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Wednesday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 07:09:00 AM EST
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    Wednesday Open Thread | 45 comments (45 topical)

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    Senator Tom Cotton, newbie ... (5.00 / 3) (#17)
    by christinep on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 04:06:03 PM EST
    is mouthing off again.  After getting pushback on the infamous 47 Letter to Iran, he is on to bigger things: Cotton now concludes that the US should bomb Iran--facilities and coasts, etc.--for several days, and then ....  According to seer Cotton, that will be enough to defeat them or bring them in line.  He likens it to President Bill Clinton's limited bombing in the Kosovo situation.  As for the comparison, maybe someone(s) will inform him of the many distinctions between then Kosovo (Serbia) and today's Iran ... starting with geographic size, populace size, military strength, military history, intricacies of the Mideast, etc.

    Cotton is something...maybe an acolyte of the previous loudmouth Senate newbie, Ted Cruz.

    It is, as if, (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by KeysDan on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 04:28:29 PM EST
    Cotton was identified somewhere by someone along the line: Harvard, Harvard Law, military experience, timely marriage.  Congressman a short-time, now baby US Senator war zealot leading the Republican 47 over the cliff.   Getting more neocon grooming than what occurs at a doggy salon.  Cotton seems like the personification of Eisenhower's admonition on the military/industrial complex, either that, or there is something wrong, something seriously wrong with him.

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    I'm going with . . . (5.00 / 3) (#20)
    by nycstray on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 04:30:06 PM EST
    there is something wrong, something seriously wrong with him.


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    Both (none / 0) (#23)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 06:12:06 PM EST
    i think

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    I find (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 05:14:10 PM EST
    them bringing up Kosovo as strangely amusing since they were saying it was wag the dog and any number of other things like it was going to turn into a quagmire.

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    Weirds me out (none / 0) (#31)
    by Militarytracy on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:44:23 PM EST
    I wonder where his soul is?  He lived in the region once for a time. He doesn't seem to be able to think or feel clearly on the subject.

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    Rand Paul (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by lentinel on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 07:02:16 PM EST
    The Huffington Post has posted videos of a couple of interviews that have been done recently with Rand Paul.

    One of which is about abortion. His views on "life".

    I must say that he made my flesh crawl.

    The other interview examined his views on Iran and Israel among other foreign policy matters - and about his possibly shifting views over the years.

    He made my flesh crawl once again.

    He comes across as real elitist - and a dangerous one at that. I guess all elitists are dangerous... but Paul has a quality of dangerousness - combined with festering hostility that was, to put it bluntly, frightening to witness.

    At first I thought that his entry into the race was interesting, even a good thing - that it would make the other candidates think.

    But now, I perceive him as someone who has a profound ability to speak contradictory points of view within one sentence. In other words, I see him becoming yet another weasel in a field of weasels.

    Only one suggestion here, lentinel (none / 0) (#27)
    by christinep on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 07:20:09 PM EST
    You may be underestimating his ability as a weasel. Let me suggest that--as you watch his regression in the months ahead--he will become the Chief Weasel.  (Once in awhile a snake-oil salesperson can have a scary quality ... and, he definitely is one of those con-men.)

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    You're not (none / 0) (#28)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 07:31:10 PM EST
    the only one. Apparently there are a good many people that feel the same way you do.

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    Yep, he's certainly an elitist. (none / 0) (#29)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:36:54 PM EST
    And not only that, he's the worst sort of elitist -- the kind who was born on third base, and thinks he's there because he hit a triple.

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    "Poor George" (none / 0) (#30)
    by christinep on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:43:24 PM EST


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    RIP.... (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by desertswine on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 09:12:50 PM EST
    Stan Freberg...   genius of another era.

    "Today the pits... (none / 0) (#45)
    by unitron on Fri Apr 10, 2015 at 01:37:48 AM EST
    ...tomorrow the wrinkles!"

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    I think I have Gout (none / 0) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:08:32 AM EST
    how freakin humiliating.  I have been reading up and it seems like I might.  I will find out tomorrow.  Something is definitely up with my left big toe.

    My dad (none / 0) (#2)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:39:24 AM EST
    had that years ago and I'm sorry. It was very painful for him.

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    Sorry to her this Howdy. (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by fishcamp on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:45:03 AM EST
    Less meat, seafood, alcohol, and fructose, but you already know this.  Strange that it is a form of arthritis.  Hope it goes away.

