Goodbye Inter-Library Loan
As you may know I serve on the Satellite Beach Library Board and an active patron of the Library system in Brevard County, Florida. We are facing major funding costs all over the state.
As I was returning my inter-library loan books the other day I was told that the program was canceled, and sure enough it was gone without a pop. That's the way its been. I worry about business hours, computers and staffing now, having let go of any particular piece of Library material. We reep the wind when we cut budget.

Library Services
Public Information Release
Cathy Schweinsberg Director: Office: 321-633-1801
cathy.schweinsberg@brevardcounty.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2008

NEW LIBRARY COMPUTER SYSTEM ENHANCES FUNCTIONALI TY FOR PATRONS
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla.

– The new automated library system installed in Brevard County libraries earlier this month is enhancing patrons’ ability to find, evaluate and reserve books on-line and in libraries
The online catalog offers new and exciting capabilities for library users, with three different catalogs to browse: Discover, Classic, and Kids. When an item is searched, the system now has the ability to provide annotations, books excerpts, reviews, character information, and images of actual book covers.
“I love the new system,” said patron Tracy Schlueb of Titusville . “Before, when I had something that I wanted to find a book about, I had to go to Amazon.com to get the description, then search the library system to find out whether they had the book. Now the information’s all in one place. And when I reserve a book online, I can see what number I am in line, so I have an idea of how long I’ll need to wait for it.”
“This system is easier to use, and the screen is colorful and easy to read, not overwhelming or cluttered. And I love the Kids catalog. It recommends books based on type of book, like picture or chapter book, and then genre. This is great for kids who say they have trouble finding books they like.”
“And I hear that I will be able to renew my books online, no matter which Brevard County library I checked them out from. This is great!”
Patrons are able to search, renew and reserve items at all Brevard County libraries via the www.mylibraryworld.com website.
The new integrated system, created by The Library Corporation, is Windows- and web-based, designed to easily manage library tasks, and create patron and staff efficiencies. It is funded through the federal E-Rate program for discounted telecommunications services and Florida State Aid to Libraries.

The Eye-Balled News

Saturday, September 13, 2008, 3:15 PM PDT




Eye-Balled News
This quote struck me immediately. I came from a person on one of my list servers:

George Bernard Shaw said, "People are always blaming theircircumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. Thepeople who get on in this world are the people who get up and look forthe circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, they make them."

HOUSTON (AP) The Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game has been rescheduled to Sunday, Nov. 9 in Houston.

Department of Justice Fact Sheet on Counterterrorism Efforts Since 9/11Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:03:12 -0500
Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the highest priority of the Justice Department has been to protect America against acts of terrorism.

Baby-Mama Drama and Deadbeat DadsCathy Middleton has become black radio's favorite expert on child supportBY CHLOE A. HILLIARD
During a recent 15-minute segment on Power 105's Ed Lover Morning Show, Cathy Middleton fields calls coming in on the jammed switchboard. "She's our most popular guest outside of celebrity artists that come to the show," Jennifer Romero, a screener handling the calls says about Middleton, who is also a regular guest of Wendy Williams at WBLS and Michael Baisden on his syndicated show. A woman named Melissa calls in to the show with a typical question: "My baby's father owes arrears," she says, "but I don't want to collect them because he has been doing really well in paying child support." Now it's true that Middleton has a book called Girl, Get That Child Support: The Baby Mama's Guide to... MORE »


Angry Pentagon employees protest auction of 9/11 mementos on eBayNew Kerala Sat, 13 Sep 2008 6:16 AM PDTWashington, Sept.13 : Employees at the Pentagon have reportedly reacted with anger to move to auction 9/11 memorabilia for hundreds, even thousands of dollars on eBay.

Pentagon awards big grant to UCSDYour Defence News (press release) - Aberdeen,UKA year ago, Congress allocated $301 million to the Pentagon for medical research on PTSD and brain injuries. The sum dwarfs all past military funding of ...See all stories on this topic

Radical Muslims meet on 9/11 anniversaryUPI Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:05 PM PDTLONDON, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Followers of an exiled cleric told supporters in London the next terrorist attacks on the scale of those in the United States in 2001 will be in Britain.

