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876933&cid=t_103492_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FD1SFeDoeEdU%2F This guest post was contributed by Jane Sanders, who writes about debt management and other personal finance topics at DebtManagement.net. “A man in debt is so far a slave” – Ralph Waldo Emerson One of the greatest hardships a person can face is being burdened by debt. In addition to paying off the original loan, interest (often at extremely high rates) continues to add to the total, making the ultimate pay off far higher than what was borrowed in the first place. Having debt robs a person of freedom. They can’t leave a job they don’t like to pursue a new career, bad credit often prevents them from buying essentials like a home or a car, and it hangs over them for years, chipping away at the amount they can spend and save. It also creates stress, because some... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876933 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:51:42 +0100 3876933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808650&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fimpulse-buyers-beware-dopamine-is-the-culprit%2F Her dopamine levels are off the charts — you can see it in her eyes. (photo: Thinkstock) If you’ve got a closet full of unworn clothes and a credit card bill through the roof, chances are you’re an impulse shopper. You see something; you want it; you buy it. This could be because your brain has more dopamine in it than your more cautious friends. High levels of dopamine cause people to act rashly, which would explain that pair of hot pink pleather pants in the back of your closet. I only impulse buy when I’m stressed — I wonder what that says about my dopamine levels. How many of you have a really embarrassing impulse buy tale? Please, share — we all love a good shopping horror story. via NPR Post from: BlissTree Impulse Buyers Beware: Dopamine Is the Culprit (Sourc... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808650 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:45:37 +0100 3808650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3762896&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fcrazy-card-trick-video-of-the-day%2F Keep a close eye on this card trick. Can you figure it out? Post from: BlissTree Crazy Card Trick: Video of the Day (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3762896 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:00:01 +0100 3762896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3750062&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fheart-attacks-are-killing-fewer-people-why%2F2010.07.13 Heart attack mortality fell by nearly a half a percent last year at 4,500 hospitals that treat Medicare patients. And, facilities with the lowest and highest death rates saw similar declines, according to a new hospital report card by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Heart attack mortality fell from a national average of 16.6 percent last year to 16.2 percent, with a range among all facilities from 14.5 percent to 17.9 percent. CMS released the data as part of its hospital report card effort to spur better quality and outcomes through public reporting of recommended treatments. The agency added heart attack and heart failure mortality to the report card three years ago. At issue now is what’s driving the figures: public reporting of hospital data driving... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3750062 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3750062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710553&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FmU7LqpMVGZs%2F By Daniel GriswoldThe June issue of Cato’s monthly newsletter on immigration reform, just released, tackles the timely topic of “Immigrants and Crime: Perceptions vs. Reality.” The bulletin finds that, contrary to public perception, immigration has not caused higher crime rates, in Arizona or in the nation as a whole. In fact, one new study even suggests that a rising level of immigration in a city actually leads to lower crime rates. According to bulletin editor and author Stuart Anderson, a Cato adjunct scholar, “National studies have reached the conclusion that foreign-born (both legal and illegal immigrants) are less likely to commit crimes than the native-born.” It’s an important fact to consider as other states look to copy Arizona’s tough new law against illegal immigr... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710553 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:12:20 +0100 3710553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655572&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F10-things-we-want-to-do-this-weekend-4%2F You can feel it in the air – it’s almost the weekend. And there are a lot of things we want to get done in the next two days: Get in some personal TLC time. Whether this means having an orgasm (solo or not) or getting a massage, it’s going to be all about us at some point this weekend. Read. The weather is perfect for just sitting outside with an iced tea and getting caught up in a story. An added bonus? Reading will boost our brain power. Sample some fancy cheeses. It’s been a while since we took a trip to the local fromagerie (we took French in college, no big deal) to buy some cheese we can’t afford. But it’s totally worth it, because dairy could reduce our risk of heart disease. Rent a movie. Going to the movies nowadays will set you back quite a ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655572 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:33:56 +0100 3655572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648477&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FakmCkkPASJs%2F By Jim HarperMore than once I’ve come across reports in the immigration area that start from false premises. A good example is a report from the Smart Card Alliance titled “Securing Identity and Enabling Employment Verification: How Do Immigration Reform and Citizen Identification Align?” In the second paragraph of the executive summary, the report states:  ”A robust system of identification and secure identification documents is a key requirement that needs to be addressed in the immigration reform debate.” This premise is wrong. Reforming immigration law is what should be addressed in the immigration reform debate. Identity security, just like border control, will flow naturally from reforms to immigration law that create legal avenues for entry. There... