tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-94670062024-03-10T13:49:08.041-04:00The Vaccine For IgnoranceA mix of happenings in my personal life, my thoughts, and commentary on things I find interesting such as technology, politics, culture, and life. I hope that you find my content enlightening, thought-provoking, humorous and offensive.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.comBlogger1189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-90747417332692405742011-10-05T20:26:00.000-04:002011-10-05T20:26:31.608-04:00Steve JobsSad to hear about the passing of Steve Jobs. I've been an Apple fan since late 2001, when I bought my first Titanium Powerbook G4. Steve was a futurist, and the latest iPhone is definitely an achievement, especially with the new AI that he was no doubt instrumental in envisioning.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-78239921634324778502011-05-20T00:23:00.000-04:002011-05-20T00:23:52.409-04:00LinkedInLinkedIn went public today. Facebook's business-centered competitor went from $45 a share to over $115 before settling in the 90's. I think LinkedIn is a solid company, given that its user base tends to be more wealthy and more into networking. However I'm not entirely sure its worth this price right now, as a friend has pointed out that this values each user at $90 a share, but since most users don't use it too much its probably more like 200-300$ each. MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-59278682414206111082011-05-01T23:30:00.001-04:002011-05-01T23:30:13.013-04:00Bin Laden DeadOsama Bin Laden is dead. I think it's time we declare the "war" on terror over.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-56923169702433110362011-03-15T22:16:00.000-04:002011-03-15T22:16:14.988-04:00A few thoughts on the nuclear situationI think it is great that Americans are now concerned about Japanese exposure to radiation...<br />
<br />
On a less sarcastic note, I hope this situation does not get out of control since nuclear power is probably the cleanest and most efficient sources of power. Very safe too, despite what you'll hear about on the news. Even when all hell breaks loose, it's still probably a lot less detrimental to the environment compared to coal.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-64199343434640661082011-03-11T20:17:00.002-05:002011-03-11T20:17:42.803-05:00NFL LockoutThe NFL Players union has decertified. The NFL owners will likely lockout the players at midnight. I'd say there is probably now at least a 30% chance of no SuperBowl next year.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-86805653231536536132011-03-10T21:48:00.000-05:002011-03-10T21:48:34.593-05:00No fly zone over Libya a bad ideaDespite pleas from some on the right and the left, imposing a no fly zone over Libya would be devastating to US interests from a geopolitical perspective. <br />
<br />
Many people assume a "no fly zone" just means we won't allow their airplanes to take off. That's part of it, but usually it also involves bombing air bases, among other things. As Ron Paul has rightly pointed out, a no fly zone is an overt act of war. And what if Qadaffi still wins? Then we will have made a new enemy. For our interests, it is best to not get involved.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-23169451273076587212011-02-06T23:04:00.002-05:002011-02-06T23:04:45.771-05:00Best Superbowl Ad 2011This was without a doubt the best ad. Not a good car, but great advertising. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SKL254Y_jtc" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe>MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-19939434386348509962010-12-31T23:11:00.000-05:002010-12-31T23:11:30.684-05:002010 Year In Review2010 was quite a year. It started off with some interesting news. For one, Apple introduced the iPad. While I was <a href="http://www.vaccine4ignorance.com/2010/01/ipad-first-impressions.html">initially </a>a skeptic, I have to say I've done almost a complete 180. My mom got one for Christmas, and she seems to love it. I played with it and I agree it is pretty slick.<br />
Moving further into winter, we had the<a href="http://www.vaccine4ignorance.com/2010/02/2010-olympics-redux.html"> 2010 Olympics</a>. This is the first Winter Olympics I've really watched and it was great. I loved it.<br />
In March, historical Healthcare Reform passed, but its yet to be seen what the impact will be.<br />
Later on, we had a <a href="http://www.vaccine4ignorance.com/2010/05/dow-drops-1k-and-regains-most-wow.html">crazy day</a> in the stock market. Then a massive oil spill.<br />
I told you why its a <a href="http://www.vaccine4ignorance.com/2010/06/why-i-sold-my-kindle.html">bad idea</a> to buy a Kindle. And sold mine for a good profit.<br />
Later on in the year, the Democrats got <a href="http://www.vaccine4ignorance.com/2010/11/midterm-2010.html">creamed </a>in the midterms.<br />
And then, the lame duck session of Congress actually compromises and <a href="http://www.vaccine4ignorance.com/2010/12/lame-duck-session-great.html">passes </a>several great pieces of legislation.<br />
<br />
On a personal note, I completed all of my running goals, which was to run a 5k, a 10k, and a half marathon. In the end, I ran 2 5k's, 2 10k's and a <a href="http://www.vaccine4ignorance.com/2010/11/richmond-half-marathon-recap.html">half marathon</a>. In fact, I ran a total of 889 miles in 2010.<br />
<br />
