Meet Me At (Bud &) Mary's Place

It turns out April 20th on the calendar is a day of infamy in many ways.  In 2010 it marked the day of an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that led to the largest oil spill in history.  In 1999 it was the day two stupid and heavily armed students murdered 13 people at Columbine high school -- one of the first notorious school shootings, which have since become almost commonplace.  And if you really want to go down a hole, apparently April 20th was also the day Hitler was born.

But let’s face it, April 20th is really a national day to celebrate marijuana.  You know, that federally illegal substance which is less addictive and probably less mind-altering than federally legal alcohol or prescription drugs.  Because America is repressed like that.

More states continue to authorize regulated, recreational cannabis use. Recent ones include the more liberal state of New York and the more conservative state of Missouri.  That latter one means Iowa now has neighbors bordering on two sides (Illinois being the other) that will suck up tax money for recreational sales.

Iowa still remains in the dark ages with only a limited medical marijuana program. Recently, however, I looked more closely at Iowa’s medical marijuana program, and I’m glad to say it isn't quite as draconian as I thought.  

Iowa's main retailer of medical cannabis has recently changed its name to Bud & Mary‘s, and has started a subtle yet effective marketing campaign to make sure people are aware of its availability. They even had a booth at last year’s state fair.

Based on direct knowledge I have from someone with an Iowa medical cannabis card, they aren't that difficult to get, thanks to willing physicians who sign off, many of whom are recommended by Bud & Mary's.  And while the maximum amount that can be obtained in a 90-day period is limited, one would have to be daily user to be affected by it.

Knowing that Iowa's conservative Republican legislative majority and governor have gone out of their way for years to keep recreational sales illegal, and minimize that availability of medical marijuana, it gives me great pleasure to hear that out more informed Iowa citizens have done what they can to 'stick it to the man' when it comes to access.

Now that's something to celebrate.

All Fo(u)r Twenty

Today is 4/20, making it a perfect time to again comment on the movement to decriminalize and expand the availability of cannabis in America.  You know, marijuana, the drug that is safer than alcohol but treated like cocaine.

We're up to ten states now that have legalized marijuana in some non-medical way.  Ten now, but what will it take to get to twenty and beyond?

Unfortunately, while the polls continue to show an increasing majority of Americans support marijuana legalization, the federal government and most states still don't allow it.  They don't even allow medical marijuana usage, which has an even larger majority of American support.

So, what gives?  Let's just use my home (red) state of Iowa as an example.  It has a Republican governor and legislature, so even though legalization is popular overall, it isn't so popular inside their conservative constituencies.  The Rs basically have a bend-but-don't-break attitude, where they act like they're doing something without actually doing anything.

For example, Iowa does some medical cannabis usage through a few approved dispensaries, but prescriptions can only be filled with minimal amounts of THC.  It's so little, in fact, Iowa isn't even considered a medical marijuana state.  This in spite of calls by doctors and pharmacists to increase the maximum THC dosage.

This is the worst, dumbest way to do things, because lots of effort produces zero positive results.  People / patients aren't getting better, and the state gets no tax revenue.  The fact that a neighboring state (Illinois) this year legalized cannabis just makes it even worse / dumber, since motivated Iowans simply drive across the border.  The result is, the people get what they want, but another state benefits from the commerce.

In the end, Iowa and other non-cannabis states would be better off financially just not allowing any marijuana usage, rather than limiting it the way they are.  Of course, if they legalized it, those states would see a multi-million dollar tax revenue bonanza -- but since the Rs don't want to look so bad politically, they do things one drip at a time, showcasing the insanity of their ways

One small irony in all of this is that Iowa does consider its dispensaries to be essential businesses, so they remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was an effective, natural drug that could help everyone through the pandemic, not only physically but mentally?  And regulated selling of that same drug could create millions in tax revenue being lost by the state due to the same pandemic?

Maybe by next 4/20.

2019

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?  No, it's time to again review the things I wanted to have happen this year, and consider some things I would like to see happen in 2019.  As usual, we start with the prior year's list, with comments in ALL CAPS:

-The failure of Bitcoin, not as an idea, but as an investment.
BITCOIN'S SHARE PRICE WENT FROM OVER $15,000 TO UNDER $4,000.  THESE DAYS, IT'S AN AFTERTHOUGHT.

-An NCAA scandal so large they will have to start allowing players a cut of revenues.
THERE WAS/IS A RATHER LARGE SCANDAL RELATED TO SHOE COMPANY REPS GETTING MONEY TO DIRECT AMATEUR BASKETBALL PLAYERS TO CERTAIN SCHOOLS.  BUT SO FAR IT'S ONLY LED TO A FEW COACHES BEING FIRED.

