The NYTimes identified overdiagnosis as a flaw in our health care. We don’t usually think about this issue, but the easiest medical response to any general complaint (I’m tired, achy, run down or the like) is to run a test (profit-making) and follow a standard procedure (profit-making) in response to test results. (more…)
March 15, 2012
March 10, 2012
Freedom of Information Act – it’s such a democratic idea that our government has transformed it into an unworkable sham.
Will my application under the Freedom of Information Act reveal any records for Paul Sheldon? Pointless – if records existed, they would likely be classified as “blackballed” (exempt). (more…)
What is the responsibility of a member of the military?
Fran and I were at Swarthmore College recently for a gathering entitled “Reflections on the Occupy Movement.” I spoke my mind on some things. Afterwards, I spoke with a student who is a senior at West Point. (more…)
Informing my family that I have met someone — Fran. (Our meeting is described elsewhere on this blog.)
I called my older sister in Connecticut in late June 2002 because I always visit family in New England in August and needed to prepare her well in advance that a friend would likely be joining us. My sister is very cautious/traditional in this area, and also protective of me; it would require a delicate touch. (more…)
February 24, 2012
A hopefully-PC post relating to a complex and imprecise (but important) subject – Race
The following is copied from my response to a friend’s blog about the topic of political correctness. I decided to re-post my comment on my own blog, although I recognize that my treatment here is rather superficial. Maybe best I can say for it is that it can get conversation going: (more…)
January 20, 2012
I’m looking forward to late winter and sugaring off. Can there ever be too much of a good thing?
I LOVE real maple syrup. Readers who know what I’m talking about, know what I’m talking about. But this love changed, in a way, (more…)
November 19, 2011
Occupy Philly — revolution in the making (how far can it go?)
Fran and I have been to Occupy Philly a number of times and have attended the general assemblies and participated in various actions by Philly Occupy. Demonstrating with (more…)
November 5, 2011
Oops, you’re dead. Then what?
With the development of civilization and technology, simple burial evolved into elaborate burial with embalming for apparent preservation. Folks in the U.S. today often think it more appropriate to opt for cremation by a crematorium. But cremation requires high temperatures for an extended period, consuming much energy that is increasingly in short supply on this planet. So maybe we should go back to simple. Fran says she wants a shroud burial and be eaten by the worms and recycled, as opposed to consuming excessive energy or lying around useless while you decay slowly and take up precious space.
November 3, 2011
March to the White House for GMO Right to Know
Fran and I spent Villanova fall break (Monday 10/10/ – Sunday 10/16) hiking more than 100 miles (camping at night) with the Right2Know marchers. Marchers arrived at Lafayette Park (opposite the White House) (more…)
September 18, 2011
China (the place setting, not the place)
We are currently downsizing, in preparation for a move to smaller quarters. This is the time to pass family heirlooms and collectibles to an appreciative younger generation ready to carry on the tradition of storing past treasures. Except – (more…)