Suda

Congratulations!

"Bisexuality immediately doubles your chances for a date on Saturday night." Rodney Dangerfield "There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz 380SL." Lynn Lavner "Sex at age 90 is like trying to shoot pool with a rope." Camille Paglia "Sex is one of the nine reasons for incarnation. The other eight are unimportant." George Burns "Women might be able to fake orgasms. But men can fake a whole relationship." Sharon Stone "Hockey is a sport for white men. Basketball is a sport for black men. Golf is a sport for white men dressed like black pimps." Tiger Woods "My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." Jack Nicholson "Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is." Barbara Bush (Former US First Lady, and you didn't think Barbara had a sense of humor) "Ah, yes, divorce, from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet." Robin Williams "Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place." Billy Crystal "According to a new survey, women say they feel more comfortable undressing in front of men than they do undressing in front of other women. They say that women are too judgmental, where, of course, men are just grateful." Robert De Niro "There's a new medical crisis. Doctors are reporting that many men are having allergic reactions to latex condoms. They say they cause severe swelling. So what's the problem?" Dustin Hoffman "There's very little advice in men's magazines, because men think, 'I know what I'm doing. Just show me somebody naked'." Jerry Seinfeld "See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time." Robin Williams "It's been so long since I've had sex, I've forgotten who ties up whom." Joan Rivers "Sex is one of the most wholesome, beautiful and natural experiences money can buy." Steve Martin " You don't appreciate a lot of stuff in school until you get older. Little things like being spanked every day by a middle-aged woman. Stuff you pay good money for in later life." Elmo Phillips " Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same." Oscar Wilde and finally.... " It isn't premarital sex if you have no intention of getting married." George Burns

Have a wonderful, happy day. Suda

Several weeks ago I met you in chat and we discussed your alternative to health and dental insurance. I was very interested to talk to you due to my concerns and alarms over the state of healthcare insurance in our country. My husband is a health care provider and his small business provides health insurance for our family as well as his employees. Skyrocketing premiums keep us in a state of alarm. You mentioned a fellow who had been paying about $500/month for health insurance. He and his family were healthy and rarely went to see doctors, and when they did, they still had to pay a $20 co-pay. So he was paying $500*12=$6,000 a year in premiums, plus about $80 a year in co-payments. I assume he nor any member of his family was taking any medication, either routinely, or related to the four visits they did make annually to physicians as you mentioned no other spending this fellow was making for health care. You also mentioned that several months after taking out your plan, he had to go into the hospital for major heart surgery and that your patient advocate was able to reduce the amount of his hospital bills from over $500,000 to about $112,000. My initial question was, who pays the difference, the $388,000. Obviously it is the hospital and doctors in that they must write-off that amount, to which you responded that the hospital and doctors overcharged, so that was okay. I mentioned that who really pays for it is all the other people who use the hospital or doctor, because they have to make up the losses somewhere. Now the fellow who was paying $500 a month for insurance, but dropped it in favor of your plan, has to pay the $112,000 for the hospital/doctor bill. (Your company pays nothing to healthcare providers, your role is to negotiate lower fees for your plan members. You keep the full fee/premium paid each month by the plan member.) That will take him 224 months, or 18 years and 8 months at $500 a month, if the hospital and doctor will accept such a payment plan (quite doubtful they can). And he still has to pay for any medication, follow up appointments, rehabilitation therapy, etc. all out of his pocket. And since he has voluntarily dropped his health insurance and now has a pre-existing condition, no insurance company will insure him until he has been symptom free (usually including medication related to the condition) for at least 5, often 10 years. He’s in a world of hurt now! He and his family could have been insured for 14 years, and paid less than what it will now cost him for this one illness! Sure, for several months he saved some money, paying you $59.95 per month, for your medical plan which contracts with health care providers to accept a lesser fee in exchange for you sending them new patients. So let’s say the few months was 4 months that he was on your plan, so he saved $500*4=$2,000 less $59.95*4=$239.80, or $1,760.20. That won’t go very far in paying off his new debt of $112,000, plus all new health care expenses once he leaves the hospital. Most insurance companies cap the annual out-of-pocket expense at about $1,500 or $2,000 per family. Thus if the man had paid $6,000 and $2,000 for the hospital stay, he would owe no more out-of-pocket. The insurance company would use premiums collected to pay the remainder of his bill. And they would continue to pay for all medication, doctor’s visits, therapy, whatever needed for he and his family. As for me, I would rather pay $8,000 in premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, and get the health care I need from the doctors of my choice, rather than pay your company about $720 a year, have difficulty finding a doctor (and knowing that as he’s going to be taking a huge write-off on me, he has no incentive to provide thorough care, but minimal care), and get stuck with a $112,000 bill, and be uninsurable. After all that’s the purpose of insurance, to protect you in case of “catastrophic illness” and insurmountable debt associated with it. Now which health care providers accept your plan? From the example above, they must write off $388,000/$500,000, or 78% percent of their normal fees. They get paid less than a quarter on the dollar. Bad business sense. We looked at dentists in the Memphis area where I live and found that less than 1% participated in your plan. Of the thousands of general dentists, not including specialists, only 8, including 4 specialists, accepted the plan. Of those, 7 were located in areas I would not visit in broad daylight, accompanied by large dogs, and a body guard. One name/location I was unfamiliar with. Because of the huge write-offs, health care providers cannot afford to participate in your plan, unless they are absolutely desperate for cash flow. Is that who you want to entrust with the care of your health? Also, found it very interesting that you receive your medical care free at the Veteran’s Administration clinic and hospital now, and that your wife and family are covered under her health insurance plan at work through the public school system. You noted that when you could find enough people to work for you, and you start making a 6 figure income, you will be able to afford to pay any doctor you chose and leave the VA behind as you do not care for their treatment. But as you are not enrolled in your own plan, it is obvious you won’t be going to those doctors who have agreed to the huge write-offs. Gave me pause to think. I, of course, am not familiar with everyone else’s health care needs. There are probably people who benefit from your plan. But even with the alarming state of health care insurance in our country, I personally prefer insurance, to a plan. Insurance protects me, a plan leaves me vulnerable in too many important ways. Guess it all boils down to, you get what you pay for.