Police criticize low bail for sex offenderBoston Globe Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:32 PM PDTNew Bedford police are crying foul after a local judge set bail at $1,000 for a convicted sex offender they believe should be kept off the streets.

Not all attack adds stopped on 9/11The Hill Sat, 13 Sep 2008 6:32 AM PDTSeveral politicians couldn't resist attacking their political opponents on Thursday, despite pledges for a ceasefire on the seventh anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Senate Finance Committee Approves Two Bills To Help Prevent Neglect, Abuse Of Elderly PatientsMedical News Today Fri, 12 Sep 2008 3:09 PM PDTThe Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday by voice vote approved two bills that seek to prevent neglect and abuse of elderly patients, CQ Today reports. One bill (S 1070), sponsored by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), would authorize $777 million to establish state and local training and assistance programs for long-term care employees.

Battling the US healthcare gridlockTVNZ Fri, 12 Sep 2008 7:09 PM PDTFrustrated by the political bickering that has blocked US health care reform for years, a coalition of business and labor groups has joined with an advocacy group for the elderly to try to break the gridlock and achieve success under the next president.


Sexual Violence Issues in the News
Former Gator Dupay charged with rapeGainesville Sun - 9/9/2008Sexual assault, violent crime victims turn to MySpaceGainesville Sun - 9/5/2008Victims lead push for crackdown on cruise ship industryBradenton Herald - 9/2/2008Sex assaults that leave victims pregnant can warrant tougher penalties, court rulesLos Angeles Times - 8/28/2008

Connect With Kids: Tips to Deal with SnakebitesWFMZ Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey Fri, 12 Sep 2008 8:31 PM PDTvar nopreviewimage = ""; if (nopreviewimage == ""){ document.write(' '); document.write(' '); document.write(' '); } Did you know there are poisonous snakes in our area? Local snake expert Carl Hess, a teacher from Berks County, tells me you can find Timber Rattlesnakes and Northern Copperheads in these parts. Which leads to he question: If your child were bitten by a poisonous snake, ...


Did Autism Save Chris Marino's Life?About - News & Issues - New York,NY,USAto communicate with his autistic son as they drifted apart. After several hours, though, Walter got no response - and assumed the worst. ...See all stories on this topic

Free event to explore autism, addiction and schizophreniaSacramento Bee - CA, USAMysteries of the human mind will be explored Sunday in a two-hour discussion of the latest insights into addiction, schizophrenia and the origins of autism. ...See all stories on this topic
Heads Up Family Travel Bypassing the Roadblocks of AutismNew York Times - United StatesAndrew Asch, 16, has autism, but his parents have tried not to limit his travels, which have included ski trips to Colorado and visits to the Jersey Shore. ...See all stories on this topic
New book refutes vaccine-autism link6abc.com - Philadelphia,PA,USAJennifer said Gabriel was later diagnosed with autism. He didn't speak until he was five. She partly blames genetics, and partly blames vaccines. ...See all stories on this topic

Review: Laurie Anderson seamlessly mixes social commentary, musicLawrence Journal-World Sat, 13 Sep 2008 11:52 AM PDTLaurie Anderson, although the “star” of her show, is such a self-effacing reporter that “Homeland,” her multi-song essay addressing the precarious post-9/11 world of the past seven years, struck musical and cultural notes rarely pursued with such vigor by preening mainstream celebrity journalists

Car Dealer Icon Bob Dance Dies
Sep 12 6:35 PM EDT
An icon among local car dealers has died.
Ike Could Mean Hike In Gas Prices
Sep 12 5:20 PM EDT
One of the big concerns with Hurricane Ike is the possible rise in gas prices.
Hazmat: White Powder Letter To Sen. Lynn Was Flour
Sep 12 4:05 PM EDT
Hazmat crews have deemed the white powder found in a letter sent to the office of state Sen. Evelyn Lynn's on Friday to be flour.

FBI: Politician Powder Scares Connected
Sep 12 3:13 PM EDT
Several packages containing a white powder substance cause scares.