    Parent
    From the Wiki on gout (none / 0) (#5)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:51:27 AM EST

    Dietary causes account for about 12% of gout,[4] and include a strong association with the consumption of alcohol, fructose-sweetened drinks, meat, and seafood.[6][10] Other triggers include physical trauma and surgery.[8]

    Studies in the early 2000s have found that other dietary factors once believed associated are, in fact, not.[11][12] Specifically, moderate consumption of purine-rich vegetables (e.g. beans, peas, lentils, and spinach) are not associated with the development of gout.[13] Neither is total consumption of protein.[11][13] With respect to risks related to alcohol, beer and spirits appear to have a greater risk than wine.[14]

    The consumption of coffee, vitamin C, and dairy products, as well as physical fitness, appear to decrease the risk.[15][16][17] This is believed partly due to their effect in reducing insulin resistance.[17]



    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#6)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:57:24 AM EST
    of the four you n fish mentioned it would have to be alcohol.   My meat , fructose and seafood consumption is really pretty low.  I have been reading about it for a couple of days.  As I said somethings fit some don't.
    Mostly the odd way it started.  I just woke up in the middle of the night with my toe hurting which according to web MD is very typical.  Strangely enough.

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    You should see a GP in the next few days (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 11:36:53 AM EST
    because you don't want to wait until you're in the ER because of the pain or immobility from gout.   A simple blood test for uric acid will determine if it's gout or something else.  

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    Already scheduled (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 11:40:13 AM EST
    tomorrow

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    Good. (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by Mordiggian 88 on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 12:09:18 PM EST
    Here's a little light reading until then,

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    It is inherited (none / 0) (#38)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 05:18:29 PM EST
    You can control it at first through diet but as you age that ability lessens.  My father suffered, my father-in-law must take meds daily at 72.  Stress and different medication interactions can cause flare ups.  My poor FIL went through chemo last year and his gout became uncontrollable for a time.

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    It turns out (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 06:06:54 PM EST
    the blood pressure medication I have been taking is known to cause gout in some cases.  Aparrently like me.  We changed it.

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    I hope it never returns (none / 0) (#40)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 06:25:03 PM EST
    Just a one time thing

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    Makes two of us (none / 0) (#41)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 06:40:35 PM EST
    And he had a different name, Podagra.  Said its not that rare.

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    If I do it must be mild (none / 0) (#3)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 08:44:49 AM EST
    Some of what have fits web MD some doesnt.  It's not swollen or red.  Anyway, I don't think we need a Gout thread

    8-/

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    Captain, do not (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by KeysDan on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 03:02:50 PM EST
    want to extend a "gout" thread, but, perhaps, as a general resource to physician discussion: following a diagnosis based, primarily, on blood uric acid levels (men range: 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL) conservative treatment is a good way to start, lots of water (two quarts/day) and being mindful of particularly bad food items (organ meats) and limited alcoholic beverages.  Exercise and good shoes (to avoid injuries that may precipitate an attack).

    Note, too, any drugs you are now taking that could be a problem, even OTC, like aspirin.  If the frequency of attacks increases, drug treatment can be added--medicines for pain (e.g non-steroidal--Aleve; Colcicine) and those that either block uric acid production (e.g. allopurinol) or those that improve uric acid removal (Probenecid).  

    Allopurinol is an old-timer, cheap and safe, chief side effect is skin rash. A new drug in the same category is Uloric.  More expensive and some indication of increased risk of stroke and heart attacks, but less rash (which can be a problem).  Uloric can trigger a gout attack on initial usage, and Colchicine can be taken with it for a few days.  

    Gout is painful, but not terminal; can get urate crystal deposits called tophi, which are deformities that look like cysts.  And, some possible kidney problems, not a high incidence. Oh, and no humiliation should be involved in any sickness.

    Parent

    Allopurinol is what we give Dals (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by nycstray on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 03:43:29 PM EST
    They are genetically prone to stones and we basically feed them a 'gout diet' :) Many owners monitor urine PH with pool strips, :) especially if they have males prone to stones. We also flood their food.

    Gout diets are pretty decent, especially if you know and enjoy cooking. Most high purine foods can be easily avoided.

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    gout (none / 0) (#33)
    by Amiss on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 01:21:40 AM EST
    used to be called " the rich man's arthritis".

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    de Blasio vs. Rahm (none / 0) (#7)
    by jtaylorr on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 09:25:20 AM EST
    Any article about de Blasio will mention that he's seen as a standard bearer for liberals/progressives, while articles about Rahm will mention that he's seen as a 1%er/corporatist Dem and reviled by liberals/progressives.

    What I want to know is: in terms of policies, what are these great progressive initiatives that de Blasio has pushed for or implemented that Rahm would never touch, or vice versa?

    I never understood all the hate (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by vicndabx on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 11:41:19 AM EST
    on Rahm either.  From what I understand he was progressive in the house and once in the WH was a b@llbuster and fierce ally.  I don't know enough about his tenure as mayor other than he has had to make tough choices re: unions and other pension-related issues.

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    As bad as the NYC... (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by kdog on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 11:47:25 AM EST
    police and criminal justice problems are, De Blasio/Bratton have made some progress on that front.  

