Received this from several folks since yesterday:
Archive for the ‘Lists’ Category
AAR – After Action Review in the Fire Service
In Opportunities, Lists, Everyday Living on May 18, 2013 at 4:29 amAgenda from last night’s borough council meeting
In Everyday Living, Government, In Columbia, Lists, People on May 14, 2013 at 5:00 amThe May 2013 borough council meeting was held at the borough hall’s council chambers last night. All the councillors but Jody Gable, who was ill, were present, as was the mayor, solicitor, borough financial officer, the outgoing borough manager and the new borough manager. Council president, Michael Beury convened the meeting of nearly a dozen citizens – including five students from Lancaster Catholic High School’s government class – at 7:00 pm. The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Agenda – page 0ne
Agenda – page two
Meeting notes: Below are a few notes on some of last night’s topics of discussion. Again, the best way to know what transpired at any meeting is to attend in person. Otherwise, the information you get about what happened will be second-hand: it will Read the rest of this entry »
“Hospital charges a mystery to many: Federal report spotlights apparently illogical nature of health care costs for consumers”
In Education, Government, Lists, Opportunities on May 12, 2013 at 3:20 amColumbia news, views and reviews has posted several articles about the wide range and inconsistent pricing practices of hospitals. We shared our personal experience about prices for the same services at two Lancaster County hospitals.
SOURCE: Wesley Bedrosian | The New York Times
Today’s Sunday News article goes into more discussion of the issue of pricing.
by CINDY STAUFFER | Staff Writer | The Sunday News, Lancaster, PA
“If you need hip replacement surgery, you will face a wide range of charges here, depending on the hospital you choose.
“Lancaster Regional Medical Center charged the most for major joint replacement surgery, $60,434, of the four hospitals here, according to a recent federal report on 2011 charges.
“Across town, Lancaster General Hospital charged the least, $37,761, about $23,000 less than Regional.
“But hang on to your crutches, patients. There’s more.
“Though LGH charged the least, Medicare, the federal insurance for the elderly paid it the most of all the hospitals here, $13,400.
“Confused yet? Join the club.
“The federal government’s recent release of hospital charges and Medicare payments for common procedures at 3,300 hospitals is raising many questions.
“The report shines a light on the seemingly illogical nature of health care charges here Read the rest of this entry »
10 Reasons The War On Terror Is Killing You – Listverse
In Everyday Living, Government, History and Heritage, Lists, Opinions on May 7, 2013 at 5:00 am“In 2001, a handful of extremists perpetrated the single biggest massacre on American soil in history. Since then, the entire Western world has gone into lockdown—ramping up security, launching international wars and trying its goddamn best to wipe out the terrorist menace. Only problem is: it isn’t working. Not only is ‘terror’ alive and well, our failed war on it is harming all of us, thanks to things like:
SOURCE: Listverse
Shopping for hospital services?
In Everyday Living, Lists on May 1, 2013 at 5:00 amYou may have skipped over this item when Columbia news, views & reviews published it in December 2012:
- Find out the outcomes, charges and re-admissions for “12 Common Medical Conditions and Surgical Procedures” at Lancaster and York County hospitals by clicking here.
When we had a surgical procedure (meniscus tear) done on both knees recently, we decided to check out the price differential first-hand. In November, 2012, one surgery took place. The other was performed in January 2013. Here are the hospital (only) charges from the Medicare insurance claims processed.
Lancaster Regional: 29881 – Removal Of One Knee Cartilage Using An Endoscope … $15,735.44
Lancaster General: 29881 – Removal Of One Knee Cartilage Using An Endoscope … $9,127.55
The differential appears consistent with the findings in the report; Lancaster General’s prices are lower. In our case, significantly.
If you’d clicked on the above link, you would have been able to see this report prepared by the Pennsylvania Healthcare Cost Containment Council.
In the report readers can see the average price comparisons for selected services performed at hospitals in the central region of the state. According to the report:
“Before we make a major purchase, we usually gather as much information as we can about the available product or service. By comparing what we learn about the quality of the product as well as what will be charged for it, we decide on what we believe is the
best product for the best possible price. When it comes to health care services, Read the rest of this entry »
The company the US keeps
In Government, Lists on April 21, 2013 at 5:56 amThe death penalty worldwide in 2012: A news graphic from the Harrisburg Patriot-News.
“At least 21 countries were known to have carried out executions in 2012. However, it is unclear if executions were carried out in countries in turmoil, such as Syria, in 2012. In 2011, equally 21 countries were reported to have implemented death sentences. These figures represent a significant decrease from a decade ago; in 2003, 28 countries carried out executions.