-More destinations and ways to fly on Southwest Airlines.
WELL, THEY ADDED A DIRECT DES MOINES - PHOENIX FLIGHT.

-A widespread ability to charge devices without a cord (also asked for this for 2016).
NOPE.

-A new governor / lieutenant governor elected for Iowa.
IT LOOKED LIKE THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE A SURPRISING DISAPPOINTMENT.

-Let's try this -- exponential growth in the cannabis industry to the extent all states will want a piece of it through taxation.
ALMOST READY TO SAY THIS HAPPENED.  [I JUST COVERED THIS IN MY LAST POST.]

-Greater national and international awareness of CRISPR (genome editing) technology.
THERE HAVE BEEN MORE NATIONAL STORIES ABOUT THIS.

-Smaller entree portions served in restaurants, for a reduced price.
THE PORTIONS MAY HAVE GOTTEN LARGER.

-Fewer national weather disasters, but more understanding of climate change.
ANOTHER ITEM THAT MOVED FARTHER AWAY FROM HAPPENING, NOT CLOSER.

-The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.
CARRYING THIS ONE OVER TO NEXT YEAR.

Now, for 2019 I'd like to see these things happen:

The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.

The electric vehicle becoming America's fastest growing (by percentage) seller.

Alabama and Clemson and New England to have poor football seasons.

Some major medical breakthrough, perhaps a vaccine to eliminate a dread disease.

Consistent, moderate summer rain in central Iowa.

A priest actually arrested and charged and jailed for past sexual abuse.

More cities allowing app-based scooter rentals.

Another scandal that ruins another Fox TV personality.

U.S. restaurants that allow payment by app, OR that bring the credit card reader to your table.

Me traveling to one of the five continental states in which I've never set foot.

Yes We Cannabis

It’s time to catch up on the good news in world of cannabis!

In sum, the news is positive enough that I’m almost ready to declare that January 2018 will one day be considered the ‘tipping point’ in time for full decriminalization of marijuana in America.  (There’s only one thing standing in the way of that right now, more on that in a few paragraphs.)

The thing getting the most attention now is the legalization of recreation marijuana in the state of California.  That became effective on January 1, 2018, and now like several other (mostly western) states, they allow anyone at least age 21 to buy a limited amount of cannabis daily.

The difference here is, California is the most populous state in the country.  As such, the implications are more profound.  One of these implications is the amount of tax revenue this law will bring to a state that sorely needs it.

Make no mistake, money (i.e. tax revenue) is why cannabis will ultimately be legalized in all 50 states.   That isn’t the only reason, nor the best reason, but it’s the main reason.

[This would normally be where I go on a rant about how marijuana should be no more controlled than alcohol, and probably less controlled than prescription drugs.  But I’ve covered society’s asinine attitude about that more than once before, and specifically in regard to medical marijuana.]

One lesser but still important pot-related action happened just this week in Vermont (Vermont!), where the governor signed a bill making it the ninth state to legalize marijuana effective July 1, 2018.  The difference is that Vermont was the first state to do it via legislation, rather than by a voter-approved ballot initiative.  That is a big deal, and the first admission that states want to grab the tax revenue.

Regarding that one thing standing in the way of ‘tipping point’ actualization…..we currently have an old white male dominated (Republican) party in charge of the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government, along with an old white guy U.S. attorney general that thinks marijuana is evil.  That means marijuana, for now, will likely maintain its federal designation as a Schedule I drug along with things like heroine and LSD – good grief.

These will all need to be changed before the pro-cannabis world can truly take over.  It’s only a matter of time, however, and that time is much shorter than it seemed only a few weeks ago.

2018

Another New Year's Eve (eve) is here, so it's time for my annual review of the things I wanted to have happen in the past year, and a fresh list of things I want to have happen in the next year.  Here's the 2017 list, with comments in ALL CAPS:

-Again:  At least some progress on medical marijuana in Iowa,

THE GOOD NEWS IS, SOME PROGRESS WAS MADE.  IT'S GOING TO BE A TAD BIT EASIER FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT TO GET IT.  THE BAD NEWS IS, IOWA IS STILL NOT FULLY COMMITTED TO IT.

-Some type of institutional or legal control over fake news / social media.

FACEBOOK HAS TAKEN SOME ACTION, ALBEIT TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE.  AT THIS POINT, IT'S HARD TO GET IN FRONT OF IT, BECAUSE THE PRESIDENT LIVES IN A VIRTUAL REALTY WORLD THAT HE WANTS OTHERS TO BELIEVE IS NORMAL.

-Related to the above, more critical thinkers, fewer idiots who believe everything they hear.

THERE ARE MORE CRITICAL THINKERS ON THE LEFT, AND LET'S JUST SAY FEWER CRITICAL THINKERS ON THE RIGHT.

