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 'christmas'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:49:52 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684433&cid=t_99916_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=4658624&cid=t_99916_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Ft-aVCoVtrjA%2F Hard to believe, but that is the word from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consultants that track monthly changes in each industry. Their latest tally finds that job cuts in the pharmaceutical industry have fallen 87 percent, from 26,165 job cuts a year ago to 3,385 so far this year. This includes 960 planned layoffs announced in March. Consequently, the pharma biz no longer ranks near the top among industries that are laying off gobs and gobs of employees. For most of last year, the pharmaceutical industry had the unpleasant distinction of being the industy sector to consistently shed the largest number of people each month, trailing only the government sector. This time around, pharma did not even make the Challenger top ten (see the rankings here). Of course, jobs a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658624 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:52:37 +0100 4658624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338024&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F11%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-11-2011%2F Today is 1/11/11. Maybe for you, it will be a day filled with firsts. The first time you sought therapy. The first step you took towards healing yourself. The first time you realized how far you’ve come and how much you have achieved towards your goals and your mental health. If so, I hope you will celebrate these firsts and remember them when times get tough. Because ever year brings with it a new challenge, an obstacle we didn’t foresee and with it an opportunity for self-growth and a chance for a better more balanced life. When that opportunity comes, will you take it? For me, I’ve finally come home. The holidays are over. And instead of being surrounded by the voices of my family members, I’m here sitting back at my home in silence. This Christmas was as chaotic... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338024 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:06 +0100 4338024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314220&cid=t_99916_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F1kTBGGoWKic%2F As gloomy as 2010 was for the pharmaceutical industry, the latest tally of job losses indicates that last year was not quite as bad as 2009. A total of 53,636 positions were eliminated or planned for elimination, compared with 61,109 two years ago, according to the monthly report issued today by Challenger Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consultants. Of course, a loss of more than 53,000 jobs is hardly good news. And given the ongoing pressures caused by thinning pipelines and expiring patents, the biggest drugmakers are, by and large, forecast to eliminate still more positions in the near term. The layoff rate, in fact, has placed pharma as the industry shedding the most jobs, trailing only the government and non-profit sectors on an overall basis. However, as we have noted previo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314220 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:06:02 +0100 4314220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309668&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F04%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-4-2011%2F Well here it is. Here we are. It’s 2011 and we made it through another holiday season and a whole other year. How do you feel? Was it everything you expected and hoped for? Did it exceed your expectations or underwhelm you? Oftentimes high hopes and unrealistic expectations set us up for disappointment. We place our bets on the new year, putting our dreams and wishes to be thinner, happier, more successful all on the chance that something will change just because we want it to. If we’re lucky, sometimes it does. But more often than not, a day is just another day whether it’s 2010 or 2011. With that being said, ordinary days provide extraordinary opportunities. We can choose to walk a different path, changing our usual responses and reactions to the same triggers. In the e... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309668 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:44:46 +0100 4309668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302859&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-holidays-and-the-circle-of-life%2F2011.01.01 The holiday season is a time of both joy and sorrow. Tomorrow a childhood friend will be laid to rest — one of my favorite artists, Teena Marie, died unexpectedly two days ago and at least six other people have made their transitions as well. My own father died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve in 1981 leaving a great void in our family life. Why do people leave us during the holiday season? It has been said because they want to be remembered. While I lamented about all the transitions that occurred in the past two weeks, one of my best friends announced that she had a new granddaughter that was born on Christmas Day. She stated that this was part of the “life cycle” or “circle of life.” Her comments gave me reason to pause and reflect. (more…) *This blog p... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302859 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 17:00:47 +0100 4302859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302243&cid=t_99916_133_f&fid=35098&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclub166.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fchristmas-spirit-and-new-years.html for some reason Blogger's not letting me post pictures tonight, so no pictures for youThis year the kids are 8 and 10. Sometime soon after last Christmas, Buddy Boy stopped believing in Santa, and ever since then when talking to us about him would make some "air quotes" with his fingers when saying his name. Letting us know that he was big now, and he knew that it was a scam. He promised not to tell Sweet Pea, but of course such promises are hard to keep, and he spent the run-up to the holiday this year in telling her repeatedly that it was just parents.Sweet Pea has asked several questions, to which we usually just reflected back at her, "Well, what do you think?" With all the logical power that an 8 year old that wants to believe could muster, Sweet Pea came up with reason after reason t... Club 166 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302243 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 03:04:00 +0100 4302243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298769&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fthis-cold-winter.html I know you see meLike some wide eyed dreamerThat just rolled in off a dusty mid west busYeah, on the outside I look fragileBut on the inside is something you can’t crushCause I'm country strongHard to breakLike the ground I grew up onYou may fool meAnd I'll fallBut I won't stay down longCause I'm country strongI have weatheredColder winters; Longer summersWithout a drop of rainPush me in a cornerAnd I'll come out fightingI may lose but I'll always keep my faithRosy as "Mary" in our little homegrown Christmas pageant.The Holmen grandkids. (Source: Turquoise Gates) Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298769 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:38:00 +0100 4298769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294915&cid=t_99916_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FGdcJGCObXh8%2Fchristmas-pictures.php First Christmas (December 1981)Third Christmas (December 1983)Umm... now. Hope everyone had a great Christmas! We've been very busy here. Sang Christmas carols around the campfire on Christmas Eve, woke up early for the kids on Christmas morning, (wrapped and) ate homemade taquitos for Christmas dinner, and spend the afternoon a Bass Pro Shop yesterday. So, basically just your typical Christmas, right?! :) (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294915 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:11:39 +0100 4294915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309869&cid=t_99916_175_f&fid=39258&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FInsidePaTraining%2F%7E3%2FrOMWte_elFA%2Fhappy-holidays We’re taking this time to be with our families and get ready for our toughest quarter, winter quarter of year 1, when the combined demands of the program really pile up: Cardiology Nephrology (diseases of the kidney) Gastroenterology (diseases of the digestive system). Also in January, we begin our preceptorships.  Preceptorships are basically internships in primary care clinics.  [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Palpating the Field) Palpating the Field blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309869 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:39:47 +0100 4309869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294954&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fmy-favourite-bits-of-christmas%2F 1. We held a ‘Christmas Homewarming’ on Tuesday evening, and most of our local family came, and some of our neighbours, and the whole thing was mellow and warm and just felt absolutely right. (Even though there were jokes about my studio being a home for racing pigeons. Hmph.) 2. On Christmas Eve, my nieces, Hannah and Emily, came for the afternoon, and with Joy we built a gingerbread house and made reindeer food. (It’s a bit late to give you the recipe, but anyway: we mixed 75% oats with 25% glitter, then threw in some sugar stars for good measure. Then we sprinkled it on the snow outside. The glitter helps the reindeer to see where to land, and the oats give them a good snack while Father Christmas is doing his thing indoors. The sugar gives them a quick energy burst ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294954 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 12:38:44 +0100 4294954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294946&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fstill-still-still.html Paintings dry on the window sills as cookies cool on the racks.Still, still, still"Salzburger Volkslieder"Aus Salzburg, 1819Still, still, still,Weil's Kindlein schlafen will.Die Englein tun schön jubilieren,Bei dem Kripplein musizieren.Still, still, still,Weil's Kindlein schlafen will.Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,Mein liebes Kindlein schlaf!Maria tut dich niedersingenUnd ihr treues Herz darbringen.Schlaf, schlaf, schlaf,Mein liebes Kindlein schlaf!Groß, groß, großDie Lieb ist übergroß!Gott hat den Himmelsthron verlassenUnd muss reisen auf der Straßen.Groß, groß, großDie Lieb' ist übergroß.Wir, wir, wir,Tun rufen all zu dir:Tu uns des Himmels Reich aufschließen,Wenn wir einmal sterben müssen.Wir, wir, wir,Wir rufen all zu dir. EnglishStill, still, stillLiteral English translationSti... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294946 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 06:36:00 +0100 4294946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294947&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fmerry-christmas-2010.html Merry Christmas!For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6-7 ~ (Source: Turquoise Gates) Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294947 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 21:36:00 +0100 4294947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288567&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34788&url=http%3A%2F%2Firvingpsychiatrist.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fwelcome-jew-on-christmas-catholic.html Welcome Jew on ChristmasA Catholic Advent Mass Reading:This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.For it is through the Holy Spiritthat this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall co... a psychiatrist who learned from veterans blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288567 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 20:59:00 +0100 4288567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288632&cid=t_99916_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2Fly9HkxlzMds%2Fmerry-christmas-meow.php FAQ  Rose = reindeer. Bes = elf. Mostly because you couldn't see the scarf of the elf outfit through Rose's fur.I missed the first year and last year, but we have been taking a Christmas card picture together pretty much since I moved to Florida and away from family. (2008, 2007, 2006)Yes, they are sitting in the chair by themselves. They are kinda used to it... And when you put clothes on cats it throws off their sense of balance so they had trouble getting up even when they tried.They each weigh about 14 pounds. They have a small food dish and I only feed them once a day. Slow metabolism?I am not the crazy cat lady! (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288632 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 17:02:23 +0100 4288632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288562&cid=t_99916_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F6TEiMFCMJis%2Fchristmas-knitting.html I’m blaming all the knitted gifts for Christmas this year on Dr Smak, @DrCris, and  @Geek2Nurse  who have encouraged my knitting.  The other reason is there are so many nieces and nephews who range from 6 months of age to 35 years of age.  This small hat is for the 6 mo baby girl, Emmy. It was made using the pattern Koolhaas by Jared Flood. This hat and fingerless gloves were given to my 14 yo niece who loves to text.  The hat is made using the pattern Mondo Cable Cap by Bonne Marie Burns and Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends yarn.  The gloves are made using the pattern Fishtail wristwarmers by Alexandra Brinck and Lion Brand Sock-Ease yarn.   I made three of these hats (different yarns) for three nieces all under the age of 5.  The pattern is Folia... