NickZac
Mar 8, 07:15 PM
What really busts our budget are the mind-boggling amounts we spend on our entitlement programs--Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid (especially Medicare and Medicaid). These programs are wildly more expensive than any other budget items, and they're also growing like weeds.
If we don't get Medicare and Medicaid expenses under control, the USA will go broke, pure and simple. And yet, almost no one in Washington has the stones to even talk about this, let alone do something about it. They just kick the can down the road.
One of the problems with many of the 'solutions' means that as an after-affect, Americans will starve, and some may even die due to not getting necessary medical care. So yes, we, as a country, can cut back on these programs, but does that mean we should cut back these programs with their potential side-effects? How do people on this forum feel about budget reductions that will make people have to decide whether they get the medication that they need or eat more than once a day?
I don't think anyone can appreciate Medicare and (especially) Medicaid until you can see first hand just what these programs do for so many people.
Financial issues? Yes. Any good current solution?
Here is a place to start...we need to think long and hard about how we save money, as well as its potential benefits and consequences. We also need to think about how we can make our money go further than it currently is. Let's not cut back programs in the immediate; let's work from the bottom up. So my idea is to examine how we can keep the current level of quality (or increase it), while simultaneously reducing operating and administrative costs.
This is possible, at least in my field. One place to start would be reverting to the concept and practice of Evidence Based Medicine, which is using medical services and medication that has proven effectiveness. This means not using/paying for treatments of questionable outcomes or experimental and unproven medications. Often this actually results in a better outcome for both your pockets and your health, as newer medical technology is generally more expensive, and if you go right to using a treatment that we know does work, treatment comes quicker because time is not wasted on things which do not work. This concept seems to have originated from numerous European countries, and IMO was perfected by the Nordic Countries years ago.
Here is an example; let's take the top selling drugs in the US:
1) Lipitor ($14.5 Billion)
2) ADVAIR ($6 Billion)
3) Plavix ($6 Billion)
4) Nexium ($5 Billion)
1) Evidence of Lipitor actually affecting ultimate outcomes is questionable. Yes, it lowers stats on paper, but if it reduces the chances of dying is still disputed. Also, it has a side effect profile which can make one's life a living nightmare.
2) ADVAIR is probably worth the money given its ability and lower side effect profile than other steroids used for asthma
3) Plavix outcomes can also be disputed
4) Nexium is essentially Prilosec. Ultimate outcomes of 40mg Nexium versus an equal dose Prilosec are almost identical, and differences are not statistically significant. Nexium is marketed as being better because Prilosec through sneaky studies that were published by the pharmaceutical company that makes it by using a lower dose of Prilosec and testing Nexium against medical issues that Prilosec was never marketed for. It is a Me Too Drug to the tenth power. A year's worth of generic Prilosec costs less than one week of Nexium.
See how I am working this? Things like this can be considered and the effectiveness versus the costs needs to be given more detail. Just my 2 cents.
If we don't get Medicare and Medicaid expenses under control, the USA will go broke, pure and simple. And yet, almost no one in Washington has the stones to even talk about this, let alone do something about it. They just kick the can down the road.
One of the problems with many of the 'solutions' means that as an after-affect, Americans will starve, and some may even die due to not getting necessary medical care. So yes, we, as a country, can cut back on these programs, but does that mean we should cut back these programs with their potential side-effects? How do people on this forum feel about budget reductions that will make people have to decide whether they get the medication that they need or eat more than once a day?
I don't think anyone can appreciate Medicare and (especially) Medicaid until you can see first hand just what these programs do for so many people.
Financial issues? Yes. Any good current solution?
Here is a place to start...we need to think long and hard about how we save money, as well as its potential benefits and consequences. We also need to think about how we can make our money go further than it currently is. Let's not cut back programs in the immediate; let's work from the bottom up. So my idea is to examine how we can keep the current level of quality (or increase it), while simultaneously reducing operating and administrative costs.