“At least 682 executions were known to have been carried out worldwide, two more than in 2011. However, the 682 figure does not include the thousands of people who were believed to have been executed in China in 2011.” – SOURCE: Amnesty International
How do we know? The scoop on Home Improvement from the Census Bureau
In Education, Everyday Living, Lists on April 19, 2013 at 4:02 amWhen faced with a choice, many homeowners decide to improve their homes, rather than to move. They modernize the kitchen, replace the roof, finish the basement, add a bathroom, or make their home more energy efficient. This new “How Do We Know?” infographic, “Home Improvements,” (below) uses results from the 2011 American Housing Survey to show the kinds of improvements owners make and the amounts they spend on them. The survey is jointly administered by the Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development and tracks home improvements as well as a large variety of other housing topics.
What would your parents have said? – an opinion
In Government, Lists, Opinions, People on March 23, 2013 at 5:46 amWhen you were a kid, what your parents have said when you told them, “I wrecked the car last night?”
Odds are, they might have said you’re going to pay for the damages. And you were going to be responsible for the increased insurance charges. Oh, yeah, you’re grounded and you won’t be driving for a while.
How strange it is that 10 years after the irresponsible, irrational act of going to war without a plan, we don’t ask, heck, demand, that those who authorized the Bush team to go to war to pay for the wreckage?
A few days ago, Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius, wrote this opinion column which began:
“Ten years ago this week, I was covering the U.S. military as it began its assault on Iraq. As I read back now over my clips, I see a few useful warnings about the difficulties ahead. But I owe readers an apology for being wrong on the overriding question of whether the war made sense.”
He and countless others are only now questioning the wisdom of going to war with no clear plan. Only people with maniacal minds like McCain and Cheney cling to the horribly ill-thought ideology that everything can be fixed when we unleash the dogs of Lockheed-Martin, Northrup-Grumman, Boeing, Raytheon and others.
It’s time to have those who wrecked the lives of so many … those who have escalated US debt into future generations … those who have continued the lunacy of 19th century jingoism … to pay for their malfeasance … to pay for their recklessness with cash or certainly their resignations from bodies with policy decisions.
Pay for the wrecked car, Joe, and the rest of you who authorized incredible stupidity. Resign now! And pay up.
Fourth Friday in Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville
In Everyday Living, In Columbia, Lists, Opportunities, Treasures on March 19, 2013 at 5:03 amFourth Friday in Columbia has expanded! Working in coordination with the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, participating venues will now be found in Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville. The event name has been modified to reflect that change. Watch for articles and signage that promote Fourth Friday in Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville.
“A Well-Earned Rest” will be on exhibit at Weavings, Ink. This 8’ wide by 5’ high weaving is the original work of artist Phyllis Koster.
Fourth Friday continues this month with a variety of exhibits and offers for the visiting public. Stop by one of many participating venues on Friday, March 22, between 5 and 9 PM. Begin your visit in Wrightsville with a stop at Weavings, Ink. to enjoy the opening reception of their “Trees” exhibit. It features an 8’ wide by 5’ high 5 panel weaving and intricately turned wood pieces, all focusing on the beauty of trees. Continue on to lowercase gallery for the opening reception celebrating the “four” exhibit. Here you will see highlights of the work by the gallery’s four partners. Travel to Columbia to enjoy receptions and a visual feast at Garth Gallery and at Jonal Gallery. Between those two galleries, be sure to stop by Susquehanna Center for the Creative Arts where you will see the handiwork of the artists from the Marietta Arthouse, or stop at Trin’s Beans where you may view the photography from Earthshine Studios.
Watch for supporting venues along the way. Enjoy special discounts and promotions at various locations including the Columbia Historic Market House, Geltz Gotz Goodeze, New Life Upcycling and Antiques, Thundermug Antiques, and Keagy’s Produce featuring Watermelon Rind.
Fourth Friday in Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville is more than an arts experience; it’s a sampling of culture and dining in the river towns. For more information, visit www.PaRivertowns.com or call 717-684-5249.
Today’s tsa* from the TSA**
In Government, Lists, Opinions on March 6, 2013 at 5:50 am*totally stupid acts
** Transportation Safety Administration aka “Totally Screwed-up Agency”
“The US transport safety authority has said it will allow some small pocket knives aboard US flights for the first time since the 9/11 attacks.”
“From 25 April, passengers may bring blades shorter than 2.36in (6cm) and narrower than 0.5in in plane cabins. Fixed blades, razors and box cutters will still be forbidden, the Transport Security Administration (TSA) said.
“The change has been criticised by flight attendants, who say it will put passengers and crew at risk. Also under the new policy, billiard cues, ski poles, and lacrosse and hockey sticks will be allowed in aeroplane cabins in carry-on luggage.” – BBC News
Click here to see the entire list of what’s allowed and what is not.