I also became a father in September. And I got a new job, which I'll be starting in the next 2 weeks.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see what's in store of us in 2011. So long 2010.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-39247395672190923482010-12-22T21:35:00.000-05:002010-12-22T21:35:24.504-05:00Lame Duck Session = GreatThere are several great lameduck compromises that actually show why this session isn't so bad after all. These are a big bipartisan wins for Obama. <br />
<br />
DADT - I'm very happy to report that the military's policy of discrimination against gays is over. Don't ask Don't Tell is history, although actually changing the minute policies will take some amount of time. <br />
<br />
Tax Cuts - This saves most American families thousands a year<br />
<br />
START - We need to get rid of nukes.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-8508395344112136352010-11-16T22:19:00.000-05:002010-11-16T22:19:02.026-05:00TSA Body Scan ControversyThere is quite an <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/11/16/religion-offers-break-airport-screening-tsa-says/">uproar</a> over the TSA's insistence that passengers undergo a full body scan. Something I find very ironic, is that most of the uproar is coming from republicans, Fox News, etc, the very groups that have always wholeheartedly supported the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security. These scanners actually appear to do a much better job of screening passengers than an x-ray machine. However, I think there is still a problem with luggage, since it is likely still easy to camouflage items in a carry-on. <br />
<br />
Anyway, there is a video circulating where a passenger told the TSA agent not to touch "his junk" and is now upset he may be fined $10,000 for leaving the screening. People are aghast that you can't leave the screening once it starts. But if you let people leave the screening, the screening is even less effective, since a potential terrorist could just keep trying until he did not get selected. Anyway, I don't have too much of a problem with the scanners, or the new regulations. I actually think this is one of the first steps the TSA has taken that addresses security, unlike the ID checks, and other nonsense.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-47298012014406073382010-11-14T23:11:00.000-05:002010-11-14T23:11:10.764-05:00Richmond Half Marathon Recap<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On Saturday I completed the McDonald's Half Marathon (now there's an appropriate sponsor) in Richmond, VA. The main charity involved was Donate Life. If you are not signed up to be an organ donor, I strongly encourage you to learn how to here: <a href="http://www.donatelife.net/" style="color: #333333;" target="_blank">http://www.donatelife.<wbr></wbr>net/</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This was my first half marathon and was also the furthest I've ever run in one outing; a half marathon is 13.1 miles. At the beginning of this year, when I signed up for my first 5k, I set a goal to complete a few 5ks and 10ks this year, and if possible a half marathon. In June I figured that signing up for Richmond would be a good idea, since it is late in the season and would give me ample opportunity to prepare. For the last few weeks, I upped my goal and challenged myself to finish in under 2 hours (more on that later).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We arrived in Richmond yesterday. The race expo was nothing like the larger races, like the Marine Corps, but was still decent if a bit cramped. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, which was surprisingly nice, in downtown Richmond. The pasta dinner was less expensive across the street at the Marriott though, so that's where we had dinner. We hoped to see the Poe Museum, but didn't have time. I spent last night reading about 100 pages of Dean Karnazes's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/50-Secrets-Learned-Marathons-Endurance/dp/0446581844/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1289703153&sr=8-3" style="color: #333333;" target="_blank">50/50</a> for extra motivation.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I awoke at 5am with multiple alarms ate a banana, got dressed and headed out. The temperature was about 35 but felt surprisingly warm, maybe due to the thousands of people in the streets. I decided to cast aside fashion, and forego the tights today since this was still shorts weather. Since I had indicated I expected to finish in about 2 hours, I was assigned Wave 2, which means I could not start until 3 minutes after Wave 1 started. There were a lot of people in Wave 2. I drank my Gatorade Prime 1 beverage and bummed a piece of gum from a man named Bart, who said he hoped to break his 2 hour record from last year (unfortunately, he was not able to do this, falling short by less than 60 seconds).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You can follow along with my GPS route here if you want: <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/player/56561979" style="color: #333333;" target="_blank">http://connect.garmin.<wbr></wbr>com/player/56561979</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The first 2 miles down Broad Street were pretty uneventful. I was able to stay above target pace (probably not a good idea) without any problems. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Between miles 2-3 there was a rather steep hill to go over train tracks. We then moved into a small loop down Brookland Parkway, which seemed to be a nice neighborhood. There was a good turnout of residents here.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At around mile 5, I noticed a cramp in my left big toe, which continued until the end of the race. Every step hurt, but it did not worsen, otherwise I may not have made it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Next up came Bryan Park, which was by far the worst part of the whole course. Thankfully, if I choose to run the full marathon here, this part is left off. The roads were paved but strewn with gravel; I almost tripped several times. There were also a lot of hills, and the roads were rather narrow. They also decided to put the a water stop at a curve in the narrow road, which is not good planning. Did I mention there were a lot of hills?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After the park, the rest was just mentally tough. At this point my pace had moved from the low 8:00-8:10 of earlier miles to 8:30. My GPS unit was set to warn me everytime I dropped above 8:45 miles. It started beeping here. It took everything I had to keep moving, and to make it even worse I managed to drop my Clif Shot Bloks. I had a choice: stop running to pick up my fuel or keep going. I kept going. There were a lot of crowds here, mostly residents. Some passed out beer. I didn't take it, but I did manage to spill powerade over some poor volunteer and myself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Once I got back into downtown, I picked up speed again. The crowd was really good at this part and there was music playing. The last bit is down hill, which makes getting to the finish that much easier. I was able to muster up a sprint across the finish line. I was given a very nice finisher's medal and got my picture taken. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My legs felt really spent. They cramped up considerably and I had to keep moving else I would have to lay down. Unfortunately, the entire walk back to our hotel was up hill, but I made it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some things I learned today:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Signs can be motivational. A few that I saw today: "Run like snot." "Don't poop your pants." "Pain is temporarily, pride is forever." This last one is definitely true; the pain in my toe is now gone, so it is a good thing I ran through it today.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is easy to go from couch to 13.1 in 1 year. I started running on November 2, 2009. I ran about 1.5 miles and thought I was going to die. I had to walk the rest of the route. The pace I ran that 1.5 miles at was nothing close to what I ran 13.1 at today. </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Setting goals is powerful. At the beginning of this year, my goal was to simply run a 5k. It morphed into running a 10k and possibly a half marathon. Yesterday, it was to run the half marathon in under 2 hours. My finish time was 1:48:58 so I was able to meet all of my goals.</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cold water is a good pain reliever. I felt like complete trash until I took a shower that included putting my legs under freezing water for about 2 minutes. </span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is all about making small steps, and not making excuses. </span></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, the bottom line is, I challenge all of you to set some fitness goals and meet them this year or next. I don't have any races scheduled at the moment, but as soon as I complete my next goal I'll let you know.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for your continued support. Don't forget to register as an organ donor.</span></div>MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-20181581332186805192010-11-11T10:31:00.000-05:002010-11-11T10:31:56.135-05:00Half Marathon Training CompletedOn August 24, 2010 I began my half marathon training program. As of last night, I have completed nearly all of my training runs, and have no further training planned before the event on November 13.<br />
<br />
In the past 12 weeks, I have run a total of 246.6 miles.<br />
<br />
Assuming an average pace of 9:30 per mile, I estimate I spent about 39 hours training, or about 3 hours, 15 minutes per week.<br />
<br />
The race begins at 7:30 EST on Saturday. You can track my progress at www.richmondmarathon.comMSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-85580957867256444852010-11-03T06:26:00.000-04:002010-11-03T06:26:32.371-04:00Midterm 2010As expected, Republicans have retaken the House, but not the Senate. Should make for an interesting 2 years. I can't say I'm too disappointed, the Democrats have done nothing with their majority, even the healthcare package fell well short of what they hoped to pass. The only disappointment, in my opinion, is that California voted against legalization marijuana, 54-46%, though I doubt that fight is over.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-21875580168015345152010-11-02T14:33:00.000-04:002010-11-02T14:33:12.048-04:00My Ballot - 2010US Representative, VA-11: <b>David Dotson</b> (Libertarian). I'm not pleased with the Democratic congress, but I can't vote for Keith Fimian the Republican. He has instructed his company's insurance carrier to not cover birth control, which is very extreme.<br />