This is possible, at least in my field. One place to start would be reverting to the concept and practice of Evidence Based Medicine, which is using medical services and medication that has proven effectiveness. This means not using/paying for treatments of questionable outcomes or experimental and unproven medications. Often this actually results in a better outcome for both your pockets and your health, as newer medical technology is generally more expensive, and if you go right to using a treatment that we know does work, treatment comes quicker because time is not wasted on things which do not work. This concept seems to have originated from numerous European countries, and IMO was perfected by the Nordic Countries years ago.
Here is an example; let's take the top selling drugs in the US:
1) Lipitor ($14.5 Billion)
2) ADVAIR ($6 Billion)
3) Plavix ($6 Billion)
4) Nexium ($5 Billion)
1) Evidence of Lipitor actually affecting ultimate outcomes is questionable. Yes, it lowers stats on paper, but if it reduces the chances of dying is still disputed. Also, it has a side effect profile which can make one's life a living nightmare.
2) ADVAIR is probably worth the money given its ability and lower side effect profile than other steroids used for asthma
3) Plavix outcomes can also be disputed
4) Nexium is essentially Prilosec. Ultimate outcomes of 40mg Nexium versus an equal dose Prilosec are almost identical, and differences are not statistically significant. Nexium is marketed as being better because Prilosec through sneaky studies that were published by the pharmaceutical company that makes it by using a lower dose of Prilosec and testing Nexium against medical issues that Prilosec was never marketed for. It is a Me Too Drug to the tenth power. A year's worth of generic Prilosec costs less than one week of Nexium.
See how I am working this? Things like this can be considered and the effectiveness versus the costs needs to be given more detail. Just my 2 cents.
Macaroony
Apr 28, 06:18 AM
Now the plumber's mate OTOH.
I should be so lucky. :(
I should be so lucky. :(
Peterkro
Feb 14, 05:05 PM
Something that has occoured to me, is there is a missing feature on this forum. It's a feature that I have only ever seen on GameFAQs, but have never seen anywhere else.
The marking system. Basically, each post has a button on it, that when you click it, you go to a page where you can "mark" a message, You can mark it for spamming, flaming, etc... There is a variety of options. Anyway, once you have marked it, it goes into a todo list for the mods. They can then review this message, and remove it or change it.
Basically, it allows people to easily inform the mods if there is a bad post. Currently, you have to PM the mods. This makes it easier. Oh, and if you abuse the system, you get punished.
Anouther feature from GameFAQs, is the Karma system, which ties in with the mod system. Basically, when you get moderated, you loose Karma. And you gain one Karma per day, as long as you have at least one active post.
I suppose I've only seen these features at GameFAQs, because it is the scurge of all earth. And I love it.
MacRumors in the most friendly fourm on the internet, but GameFAQs has a wide variety of topics. It's the birthplace of many interesting things. Like the unholy trinity... Don't ask.
Slashdot was the original and best.
The marking system. Basically, each post has a button on it, that when you click it, you go to a page where you can "mark" a message, You can mark it for spamming, flaming, etc... There is a variety of options. Anyway, once you have marked it, it goes into a todo list for the mods. They can then review this message, and remove it or change it.
Basically, it allows people to easily inform the mods if there is a bad post. Currently, you have to PM the mods. This makes it easier. Oh, and if you abuse the system, you get punished.
Anouther feature from GameFAQs, is the Karma system, which ties in with the mod system. Basically, when you get moderated, you loose Karma. And you gain one Karma per day, as long as you have at least one active post.
I suppose I've only seen these features at GameFAQs, because it is the scurge of all earth. And I love it.
MacRumors in the most friendly fourm on the internet, but GameFAQs has a wide variety of topics. It's the birthplace of many interesting things. Like the unholy trinity... Don't ask.
Slashdot was the original and best.
b166er
Mar 25, 10:46 AM
I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see iOS 5 offering us too much at this point.
