The cost of friendhsip

Hello All,

Today I had a follow-up visit with my primary doctor about my ankle. With a two hour drive to meet him, I was not certain that I should go. You see, much of the military is out-sourced to include medical- my medical. Not that most of the medical out-sourcing is my case I just want to clarify that part.

Since I can no longer serve on Active Duty Orders and the member must be on Orders to be seen by a physician, I wondered if Tri-Care would cover this visit. Amazingly enough, my fear was correct and they don’t and would not. I spoke to the young lady at the front desk and she was kind enough to contact Tri-Care on my behalf with this question.

Receiving the phone to speak with their representative I asked, “With whom am I speaking”. A very nice and pleasant female voice on the other end abruptly responded, “Tri-Care!!” I could see the direction this phone call was to head.

I explained my situation, that this was a follow-up visit from an injury sustained during deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She explained she could do nothing about my current situation and if I needed the appointment- I must pay for the visit. So, now it appears that all medical needs for an injury that Tri-Care previously covered 100% now falls upon my unemployed pocket. Hey, that’s ok because something absolutely fantastic came from this conversation.

I explained my situation to my Doctor, who established our “Friendship” at being over three years. He said, “I know physicians should not befriend their patients; however, I truly feel that I know and like you. I have many patients, who I’ve been seeing for more than five years and I could not tell you their names if I saw them on the street.” While this quote may sound poor for a physician, please keep in mind that he was the primary physician for an entire Air Force Reserve Base during its mobilization, close to 3,000 members, added to his current patients!

After my visit today, I mentioned to him my desire to continue our professional relationship, and when this is all behind us to be better friends.

Today, I paid $57.00 that a corporation held responsibility; however, I walked away with a stronger friendship. I’m the winner!

Reach

Changing Updates

Hello All,

With five days since my last post, not much has changed. I had a great time visiting family and friends on Thanksgiving and thank you all for the holiday wishes. I’ve not heard any response of submitted resumes; however, today I did receive an offer that very well may be difficult to refuse. A very good friend, and financial wizard, has called me concerning a partnership. It appears he has found 5-10 acres of vineyard land. His proposal was that he and I join forces and purchase our very own winery. The property centrally located and close enough for either of us in commuting to our primary professions, yet, far enough out that we would be in the country.
My focus has remained to allow my journey find its own way, as opposed to my usual forcing my way through life. If this comes to pass, my entire personal view will have made a complete change.

Sometimes, usually more than not, long term change is good and should be embraced.

Just a quick thought

Reach

Was it Sense, or Cents?

Hello All,

Success is ours!

Today, in a press release from Reuters(insert link here is not working), somebody has come to their senses! Media Tycoon Rupert Murdoch said, “This was an ill-considered project”, as he spoke of the decision when he “scrapped a new book and TV interview in which O.J. Simpson offered a hypothetical account of how he would have killed his ex-wife and her friend.”

Hey Rupert, "You think??????"

"Ill-considered", huh?

Did they pay attention to the general public? Did they finally come to their senses?

Who knows?
Also, what were they thinking originally, was it money or just plain stupidity?

In any language- we can see the direction you are trying to take our society, with this attempt.

Reach

Remember

Hello All,
Saturday night was our Military Ball. During the opening ceremonies, one tradition continues to shred at the heart; it is for this reason, I will share this event with you incase you have never had the honor to experience.

Picture in your mind one single table set aside from the rest and near the head table of the room. With respect, each member who walks near the table remembers. After we were welcomed and had taken our seats, a voice rings throughout the room. One single voice of a female narrates this ceremony to remember.



“As you entered the banquet hall this evening, you may have noticed a small table in a place of honor. It is set for five to honor each branch of service. This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst.

Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard.

They are commonly called POWs or MIAs; we call them "Brothers." They are unable to be with us this evening and so we remember them.

This Table set for five -- Symbolizing the frailty of prisoners alone against oppressors. Remember!

The Tablecloth is white -- Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms. Remember!

The single Red Rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return. Remember!

The Red Ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. Remember!

The Candle, the candle is lit -- Symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember!

A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember!
There is Salt upon the bread plate -- Symbolic of the families tears as they wait. Remember!

The Glass is inverted, as they cannot toast with us this night; however, on this occasion the glasses are placed upright -- honor those who will join us in spirit. Remember!

The Chair -- The chair is empty. They are not here. Remember!

Remember! -- All of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and relied upon them, for surely, they have not forsaken you. Remember!

Remember! -- Until the day they come home, Remember!"

A remembered thought,

Reach

Do actions speak louder than words?

Hello All,
Well, as you can see by my previous post, I was a little heated. It is for this reason, I decided to speak my mind to somebody who can, but probably will not, change a course of events to come. You got it, I logged onto their website and followed the “email” html and wrote to FOX addressing this issue and asking….well, here is a copy:
To: The Management and General Staff, FOX News and Fox entertainment,
Greetings and I hope the message finds you well.
With the opportunity of time to spell out every detail of my objections, I wish to keep this simple and straight forward. I am appalled that any of the Fox entertainment, networks, or companies is even considering the airing of Mr. Simpson's interview. The number of people across the United States who find this action to be in poor taste is continuing to grow. Currently, I have spoken to many numbers of people who are considering a boycott of the interview, all Fox sponsors, and FOX News should this interview air.

With the previous stated, please keep in mind the number of victims within the United States who may be considering the same actions as those I have had conversations on this topic. Additionally, to any person employed by FOX, please ponder the idea of your company sharing your same moral fortitude- should this interview air.