-GPS technology used in major sporting events, e.g. to mark the ball in football games, and for the strike zone in baseball games.

NOPE.  LOSERS.

-More working from home by me.

THIS HAPPENED, BUT TO ONLY ABOUT 25% OF THE LEVEL IT SHOULD HAVE.

-The return of popular mainstream rock bands and rock music.

THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN, HOWEVER, I SAW RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS AND JOE WALSH AND TOM PETTY (AND SCHEDULED TO SEE BOB SEGER) IN CONCERT.  SO IT WASN'T ALL BAD.

-Implementation of the fiduciary rule, and the demise of commission-based financial advice.

THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION ALLOWED THE RULES TO GO INTO EFFECT, BUT THERE WILL BE NO ENFORCEMENT UNTIL AT LEAST 2019.  SO, NO.  AND SINCE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE IN THE REPUBLICAN'S POCKETS, MIGHT AS WELL FORGET ABOUT THIS FOR A FEW MORE YEARS.

-The resignation or impeachment of an unqualified president -- no names, any one will do.

NOT AS CRAZY AS IT SOUNDED LAST YEAR. WILL ADD PUSH THIS FORWARD.  IT WON'T BE ANY FUN TO ASK IT FOR 2019 BECAUSE BY THEN IT WILL BE LIKELY.

For 2018 I'd like to see:

The failure of Bitcoin, not as an idea, but as an investment.

An NCAA scandal so large they will have to start allowing players a cut of revenues.

More destinations and ways to fly on Southwest Airlines.

A widespread ability to charge devices without a cord (also asked for this for 2016).

A new governor / lieutenant governor elected for Iowa. 

Let's try this -- exponential growth in the cannabis industry to the extent all states will want a piece of it through taxation.

Greater national and international awareness of CRISPR (genome editing) technology.

Smaller entree portions served in restaurants, for a reduced price.

Fewer national weather disasters, but more understanding of climate change.

The resignation or impeachment of a mentally unstable and unqualified president -- again, no names.

Iowa's Medical Marijuana "Victory"

Let's briefly ignore the fact that we should legalize recreational marijuana, and instead make time for an Iowa medical marijuana update.....

When last we visited the Iowa legislative and executive branch, our soon-to-be-gone Republican Governor Branstad (leaving to become the biggest dufus ambassador to China we've ever had) and the Republican-controlled House were still doing everything they could to pretend that even highly-regulated medical marijuana was a gateway drug.

More specifically, Iowa law allowed certain medically-eligible patients to possess a small amount of pot, but it can't be grown or purchased in Iowa nor imported it from another state.  It's a joke.

A glimmer of hope for the future occurred at the end of this year's legislative session, when the Iowa Senate -- where there is now also a majority of Republicans, just fewer dumb ones -- overwhelmingly passed a bill that would expand medical marijuana to many more afflictions, and well as allow a few Iowa-based regulated growing centers.

Unfortunately, the House watered it down to the point that there won't be enough THC (the psychoactive constitute in cannabis that matters to medical marijuana patients) in the drug to make a difference for most who need it.  And who knows if the outgoing governor will sign it into law, although he probably will because it will politically help the incoming governor.

So in summary, it's another hollow victory for medical marijuana in Iowa, which is actually a step up from the completely empty victory of the past.  The state remains mired in a stupid, fearful 'unintended consequences' attitude that has prevailed in Iowa for some time, even in the middle of the biggest opioid addiction crisis in history, and a still-increasing number of alcohol-related deaths.

The bottom line is, if my child or I was suffering physically, and I knew using marijuana helped, I would go get it anywhere, anyhow, and dare somebody to arrest me for possessing or using it.  Also, I'd laugh at the fact Iowa is missing out on getting taxes from me out of the deal.....Idiots!

2017

It's time for my annual review of the list of things I wanted to happen the prior 12 months, and give my list of things I want to occur in the next 12 months.  Here's the 2016 list, with comments in ALL CAPS:

-At least some progress, not regress, on medicinal marijuana legalization in Iowa.
NOPE TO DOPE AGAIN, BUT AT LEAST THERE WAS A BILL ON WHICH TO VOTE.

-Chris Christie versus Hillary Clinton for president, with ? winning.
HILLARY LOST THE PRESIDENCY, WHILE CHRISTIE LOST HIS POLITICAL CAREER.

-A higher stock market.
AFFIRMATIVE, BUT IT DIDN'T LOOK GOOD ON FEBRUARY 1ST.

-Just one actual, even very minor piece of legislation to make it slightly more difficult to buy a gun.
DESPITE MORE VIOLENCE, WE'VE NEVER BEEN FARTHER FROM THIS HAPPENING.

