Posts by Jourles

82

Just finished seeing Michael Moore's SiCKO

by Jourles in

i just got home from bellaire, mi where the first us premiere screeing of sicko took place.

mm has shown the film to a few private groups, but he specifically said that we were the first "paying group" to see it.

there were two showings - i got to see the first showing at 1:00.. first let me say that this film is not political in any way.

Jourles

A friend of mine from UK was sick with cold......we were chatting one day and he said he was feeling better, so I asked him.....Will you go back to work tomorrow? He said NO. I was like, as soon as I can get my head off the pillow I am back at work. He said they are off work for periods......They call into work for a period of time. I thought how nice....to be able to get sick, get well and recover. It's just not that way from my prospective here in my world.

MM interviewed a group of American expats living in France. When he asked how many sick days do they get off of work, they all kind of laughed. Apparently in France, if you're sick, you're sick. You're not limited to 5 days off per year or whatever your employer gives you. Also, the standard work week is only 35 hours. Everyone gets 5 weeks of vacation a year. If you work more than a standard 35 hour workweek, you get extra vacation time as well. If you get married, you get something like 7 extra days off for your honeymoon. There was another man living in France who had cancer?tumor?(crap, I forgot what his ailment was), but his doctor prescribed 6 months off to recover and his salary was covered 100%. The gov't picked up 65% and his employer covered the other 35%. In another scene for France, they spoke about a gov't official who had an epiphany while needing a plumber after hours. He thought that if a plumber could come to his house 24/7, then why couldn't a doctor do the same thing? They now have a dispatch system just for this purpose. MM rode around with one of these doctors on several housecalls. Even new mothers get quite a few gov't provided perks - nannys that can clean and cook. Keep in mind, this is just for France!

Apparently the movie is available for Down Loading for free.
Don't know where, and MM had no problem with it although his producers did.

Yeah, MM said that this was happening already. He told us outside the theater that he didn't care if people downloaded the movie. He said he isn't "a big fan of our country's copyright laws and wouldn't press charges against anyone who did download it." He didn't mention anything about the producers though(of course, they are looking at if from a box office perspective $$$) I have a feeling that SiCKO will probably gross more than 9/11. I'd be willing to stake my left nut on it.

This film is heavily laced with humorous sarcasm. Myself, I have a very sarcastic type of humor so I really enjoyed the one-liners. It is balanced well with the other sad parts.

82

Just finished seeing Michael Moore's SiCKO

by Jourles in

i just got home from bellaire, mi where the first us premiere screeing of sicko took place.

mm has shown the film to a few private groups, but he specifically said that we were the first "paying group" to see it.

there were two showings - i got to see the first showing at 1:00.. first let me say that this film is not political in any way.

Jourles

It wouldn't be fair to make healthy people who make proper choices pay for those who are careless or lazy with their lives. Perhaps a two tiered system. Heavy drinkers, smokers and obese people in one group and others who are height and weight proportionate and don't smoke, do drugs or drink heavy in another.

I'm curious to know how other countries deal with issues like these. Let's say in Great Britain you are a smoker. Does your health care differ from a non-smoker? In the film, MM interviewed an NHS? doctor in GB. The doctor said that he gets paid more(similar to a bonus) to prevent diseases, to get people to stop smoking, etc. In a nutshell, if he treats a patient right the first time, he gets paid more(I think that's how he worded it). Many people knock other countries health care systems by saying that gov't paid doctors do not make as much so that would mean their performance would be poorer. Granted, I don't know how many doctors may fit into this description, but this dr from GB was making around 100k pounds a year plus those bonuses for getting people to live healthier lives(I think they figured he made close to $200k US per year). His family lived in a 1 million dollar flat and he drove a new Audi. I'd say he was doing just fine.