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288562 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 12:25:00 +0100 4288562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288566&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F25%2Fmerry-christmas-2010%2F As we do every year, I’d like to take this moment to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! May the joy of the season be with your family, your friends, and most of all, with you. Whether you spend it with others or on your own, remember that the holiday lasts for only a very short time each year (whether that’s for better or worse, I’ll let you decide!) — so savor it; or if you dread it, trust that it’ll be over before you know it! So from our entire ever-growing family here at Psych Central — from all of the staff, writers, bloggers, editors, community volunteers, moderators and administrators — to yours, Peace. (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288566 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 11:24:01 +0100 4288566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288551&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmerry-christmas-from-better-health-2%2F2010.12.25 Source: North Point iBand (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288551 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 11:00:19 +0100 4288551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4294778&cid=t_99916_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2010%2F12%2F24%2Fmerry-christmas%2F I just finished our family tradition of a Christmas Eve mini dinner. My wife executed it to perfection. It was absolutely fantastic. We somehow got the kids in bed despite their excitement over the visit from Santa Clause. Shortly, I’ll go and eat the cookies and drink the milk the kids left out for Santa (man I love being Santa). I’ll leave the reindeer’s carrots for my wife. This Christmas shopping season has been interesting for me. I see and hear so many people talk about the stress of shopping for Christmas. So many people want to “get it over” and get all worked up doing the Christmas shopping. Personally, I decided to forget all of those people who try to give the impression that Christmas shopping is a terrible experience and just enjoy it. Turns out,... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4294778 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 07:59:54 +0100 4294778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288643&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fthe-bah-to-cancer-christmas-message%2F (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288643 Sat, 25 Dec 2010 06:11:32 +0100 4288643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288553&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FAbToL7ckbH8%2F Merry Christmas dear LITFL readers! Have a great day, however you like your bells to jingle. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288553 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 23:00:49 +0100 4288553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287419&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FAbToL7ckbH8%2F Merry Christmas dear LITFL readers! Have a great day, however you like your bells to jingle. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287419 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 23:00:49 +0100 4287419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287412&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Freal-meaning-at-christmas%2F2010.12.24 Every day I go to work and spend time with suffering people. They come to me for help and for comfort. They open up to me with problems that they would not tell anyone else. They put trust in me — even if I am not able to fix their problems. I serve as a source of healing, but I also am a source of hope. Christmas is a moving season for many of the same reasons. No, I am not talking about the giving of gifts or the time spent with family. I am not talking about traditions, church services, or singing carols. I am not even talking about what many see as thereal meaning of Christmas: Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, and baby Jesus. The Christmas story most of us see in pictures or read about in story books is a far cry from the Biblical account. The story we see and hear is... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287412 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:00:14 +0100 4287412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287553&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F12%2F24%2Fmerry-christmas-and-a-happy-aurora%2F Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: aurora borealis, christmas, northern lights, norway, time lapse (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287553 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 18:35:38 +0100 4287553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287414&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdigital-nativity%2F2010.12.24 The nativity, in modern times. Awesomely done. Thanks to @doc_rob. *This blog post was originally published at GruntDoc* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287414 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 18:00:03 +0100 4287414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287591&cid=t_99916_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FCWFr1ITbN6k%2F Best wishes to everyone for the holiday season!   I am not a big Christmas person.  I’m not sure when things changed;  I used to enjoy the season much more…  I remember past days when I would gaze at the tree and feel a warmth from memories of being a kid, sitting in church, feeling safe and loved.  Now it is so hard to let go of the worries over bills, fears about the health of older family members, concern about the economy….  it seems that there is so much to worry about! But at the same time, there is nothing that I can do about most of those things.  So why worry?  Worrying makes me feel, I suppose, that I have some power over things that in reality I am powerless over.  It is all a big ruse– the worry is only there to fool me… and keep me mis... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287591 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:15:13 +0100 4287591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287599&cid=t_99916_180_f&fid=38619&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FALifeCoachsBlog%2F%7E3%2FlIN1HAu8VjY%2F For some while I stood over a very dead horse with an exceptionally large whip in my hand preparing to give it a damn good thrashing. I really thought I could get away with just one more list post on books. I genuinely believed that I could follow up my best self development books of 2010 and all time, with The 10 Most Influential Self Development books of all time and nobody would notice the man that slams lazy list posts is literally a little lazy list poster himself. But I reluctantly clicked away from Amazon and decided to give you a tip that I can guarantee will stop you getting stressed this holiday period. And it doesn’t involve Xanax, drinking a bottle of Jack Daniels or even leaving the country. Did you know more people die on Christmas Day than any other day of the year? Leavin... Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone : blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287599 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:16:51 +0100 4287599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287423&cid=t_99916_90_f&fid=0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fannietv600.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F24%2Fchristmas-songs%2F Here is a selection of Christmas songs, ranging from the sublime (the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s Hallelujah Chorus – A  Random Act of Culture) to the ridiculous (Adam Sandler’s Santa Song). Turn up your sound, and have a very Merry Christmas! Tom Lehrer. A Christmas Carol Sufian Stevens. That was the Worst Christmas Ever   another version David Wall. Christmas Ditty (scroll down) Eartha Kitt. Santa Baby Adam Sandler. Santa Song Note: If you did not like this, you will certainly not enjoy Sandler’s Chanukah Song This isn’t a song, but it is certainly enjoyable: The Digital Story of the Nativity (Source: ANNE T-V's BLOG) ANNE T-V's BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287423 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:13:17 +0100 4287423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287468&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F24%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-24-2010%2F It’s the day before Christmas and just a week until the end of the year. How are you holding up? Are the festive melodies of Christmas music sounding like a broken record right about now? Is traffic getting to you? Are crowded shopping malls and pushy shoppers trying to get to the head of line pulling on your last strand of patience? Fed up with family obligations and obligatory gift giving? Here is something to embrace. Through the chaos, frustrations, grief and disappointments, there is and will always be peace. It may not be delivered to you on a silver tray, shiny and easy, and beautifully wrapped like a present on Christmas morning. But the joy of everlasting peace regardless of circumstances is worth a whole lot more. While you’re dashing away toward your next event,... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287468 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:43:13 +0100 4287468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287454&cid=t_99916_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSciencebaseScienceBlog%2F%7E3%2Fnwy7hUHk2CE%2Fa-lethal-christmas-star.html There was an ugly rumour that the giant red star, Betelgeuse, that is the right shoulder (on the left as you look at it) of the constellation Orion is “about to” go supernova. The rumours seemed to have started earlier in the year when observations suggested that Betelgeuse had changed shape, a sure sign of imminent explosion. Phil Plait apparently debunked the claims on his BadAstronomy blog. But what difference would it make to us if the star whose name is derived from the Arabic phrase “armpit of the white-belted sheep” were to explode? Could this be the worst case of Health and safety gone mad or a serious concern? Would we need sunglasses, tinfoil hat or simply resign ourselves to meeting ELE. A physicist friend of mine suggested that Betelgeuse at (probably, a... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287454 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 13:00:00 +0100 4287454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287451&cid=t_99916_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FE_NWMI9xBfA%2Fsample-quilt-of-biblical-blocks.html As with Bart and Amy’s quilt, I’m not sure I have all the names correct for the blocks used in this quilt for their son Dallas.  It was done in Christmas fabrics.  I finished it in November 1994 and gave it to him for Christmas that year. The quilt is machine pieced and quilted.  It measures 63 in X 71 in. Upper row from left to right:  Unsure, maybe King David’s Crown / Robbing Peter to Pay Paul (Arizona) / Christmas Star Middle row:  David and Goliath (from The New Quilting & Patchwork Dictionary which is different from the link) / don’t know / don’t know Bottom row:  ?Joseph’s Coat variation / Crown of Thorns  / Jacob’s Ladder Here is the back which is pieced to use up left over Christmas fabrics.   Merry Christmas to you all... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287451 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 12:21:00 +0100 4287451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287420&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F0bJqI6evFss%2F Draw near, and gather round the wireless for this very Christmas edition of Funtabulous medical trivia. We celebrate the twelve days of Christmas with an eclectic mix of festive related questions to amuse and bemuse…. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287420 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 06:04:57 +0100 4287420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285205&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FePrt59j-GPg%2F Santa lives... again. Is he a euletide Schrodinger's cat? Read how he survived zombification, reaped the benefits of the ME and ELF health plan and instituted new work practices to ensure that the Christmas show goes on. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285205 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:04 +0100 4285205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285214&cid=t_99916_93_f&fid=34787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegirlwiththebluesteth.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fhow-to-survive-christmas.html I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and can enjoy the celebrations with family and friends. Christmas Day at my family's place tends to be an epic event. It goes for the whole day. If you are like me and are an introvert, and also have a few family members who you really have difficulty being around for any longer than a few minutes (NPD/antisocial/obnoxious/racist), it can help to have a plan of attack in order to get through the day without being rude in response.Here is my survival plan for the day:1. DistractionWhen things get too much, there are other things I can do. There will be no less than three playful dogs in the yard, a cocktail bar and if I really have to, there is a quiet and dark room where I can go and read for a bit or meditate.Also, the majority of people will be lovel... The Girl with the Blue Steth blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285214 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 23:25:00 +0100 4285214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285186&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F6S_XKbHL9Rk%2F By Daniel Griswold“Peace on earth, good will toward men” is a phrase we associate with the Christmas season. One bit of good news that you will probably not see in the newspaper or on cable TV over the holiday is that the world in recent decades has actually been moving closer to that ideal, and free trade and globalization have played a role. In its latest “Trade Fact of the Week,” the pro-trade Democratic Leadership Council reminds us that “The world has become more peaceful.” Citing a recent report from the Human Security Center in British Colombia, the DLC memo notes that wars are less frequent and less bloody than in decades past. The average annual death toll from armed conflicts has been declining since the 1950s, from an average of 155,000 down to 17,000 in 2002-2008. N... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285186 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:10:44 +0100 4285186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281413&cid=t_99916_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fmy-christmas-wish-for-those-who-live-with-chronic-pain%2F I wish you the blessings of less pain or enough joy to displace it from the center of your life. I wish you the ability of fresh eyesight to enjoy Christmas lights, the twinkle in a child’s eye, and the glitter of ice from fresh fallen snow. I wish you the warmth of family love, the hug of a small child, or a wet lick in the face from a beloved dog. I wish you the soft purr of a beloved furry cat as he/she cuddles and gently plays the “piano” in your lap. I wish for you the insight to embrace others who also suffer, as we do; therefore I wish you the blessings of empathy toward others. Let us all be especially aware and show gratitude to the young wounded warriors in our midst. I wish for you the gift of laughter, the joy of song, and the hum of life as you embrace this season. I wis... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281413 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 18:01:35 +0100 4281413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281500&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-joy-of-preparing-for-christmas%2F I love Christmas! I love to decorate and wrap presents. My mother really inspired my joy in Christmas — I don’t know anyone that owned the amount of decorations she did or who put them up so early or left them up so late. When my boys were little, she would fill up our living room with wall-to-wall presents. She didn’t buy really expensive gifts, but she would get a lot for everyone because she loved to watch us open them. She loved presents too, and my dad would find a way to surprise her every year. Sister and I both caught the Christmas bug from her. Each year when I take my Christmas boxes out from their storage area, besides being excited for the season, I am grateful to God that I have another year to celebrate. When I see the labeled boxes, I’m always reminded of a w... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281500 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:12:53 +0100 4281500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281498&cid=t_99916_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F22%2Fpeace%2F Despite impressive hits from Google, I didn’t like the shape and tone of an argument presented here yesterday, ostensibly against PM Harper’s latest cynical Senate appointments but really a tirade against someone not named (yet) so I’ve removed it. I take my leave of Toronto, which I call home (if reluctantly sometimes), and go to [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281498 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:40:12 +0100 4281498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4277857&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F21%2Foperation-preemptive-peace-a-20-something-guide-to-a-sane-holiday-at-home%2F Ah yes, the Christmas holiday. A time when many of us shove as much as we possibly can into a carry on (and then insist to the flight attendant that it will fit in the overhead compartment just give me a second!) and make the long trek back “home.” While some of my married or coupled up friends are braving the crowded airports and awkward family chit chat (“Oh, you’re a Democrat? How…interesting. You young people are all Democrats. It’s all so very… interesting“) together, I’m going solo this year. And while I don’t mind my unattached status too much, I freely acknowledge the fact that going back “home,” without reminders of one’s new life, can often cause a very unique set of issues to arise. The main issue? Regress... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4277857 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:11:43 +0100 4277857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4275390&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F20%2F7-tips-to-smooth-over-your-holiday-stress%2F Ahh, the holidays. Christmastime is here, and many will be traveling this week to rejoin loved ones and family members. We’ll be traveling too, as we often do during the holidays, to visit with long-distance family. Wouldn’t you like your holidays to be a bit smoother? Me too. So here are some tips to help smooth over your holiday stress and make this time of the year more enjoyable for you and those you’ll be visiting. 1. Plan early. Well, it’s a little late for this one. If your trip isn’t yet planned, I can’t help you. But this is good information for next year, as sometimes people wait until the last minute to plan their travel or where exactly they’ll be and when, when visiting the family. These tips can also help you reduce stress about holid... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4275390 Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:59:58 +0100 4275390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272496&cid=t_99916_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F20%2Fa-doggone-christmas-morning%2F It started off like any other Christmas morning.  My two sisters and I were up first, kneeling in front of the tree, keeping a respectful distance for our first assessments, but sliding in ever closer, checking the weight of a few parcels, seeing if there was anything we could guess.  We pointed out the missing [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272496 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:28:49 +0100 4272496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272366&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34859&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.davemsw.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2Fsurviving_the_holiday_blues.php Image via WikipediaThe holiday season is such a joyous time of year. Colored lights adorn houses and business. Thoughts of holidays past fill our minds and conversations. But not everyone can enjoy the holiday season. Some of us inevitably find as the holidays approach what is called the "holiday blues".The holiday blues are quite common. We expect to enjoy ourselves during the holidays. Those around us expect we will enjoy holiday celebrations and their company as well. We feel that pressure within ourselves and others. But sometimes what we really need is acceptance of ourselves and others. There are many things that may bother us during the holidays: a death in the family, financial set backs, separations from loved ones due to work, military deployment, or other reasons. There can be l... Ψ Dare To Dream... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272366 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 01:14:15 +0100 4272366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272298&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FbanMhS0zZWo%2F Disturbing news is coming from Enlightenment Boulevard where the UCEM Council Executive has recently received reports of the death of Santa Claus. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272298 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:54 +0100 4272298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265751&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FjJYX2zyOuH8%2F It is tradition for doctors to descend into a state of inane infatuation with esoteric in-jokes, trifling trivia and medical mockery as seasonal silliness reaches its Christmas crescendo. Nowhere is this more evident than the annual hospital Christmas Quiz, an institution perpetuated throughout the anglocentric medical world, or the 'Christmas issues' of the British Medical Journal and the Medical Journal of Australia. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265751 Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:00:33 +0100 4265751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265856&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F17%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-17-2010%2F As I’m writing this, I’m in shock. I was busy checking things off of my things to do list when appointments and planning for the upcoming holidays completely threw me off my schedule. That’s why this is late. Yikes! I let the ball drop. And I’ve been doing that a lot lately. It is a great lesson for me. Recently, an illness has made it difficult for me to keep up. While I’m usually on top of things, once an A student, someone who despises procrastination and has a strong passion for getting everything done, I realized that I just can’t do it all anymore. But maybe that’s a good thing. It’s teaching me about the importance of making mistakes, being imperfect and accepting where I am now instead of comparing where I was in the past. I might not... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265856 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:10:29 +0100 4265856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265759&cid=t_99916_90_f&fid=0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fannietv600.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F17%2Fchristmas-2010-bmj%2F It’s that time of year again, the publication of the annual BMJ Christmas issue. Here are some highlights: Welcome to our feast of fools [editorial] Effect on gastric function and symptoms of drinking wine, black tea, or schnapps with a Swiss cheese fondue: randomised controlled crossover trial Testing the validity of the Danish urban myth that alcohol can be absorbed through feet: open labelled self experimental study Beauty sleep: experimental study on the perceived health and attractiveness of sleep deprived people The Lives of Doctors: Phantom vibration syndrome among medical staff: a cross sectional survey Primary Care: Reflections of Father Christmas’s GP See also  CMAJ 14 December 2010, Volume 182, Issue 18 Holiday Reading ; previous posts about Christmas. (Source: A... ANNE T-V's BLOG blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265759 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:41:13 +0100 4265759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266162&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fnativity%2F As I now live in the same county as most of my family, I got to see my nieces in their Christmas plays this year. Hannah danced in ‘Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’, and Emily gave her shepherd in her school nativity play. (I was especially delighted that Mary was busily knitting when Gabriel, played by a boy in a gold-sequinned baseball cap, dropped by with the bombshell.) Both plays were lovely, and even though I’m not a Christian, I did appreciate the messages of peace and reconciliation. And I love how a good story can be told and retold and never get old. So I was thrilled when I watched the digital Nativity that my friend Tony sent me. Whether you have a religion or not isn’t important here: if you are savvy enough to use the internet to get to... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266162 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 06:17:48 +0100 4266162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266156&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fwhen-i-grieve-alone.html I was plunged deep into a hidden pain yesterday, a pain I am quiet about because I do not want to hurt others by revealing my own hurt in the wrong way. (Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God... I Corinthians 10:32)Moonrise in NovemberYet in the depths, when the tears become a river, and the sobs escape even though I hug my knees to my chest hard and dig my nails into my own flesh...it is the Man of Sorrows who sits with me in my grief. A baby born to die...who escaped the murder of all male infants ordered by an evil king...the one who prayed that the cup of the Cross be lifted from his trembling lips. Emmanuel...God with us. He is here, Emmanuel, on the bathroom floor with me as I weep. Inside my broken heart, feeling every awful twinge and groaning fo... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266156 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 01:26:00 +0100 4266156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266031&cid=t_99916_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Ftwas-the-week-before-christmas%2F Twas the week before Christmas, so much to be done My body was laggin’ while my spirit cried “RUN!” So hard to do when your whole body hurts And your energy comes in bits and in spurts. There’s truly a magic that now fills the air With wreaths and seraphims with soft angel hair. All creatures were stirring, even the mice Children and grown-ups, all “extra nice.” The gifts were arriving, thanks to the ‘net How could I do it and stay out of debt? Aw heck, this is Christmas, forget about that. In January we’ll all eat like Jack Sprat. The pup dogs were snuggled all warm in our bed They hadn’t a clue as to my week ahead. How could I do it, so much to be done? My energy left with the rise of each sun. It was years ago, when my health fell apart, But I feel just the same, a... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266031 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:57:49 +0100 4266031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258923&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F14%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-14-2010%2F Not to worry you, but did you know it’s less than 2 weeks until Christmas? Ack! If I freaked you out, I apologize. I nearly gave myself a panic attack when I realized it myself. But then, I thought about something. As you’re racing through the stores to find the “perfect” gift for your children or thumbing through cookbooks for the “perfect” Christmas dinner, think back to your Christmases in the past. When I recalled my holidays as a child, I don’t remember what we ate for dinner or what toys I got. Somehow the holidays are wrapped up in a pretty bow of imperfection, of days that I fought and made up with a parent, or the quiet time spent with a spouse. I was surprised that not even the image of a Christmas tree made it into my top holiday memorie... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258923 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:24:33 +0100 4258923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253408&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Ftaking-back-sacred.html Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy [set apart].Six days shall you labor, and do your work,but the seventh day is a Sabbath dedicated to the Lord your God.Exodus 20:9-10We hustle and bustle at Christmastime, and I read others lament it but don't feel the same. I am snug in my house, shopping online with my fingers and eyes instead of walking through stores, my driver's license unused in my purse for a month now. Every year, a season of no driving reminds me that I depend on others and God and not just my strong two legs and the arms strong for my labor (Proverbs 31:17).But maybe God hears all of our cries, and sometimes takes back the sacred with a display of power that stalls every earthly plan and maroons people to sit silent for a whole 24 hours. A whole day set apart to marvel at... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253408 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 17:43:00 +0100 4253408 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253201&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F12%2Fthe-dreaded-question-is-santa-real%2F Parents often live in fear of this time of the year, because as their child ages, their belief in Santa Claus becomes challenged by hints that perhaps he isn’t as real as they thought. Sometimes the first hints come from watching television, catching a part of conversation that suggests Santa was never real. Other times it comes from surreptitiously catching Mom & Dad putting out the presents in the middle of the night. Yet other times it comes from the realization that it may be physically impossible for one individual to go down so many chimneys in such a short amount of time (not to mention how heavy he would be eating all those cookies!). Psych Central’s parenting expert Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker will help you get through this transition to help keep your child’s ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253201 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 11:36:47 +0100 4253201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251107&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsantabetes-how-diabetes-is-like-santa-claus%2F2010.12.11 (Note:  This post contains spoilers.  