-The personal, financial, and political implosion of Donald Trump.
THE OPPOSITE HAPPENED THIS YEAR, BUT IT WILL EVENTUALLY HAPPEN.

-A way to charge devices without a wire.
NO, BUT WIRELESS HEADPHONE HAVE GONE MAINSTREAM.

-An à la carte option for cable and satellite TV channels.
THANKS TO PRESSURE FROM STREAMING SERVICES, SEEING SMALL PROGRESS.

-More time for eating right, less time for exercise.
ENDED UP DOING MORE OF BOTH, WHICH WAS A GOOD THING.

For 2017 I'd like to see:

Again:  At least some progress on medical marijuana in Iowa,

Some type of institutional or legal control over fake news / social media.

Related to the above, more critical thinkers, fewer idiots who believe everything they hear.

GPS technology used in major sporting events, e.g. to mark the ball in football games, and for the strike zone in baseball games.

More working from home by me.

The return of popular mainstream rock bands and rock music.

Implementation of the fiduciary rule, and the demise of commission-based financial advice.

The resignation or impeachment of an unqualified president -- no names, any one will do.

It's Like I Always Say

Over the years, I've had quite a few sayings that I've become fond of repeating.  For the most part, outside of my spouse and children, no one would know these quotes.

Now that I've just had another birthday, I'm getting old enough that I want to put these in writing.  I do this below knowing it will be a working list, I expect to add to it:

* There’s nothing wrong in living your life with a quiet confidence in what you’re doing.  [Social media and reality TV have ruined this concept.]

* There are no bad kids, there are only bad parents.

* No one is completely useless, because even useless people can be used as a bad example.

* He who lives with the afflicted, also suffers.

* Sometimes the reason a person does things is the same reason a dog licks his balls -- because he can.

* When you blame yourself, you feel like no one else has the right to blame you.

* If you aren't going to have an opinion about things, why bother waking up in the morning?

* People who don't support medical marijuana don't believe in evolution.

Mayo-praise

Due in part to a major medical issue from 15+ years ago, I occasionally go to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for diagnostic testing and check-ups.  It started out as a kind of second opinion on treatment I'd already received, to help determine if there was a different / better course going forward.  I got comfortable with doctor(s) I saw there, and it morphed into semi-annual, then annual, and now once every 3-5 years deal at my discretion.

I made my latest Mayo visit this week.  It's about a 3 hour, one-way trip, and although I've done the entire visit in a day, I usually add a one-night hotel stay.  When I go now, I'm contemplative about the prior visits, and why I still go there.

The bottom line is, Mayo is different than other health care providers.  In dozens of testing appointments over the years, I've rarely had to wait.  The staff has always been 'Minnesota Nice' in those times.  Perhaps best of all, the diagnostic testing reports are done immediately, so I can visit the doctor, often in the same building, within a couple of hours to hear the outcome.

Factor in that the Mayo Clinic doctors are salaried staff.  They don't get paid more for seeing more patients, or for ordering more tests.  It's a very patient-friendly model, and from that perspective, it's almost infuriating that health care organizations aren't all mandated to operate in that same way.

However, it isn't the most financially-friendly model.  It's definitely more expensive, for both the testing and the doctor visits.  So, if you don't have insurance coverage, there may be a question of value, something that can't be overlooked.

Fortunately, I have insurance.  I also have a desire to  go to a place where I'll know about any medical breakthroughs related to my condition / treatment, if and when that happens.  I still feel the trip to the Mayo Clinic is worth the extra time and cost.

You Have A Tumor

In July of 2000, after a few months searching for answers about chronic fatigue and stiffness in my legs, I got a call from my family physician.  It was obvious this was no ordinary call; it was Sunday morning around 9 A.M.

After a quick exchange of pleasantries, I will always remembers her next words:  "You have a tumor."  I will never remember much about the rest of the call, beyond being told to go to the hospital later to visit with a neurosurgeon she recommended to me.

In short, I had surgery a few days later to remove a spinal tumor.  Although the pathology was not confirmed for a couple of weeks, it was later determined to be a benign ependymoma.

Today, July 14, 2015, marks the 15th anniversary of that surgery, the only in-patient surgery I've ever had so far, and hopefully the only one I'll ever have.  Several weeks later, it was followed by a six-week course of preventative radiation therapy, which I know I'll never have again.

I don't want to write much about it, I don't even want to talk much about it, but it's a good time for me to look back and consider the lasting impressions I have now:

• There is no not being scared when you are told you have a tumor.  It doesn't help for others to tell you it's going to be fine.  However, one thing that does somewhat mitigate the fear is drugs, in my case Xanax, which has a way of making you not care about things even though you know they are very serious.  This remains the only time I've ever taken something like Xanax, but I can understand how and why people get addicted to it.

