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Michael Ellis As Angel
Having dished all this truthful dirt (but dirt nonetheless) as to pharmaceuticals, more people benefit from their products than not. Much like the Metabolife controversy. There, however, was one key exception: both the FDA and the DEA monitor the development, the claims, the research, the marketing, prescription patterns, and any adverse results in the field for prescription medication. Unfortunately, this was not the case with Metabolife. Ironically, it might have actually benefited Metabolife or Mr. Ellis if it had been. I think any story has 3 sides, with the truth being one of them. In reading many of Mr. Bauder's pieces they appear to be well researched, thoughtful, and informative. Sometimes his opinion or perspective does come through in the story as it did with this one. I did pick up on that when I first read this piece in the hard copy version of The Reader. While his opinion about Mr. Ellis was obvious, (and sometimes distracting) it was not so overt as to form my opinion about the matter for me. Clearly though his opinion was formed based upon a lot of work, reading, research, and interviews over a period of time. Whether you agree with his conclusion or not, credit should be given for his efforts in learning the facts, and his willingness to discuss the matter with those who disagree. Readers like myself would welcome a presentation of the facts from another view point in like/kind to Mr. Bauder's, without having to buy a book and without vitriol. This is one forum in which you can do just that. It would be greatly appreciated, especially if it is not in all capital letters.— April 27, 2009 11:52 p.m.
Michael Ellis As Angel
The pharmaceutical industry is a multi-billion dollar venture. If you are playing in their sandbox, you are playing with some of the biggest of the "big boys" (a close second to the tobacco industry) and you best be prepared to do battle. Even more true if you are an outsider offering what many would consider an "alternative" diet aid. I don't know enough about both sides of this debate to comfortably take a hard position. But I did work in the pharmaceutical industry for the last few years. There is very little they won't or can't do to protect their interests. Did this happen to Ellis? I have no idea. But he was not playing with amateurs when he developed and marketed Metabolife in direct competition to big Pharma. The weight loss market represents a lot of dollar signs. So his success was not appreciated by everyone. Further, it appears he made some admitted mistakes of his own which at the very least aided his demise. Further, as to a point made by "Visduh" above, on this one I must disagree with you. Not all side effects of regulated pharmaceuticals are known or warned about. Recently drugs like the Duragesic Patch (Fentanyl) was recalled after being on the market for years because people were dying. There's the Oxycontin debacle (highly potent opiod with an unexpectedly high mortality rate with regular usage as prescribed, along with addiction issues); the Flosamax nightmare (osteoporosis medication linked to the development of osteonecrosis, i.e., jaw bone death) and one other opiod and one pain killer (whose names escape me at the moment) but both resulted in deaths when used as prescribed by a certain patient population that was not anticipated. As for diet drugs, the popular and still legal phentermine is linked with hypertension syndrome when used as directed. And these are just the legal, regulated drugs I can think of off the top of my head. They do not warn you of the above possibilities when the drugs are prescribed. Most "black box" warnings are contained on the package insert which the Pharmacist or Physician sees, not the patient. They do warn you of drowsiness, thirst, alcohol use, etc., ....but not the possibility of a fatality as often that is unknown until after the product is launched. And please remember the Stage 1, 2, 3, and 4 testing done on these drugs are conducted by the Pharma companies themselves. They set the protocols and the data can be skewered anyway it needs to be. Nearly any drug can be fatal under certain conditions. Wrongful death suits are the cost of doing business for big Pharma. (con't...)— April 27, 2009 11:52 p.m.
Lots of Copies, Lots of Flavors
True Josh, I'm sure you could very effectively get someone to move their arse if needed. lol...(loved the line about how you "turned into your Grandmother...very funny :). Just a shame you had to be the one put out, period. For me being able to check out the new cream options is part of the process! Maybe something about it appeals to the little kid we tap into every now and then. If it were me, I'd have just used my elbow. :)— April 27, 2009 10:25 p.m.