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648477 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:58:16 +0100 3648477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614511&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FvT36oD1y16M%2F By Jim HarperIn April, I inquired aloud whether Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) supported a national ID. It’s clear now that he does—and he’s told us how he wants to use it. On “Meet the Press” Sunday morning, he said: I’ve got a driver’s license. It has my photo on it. I have a passport. When I go in and out of the country, the government swipes that passport, and it says, “OK, Luis, you’re ready to come in. You’re authorized.” Why can’t we have a Social Security card with a picture on it, so when you go get a job you swipe it? And if employers don’t use that card, issued by the government to authorize you before you go to work, we send those employers to jail. Create an internal passport. Send employers to jail. St... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614511 Mon, 31 May 2010 13:05:15 +0100 3614511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3588850&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F179128%2F Our Lovin’ Scoopful Ice Cream Giveaway Ends Tomorrow! Just leave a comment telling us what flavor you are, and you’re entered to win a $25 Walmart Gift Card and super-cool ice cream accessories! Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3588850 Fri, 21 May 2010 22:11:21 +0100 3588850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3475988&cid=t_103492_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FB6jhJGnxguw%2F Blisstree announced our second reader giveaway on Monday (see below for details) – remember to leave a comment by tonight at 9 p.m. ET for a chance to win! Welcome to our second reader giveaway! (And trust us, it won’t be our last.) Check out “Peek-A-Boo,” a short video that follows a busy mom, flustered by malfunctioning doors and hand-dryers while running errands with her toddler. Just as she’s about to have a meltdown, she walks toward the shopping mall exit, automatic doors gloriously open for her – and she laughingly gives thanks for them. This video is part of a public awareness campaign, Automatic World, promoting the health benefits, accessibility, and convenience of automatic doors. Blisstree is partnering with the American Association of Automatic D... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3475988 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:54:16 +0100 3475988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3467934&cid=t_103492_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FaC1y3NBPHKQ%2F Playing board games is a family activity that kids can enjoy from a young age. Even simple games can teach them about strategy and competitiveness, as well as winning and losing. So, what about cheating? You might think it’s harmless to let you child skip ahead a few spaces in Candyland or have an extra turn at Operation, but is it? Image: Hasbro After toddlerhood ends, it’s time your youngsters start to learn about playing by the rules. Though it may seem difficult to watch your five-year-old lose at Uno or Sorry!, in the long-run, it’s the best thing for her. If she tries to cheat, gently remind her that it’s against the rules and move on. After a few slip-ups, you child will quickly learn about fairness and cheating, and this is a skill that they can carry on int... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3467934 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:03:45 +0100 3467934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212305&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FKktZfHgKEmc%2F By Jeffrey A. Miron1. Abandon Obamacare 2. Forget Cap and Trade 3. Reject the Card Check Bill 4. Withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan 5. Legalize Drugs 6. Scrap the tax code and replace with a flat tax 7. Expand free trade and immigration 8. Stop the bailouts 9. Cut spending 10. Cut spending BONUS -  Cut spending (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212305 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:03:17 +0100 3212305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3075480&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F8nLJSsxGUDg%2F By Jim HarperIf you have a job, a panel convened by the University of Denver thinks you should have a national ID card. DU’s “Report of the Strategic Issues Panel on Immigration” says: The idea of a national card for identifying citizens and non-citizens has become the third rail of immigration politics. But in truth, without a means of positive identification, it makes very little difference what immigration policies are adopted because they can’t be effectively enforced. A means of positive identification is essential to prevent the employment of illegal immigrants. Only the panel’s narrow framing leads to this conclusion. Restrictive immigration policies may require a national ID and federal background check system because such policies are so at odds with em... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3075480 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:46:01 +0100 3075480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2970194&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F6IJOQ3uWono%2F On Wednesday I blogged about how, for the first time in many years — since the last recession — H-1B skilled worker visas remain available despite the hard cap on their number.  In other words, even foreigners respond to market incentives: when there are no jobs, there are fewer immigrants. I’ve gotten some interesting email in response to that little notice, one of which I post below, along with my paragraph-by-paragraph responses. Just read your blog entry on the H-1b visa.  The problem is that this visa has been misused by sponsoring companies, suffering from high rates of fraud.  I find it strange that Cato supports (or appears to support) a labor tool that is anything but free market.  The H-1b visa is more of an indentured servant visa program than anything else – w... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2970194 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:40:55 +0100 2970194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931033&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F26%2Fbehavioral-economics-this-is-your-brain-on-money%2F It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that with recession-related anxiety saturating the very air we breathe, we might be a bit slow to trust our financial decisions. For decades, economists did not find much merit in connecting psychology with finance. That changed when a young economics professor from the University of Chicago, Richard Thaler, introduced himself to two Israeli psychologists, Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. Together they are credited with founding behavioral economics. Behavioral economics, and its close cousin, neuroeconomics, combines the disciplines of neuroscience, economics, and psychology to study how people make financial decisions. Using Psychology to Save You From Yourself, an National Public Radio podcast, explains the origins and development of behavio... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931033 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:35:33 +0100 2931033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2857397&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FzUdBzuQM46s%2F Despite the economic stimulus and various financial bailouts, our economy continues to shed jobs.  One of the reasons for continued job losses is the decline in new hires, especially the lack of new hiring by small business. As bank analyst Meredith Whitney discusses in the Wall Street Journal [$], all the major credit programs created by Congress and the Federal Reserve have been targeted at big corporations and Wall Street firms.  However, small companies, especially start-ups and partnerships, do not issue bonds in the debt markets, nor do they borrow from Goldman Sachs.  So these firms have been left out in the cold, as federal credit inventions have favored corporate America. Adding insult to injury is that not only has Washington subsidized credit to large firms, it has taken ac... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2857397 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:33:57 +0100 2857397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730216&cid=t_103492_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FWHlTXhmYm30%2F In a recently published scientific study (see Hall C, et al “Cognitive activities delay onset of memory decline in persons who develop dementia” Neurology 2009; 73: 356-361), Hall and colleagues examined how education and stimulating activities may interact to contribute to cognitive reserve. The study involved 488 initially healthy people, average age 79, who enrolled in the Bronx Aging Study between 1980 and 1983. These individuals were followed for 5 years with assessments every 12 to 18 months (starting in 1980). At the start of the study, all participants were asked how many cognitive activities (reading, writing, crossword puzzles, board or card games, group discussions, or playing music) they participated in and for how many days a week. Researchers were able to evaluate the imp... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730216 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:57:49 +0100 2730216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2630054&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FpHXPcnkCiBc%2F The proposed PASS ID Act is a national ID just like REAL ID, and it threatens privacy just as much. Some argue that a national ID under PASS ID should be palatable, though, because it reduces costs to states. But savings to states under PASS ID are not at all clear. Let’s take a look at the costs of creating a U.S. national ID. The REAL ID Act, passed in May 2005, required states to begin implementing a national ID system within three years. In regulations it proposed in March 2007, the Department of Homeland Security extended that draconian deadline. States would have five years, starting in May 2008, to move all driver’s license and ID card holders into REAL ID-compliant cards. The Department of Homeland Security estimated the costs for this project at $17.2 billion dollars (net ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2630054 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:46:38 +0100 2630054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2625959&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FvZZkRo9p0RE%2F The Electronic Privacy Information Center has produced a very thorough analysis of the PASS ID Act, which would revive the REAL ID national ID program. The EPIC analysis states flatly, “The