I wouldn't mind a new map app- yesterday I got lost, my car GPS sent me on a goose chase, and my iPhone didn't help much.
I wouldn't mind a new map app- yesterday I got lost, my car GPS sent me on a goose chase, and my iPhone didn't help much.
more...
Kawaraxa
Apr 12, 08:32 AM
Hello.
I have iPad 2, 16gb 3G. As you can see in the pic, left side of display has grey shadows (these are not yellow spots). Very annoying in the white background. So what are these, is it normal?http://img155.imageshack.us/i/imageaceb.jpg/
http://img155.imageshack.us/i/imageaceb.jpg/
Thanks
I have iPad 2, 16gb 3G. As you can see in the pic, left side of display has grey shadows (these are not yellow spots). Very annoying in the white background. So what are these, is it normal?http://img155.imageshack.us/i/imageaceb.jpg/
http://img155.imageshack.us/i/imageaceb.jpg/
Thanks
PatrickRolfsen
Jan 14, 06:57 AM
I love the play by play given on the homepage here, but I rather prefer the video edition provided on itunes- does anyone remember from last year how long it took after the keynote was given before it was posted on iTunes?
more...
Jmouse
May 1, 09:57 PM
Hello ,
I have an i phone Classic, wanted to update it and use it as a whatever device.
What would be the latest firmware for the 2G iphone.
And how do i go on activating it? i dont think i have my AT & T sim handy.
Thanks
I have an i phone Classic, wanted to update it and use it as a whatever device.
What would be the latest firmware for the 2G iphone.
And how do i go on activating it? i dont think i have my AT & T sim handy.
Thanks
wrxguy
Apr 19, 07:49 AM
This months wallpaper is from a photo I took in
Phuket Thailand282073
Phuket Thailand282073
more...
bearcatrp
Apr 28, 07:55 AM
It's time to look into ALL OS's, mobile and stationary, to see how much data is collected. Not just apple. Let's see how wide spread this really is. I don't use a iPhone, but do own a EVO. At least under android, your told what app has access to before downloading. Since I'm using an iPad, 1st gen, am presuming it's the same as the iPhone for getting apps, doesn't state what a program has access to. Would be a nice feature.
Past and projected global
more...
This graph clearly shows it is
This graph show the effects
more...
Double A Solves Global Warming
Global Warming Culprit
more...
gallup global warming
This graph shows global
more...
global warming, chart,
Global warming threat to
to us if global warming in
alhedges
Apr 28, 02:37 PM
HTC Thunderbolt outsold the iPhone 4 on Verizon.
Not even close. The 4 sold 2.2 million on Verizon; the Thunderbolt sold maybe 500-700,000. TB sold 130,000/wk. 4 on Verizon sold 366,000/wk.
This whole meme is based on an analyst who called a 150 Verizon stores and asked how the TB was selling vs. the 4. 61% said that they were selling about the same; 28% said that the TB was selling better.
This was a stupid methodology, of course, since it left out factors like how the 4 was selling at Apple stores or online...or at any place other than verizon stores. And the analyst also only polled stores in locations were LTE was available.
Not even close. The 4 sold 2.2 million on Verizon; the Thunderbolt sold maybe 500-700,000. TB sold 130,000/wk. 4 on Verizon sold 366,000/wk.
This whole meme is based on an analyst who called a 150 Verizon stores and asked how the TB was selling vs. the 4. 61% said that they were selling about the same; 28% said that the TB was selling better.
This was a stupid methodology, of course, since it left out factors like how the 4 was selling at Apple stores or online...or at any place other than verizon stores. And the analyst also only polled stores in locations were LTE was available.
more...
