Sunday, August 31, 2008
Finding a Church, Visiting with Family
Saturday, August 30, 2008
On Our Own
Land That Appears to Avoid Depreciating
Friday, August 29, 2008
We Meet Nancy Phillips
Thursday, August 28, 2008
We Have Dinner with a Natural Leader who is a Christian.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Some Important Future Associates
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
New Friends and New Temptations
Monday, August 25, 2008
A Friend and a Rental Home Found
Sunday, August 24, 2008
A Diary of Events
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Enjoying the Fruits Left by Jim and Tammy Bakker
New Ventures
Friday, August 22, 2008
Connectons
LifeWorks Volume 12 No 8 August 2008
Most nights our house is empty. Our kids are grown and gone; our grandchildren have moved away with them. So, to keep a family tradition going, I read at night to my wife, Vicki. For the past few nights, I’ve been reading one of our favorites of all read-out-loud-books, Peter Pan, by James M. Barrie. Later, Vicki and I began talking about J. M. Barrie and his connection with Daphne du Maurier author of Rebecca, The Scapegoat, The House on the Strand, and Jamaica Inn. J. M. Barrie and Daphne du Maurier were associated much closer than six degrees of separation.
Six degrees of separation refers to the concept that if a person is one rung away from each person they know and two rungs away from each person who is known by one of the people they know, the mathematical progression indicates that everyone is approximately six rungs away from each person on Earth.
In 1990, an American playwright John Guare wrote the play Six Degrees of Separation that, in 1993, was adapted for the screen. Soon other television and cinema scripts would incorporate the concept, launching the phrase into everyday lexicon. The game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon posits the challenge to link any actor who has appeared in a movie with Kevin Bacon through no more than six connections. (A computer analysis has shown that the actor Rod Steiger has more connections with other actors than any other movie star.)
In 2001, a Columbia University professor, Duncan Watts, used 48,000 e-mail senders in 157 countries to demonstrate that the average number of messages to deliver packages to strangers was around six. A 2007 study examining data from 30 billion conversations among 240 million people found that the degree of separation, before strangers were connected to each other was 6.6.
Gregarious people have a smaller degree of separation. In the book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell compared change in social phenomena with the spread of infectious diseases. The moment in an epidemic when a virus reaches critical mass is known as the tipping point. When the tipping point is reached the graph showing the rate of infection goes straight up. Gladwell contends that social actions sometimes behave just like outbreaks of infectious disease. A drop in crime rate, a book by an unknown author exploding into a best seller, the sudden development of a “must have” product, the popularity of a movie—all these sudden changes can result from social epidemics. According to Gladwell, the tipping point in social change results from the confluence of three types of people that he calls agents of change:
- Mavens accumulate a wide-range of obscure knowledge and share it with others.
- Salesmen are charismatic people who have an impalpable trait that makes others want to be in agreement with them.
- Connectors have a special gift of making friends with just about everyone. Randomly take a list of 250 surnames from a phone book. Go down the list and give yourself a point every time you see a surname that is shared by someone you know. The higher the score, the more connected you are. Gladwell has given this test to almost 400 people. Of those 400, two dozen had scores under 20, eight had scores over 90, and four had over 100 points.
Connectors bring to mind a friend of mine. Jeff Savell knows just about everyone. Go to a football game and the fans, the yell leaders, the coaches, and even Reveille wave at Jeff. At international conferences, everyone from all over the world knows Jeff. Go to a large party and all of the guests feel that Jeff is their best friend. Jeff’s reputation engenders this story: Jeff is so popular that he is given a private audience with the Pope. During their meeting, the Pope invites Jeff to accompany him on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square and wave to the huge crowd below. Two people in the crowd look up at the two men waving from the balcony. One asks the other to identify the two people on the balcony. The man replies, “I don’t know the guy wearing the white cassock and zucchetto, but the man standing next to him is Jeff Savell.”
