I think (e:james) posted a youtube video in case you are in need of assistance.
Libertad's Journal
My Podcast Link
03/31/2010 14:15 #51299
Sammy the Squirrel says...We got this in our email at work. I think it is awesome!
I think (e:james) posted a youtube video in case you are in need of assistance.
I think (e:james) posted a youtube video in case you are in need of assistance.
03/21/2010 14:55 #51239
Thanks e:metalpeter!Buffalo Police Bicycle Auction
Saturday, April 10th, 2010, starting at 9am.
Buffalo Police Headquarters Garage, 74 Franklin Street
There will be approximately 250-300 bicycles for sale.
At the last auction, bicycles sold anywhere from $1 to $100.
For more information contact 851-4567
I definitely plan on being there. IF any of you (e:peeps) bid against me, I kill you.
Maybe just maybe my bicycle will be there! I kind of doubt it but it would be awesome.
ladycroft - 04/01/10 05:16
If not your bike, I hope something satisfying turns up to make you happy and mobile :)
If not your bike, I hope something satisfying turns up to make you happy and mobile :)
metalpeter - 03/22/10 18:56
I have never ben to an auction so I don't know how those police auctions go, but I hope it works out for you.
I have never ben to an auction so I don't know how those police auctions go, but I hope it works out for you.
james - 03/21/10 22:38
That is awesome.
That is awesome.
tinypliny - 03/21/10 16:37
HEHEHEHE *winks beady eyes* *shuffles money and looks at calender* *winks beady eyes and nods patchy head*
HEHEHEHE *winks beady eyes* *shuffles money and looks at calender* *winks beady eyes and nods patchy head*
03/21/2010 10:18 #51235
SearchingI have been searching for a new bike to replace my old one that was stolen in the Fall. It has been very frustrating because I am not finding what I want and it makes me realize even more how awesome my old bike was. I'm looking for a used bike, something that is high quality but something that is not too flashy. I'm hesitant to have a bike that looks expensive. I went to Rick's to look at his used bikes and there were only two my size and they were way too heavy for what he was asking. I'm also looking on ebay. Actually, every time somebody posts a Raleigh Technium I get an email alert. I usually get one about every other day but most of them turn out to be not what I'm looking for. I'm not really sure where else to look for a used bike. (e:mike) and I are going to Rochester today for my Dad's birthday...I wonder if they have any place that sells them?
IF I get a new bike, I want a Raleigh Grand Sport. I have been noticing this guy in the neighborhood with one and it always catches my eye. I can just barely afford it and would have to put half of it on credit. My main concern with this really is that I really like riding around on the West side and I don't want to be mugged. With my old bike I blended in but with this new one I feel like I would stick out a bit. Anyways, the nicer the weather gets the more anxiety I have about not having a bike.
IF I get a new bike, I want a Raleigh Grand Sport. I have been noticing this guy in the neighborhood with one and it always catches my eye. I can just barely afford it and would have to put half of it on credit. My main concern with this really is that I really like riding around on the West side and I don't want to be mugged. With my old bike I blended in but with this new one I feel like I would stick out a bit. Anyways, the nicer the weather gets the more anxiety I have about not having a bike.
libertad - 03/21/10 11:13
Thanks peter. I gotta check that police auction, I forgot about it. Campus doesn't sell used bikes but I do plan on talking to them soon. They are a good bike shop.
Thanks peter. I gotta check that police auction, I forgot about it. Campus doesn't sell used bikes but I do plan on talking to them soon. They are a good bike shop.
metalpeter - 03/21/10 10:28
I wonder if you went into Campus Whele Works (on elmwood kinda near spot) if they would sell used bikes. I'm guessing if they don't have what you are looking for they might send you to someplace that did. I don't know how you would find out about this but check into the Police Auctions they (from what I have heard) have tons of bikes I guess the stolen ones don't get cliamed or something again not sure if this is true. At one time there was a bike place on Niagara St. but no idea if that is around anymore.............
I wonder if you went into Campus Whele Works (on elmwood kinda near spot) if they would sell used bikes. I'm guessing if they don't have what you are looking for they might send you to someplace that did. I don't know how you would find out about this but check into the Police Auctions they (from what I have heard) have tons of bikes I guess the stolen ones don't get cliamed or something again not sure if this is true. At one time there was a bike place on Niagara St. but no idea if that is around anymore.............