From Preps to Pros
I suppose if that is the only way someone could get out of the ghetto, then naturally take the opportunity offered IF that is the best you are ever going to do. I have a hard time thinking someone really can't learn if they've never had an opportunity to learn...but it is true not everyone is cut out for college. I would defer to Suzanne (SDaniels) on this as she is a very educated woman and has been an educator for many years. I didn't think that was the message of your blog however, at least not the one I was responding to. I understood your point to be why not take the money and run, even if it means dropping a year of high school, and make your first million. (And you are right about tennis, and golf, and acting). But the names you mention above didn't strike me as anyone too Neanderthal to learn... but hey you have a point. If I had only two choices, clean toilets or play b ball...yep, I'm there under the hoop. Problem is, unless mental retardation is clearly apparent, how do you know a kid can "never" learn unless the kid gets a chance? I'm speaking in a perfect world here...not some school that is going to just churn him through and work him like the revenue raiser he is/was to them when they signed him up. I could be wrong in this but I don't trust a young kid's judgment either way...someone can be college material but have the maturity and wisdom of an adolescent whose frontal lobe isn't fully developed. Choosing education isn't the litmus test: obtaining an education is. We have to choose the discipline for them, I think. Josh, if we adults who know better than these kids don't value education over a fast buck how is it these kids are going to? For me, if it is something the kid wants to do over something else...the something he or she wants to do is suspect. And frankly, as funny as Adam Corolla is (although I think he was funnier when he first started) he is turning to a crotchety, bitter old guy who seems to go for the joke that will get the biggest response....funny or not. He's become more of a shockmedian than a comedian, to me. Must mean he's running out of material...pretty soon he'll be mud wrestling bikini clad bimbettes. Nothing against Corolla, but he isn't the guy who's wisdom I'd turn to on this issue. I'd like to hear from former players who skipped the education part and are now out of the game, versus the ones who didn't. Maybe it doesn't matter, but I sure would like to think it does. :)— April 27, 2009 10:20 p.m.
Police Officer Shootings
SDaniels-You wrote: "I'm glad to hear more of your views, because it seemed like "Amerikkkan" was rhyming too closely with "Farrakhan." Very cleverly put. :) If you do find they make furniture, please let me know. I've been hoping to pick up a sectional for the family room.— April 27, 2009 9:55 p.m.
Police Officer Shootings
SpliffAdamz-you wrote: "lallaw i feel ya saying that alot of people are in prison because of their choices , but racism dose play a heavy roll on alot of people choices. I'm not saying that you can't get a job because of the color of your skin , but people in amerikkka look at each other different because of the color of skin which makes it harder to live here. This kind of mentality can create more crime , because people got to eat." In that, you have no argument from me. And I thought your assessment of racism was very well said: "(w)e are all off the same race , which is the human race. Only the uneducated and simple minded uses color as a way to keep us separate ..." Excellent and accurate. However, I can't agree it is "the government" doing the above. It certainly may be true that members of the government do that; but, it is equally true that it is the government that is responsible for every single piece of anti-discrimination legislation that has been enacted to combat it. Not just lip service, but a vehicle for real change. Has it been enough or righted all wrongs? Not even close. But not for lack of trying. We are moving in a better and brighter direction...dialog like this blog helps. But rhetoric without action is just that. One action that gave me hope that we are changing, evolving beyond the ugliness of racism - slowly - was the election of Barrack Obama. That's government too, and that ain't all bad. Visduh nice summary of this blog. I admire your contribution to it and your willingness to read it all! Melbamoose, I wanted to say that you are right. My above point does apply to any City Beat editorial on this issue (see post #91) AND Josh Board's comments and this blog. Can't give a pass to one without giving it to the other, and that goes for the both of us. Which also means you have to accept the fact that Joshb's opinions have their place and should be allowed a voice without ridicule. It was not City Beat's opinions that bothered me. It was the nasty-gram delivery system they chose. Totally inappropriate and detracted from their credibility and message. And the message is too important to be diminished by harangue or intolerance.— April 27, 2009 12:07 p.m.