• The internet is an incredibly distracting, mentally exhausting resource for looking up health issues.  It's 50/50 to me whether it was (is) a good thing or a bad thing.  But what might help is to find someone else who's been through what you're going to go through.  I wish I would have known someone else in my situation, someone who might have given credible advice.  Unfortunately, it was kind of a rare deal, so much that the internet didn't even help.

• When someone is going through a recovery and/or long-term oncology-type treatment, send them a card sometime.  Misery loves company, even when the company isn't as miserable as you.  It's just good to know that others haven't forgotten about what not only you, but also your family, are going through.

• Don't act in such a hurried or fearful way that you make non-emergency medical decisions without getting a second opinion.  I didn't, and although I feel like I had a good surgeon and a good outcome, in retrospect, I'd have gotten a second opinion on both the surgery and especially on the preventative radiation therapy.

• There wasn't anything good about this tumor/surgery/treatment, but if I had to pick something, it's that I no longer care about aging.  In fact, I've considered every birthday in the past 15 years to be a gift.  Health is a gift.  Age is a gift.  Too bad I had to spend a few weeks thinking about dying young before I figured that out.

Post #300

This is my 300th blog post since I started it around six years ago.  As with post #200, let's take a look at some of what I wrote about over the past 100 posts spanning about two years:

I wrote with more practical, real life advice for high school and college graduates.

I wrote about a variety of investment issues, client-approved of course.

I wrote about how a political lackey masquerading as a university president ended VEISHEA.

I wrote more about the best songwriters and lyrics from yesteryear.

I wrote about how pop culture should start ignoring Lolo Jones, well before pop culture came to the same conclusion.

I wrote about major cities I visited.

I wrote more about taxpayers getting fleeced, and the primary non-profit fleecers.

I wrote about how medical doctors are self-centered, not patient-centered.

I wrote about what turning 50 years old meant to me, in a mostly non-philosophical way.

I wrote about a variety of ways that people / politicians / governments refuse to accept the evolution of social issues, such as how dumb it is to oppose both medical marijuana and decriminalization of marijuana, and how dumb it is to allow 2,000+ year-old religious doctrine control all of their secular decisions.

I wrote a little bit about a lot of other things, all in the name of getting things off my mind.

The Circle Of Competence

Among the many profound investing philosophies of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger are some that extend beyond the area of finance.  Today I select one it seems I've cited a lot lately, that being the idea of staying within one's own "Circle of Competence."

The basic premise is simple:  When you don't really know what you're doing, it's much riskier than when you do know what you're doing.  This is one of those premises that everybody knows, but most still violate from time to time, even very smart people.

This concept is straightforward in finance, where another quote Buffett often refers to (not his) works as an explanation:  "When a man with money meets a man with experience, the man with experience leaves with the money, and the man with money leaves with the experience."

Consider, however, the practical, non-financial life applications to the Circle or Competence.  How often don't you hear from someone giving you unsolicited and unqualified advice on issues of relationships?  What about on issues of fashion?  Or how about my most recent favorite, those who have no medical or health training, but want you to accept their understandings and beliefs on all sorts of specific medical or health related issues?

Those offering opinions that are outside their Circle of Competence are doing even more than nothing to help you or themselves.  They're actually going into negative territory, because you may be able to take advantage of their incompetence.  Here again, this may be most readily apparent in the world of finance, but applies to other walks of life.

The most important part of all this is knowing one's own Circle of Competence. Munger was once quoted as saying, in a bit of a self-fulfilling prophetic way, "It isn't a competency if you don't know the edge of it."

Which Doctor / Witch Doctor, Part II

My last entry covered my frustration with traditional physicians and their lack of treatment on my sore shoulder.  At the end, I declared my intention of turning to alternative medicine next, if necessary.

Unfortunately, I don't see going 'all-in' on the alternative medicine stuff.  That isn't because I question the therapeutic benefits -- I accept that there are scientifically understandable aspects to things like chiropractic care, acupuncture, even natural foods/oils,

The problem is, so many of the practitioners of alternative medicine, ARE all-in.  When I see and hear them rejecting any benefits of modern medicine, they and their beliefs lose credibility.

I think the best example of this is treatment for the flu.  So many people are affected by it each winter (with this winter being one of the worst), you'd think everyone would get on board with the idea of a getting a flu shot.  The science is clear -- introduce the dead virus to the body, essentially training it to attack the virus strain.

However, the alternative medicine folks want you to believe the flu can effectively be avoided, or its impact lessened, by going to the chiropractor or inhaling/ingesting/applying some natural element.  They feel the body is already able to counteract any viral or bacterial attack as long as it's in optimum working order.  And why introduce something unnatural into the body.