03/17/2010 14:43 #51206
Diversity DayToday I participated on being on a diversity panel for a local middle school. I got up on a stage and told a school full of 7th graders what it was like to be gay and have to hide it. It felt like I was giving myself advice on how to deal with being gay. The main message that we all got across was that it was not okay to hurt other people, that it causes real suffering. One of the panelists was John Steven from American Idol. He talked about being bullied in that very same school and how it affected him. John is a very good person, it must have been great for people who are being bullied to think that they can be successful like him too.
The kids were so great and respectful to me and to all of us. Reggie from Roswell was there, he is the Diversity Director at the hospital. Also, Cheryl, a mother of someone who was picked on at the school, and my friend Frances, a Latina who was able to achieve despite expectations. I was so happy to be able to talk to them and thought it was so great that the principal at the school has permitted this time be taken from instruction. It did not end or begin at the assembly. The kids have been prepped long before and were to use the rest of the afternoon to discuss what was bought up in the auditorium. My friend Cristina, a teacher at the school, along with a guidance counselor, Kim were the ones who started Diversity Day and the ones responsible for making it happen. The Wellness Committee, students at the school, welcomed us in at the door and showed us to the auditorium. It was so awesome.
The kids were so great and respectful to me and to all of us. Reggie from Roswell was there, he is the Diversity Director at the hospital. Also, Cheryl, a mother of someone who was picked on at the school, and my friend Frances, a Latina who was able to achieve despite expectations. I was so happy to be able to talk to them and thought it was so great that the principal at the school has permitted this time be taken from instruction. It did not end or begin at the assembly. The kids have been prepped long before and were to use the rest of the afternoon to discuss what was bought up in the auditorium. My friend Cristina, a teacher at the school, along with a guidance counselor, Kim were the ones who started Diversity Day and the ones responsible for making it happen. The Wellness Committee, students at the school, welcomed us in at the door and showed us to the auditorium. It was so awesome.
03/13/2010 22:40 #51181
On my way home from CharlotteI am on my way home from Charlotte and am writing this thanks to the free wi-fi access Airtran is offering this week. I left last minute to go stay with my Aunt who I wrote about previously who is sick with Lyme disease. It was nice being there since this was her first week back to work after two weeks of being bed-ridden. We really had a nice time together and I love Charlotte. I drove her to work everyday so I got to get a better feel for the city.
Her flight was most unfortunately canceled to DC to see her doctor. She got as far as Atlanta before finding out she had to go all the way back home. Now instead of seeing the doctor she has to pay $350 out of pocket to talk to him over the phone. There aren't many doctors who treat chronic Lyme. It is very complicated but her doctor lost his ability to practice in NC because he does treat Lyme patients. People travel from all over to see him and it is a shame he can't practice in Charlotte anymore. There are some in the medical field who think Lyme is all in the head, that the people who suffer it are just hypochondriacs. That is what happened to my Aunt and why she wasn't treated soon enough. When you don't get treated early enough it becomes very very difficult to get it out of your system.
If my Aunt becomes this sick again this year she fears she will be forced on to disability. It has been 13 years she has lived with this. Everyday she is sick but when she has a flare up it is like having the flu but worse. My grandparents will be there to help her in two weeks. They are going to stay for two weeks with her which is good. My Aunt's best friend and roommate died 6 years ago. Despite everything she really doesn't ever complain.
While I was there there was a news release about how researchers have found that papaya leaf extract may be able to reverse cancer and tumors because of the affect it has on the immune system. She might ask her MD about it. Interestingly, papaya leaf extract is also used to fight malaria and my Aunt is taking anit-malaria drugs as part of her treatment for Lyme.
The South has this fast food chain called Chick-fill-a. It is so funny because it isn't pronounced with a soft A but like fillet as in chicken fillet. I cooked every night and froze the left overs so she has plenty to eat until my grandparents get there. She just doesn't have the energy to do much by the time she gets home from work. It kind of perpetuates the illness because then she isn't eating healthy and it is harder for her to get better.
Her flight was most unfortunately canceled to DC to see her doctor. She got as far as Atlanta before finding out she had to go all the way back home. Now instead of seeing the doctor she has to pay $350 out of pocket to talk to him over the phone. There aren't many doctors who treat chronic Lyme. It is very complicated but her doctor lost his ability to practice in NC because he does treat Lyme patients. People travel from all over to see him and it is a shame he can't practice in Charlotte anymore. There are some in the medical field who think Lyme is all in the head, that the people who suffer it are just hypochondriacs. That is what happened to my Aunt and why she wasn't treated soon enough. When you don't get treated early enough it becomes very very difficult to get it out of your system.