In another scene(from GB), prescription drugs only cost around 6.45 pounds?(bad memory, might have been 8 pounds) And it didn't matter what type of drug it was for. And the only group of people that have to pay for it are regular working class folk. Children up to age 16-18?? and seniors over 60 do not have to pay.(someone can correct my ages if I'm wrong)

The government controls many of our utilities. We need gas, water, electricity, etc. I'm not against certain companies trying to make a profit to continue their R&D. The main problem we have in this country is when these companies have to report to its shareholders. A company goes public for one thing - to make money for itself and for those who invest in it. I'm sorry, but health care and pharma should not ever be about the money -- or making more of it.

Katie -- Yes, that is me next to MM.

82

Just finished seeing Michael Moore's SiCKO

by Jourles in

i just got home from bellaire, mi where the first us premiere screeing of sicko took place.

mm has shown the film to a few private groups, but he specifically said that we were the first "paying group" to see it.

there were two showings - i got to see the first showing at 1:00.. first let me say that this film is not political in any way.

Jourles

What I do know is Americans HATE taxes and to adobt a Canadian or other National health care system would require a massive increase in taxes. I personally would be willing to pay for it.

I forget who said it in the film, but someone said(paraphrasing): A country whose individuals that focus more on the 'we' rather than the 'me' is a great country. In the context of this quote, they were saying that it takes the nation as a whole to want to look after its citizens. In other words, if you care about other people's welfare, you would have no problem with a small increase in your taxes to help pay for medical costs. But, if you're a selfish person and only care about the 'me,' then you're one of those that could care less about universal health care.

Judging from this person's statement, I can see how this is true in America's case. Not everyone who lives in the USA has this attitude, but a vast majority do.

82

Just finished seeing Michael Moore's SiCKO

by Jourles in

i just got home from bellaire, mi where the first us premiere screeing of sicko took place.

mm has shown the film to a few private groups, but he specifically said that we were the first "paying group" to see it.

there were two showings - i got to see the first showing at 1:00.. first let me say that this film is not political in any way.

Jourles

FHN,

Just his Rx's alone are hundreds per month.

In the fim, there was a 9/11 rescue worker who didn't have insurance. In another scene, it showed the NYC mayor going over all of the caveats regarding health care for 9/11 workers. Basically, in order for them to receive health benefits, it seems they almost had to live onsite, have it notarized, and not have any pre-existing conditions that might be similar to 9/11 Ground Zero attributed health problems(he rattled off a long list). This one rescuer's inhaler prescription costs $125 per refill - and she needs this twice a month. When she went to Cuba, the same inhaler cost her only 3.5 pesos($.05 US). It must be nice to have government subsidies help pay for medical costs.

82

Just finished seeing Michael Moore's SiCKO

by Jourles in

i just got home from bellaire, mi where the first us premiere screeing of sicko took place.

mm has shown the film to a few private groups, but he specifically said that we were the first "paying group" to see it.

there were two showings - i got to see the first showing at 1:00.. first let me say that this film is not political in any way.

Jourles

I just got home from Bellaire, MI where the first US premiere screeing of SiCKO took place. MM has shown the film to a few private groups, but he specifically said that we were the first "paying group" to see it. There were two showings - I got to see the first showing at 1:00.

First let me say that this film is not political in any way. I'm sure a few people on the board who are anti-MM or come from the far right will say something denigrating about the film and how MM cannot make a fair and balanced piece because, well... because he's MM. I'm sorry to tell you up front and right now that you would be wrong in saying so. It would remind me of those who had not yet seen Knocking, but would merrily pump or dump it based on other people's reviews or biases. And no, I was never one of those people who passed judgement on Knocking before I saw it. In fact, I was the first person on the board who viewed it and then I wrote my review.

As MM stated before the film began, the issue of health care cuts across all party lines. It does not matter what political stripe you wear. Rich, poor, black, white. Health issues affect us and everyone we know. There is way too much to cover from the film. But in general, the point is that the USA sucks on health care compared to other Western industrialized nations. Some people(who live in a government managed universal health care nation) might say that they have to wait weeks or months for a specific procedure to get done. So the next question would be, would you like to come live in the US and pay for it? Of course, they start singing a different tune pretty quickly.