Why Do Some People Ignore Evacuation Warnings?Newsweek Fri, 12 Sep 2008 5:00 PM PDTWhat motivates some people to ignore evacuation orders and warnings of hurricanes and other disasters? Inside the psychology of the stubborn.

Psychological Therapies Ease Arthritis PainMedical News Today Sat, 13 Sep 2008 7:09 AM PDTArthritis sufferers can alleviate their pain by using mental imagery and hypnotherapy. This is the finding of Bryan Bennett and colleagues from Bangor University who presented their findings on the11 September 2008, at The British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference held at the University of Bath.

Lavender Scent Calms Dental PatientsMedical News Today Sat, 13 Sep 2008 6:09 AM PDTLavender scent could be an effective means of reducing dental anxiety in patients. This is the finding of Metaxia Kritsidima and her colleagues from King's College London who will present their results at The British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology and European Health Psychology Society Conference at the University of Bath on the 12 September 2008.

It's Good To Talk - British Psychological SocietyMedical News Today Sat, 13 Sep 2008 5:09 AM PDTTelling your partner everything is good for your psychological health. This is the finding of a study presented on the 12 September 2008, at the European Health Psychology Society and British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology Conference 2008.
Pensacola officer slashed with meat cleaver
Sep 13 10:30 AM EDT
A Pensacola code officer is recovering after being attacked by a man wielding a meat cleaver.

Naked Dog Walker Tased By Police
WFTV 9 Orlando - Sep 13 2:37 PM EDT

Judge hopes to aid in keeping crime victims’ helpAlice Echo-News Journal Fri, 12 Sep 2008 4:20 PM PDTSAN DIEGO – The Duval County Crime Victims Office closed its doors last week, after state grant resources were “redirected,” said Duval County Attorney Ricardo Carrillo.

10-year-old surfer plans a pro careerThe Florida Times-Union Fri, 12 Sep 2008 9:42 PM PDTLogan Raulerson, 10, of the Arlington area is an amateur surfer, competing in events all around the state and surfing on the shortboard and longboard.

99-Year Old Woman Among Rapist's VictimsCBS4 Miami Fri, 12 Sep 2008 8:17 PM PDTA Hialeah man has been denied bond for a horrific and heinous crime against two elderly women, ages 99- and 81-years old. Jose Corrales, 33, appeared in bond court Friday, charged with two counts of sexual battery, two counts of kidnapping and two counts of occupied burglary with battery.

Children of missing woman given $50,000 compensationThe Morning Journal Sat, 13 Sep 2008 1:05 AM PDTLORAIN — The two children of a Lorain women who has been missing almost 10 years were given $50,000 from the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Fund, although no crime has been linked to her disappearance.

What is wrong with our justice systemWausau Daily Herald Fri, 12 Sep 2008 9:12 PM PDTAs a part of our series of stories examining the criminal justice system in Marathon County, Wausau Daily Herald reporters are interviewing people involved at all levels of the system, from policymakers, judges and cops to inmates and crime victims. Featured below are views from behind the bench, and from behind steel doors.
Judge: brain-injured girl to take part in hearingBoston Globe Sat, 13 Sep 2008 8:19 AM PDTA judge now says that a brain-injured girl will take part in a hearing on her ability to testify against the stepfather accused of abusing her.
=z= The novelist, journalist and psychologist Michael Zangari http://zangarijournalism.com

Be Peppered

photo from fotosearch

Be-Peppered

On other medical grounds, how about black pepper?

I like essential oils and this sounds like an interesting one. This article does not mention the sperm reducing qualities of black pepper or other side effects, but I find it a useful summary for the ancient medicine.

I can't help imagine a post ZBlog dialog.