That's mostly crazy-talk.  Our bodies are exposed to so many non-natural (chemical) elements these days, it doesn't follow that the body should be expected to manage it on its own, without some non-natural (chemical) elements like over-the-counter or prescription drugs.  [Aside: Maybe here we can at least agree that natural but currently illegal elements like cannabis / marijuana would be helpful?]

Here's another way I've framed it for my hard-core alternative medicine friends;  Why is it that I'm willing to compromise and accept alternative medicine as part of a holistic health program, but they are so adamantly opposed to any type of modern medicines?  Is it because it makes sense, or is it because others who've convinced them to believe in it so much will also profit from that belief (e.g. chiropractors, natural element sellers, etc.)

And finally -- how come I never hear the alternative medicine folks talking about the role of exercise in health?  You'd think this would be right down their alley, I mean, what could be a better way to naturally keep the body in top form?  I think the answer is the same as it is for everyone else -- it's easier to inhaling/ingest/apply something to the body than it is to spend 30 minutes sweating. Ergo, alternative medicine.

In conclusion, both modern and alternative medicine practitioners (and exercise!) play a role in good health.  Also, both modern and alternative medicine practitioners are trying to gain financially from what they say/do, so it's probably a good idea not to believe everything they say/do.

Which Doctor / Witch Doctor

This is a story of how traditional doctors failed me.  It's also a story about why people turn to those who practice alternative medicine, to a fault.

Last November, I made an office visit to my family physician for chronic 'minor' shoulder pain I'd had for a few months.  After an exam and x-ray, I was essentially diagnosed with tendinitis/bursitis and given stretching exercises to do.

Over the course of the next few weeks the pain was reduced by approximately 50%, but I made another office visit in late December, because I didn't want to wait again as long for the rest of the shoulder discomfort to go away.  I asked about getting a cortisone shot (more on this later), and my doctor said that seemed reasonable, and scheduled an appointment for me with an orthopedist.

It all seems very reasonable so for, right?  Well, here’s where it starts to fall apart.

First, the orthopedist’s office called to take my new patient information over the phone, which I did in a five minute interview.  Great idea, right?  Then I won’t have to spend a bunch of time filling out those pesky forms at the office.

Unfortunately, when I got to the office, I was given a bunch of paperwork to complete.  When I told the reception staff that I’d already taken some time to provide that data over the phone, I was told that my particular doctor “prefers to have you fill out those forms.”  Thank you for wasting my time, medical office!  Maybe you should inform the person who called me?  Just an idea.

Next, the orthopedist’s nurse tells me they need another x-ray.  I asked to see the orthopedist to understand why, because that had already been done weeks ago, and was informed they “needed it from a different angle.”  Factor in by this time, it’s already been ½ hour since I entered this office (plus a five minute pre-visit phone interview), so I’m officially getting annoyed that no progress has been made, nor will any be made until I get another x-ray.

After the x-ray (again negative – surprise!) and exam, I get a diagnosis of ‘frozen shoulder’ and the orthopedist simply tells me to do more and different stretching exercises.  What about a cortisone shot?  I was told it might temporarily help, but that would be something to discuss if my shoulder wasn't better in about 30 days, when of course, I should come back.

So let me recap:  I've already invested the time and money for three doctor’s office visits and assorted paperwork over the course of about 8 weeks, and for that I've got nothing but a few exercises and a still-problem shoulder that may or may not get better inch-by-inch, plus I can look forward to coming back for another office visit to get more of nothing in another month!

What did I expect?  At the least, I expected some temporary relief via a cortisone shot.  If you think that’s a dumb idea because it only treats the symptoms, I'd say you were correct, and I’d also say screw you, because you haven’t been bothered by (and lost sleep from) a bum shoulder for almost six months.  Throw me a bone, for god's sake.  At least give me something for my money.

In the end, I’m pretty much where I was months ago, spending more time with a chronic dull pain in my shoulder, with no immediate relief in sight.  This is exactly what I was trying to avoid happening, by going to see a doctor.

At this point, I see no reason to go back to see a traditional doctor if my shoulder is still hurting; I've already done that three times, with almost nothing to show for it.  (Note: That won’t keep them from billing my insurance for several hundred dollars, or more, for their ‘work.’)

Can you imagine paying for any other service, on multiple occasions, and getting no satisfaction, but still be expected by the servicing entity to come back to them?  If I had a car problem, and went to two different mechanics on three different instances to get it fixed, and it still wasn't repaired, is it reasonable to keep going back to them?  That's a 'definition of insanity' alert.

If I feel I still need medical treatment, what medical provider do I want to see now?  It isn't a matter of which doctor, it's more a matter of a witch doctor, perhaps -- a practitioner of alternative medicine.  Maybe an acupuncturist, massage therapist, or even chiropractor.  Why not?  At least somebody would be actively trying something.....