J. M. Barrie was the Jeff Savell of his day. He counted Robert Louis Stevenson, George Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, and Thomas Hardy as his friends. Barrie founded a cricket team consisting of Conan Doyle, A.A. Milne, G. K. Chesterton, P. G. Woodhouse, and other luminaries. He was godfather to the son of Robert Falcon Scott, the Antarctica explorer. He told stories to the young daughters of the Duke of York, who would become Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. During the height of his career, Barrie was better known than any writer of his time.
The Arthur Llewelyn Davies family consisting of the parents Arthur, Sylvia, née du Maurier, and their five sons George, John, Peter, Michael, and Nicholas (Nico) played an important role in Barrie’s career. Barrie met the boys in Kensington Gardens where he walked his Newfoundland dog Porthos. He entertained the boys with his stories. When Arthur Llewelyn Davies died in 1907, Barrie provided financial support for the family. Following Sylvia’s death in 1910 Barrie became the boys’ guardian. The boys served as inspiration for the characters in the play Peter Pan that had its first stage appearance in 1904.
With Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her children, we come to the connections between J. M. Barrie and Daphne du Maurier.
Ø George du Maurier—Daphne’s grandfather and author of Trilby, the story of a young girl transformed into a diva by the evil musical genius Svengali. Trilby inspired the 1910 novel, Phantom of the Opera, that was later adapted into the longest running Broadway show in history. The word “Svengali” has entered the language meaning a person who, with evil intent, manipulates another into doing what is desired.
Ø Gerald du Maurier— Daphne’s father and actor acclaimed for his dual role of George Darling and Captain Hook in J. M. Barrie’s play, Peter Pan
Ø Angela—Daphne’s sister and a beautiful actress who played Wendy in Peter Pan.
Ø Peter—Daphne’s cousin and publisher of her first short story, identified as the name source of the play, Peter Pan.
Now the circle closes in the dénouement: We are all connected, perhaps not as dramatically as the Barrie-du Maurier connection, but we are all linked nonetheless. This idea gives me great comfort, because Vicki and I are moving to Virginia to be nearer to our children and grandchildren who live in the Carolinas. As we move, we trust that the connections we have made in College Station will remain unseparated by six degrees.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Utility Numbers for New Move
UTITLITY INFO
Water, sewer, and garbage = will be turned on
Town of Christiansburg 540-382-6128
100 East Main St.
Water 540-382-9519
Atmos Energy (Gas) 540-951-9184
540-639-1662 (local)
All connect 866-269-4825
Ø Account number = 8785582
AEP (Power) will be turned on Sept 23 800-956-4237
Ø AEP account number = 02462166832
Verizon Phone 540-954-6222
Ø Our land line number is 540-381-2898
Ø Cost = $49.99
Ø Verizon Internet confirmation number = 779218096
Direct TV 800-488-5069 or 628-5175
Ø Account number = 81655270
Ø Will be connected from 0800-1200 AM on October 1
Ø Will get about 200 channels for $39.95 if file for two rebates
o After activation of TV go to internet and enter DirectTV.com/rebate give the account number (81655270) and apply for rebate
o The go to www.dstvgift.com and print off a form and complete form and mail in and will get first 6 months of free internet for $29.99 after that
Mowing = Harvey @ First Impressions 540-392-7783
Roanoke Times 540-381-1655
Jet Broadband Cable 1-877-743-8538
Internet NRV Unwired 540-239-0318
$1300 rent due the first of each month to Oak Tree Town Homes
Ø I E-mailed Wende this info
Ø Jim Wesel 540-382-5885
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Children Get Older Too
With my love walked up valleys and down
Climbed a mountain and turned around
Saw my reflection in sun shining souls
The heart’s joy brought me down.
Reflections in the eye
Where is love?
Can the child in my heart go with the ride?
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tide?
Can I handle the seasons rearranging?
Well, I’ve been afraid of changing
Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I’m getting older too.
