Open Thread - 28 Aug 2025 - Informed Consent and Libraries of Everything!
Informed Consent and Libraries of Everything!
Here's a couple of interesting articles I want to bring to your attention. The first is by Matt Bivens, M.D. It's called 'The Dishonesty of Our 'Informed Consent' Rituals' and features a couple of experiences he's had recently. A patient comes into ED with a dislocated shoulder. It's painful. He's been given pain drugs already, but all he can do is ask for more. Because it's so painful. The doctor treats the shoulder, but has to ask the patient for formal consent. The patient just wants to have less pain, to be fixed! He gives his consent, stop asking him for it! But the Doc can't, because he MUST ask for this kind of consent.
From here at cagle.com
The second story Bivens tells, about the cost of prescription drugs, is eye-opening. The fact that generic drugs are being prescribed in a combined form that costs over 10 (or 80!) times a month than the regular generics is insane. And it's insane that doctors don't tell us this. Man, so much has to be fixed, so much. But, it's not gonna be fixed, is it?
Bivens finishes with:
We in medicine claim to have such deep respect for patient autonomy that we ritually inform people with acute orthopedic injuries of the obvious: that the injury and stabilization efforts may have consequences.
We delay their treatment for this celebration of the self-evident, culminating in the ceremonial signing of a document no one has read.
But in an era when medical bills bankrupt hundreds of thousands of families each year — when Nobel laureates sell their medals to pay their doctors, and young people die trying to ration their over-priced insulin — we still routinely prescribe combined medications that we must know by now will cost patients 10 times as much as the separate components.
And when patients ask, “What will this cost?,” we shrug helplessly.
This happens every day throughout the country — doctors mocking the very idea of patient autonomy and informed consent, as we inflict easily avoidable and potentially catastrophic financial harms. It gives the lie to our sworn pledge to do no harm.
Libraries:
The next article is one from a couple of days ago by Lee Camp. He writes about 'Libraries of Everything', basically, a library for all things including books, drills, vacuums, clothes, kids toys, luggage, screwdrivers... everything. What a dream! But also, what a great thing to strive for! And coming together to do even part of this in this country would be wonderful. Can we do it? How to start? Maybe instead of a library of everything have a library of... tools? As a start? All the considerations for this are daunting though. Where do the tools come from? How are the tool-brarians trained? What to do if someone doesn't return the tool? How to keep the tools repaired and working? How to issue tool-library cards? How long is the check-out period? And so on. But these are all questions and considerations that can be resolved, probably fairly easily, if we try!
Here's the open thread! What's up, whatcha doing? Reading? Thinking? Remember, everything is interesting if you dive deep enough, so tell us about where you're diving!
Comments
Thursday!!
As Earthling1 said in his Open Thread a few days ago, we are in a heat wave here in the PacNW. It's not been that bad, compared to one a few years ago, but it's not been that good either. Where I live, on the north part of the Kitsap Peninsula, it's cold at night, but hot during the day. Why cold? Because we've had no clouds to keep the heat in. So nights have been pretty comfortable. And days, not so much.
Ohh well, the apples are ripening a couple weeks to a month early. Heh. And everything is so dry it looks like northern California. So what's up with you? How're you doing?
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Hot here too
Southern Oregon blazes away... 101 degrees right now (340pm)... storms come through without raining...
"The Trump Administration is a white-collar crime cartel" -- Max Blumenthal
Storms not leaving rain here too...
The weather forecast kept saying we might get some rain, but it never happened. Well, except for that mist that was a bit wet but never dropped enough to register on the rain gauge. Hope you can keep cool!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
We have a library of things
.
.
as part of the regular library in this small town.
A very limited selection, but nonetheless it is a
start. Personally do not like lending tools as they
tend to be returned either broken or worse for wear.
Enjoying cooler temps here as well, in the low seventies
for highs and low fifties at night. I love it!
Thanks for the OT.
Zionism is a social disease
You've got a library of things...
in your small town? That is very cool! Yea, I'm not sure how to handle the repair and replace aspect of tool or other item lending. Maybe in order to borrow the tool one has to agree to pay if it gets broken? I dunno. All things to think about, but I love that your town is making a start on this. It's great!!!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Good morning...
Here's a couple of health related clips...