Of course, there’s a downside to alternative care, too.  For more on that, check back another time for Part II of Which Doctor / Witch Doctor!

The Sound of One Hand Clapping

I was thinking about a blog post to update this one on Iowa's repressed views of medicinal marijuana.  Then the Des Moines Register published the following editorial, which is pretty consistent with my views:

Iowa parents will no longer face prosecution if they purchase a special marijuana extract for their severely epileptic children. Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill into law, which takes effect July 1, that allows parents to buy a cannabis oil that may lessen seizures. For that, he and the Legislature deserve credit.

“This bill received tremendous support and truly shows the power of people talking to their legislators and to their governor about important issues to them, to their families and to their children,” Branstad said shortly before he signed Senate File 2360.

Parents did work relentlessly the past few months to gain support from lawmakers. And that did make all the difference in swaying elected officials. However, this law is only the first step toward changes Iowa needs to make.

The parents who will be legally allowed to purchase the cannabis oil still face obstacles. They need a recommendation from an Iowa neurologist and will have to travel to other states with less restrictive marijuana laws to obtain the oil. They may face waiting lists.

Also, the change in law benefits only a small group of Iowans with the most organized lobbying efforts. Other sick Iowans should have legal access to marijuana extracts, too. These include people with painful and debilitating conditions like cancer, spinal cord injuries and severe arthritis, who may benefit from the drug. But if these people obtain cannabis oil, they will still be considered criminals in this state.

Benton Mackenzie, for example, has been diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessels. The 48-year-old was growing his own marijuana to make cannabis oil to shrink skin lesions caused by the disease. After the plants were confiscated from his parents’ home in Long Grove last summer, his lesions have grown enormous and his health has deteriorated.

Mackenzie and his wife are both charged with felony drug possession. His 73-year-old parents are charged with hosting a drug house. His son is charged with misdemeanor possession, and his friend is charged in the drug conspiracy. A Scott County district judge recently ruled Mackenzie won’t be able to use his illness as a defense.

“At least the state is now recognizing, with a law, that marijuana has medicinal value,” said Mackenzie.

Yes, but the state has much more work to do on this issue.

Branstad and other mostly Republicans in Iowa want us to applaud how open-minded they were in helping just a few Iowans with the cannabis oil law, in the absolute most minimal way possible.  It's a joke.

To paraphrase the old Zen riddle, they deserve the applause made by the sound of one hand clapping.

Bad Medicine

On March 16th, 2014 I had a letter to the editor published in the Sunday Des Moines Register.  They edited it, so here it is with the edited part in brackets:

So Iowa Governor Branstad opposes legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes (on the vague grounds of 'unintended consequences'), [while our legislative 'leaders' pat themselves on the back simply because they had a 'conversation' about it this year.]  Both government branches claim the issue needs more study.

The reality is, there's nothing else to study.  Twenty other states already allow medicinal marijuana. Dispensing it by prescription isn't rocket science.  Plus, a majority of Iowans want to legalize medicinal marijuana.

Yet, Iowa is no where near the point at which its narrow-minded political leaders are willing to act to reduce the pain and suffering of some of its citizens.

Iowa doesn't need more study-time to legalize medicinal marijuana.  What it needs is its legislative and executive branch to stop assuming marijuana is an evil drug, and start focusing on the good it can do.

See it here.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does

There are many iconic phrases given to us by the novel/movie Forrest Gump, e.g. "Run Forrest, run!" or "Life is like a box of chocolates."  The one that I've been pondering the past few days is, "Stupid is as stupid does."

I've never been quite sure what that phrase means, but I can think of at least one recent instance where it fits perfectly.  That is, in the case of last month's fake 'debate' in the Iowa legislature over medical marijuana.  (Yep, this in another blog post on the topic of pot.  Only the enlightened should continue reading.)

A legislative subcommittee just held a hearing on the topic of medical marijuana, which a new Des Moines Register Iowa Poll revealed is supported by a majority of Iowans.  That didn't stop the old white man who chaired the meeting from starting the hearing by saying, "Doing any bill.....that would legalize marijuana would be one of the stupidest bills that's ever been passed by this organization.  There is no reason to legalize medical marijuana."

Stupid is as stupid does, sir.

Before the hearing, I wonder how many legislators or their family members got their day started by taking an anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, or anti-pain medication, or some other kind of mind altering drug?  And after the hearing, I wonder how many legislators went to one of the nightly lobbyist-sponsored receptions and had an alcoholic drink or two?

I'll bet the answer is, "Lots of them."  But please ignore the man behind the curtain, we have an intellectually dishonest argument to make.  Society has determined that legalizing those other mind-altering substances is perfectly fine, even though they may be addictive, routinely abused, and lead to dire consequences for other people.