If my Aunt becomes this sick again this year she fears she will be forced on to disability. It has been 13 years she has lived with this. Everyday she is sick but when she has a flare up it is like having the flu but worse. My grandparents will be there to help her in two weeks. They are going to stay for two weeks with her which is good. My Aunt's best friend and roommate died 6 years ago. Despite everything she really doesn't ever complain.
While I was there there was a news release about how researchers have found that papaya leaf extract may be able to reverse cancer and tumors because of the affect it has on the immune system. She might ask her MD about it. Interestingly, papaya leaf extract is also used to fight malaria and my Aunt is taking anit-malaria drugs as part of her treatment for Lyme.
The South has this fast food chain called Chick-fill-a. It is so funny because it isn't pronounced with a soft A but like fillet as in chicken fillet. I cooked every night and froze the left overs so she has plenty to eat until my grandparents get there. She just doesn't have the energy to do much by the time she gets home from work. It kind of perpetuates the illness because then she isn't eating healthy and it is harder for her to get better.
libertad - 03/17/10 14:20
I know how important science is (e:tinypliny), science has done wonderful things for us. The problem for my Aunt is that she doesn't have time to wait for the results on studies. She is ill now. Should I tell her that she shouldn't get long term antibiotics, that she should just lay there and accept that right now there is no way to make herself better? The studies regarding the effectiveness of long term antibiotic use have gone both ways.
I'm really not so sure about her MD. Definitely would advocate a second, third, fourth or fifth opinion but obviously she can't afford going here and there paying all their fees. He is helping a population that the medical profession is afraid to take on because the problem is that science hasn't been able to provide an answer, YET.
The other problem is that diagnosis (even according to CDC) is best mainly on clinical observation since the blood tests are not accurate. They are going to crucify my aunt's doctor for misdiagnosing somebody when admittedly the symptoms of Lyme can go along with any number of other illnesses? My Aunt was misdiagnosed but that doctor has not had his license revoked even though as of a result of that misdiagnosis my aunt is concerned that she will be forced onto disability. That doctor gave my aunt a prescription for antidepressants and sleeping pills when she complained of her symptoms (even the classic bulls eye rash). When she asked what they were for he gave her a pamphlet about the importance of trusting your doctor.
Anyways, I'm still doing research to find out more. It seems even more frustrating the more you read about how there are no definitive answers. Again, I appreciate your comments so much, because I really value your opinion and because you do care about others, and you do understand the value of science. I'll probably have more to say about this later. I'm interested to read more specifics regarding the death of his patient(s). The people he sees are very sick.
I know how important science is (e:tinypliny), science has done wonderful things for us. The problem for my Aunt is that she doesn't have time to wait for the results on studies. She is ill now. Should I tell her that she shouldn't get long term antibiotics, that she should just lay there and accept that right now there is no way to make herself better? The studies regarding the effectiveness of long term antibiotic use have gone both ways.
I'm really not so sure about her MD. Definitely would advocate a second, third, fourth or fifth opinion but obviously she can't afford going here and there paying all their fees. He is helping a population that the medical profession is afraid to take on because the problem is that science hasn't been able to provide an answer, YET.
The other problem is that diagnosis (even according to CDC) is best mainly on clinical observation since the blood tests are not accurate. They are going to crucify my aunt's doctor for misdiagnosing somebody when admittedly the symptoms of Lyme can go along with any number of other illnesses? My Aunt was misdiagnosed but that doctor has not had his license revoked even though as of a result of that misdiagnosis my aunt is concerned that she will be forced onto disability. That doctor gave my aunt a prescription for antidepressants and sleeping pills when she complained of her symptoms (even the classic bulls eye rash). When she asked what they were for he gave her a pamphlet about the importance of trusting your doctor.
