Update from the Heartland
No.517
7.11.11 – 13.11.11
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
To all,
. . . a more detailed update to the Update [sent 11.November.2011]:
Preparation began a week prior with my pre-op registration and examination, which included blood tests and EKG, and restrictions on some vitamin supplements, alcohol, caffeine, et cetera. I was deemed healthy enough to tolerate surgery. I had nothing to eat or drink after midnight before surgery. We arrived at the hospital two hours prior to the scheduled surgery time. I was ready at 11:45. They said there was an hour delay from the 13:00 scheduled time, so we waited . . . Jeanne and Patty keeping me company. At 14:00, the surgeon came to get me and wheeled me from the preparation room to the surgical suite. He said, “Here’s the machine.” The anesthesiologist said, “Here’s an oxygen mask for you,” and I was gone . . . must’ve been something in the gas. The next thing I remember was circa 19:45 in a room of the 8th floor, surgical, recovery ward. Of course, they had me wired for sound – vital signs good, no leaks. Jeanne fed me a liquid supper before she went home to sleep. Thank you Jacy for tending the dogs. A nurse woke me up every hour to take my vital signs, which did not make for a restful sleep for me. The next morning, I checked out the aftermath of the RALP procedure – six, small incisions scattered across my lower abdomen, including one for an abdominal drain. The most discomfort seemed to come from the retention of air in my abdominal cavity that had been used to inflate my abdomen for better access to the organs in question. I took my first walkabout circa 09:00 the following morning – a little slow but acceptable. The surgeon visited at 12:30 to officially report that the surgery went well. He removed my prostate, seminal vessels, and adjacent lymph nodes; all looked good externally; however, the truth will come in the detailed pathology report, perhaps late next week, more likely to be discussed at our follow-up appointment. He declared me good to go. We arrived home at 14:30 CST on Thursday. My task now is to follow instructions precisely for the quickest possible recovery.
Two days into my convalescence, I received several text messages and telephone calls that the company laid off or gave 60-day notice to 300 employees on Friday. I was informed indirectly that I was not among the layoffs. I understand I will have a new assignment, but I will not learn officially until I return to work, hopefully Monday.
Mississippi Initiative 26 to amend the state’s constitution and define personhood under the law as “every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof,” failed 43-57%. Thank goodness! Using the law to enforce moral values is not the way we should resolve social issues. The initiative was a bad idea from the get-go. I am confident we can all agree that abortion is an important, serious issue that demands an equitable solution. This initiative was not the way to a good solution.
L’Affaire Madoff [365]:
-- The Washington Post reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disciplined seven agency employees over their handling of the Madoff affair. An eighth person resigned before disciplinary action could be taken. The SEC has been sharply criticized for failing to act on repeated warnings that Madoff's prominent investment business was a fraud.
Comments and contributions from Update no.516:
Comment to the Blog:
“Your earthquake story is interesting. I have already seen an article questioning whether ‘fracking’ (hydraulic fracturing) has caused earthquakes in Britain. There’s certainly logic to that; the process is designed to fracture rock layers. Also, in a TV story here in Columbus last night (11/6/2011), the Oklahoma earthquake was described as being on the New Madrid fault. Past earthquakes on that fault have been felt as far away as Boston; the past quakes have centered on New Madrid, Missouri, which is between Memphis, Tennessee, and Saint Louis, Missouri. Any way it develops, an increase in earthquakes matters a great deal to many people.
“I mostly want to encourage you to take good care of yourself. Between having surgery and your company’s changes, you will have plenty to do. Please take care of your high-priority business first; we’ll be here when you get back.
“Also, I hope Mr. Soobzokov can get some level of justice. He has had a very long road.”
My reply to the Blog:
I do not believe the New Madrid fault line runs through Oklahoma, which makes the earthquake all the more puzzling. I do not know whether they have fracking operations in Oklahoma either. They certainly have conventional oil wells. Perhaps it was a collapsed, empty, oil dome. Who knows? Hopefully, the USGS will figure it out.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I am optimistic. In a few more days, we should have the preliminary results.
I know Aslan Soobzokov will also appreciate all the support he can gather. He and his family deserve justice.
. . . round two:
“I didn't think the New Madrid fault ran there either; I wish I'd seen the whole story or seen it repeated later. I'll get around to checking it later. Fracking was part of cable-tool oil drilling back in the 1970s and early 1980s when my older brothers were working on that here in Ohio, and apparently is still a part of fossil-fuel extraction. A large deposit of shale that bears natural gas has been discovered east of here and includes the county I come from "back home." They are having various public discussions of fracking and other drilling-related topics per the local newspaper I read online; whether and how fracking may have evolved I do not know. That one can also use further research.”