Stupid is as stupid does, for sure.

So we won't even have a real debate about controlling and legalizing medical marijuana.  We will merrily go along another year in Iowa, not only ignoring the incontrovertible organic health benefits of marijuana for some, but also spending millions on anti-pot enforcement and criminal incarceration for others.  Iowa allows gambling, Iowa allows gay marriage, but somehow the social conservatives here continue to beat back progressives on medical marijuana.

Maybe Forrest Gump's mom can explain this to me, because he also once said, "Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them."

"And that's all I have to say about that."

Post #100

When TV shows reach their 100th episode, they usually have a retrospective show that replays some memorable clips. Since this is my 100th blog post, it seems a good time for a retrospective of some of the themes of this blog.

Let's start with this one, from Post #1 on July 26, 2009: "Too many people simply believe what others tell them, with the unfortunate consequence of allowing those who control the message to also control them.....Think about it, then make up your own mind."

Since then, I've tried to get you to think about how taxes, obesity, commissions, and political parties and fringe politicians are bad. On the other hand, medicinal marijuana, some lyrics, fee-based advice, and Caddyshack are good.

Speaking of Caddyshack - in honor not only of the 100th post, but of this weekend's 75th Masters golf tounament, here's my post from February 3, 2010: [standing in an ornamental flowerbed] What an incredible Cinderella story! This unknown, comes out of nowhere, to lead the pack at Augusta. He's at the final hole. He's about 455 yards away, he's gonna hit about a 2-iron, I think... [swings, pulverizes a flower] Oh, he got all of that! The crowd is standing on its feet here at Augusta. The normally reserved crowd is going wild...for this young Cinderella who's come out of nowhere. He's got about 350 yards left, he's going to hit about a 5-iron, it looks like, don't you think? He's got a beautiful backswing... [swings, pulverizes another flower] That's...oh, he got all of that one! He's gotta be pleased with that! The crowd is just on its feet here. He's a Cinderella boy. Tears in his eyes, I guess, as he lines up this last shot. He's got about 195 yards left, and he's got a, looks like he's got about an 8-iron. This crowd has gone deadly silent... Cinderella story, out of nowhere, former greenskeeper, now about to become the Masters champion... [swings, pulverizes yet another flower] It looks like a mirac- it's in the hole! It's in the hole!

Here's to the next 100 posts!

More Things For Which I'm Not Thankful

A year ago today, on the cusp of Thanksgiving Day 2009, I made a brief list of things for which I was not thankful:
http://streffblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/im-thankful-for-this-but-not-for-that.html

Today, on the eve of Thanksgiving Day 2010, I bring you more of those things:

Far right AND left wing media personalities. I'm now convinced the lefties exist, just not in as great of numbers. I also hereby expand this to include anyone outside the political mainstream, media or not. (I'm looking at you, Bob Vander Plaats.)

Iraq / Afghanistan / North Korea.

Subsidies.

Homophobes. (Again, I'm looking at you, Bob Vander Plaats.)

People who oppose medical marijuana at the least, and who oppose criminalization of marijuana at the most.

Anyone working on commission.

Malingerers.

People who live unhealthy lifestyles, especially if they're smokers.

Alcohol Defeats Marijuana Again (Sigh)

The following is from an article published on November 1, 2010:

"London, England (CNN) -- Alcohol ranks "most harmful" among a list of 20 drugs -- beating out crack and heroin -- according to study results released by a British medical journal, The Lancet. A panel of experts weighed the physical, psychological and social problems caused by the drugs and determined that alcohol was the most harmful overall. Using a new scale to evaluate harms to individual users and others, alcohol received a score of 72 on a scale of 1 to 100, the study says. That makes it almost three times as harmful as cocaine or tobacco, according to the article."

I bring this up as a precursor to one of my bigger disappointments from Election 2010. While some good things happened, such as Iowa replacing its pitiful governor, at least two states failed in attempts to pass laws that would have eased restrictions on marijuana use. South Dakota rejected medicinal marijuana (they obviously didn't pass along enough copies of my blog post on the topic at http://streffblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/medicine-and-marijuana.html), and California rejected a proposal that would have essentially decriminalized (at the state level) possession of very small amounts of MJ.

So to recap, people continue to use -and via advertising are encouraged to use - alcohol, but are severly restricted from not only using, but just possessing MJ. This is despite the fact that alcohol is just as addicting and mind altering, and based on the story above, far more harmful. (There was no mention in the article where exactly marijuana placed on the list of harmful drugs, but it obviously was less so than alcohol.)

Who knew it would be this difficult, well into the 21st century, to get Americans to understand how screwed up they are when it comes to using alcohol versus MJ. We have once again proven that we are, hands down, the most repressed free society in the world.