If you are like my girl Brittany and you believe happily in the story of Santa, skip down to where it says “Diabetes is like Santa Claus.”) My husband and I share a philosophy on Santa Claus.   Santa gets too much credit.  Why should Santa get all the glory for the gifts that show up underneath the Christmas tree on Christmas morning?  Mom and Dad work their tails off to provide a fun and comfortable life for our child, and to have the fun thunder (funder?) stolen by Santa Claus is unfair.  “Thank you, Santa, for the Barbie and the Rockers van!”  I shouted as a kid, not realizing that Mom and Dad put in some extra hours (and spent half the night assembling the stupid thing) to get that Rocker Van under our Christmas tre... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251107 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 22:00:49 +0100 4251107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251109&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fchristmas-gifts-for-my-medical-colleagues%2F2010.12.11 This is my column in December’s Emergency Medicine News: I like to think back on favorite Christmas gifts I have received down the years. I don’t think I can do any better than the children of mine who were born around Christmas. Three of the four came within one month of Christmas day. One came on December 23rd. What wonderful presents! Going farther back, I recall sitting by the Christmas tree at my childhood home, or the homes of my grandparents. I found toy soldiers, toy horses, Matchbox cars, pocket knives and many other little-boy wonders. I remember the beautiful wooden stock and golden trigger of my first shotgun, and how it pulled me irresistably into a sense of impending manhood to know that my father and mother trusted me enough to give such a gift. I have been thrilled to ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251109 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 16:00:03 +0100 4251109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4249262&cid=t_99916_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2010%2F12%2Ftop-cookbooks-and-cookware-gifts.html Are you Christmas Shopping online this year for someone who likes to cook?  It's not too late to shop and here are a few links to help you. Yes, you'll probably recognize the shop, I've narrowed things down to a few categories so you don't have to search quite as much, and whatever item shows first on the page is the "top" book or product:Best Selling CookbooksTop Selling Food Christmas Gift BasketsTop Selling CookwareThis should give you a good start! I'll be back to add more.Site Feed (Source: Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets) Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4249262 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 04:54:00 +0100 4249262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245431&cid=t_99916_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fdo-you-feel-more-like-scrooge-or-santa%2F This grandma feels like she got run over by a reindeer. I realize that isn’t possible because they’re all at the North Pole, or grazing in Lapland, but that’s what it feels like and I think I saw a hoof print on my forehead late last night. It might be payback for eating reindeer meat when we were in Finland about ten years ago. I did swallow, but I didn’t like it. Doesn’t that count? I do hope Santa forgives me and all those Finns and Laps who eat it all the time. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Rudolph or anyone we know. It’s a funny thing about the holidays how they run all over us, like reindeer run amok, whether we enjoy them or not so why not try to get into the spirit of the season? This year is a difficult one for my family because of a family member who is direly ill but... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245431 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:10:37 +0100 4245431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245478&cid=t_99916_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FWShIrZ9AvfQ%2F Not looking forward to the holidays so much? You may not be such a terrible person after all. TV commercials show perfect, ecstatically happy families next to a new car with a red bow around it, and we’re bombarded with these absurd images around this time of year. But the reality is that many of us have crazy dads or sisters we don’t talk to or a stepmom we, well, hate. And that’s actually okay. The more we face up to the truth that most families are far from perfect, the more we can embrace ours, however dysfunctional. Then we’ll be able to better cope with the holidays, and perhaps even enjoy them a little. “It’s important to recognize that families are complex and unique,” says Noelle Nelson, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of nine books. “You have to fl... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245478 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:44:30 +0100 4245478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4241730&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1381 For those of you unaware, Jan had surgery Monday for a swollen lymph node in her neck.  It turned out to be a metastatic squamous cell cancer.  Usually only found in elderly men who smoke and/or drink excessively.   The primary appears to have been some leftover tonsil tissue at the base of her tongue.  (Tonsillectomy at age seven.) Her surgeon, the excellent Dr. Charles Theivagt, feels that he removed all of the primary, as well as the affected node and everything else in her left neck.  (She had a modified radical neck procedure.  Her comment?  ‘I look like Frankenstein!’  She said it with a smirk.  I think she looks just beautiful.) She spent seven hours in surgery Monday.  She came home yesterday.  She is doing well, in great spirits.  As you know, she hates to ... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4241730 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:03:10 +0100 4241730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4241728&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FgjJf5eznflY%2F It may feel like the sands of time are fast running through your fingers, but there is still time to buy emergency Christmas gifts for your favourite emergency physician. Here is the official list of UCEM-approved 'Christmas Gifts for the Emergency Department'. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4241728 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 09:20:14 +0100 4241728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233355&cid=t_99916_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2F28P7DjjymIQ%2Fworking-through-the-list.php I love the Christmas season. I don't love that there is sooo much to do to get ready! I've done a little bit of my shopping but have several family members left to go. Does anyone have some good ideas for a 9 year old girl and an 8 year old boy? Or a good place/website for me to look?One thing that can definitely be crossed off the list is the annual Christmas card photo shoot. Finished that on Sunday. Here are some outtakes!If you want to see the actual card, make sure I have your address (e-mail me at sara [at] diabetesdaily [dot] com). I love exchanging Christmas cards, so the more the merrier!Also crossed off the list is the plane ticket to head home. Gosh! You'd think it would be easier to negotiate family visits as we get older. California friends, it's time to schedule the meet-ups!... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233355 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:30:30 +0100 4233355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233372&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fvery-merry.html Did you ever hear of something so glorious as a parade in winter? At night?Streets lit...Boys throwing flames...Hands stretched out for candy...And then the very next day you get to go cut down your Christmas tree in the forest?Oh, the incomparable joy!(Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mt 11:28)Linked to Ann's gratitude campaign: (Source: Turquoise Gates) Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233372 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:00:00 +0100 4233372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230262&cid=t_99916_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FW3zG7EsCtsM%2F That said, I think it’s less about what you suggest to your family, and more about how you suggest it. Still, there’s no way that everyone is going to be pleased and happy every year, content with the knowledge that their idea is the best idea. So do what you can, in the most diplomatic way possible. Failing that, start pricing flights to Fiji. – Blisstree relationship advice columnist Victor the Cat on how to deal with family members and presents around Christmas, from his post: Ask Victor the Cat for Relationship Advice: Solving Holiday Gift-Giving Conflicts With Family Post from: BlissTree (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230262 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 15:00:19 +0100 4230262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4230263&cid=t_99916_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FOKsFHm0GQ6M%2F photo: Thinkstock Check out this post about all-natural stress relievers by Tess Whitehurst on Lemondrop. If the holidays make you feel a bit like Anne Hathaway’s character in “Rachel Getting Married” — or if it always seems to propel you directly into the middle of your own unique brand of family-related hellishness — at least take comfort in the fact that you’re far from alone. Holiday stress and family drama (like Thanksgiving itself) seem to have become part of our cultural legacy. And don’t give up! Any or all of these secret holistic strategies may very well (at least slightly) ease your pain. Four Drops of Rescue Remedy Under the Tongue Have you heard of this miracle stress-relieving drug? Dubbed “yoga in a bottle,” it’s a ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4230263 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:00:58 +0100 4230263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225372&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F12%2F03%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-december-3-2010%2F I think one of the greatest self-inflicted suffering comes from comparing our own lives to the one we think we should be living. Instead of focusing on accepting who we are in this moment, it’s easy to get sucked into what everyone else is doing and how much better they are at doing it. It’s a lot easier, for example, to focus on the presents you can’t afford or the job/relationship you don’t have. But tough times also give us an opportunity. It challenge us to be and do better. If you’re going through a personal struggle right now, remember to take care of yourself, find people (therapists/friends/family) to support you, find peace and solace in your religion or spirituality and discover something hopeful in your life, no matter how small, to help lift you up... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225372 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:07:08 +0100 4225372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225524&cid=t_99916_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FEJG1pzV6Gso%2F We’re as jealous as the next person of the altruistic audience members who recieved iPads, $500 Nordstrom gift cards, and expensive Nikon cameras. (Though we’re perfectly happy not to be stuck with those glittery UGG boots.) But we also think Oprah betrayed her audience a little with these gifts: From beauty products full of chemicals that disrupt the human endocrine system to household items that aren’t the equally elegant and eco-friendly functional alternatives, we think the Queen of Talk could have done better. – Blisstree Deputy Editor Briana Rognlin questions Oprah’s recent gift-giving choices in her post: Oprah’s Ultimate Audience Betrayal: 5 “Favorite Things” We Wish She’d Stop Promoting Post from: BlissTree (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225524 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:00:53 +0100 4225524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225361&cid=t_99916_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FK1GfkaQY1n8%2Fwinking-santa.html I recently finished this miniature Christmas quilt.  The Santa comes from a Christmas card from years past which I saved with the intention to someday use it in quilting.  The Santa is machine appliqued using mostly cotton fabrics, but I did use scraps of white ultra suede for the hat trim and black ultra suede for the eyelashes.  I added glitter glue to the hat trim for a little “flash.”  The white on white fabric used for the bread helped keep it from looking too flat.  The quilt is machine quilted.  It measures 11 in X 13.5 in.  I sewed a sleeve on the back for hanging.  I have listed it for sale on Etsy. (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225361 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:13:00 +0100 4225361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225583&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fall-i-want-for-christmas.html I am a second-generation homeschooler. Meaning I was homeschooled myself - all the way through high school - and now I homeschool my own little brood. In this season of sickness in our home, it is hard to imagine how the kids are going to get enough book learnin' - yet harder still to imagine how I would get them on a bus every day!Somehow, in the cracks of the day, the learning slips in. We bake pies for Thanksgiving, and Katrina learns fractions and volume. We put photos into a calendar, and Rosalie practices reading and learns the months and the seasons. Today is Hannukah, so we're watching a video and doing an art project to learn about it.Christmas, likewise, is a season that begs me be more intentional. I read about it everywhere on mommy blogs - Jesse trees, Advent activities, such ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225583 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:00:00 +0100 4225583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225527&cid=t_99916_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FOtlSDagE-Rk%2F Propose that the entire family limit presents under the tree for young children only. And that adults just stick to giving each other stocking stuffers. That way, the presents can stay small, inexpensive, and few, but those greedy adults who can’t live without tearing away wrapping paper on Christmas Day will still get their hands on some loot. Or what about giving to favorite nonprofit charities on each other’s behalf and presenting each other with notices of your donations? This is easy and philanthropic, and may appeal to your altruistic family members. (Plus, it’s a cool family tradition to start.) — Blisstree relationship advice columnist Victor the Cat on navigating the Christmas-y conundrum of relatives and presents, from his post: Ask Victor the Cat for Relationship Advice:... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225527 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:00:39 +0100 4225527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220428&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fchristmas-card-choices-give-away.html I have had the pleasure of reviewing* two Christmas card options this holiday season...which means that, even though this year has been chaos beyond imagination, my Christmas cards are already done on December 1st! Miracle of miracles!I chose to review Mistle Mail because I used it last year with great success and fell in love with the ease of this form of Christmas card delivery! Mistle Mail is offering all my readers a 25% discount on their service, which costs only $39.95 for unlimited delivery and online access. That's almost $10 in savings! Simply visit the site, design your card, and just before check-out, use the coupon code GATES2010. The discount will be reflected when you pay.Mistle Mail is an online only service that allowed me to e-mail a beautiful Christmas greeting, photo and... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220428 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:28:00 +0100 4220428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214391&cid=t_99916_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FAavKkFWcxOc%2Fgold-and-green.php I work in education which means I get about two weeks off for Christmas each year. I take full advantage of that and try to head home as quickly as possible to have enough time to see all my family and friends.As a result, I have to get my Christmas decorations up as early as possible or I'm just not here long enough to enjoy them. So last Friday, as I was still digesting turkey I got out the ornaments and lights. I am renting my apartment so I can't do as much as I want, but I make it as festive as possible.While she hasn't caused any problems yet, there is one other resident of this apartment who also seems to be really enjoying the decorations. I've got my eye on her.I have the outfits picked out and will be taking my annual Christmas picture shortly. If I don't have your address and yo... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214391 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 07:15:16 +0100 4214391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214129&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=39185&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedwinleap.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1373 Gifts for my colleagues, near and far This is my column in December’s EM News Merry Christmas! I like to think back on favorite Christmas gifts I have received down the years. I don’t think I can do any better than the children of mine who were born around Christmas. Three of the four came within one month of Christmas day. One came on December 23rd;. What wonderful presents! Going farther back, I recall sitting by the Christmas tree at my childhood home, or the homes of my grandparent’s. I found toy soldiers, toy horses, Matchbox cars, pocket-knives and many other little boy wonders. I remember the beautiful wooden stock and golden trigger of my first shotgun, and how it pulled me irresistably into a sense of impending manhood to know that my father and mother trusted m... edwinleap.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214129 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 03:37:03 +0100 4214129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214212&cid=t_99916_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FOzRN5W6g9a8%2F Now that Thanksgiving is over, we’re officially in the thick of the holiday season: Hanukkah is around the corner, Christmas is almost here, and even if you don’t celebrate either of those holidays, it’s hard to escape December without getting the holiday shopping itch. We don’t have anything against buying really good gifts for the people you love, but we do think there are better ways to spread cheer than to buy a bunch of gift sets, holiday specials, and seasonal treats that will end up in the trash or in your storage unit until this time next year. What’s more, if you can resist the impulse to buy a bunch of crap you don’t need, you might just have some money left over to do something fun with your friends and family that will leave you a lot happier... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214212 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:00:00 +0100 4214212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214214&cid=t_99916_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FHgyvzcYwUGw%2F Dear Victor: Christmas is coming, which for me means major stress about a particular family-related issue. I have a huge immediate family, and everyone has their own ideas about how we should handle Christmas gift-giving. These differences cause major arguments, underlying resentments, and even serious rifts. Some family members think that everyone should buy a gift for everyone else (despite the fact that there are dozens of us, and as many different budgets). Others think they should only have to buy Christmas presents for those family members to whom they’re really close. Still others are adamant that each gift be incredibly special and personalized, even if you only see the recipient once a year. (No iPods or coffee grinders allowed.) And, get this: Some of my adult family member... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214214 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:40:21 +0100 4214214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207335&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F29%2Fits-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas%2F Okay, I admit it, I can’t get that darned song out of my head after Thanksgiving. There’s something about “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” that seems appropriate to put me into the Christmas spirit. But then I have to stop at a store to buy something. And quickly my Christmas spirit dissipates as I’m enveloped by the never-ending barrage of Christmas displays, scents and music. Oh, the endless loops of Christmas music! And I think to myself, “Who likes this stuff?” Not surprisingly, the answer is, “Christians.” At least according to Schmitt et al. (2010) when they looked at the effects of Christmas displays on people’s well-being. In an experiment that employed two studies, the researchers examined the effects... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207335 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:01:03 +0100 4207335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207477&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2010%2F11%2F28%2Fmerry-christmas%2F “Pat a Pan” by David Archuleta. “Ding Dong Merrily on High” by Cantabile Youth Singers. “Ding Dong Merrily on High” by The Christmas Belles. “Little Drummer Boy” by Low. “The Holly & the Ivy” by Mediaeval Baebes. “Carol of the Bells” by Straight No Chaser. “Carol of the Bells” by Monique Danielle and Holdman Christmas Lights. “Carol of the Bells” by Alex Band. “Carol of the Bells” on an array mbira. “Jacob Marley’s Chain” by Aimee Mann. “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Future of Forestry. “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Sixpence None the Richer. “Angels We Have Heard on High” by Sufjan Stevens. “Fum Fum ... Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207477 Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:00:28 +0100 4207477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4206051&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fchristmas-card-outtakes-2010.html Sometimes the outtakes are the most fun.Who'd she inherit that hair from, anyway?Your guess is as good as mine!Amy's jammin', Katy's giggling, Caleb's confused, and Rosy's hamming it up. Could they possibly look in the same direction for 2 seconds??Rosy looks like the perfect child who sneaked into the photo session with the crazy family.And here...not so much!What is Caleb doing? Winking?Katy looks like a cartoon character in this one with that grin.Annnndddd....the inevitable "action shots" of family photos with a 2 year old boy!Next week, you'll get to see the "nice" photos as I review Christmas card services, both print and online.  (Source: Turquoise Gates) Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4206051 Sat, 27 Nov 2010 04:37:00 +0100 4206051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203196&cid=t_99916_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FxH2dAhT8ZKk%2F photo: Stephen Chernin/Getty Images We’re not going to pretend to understand people who camp out in front of big box stores days before Thanksgiving (and completely miss Thanksgiving dinner) in advance of all the Black Friday sales. But we’re very glad Black Friday’s almost here, because we’re really tired of seeing all those commercials telling us to leave our warm, cozy beds in the middle of the night in order to embrace the true meaning of the holidays and buy a bunch of crap no one really needs. The folks over at The Daily Beast were kind enough to put together a handy slideshow of some of the major Black Friday sales and opening hours. And we’re giving you our honest take on them: Some Sam’s Club stores will open on Friday at 5 a.m. Why so late? Low... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203196 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 01:00:09 +0100 4203196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190224&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F11%2F22%2Falone-for-thanksgiving-alone-for-christmas%2F The holidays are upon us once again, and for many, it’s a time of the year they spend alone. There are many reasons this occurs, whether it be because we can’t afford to go home, or we have no “home” to travel to. Sometimes we just find ourselves alone for the holidays. I’ve been alone for Thanksgiving, and I’ve been alone for Christmas. Sure, it’s easy to fall into a funk and begin to feel sorry for yourself and your situation. Sometimes it was by choice, and other times it wasn’t. In any case, when I was alone for Thanksgiving, I found a way to make the most of my situation and looked at it with from a very short-term perspective — I may be alone this year, but who knows what will happen by next year. It’s also a great time to d... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190224 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:47:12 +0100 4190224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190247&cid=t_99916_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FvswcZzZ58cw%2F – Blisstree contributor Patrick Sauer on how separate Thanksgivings and Christmases can make for happy marriages, from his post: My Wife and I Always Spend the Holidays Apart (And We Like It That Way) Post from: BlissTree My Uncle John always cooks up a nice prime rib on Christmas Day, and the night before, Mom and I go out to eat. One year, the only place we could find open was a Shula’s Steakhouse. Their menu comes on a football, an actual leather football. God bless us, everyone! Kim’s experience is a little more Bedford Falls to my Pottersville, which suits us both just fine. Her upside is the Christmas-y feel of hot cocoa in her pajamas; mine is that Mom no longer has the desire to attend Christmas mass. (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190247 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 13:00:14 +0100 4190247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183355&cid=t_99916_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fv_uuyFWjOPw%2F Michelle Obama serving lunch at a Washington, D.C. soup kitchen in 2009 Last year on the day before Thanksgiving, I spent about 20 minutes researching food banks in New York where my small donation could be put to good use. I settled on one that seemed particularly effective, submitted my Mastercard details, then grabbed my suitcase full of wine and sweaters and caught a cab to the airport. I boarded a flight to Detroit, where one of my best friends picked me up and drove me to Ann Arbor, after which a weekend full of friends, turkey, pies, great wine (and gin and port), and driving tours of Michigan ensued. Since then, I’ve donated something like $20 in the form of coins and occasional dollar bills to agreeable buskers on subway platforms. (I’m especially partial to accordion players.... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183355 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:08:58 +0100 4183355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183474&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fpacked-with-love-and-my-first-ever-give.html We've done it every year. Cancer or not. Encephalitis or not. Hospital or not. Miscarriage or not. Although I will admit that one year we missed the pick-up deadline for our region, and brought our shoeboxes to a local battered women's shelter. That was a great experience, and I would highly recommend finding a local charity you can partner with so that your children get actual, hands-on experience helping desperate people. We now visit that shelter twice a year with children's and women's clothing we are no longer using, and all the toys we have sorted out of our toy room. The kids are always like kids in a candy store when we show up with a couple of garbage bags of new toys!But this - this is what we've done every year. My kids started out pretty uninvolved - the first year we packed wa... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183474 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:19:00 +0100 4183474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4142829&cid=t_99916_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FnFN5Y0QxD8A%2F – Blisstree contributor Patrick Sauer on the unusual holiday tradition that he and his wife have practiced for a decade, from his post: My Wife and I Always Spend the Holidays Apart (And We Like It That Way) Post from: BlissTree Last Christmas Eve, my wife Kim and I performed our annual holiday ritual. No stockings were hung, no champagne was toasted, no duet of “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays was sung,” no gifts were exchanged. Just a couple of simple ‘I love yous” before drifting off to sleep. 270 miles apart. For ten years running, we’ve spent the holidays apart. And it’s not just Christmas. We usually go our separate ways for Thanksgiving, too. (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4142829 Sat, 06 Nov 2010 14:00:40 +0100 4142829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098313&cid=t_99916_133_f&fid=37107&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspiewebnet%2F%7E3%2FEiNvOfikW_Y%2F As the holiday season is coming around this year people have started making gift lists for the important people in their lives.  People on the Autism Spectrum are really not that difficult to shop for compared to a normal person – but here are some suggestions to make their Christmas special.  