Many thanks to all of you for the warm wishes. Had a perfect day. Hope you did too.

Raf, My apologies. "Pick on" was a poor choice of words of my part. You explained it well above; enjoying the back and forth banter. Very true, that is not "picking on" anyone. Sorry, again. Suda

dmiller, Appreciate the warm wishes. All you mother's make sure to click on Happy Mother's Day in his post for a wonderful e-card. Anyone recognize the poem "M-O-T-H-E-R"? Think The Victors. Maybe I can get Sudo to post the song later today. Enjoy chatting with you, too, dmiller, Suda

Another interesting note, not to justify, or excuse, just to note. Something to think about, ponder. It is in reference to vpw being a con-man, gaining your confidence by appearing to be a nice person, while his wife noted at his funeral that he was mean, and Dean Don never making any bones about the fact that he and his father did not get along well. Remember well an office management seminar my husband and I attended where the need to put on the “show time” face when you walk through the office door was discussed. No matter if the kids are being unruly and driving you nuts at home, or were sick and kept you up all night, when you walk into the office, you leave all that behind concentrate on making the office (according to our practice philosophy) a warm and caring place for our team and a comfortable environment for our patients. Then, the reverse is true also, when we get home, we kick off our shoes, and relax, and take the office hat off. Unfortunately, at times that means that we are nicer to people in public than we are in private. Inside the family, we know the good, the bad, and the ugly of each other quite well. It’s been quite funny when we have been out as a family, and run into people we know from work, and they tell our children how fortunate they are to have wonderful parents like us. Your dad is so and so, and your mother so and so. And the kids may look at them like they are crazy and make a comment like, are we talking about the same people? All this is to point out that it’s not so surprising that vpw’s twi (office) face was different from his face at home. Again, not justifing, or excusing, just something I thought about. My opinion of him has eroded based on new information, but I don’t think he was entirely evil and devoid of care and love for the people in twi. To me, he was a good teacher, and taught much truth as well as error. I remain thankful for the truth I learned from him. Just my personal thoughts, Suda

Paw, what a wonderful idea to have roundtables with both men and women. Hearing the ladies chat (as well as the interviews with ladies) and then the men chat (as well as Raf’s interview of you) was quite enlightening. Again was reminded on the Mars and Venus mind sets, which I really enjoyed. The men focused on an analytical view, while the women approached it from an emotional or feelings point of view. Interesting to listen to the view of the hurt (for lack of a better word) inflicted by twi. The men brought up that vpw was a con man, a predator. It seemed the hurt some experienced was to their pride and ego in having been “duped” by the con man. Where as some women felt “betrayed” because their trust in confidence in people was corroded. As what attracted people to twi, the women note the “love”, the friendships and fellowships were the sweetest part of their twi time. Men noted the “grace” to sleep with anyone or the license to do whatever the he11 you want as long as you held to the “correct” beliefs. In the men’s a comment indicated it is “fun” to pick on those they disagree with, whereas the women noted a need to “play nice, and watch your tone”. Not saying one side is right, the other wrong, just different perceptions and points of view. The differences are both interesting and enlightening. Was eye-opening and educational to me. Keep the episodes coming - they are wonderful.

Thinking of you this mother's day. Hope you, your dad, and sisters find comfort in sharing wonderful memories of your mother with each other. It is evident her goodness still lives on in you. God bless your beautiful, loving heart. Suda

Great video! Thanks.