<br />
Questions 1 and 2 both amend the VA constitution to reduce or eliminate property taxes for seniors and disabled military veterans. I voted <b>no </b>on both issues. I don't see how someone who is a disabled military veteran is more deserving of a tax break than someone who is non-military but disabled. <br />
<br />
Question 3 increases the amount of the "rainy day" fund from 10% - 15%. I voted <b>yes</b>. This is plain fiscal responsibility. <br />
<br />
Question 4 requested more money for Fairfax County roads and transportation. I voted <b>no</b>, because the roads don't have many issues these days.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-13906264267107417832010-10-31T12:07:00.001-04:002010-10-31T12:07:41.205-04:00Marine Corps Marathon 10k<div>I just completed the Marine Corps Marathon 10k. My chip time was 49:30, which blows away my previous personal record of 52:51.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The start was a bit problematic. I started in the 50:00 - 1 hr group, but it was quite evident there were a lot of walkers (or just plain slow people) in it. That's why my first mile split was about 8:28, while the rest were all below 8:00. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The route is quite stunning, since you get to cross the 14th street bridge, and it ends at the Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial). This includes running on the GW Parkway, which is very scenic. There are also views of several DC monuments. The whole thing is concrete, so it is a bit tough, and it ends on a steep hill. </div><div><br />
</div><div>If you are interested in seeing how I did, here are some more details from my GPS: <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/54985231" style="color: #333333;" target="_blank">http://connect.garmin.<wbr></wbr>com/activity/54985231</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I also seem to have set a new personal record in 5k if you take my second split, which was about 23:30 - 23:40.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The atmosphere was very festive. Most of the on-course support was provided by Marines and it was very well organized. I got a cool medal and 2 beers afterwards, which was a nice touch.</div>MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-12418584234510552402010-10-28T15:51:00.000-04:002010-10-28T15:51:26.049-04:00Ready to start taperingLast Sunday was an epic 12 mile run, the farthest I've ever run in one outing. It will be the longest training run I have, since this weekend is the Marine Corps Marathon. I am not running the MCM itself, but the <a href="http://www.marinemarathon.com/Weekend_Events/10k.htm">MCM10k</a>. I am not sure if I aim to break my current PR, since doing so may adversely affect my Richmond Half Marathon performance, but I may just go for it. The weather looks to be nice. I'll be at the expo this Saturday morning.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-6125874316878254882010-10-26T18:42:00.000-04:002010-10-26T18:42:43.506-04:00CA Proposition 19CA Proposition 19 is about ending government control on a substance that is far less dangerous than alcohol. I implore any readers in California to vote yes on this important measure.<br />
<br />
Weed, marijuana, pot, grass, whatever you call it should be legal.<br />
<br />
Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch articulated a similar position to mine very well <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-gillespie/why-pot-legalization-is-t_b_774345.html">here</a>.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-77699844412417972752010-10-21T15:20:00.000-04:002010-10-21T15:20:12.212-04:00DADT + Obama + Log Cabin Republicans = MessThe military's stupid policy of Don't Ask Don't Tell, which prohibits openly gay members from serving is causing a <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39778190/ns/us_news-life/">mess </a>in its final death throes. <br />
<br />
The Log Cabin Republicans, a gay group, filed suit against the policy. A federal judge so far has indicated they agree. However, President Obama's administration, which says they want to eventually overturn this policy, apparently are angry its being done by judges instead of their impotent congress. So Obama actually asked that the policy be enforced again.<br />
<br />
However, the policy had actually been ruled illegal for a week. So for 1 week, it was legal for openly gay members to enlist. <br />
<br />
Like I said, a mess. A mess we should never have, since all other countries don't have this type of policy. Countries such as Britain, Israel, and Canada already allow gay members to serve. What is holding us back?MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-65687856683750444522010-10-18T11:26:00.000-04:002010-10-18T11:26:26.119-04:00Half Marathon Training end of week 8I've finished week 8 of my half marathon training. On Tuesday, I ran 6x .5 mile intervals. These were pretty tough for some reason, maybe I was just tired but 6x .5 was worse than 3x mile. <br />
<br />
On Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday I ran easy 5 milers. Not much to them, over the same varied terrain as always. <br />
<br />
