Mr. Toad’s Wild Ambulance Ride

(Another American health care fable) The ambulance siren wailed loudly and the madly rushing vehicle careered through the narrow streets. Time was of the essence, as is always the case when a life is in danger. The occupant, the center of attention of the concerned paramedics, grasped the side-bars of the stretcher. The violent gyrations… Continue reading Mr. Toad’s Wild Ambulance Ride

In the Catacombs of Paris

One night many years ago I was driving my son Kevin to a hockey tournament in Casper, Wyoming. It was winter and Denver had been hit by a snow storm. Although I had left Denver at a reasonable time, the traffic was very slow, so we didn’t arrive in Casper until very late. At about… Continue reading In the Catacombs of Paris

1984 in 2014

I am rereading George Orwell’s 1984.  The first time I read it was in the 1960s.  Reading it again I wonder if he shouldn’t have titled it 2014.  The book is closer to reality now than it ever was.  No, we don’t have a dictator named Big Brother looming over us.  But the ubiquitous electronic… Continue reading 1984 in 2014

The Root of All Evil

Imprecise language may not be the root of all evil, but it runs a close second. The ability to communicate may be the most basic characteristic that makes us human. If we lose that capability, all sorts of unintended consequences ensue, à la the Tower of Babel.  Which brings us to the recent US Supreme… Continue reading The Root of All Evil

Le Truman Show

Le “Truman Show” est un film qui est sorti en 1998.  C’était réalisé par Peter Weir et c’était écrit par Andrew Niccol.  Le personnage principal est Truman Burbank qui est joué par Jim Carrey.  Truman Burbank est un homme normal qui vit dans une ville normale. Son enfance était heureuse. Il es     t… Continue reading Le Truman Show

At Sea and Offline

Captain’s log, Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 2300 hours, some unknown Atlantic time-zone. At sail in the North Atlantic. Completing the fifth full day of sailing, with one full day to go. Have had up to 7 meter swells, but in general the rocking is very soothing. Lots of food, lots of naps. Good entertainment. Definitely… Continue reading At Sea and Offline

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Ask Your Doctor if TV Drug Ads Are Right For You

The only thing more annoying than TV commercials is TV drug commercials. Nowadays the two have become virtually synonymous  Whatever happened to commercials for Tide or the Ginzu knife? Now it’s one mind-numbing Cialis, Pristiq, or Lyrica commercial after another. There’s the commercial with the doctor standing in his white coat out in public next to a giant mirror,… Continue reading Ask Your Doctor if TV Drug Ads Are Right For You

Cruising, 2013-Style

Due to the extremely pricey and slow WiFi (a particularly bad combination) available on board, this post is being written in mid-ocean, but will be posted after I am back on dry land (but see update at end of the post).  My wife and I are on the Royal Caribbean ship Explorer of the Seas. … Continue reading Cruising, 2013-Style

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