Observations from a visit to the ER

 

I recently spent a Sunday afternoon in the emergency room at a local hospital, while a friend received treatment for a serious but treatable ailment. Here are a few thoughts and observations from my several hours in the ER: 

* Gone, thanks to Covid-19 and technology, are all the magazines and newspapers that once populated hospital waiting rooms. No more Time, Golf Digest, or Sports Illustrated. I noted their absence, but did not miss them, particularly Time. In fact, given how many hands the magazines passed through each day, it's really rather surprising they had a presence in the ER for as long as they did. The particular ER I was in had two large-screen TVs, and nearly everyone waiting there had their heads down, staring at individual smart-phone screens. 

* The TVs in the ER were on and featured the NFL game between the LA Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I don't have strong feelings one way or another for either team and haven't followed professional football for at least six years. I'm a fan of college football. Sunday's game was the first I've watched during the 2020 season, and I was reminded why I walked away from the game years ago. The game's flow is endlessly interrupted by commercials, official reviews, and just about anything else you can name, or so it seems. And it seemed not long ago that most games might run about two and half hours, from beginning to end. It's easily a three-hour time commitment (often longer) these days. And most of the commercial spots are repetitive and mind-numbing. Others in the ER looked as though they were enjoying the game, but I was something hostage to it. I can't see myself watching another NFL game soon.

* My dad spent a lot of time in hospitals during the last years of his life, and I became familiar with the facilities at two suburban hospitals. Everything changes with time, including hospital accommodations. I think one of the best changes in recent years is the decision that dropped shared rooms for patients and adopted a one-patient-per room policy. Patient privacy is important and the seclusion is appreciated.

* There are few places better than a hospital to see how advances in technology impact modern life for the better. Here's one example: My friend who was receiving care needed an X-ray. Just a few years ago that would have involved a hospital worker wheeling the patient and the bed they were in down to a room, usually in the basement, where a tech or two would spend a few minutes obtaining the ordered images. All necessary, but rarely pleasant for the patient. But on this visit, one tech rolled a x-ray unit into the ER examination room, collected the needed images and rolled back out in less than five minutes. And the machine itself  was smaller than most office chairs. Amazing.

- Thanks for reading. Feel free to leave a comment or question. 

In-person voting dangerous? That makes no sense

 

Some things don't make sense to me these days, and the reaction to Dr. Anthony Fauci's recent comment about the safety involved with in-person voting during the November elections is one of those things.

Fauci, the popular immunologist and director of the U.S. center for infectious diseases, said in an interview last week that voting in-person should be as safe as visiting the grocery store if safety guidelines are followed.

His remarks made sense to me, but the reaction by so many in the national media made me think that Fauci had proposed something irresponsible, like putting patients infected with Covid-19 in nursing homes, where many of the residents have one or more physical conditions that put them at a higher risk being contaminated with the virus. That action never made sense to me, either.

I can't understand why so many believe I would be at greater risk of being infected with the viruse while casting a ballot in public than I would be during a visit to my local grocery store. 

I mean, I have visited a few different retail stores at least once a week (but often more) since March, when the nation was locked down in order to help flatten the Covid-19 curve (remember that one?). I'm in a grocery store for up to an hour with hundreds of strangers at least once a week. And I spend several hours each week at a nearby hardware store. 

My wife and I dine at local restaurants at least once a month (always on an outdoor patio). And I work five days a week in a building with nearly 200 hundred area residents. We all wear masks, and we follow safety guidelines.

In other words, we follow the advice and directions of medical professionals, experts on the subject of reducing the likelihood of contamination. 

We've been told for seven months now that we must listen to the medical experts. My wife does, I do, and everyone I know adheres to what the experts advise. A married couple I know have such faith in Dr. Fauci that they have the good doctor's portrait displayed in the front window of their home. 

So Imagine my confusion when I heard reporters, commentators, political operatives, and politicians (not a physician in the bunch) question what Fauci meant about safety when voting in person. One even suggested voters might put themselves in jeopardy if they vote in person.

What happened to listening to the medical professionals? When did my local polling place, where it's never taken me more than 10 minutes to cast a ballot, become more dangerous than a Saturday afternoon at the grocery store? 

Those who insist we must vote by mail no matter what just don't make sense to me, and it sure as hell doesn't make sense to me that after all we have been through these last seven months, after all we've been told, that we would now ignore the medical experts who tell us it will be safe to vote in person. 

-- Questions, comments and feedback are welcome, and may be shared here or via email at kbotterman@gmail.com. 

Fauci says in-person voting should be safe, easy

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2020/08/14/dr_fauci_there_is_no_reason_people_cant_vote_in_person_if_they_follow_safety_guidelines.html

Whatever happened to individual responsibilty?

 

The question I have been asking time and again over the last three months is this: Whatever became of individual responsibility? 

