In The News (10/08/2017)

According to 'The Daily Mail' (UK) Amazon is thinking about getting into the prescription drug business. Let em'. I won't buy drugs from them for a few reasons. (1) If I wanted mail order I could already do that with the pharmacy I go to. I couldn't imagine how I'd deal with Amazon when it comes to service. The people at my local drug store have helped me out more then a few times when it came to problems with billing. They also answer questions I have. Some things require in store personal service and attention no online company can provide. Even if they do employ so-called "trained operators standing by" how long do you think you'll be waiting on the phone in the queue listening to music, advertisements and the nauseously redundant message every few seconds reminding how "important your call is to them"?

(2) This pharmacy chain I go to in Allentown alone has 7 locations. Each with 2 licensed pharmacists plus their helpers in each. Poof--20-25 jobs gone just like that. Their jobs along with the taxes they are paying locally. Is Amazon required to hire dozens and dozens licensed pharmacist to count pills? Or instead be allowed to hire one with 30 helpers?

(3) These professionals spend a good amount of money and time to acquire the knowledge of knowing what pills can and not be taken in combination. Which ones should be and not be prescribed for people with certain conditions. Doctors have a somewhat limited knowledge of these drugs. Therefore pharmacists serve a vital role acting as a backstop for their patients. You think Amazon's pill counters will?

(4) A number of drugs require a temperature controlled environment. After packed, then sitting on the loading dock, then on the road for who knows how long will they arrive on someone's doorstep that way? Finally when they do (assuming nobody steals them) I'm having trouble imagining they'd remain within specified temperatures sitting outside prolonged periods. In the summer it might be over 90+ degrees. In the Winter 30 degrees or less.

(5) Since Amazon has gotten in the food business they already know your eating and buying habits. Now they'd have access to your medical information as well. That's helluva lotta information other companies would be willing to pay for. So off of that they could profit as well. Let us also remember billions of these dollars come from taxpayers in the form of Medicaid, Medicare and Pennsylvania's taxpayer supported medical assistance programs. It already costs taxpayers without getting 3rd and possibly 4th parties involved in the mix. Speaking of medical insurance--is Amazon going to bill insurance for you? Will your health plan go along with it? And if they do--wouldn't it mean Amazon would also then know who your insurers are? Amazon I trust you--but not that much with having so much access to my information.

(6) The only way Amazon could overcome these problems would be to contract locally with existing pharmacies in the area. Oh hell then what's the point? Only one I can see. These "contracted" pharmacies would have to agree to sell them less then they are now by reducing wages.

As you might have gathered by now I'm completely against this. As momma use to say--leave something on the plate. Others want to eat too.

Ricky On Gun Control
'Mediaite'--Rick Santorum on Gun Control Debate: Why Aren’t We Going After Violent Video Games and Films?

Well offhand I'd say because they don't kill people.

Yes I agree they are too violent--but other then the 2012 Aurora theatre shooting there hasn't been a single one at any other nor a single one at a video game competition. So that pretty much blows that theory.

Besides Ricky...

Know Anyone Looking For Experimental Cancer Treatment?
There are free experimental trials being offered to select individuals. Problem is only people of means can afford them. That's because someone still has to pay for themselves and the family's transportation along with lodging where these treatments are available.

This is where the "Lazarex Foundation" can step in to help pay for those expenses. This is another example of so many good people doing good things we seldom hear about. Lazarex assists advanced stage cancer patients of any age and ethnicity, with any type of cancer, nationwide who wish to find out about or participate in an FDA (Federal Drug Administration) clinical trial...

The Lazarex Cancer Foundation LCF) Medical Liaison team helps patients navigate through and identify their clinical trial options based on their individual diagnosis, treatment history, physical condition and family situation.

When needed, LCF provides financial assistance for a patient to participate in a clinical trial defraying the associated costs such as travel, lodging, rental cars, diagnostics, etc. LCF also provides funding for a travel companion to provide emotional and logistical support while a patient is in treatment, away from home, family and friends.





HR Manager Values Honesty
But does he/she always reward someone for it?

Hmmm, I wonder whether he got the job or not?