Their Special Interest People [...] (Source: AspieWeb.net) AspieWeb.net blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098313 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 03:49:44 +0100 4098313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040793&cid=t_99916_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FMkF6JZmLfI8%2F There is no shock that layoffs continue, is there? In the past few months, several drugmakers disclosed plans to reduce staff or continued with previously announced cuts. Among them has been Abbott Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck, Lonza, and Johnson & Johnson, among many others. And so the latest monthly tally of pharma layoffs amounts to 6.069 industry jobs lost in September, compared with just 200 in August, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consulting. Nonetheless, the industry has shed 43,334 jobs this year, which appears on track to nearly match the 58,583 that were eliminated last year (you can read the latest report here and the last monthly survey here). The only sectors to throw more people overboard so far th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040793 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:07:33 +0100 4040793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938378&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F09%2F06%2Fhappy-labor-day-2010%2F Ahh… We work all year and get a whole day off to celebrate our working achievements. Yay! I don’t think Labor Day means all that much to most Americans, other than the official mark of the “end” of summertime and the beginning of 8 months of uninterrupted work (well, unless you count all the Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year’s and etc. holidays!). For me, it means a chance to take the day off (I usually end up working most weekends, one of the drawbacks of owning your own business). So we’re going over to Plum Island for a nice bike ride on this gorgeous, perfect summer’s day. Enjoy your Labor Day! And if you need a smile today, I leave you with these two cartoons from our own Chato B. Stewart… 4 UR Mental Health: LaborDay 5 Labor ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938378 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:11:48 +0100 3938378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3925088&cid=t_99916_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FanZ_jqRI5Xk%2F For those keeping score, the latest monthly tally of job cuts in the pharmaceutical industry numbered just 200 in August, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consulting firm. This constrasts with 2,023 jobs lost in July, 830 cut in June and 6,943 trimmed in May. So far this year, pharma has shed 37,265 jobs, compared with 53,004 last year. If the latest numbers appear relatively encouraging, though, consider that the firm found pharma plans to add just eight jobs right now, according to its hiring statistics (here is the report). Of course, jobs are coming and going all the time. And as we have noted before, it remains possible the picture is even worse, because the report may not capture every lost job. Layoffs often occur in dribs and drabs, which means some ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3925088 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:31:52 +0100 3925088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823161&cid=t_99916_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F6xSxnK3_Rpg%2F After what appeared to be a slowdown in layoffs taking place in the pharmaceutical industry, job cuts are accelerating again, according to the latest monthly tally from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. There were 2,023 jobs lost in pharma in July, a notable uptick from the 830 lost in June. Overall, the industry has shed 37,010 jobs this year. As we have noted before, however, it remains possible the picture is even worse, because the report may not capture every lost job. Layoffs often occur in dribs and drabs, which means some job losses do not land on radar screens monitored by the media or state labor departments, which require notice when a certain number of jobs are to be eliminated. Moreover, this approach to layoffs will continue for the foreseeable future, so getting a true pic... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823161 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:43:41 +0100 3823161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721961&cid=t_99916_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F1fcXV9ahYVY%2F Is it possible the pace of job cuts in the pharmaceutical industry is slowing? The year-to-date tally of layoffs reached 34,987 as of the end of June, which is an increase of just 830 lost jobs in May (see this), according to the latest monthly report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement firm. Of course, it remains possible the report does not capture every single lost job. Layoffs often occur in dribs and drabs, which means some job losses do not land on radar screens monitored by the media or state labor departments, which require notice when a certain number of jobs are to be eliminated. Moreover, sources say this approach to layoffs will continue for the foreseeable future, so keeping track will remain challenging for Challenger, and everyone else. (Source: Pharmalo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721961 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:28:26 +0100 3721961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625774&cid=t_99916_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FftdH-EXiS58%2F This will not surprise anyone in or close to the pharmaceutical industry. But for the record, the number of layoffs among drugmakers of all stripes rose to 34,157 as of the end of May, which amounts to an increase of 6,943 jobs lost from April, when the total reached 27,214, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas (here is the latest report and one from last month). For those who see the glass as half full, however, the outplacement consulting firm tallied 51,034 industry layoffs at the end of May 2009. (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625774 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:01:19 +0100 3625774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542732&cid=t_99916_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fspring-cleaning-in-a-life-with-chronic-pain%2F     Those of us who live with chronic pain have looked forward to spring. Slowly, it’s seeping into our lives and we look forward to a respite from the cold, the snow, the wet and the wind. It’s been a long hard winter for so many among us and continues to cause problems today in many areas of the United States. We feel the weather changes in our bodies and we have to use energy we don’t have to cope with all of the surprises and clean-up of severe weather. Life is just more difficult when it’s dreary, cold and wet. There is, however, a down-side to spring’s arrival as fresh light reveals dust, dirt and swinging cobwebs. Somehow it’s easier in the darkness of winter to throw that magazine onto a pile of other magazines. They should be with their friends.  At our house we ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542732 Thu, 06 May 2010 20:36:17 +0100 3542732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490788&cid=t_99916_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FfszSi-kwlMA%2F Jay-Z at this month's Coachella Music Festival in California I never thought a Jay-Z video playing in the background at a nail salon would make me bawl. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned as an expat, it’s that pangs of homesickness strike at the most unexpected moments. There I was, minding my own business and indulging in a pedicure (like most things in Australia, they cost about 30% more than they do back home), when “Empire State of Mind” came on a TV video channel countdown. As images of New York flashed before me, and Alicia Keys warbled about my adopted hometown’s rejuvenating powers, I suddenly felt very far away, and a lump began to form in my throat. A row of nail technicians stared as my eyes welled up and I began to sniffle; they quizzically swiveled their he... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490788 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:29:19 +0100 3490788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3440747&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fwho-am-i-anyway-adoption-dna-testing-and-figuring-myself-out%2F This article by Elizabeth Spiers originally appeared on our sister site, TheGloss.com. The earliest available photos of me were taken when I was five months old, just after I was adopted. I have dark hair and freakishly large eyes that seem far too big for my face, like a Japanese anime character. In fact, they’re so big and dark that the rest of my facial features seem almost invisible. All you see are eyes. “Alien baby!” shrieks my friend Clare, spotting one of the photos on the wall of my grandmother’s house. “Look at your eyes!” She puffs out her cheeks and opens her eyes as wide as possible, and laughs. It’s 2003, and Clare has decided that my native Alabama would be more anthropologically interesting than her native U.K. for the Christmas hol... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3440747 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:54:47 +0100 3440747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429154&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Flie-to-your-kids-and-feel-good-about-it%2F If someone tells you they never lie to their kids, they’re lying. Some truth-stretching is essential in order to spare youngsters from life’s harsh realities, or just make parents’ lives a little easier. Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” coined his own term for it: Truthiness – truth that comes from the gut, not books. So, here are four instances when we give you permission to lie straight to your kids’ faces. Santa/Easter Bunny/Tooth Fairy Dilemma We know this one is controversial. Some hardcore parents spill the beans from day one about Santa Claus and the rest of them being big fat phonies. But those families miss a lot – leaving out cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer, hunting for eggs on Easter Sund... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429154 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:33:39 +0100 3429154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411094&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FnHXpN68eSsE%2F By Jim HarperExcellent recent posts by my colleague David Rittgers have covered the legal (and practical) issues involved in terrorist detention. Take a look at “The Case against Domestic Military Detention” and his follow-up, “Playing Chicken Again.” He has also lectured on the Hill about terrorism strategy, relating themes I used to open our 2009 and 2010 counterterrorism conferences. The gist is that terrorism seeks overreaction on the part of the victim state. Lacking power of their own, terrorists try to goad states into overzealous and misdirected responses that serve their aims. A prominent aim among members of the al-Qaeda franchise is mobilization of others, one of five strategies that U.S. National War College professor of strategy Audrey Kurth Cronin la... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411094 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:05:43 +0100 3411094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3370376&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fso-bad-its-good-tv-brothers-sisters%2F Rachel Griffiths and Calista Flockhart in "Brothers & Sisters" (photo: Wenn) Last night’s episode of ABC’s drama “Brothers & Sisters” focused way more on the Walker girls (Sarah, played by Rachel Griffiths, and older sister Kitty, channeled by Calista Flockhart) than the boys. To recap: Kitty and Sarah got into a big fight. This happened because angry protesters heckled Kitty during one of her U.S. Senate campaign speeches, thanks to the sticky immigration status of Luc (Gilles Marini), Sarah’s swarthy French fling-turned-boyfriend. Oh, and because as a petit garçon, Luc lived in his uncle’s brothel. Oops. Later, Kitty and Sarah behaved like spoiled brats (as usual), refusing to apologize to one another while slinging back glasses of ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3370376 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:01:09 +0100 3370376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302493&cid=t_99916_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Freward-yourself-with-a-treat%2F My dogs have taught me over the years, the importance of the reward. There’s nothing quite as inspirational to a pooch as the question, “Want a bone?” The only other motivator that comes close is a platter of juicy steak, but that’s a bit messy to pop into your pocket. Sure, you smell good and have every dog in town following you, but oh, the grease stains. Our Jack Russell, Annie, is aging and often has a recalcitrant, doubtful attitude about climbing the stairs in our home. I can hear her little nails tapping on the wood floor at the foot of the steps and often go to the head of the stairs and utter that question to her, “Want a bone?” That simple question gives her the “oomph” she needs to ascend the dreaded stairs. It reminds me that many of us who have chronic pain al... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302493 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:52:51 +0100 3302493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239548&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FGm8h5rMVYhE%2F By Roger PilonToday Politico Arena asks: Terror suspects: Eric Holder’s defense (nothing new here)–agree or disagree? My response: There’s no question that after the killings in Little Rock and Fort Hood, the decision to try the KSM five in a civilian court in downtown Manhattan, and the Christmas Day bombing attempt (the government’s before and after behavior alike), the Obama-Holder “law-enforcement” approach to terrorism is under serious bipartisan scrutiny.  And Holder’s letter yesterday to his critics on the Hill isn’t likely to assuage them, not least because it essentially ignores issues brought out in the January 20 hearings before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, like the government’s failure to have its promise... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239548 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:38:06 +0100 3239548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266922&cid=t_99916_88_f&fid=35612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftheknifeman.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fsimple-joys-unbounded.html I can't remember if I've blogged about this before.If I have, please accept my apologies, and blame the dementia.A little before Christmas, I spotted an unusual combination. A man in his late middle years, looking utterly fed up, carrying way too much weight, out walking a dog. I wasn't sure it was his, as the two seemed very badly matched.The dog looked to be a terrier puppy, and had the look of joy unbounded I am prone to attribute to dogs when anthropomorphising them. But he did look to be grinning. He was also full of puppy based energy, and ran everywhere, in a slightly ungainly puppy run - both forelegs, then both hind legs. The man seemed unable to keep up, and simply settled for stopping in the middle of a grassy knoll, and letting the puppy run madly, round and around on the end o... The KnifeMan blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266922 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:22:00 +0100 3266922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231458&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FZlRzM88K57g%2F By Roger PilonToday, Politico Arena asks: Terror trials: Is it time for the administration to retreat and rethink? Is it generally mishandling the terrorism issue? My response: On no issue is President Obama getting acquainted with reality more clearly than terrorism, or so it seems.  