It's a question that comes to me as I watch news coverage of riots in Chicago, Portland, Los Angeles, the Twin Cities, and elsewhere.

The question comes forward when I hear career politicians blame police and others for the violence and mayhem occurring daily in our cities.

I wonder about individual responsibility when I see looting and burning businesses, or standing before a TV camera and demanding compensation for acts that occurred more than 150 years ago.

A friend recently told me there would be no riots if there was justice in our society. I asked him what role individual responsibility had in establishing justice, he said I must work for justice if I seek peace.

I thought the answer inadequate and incomplete. Yes, we must seek justice and peace, but how do we secure either if we do not emphasize and expect individual responsibility? 

I like the old adage that states individual rights carry the burden of individual responsibility. They are two sides of the same coin. If we value our rights, we must accept the burden of our responsibilities. 

I also like Jean Jacques Rousseau's " The Social Contract", which I first read more than 40 years ago. I agree with Rousseau's fundamental assertion that individual members of a society accept a contract with the larger society to meet and support its expectations and norms. The contract provides benefits to both the society (individual compliance) and the individual (services the individual needed). If we received benefits from the society (community), we accept a commitment to support the community through ahearance to its rules - each of them, not just the ones we like. It's a simple exchange.

And that leads me to wonder why the individuals who are throwing rocks through windows, looting merchandise, and setting fire to public and private property are so quick to take the benefits of our society but never, with rare exception, accept their individual responsibility to society. 

I don't expect an authentic answer to my question, particularly when we don't make an effort to teach Rousseau (or many other philosphers) to young students. Still, the question remains. It reminds me that our society, our culture, we as people, once were keenly aware of our responsibilities and of our duty to meet them. 

I miss those days.

- Thank you for reading my blog. Feedback is always appreciated. Post your comments here, or email kbotterman@gmail.com.

The riots and unrest we see nightly in American cities troubles me as much it does most Americans, but the commentary that attempts to explain what we see and hear from the rioters also bothers me.

Actually, it is what's missing from the commentary that sets me off. 

Memorable movies from 1980

The year 1980 is one of the finest in Hollywood's history and included a brilliant selection of character-driven dramas and a few wildly subversive comedies.

The studios provided mature audiences with moving works that explored nearly everything from aging  and mental illness to injustice and loss. It was a special year in an era of film craft that placed characters and stories above special effects and franchise sequels. The qualities offered then are not likely to be seen again in Hollywood anytime soon. 

The comedies even offered gifted writing and original characters. In a time before political correctness, the films offered unruly personalities and stories that bordered on anarchy. The movies were raucus, rowdy, rude and insensitive by today's standards, and few probably could not be made in the Hollywood of 2020. But they were hugely popular with audiences and were financial hits for the studios. 

The year really was special for films and film fans. Here are my favorites (presented alphabetically) from one of my favorite years for movies. 

Airplane! (Directed by Jim Abrahams, Dave Zucker, Jerry Zucker)

Why I like it: Leslie Nielsen, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves and Robert Stack lead an ensemble of cast in an entertaining and successful comedy about mishaps on a commercial airliner. It's silly, often low-brow fun, but it stands the test of time.  "Airplane" was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Picture - Comedy or Musical.

Altered States: (Directed by Ken Russell) 

Why I like it: William Hurt portrays a university researcher who experiments with hallucinatory drugs and a sensory deprivation tank. The visual effects are dated, but Paddy Chayefsky's screenplay holds up well and the film benefits from the work of a solid supporting cast that includes Blair Brown, Bob Balaban, and Charles Haid. 

Atlantic City (Directed by Louis Malle) 

Why I like it: Burt Lancaster plays a small-time gangster who gets involved with the wife of a drug dealer in Atlantic City. Before Hollywood focused on making franchise movies, it made outstanding crime dramas for mature audiences, and this is one of those films. The supporting cast includes Kate Reid, Wallace Shawn, and Robert Goulet. "Atlantic City" received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Lancaster), Best Actress (Susan Sarandon), Best Writing, and Best Director. 

The Blues Brothers (Directed by John Landis) 

Why I Like it: John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd bring their Saturday Night Live characters Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues to the big screen in this mix of music, physical comedy, and car chases. It made for memorable summer entertainment, way back when. The script contains many lines audiences repeated for years and Landis does a fine job of moving it all at a good pace. 

Caddyshack (Directed by Harold Ramis)

Why I like it: Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield and Chevy Chase undermine the daily affairs at the exclusive Bushwood Country Club. Dangerfield steals the movie as the club's loud and hilariously obnoxious new member. The film's characters include Dr. Beeper, Maggie O'Hooligan, and (the classic) Lacey Underall.