The film really dominated on personal stories. There was really only one MM "moment" in the film. It was towards the end when he and a large group of Americans went down to Cuba. You may have seen it on a preview. He yells out from the boat that they want the same health care that the "evil doers" get. The whole Gitmo scene will make your blood boil. MM uses footage of US government officials saying how the "enemy combatants" receive full health care and are given preventative health care measures. It is the only place on US soil where universal health care exists - and they're the terrorists for god's sake! Mind numbing.

The comparison to other countries such as the UK, Canada, France, and Cuba, was well done. It really shows how our country cares for its citizens. Things need to change. The time for profits needs to come to an end. Before anyone screams "Communist!" or "Socialist!", you need to realize that we already have "socialized" programs in place right now. Say these out loud - Fire Department, Police, Library, (dare you say health care in the same breath?) How many here would like for the fire department to become a for-profit industry? What if the only way they would show up is if you had Fire Dept. insurance? The same with the police. What if it did change? There would be revolution in the streets, that's what would happen. You who live in the other above mentioned countries do not realize how well off you are in terms of medical care compared to us in the USA. Even those of us who have insurance can be screwed. There was one girl in the film whose ambulance trip wasn't paid for by the insurance company because it wasn't preapproved. She was involved in a 45mph head on crash and lost consciousness. How in the hell is she supposed to get it preapproved? This is one of the many asinine examples given throughout the film. The ones that are really hard to conceive are the ones who actually died due to the insurance companies "denying" a procedure or saying that the person was at the wrong hospital.(ok, I'm getting heated up just reflecting on it)

Go see it. The movie isn't for democrats, republicans, independents, etc. It is for us. Just plain old us. Take your hatred for MM and put it aside for two hours and then come back and tell me that I lied to you about the film.

Oh, I did get to meet MM too:

I braved the elements on my motorcycle for this film. Damn Michigan weather forecasters suck when it comes to predicting the weather around here. They say "sunny" and then it thunders and rains.

119

If Bush Used Nuclear Weapons On Iran Should He Be Tried As A War Criminal?

by frankiespeakin in

jw
friends

what do you think?

should he be put on trial before a world court?

Jourles

What the hell do you think Uranium Enrichment is for?!

Umm, what exactly fuels nuclear power plants again? Hint: It's very warm and radioactive. It is well known(publically) that Iran will be running low on oil reserves in the very near future. Unless they can figure out a way to burn sand and make electricity, nuclear is the easiest alternative.

I'll repeat this for the 4000th time, Iran has openly stated that they wish to WIPE ISRAEL OFF THE MAP!

And if you didn't catch it 4k times before, Iran has explained that they wish to see the government/state of Israel wiped off the political map. As in redrawing the lines. There is a difference here. It's just that the media has taken a lost in translation moment and run with it. What better way to stir up emotions by insinuating that one country wishes to see another country blown to bits by a nuke. Iran has never said such a thing. It was the event of the creation of the Israeli state that they are upset about -- as is also supported by many other Arab countries, not just Iran.

I know your'e concerned that they have a right to have their wepaons to kill us, but don't you think your'e going a little too far here in your defense of the enemies rights.

I'm not talking about weapons. I was talking about nuclear power generation. Here again - a huge difference. I didn't give these countries their "rights." It was the world community in general that forged a treaty stating that any nation could develop nuclear technology for civilian use. According to this treaty, even the USA is supposed to be helping Iran. Since they care not to, the USA might as well back out of the NPT.

I might also mention that the Russians have been assisting Iran in developing this tecnology and if you beleive for one second that the Russsians or the Iranians have good intentions towards the US you are in dreamland.