They’re Terrified of RFK Jr.—Here’s the Proof | Redacted News
(22 min) The mainstream media attacks are increasing against Robert F Kennedy Jr. It's almost as if it's somehow being coordinated to stop him. Just do a simple google search for RFK Jr. and you'll see every headline attacking him.
Big Pharma and big food are calling on their media minions to attack RFK.
Here’s How Private Equity Is DESTROYING U.S. Healthcare!
(14 min) Private equity firms are rapidly taking over hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare facilities, and in the process prioritizing profits over patient care. Reports reveal that firms like Prospect Medical cut corners, failed to pay vendors, and even forced staff to buy supplies themselves, leading to worsening conditions and bankruptcies. Leveraged buyouts and sale-leaseback schemes saddle hospitals with debt while executives and investors cash out, leaving communities without access to essential care.
Eat well, and be well. Avoid the sick system if you can.
Thanks for the OT!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Thanks for that, LO!
Take good care, my friend.
Btw, the nearest hospital to my was sold, and closed, and re-opening was delayed, and on and on.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I actually supported RFK Jr a while back...
Still do in some ways. I'm not happy about the attacks on him. On the other hand, I never was all that thrilled about the autism-vaccination thing he's always pushing. Why? Because I have a sister with severe autism who has had it all her life, from birth, and she's older than the vaccinations he's blaming. I know that doesn't mean the vaccinations are good, or not at fault, what it means to me, is that autism is the new 'cool' thing. And people with severe autism are, as always, ignored completely. And so it's been, my whole life.
But enough of that
Loved the Jimmy Dore link. Thank you! And have a great weekend 
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
some morning maniac music
.
.
what chyall listening to?
Zionism is a social disease
Good song!!!
Thank you. Here's my current ear worm. I can't stop 'hearing' this, even when I'm trying to fall asleep
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Good morning, sima!
So, a young woman was in pain from sore ribs. When asked about her family's health history, she told the dr. her Mom's health history, which included a serious heart palpitation condition. Sure enough, while in pain and scared as the dr. mentioned that heart disease was passed genetically to kids, her bp was high, her heart rate was fast. She was given a prescription. Testing and dr. visit each month for the next 8 years, finding out if you stop taking the pills you are likely to have a heart attack.
She finally found a dr. to help her get off the medicine, a 6 month ordeal. She does not have any heart condition and never did.
Then, she had sinus issues and a cough. She received infusions, 3 weeks of steroids and antibiotics, no improvement. When she demanded a nose swab to find out what she had, she learned it was a virus. All the anti-bacterial meds had made the viral condition worse. Months later, she has yet to return to normal.
Well, everyone stay healthy and avoid magic meds if at all possible!
Thanks for the OT, chica!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Dang, that poor woman...
That story explains exactly why I never go to the doctor unless I have to (broken ankle, etc). No checkups, no wellness exams, nothing like that unless I hurt, am sick, or whatever. I just don't trust the system enough.
Stay as healthy as possible, as you said, and avoid magic meds. Keep out of the system!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Well, well, well.
My old manager at the job that is trying to force me into involuntary retirement resigned last week, and the somewhat junior guy who was supposed to replace me just resigned yesterday. So it would appear that once again I'll be pressed back into full-time-plus activity.
At least at this point they can't complain that I'm costing them too much money, as those two now-open positions were fully funded.
The question I now have to ask myself is "What will make it worth my while to walk back into that shitstorm?" I was starting to kind of enjoy the extra 10 hours a week I had to myself.
I'm trying to decide if there is anything that would do the trick, short of money that they clearly don't want to part with. However, I'm perfectly proud to be a whore, now that the shoe's on my foot. What to do, what to do...
Twice bitten, permanently shy.
twixt the two
.
.
I value freedom more than the buckaroos
on the one hand you have security
on the other there is happiness.
Guess what you value the most at this
juncture. Sounds like you can leverage
some control when the rats are bailing.
Having an in increases your value.
Good luck!
Zionism is a social disease
You are in
a great negotiating position.
WWTD (what would Trump do). Pick up a copy of his book Art of the Deal. At the library preferably.
Show no mercy.
And demand a Golden Parachute!