Take my love, take it around
Climb a mountain and turn back down
If you see my reflection in sun shining souls
May the new destinations make it shine on?
Monday, August 18, 2008
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC ASPECTS OF CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE
The neuropsychiatric complications associated with cerebrovascular disease include a wide range of emotional and cognitive disturbances.
MAJOR DEPRESSION
Ø Prevalence: 20% of patients with cerebrovascular disease
Ø Clinical symptoms: Disheartened mood, gloominess, dreariness, pessimism, diurnal mood variation, anergia, weight loss, early-morning awakening
Ø Associated lesion location: Left frontal lobe and left basal ganglia during the acute period after stroke
Ø Treatment: Pamelor: proved effective in randomized placebo-controlled dbl studies
MINOR DEPRESSION
Ø Prevalence: 10-40% of patients with cerebrovascular disease
Ø Clinical symptoms: Lugubrious mood, disinclined to social interaction, decreased appetite, uneasiness, disquiet
Ø Associated lesion location: Left posterior parietal and occipital regions during the acute poststroke period
Ø Treatment: No controlled studies. SSRIs perhaps???
APATHY
Ø Prevalence: 22% of patients with cerebrovascular disease
Ø Clinical symptoms: Anhedonia, doleful demeanor, ennui, languor
Ø Associated lesion location: Posterior internal capsule
Ø Treatment: No controlled studies. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, perhaps???
MANIA
Ø Prevalence: Rare
Ø Clinical symptoms: Grandiloquent mood, libertine appetites, magniloquent well-being
Ø Associated lesion location: Right basotemporal or right orbitofrontal lesions
Ø Treatment: Depakote
ANXIETY DISORDER
Ø Prevalence: 27% of patients with cerebrovascular disease
Ø Clinical symptoms: Apprehensive dread, restiveness, insomnia, fretfulness, angst
Ø Associated lesion location: Left cortical lesions, usually dorsolateral frontal lobe
Ø Treatment: Avoid benzodiazepines because they impair cognition
CATASTROPHIC REACTION
Ø Prevalence: 19% of patients with cerebrovascular disease
Ø Clinical symptoms: Choleric agitation, strident acrimony, bellicosity, vitriolic brooding, menacing intimidation, obstreperous attitude, scurrilous vocabulary
Ø Associated lesion location: Left anterior-subcortical region
Ø Treatment: No studies. Depakote, perhaps???
Saturday, August 16, 2008
MEDICATIONS TO AUGMENT ANTIDEPRESSANTS
At least 40% patients treated with adequate doses of standard antidepressant medications fail to respond. That means four out of ten depressed patients are inadequately treated. Here are some suggestions for augmenting the effects of antidepressants.
BRAND NAME (GENERIC NAME) | HOW THE DRUG WORKS | APPROVED OR SPECIAL USES | DAILY DOSE |
Provigil (Modafinil) | Enhances activity in the hypothalamic wakefulness center | Narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, sleep apnea, fatigue, ADD | 200 mg once daily or 200 mg twice daily |
Eskalith CR (lithium) | May alter second messenger systems | Bipolar depression, mania | 450 mg twice daily |
Trilafon (perphenazine) | Blocks dopamine D2 receptors | Used in combination with amitriptyline and sold under the trade name Triavil. Especially useful in patients with multiple physical complaints | Triavil 2/10 or 2/25 one to six tablets |
Risperdal (risperidone) | Alpha 2 antagonist properties may contribute to antidepressant actions. | Schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorders, impulse control disorders | 0.5 mg-6 mg |
Lamictal (lamotrigene) | Blocks sodium channels, inhibits release of glutamate | First line treatment option for bipolar depression | 25 mg-400 mg |
Adderall | Enhances dopamine actions | Attention deficit disorder | 20-60 mg |
Friday, August 15, 2008
Computer Heaven