And how are we celebrating the double-header May 14th of my birthday and Mother's Day? Having all the family over for a pot luck BBQ. My sweetie is supplying the bbq chicken and bbq ribs, and doing the grilling. It will be self serve. Put the food on the counter. You know where the plates, utensils, napkins, etc. are. When your finished, clean up after yourself. It's going to be a grand day, and I'm looking forward to it. (Let's just hope it goes off as planned!) Looking forward to a relaxing day with my loved ones, Suda

What exactly are you wearing right now? Chantilly lace scrubs What is your current problem? Prescription for kids medicine didn't come in the mail today. What makes you most happy? Laughing with family and friends If you could go back in time and change something would you? I would never start smoking cigarettes Name something obvious about you: Big blue eyes What's the name of the song that you're listening to? Quiet right now, no song playing. Any celeb you would marry? Sam Elliott Name someone with the same birthday as you? Never met anyone with same birthday, but I was born on Mother's Day Do you have a crush on someone? No Ever sang in front of a large audience? Of course What do you usually order from Starbucks? Hot Chocolate, can't stand coffee Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? Yes, Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter Do you still watch kiddy movies or kiddie TV shows? Yes, especially on holidays Do you speak any other languages? Yes, Spanish. Have you ever ridden in a Hummer limo? No, and no desire to. They are so ugly imo. Has anyone you've been really close with passed away? Yes, both my parents, and my grandparents. Do you ever watch MTV? Nope, no desire. What's something that really annoys you? Bitter people and Liars Chapter 1: Nicknames: Boo, Liddy Boo, Bookins, Lidikins Boodikins I Love Youdakins Current location: At my desk in my study Eye color : Blue Chapter 2: Do you live with your parents: No Do you get along with your parents: Yes, I did, when they were alive. My dad was always my very best friend. And my mom was a hoot! Are your parents married/separated/divorced: Married until death did they part. Do you have any siblings: 2 older sisters, and 1 younger brother. Chapter 3: Favorites Ice cream flavor: Chocolate Season: Summer Shampoo/conditioner: Whatever the quantity bonus value pack is at the salon Chapter 4: Do You Sing in the shower Sometimes write on your hand No Call people back: Usually Believe in love: Yes Sleep on a certain side of the bed: The left side, or the one closest to the door, as hubby wants to side fartherest from the door Have any bad habits: Smoking Chapter 5: Have You Ever Broken a bone: yes, my right knee cap (ouchers!) and ribs and toes Gotten stitches: Too many times Taken painkillers: yes Gone SCUBA diving: No Been stung by a bee: yes Thrown up in a restaurant: Yes Sworn in front of your parents: Yes Had detention: No Been sent to the principal's office: Yes Been called a hoe: just by my daughter, said it was a new "term of endearment". Don't like it. Been called a stank-foot mongoloid elf-tit lookin' sonofabitch? Nope Chaper 6: Who/What was the last Person to text you? My daughter, Ellen What did it say: Where she was in the Ole Miss Grove Person to call you: My daughter, Liz Person you hugged: My husband Person you tackled? Been so long ago, can't remember Thing you ate: Chick-Fil-A sandwich with mayo Thing you drank Coca cola Thing you said "Honey, are you sure you're alright? You seem angry." to husband

Reminds me of one of my mother's friends. When the bank called to tell her that her account was overdrawn, she told them to call her husband because "I never overdraw, he obviously under-deposited."

Ah, yes, the babies keep us honest. They will repeat anything we say or do. When you have small children, there are no "family secrets". What a hoot they are!

I'll stick to just two, but could you make mine "doubles", please? I'll take a White Russian for one hand, and a Margarita on the rocks for the other. Cheers! Suda

So true!

2life, There will be plenty of room with us. Can comfortably sleep 6. Hope you will change your mind and stay with us! Or at least get a room on the same floor. Hope to see you then! Suda

Oldies but goodies: Joy in the Morning Where the Boys Are Not so old: Working Girl

Congratulations! Becoming a parent is an exciting part of life. And what a stocking stuffer he/she will be!

Hospice is such a great field, and such a blessing to both those in their last days, and their loved ones. Know you will make a positive impact.

That was grand. Thanks a lot!

Hope your day was wonderful! Will you spend your next one in Alaska or Texas? Wishing for many happy days ahead, Suda

While in Kansas City, I definitely want to eat a good steak dinner. Hear the steak there is fabulous. Hereford House sounds great. And, of course, barbeque. I like NC bbq the best, Memphis is good, and would like to compare KC to both of these. Looking forward to a good time of visiting and getting to know each other. And having a few drinks together; must admit I'm a lightweight. Mainly just looking forward to a weekend away with no "mommy/wife" responsibilities and hanging out with the girls.

Looks like 2life will be able to join us . . . will know more about a week before when her schedule is solidified. Any more takers? Only about 2 months away now. Hope we have a nice crowd - the more the merrier! Suda