Anyways, I'm still doing research to find out more. It seems even more frustrating the more you read about how there are no definitive answers. Again, I appreciate your comments so much, because I really value your opinion and because you do care about others, and you do understand the value of science. I'll probably have more to say about this later. I'm interested to read more specifics regarding the death of his patient(s). The people he sees are very sick.
tinypliny - 03/16/10 12:22
Science is a powerful tool. (e:libertad), but in clinical medicine, findings from basic science, population observational studies and clinical trials need to be integrated. AND ALL of this integration needs to be in the context of the patient you are treating. The patient is the single most important focus of clinical medicine, but not at the expense of weighing evidence from other branches of science and personal clinical experience.
I would argue that none of it can stand on its own and yet, each component is a very essential and important part of the scientific process. I am fairly certain that all the questions you asked have at least an oblique/tangential/obscure or even a well-known answer to them. Each study adds to this body of evidence in each field. The very fact that you recognize that there is a lot more to Lyme disease - is an indirect evidence of science working in the background to change attitudes and practices over time. Confidence in science is not like faith in religion. It's hard-won and backed up by the logical thought processes that humans are capable of.
I understand your frustration in the progress of medicine for this particular disease - especially in the context of what your aunt and several other fellow-patients are going through.
Maybe this doc is doing the right thing - and making decisions based on his experience in treating Lyme patients (that have not been documented in published studies). But, there is an atrociously low margin for error in medicine, and he has had a few of these errors on the way. I think where patients will be forgiving about errors when it doesn't happen in their case, others in the field will be obligated to push for re-evaluation - just because more patient lives are at stake.
Hmm... I have rambled on, possibly because I am conflicted with ALL of my backgrounds - being in a lab, in the clinic and with the patients observing them. Its tough for me to take sides here and I am not sure I want to...
Science is a powerful tool. (e:libertad), but in clinical medicine, findings from basic science, population observational studies and clinical trials need to be integrated. AND ALL of this integration needs to be in the context of the patient you are treating. The patient is the single most important focus of clinical medicine, but not at the expense of weighing evidence from other branches of science and personal clinical experience.
I would argue that none of it can stand on its own and yet, each component is a very essential and important part of the scientific process. I am fairly certain that all the questions you asked have at least an oblique/tangential/obscure or even a well-known answer to them. Each study adds to this body of evidence in each field. The very fact that you recognize that there is a lot more to Lyme disease - is an indirect evidence of science working in the background to change attitudes and practices over time. Confidence in science is not like faith in religion. It's hard-won and backed up by the logical thought processes that humans are capable of.
I understand your frustration in the progress of medicine for this particular disease - especially in the context of what your aunt and several other fellow-patients are going through.
Maybe this doc is doing the right thing - and making decisions based on his experience in treating Lyme patients (that have not been documented in published studies). But, there is an atrociously low margin for error in medicine, and he has had a few of these errors on the way. I think where patients will be forgiving about errors when it doesn't happen in their case, others in the field will be obligated to push for re-evaluation - just because more patient lives are at stake.
Hmm... I have rambled on, possibly because I am conflicted with ALL of my backgrounds - being in a lab, in the clinic and with the patients observing them. Its tough for me to take sides here and I am not sure I want to...
libertad - 03/15/10 23:13
This disease is not as rare as one would think. I know several who have had it. IF you are lucky, you will be treated early on, with antibiotics.
This disease is not as rare as one would think. I know several who have had it. IF you are lucky, you will be treated early on, with antibiotics.
libertad - 03/15/10 22:44
His patients, including my Aunt, firmly believe in what he is doing. I don't know that it is the best thing but I do know that she has chronic Lyme. She had the classical rash, three bands for the blood test and all of the other symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, arthritis and chronic flu like symptoms. If this treatment is not the best way then what is? I don't expect an answer from you tiny, but at least these freaking medical associations who proclaim that they do. I'm just so mad at how she has been treated from the start. She has had Lyme for 13 years, who is to say that these antibiotic regimens have not saved her life? At the same time who is to say that they have only made her worse? I don't have confidence in science alone. From my experience in a study, most of it is bull shit.
His patients, including my Aunt, firmly believe in what he is doing. I don't know that it is the best thing but I do know that she has chronic Lyme. She had the classical rash, three bands for the blood test and all of the other symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, arthritis and chronic flu like symptoms. If this treatment is not the best way then what is? I don't expect an answer from you tiny, but at least these freaking medical associations who proclaim that they do. I'm just so mad at how she has been treated from the start. She has had Lyme for 13 years, who is to say that these antibiotic regimens have not saved her life? At the same time who is to say that they have only made her worse? I don't have confidence in science alone. From my experience in a study, most of it is bull shit.
tinypliny - 03/15/10 22:24
The argument that everyone else customarily follows this treatment plan and so did I - is not very strong, especially when the disease is this rare and hard to diagnose.