Coal Miner's Daughter (Directed by Michael Apted)

Why I like it: Sissy Spacek delivers an Oscar-winning performance as country singer Loretta Lynn. Tommy Lee Jones is impressive as Lynn's deeply flawed husband. Watch this film and you will understand why it received seven Oscar nominations. The strong supporting cast includes Levon Helm, William Sanderson, and Bevery D'Angelo. 

Flash Gordon (Directed by Mike Hodges) 

Why I like it: This version of the Flash Gordon series is campy enough to make for light entertainment, but weird enough to develop a cult following over the years. Only a handful of other films from the 1980s can make that claim. The great Max Von Sydow delivers as Ming.

Gloria (Directed by John Cassavetes)

Why I like it: A great supporting cast of mostly unknown actors combined with deft direction makes for a memorable production. Gena Rowlands is terrific as the lead, a woman with mob ties who takes on the mob to protect a child. It's a role that was about 40 years ahead of its time. Cassavetes also does a wonderful job of presenting New York City.

Melvin and Howard (Directed by Jonathan Demme)

Why I Like It: I consider this one a real gem. It's the tale of a luckless guy who has a chance encounter with one of the world's wealthiest men. It's a low-key look at life that offers several fine performances, and earned a couple of Oscar nominations. The cast includes Jason Robards, Paul Le Mat, Michael Pollard, Dabney Coleman, and Mary Steenburgen, who scored an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress.

Ordinary People (Directed by Robert Redford)

Why I like it: Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, and Judd Hirsch star in this intense drama about loss, grief, and mental illness. Mary Tyler Moore plays against type and delivers a powerhouse performance as an emotionally distant wife and mother. The movie won four Oscars, including Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Hutton) and best screenplay.  

Raging Bull (Directed by Martin Scorcese)

Why I like it: Intense performances, driven by a wonderful script. While attention is given mostly to Robert DeNiro's work, the supporting performances by Joe Pesci and Cathy Moriarty are outstanding.

Return of the Secaucus Seven (1980)

Why I like it: This is one of my favorite independent movies. It is well written and offers some intersting characters. But it was made one a limited budget and it shows. However, viewers who get beyond some of the obvious flaws will find and enjoyable story about college friends who reunite for a weekend. In 1983, director Lawrence Kasdan, working with a much larger budget and a big-name cast, made "The Big Chill," and did a fine job with the theme. But "Secaucus Seven" delivers a lot of heart in a small package. 

The Shining (Directed by Stanley Kubrick) 

Why I like it: Jack Nicholson's is in top form as a man on a steady descent into madness. The film also packs a visual punch, with several chilling and unsettling scenes. 

The Stunt Man: (Directed by Richard Rush)

Why I like it: When a fugitive stumbles on to a movie set, he's put to work as a stuntman by the film's odd director.  Peter O'Toole, Steve Railsback and Barbara Hershey star in this fast-paced tale. O'Toole delivers as the sinister director. The supporting cast includes Adam Roarke, Alex Rocco, and Allen Garfield. The film, which is little-known today, received three Oscar nominations, including Best Actor (O'Toole), Best Director, and Best Writing

Tom Horn (Directed by William Wiard)

Why I like it: Steve McQueen leads a terrific cast in this story of a former army scout who is hired to stop cattle rustlers. It's an entertaining character study with enough action and scenery to satisfy Western movie fans. The gifted supporting cast includes Linda Evans, Richard Farnsworth, Slim Pickens, Elisha Cook, Jr., and Geoffrey Lewis. 

Some Honorable Mentions:

The Dogs of War

Dressed to Kill

Heart Beat 

Inside Moves

The Long Riders

My Bodyguard

Seems Like Old Times

Used Cars

Where the Buffalo Roam

-- Thank you for reading. Your comments are always welcome. Post them here or email them to kbotterman@gmail.com.

Meeting a Challenge With Some Quarantine Fun

A friend recently invited me to take part in the Album Challenge, a popular activity on Facebook that requires a participant to post the cover to 10 influential albums for 10 consecutive days, posting one album each day.

The challenge is one of those things that's been around on Facebook for several years. Many of my friends completed at one time or another, but this was my first invitation. My submissions appear below, but with one significant change. I'm not posting the album covers, just the links to the albums, so that you can sample them for yourselves. 

A couple of interesting things about the challenge --one can learn a lot about a friend through the albums they select, and it's is difficult to narrow a list down to 10 albums. Music is a big part of my life, and I enjoy many types of music. The albums I selected all influenced me at one time or another. They are presented here in the order I shared them on Facebook. I hope you enjoy them.