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Hard Choice
you've got the power now, but, I bet those 10 hours you had to yourself were pretty nice. I don't know what I'd choose. Maybe work like they want for a bit to get some money and then resign? The choice is not easy, but I know you will choose what is best for you!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
A little off-comment about Trump Derangement Syndrome
At about 7:47 of Glenn Diesen's interview with Peter Schiff, Schiff mentions Trump Derangement Syndrome. But the problem with using the phrase "Trump Derangement Syndrome" now is a mere problem of word-definition. For all of last year, "Trump Derangement Syndrome" defined a freak-out about a President whose second term was going to be baked in (thus why complain about something that will happen anyway?) when there was in fact a very big set of problems with the then-sitting President as it stood.
It's not Trump Derangement Syndrome to oppose everything Trump has done in his second term, as Schiff indeed does. But of course the problem this year is a different one, as Schiff notes. Elite panic is at such a late stage now that the only reason we were presented with a "choice" between Trump and Biden's stand-in Harris was to maintain the semblance of democracy. At any rate, Schiff and Diesen wander off into an irrelevant discussion about the Federal Reserve. I guess it's too much to expect a discussion of elite panic, the real story here, from someone like Schiff.
"The Trump Administration is a white-collar crime cartel" -- Max Blumenthal
Elite Panic
Yes, that's seems to be exactly what this is. And Schiff is too much a part of the elite, or wannabe part of the elite, to recognize that.
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Now I'm getting asked
"Is it alright to record this office visit?
And there is a new sign up on the wall that says "All conversations will be recorded".
So, what does that mean? Will I be refused a examination if I don't approve? Will I still be billed for an office visit?
When asked about it, my doctor explains that she uses that recording later on to complete her evaluation and update my medical records.
Humm. Next time I'll ask how long she keeps those recordings.
Going to be another 90 degree day here today but cooling off to the low 80s for 3 days. Then back to the 90s next week.
Thanks for the OT
Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.
Record it yourself
or demand it be sent to you.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Excellent Advice
n/c
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
A small group of meth heads
would clean out an everything library in a day. Honesty would be required for the library to operate, and that is in short supply. I love the idea, but it would not work.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Does work here
.
.
but we are a sleepy little New England town.
Everybody knows what's going on with the locals.
The strangers are scrupulously observed.
Zionism is a social disease
I think that's what it would take...
A community. A small one is easier because everyone knows everyone. But a larger community could do it too. Hmmmmmm *thinking*
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Hola Sima, great idea. Berkeley, fwiw, used to have a
library of tools, which is an obvious one for an urban area.
I know of and hear of area with certain "rodent" problems. gophers, rats, mice, and the like. The other day I suggested a "rent-a-snake" facility, but the problem is ensuring its return, they do not generally come when called. Also rent a ferret (wouldn't be legal in CA). There are locales in CA where one can rent a raptor, the catch is that you hire a falconer to handle it. but in some of our grape growing areas the growers have put ou huses designed for certain species which those species find and move into, screech owls, barn owls, and kestrels mostly. Avian raptors, however aren't well suited to the average back yard, let alone apartment complexes.
be well and ahve a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Library of Tools...
Love that, and it would work in an urban area.
As for the rodents, a library of cats? Or maybe a person/people who keep the cats and take care of them, but loan them to others for rodent control? Hah. Maybe not, I think the cats would have to be there all the time...
We have raptors. They really like our chickens! So we have to guard against them, but I like that they can help with rodent problems. I once watched a bald eagle and a heron fight over a frog/toad. The frog lost big time. The two birds tore it into two pieces. Haven't seem them do that with a rodent.. yet!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Muppet foreign policy
"The Trump Administration is a white-collar crime cartel" -- Max Blumenthal
Great Show!
Love listening to Prof. Wolff. Thank you!
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Hey Sima
.
You must be a late nighter.
It is 130 AM here and you are online.
Guess maybe 1030 your time?
Trying to finish-up day's paperwork
start with a clean slate mañana?
THX indeed.
Q
Zionism is a social disease
Yep!
I am definitely a late nighter. Usually I go to bed about 1:30 or 2:30 am, my timezone. So about 4:30 or 5:30 am your time zone? Yikes! And yes, I finish up the paperwork and whatever else, then have an hour or two of 'relaxing' time in which I read a book. Hah.
Are you a late nighter too? Must be, to be online at 1:30 am your time
If you're poor now, my friend, then you'll stay poor.
These days, only the rich get given more. -- Martial book 5:81, c. AD 100 or so
Nothing ever changes -- Sima, c. AD 2020 or so
Agree, it's complicated
Like the night
it's quiet
get a lot done
without distraction
which is key.
Zionism is a social disease
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 29, 2025
https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-ass...