The argument that everyone else customarily follows this treatment plan and so did I - is not very strong, especially when the disease is this rare and hard to diagnose.
tinypliny - 03/15/10 22:21
Hmm.. honestly, the facts stack up against him. I am not particularly fond of regimens that prescribe long-term antibiotics (much less by the iv route).
Evidence-based-medicine is the way to go, but some personal judgement about the strength of evidence is important - especially if the treatment is so radical and has a high chance of messing with the immune system or inducing multi-drug resistance for other concomitant/future infections in the patient.
Have there been any long-term survival studies on the usage of such high-dose iv antibiotics? What is the mechanism of their action? Does the pathophysiology of the disease strongly support such an option? I don't know the answers to any of these questions (and I am feeling lazy so I am not finding out today). However, anyone with some level of ethics and common sense would find out before considering the iv long-term high-dose antibiotic option.
Then of course, there is the whole informed-consent violation... Are you sure your aunt trusts this bloke and has no alternative options?
Hmm.. honestly, the facts stack up against him. I am not particularly fond of regimens that prescribe long-term antibiotics (much less by the iv route).
Evidence-based-medicine is the way to go, but some personal judgement about the strength of evidence is important - especially if the treatment is so radical and has a high chance of messing with the immune system or inducing multi-drug resistance for other concomitant/future infections in the patient.
Have there been any long-term survival studies on the usage of such high-dose iv antibiotics? What is the mechanism of their action? Does the pathophysiology of the disease strongly support such an option? I don't know the answers to any of these questions (and I am feeling lazy so I am not finding out today). However, anyone with some level of ethics and common sense would find out before considering the iv long-term high-dose antibiotic option.
Then of course, there is the whole informed-consent violation... Are you sure your aunt trusts this bloke and has no alternative options?
libertad - 03/14/10 12:21
tiny, scroll down until you see the article n.c. board suspends lyme disease doctor for one year...http://www.aldf.com/news.shtml
tiny, scroll down until you see the article n.c. board suspends lyme disease doctor for one year...http://www.aldf.com/news.shtml
libertad - 03/14/10 12:12
He has been an MD for many years. He was the first MD in Charlotte to diagnose someone with HIV and became known as the AIDS Dr. He lost his ability to practice because the Carolina medical board did not agree with the way he treated his patients. When I get a chance I'll look up the news story. That is why he had to move his practice to DC.
He has been an MD for many years. He was the first MD in Charlotte to diagnose someone with HIV and became known as the AIDS Dr. He lost his ability to practice because the Carolina medical board did not agree with the way he treated his patients. When I get a chance I'll look up the news story. That is why he had to move his practice to DC.
tinypliny - 03/14/10 09:36
Maybe (e:jenks) can shed some light on this but I am not sure I understand why he can't go through the appropriate channels to get a license to treat.
He does have a valid MD, correct? Why can't he get some CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits, training certifications and take some licensing examinations to get accredited? It would be unusual for docs to be scared of school or exams, considering they are almost married to them for a major portion of their lives.
Maybe (e:jenks) can shed some light on this but I am not sure I understand why he can't go through the appropriate channels to get a license to treat.
He does have a valid MD, correct? Why can't he get some CME (Continuing Medical Education) credits, training certifications and take some licensing examinations to get accredited? It would be unusual for docs to be scared of school or exams, considering they are almost married to them for a major portion of their lives.
ladycroft - 03/14/10 09:03
Oh my gosh, I just flew out of Atlanta last night on the craziest flight of my life! I was lucky to get out - and when I landed in B-lo there were so many canceled flights, and LOTS of people stuck.
Sorry she couldn't get where she was going, but that there is even an option to have a phone consult? I wish her the best with this doctor!
Oh my gosh, I just flew out of Atlanta last night on the craziest flight of my life! I was lucky to get out - and when I landed in B-lo there were so many canceled flights, and LOTS of people stuck.
Sorry she couldn't get where she was going, but that there is even an option to have a phone consult? I wish her the best with this doctor!
:: hangs head in shame ::
Heh - the first time I saw that I was like "WHAT THE WHAT!?" But I do think it's rather cute and memorable. :)