Glenn Miller 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWDsaaoPcio&t=22s

The Brandenburg Concertos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCPM8DEsvmc&t=1021s

Frank Sinatra: Come Dance With Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhv4lpNFmps&list=PLrof5BMHvnqQzt1339QuwE0Or2tPDaa13

Traffic 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDcmo-5Qht4&list=PL94gOvpr5yt1XaRbW9B6YMyeC0tvfNfmp

Crosby, Stills and Nash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMJug2iz3NA&list=PLA0mLsazILeTnCI-bC0DV550AHZ_s2rfY

The Who: Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voMja9C-coI&list=PL7Hsdhjbl9gVwrr-X_hct-MCIaaPcr1OV

Billy Joel: The Stranger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJtL8vWNZ4o&list=PLraUXdMOSKKFGJHUKaZnsswkOMFrwHsE5

Bruce Springsteen: The River 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeRhtNjPTVE&list=PLuLzcYr9FZ7q5NywEtgMfFIShJUGYIm40

Steve Winwood: Talking Back to the Night 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTVhtINEuYw&list=PLoWy7zxp_kiLJV1OvQTDX8tk2I4IwAyq_

The DeRailers: Guaranteed to Satisfy

https://www.allmusic.com/album/guaranteed-to-satisfy-mw0000794547

-- Thank you for joining me here. Please leave a comment, or send an email to kbotterman@gmail.com. 

More Notes from the Quarantine

     I make a point of walking a couple of miles every day (weather permitting), and I particularly enjoy hiking one of the preserves maintained by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. But I have good memories of hiking Veteran Acres Park in Crystal Lake. There is a section of the park that contains a sizable stand of pine trees, and I always enjoyed walking under those trees during my visits to the park. I haven't been to that park in nearly 18 years, but I cherish my recollections of that stand of pines. I just wanted to share that with you.

     I was disappointed to learn conditions related to the Covid-19 Virus forced The Evening Whirl in St. Louis to suspend production of its print publication after more than 83 years of operations in the Missouri city. For those not familiar with The Whirl, it specializes in covering the crime and night life in many of the city's "economically challenged" neighborhoods. It is known for its snappy headlines and the street slang it incorporates into its reporting. And the Whirl's staff pays no attention to the Associated Press Stylebook, which most conventional journalists adhere to with a religious-like fervor. A friend in St. Louis introduced me to the Whirl 38 years ago and regularly mailed copies of the paper to me. I hope it returns from hiatus one day and will miss it. 

     I was talking with a friend the other day about what life might be like after the "stay home" orders are lifted, and we're all allowed to return to our jobs (if they still exist). Professional commentators speculate life will not be like it was prior to the shut down and some think it might take until 2022 before we can expect a return of a "normal" lifestyle. The physical-distancing we are all encouraged to practice alone raises all sorts of questions about life after the immediate crisis. The impact to the world economy and daily life is almost too depressing to contemplate. 

-- Thank you for reading. Please share your comments here or email me at kbotterman@gmail.com. 

Mr. B's Notes From The Quarantine

• I work a part-time gig at a hardware store. The state considers hardware stores "essential" to daily living while most other workplaces are closed and Illinois residents are under a stay-home order. The store gets a fair number of visitors, but most seem to be looking for two general products -- paint and or propane for their gas grills. Seems many figure if they have to spend a few weeks indoors they might as well be looking at a freshly painted wall. Important, I suppose, for mental stability, but is it really an essential product, say like milk or bread?

• I miss the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. I missed the upsets that make the first round of the tournament so unpredictable an fun. We really could have used some bracket busters this month.

• I used some of my quarantine time to clean up my friends list on Facebook. It's been interesting. I found a few on the list that had closed their accounts, others that had not posted for several years, and two that passed away in recent years. In total I unfriended 14 individuals. The group included two individuals who regularly commented on my posts, but often only to criticize my opinions. I sometimes enjoyed the subsequent exchanges, but recently noticed the two only commented when they were in sharp disagreement with me. One never agreed with anything I offered. Life goes on.

• If you are on Facebook, you probably have an idea what I mean when I state there's been some funny memes posted during the virus crisis. I try to limit my time on social media, but I am thankful for the funny stuff posted there. If you're responsible for some of it, thanks.

• I've also been enjoying Youtube during my quarantine. I like the variety of content. Also, the site does a good job of finding videos for me, based on what I have viewed and liked in the past. I recently caught a recording of The Association's "Never My Love," a song I first heard when I was just a sprout and something of a forgotten favorite for me. 

• I am as frustrated as most with some aspects of the the stay-home quarantine, but one thing that troubles me in particular are the individuals and groups that attempt to politicize the virus and routinely share misleading information. I believe there is a time and a place for everything, and I think there will be plenty of time for finger pointing and recriminations after the crisis. In the meantime, I think we ought to be focused on sharing accurate information, meeting the challenges of the virus, and keeping as many as as possible as safe as possible. 

-- Thanks for reading. Leave a comment or send an email to kbotterman@gmail.com. Stay healthy