Michaelgtrusa
May 7, 02:01 AM
Here's one. http://www.cultofmac.com/new-quad-core-imacs-are-fast-slick-and-beautifully-packaged-review/93579
Hook'Em2006
Apr 1, 08:35 AM
Candace Swanepoel
more...
adelia
May 3, 01:51 AM
Thanks for posting
mnkeybsness
Nov 11, 09:03 AM
I had a little time on my hands and did an experiment to create reverse-ordered lists using css (http://paularmstrongdesigns.com/weblog/css/reverse-ordered-lists). Read about them and check the source of the example page. I'm looking for comments/critiques on the way it is done, (not the validity of doing so).
Thanks.
Thanks.
more...
Kyffin
Oct 1, 06:29 AM
^ Thank you!
I've a few books on the artist and its amazing how varied his work and how influential he was (like Van Gogh and Whistler). He was prolific and I usually get my desktops with a google image search
There are some good image repositories/ information, if you're interested here's a link to one (and a picture very different but very interesting at the same time)
www.hiroshige.org.uk
http://www.hiroshige.org.uk/hiroshige/triptychs/MiscTriptychs/images/Taira-noKiyomori.jpg
Hiroshige has been claimed to be making a comment on the shogunate of the time- the general in the picture was
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taira_no_Kiyomori
Before it gets TMI, I hope you like!
I've a few books on the artist and its amazing how varied his work and how influential he was (like Van Gogh and Whistler). He was prolific and I usually get my desktops with a google image search
There are some good image repositories/ information, if you're interested here's a link to one (and a picture very different but very interesting at the same time)
www.hiroshige.org.uk
http://www.hiroshige.org.uk/hiroshige/triptychs/MiscTriptychs/images/Taira-noKiyomori.jpg
Hiroshige has been claimed to be making a comment on the shogunate of the time- the general in the picture was
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taira_no_Kiyomori
Before it gets TMI, I hope you like!
Pillar
Sep 13, 10:46 AM
Pic >> link (http://nikosalpha.deviantart.com/art/bias-156849791?q=favby%3AheyisTi%2F1403781&qo=17)
Wall >> link (http://photonfuel.deviantart.com/art/It-s-All-True-177300927?q=favby%3AheyisTi%2F1403781&qo=2)
thank you
Wall >> link (http://photonfuel.deviantart.com/art/It-s-All-True-177300927?q=favby%3AheyisTi%2F1403781&qo=2)
thank you
more...
monke
Dec 19, 12:11 AM
Thanks
asleep
Mar 21, 06:27 PM
A.
jsw
Sep 24, 07:41 PM
we sleep in the same room now but they think she sleeps on the spare bed :D
Wanna bet? ;)
Wanna bet? ;)
phas3
Dec 4, 03:55 AM
how do some of you guys show what song your listening to on the desktop or what the date is etc?
ericinboston
Mar 23, 11:23 AM
Like OMG, I had the craziest thought! What if MacRumors had more articles about...Mac Rumors?! Whoa whoa wee wow, that would be so cool.
*Face Palm.
Boring stuff.
Exactly....so many articles about NON Mac stuff....like:
Reacent Post
*Face Palm.
Boring stuff.
Exactly....so many articles about NON Mac stuff....like:
blubyu
Apr 4, 11:10 AM
Thank you, Apple, for weeding out the companies whose business model depends on selling my information to junk-mailers.
This is the kind of 'crazy-Steve-Jobs-control' I can live with.
I'm still trying to figure out where in the above quote SWC said he didn't like FT :confused:
This is the kind of 'crazy-Steve-Jobs-control' I can live with.
I'm still trying to figure out where in the above quote SWC said he didn't like FT :confused:
IDANNY
Mar 9, 04:08 PM
I would also like a nice tiger theme if anyone has one that would be great. :)
heaven
Feb 16, 02:42 PM
Maybe a bit late, but:
Congrats!
Congratulations to all the new moderators and to edesignuk for becoming a mod mini (love your macros and keira) :p
Im sure this will help the amazing MR community.
Cheers
Congrats!
Congratulations to all the new moderators and to edesignuk for becoming a mod mini (love your macros and keira) :p
Im sure this will help the amazing MR community.
Cheers
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