    Meanwhile, Rahm's PD is running a CIA-esque black site secret detention center.

    That's one big difference.

    Parent

    America doesn't do yoga well (none / 0) (#13)
    by McBain on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 02:10:48 PM EST
    http://tinyurl.com/noz84r6

    I tend to agree with this article. Western yoga doesn't focus enough on relaxation. It tends to be half workout, half fashion show. The best part of a good yoga session is the focused breathing, not the straining to hold a pose.  

    Well the focused breathing (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by sj on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 06:29:23 PM EST
    is pranayama yoga which you are then comparing to hatha yoga. Apples and Oranges -- both fruit, different flavors and textures.

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    Yes (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by Zorba on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 06:56:24 PM EST
    There are many types and schools of yoga, both ancient and more modern.

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    Well, you know what they say... (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by unitron on Fri Apr 10, 2015 at 01:35:43 AM EST
    ...

    "Hatha Yoga is better than none."

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    The hatha yoga fruit might taste good but (none / 0) (#34)
    by McBain on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 01:27:41 AM EST
    the pranayama yoga fruit is more nutritious.

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    It's not either/or (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by sj on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 03:54:35 PM EST
    They have different foci. Everyone is free to choose the focus s/he considers most appropriate. Your choosing pranayama doesn't make you more virtuous or spiritually advanced. It just means that you are practitioner of pranayama yoga.

    Parent
    an odd coincidence (none / 0) (#15)
    by CST on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 03:34:39 PM EST
    Sentencing in the Marathon Bombing trial is pretty much going to happen right before the Marathon.  1.5 weeks to go.

    starts (none / 0) (#18)
    by Amiss on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 04:27:58 PM EST
    Monday

    Parent
    A hearty congratulations to the UConn Huskies, ... (none / 0) (#22)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Apr 08, 2015 at 06:10:54 PM EST
    ... who won their third straight NCAA national championship in women's basketball last night with a 63-53 victory over Notre Dame, and especially to Gino Auriemma, who won his 10th national title in 30 years of coaching at Connecticut.

    When one considers that Coach Auriemma didn't actually win his very first title until 1995, which capped his 11th year in the coach's box, that means the Husky women have since averaged one national championship every other year under his tutelage.

    By any definition of the term "dynasty," that phenomenal 20-year run -- which also includes six additional Final Four appearances -- makes the UConn women's basketball program one of the most singularly dominant in any one sport, women's and men's, in the history of collegiate athletics.

    And with last night's victory, Coach Auriemma has now tied UCLA's equally legendary John Wooden for the most NCAA basketball titles won by a single coach, and he likely stands a better than even chance of breaking that 40-year-old record within the next few years -- if not next season.

    For the record, two coaches are tied for the most NCAA titles won in any single sport during their respective tenures:

    • Al Scates, UCLA's recently retired men's volleyball coach, who led the Bruins to 19 national championships in 50 years at the helm in Westwood (which does not include the two USVBA collegiate titles he won before the NCAA recognized men's volleyball as an official sport); and

    • John McDonnell, who in 36 years with the Arkansas men's track & field program (1972-2008) guided the Razorbacks to a similar number of championships in indoor track, including an NCAA-record record 12 straight titles (1984-95).

    McDonnell deserves further mention because he coached both indoor and outdoor track, which are recognized as separate sports by the NCAA, as well as the school's men's cross country team. During his remarkable tenure at Fayetteville, his Razorback men won 19 indoor titles, 12 outdoor titles and 11 cross country titles, for a grand total of 42 national championships.

    Aloha.

    More single payer success. (none / 0) (#36)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 04:05:25 PM EST

    This makes perfect sense. Many people need toothpaste and very few need hip replacements. As a politician prioritizing resources are you going to please the many or the few?

    Shall we compare? (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by Yman on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 04:57:45 PM EST
    Wasteful medical practices are not unique to single payer systems.  In fact, those single payer systems deliver healthcare to ALL their citizens with better results at HALF the cost.

    Parent
    As long as you consider (none / 0) (#42)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 08:30:14 PM EST
    Free tooth paste more important than hip replacements, or health care that provides much lower cancer survival rates TO ALL then it is much better.

    Parent
    Heh (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by Yman on Thu Apr 09, 2015 at 09:13:45 PM EST
    "Much lower cancer survival rates to all"?

    Not so much - Factcheck - Cancer Rates and Unjustified Conclusions.

    But nice try at cherrypicking the only area where the US might (arguably) have better results while ignoring all of the others.

    BTW - Your crocodile tears of concern for people who's hip replacements are delayed in Britain would be better shed for all of those in the US who are unable to ever get it done due to the extraordinary cost in a private, inefficient, prohibitively expensive healthcare system.

    In Need of a New Hip, but Priced Out of the U.S.

    Parent

    Wednesday Open Thread | 45 comments (45 topical)

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