He blazed into office, guns holstered, as the anti-Bush, putting Eric Holder’s Justice Department in charge, not of the War on Terror, a phrase he banished from his administration’s lexicon, but of “bringing those who planned and plotted the [9/11] attacks to justice,” as Holder put it in November when he announced that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others would be given civilian trials in downtown Manhattan.  But as the manifold costs of such a trail became increasingly apparent,... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231458 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:37:34 +0100 3231458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269661&cid=t_99916_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F01%2Fnotsofunny-ridiculing-rcts-and-ebm%2F I remember it well. As a young researcher I presented my findings in one of my first talks, at the end of which the chair killed my work with a remark, that made the whole room of scientists laugh, but was really beside the point. My supervisor, a truly original and very wise scientist, suppressed [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269661 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:28:37 +0100 3269661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227701&cid=t_99916_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F02%2F01%2Fnotsofunny-ridiculing-rcts-and-ebm%2F I remember it well. As a young researcher I presented my findings in one of my first talks, at the end of which the chair killed my work with a remark, that made the whole room of scientists laugh, but was really beside the point. My supervisor, a truly original and very wise scientist, suppressed [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227701 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:28:37 +0100 3227701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3159957&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fresolve%2F The holiday break is over. Well, not for me. I’m still relaxing at home. But it’s over for my wife and daughter. On Monday, Lexi reluctantly woke up early and went back to school. That evening, she finished her first pages of homework for the week, also reluctantly. My wife, Shawntel, resumed her night classes (medical assisting) this week as well. It was a nice break for us, though. Christmas eve was spent here (bro-in-law’s place). It went surprisingly well. No stress. No nausea. No back pain. At the end of the night, we were left with a fridge full of leftovers. Good times. On December 27, we went down to the Bay Area to visit my dad-in-law’s family for a post-Christmas party. It also went well. For New Year’s Eve, we headed to Elk Grove to visit my parents... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3159957 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:32:27 +0100 3159957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142601&cid=t_99916_107_f&fid=34860&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corporeality.net%2Fmuseion%2F2010%2F01%2F05%2Fsyringe-quiz%2F A couple of friends who know about my interest in the history of disease recently gave me a historical syringe as a gift. They bought it in a flea marked, so unfortunately I don’t have any information about its provenance. Ion Meyer (conservator and head of collections here at the Medical Museion) suggests, with some help from catalouges of medical equipment, that it might have been made in 1940’s or 1950’s, but unfortunately we could not get any closer. And this is where you, dear reader, might be of assistance: Where and when is it from? How comon was this particular type of syringe? When did it go out of style? The syringe is marked JS and is easily dismantled as seen below. This quiz will continue until January 31. There will be small prize (a guide... Biomedicine on Display blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142601 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:32:10 +0100 3142601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142810&cid=t_99916_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fits-like-discarding-friend.html (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142810 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:08:00 +0100 3142810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3136686&cid=t_99916_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FWeTE7Zidj4M%2Fwhat-i-did-on-my-christmas-vacation.php Did you have to write those reports when you were in school? I’m sure I did but I can’t really remember. Either way – there’s no time like the present :) It all started with a cross country flight. I’m not sure I was playing attention when I booked my ticket because I had over a 3 hour layover in Houston! When I landed after an uneventful first leg, I noticed that my flight was delayed by 20 minutes. What’s 20 minutes when you are already waiting over 3 hours right? I grabbed some dinner and checked the board again to find that my flight was now delayed about an hour. It turns out that my plane was headed in from the snow covered northeast. While looking at the board, I noticed that there was an earlier flight that was still on time and leaving in about an hour. Remarkably, there wer... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3136686 Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:30:33 +0100 3136686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133711&cid=t_99916_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fhow-is-your-crohns-today-christmas-and-new-year-edition%2F Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope that you were able to have a pain free Christmas and I also wish you a Happy and Blessed 2010.  Since we haven’t had a “How is your Crohn’s Today” blog in a while (I think since August), maybe we should have one now and you can tell us how your Christmas was.  In case you are new to our Crohn’s blog, I try to have a blog once a month where we all write in and tell how we are doing (physically and emotionally) with our Crohn’s disease and pretty much just share as much as you want. I am doing really well.  I am always afraid to make that statement because I feel like whenever I do, things go bad, but I’ll risk it today.  I have recently reduced my prednisone to 8mg a day and am hoping to keep going down little by little.  So far, not... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133711 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:06:03 +0100 3133711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126776&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fmore-celebrations.html Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathingA flowery band to bind us to the earth,Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearthOf noble natures, of the gloomy days,Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened waysMade for our searching: yes, in spite of all,Some shape of beauty moves away the pallFrom our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boonFor simple sheep...All lovely tales that we have heard or read:An endless fountain of immortal drink,Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.Nor do we merely feel these essencesFor one short hour; no, even as the treesThat whisper round a temple become soonDear as the temple's self, so does the moon,The passion poesy, glories infinite,Haunt us till they become a cheering lightUnto our souls, and bound to us so fastT... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126776 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:29:00 +0100 3126776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3124577&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F28%2Fthe-power-of-the-will-to-live%2F Last year, we delved into the psychology of New Year’s resolutions, describing what little research has been done on why and how people make New Year’s resolutions. So here’s the good news from this year’s research tidbit — if you’re getting old and thinking that death is on your door, the week is yours to live and enjoy. Chances are good that you’ll make it to New Year’s day. Shimizu & Pelham (2008) looked at death records for millions of people using Social Security Death Index (SSDI) records. This database contains more than 70 million records of people who died in the U.S. in the past 65 years, according to the researchers. They wanted to determine whether people died more often before a major holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3124577 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 13:03:53 +0100 3124577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3124695&cid=t_99916_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwhat-is-itunes-gift-card.html This is what Charlie wrote me in the Christmas card that contained my gift, the $50 iTunes gift card.  Me, dad and Charlie all got a good laugh out of it.  I have looked at it several times since then smiling.   (Source: The 4th Avenue Blues) The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3124695 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:55:00 +0100 3124695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3124681&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fchristmas-comes-but-once-year.html So I summed up my new resolves:Too much love there can never be.And where the intellect devolvesIts function on love exclusively,I, a man who possesses both,Will accept the provision, nothing loth,--Will feast my love, then depart elsewhere,That my intellect may find its share.And ponder, O soul, the while thou departest,And see them applaud the great heart of the artist,Who, examining the capabilitiesOf the block of marble he has to fashionInto a type of thought or passion.~ from Christmas Eve, Robert Browning, 1850 ~Our very own Christmas miracle: Amelia, vibrant, effusive, intact. Alive.Loving on the uncles.Sweetness of cousin-twins.May you enjoy the last breaths of this breathless Christmas season - the dark velvet nights with pinpoint cold stars; the feet of fresh snow blanketing the ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3124681 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:55:00 +0100 3124681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3123507&cid=t_99916_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fchristmas-with-jones.html "Merry Christmas baby!"  Mrs. Florene said as I stepped through her door to the warm and inviting inside of George's house this afternoon.   "We are having a simple Christmas today.  We are having hors d'oeuvres and we will open presents." Mrs. Jones got busy in the kitchen preparing the food as I asked George, "What's wrong with your mother?  She was going to cook a big meal." "She's not feeling well she says," George replied. "She says it's her nerves." I guess I wasn't the only one letting Christmas get the better of them.  I was so worn out and tired mentally after yesterday.   Mrs. Florene had also cooked a huge meal Christmas day for lots of family members.   She is, I believe, 74 year... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3123507 Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:00:00 +0100 3123507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3122191&cid=t_99916_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fbless-her-into-my-lap-she-goes.html We left at eight in the morning Christmas day.  It was a long two and a half hour drive to my sister's house.   As soon as I got in the car, dad tried to hand me two Klonopin. "I don't want to be drugged for this," I told him, pushing his hand away. OMG!  I passed up feel good drugs!  I so surprised myself, but I didn't want to be in a fog as my medications can sometimes impart.  I wanted my mind to be clear and bright, and without a slurred voice.   Y'all, I was so nervous, though.  My heart was beating a hundred miles per hour on the drive up there and I know my blood pressure had to be high.  I about panicked when dad said Eudell and Jan would be there.  My sister's in-laws.  I hadn't seen them since my sister got m... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3122191 Sat, 26 Dec 2009 07:40:00 +0100 3122191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3122219&cid=t_99916_158_f&fid=36018&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcaregiversbeacon.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fmy-video-victorian-christmas-musical.html Charles Dickens said about Christmas: "I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys." The theme is a Charles Dickens Victorian Christmas in Florence, Oregon this year, and you see it everywhere. The outer decorations are one thing. But the important part is that many people have opened their hearts to their fellow passengers in life and reached out to others who are going through hard times. A quiet walk through Old Town Florence on the Siusl... The Caregiver's Beacon - Resources, Links, Ideas, News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3122219 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 16:52:00 +0100 3122219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120636&cid=t_99916_180_f&fid=38607&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fsuccessbeginstoday%2FBHWQ%2F%7E3%2FxR6LuT4Zqes%2F When I was growing up as a kid, Christmas was a special time. The magic of the day started months before the actual date. The thoughts of colorful presents under the tree would start appearing in my mind in early October. It wasn’t to hard to imagine a new bike, the latest toy, or something advertised on TV having a significant presence under that Christmas tree. But there was something different about our holiday celebrations that my sister and I had that no other kid in the neighborhood would experience on that magical day. We had a Dad that made Christmas an exciting event and we were center stage. On Christmas night, we would have to go to bed early… and then the magic began. My Dad would wrap our packages in plain brown wrapping paper. The kind used by businesses in their shippin... Success Begins Today blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120636 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:33:22 +0100 3120636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120455&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F25%2Fmerry-christmas-2009%2F As we do every year, I’d like to take this moment to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! May the joy of the season be with your family, your friends, and most of all, with you. Whether you spend it with others or on your own, remember that the holiday lasts for only a very short time each year (whether that’s for better or worse for you) — so savor it; or if you dread it, trust that it’ll be over before you know it! So from our family here at Psych Central — from all of the staff, writers, bloggers, editors, community volunteers, moderators and administrators — to yours, Peace. (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120455 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:41:25 +0100 3120455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120442&cid=t_99916_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2FyHYR_1beY1U%2Fmay-you-be-warm-this-christmas.html Earlier this fall, I knitted my first pair of sock at the urging of Dr Smak, Dr Cris, and Geek2Nurse.  