bill would establish a national ID card,” and, “The intent of this legislation is to facilitate a National ID system.” That’s quite a contrast to Ari Schwartz at the Center for Democracy and Technology, who alone believes that PASS ID “prevents the creation of a National ID system.” (Source: Cato-at-liberty) Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2625959 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:26:40 +0100 2625959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2613837&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FqHlDnarEDs4%2F Ari Schwartz responded in characteristic even tones to my critique of his testimony in favor of the PASS ID Act, which would revive the moribund REAL ID law. It’s worth a rejoinder, and I’ll offer him the same again here if he wishes. Ari clouds matters slightly by suggesting that my “strong biases” obscure certain facts. I readily admit having a strong bias in favor of liberty — it’s why I do what I do. Ari admits several biases, including one in favor of consensus-building, which was what I accused him of prioritizing over principle. Let’s put aside the question of bias. It’s good to see Ari state that CDT does not support a national ID system. It would be better to see him state that CDT opposes having a national ID system. (I imagine this... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2613837 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:40:58 +0100 2613837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580188&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FG0mO0zd61pU%2F I’ve written about PASS ID here a couple of times before - first on whether or not it’s a national ID and, second, on the politics of this REAL ID revival bill. Now I’ll take a look at whether it fixes the privacy issues with REAL ID. Privacy is complicated. Buckle up. The day the bill was introduced, the Center for Democracy and Technology issued a press release giving it a privacy stamp of approval. “The PASS ID Act addresses most of the major privacy and security concerns with REAL ID,” said Ari Schwartz, Vice-President of CDT. The release cited four ways that PASS ID was an improvement over the bill it’s modeled on, REAL ID. Interstate Data Sharing? First, CDT said, PASS ID “[r]emoves the requirement that states ‘provide electronic access... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580188 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:50:21 +0100 2580188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570385&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FRXqlqo8xVqY%2F Technically, it was the companies which raised their fees.  But they did so to anticipate new legislative restrictions on fees taking effect.  Congress wanted to cut costs for consumers, but ended up costing them instead. Reports the Washington Post: Credit card companies are raising interest rates and fees seven months before new rules go into effect that will limit their ability to do so, much to the irritation of Congress and consumer advocates. Chase, for instance, will raise the minimum payment required of some of its customers from 2 percent to 5 percent of the statement balance starting in August. Chase and Discover have increased the maximum fee charged for transferring a balance to the card to 5 percent of the amount, up from 3 and 4 percent, respectively. Bank of America last ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570385 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:22:23 +0100 2570385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441817&cid=t_103492_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FgLud9rKlDCg%2F We all know what to do in order to be healthy. Eat right. Exercise. Reduce stress. But a new report confirms that the majority of Americans are doing just the opposite. They say “exercise rates have dropped, fruit and vegetable intake has also fallen” over the last two decades, while more and more Americans have become obese. In fact, if experts had to give Americans a “grade” of sorts, it would be about a C minus. However, not to be completely down-in-the-mouth about things, the report also stresses that it’s never too late to change. Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: Post from: Blisstree Americans Score Lower on Health Report Card (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441817 Thu, 28 May 2009 22:06:58 +0100 2441817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424040&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F_VHxY3lEetI%2F One of the best laugh lines always has been “I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.”  Certainly that’s true when it comes to consumer protection. In the name of saving customers from the evil, rapacious credit card companies Congress plans on limiting access to credit.  It also is working to hike costs for people with good credit. Reports the New York Times: Now Congress is moving to limit the penalties on riskier borrowers, who have become a prime source of billions of dollars in fee revenue for the industry. And to make up for lost income, the card companies are going after those people with sterling credit. Banks are expected to look at reviving annual fees, curtailing cash-back and other rewards programs and charging interest immediately on a... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424040 Tue, 19 May 2009 12:43:22 +0100 2424040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405027&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F51Qr1ymVBqE%2F Congress is off on another crusade, to save Americans from credit cards.  People get into debt, run up big fees, generally feel abused, and complain to their elected officials.  Never mind the obvious convenience, which is why credit cards have become an indispensable part of American commerce.  