. . . my reply to round two:
The oddity of multiple earthquakes where no known fault lines exist created a valid and appropriate research topic. Our local newspaper had offered its headline:
“Scientists search for link between man and earthquakes in Oklahoma”
by Dan Voorhis
Wichita Eagle
Posted on Sat, Nov. 12, 2011
http://www.kansas.com/2011/11/12/2099938/scientists-search-for-link-between.html
A quick Google search identifies many similar articles. Like you, I look forward to the research findings.
. . . round three:
“This is interesting, and I look forward to the report that's due next spring. In the meantime, the paragraph in this story that talks about evidence of quakes elsewhere associated with injection wells appears to contradict, to some degree, the statements from industry and government that no hazard exists. This could get to be fascinating, especially in Eastern Ohio where we have a history of oil drilling and a very strong prospect for future gas drilling with the expectation of fracking. This gas deposit has been discovered recently and the drillers are still in the process of getting permission to develop fields. That makes for an interesting conflict, especially in the poorer counties of Appalachian Ohio and West Virginia.”
. . . my reply to round three:
Interesting . . . fascinating . . . all appropriate descriptors. I look forward to learning more.
Another contribution:
“Big week. I know your thought process is sound regarding your decision. I will be praying for the best and a speedy recovery. And I hope things work out for the best at work as well.
“The talk regarding the Galloping Ghost accident continues, so I will off my two cents worth which I have refrained from doing thus far. You know I have been going to the races for many years, so I offer what I hope is a reasonable perspective of the events that unfolded. The attachment contains that which I put to words a few weeks ago. I put it to words in the hopes that it would be somewhat cathartic in nature.”
My response:
Things will be what they will be, and we’ll deal with what comes. I am optimistic. The truth will come in the post-op and pathology reports.
The crash had to be horrific, especially to be so close. I’ve told a lot of folks about your consistent attendance and participation. I was very thankful to hear that you were OK, and I figure best not to pester you with questions. So, thank you as well for taking the time to write your part of the story. My purpose is why? I think the NTSB will sort this one out. I also hope Bill Whittle’s admonition does not come to fruition.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
. . . a more detailed update to the Update [sent 11.November.2011]:
Preparation began a week prior with my pre-op registration and examination, which included blood tests and EKG, and restrictions on some vitamin supplements, alcohol, caffeine, et cetera. I was deemed healthy enough to tolerate surgery. I had nothing to eat or drink after midnight before surgery. We arrived at the hospital two hours prior to the scheduled surgery time. I was ready at 11:45. They said there was an hour delay from the 13:00 scheduled time, so we waited . . . Jeanne and Patty keeping me company. At 14:00, the surgeon came to get me and wheeled me from the preparation room to the surgical suite. He said, “Here’s the machine.” The anesthesiologist said, “Here’s an oxygen mask for you,” and I was gone . . . must’ve been something in the gas. The next thing I remember was circa 19:45 in a room of the 8th floor, surgical, recovery ward. Of course, they had me wired for sound – vital signs good, no leaks. Jeanne fed me a liquid supper before she went home to sleep. Thank you Jacy for tending the dogs. A nurse woke me up every hour to take my vital signs, which did not make for a restful sleep for me. The next morning, I checked out the aftermath of the RALP procedure – six, small incisions scattered across my lower abdomen, including one for an abdominal drain. The most discomfort seemed to come from the retention of air in my abdominal cavity that had been used to inflate my abdomen for better access to the organs in question. I took my first walkabout circa 09:00 the following morning – a little slow but acceptable. The surgeon visited at 12:30 to officially report that the surgery went well. He removed my prostate, seminal vessels, and adjacent lymph nodes; all looked good externally; however, the truth will come in the detailed pathology report, perhaps late next week, more likely to be discussed at our follow-up appointment. He declared me good to go. We arrived home at 14:30 CST on Thursday. My task now is to follow instructions precisely for the quickest possible recovery.
Two days into my convalescence, I received several text messages and telephone calls that the company laid off or gave 60-day notice to 300 employees on Friday. I was informed indirectly that I was not among the layoffs. I understand I will have a new assignment, but I will not learn officially until I return to work, hopefully Monday.
Mississippi Initiative 26 to amend the state’s constitution and define personhood under the law as “every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof,” failed 43-57%. Thank goodness! Using the law to enforce moral values is not the way we should resolve social issues. The initiative was a bad idea from the get-go. I am confident we can all agree that abortion is an important, serious issue that demands an equitable solution. This initiative was not the way to a good solution.
L’Affaire Madoff [365]:
-- The Washington Post reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disciplined seven agency employees over their handling of the Madoff affair. An eighth person resigned before disciplinary action could be taken. The SEC has been sharply criticized for failing to act on repeated warnings that Madoff's prominent investment business was a fraud.