In my mind, the post-ZBlog dialog goes like this:

“Honey, what a surprise, Pepper Steak” he says.
His wife smiles as she dishes a larger than normal scoop of the pepper sauce onto the rice.
“I really liked the Peppered Chicken from last night too.”
She drizzles on a little more Pepper Sauce and curly-cues the run off.
“The Peppered Peppercorns in the Pepper soup from the night before last was also killer.”
She smiles broadly, “You know how I love to love you baby…”

The biggest advantage is that you do not need a referring doctor to use it.

http://www.ageless.co.za/200508-colon-black-pepper.htm

Hurricanes and HMOs

Entry for September 13, 2008
Hurricanes and HMOs
I have family and friends who live in a hurricane strike-zone. I imagine we are watching TV and listening to the radio together like old times.
I am just in the helpless and worried position I like so much to be in. My thoughts are with the survivors surviving and with their families who may be seperated from them.
I can remember the most intense period of worry in my life was during the last major earthquake in California. The phone lines were down. It was days before I could contact the woman I was dating at the time. The present hung like the fruit on a mango tree, heavy and present.
When communications were restored the release was psychic and physical at the same time, one big out breath. She survived, shaken up but OK.
**********
I have a broken foot and a few other things going on at the moment. The increase in buying basic medication has once again reminded me of Medicare cuts at the State level. I am grateful for the medication breaks the state picked up in the past and am worried about the future. I take a lot of heart and cognition medication. I have several prescriptions over $200 a piece because there are no generic substitutes.
I am currently with Wellcare HMO, who has been the subject of a major Federal and State investigation for fraud. They have reduced staff and are pulling out of the State of Florida as a result.
I have had trouble with someone using my medical identity card for health care and have had to report this to the FBI, IRS, and Social Security. The case is evidently still under investigation. Evidently someone has also worked under my Social Security card transition
I lost my wallet several years ago when I was in transition and had most of my identification in the wallet.
I recommend bolting your wallet to your hip-bone or carrying less ID in your wallet. I bet you are way ahead of me HMO on that one.
******
Speaking psychologist never really liked them when I was working in the field. As a counseling psychologist and manager in the Social Services field they limited choice of doctor and treatment.
I was granted the highest category for a psychologist at my level (M.A.) for insurance reimbursements, but was limited by who I could help.
I like WellCare people.
But working with referrals and follow ups can be a problem.
Post procedure I was referred to two Doctors for follow-up. Doctors have to authorized by a HMO main provider so they can get paid. It costs me approximately double the money to use a Non-HMO doctor, the doctors the hospital used and recommended. In this case they were not part of the HMO.
It took approximately one week to get authorization for follow-up. I have what might be a serious internal infection and broken bone(s.) I could have booked my own doctors but at double the cost.I feel a lot of compassion for people with AIDS and other life threatening diseases.
My situation is probably everyone situation when using HMOs. I know now that when going into the hospital there are several factors that impact your treatment.
I am slow with these.
Not only do you have to suspend your life to go into the hospital you have to be aware of process. That means you have to be aware of the finances, treatment plan, and follow up at a time when you are basically sick. Most of my hospital stays have always ended in the same way. I am sick of being sick and can't wait to get back to what I was doing. I am well most of the time as result because I practice (to what ever degree I am able) wellness.
I am pretty good at detail because I have made a lot of mistakes.
I told my doctors when I was going into the hospital. I alerted them when I got out. I made sure they had records of the stay.
I am slow in the areas of detail. To work constructively with my autism in this context moves me forward. I have time to contract things within structure.
As I said I multi-task well in a structured environment. When chaos hits the fan and scatters thing I get lost in detail. Picking up afterward can be an enlightening experience. You have to micro-mange your life to see what you've missed and that slows you down even more.
It's not double checking. Every time I check things it's a new experience. That's short term memory--tacking.
********
Tags: autism, healthcare, identitytheft, losingyourwallet, fraud, hmos, catostrphicsituationswhenyouarenotthere, Edit Tags
Saturday September 13, 2008 - 11:31am (EDT) Edit Delete Permanent Link 0 Comments
Entry for September 10, 2008 The Social Security Debit Card
Eye-Balled News
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James Finch Named Special Agent in Charge of Oklahoma CityMon, 08 Sep 2008 16:22:58 -0500
FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III has named James Finch Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau's Oklahoma City Field Office.
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