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Saturday, February 04, 2012

Mayor Booker Responds to Question about NJ Marriage Equality Referendum - YouTube

Mayor Booker Responds to Question about NJ Marriage Equality Referendum - YouTube

Are You Earthquake Prepared?

February 4, 2012


A 5.7 earthquake off the British Columbia coast of Port Hardy hit this afternoon around 12:05. A fairly shallow depth of just 12.8 km and mercifully no real damage, injuries or death to speak of. Whew! squeaked by again.


It occurred to me after reading the news report 'Thank You News 1130 radio', that I still have no clue what to do in the event of an earthquake. We have no emergency plan made. No emergency kit, no nothing. How is this possible living where we do? Simple, we just don't think about it.


We are a society of 'It won't happen here' mentality. Even though, we live along the 'Ring of Fire' (Pacific Rim area that is frequented by volcanic action as well as earthquakes).  Sure, we have lots of 'staples' in the house that could get us through a power outage. *crossing fingers hoping the BBQ has gas* 


The Red Cross as well as your local community have information regarding earthquake preparedness and every year there is a week dedicated to emergency preparedness plans. *check your local community for more information*


As I continue to stare out my front door at the mountains and gazing at the magnificent view of Mt Baker (active volcano), I'm reminded that I live in a Geo-active area and that it simply doesn't make logical sense not to know what to do.  Yes, I've heard to get into a doorway or get under something like a desk, but realistically I would be an hysterical woman with no flipping clue what to do.


http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=2976&tid=078
http://www.pittmeadows.bc.ca/EN/main/residents/49118/683.html

High Tech Health Care

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 4, 2012

As we move more and more into a global high tech society, it only makes sense that the health care system follow suit. The ability to access vital patient information in a faster more efficient way could prove indispensable in the years to come. Our society is aging and with that, the stress on the health care system to provide quality and timely care.  With programs like 'MyEHealth.com', 'PatientsLikeMe.com' already working, it is just a matter of time before all agencies look to the Internet for a more modern approach. 

An ambulance arrives to find a patient unconscious and no one is around to provide vital health information. The 'EMT' scans the patients health card (like a QR code) and on his 'tablet', he is able to see that the patient has an existing heart condition and is on medications. The patients family doctor's name, list of medications and recent hospitalizations show up for the EMT to see. He is then able to provide the correct treatment and save precious time. On route  the hospital, the EMT is able to transmit his results and information to the admission department which in turn saves time once the patient has arrived at the hospital. 
Through this scenario, money is saved in several ways. From the streamlined paperwork to the ability of knowing what the current treatment is and what else may be required. Doctors can utilize this type of system to aid in prescribing medications and being able to see right away if there are any interactions or symptoms that may arise from the treatment. 


This is the future of health care whether we want it or not. Having computers is a fact of life and it is the normal progression in global survival. Utilizing the web for health care measures can be invaluable for travelling to other countries as well. The medical system in the country being visited would be able to access the patient information in their language and provide correct treatment and save countless wasted dollars on unnecessary treatments or tests. 


The world is becoming smaller and more connected because of the Internet and it is just makes sense that the health care system follow suit. This is the first step to global unity. 


It may seem far fetched right now, but it is in it's infancy and growing fast. As applications grow, so to will the dependency on the web for medicine.



Thursday, February 02, 2012

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 2, 2012


Are We Getting Ban Happy?
"Anything not good for you is bad, hence, illegal. Alcohol, caffeine, contact sports, meat. Bad language, child play, gasoline, uneducational toys, and anything spicy. Abortion is also illegal. But, then again so is pregnancy, if you don't have a license." Lenina Huxley (Sandra Bullock) in Demolition Man


The year is  2032, the world as we know it has been transformed into one of peace and harmony. All diseases are cured, there is little to no crime, no 'MDK's (Murder, death, kills). Sound perfect, except for the fact that the description is an excerpt from the movie 'Demolition Man' in 1993. Or is it?