From Preps to Pros
JoshB-You wrote: "And, isn't the main point of getting a good education to enable you to get a good job?" Okay, get ready to roll yer eyes, but my answer to that somewhat rhetorical question is "no." The main point of getting a good education is not solely to enable you to get a good job. It is called "education." It is not called "advanced job training." A college or university stint is not like going to Votech (nothing wrong with technical training, it just has a different objective). This attitude though, that main value of college is the stepping stone to making a six-figure income, is THE reason this country lags behind Europe and Asia in two key study areas: math and science, and increasingly in computer software design. Three EXTREMELY important disciplines if we are going to continue to be a competitive leader in a global market. What is even a sadder result, is this attitude lends itself to fodder for late night TV when our youth can't place various states on our own country's map; don't have a clue who Franklin D. Roosevelt was; and think Milton's "Paradise Lost" was a porn flick made in the 80's staring some chick from Baywatch. A college education is about growth; preparation for an adult life with some independent experience (albeit controlled) and an expansion of the mind. It is both about learning a broad spectrum of concepts in multiple fields of study and about focusing gradually on the area(s) where your interest lies. It is also about making yourself marketable, interesting, and well-rounded. It is as much about learning to speak and write in complete sentences as it is about enabling you to get a better paying job. You can't ordinate the two objectives if you and call it an "education." Frankly, I think the take the money and run mentality is pretty short-sighted. For all the players you've named above who did it and made good coin, how many of them still are in the chips (mixed metaphors aside)? For every success story in this regard, there are 5 professional anything players who did not get an education; made some team owner rich (instead of bringing money into their school); and later aged or "injuried" out of sports (or did a stint in the pen) and was flat broke. A has been, too old to play, too old for school, and nothing and nobody to fall back on. Sure kids want the money and think that is all that matters. But parents should know better. We should know that things can happen in life that you never plan for and you need to ensure that you can adapt and survive. These days that means you need an education, not just a killer free throw. These kids are being taken advantage of by some very greedy already well-off team owners...and some very shortsighted, equally greedy parents.— April 27, 2009 11:39 a.m.
Lots of Copies, Lots of Flavors
Unfortunately, the woman at Kinkos was the exception. I firmly believe if more consideration for those around us was practiced, not an all out over-haul of the human condition, just some very basic "do unto others..." stuff we would ALL benefit greatly. It is those small things, like when you are in the grocery line and you have a mounded-over cart (as I often do) and the poor sap behind you has one or just a few items let them go ahead of you! It really is not going to add too much more down time on to your day. In fact if you need to find a personal benefit in it realize it will give you extra time to load the conveyor belt, organize your coupons, get your Vons card out, etc. Plus, everyone around you will think you are an enlightened human being. But really the best part is it will feel good. Trust me (and maybe someone else will pass it on). If we could all just be more aware of the other people we share this blue marble with, AND be responsive to them, we could redefine the meaning of "community." We have just that much power. Until then Joshb, just ask the red-headed ice-cream munching munchkins to step away from the glass. Politely of course! But if their parents won't teach them courtesy then you have every right to.— April 27, 2009 11:12 a.m.
Celebrity Idiots -- The Jamie Fox and Hulk Hogan Edition
I would love to see Russia again. As I said, the people were amazingly good people. They made you feel like family. When I was there, the winter palace was closed for renovations, so we did not get to see it. I have been to Europe many times since then. Perhaps I should take a side trip the next time I am oversees and see your St. Petersburg with fresh eyes. It was a prekrasniya yazaik then...so I can only imagine it now. And what an amazing history! :) Ovidichka, you always make me smile... surfpuppies not withstanding...LOL...— April 26, 2009 2:49 a.m.
George W. Bush Today
Oh Josh, Palin did not get "rapped" enough. I owe her though. She infuriated me so much, she stood for so much that I have been against for so much of my life that writing against her hypocrisy, stupidity, and foolishness earned me some money with the NYT. But for her, I would not have been making cold calls for Obama near and on election day. And yes, you are right it was foolish of McCain to thing that a woman, ANY WOMAN, would appease all us broads who backed Hillary and lost out to Obama. THAT more than anything turned the tide for me. Just prior? I felt John McCain was a noble alternative to the Democratic candidate if the Demos weren't going to put up Hillary C. I think a lot of men were dazzled by how she looked. I cannot blame you as it's not like you have a lot of eye candy on Capital Hill and, God love you, you are all so visual. But if Rush Limbaugh was a woman, he's be her...just picture THAT in a bikini. This entire mindset reminds me of when I practiced law. I showed up for a deposition, fully prepared (nervous as hell), with my big wide black briefcase full of "shtuff." I represented one of the Doctors being sued in that case. The Plaintiff's lawyer looked at me and said, "oh good, the court reporter is here." When I related the story to a friend of mine, a male friend, in the Defense Bar, he said, "well, you should feel good about that, most female attorneys don't look as good as court reporters." Yeah. That was so NOT my point. (weren't you studying to be a court reporter once Josh you little hottie you?). Sarah Palin is the triumph of form over substance. Any thinking man who cares about not being fooled by such mesmorizing nonsense (and yes, SD, your Mom must be a hottie and should be damn proud of it :), should look away from Medusa and instead listen to her words...her well, rehearsed, scripted words...that she STILL can't get right. Maybe in Wasila, but dear God never in D.C. Otherwise...Capri...here I come.— April 26, 2009 2:44 a.m.