I write this letter with good intention of bringing forward integrity to our nation’s entertainment providers. I have never written any letter to any other corporation in the past; as, I have always maintained the corporation is solely in place for monetary reasons. Unfortunately, FOX will be the first corporation to have made a decision I find appalling. I, my family, and my household have continued to be loyal customers of the FOX Networks. I find it sad to have this continued relationship end- should FOX News follow through with their plans of airing this horrible idea.
Respectfully,
A. Customer

Here is the response I received,

The original message was received at Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:03:27 -0500 (EST)
from root@localhost

*** ATTENTION ***

Your e-mail is being returned to you because there was a problem with its
delivery. The address which was undeliverable is listed in the section
labeled: "----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors -----".

The reason your mail is being returned to you is listed in the section
labeled: "----- Transcript of Session Follows -----".

----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors -----
<@foxinc.comaskfoxfoxinc.com>

----- Transcript of session follows -----
553 <@foxinc.comaskfoxfoxinc.com>...
Just an update,
Reach

I'm just a hound

Hello All,
It is time to release the hounds and hopefully the FOX will run underground.

As my usual routine, I was surfing around the net on friend’s sites and

Seven

brought the most appalling item to my attention. This bothered me to the point that

Henry David Thorough

would appreciate; therefore, it is my turn to “go off” and post my thoughts, frustrations and surprise.

Airing toward the end of the Sweeps week, on FOX will be the o.j. simpson interview. It is in this forum simpson will announce the sale of his new book titled, “O.J. SIMPSON: IF I DID IT, HERE’S HOW IT HAPPENED” (working title). FOX, employer to Geraldo Rivera, who attempted to release critical operational information while embedded during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and famous for such classic entertainment television such as “MARRIED WITH CHILDREN” and who can forget “WHO WANTS TO MARRY A MILLIONARE”, is aiming high for the ratings game. Reportedly, the interview will be conducted by none other than noted publisher Judith Regan, who coincidentally is simpson’s publisher.
“This is an interview that no one thought would ever happen”, said Mike Darnell, Executive Vice President of Alternative Programming. Mike, I speak to you so informally because it does not appear that you give consideration to the view of the public; anyway, let me explain to you why nobody thought that it would ever happen. The public was captivated and focused on every detail presented during the trial. The majority of the public had formed their own opinion- despite the “so called” jury verdicts. We listened to the evidence and watched the double talking attorneys set the events that led to this man’s freedom.

All of this, and FOX Network wishes to join forces with simpson- do you NOT see how wrong this is, on so many levels??????

Meanwhile, reportedly simpson will be receiving $3.5 million for the book, as stated by MSN’s Jeannette Walls. “o.j. simpson is confessing. Hypothetically, that is” wrote Walls. Additionally, she wrote, “But simpson is not actually confessing to the murder- rather, he’s writing a ‘hypothetical’ book." To which the Enquirer published simpson’s plans to keep the money and not pay out on the civil court suit. Could this be contempt to the very judicial system that allowed him to leave the court room free, that very day?

All of this, and FOX Network wishes to join forces with simpson- do you NOT see how wrong this is, on so many levels??????

The greatest freedom we have in the United States is choice. I will never force my opinions upon another; therefore, I for one, and will probably be the only one, not viewing FOX Network for this interview- or, ever again. If this is their idea of how I wish to be entertained, then they have no concept of my character. There was a point in my life, where o.j. simpson was a figure that I respected- those days are gone, along with my respect for any corporation deciding to unit in any form with him.
Just a thought,

Reach

I see; therefore, I am

Hello All,
With more than a decade of playing in Excel, I’m off to an Excel class for beginners. Ha-Ha

I am certain that I may learn some new tools, only because I am self taught using the Microsoft Excel 2000 book. Seeing is believing- today, I shall know what levels I have achieved on my own.

Reach

Who made Chili

Hello All,

“Ma’am, I’m here to check your gas.” “Sir, what do you mean by saying, ‘210- 220, whatever it takes’?” If all goes as desired, I shall have a new introduction as I walk into the room.

Today, with evidence of my online Resume being read, I headed off to City Hall with the inquiry of available city positions. Posted, was a position that I surprisingly qualify to hold. I filed the appropriate paper-work and added all the required documentation and hopefully I shall be the new Field Engineering Inspector. I applied for the entry level position, to better transfer my credentials.

Be Safe,

Reach

Professional Snipe Hunt

Hello All,
Well I am beginning to post more often. This is helping my focus and attitude. Today’s piece is short and not so sweet- so let’s get into it. I am looking for comments and possibly, some rebuttals.

Airline Pilots risk their lives to ensure your safe travel. Physicians practice and spend many hours, days, even years for the possibility to give quality in life to another. Surgeons or Anesthesiologists literally hold you life in their hands. Ok, I believe you are noticing my laid out trend.

Why have I met unemployed Pilots, Doctors, Teachers, CEO’s; and yet, I’ve never met an unemployed politician? Is there really a high demand for these individuals?

Just a thought,

Reach

Charles Reade on Sowing

Hello All,

Late Thursday evening and while at the site of a beautiful and inspirational young lady, my mind remembered a quote. This impressed so much; I was compelled to include it to my site. I hope you find a meaning in the following.

"Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny." - Charles Reade


Reach

One of my play areas, where my toys are at arms Reach. If I'm not posting, I am playing. Can you see the distractions?

With other boards in the garage, the 6' 2" Hurley-Jimmy'z and 6' 2" Lost boards are my sons; while, the 5' 10" Seaflight over the computer, 9' 6" Bruce Jones in the corner, and other toys are mine. we are two bachelors, welcome to our Living Room.

Reach