Today's society is becoming more and more like the above mentioned. We have become 'ban' happy.  Banning activities, foods, and behaviors that those with large voices deem improper, unhealthy or unwise. The problem comes from the 'forced' imposition and implementation on those who choose to live their lives against the norm. 


Whether it be smoking in public, parking your dog in public, sugar content, diets etc.  The pressure to change the conduct of others comes from social media, multi-media's negative portrayal and the Internets influence. 


Not everyone is okay with being a 'Vegan' or not consuming chocolate, alcohol or tobacco. It's a personal choice as to what you do to your own body. While some legislation is a good idea, over legislation is NOT. 


We don't want to become the society that is described in 'Demolition Man' or if you prefer the world created by George Orwell in the classic novel '1984'. The concept of being 'your brother's keeper' is archaic and has no place in a modern society. Yes, I agree some moderation of activities is required; i.e., murder, theft, terrorism. But telling someone they can't eat 'sugar' because it could make them sick or kill them eventually is way over the top. 


As human beings, we have developed our minds enough to know the difference between right and wrong and we choose on a daily basis what we are going to do and consume. We have the ability to look at all the facts and make a decision that best suits us. Having a governing body tell you that 'eating chocolate is bad for you so now we are going to make it illegal' is beyond their intended purview. 


I've never met anyone who thought the idea of 'dying healthy' was intelligent. If you are dying, you should be sick. If you are healthy you shouldn't be dying. Makes sense when you look at it in that manner.


You see, according to Cocteau's plan... I'm the enemy, 'cause I like to think; I like to read. I'm into freedom of speech and freedom of choice. I'm the kind of guy likes to sit with a greasy spoon and wonder - "Gee, should I have the T-bone steak or the jumbo rack of barbecued ribs with the side order of gravy fries?" Iwant high cholesterol. I wanna eat bacon and butter and BUCKETS of cheese, okay? I want to smoke a Cuban cigar the size of Cincinnati in the non-smoking section. I want to run through the streets naked with green Jell-O all over my body reading Playboy magazine. Why? Because I suddenly might feel the need to, okay, pal? I've SEEN the future. Do you know what it is? It's a 47-year-old virgin sitting around in his beige pajamas, drinking a banana-broccoli shake, singing "I'm an Oscar Meyer Wiener"  Edgar Friendly (Denis Leary) 'Demolition Man'




Borna Disease Virus Elimated as Cause of Mental Illness

Borna Disease Virus Elimated as Cause of Mental Illness

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

A View into the United States Political Pool

As I started to stare into the pool that houses the upcoming US Presidential Election Campaigns; the waters surrounding the Republican Party has become so murky is resembles a black hole trapped in an abyss.

The top two candidates (Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney) have effectively handed the victory to President Obama and the Democratic Party. While they are both very different men individually, collectively, they represent everything that is wrong with humanity. They are singularly minded, out of touch with the real struggles of the American citizens. State by State, the unemployment numbers are staggering. Violence, drugs, unprecedented poverty and homelessness and banking woes fill the topics of conversations in almost every home. 

In the most recent Florida Primary, Mitt Romney was the victor by 46% to 31% for Newt Gingrich. After his marginal victory in Florida, Mitt opened his mouth yet again and let his true colors show. "I'm not concerned about the very poor." Mitt was quoted as saying to reporters at the victory celebration. This just after news reports about his taxation rate and his wealthy standing was released. 

This statement will not only seal the coffin on Romney's campaign for the White House, but it will motivate the undecided voters to toss their votes into the Democratic hat.  President Obama need not campaign as the Republicans are doing it all for him. Neither Newt Gingrich nor Mitt Romney have enough working positively for them to aid them in their campaigns. 

The next nine months will prove to be interesting on the campaign trail once the final Primary is over and a 'clear' candidate for the GOP's has been chosen.   I foresee several more 'gaff's by both Newt and Mitt and it will definitely keep the interest of this journalist until the November 6th election.