Those are my feet as I “modeled” them for a photo. I gave them to my stepmother-in-law for her birthday.  She and my father-in-law were so impressed with them, they both began hinting that he needed a pair as his feet get cold.   He’s getting this pair for Christmas, modeled here by his son/my husband who now wants a pair. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with warm feet, warm wishes, and warm hearts! (Source: Suture for a Living) Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120442 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 12:35:00 +0100 3120442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120456&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F25%2Fvideo-the-12-bipolar-days-of-christmas%2F DISCLAIMER: I am no Barbara Streisand. I’ve never taken a singing lesson in my life. Not one. (Ed. - Really??) The inspiration for this song came two weeks before Thanksgiving when I received a call from my doctor: we had better get together a plan for lowering my cholesterol. Yeah. Sure. Getting to it… right after I fix my pituitary tumor, abnormal aortic valve, bipolar brain, and facial fungus. My high cholesterol is not a new issue. Somewhere around the time David was conceived I found out that my cholesterol scores were higher than my verbal SATs. But for the last six years I didn’t do anything about it because (honest confession coming up here) many of those days I was so depressed that I really wanted to be with God in his mansion upstairs. Dropping dead of a heart... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120456 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:36:19 +0100 3120456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120580&cid=t_99916_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Finteresting-christmas-so-far.html We went to Charlie's last night for Christmas Eve dinner.  We had hot roast beef sandwiches with horseradish sauce his wife, Janice, had cooked.   I tell you, they were delicious.  Dad made a cake - a lane cake - which was also divine.   Charlie was supposed to go to Atlanta to his son's house for Christmas, but his son's wife left him on Christmas Eve, packed up their daughter, and headed to Tennessee - escaping to her family.  As we were sitting at the table eating our desserts, mom said, "I think I just shit in my pants!"  Dad looked at me.  Charlie looked at dad.  Charlie's sometimes acerbic wife shook her head.   "Well, go wipe your ass and we will go open presents real quick and I will take you home," d... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120580 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 09:09:00 +0100 3120580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120404&cid=t_99916_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F25%2Fhappy-christmas-from-the-fade-library%2F Happy Christmas one and all from the Fade crew. Posted in Fade Library News Tagged: Christmas (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120404 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:59:17 +0100 3120404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120567&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=37852&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdonnatrussell.com%2F2009%2F12%2F25%2Ftwice-the-work-for-half-the-pay%2F New cartoon by Trussell & Trussell on AOL’s Politics Daily. Twice the Work For Half the Pay. Posted in Politics Daily Tagged: chaos theory, christmas humor, political cartoon, recession, santa claus elves (Source: Donna Trussell) Donna Trussell blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120567 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:20:20 +0100 3120567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120494&cid=t_99916_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F12%2F25%2Fchristmas-beauty-ingredients%2F We all have our favorite memories of the season – Christmas trees, stockings stuffed with gifts, the beauty of a new fallen snow. But nothing says “happy holidays” quite like this study I found on the composition and pharmaceutical activity of chondroitan sulfate obtained from reindeer trachea. That’s right, I said “reindeer trachea.” Although chondroitan sulfate is usually employed as a joint medication, chondroitan-based ingredients do make their way into a variety of skin care beauty products. Could jolly ol’ Santa be secretly harvesting reindeer trachea for big Pharma? Run Rudolph, run! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Beauty Brains! (Source: thebeautybrains.com) thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120494 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:01:03 +0100 3120494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120576&cid=t_99916_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheAlzheimersReadingRoom%2F%7E3%2FpZ0Fq3kGQT0%2Fmerry-christmas-quotes.html Christmas is a time when you get homesick – even when you’re home. -- Carol Nelson I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow For somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the long year through, The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. -- John Greenleaf Whittier From Bob and Dorothy __________________ Christmas Bells Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Written on Christmas Day 1863) I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! And thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120576 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:54:43 +0100 3120576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120577&cid=t_99916_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2FnQrdxtWgHbE%26hl%3Den_US%26fs%3D1%26rel%3D0%26color1%3D0x006699%26color2%3D0x54abd6%26border%3D1 Another good example of how to use YouTube as an Alzheimer's caregiver tool. Dorothy really perks up when I put these on. She also seems a bit mesmerized -- this is a good thing. Advice and Insight into Alzheimer's disease Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room Popular articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room Previously On the Alzheimer's Reading Room (In Case You Missed It Edition) Communicating in Alzheimer's World Worried About Alzheimer's Disease -- You Should Be Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia H1N1 Flu Virus Everything You Need to Know Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes Dimebon Connection Study The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120577 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:38:45 +0100 3120577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120575&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F12%2Ftis-the-season-to-be-grateful%2F I wanted to get this message out before tonight. Thank you to all the well-wishers and online supporters. A special thanks to the following people: Mama and Dadda Pam and Jeff Gary Sr. Maytrella, Luis, and family Jessica Thania, Kenny, and the kids My bro, Alan and my newest bro Gary, his wife Kristen, and little Geegs Paul and Tommie Jean Marie L. Luis R. (for not giving up on me) Uncle Wayne Cora Lupea Let’s give ‘em a round of applause, ladies and gents! They have each helped ease our stress during this most stressful of times. But it worked. I feel the love and support and it’s wonderful. Your care and support fuels me and gives me strength. What a gift. From our family to yours: May you all have a joyful Me-mas (get it? My name’s Chris?) and new year! (Source: ... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120575 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:37:14 +0100 3120575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120415&cid=t_99916_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fbreastfeeding123%2Fhandling-the-santa-myth-without-lying%2F I am willing to risk sounding like Scrooge to share my belief that children should be told the truth about Santa and the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. In Yes Annika, There is a Santa Claus, another attachment parenting proponent comes to the conclusion that she will perpetuate the Santa “fantasy” with her daughter. She says: I’ve heard parents debate this topic, reasons that affect how new parents handle Santa almost always involve the way their parents handled it. It seems that the only angry memories involve parents who did not promote the Santa story. I have yet to hear any adult say, “Yeah, my parents LIED to me. Boy was I pissed when I found out there was no Santa Claus.” Well, count me as one of the people who felt lied to and was angry about it (it’s okay... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120415 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:57:30 +0100 3120415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120571&cid=t_99916_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fmerry-christmas-everyone.html And the mother wondered and bowed her head,And sat as still as a statue of stone,Her heart was troubled yet comforted,Remembering what the Angel had said Of an endless reign and of David's throne.~ The Three Kings, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~Merry Christmas! We had our reunion on Monday, and then opened presents as a family Monday night. The kids could barely go to sleep, and will be up with the birds, I'm sure - to play with all their new toys! (Source: Turquoise Gates) Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120571 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:08:00 +0100 3120571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119043&cid=t_99916_137_f&fid=35426&url=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.apture.com%2Fmedia%2Fembed.swf Dorothy was grovin' to the tune of the music on this video..... Advice and Insight into Alzheimer's disease Subscribe to The Alzheimer's Reading Room Follow the Alzheimer's Reading Room on Twitter Popular articles on the Alzheimer's Reading Room Previously On the Alzheimer's Reading Room (In Case You Missed It Edition) Communicating in Alzheimer's World Worried About Alzheimer's Disease -- You Should Be Dementia and the Eight Types of Dementia H1N1 Flu Virus Everything You Need to Know Does the Combination of Aricept and Namenda Help Slow the Rate of Decline in Alzheimer's Patients Test Your Memory (TYM) for Alzheimer's or Dementia in Five Minutes Dimebon Connection Study The Metamorphosis of This Alzheimer's Caregiver (Part One) The Mini-Cog Test for Alzheimer's and Dementia Is it Real... Alzheimer's Reading Room, The blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119043 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:25:10 +0100 3119043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3118921&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F24%2F10-ways-to-bring-christmas-cheer-to-a-friend-in-the-hospital-for-the-holidays%2F Disease and trauma do not take a holiday. Many of us have loved ones in the hospital for all kinds of reasons. We want to do what we can for them, our brothers, sisters, friends, parents, children, who find themselves in strange surroundings during this supposedly most joyous of times. Fifteen years ago, a few weeks before Christmas, I was suddenly admitted to Women and Children’s Hospital. I was five months pregnant with my daughter and I was very sick. With my history of kidney disease and scleroderma, I chose a maternal-fetus specialist to be my OB-GYN. Trained in situations like mine, where the mother has chronic illness which makes the pregnancy high risk, I had every faith in Dr. Margaret McDonnell. My first pregnancy had gone off without so much as a cold. This time Margaret s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3118921 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:37:27 +0100 3118921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119017&cid=t_99916_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fhappy-holidays-from-diabetesmine.html Wishing you and yours a wonderful long weekend. By way of season’s greetings, a favorite scene from a Christmas classic: See? You don’t’ have to celebrate Christmas yourself to enjoy this majorly frolicsome film — although you do have to be American, it seems. My German husband didn’t find it funny at all. (Don’t know what you’re [...] (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119017 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:42 +0100 3119017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3118922&cid=t_99916_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F24%2Fyes-depressives-there-is-a-santa-claus%2F This post was originally posted in December of 2006, but unfortunately my brain is still at battle, especially during the holidays. The rational, bah-humbug side wants to skip the tree and stockings. However, I also want to make the holiday season magical for my kids, because I’ve found that their wonder can be contagious. I almost blew it today. I almost told David there was no Santa Claus, or Tooth Fairy, or Easter Bunny. The practical, cynical, depressed side of my brain (the left) challenged the creative, optimistic, slightly manic side (the right) to a duel. For most of the afternoon, the left was winning. Why am I feeding my kids this Disney, make-believe crap that will make their fall to reality all the more crushing? I asked myself. Why encourage them to dream when they&#8217... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3118922 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:43:06 +0100 3118922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119048&cid=t_99916_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fmore-fretting.html "Is it going to freeze tonight?" mom asked me on the phone last night. "No," I replied. "It will hover in the thirties.  It is cloudy." "That's pretty cold," mom said. "I better not leave your Diet Cokes on the porch. They may burst." Sigh!  One of my most favorite rituals these days is to drive over around five in the morning and get my cokes.  I am too impatient to wait until mom and dad get moving around nine. "You can just get them later in the day," mom furthered.  I sighed again. "Mom you can't do that to me!" I pleaded. "It is not going to freeze!" "You sure?  I would hate to ruin those cokes," she replied.  "Well, I guess I will leave them out." I then ... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119048 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:01:00 +0100 3119048