Legislators plan on micro-managing the credit terms which may be offered across America. Reports the New York Times: “We like credit cards — they are valuable vehicles for many people,” said Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Democrat of Connecticut, the chairman of the Senate banking committee and author of the measure now being considered by the Senate. “It’s when these vehicles are being abused by the card issuers at the expense of the consumers that we must step in and change the rules.�... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405027 Thu, 14 May 2009 13:07:07 +0100 2405027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405030&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FAMh0VpAbmsk%2F It’s a given that, once in place, a national ID would be used for additional purposes. In case you needed proof, on Wednesday, Senator David Vitter (R-LA) offered an amendment to H.R. 627, the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights Act of 2009, requiring the Federal Reserve to impose federal identification standards on the opening of new credit accounts. Among the limited forms of ID credit issuers could accept are REAL ID cards, produced under the moribund national ID law. (Vitter may not realize that REAL ID is in collapse.) To compound things, his amendment would require credit issuers to run new credit card applicants past terrorist watch-lists. The sense of normalcy, efficiency, and common sense that makes airports so pleasurable to visit today would infect our financial servi... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405030 Thu, 14 May 2009 13:01:48 +0100 2405030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398814&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F09%2Fhappy-mothers-day-2009%2F On Sunday, we celebrate Mother’s Day and this year we have some articles and blog entries that are worth your while, if you’re so inclined. For every mother out there, I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day! You certainly deserve it. Postcard to My Mom: Wish You Were Here Six Ways To Deal With Mother’s Day When Mom Is Gone. Mother’s Day can be rough on those of us who can’t take our mothers to brunch or pick up the phone to wish them a good day…. It’s Never Too Late To Find a Mom Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May. For those who have a loving relationship with their mother, this is a special day set aside to celebrate that bond… Moms and Daughters: Promoting a Positive Body Image Does this sound familiar? You’re standing in front of... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398814 Sat, 09 May 2009 21:30:49 +0100 2398814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380719&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FX0b_ROzNVzw%2F With a vote expected today on the so-called Credit Card Holders’ Bill of Rights, the U.S. House is poised to follow up on President Obama’s finger-wagging rhetoric about fees and other perceived sins of the credit industry. But Congress should keep in mind that credit cards have been a significant source of consumer liquidity during this downturn. Now is the worst time to push measures that would curtail the availability of consumer credit, and that is exactly what the Credit Card Holders’ Bill of Rights will do. While few of us want to have to cover our basic living expenses on our credit card, that option is certainly better than going without those basic needs. The wide availability of credit cards has helped to significantly maintain some level of consumer purchasing dur... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380719 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:06:27 +0100 2380719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2380731&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F6mnqDu-jDMo%2F God hates the sin but loves the sinner, we are told.  Americans have a similar attitude towards credit cards.  They love the cards but hate the card issuers. Naturally, President Barack Obama has picked up on this sentiment and wants the credit card companies to be “fair.”  Reports the Washington Post: The Obama administration yesterday called for an end to unfair credit card industry practices such as retroactive interest rate increases for any reason, late-fee traps that penalize borrowers with weekend or middle-of-the-day deadlines and teaser rates that last less than six months. In a written statement released by the Treasury Department, the administration outlined practices it would like Congress to reform as it considers two bills that would crack down on the industry... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2380731 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:36:49 +0100 2380731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306736&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FJi9BXWfcgcI%2F People who don’t know me well don’t realize I’m not American.  I have no accent, am among the most patriotic people you could meet, went to college and law school here, interned for a senator, clerked for a federal judge, worked on a presidential campaign, spent time in Iraq, and speak and write about the U.S. Constitution for a living. I was born in Russia, however, and immigrated to Canada with my parents when I was little.  “We took a wrong turn at the St. Lawrence Seaway,” I like to joke. The upshot is that, much as I’ve wanted to be American since about age eight — when I discovered that the U.S. governing ethos was “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” while Canada’s is “peace, order, and good government&#82... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306736 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:35:44 +0100 2306736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284474&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=34595&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnhsblogdoc.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fkings-college-medical-school-accused-of.html King's College Medical SchoolJust under a year ago, I wrote an article about King’s College Medical School dumbing down its entry requirement. This was the Extended Medical Degree Programme (EDMP)(EMDP) aimed to attract bright students from state schools in inner London who had A-level results that were far too poor to gain entry to medical school and show that, with the right help, they could succeed. Students would normally require two As and a B at A level, but the scheme, called the Extended Medical Degree Programme, accepted those who had managed no better than three Cs.The Times…many of the students who are from lower professional and managerial groups have a Black African heritage and from families headed by women….Many of the students classified as being from semiroutine and ... NHS Blog Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284474 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:42:00 +0100 2284474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2212645&cid=t_103492_177_f&fid=38134&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbabybound.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F02%2F24%2Fi-am-super-here-me-roar%2F I am very proud of myself today.  No, I didn’t cure cancer or end world hunger, but I did do something rather difficult for any freak infertile woman.  I bought a baby shower gift.  I know right?  I’m growing. So this shower that I was suppose to go to last week but got moved to this week and then got canceled because the baby wasn’t invited but decided to crash anyway.  Yeah the shower that has had my head wrapped around it for a couple of weeks now because I didn’t want to f.ing have anything to do with it but I liked the mom-to-be so so so much f. f. f. have trouble with all things baby.  Well?  Even though I completely dodged a bullet here, I still felt that I absolutely had to get her a baby gift.  I wanted to get her a baby gift.  This is a coworker t... B a b y B o u n d blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2212645 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:55:22 +0100 2212645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2200494&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F02%2F20%2Fmindfulness-and-cash-flow%2F You only lose what you cling to. —Buddha Money is emotional currency. During an economic crisis, the first instinct is to reclaim our resources and pull them close to us: reduce spending, reduce giving and cut back. While all these measures make sense, on one level they can create an even greater difficulty. When we hoard our money we create a poverty of spirit, a deprivation mindset that dictates our behavior based on scarcity and informs our view of the world. We believe we won’t have enough, that others don’t either, and that the key to survival is to protect our assets. While all this is true, it is only half-true. The other truth is that giving and a sense of abundance are necessary to our well-being. Consider the most essential function we have as a living being. If we... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2200494 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:10:40 +0100 2200494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2086989&cid=t_103492_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2009%2F01%2F07%2Fdesign-the-future-personal-health-cards%2F Juhan Sonin has a great Flickr image set including a few images about the possible design of a personal health card that we could use in the future when visiting our doctor. No more papers, just a little card that the doctor’s computer can read easily. Would you like to have such a card instead of papers? (Via Medinformatica)        (Source: ScienceRoll) ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2086989 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:58:46 +0100 2086989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074415&cid=t_103492_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F12%2F30%2Ffan-effin-tabulous%2F Just when Blago couldn’t stoop much lower…he did. Yee-haw, looks like we got us a token prospective senate nominee.  *update* Not just any typical Illinois politician. This guy had ambition-so much so that he was willing to send an innocent man to death row, just to appear to be tough on crime.  Little details, such as [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074415 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:56:17 +0100 2074415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2033099&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F12%2F12%2Fcan-i-give-my-therapist-a-gift%2F A commonly-asked question at this time of the year is, “Can I give my therapist a Christmas or holiday gift? What about just a card?” The answer varies from therapist to therapist and from doctor to doctor. Generally therapists seek to keep the relationship between a client and themselves a professional one, despite the emotional material often discussed in psychotherapy. The more the line blurs between “professional therapist” and “paid friend,” the more complicated the relationship becomes. So most therapists will seek to keep that line — what they call a boundary — clear and well-understood by both parties. Some therapists will talk about the subject proactively, letting each client know ahead of time what their policy is regarding pres... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2033099 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:18:57 +0100 2033099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1963977&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5315 What an unusual idea! Related MMR posts: Great business card for a doctor! New Business Card? a Circumciser’s Business Card [PIC] (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1963977 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1963977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1873144&cid=t_103492_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F10%2F13%2Fchange%2F VOLDEMORT! He’s returned. no one dare speak his name He must be using the Imperius Curse Gotta be. Finite Incantatem! ********* This kind of crap has become so blatant it’s creepy. WTF? Enlightened progressives can wear “Palin is a cunt” t-shirts to a Republican rally; but no one can criticize their empty suited,  motherfucking candidate?! (who should have been Hillary) Yes, [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1873144 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 05:34:28 +0100 1873144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812849&cid=t_103492_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2008%2F09%2F21%2Fthe-blog-stands-alone%2F Let me begin with a sidebar that sadly, did not surprise me. I dunno what to call it…brainwashing? Reeducation? Indoctrination? I think I’ll go with indoctrination. Okay- on with my original post: A lot of “ifs” here.  If this is his blog and if he’s the minion who wanted glory, “Earlier it was just some prank to [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812849 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:16:11 +0100 1812849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1726419&cid=t_103492_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fphotohunt-wrinkled.html PhotoHuntYes it's true, once upon a time I did make note cards.I could send this one now:-Dear "Poor Mouth"I have it on reliable authority thatyou are out of date.LoveMeIf you fancy some words, they are over here at my other site "Alien" which I am considering renaming......."The Sandwich Generation."If you like what you read, send it to someone in 'need.' (Source: Whitterer on Autism) Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1726419 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:27:00 +0100 1726419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1705067&cid=t_103492_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F13%2Fthe-blame-frame-abstract%2F Situationist Contributors Jon Hanson and Kathleen Hanson recently posted their article, “The Blame Frame: Justifying (Racial) Injustice in America” (Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, Vol. 41, 2006) on SSRN. Here is the abstract. * * * This Article attempts to elucidate how our forebears, who were presumably as devoted to justice and liberty in their times as we are in ours, failed to condemn behaviors that are today widely viewed as patently oppressive, unfair, and even evil. Our argument unfolds in several Parts. Part II summarizes evidence from social psychology and related fields that helps explain how people who imagine themselves fair and just routinely blame the victims of inequities and excuse the perpetrators or passive observers through blame frames. Bec... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1705067 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:30:03 +0100 1705067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1440213&cid=t_103492_158_f&fid=36160&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeinstitute.com%2Fcaregivingminutes%2F%3Fp%3D84 I am fascinated by many things. Well to be accurate, I’m perplexed by some, awed by others, and for better or worse I’m amazed by the rest. One of the events that I find fascinating is the token celebration. You know- the event/occasion/or person we celebrate on a designated day, week, or month. I can appreciate the merit of having a time of distinction for people, places, and events that have value. Parents, civil rights, secretaries (I mean administrative professionals), and hotdogs (yes there actually is a hotdog day). Truly, I get it-“demonstrate value by remembrance and recognition.” To be honest, like everybody else, I overeat and buy random presents because I’m supposed to. More important than the gift or dinner, I enjoy the time spent focusing on the reason for the cele... CaregivingMinutes™ by Pope Institute blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1440213 Tue, 13 May 2008 01:42:13 +0100 1440213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1332797&cid=t_103492_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fexpired-identification-card-leads-to.html An elderly mother had been suddenly hospitalized, and her adult daughter who lived far away had arrived. But, in addition to the current crises, it turned out that the mother's California Identification Card (used by seniors who no longer have a drivers license) had expired six months ago. The daughter needed to obtain Power of Attorney quickly in the emergency, but ran into difficulties since the mother no longer had a California Identification card. Secure Horizons, the Medicare Supplemental, had not been paid by the mother for several months and was lapsing. But, they would not take a payment over the phone due to HIPPA.This was the sad story of misfortune I heard today from the adult daughter. She finally had two of her mother's neighbors sign as witnesses for her at a notary's. She wa... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1332797 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:02:00 +0100 1332797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1115206&cid=t_103492_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F12%2Fmay-peace-be-your-gift-at-christmas-and.html Tonight is Christmas Eve. Best wishes to everyone for peace, spiritual fulfillment, and blessings. May the spirit of God's love surround you and fill you, strengthen you and guide you. Best wishes this Christmas, Kristi Marie Gott (Source: The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News) The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1115206 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:43:00 +0100 1115206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1014985&cid=t_103492_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F181846677%2Fgift_card_for_insurance_medical_fees_prescriptions.html I stumbled across this on The Wall Street Journal and was a tad puzzled. I'm Canadian (free health care) so this kind of thing is a slightly odd to me. Seems Pittsburg health insurer Highmark Inc is selling a Healthcare Visa Gift Card. It can be pre-loaded with any amount from $25 to $5,000 to cover elective surgery, contact lenses, gym memberships and even prescription co-payments.You can only get them online or by toll-free number and you can only use them at providers or merchants that Visa deems as health related. Oh and there's a $4.95 shipping and handling fee too.Highmark expects to sell "several hundred thousand" gift cards, mostly between $75 and $100, during the next year, Mr. Bellard said. (Source: PharmaGazette) PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1014985 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:00:44 +0100 1014985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=888901&cid=t_103492_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fteam-style-solitaire-for-alzheimers-and.html I play a type of team style Solitaire with people who have early or mid-level dementia which pits two of us, or more, as a team against the cards. At one of our "Card Parties" a question like "Can you find a red queen or a black nine" helps a person with Alzlheimer's start to look for the needed cards. Then, "Hurray! we've got it!". People with Alzheimer's or dementia often respond well to images and visuals, and the cards don't need to be remembered, just found or matched.Having an enthusiastic caregiver can help get the game rolling. The caregiver can offer suggestions, if needed, about what cards to look for next. Finding ways to pass the time and provide stimulating activity can be a challenge for a caregiver assisting a senior with Alzheimer's or Dementia. If the senior lives alone at... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=888901 Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:17:00 +0100 888901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=861880&cid=t_103492_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fruns-in-family.html My mother often described me as a demonstrative little girl. She always said it as if she was ever so slightly surprised. A maverick. It’s not that my family was unaffectionate, it’s more that they felt no pressing need to demonstrate their love openly and certainly not publicly. Such things didn’t need to be said. A given. It’s a common enough theme, a cultural quirk of a certain generation and class, that doesn’t translate very well.Every night my mother would tuck me into bed. She would pull the folded top sheet taught, snap, and tuck in the end. I was pinned tight and secure, “night, night dear,” she would say as she kissed me. I always wanted her to stay longer. I loved to be with her. I wanted to be kissed, cuddled and stroked into slumber, but that was only for babies.... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=861880 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 23:24:00 +0100 861880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=515139&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F04%2F01%2Fjack-nicholson-delivers-cheer-to-dying-cancer-patients%2F Filed under: All Cancers, Daily news, Celebrity news, MoviesJack Nicholson has been serving up a steady stream of cheer for cancer patients at the Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles hospital.The Hollywood icon and Oscar winner has been visiting terminal patients and cheering them up with jokes, card games, and behind-the-scenes stories about his career.Nicholson's next career move comes in the form of a movie called The Bucket List. He plays a dying man in the film and began spending time at the hospital to research his role. But once his film finished, Nicholson kept visiting. He was that touched and moved by the patients.Hospital staff say the actor's visits do wonders for the patient spirits. The only down side is for Nicholson who finds it hard to leave, knowing he may have seen some of his new ... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=515139 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 515139 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=480945&cid=t_103492_87_f&fid=34865&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecancerblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F18%2Fsunday-seven-seven-ways-to-help%2F Filed under: All Cancers, Sunday SevenMy friend -- who has a friend newly diagnosed with brain cancer -- greeted me at the door the other day and asked with a sense of urgency, "How can I help?" "Help your friend?" I asked."Yes, she said, unsure of what she might say or do in this time of great difficulty for everyone involved.I told her a few things. And then I thought of some more. It wasn't terribly easy to come up with these ideas. Because even though I myself was on the receiving end of help during my cancer journey, it's still hard to imagine what an individual wants or needs -- or doesn't want or need. But here's what I've got to offer. I hope this helps my friend. I hope it helps you too. Allow your loved one to take the lead. If you sense this person wants to talk, then talk. I... The Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=480945 Sun, 18 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 480945