Traveling for the holidays? Why not get your hip replaced while you sightsee?

The need for healthcare reform is a hot topic nationwide. I'm pretty certain Bush will charge the new Democrat leadership with sorting out both healthcare and Social Security (in under two years) as penance for ousting the Republicans. I sure hope somebody gets the job done.

Today I was introduced to the concept of "medical tourism". Medical tourism refers to the increasing numbers of Americans who, seeking cheap/new procedures, travel to foreign countries to have surgery. Originally popular with people desiring cosmetic procedures, it's becoming much more common for a broad range of medical necessities. Health insurance has become so expensive for employers, three different Fortune 500 companies and THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA are experimenting with medical tourism for heart bypasses, valve replacements, hysterectomies, and angioplasties. A heart-valve replacement costs insurers in the U.S. $71,401 versus $9,500 for the same procedure in India, travel and lodging included. Concerning? Yes, for lots of reasons.

For more information about medical travel agencies, you can check this out. I'm in no way endorsing the service, I just think it makes for an interesting read.

Barriers to Enjoyment

The following are the remaining projects that separate me from freedom/happiness/sleep/friends/outside communication/sanity/Christmas:

NOTHING!!!!

I AM FREE! :) :) :) :)

Person Eating Tasty Animals

I like turkey. Yummy. Speaking of eating animals...

I'll wouldn't be surprised if my academic cohort was behind this mishap. I particularly enjoyed the line about the cow costume. Poor minister!

Gobble Gobble Moo.

Holy cow. It is November 18!

Long time no blog. Sorry about that.

Not to be irreverent, or to knock Scientology weddings (just Scientology), but the betting has begun. How long will Katie last as Mrs. Crazy Cruise?

All I know is that she will get a killer book/magazine/movie deal out of their divorce.