Random Remarks

Hi. Having run out of things to write about regarding my cancer for the time being, yet wanting to continue writing this blog, I thought I’d share a few somewhat random activities I’ve enjoyed recently. I also decided, somewhat randomly as well, to try to write 3 blog entries a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Random item #1: I finished a good book this week. It is non fiction and titled, “The Best Practice – How the New Quality Movement is Transforming Medicine.” It was written by Charles Kenney with a copyright date of 2008. The book covers the time period from the early 1980s to the present. It is based on the premise that there are 98,000 preventable deaths each year in the U.S. due to health care mistakes. Mistakes include infections picked up while in the hospital, prescription drug problems (too little, too much, or the wrong drug altogether), surgical mistakes (operating on the wrong side of a patient's brain), and the list goes on and on. The second premise is that regardless of one’s socioeconomic status, only half the Americans on average receive the care and treatment that is needed. The author walks us though how the medical establishment has been trying to transform itself into an organization that is continually striving for improvement and excellence. It’s a good read for anyone interested in health care in the U.S. Coincidentally, I watched the movie Sicko by producer/director Roger Moore the day I finished this book. It presents a similar story as to issues within our health care system without realistically addressing ways to address their causes.

Random item #2: I finished a great fiction book today titled, “Replay.” The copyright is 1986 by author Ken Grimwood. The premise was somewhat like the movie Groundhog Day (Bill Murray 1993), but taking place over a span of 25 years and in a much more complex and intriguing way. It had enough twists and turns to make this a 2 day page turner. If you’re looking for a fast read with great character development, this is it.

Random item #3: I found a website this week that has been gaining incredible traction. It was non-existent 6 months ago and is now rated in the top 3,000 most visited websites in the world. It is based on the premise that one person’s misery can be another person’s entertainment. Somewhat like clips from the old show America’s Funniest Home Videos. Except, these aren’t videos; they are short (300 character or less) stories submitted by people about funny, sad, awkward, etc. situations that happen to them in their day-to-day lives. The website is www.Fmylife.com. If you’re a little down and would feel better under the heading of misery loves company, give this website a try.

That’s it for today. See you again on Friday. BTW- Thanks to all of you that have posted comments recently. If you have any topics that you would like to hear about, please post them or send them my way. Take care and good health to you all.