Well, there you go. At least one NPT signatory nation has helped Iran develop nuclear technology. And how exactly do you know what the intentions are of the Russians? I'm very curious to know where this development came from. That's not dreamland, that is called reading whatever news sources are available to me. Now you have me very curious about the Russians. Are you sure you're not dreaming this up?

Hell you know what Hitler had rights too. How dare we tried to stop him from taking over the world. Get real dude!

Wow, how many flaws are you gonna throw my way? Could you please make a quick comparison of Iran to Hitler for me and show which items line up? I'll start you off -- Hitler was taking over Europe by force. Iran is taking over, uh, umm, damn it. I forgot who it is they are killing and occupying. Care to help me out here?

119

If Bush Used Nuclear Weapons On Iran Should He Be Tried As A War Criminal?

by frankiespeakin in

jw
friends

what do you think?

should he be put on trial before a world court?

Jourles

Speaking of opinions, Tyrone had this to say back on the first page:

The Iranians are still moving ahead with nuclear arms production despite worldwide sanctions.

I don't suppose you have the facts to back this claim up, do you? Nevermind. I already know how you will respond to this. You will say that you meant "nuclear enrichment," not "arms." Even so, no one has ever addressed the issue of the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty. Regardless of what Iran's intentions are(as "determined" by the US), any signatory nation can develop nuclear technology. The only caveat is that they cannot develop nuclear weapons. As such, the IAEA to date has determined that Iran does not possess the material or capability to make nuclear weapons. Now, if in a couple of years down the road the IAEA finds that Iran has enriched the uranium hexaflouride gas to near 90% levels, the world can impose whatever restrictions it pleases - I would be all for that. For one, it would show them as liars. They say they are not interested in nuclear weapons. I say let's see who's right. On a separate notion, I feel that Israel should also come clean as to its arsenal.

Someone also mentioned that Iran was denying the IAEA from entering their facilites. I wonder how that could be since Iran, as of a day or two ago, agreed to surprise inspections by the IAEA. Iran is doing just enough to appease the IAEA, while at the same time trying to piss off a few of the UNSC members. Political stalling is all. They probably have their reasons for doing so.

The term, "nuclear deterrent," means just what it says. If a nuclear nation wishes to use nukes(i.e. Iran to Israel), a deterrent exists in that nukes would likely be used back on them. Mutually assured destruction is the phrase I believe I've heard. So in other words, if you launch a nuke on another country, you've just killed yourself and your countrymen. Real smart.

As I have used several times in the past, the analogy of the schoolyard bully being bullied himself is happening in the world right now as we type. Iran is standing up for their rights - the same rights the US wants to strip away.

5

Planning Trip To DragonCon In Atlanta; any suggestions . . .

by Madame Quixote in

jw
friends

appreciated regarding other atlanta attractions that you've personally "endured" or enjoyed.

after squandering yet another perfectly lovely holiday weekend glued to the computer, and doing housework and laundry, i've decided to plan a sojourn to atlanta, georgia for labor day weekend.

my observations and experience of this city have been limited to airport layovers, and i never really thought about visiting.. i'm excited about dragoncon, but even more excited about touring atlanta for a weekend, especially after checking out its attractions via the internet.

Jourles

The big party scene is in Buckhead. There's even a few risque bars.

My rental car got towed from there a few years back.

53

I got married yesterday!

by Gadget in

jw
friends

i've been posting on here for four years now, and so much has changed in my life.

everything seemed to be going wrong then, but time has done wonders and things are real good now.

lots of people on the board helped and supported me through that, as well as new non-witness friends that i made.

Jourles

Whoa! Congrats!!!

15

Watching the World- church steeples used for cell phone equipment

by OnTheWayOut in

watching the world (articles at the back of awake!

mags) are usually offered.

with no comments.

Jourles

OH! I just remembered! --- At WT farms in Walkill, their water tank is home to a Sprint/Nextel cellsite. I wonder how much they are making off of S/N to cover NW Pine Bush? If I find the picture I have of it, I will post it.