Sunday was a long run, 10 miles to be exact. This is my longest run to date and it went well. I did use an energy gel halfway through, which I haven't used before. It was a Clif Shot, which are quite messy, though it did seem to work.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-32994228760898610612010-10-11T23:50:00.000-04:002010-10-11T23:50:30.440-04:00Still runningI'm still moving forward with my half marathon prep. I haven't had time to post, since I became a dad a few weeks ago. But that hasn't slowed me down much, I'm still getting out 4-5 days a week to workout. I've only truly missed one day and have managed to keep up with all of my long runs. Yesterday was an easy 7 miler; the end of this week is a not so easy 10 mile.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-61878260663158897702010-09-26T23:23:00.000-04:002010-09-26T23:23:29.440-04:00Half Marathon Training end of week 5Yesterday was a quick 3 mile run, not much to report there.<br />
<br />
Today was the long run of the week, in this case 1 mile shorter than last week: 7 miles. It was actually a very nice run. There was a light drizzle, clouds, and only a minor breeze. Probably about 60 degrees. A little rain never bothers me and the break from the heat was nice. Speaking of heat, DC tied the record for most days over 90 degrees: 67. Doesn't look like we will have anymore, but it is insane that over 1/6 days in 2010 will have been over 90 degrees. And people still doubt climate change...MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-45087396209245868602010-09-23T22:58:00.000-04:002010-09-23T22:58:52.348-04:00Retail Healthcare at the MinuteClinicToday I have my first experience with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convenient_care_clinic">Convenient Care Clinic (CCC</a>). In this case, it was the <a href="http://www.minuteclinic.com/">MinuteClinic</a> which are operated in many CVS stores. My specific healthcare need was getting a flu shot. Several weeks ago, I got a tetanus shot (also offered at MinuteClinic) at my doctor's office. There were a lot of differences...<br />
<br />
Doctor's office:<br />
Called to make an appointment<br />
Was in waiting room for 10 minutes<br />
Waited in exam room for 10 minutes<br />
Talked with doctor about nothing important for 5 minutes<br />
Nurse gave injection<br />
Was incorrectly charged by doctor for visit, due to their error. Had to spend 20 minutes on phone with insurance company to reverse charge.<br />
<br />
MinuteClinic:<br />
No need to make appointment<br />
Filled out information on computer, waited about 5 minutes<br />
Nurse practitioner took some basic information and gave shot. Total time 5 minutes<br />
Correctly determined that I have no co-pay, so I walked out without spending a dime<br />
<br />
As you can see, for getting a simple vaccine, a CCC is probably a better option for most. This particular brand, the largest in the US, also offers a lot of other services. For example, they will treat coughs, earaches, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, allergies, minor burns, sprains,wounds, poison ivy, etc. I am actually quite surprised of the breadth of services they offer. And they are "in network" for almost every insurance carrier.<br />
<br />
Maybe centers like this are one way to control healthcare costs, or at least provide an affordable option. The little room was cleaner than my doctor's office too, which I found interesting. They also used electronic records, something most physicians fear.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-25809548265324162272010-09-21T09:05:00.000-04:002010-09-21T09:05:39.150-04:00Half Marathon Training end of week 4 and into week 5Week 4 ended with a 3 miler on Saturday (easy) and an 8 miler on Sunday (not too hard either). The weather was near perfect for both runs, which helped.<br />
<br />
Week 5 started today with 6 hill intervals. I ran up a hill that is about .1 miles 6 times at a relatively quick pace. It was a bit cold this morning, about 48. In shorts and t-shirt it took a good 15 min to feel warm.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-9204568059657190622010-09-16T08:26:00.000-04:002010-09-16T08:26:19.982-04:00Half Marathon Training: Week 4 and Glad I Got that Headlamp!I'm already three days into Week 4 of training. Here is a summary.<br />
<br />
Tuesday - This was a "long hill interval" workout. I found a hill that is about .3 miles. I ran up and down it 4 times. On the way up, I was at a 7:30 pace, while down was just a light jog. This was a lot tougher than I thought, I'm still feeling this in my hamstrings.<br />
<br />
Wednesday - An easy 3 mile workout, though after Tuesday it was a bit harder than normal, nothing interesting to report.<br />
<br />
Thursday - Today wasn't too tough, except someone got a little too close to me in a car. I was in a crosswalk, and since it wasn't 6AM yet the lights were blinking red. Meaning that cars have to stop. This person stopped, but as I was right in front of them with a blinking strobe light on my head, they started moving again! She was only going about 5 mph, but did slam on her brakes and the tires screeched a bit. She was still a good 10 feet away. I think she was close to crying. I just took off. I'm just glad I had that strobe, but then again, I was pretty much out of the way.MSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9467006.post-62089045730822889262010-09-15T20:14:00.001-04:002010-09-15T20:14:23.203-04:00Explorations of Detroit4 videos on my hometown. Quite interesting, and somewhat inspiring/hopeful.<br />
<br />
http://www.palladiumboots.com/explorationsMSChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01620659011339579426noreply@blogger.com1