Comments and contributions from Update no.516:
Comment to the Blog:
“Your earthquake story is interesting. I have already seen an article questioning whether ‘fracking’ (hydraulic fracturing) has caused earthquakes in Britain. There’s certainly logic to that; the process is designed to fracture rock layers. Also, in a TV story here in Columbus last night (11/6/2011), the Oklahoma earthquake was described as being on the New Madrid fault. Past earthquakes on that fault have been felt as far away as Boston; the past quakes have centered on New Madrid, Missouri, which is between Memphis, Tennessee, and Saint Louis, Missouri. Any way it develops, an increase in earthquakes matters a great deal to many people.
“I mostly want to encourage you to take good care of yourself. Between having surgery and your company’s changes, you will have plenty to do. Please take care of your high-priority business first; we’ll be here when you get back.
“Also, I hope Mr. Soobzokov can get some level of justice. He has had a very long road.”
My reply to the Blog:
I do not believe the New Madrid fault line runs through Oklahoma, which makes the earthquake all the more puzzling. I do not know whether they have fracking operations in Oklahoma either. They certainly have conventional oil wells. Perhaps it was a collapsed, empty, oil dome. Who knows? Hopefully, the USGS will figure it out.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I am optimistic. In a few more days, we should have the preliminary results.
I know Aslan Soobzokov will also appreciate all the support he can gather. He and his family deserve justice.
. . . round two:
“I didn't think the New Madrid fault ran there either; I wish I'd seen the whole story or seen it repeated later. I'll get around to checking it later. Fracking was part of cable-tool oil drilling back in the 1970s and early 1980s when my older brothers were working on that here in Ohio, and apparently is still a part of fossil-fuel extraction. A large deposit of shale that bears natural gas has been discovered east of here and includes the county I come from "back home." They are having various public discussions of fracking and other drilling-related topics per the local newspaper I read online; whether and how fracking may have evolved I do not know. That one can also use further research.”
. . . my reply to round two:
The oddity of multiple earthquakes where no known fault lines exist created a valid and appropriate research topic. Our local newspaper had offered its headline:
“Scientists search for link between man and earthquakes in Oklahoma”
by Dan Voorhis
Wichita Eagle
Posted on Sat, Nov. 12, 2011
http://www.kansas.com/2011/11/12/2099938/scientists-search-for-link-between.html
A quick Google search identifies many similar articles. Like you, I look forward to the research findings.
. . . round three:
“This is interesting, and I look forward to the report that's due next spring. In the meantime, the paragraph in this story that talks about evidence of quakes elsewhere associated with injection wells appears to contradict, to some degree, the statements from industry and government that no hazard exists. This could get to be fascinating, especially in Eastern Ohio where we have a history of oil drilling and a very strong prospect for future gas drilling with the expectation of fracking. This gas deposit has been discovered recently and the drillers are still in the process of getting permission to develop fields. That makes for an interesting conflict, especially in the poorer counties of Appalachian Ohio and West Virginia.”
. . . my reply to round three:
Interesting . . . fascinating . . . all appropriate descriptors. I look forward to learning more.
Another contribution:
“Big week. I know your thought process is sound regarding your decision. I will be praying for the best and a speedy recovery. And I hope things work out for the best at work as well.
“The talk regarding the Galloping Ghost accident continues, so I will off my two cents worth which I have refrained from doing thus far. You know I have been going to the races for many years, so I offer what I hope is a reasonable perspective of the events that unfolded. The attachment contains that which I put to words a few weeks ago. I put it to words in the hopes that it would be somewhat cathartic in nature.”
My response:
Things will be what they will be, and we’ll deal with what comes. I am optimistic. The truth will come in the post-op and pathology reports.
The crash had to be horrific, especially to be so close. I’ve told a lot of folks about your consistent attendance and participation. I was very thankful to hear that you were OK, and I figure best not to pester you with questions. So, thank you as well for taking the time to write your part of the story. My purpose is why? I think the NTSB will sort this one out. I also hope Bill Whittle’s admonition does not come to fruition.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
2 comments:
I’m glad to learn that your surgery went well. Take good care of yourself.
The voters in Mississippi have shown us that they see the fallacy of taking an idea to its most extreme expression. Here in Ohio, we defeated a law our radical legislature had passed that would have removed bargaining rights for State employees. I find myself tentatively agreeing with some of the analysts who see these developments as a rejection of extremism in general. Rulers of any sort, all the way back to the beginning of history, seem to have a tendency to lose their perspectives. The genius of representative government is that the ordinary people retain their good sense longer than the politicians. Thus, as long as the people retain the power to remove or discipline the politicians we have a chance to thrive despite the failings of our “leaders.”
Calvin,
Thank you for your kind words. I will do my best to recover quickly. Thankfully, Jeanne has been taking very good care of me.
I did not have the time to research the Ohio initiative. I have mixed feelings. There is no competition in government – no check & balance. Public sector pensions tend to be far more generous than the private sector.
Well said, re: representative government. Unfortunately, we do not exercise our voting power quickly or promptly enough to my liking.
Take care and enjoy.
Cheers,
Cap
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