Stay tuned...

P.C.A.H.A. JUVENILE SCHOLARSHIP TOURNAMENT

RIDGE MEADOWS DISH

February 1, 2012

The P.C.A.H.A Annual Juvenile Scholarship Tournament is getting prepped and ready to start on February 6th in Coquitlam. The best of the best Juvenile hockey players will be competing for one of three five hundred dollar scholarships (1 per team). 

The schedule for the Tournament is as follows:

  • 8-11pm February 6th Coquitlam- Main Arena 
  • 8:15-11:30pm  February 7th Langley- George Preston Arena
  • 7:30-10:30pm February 9th Surrey- North Surrey Rec Centre Rink 1
  • 3:00-6:15pm February 11th North Delta- Sungod Arena
Stay tuned for updates on the games as well as the eventual standings and winners of the bursaries.

For more information with regards to the tournament, you can visit the Pacific Coast Minor Hockey website

http://www.pcaha.bc.ca

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Dear IBS

January 31st


Dear Irritable Bowel Syndrome,


You and I have been having this tug of war battle for a while now and I feel like I'm losing my footing. I no longer have days where I'm not chained to the bathroom. I never know from one moment to the next how much pain I'll have or if I can actually eat and keep the food down. 


I understand that you are a problem that hits world wide. I totally get that you don't have a cure and that treatment doesn't always help. My concern is that you are now taking over my life. I struggle to eat because I don't want the hassle of vomiting into the nearest toilet. 


You were not invited into my life nor were you ever really desired. You showed up, took over my body and gave me this shallow frail identity in lieu of my original strong frame. Thank you but you can take it back. 


I've sought advice from Doctors, seen countless Specialists, unending hospital visits and nights in emergency. X-rays, CT Scans, MRI`s, Blood work, you have demanded it all, yet you give nothing but grief and sorrow in return. 


Why did you choose me? What heinous crime did I commit to deserve this harsh sentence? 


I beg for mercy and reprieve.  Leave me to enjoy the rest of my years. Although, I know this request is falling on deaf ears. You are what you are: A painful, irritating disease. 


Signed in disgust 


Stomach.

Thank You Bela (Köszönöm Bela)


It was the dawn of horror movies and one of the greatest actors to be part of that amazing genre was Bela Lugosi. Born in the absolutely fitting location of Transylvania in 1882, Bela would become the 2nd most famous son of the area next to Vlad Tepes aka Dracula (to most).  Moving to the United States was the key to making Bela one of my heroes. He would serve in the Hungarian Military as well as being a prominent actor in Hungary prior to his move. 

In 1931 after the devastating death of Lon Chaney (another horror hero), Bela would find his signature role in the black and white classic Dracula. Bela broke all pre-conceived notions of a vampire. His dark mesmerizing eyes, thick accent (Dracula was his first actual English speaking role) and electrifying smile would make him one of the sexiest vampires ever created. 

Becoming Dracula for Bela was a double edged sword. It brought him great acclaim and wealth (for that time), but it would also work against him in his ability to portray different roles in Hollywood. Every part he played would be compared to his excellence as the renowned vampire. 

Bela passed away in 1956 at the age of 73 and was appropriately buried in one of his famous capes. His son Bela Jr, bears a striking resemblance to his famous namesake father and often visited the sets. He even recalls a visit to see his father in action in the motion picture 'Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein'. 

Fast forward to today. As a horror fan and aspiring novelist, I've always looked to Hollywood for motivation and conceptual ideas. In my vast library of DVDs, a large section is all about Vampires and I have every Bela movie. He inspired me in so many different ways. From his acting, his political views, his fight for acceptance in his new homeland and for his dedication to excellence. 

Bela Lugosi will always be remembered for being Dracula, but to me, he will always be my hero. 

Nyugodjék Békében Bela!




You'll Never Guess Who's Making Wine! | Disney Insider | Disney

You'll Never Guess Who's Making Wine! | Disney Insider | Disney