Dear Wende:What an unbelievable transition. Everything, literally, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong at the office. I don't know how much your mother has told you and the tragedy is too involved to write about. Your wonderful Mother deserves the Nobel Prize for Grace Under Pressure. She has done fantastically well. Anyone else, including Carey and Chrystal, would be in the hospital receiving ECT.Thankfully a few minutes ago Carey called on her way back from her vacation. I told her that I wanted her to return her bonus check for leaving us and that I her mother and father would be unforgiven forever for taking her away. With those threats she agreed to come back for a few days. Of course, she called to say she wanted to come back and help us. She was concerned about us even before she heard the American Office Tragedy. I want you to pay her $20/hour (this actually computes to a little under time-and-a-half, but sounds better) because she has been so faithful. Before she left Vicki and I decided that she did the work of three people and her absence proved our conviction. (Chrystal also did the work of three). Their absence makes me realize how lucky I have been these last eight years and how glad I am to get out of the office, because I would never be able to find another like them.I really haven't suffered any except to watch the trials and tribulations of your mother.Love,Dad
Thursday, August 14, 2008
THIRD-GENERATION AND SPECIAL ANTIDEPRESSANTS
BRAND NAME (GENERIC NAME) | HOW THE DRUG WORKS | SPECIAL USES | DAILY DOSE |
Desyrel (Trazodone) | Serotonin 2 antagonist | Insomnia—the drug of choice for insomnia because it is not addicting and boosts serotonin which often is the reason for insomnia. Very useful for alcoholics and drug abusers. | 50-600 mg |
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) | Boosts serotonin (and norepinephrine in doses greater than 150 mg) | Energizing antidepressant, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, chronic pain (at doses of 225 mg or higher). Taper dose slowly when discontinuing med. | 75-300 mg |
Cymbalta (duloxetine) | Boosts serotonin and norepinephrine in equal amounts | Energizing antidepressant, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, stress urinary incontinence | 60 mg |
Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) | Boosts dopamine and norepinephrine | Activating and motivating antidepressant, useful in cocaine-induced depression, improves cognitive slowing, reverses SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, reduces craving during smoking cessation | 150-450 mg |
Remeron (mirtazapine) | Blocks alpha 2 adrenergic presynaptic receptors, blocks 5HT2A, 5HT2C, 5HT3 serotonin receptors | Boosts usefulness of Effexor XR, improves appetite, insomnia and anxiety. Good med for nausea because of 5HT3 effects. Ideal patient for this med is depressed, skinny, sleepless and anxious (or sad, skinny, sleepless and scared). | 15-45 mg |
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
CHOOSIING AN ANTIDEPRESANT BASED ON NEUROTRANSMITTER FUNCTION
Currently three neurotransmitters—serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine—have been implicated as the most important neurotransmitters in depression. Depletion of these neurotransmitters cause specific symptoms that can help the physician choose which antidepressant would be the first choice for each patient.
Symptoms of Neurotransmittor Depletion
SEROTONIN LOSS | NOREPINEPHRINE LOSS | DOPAMINE LOSS |
Anxious depression | Lethargic depression | Joyless depression |
Waking during night | Restless sleep | Sleeping too much |
Panic symptoms | Worry | Apathetic |
Obsessions and compulsions | Feeling tired all the time | No motivation |
Anger, irritability | Lethargic | No pleasure |
Traumatic dreams | Run down feeling | Decreased sexual drive and function |
Flashbacks | Chronic pain symptoms | Poor concentration & attention |
Specific Medications that primary work on the “Big” three neurotransmitters
SEROTONIN | NOREPINEPHRINE | DOPAMINE |
Prozac | Effexor XR (“pure” serotonin med at doses below 150 mg daily; in doses higher than 150 mg increases both norepinephrine and serotonin)P | Wellbutrin XL |
Paxil-CR | Cymbalta (Boosts serotonin & norepinephrine in equal amounts) | Vivactil |
Zoloft | Norpramin | |
Celexa | Pamelor | |
Lexapro | Vivactil | |
Remeron | | |