BillsFanM.D.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dementia_pugilistica Not a 'new' issue. There is a broad spectrum of neurlogic effects that 'can' result from repetitive trauma. Not necessarily....but can. The variables are countless but repeated blows to the head and, certainly, concussions are not 'healthy.' As for the merit of the suit, I'm not so sure. The one question I would have for the players is, "Given the risks associated with repeated head trauma and concussions, are you willing to accept those and sign your huge contract?" My suspicion is that most of them would. Knowing what I know about the issue and, assuming I had the ability to play football ( ), you can bet your backside I'd sign the contract. If I had more than one concussion, however, I'd strongly think about walking away. A current situation is the Sid Crosby issue. He should, in my opinion, walk away. I suspect a lot of this will be a cash grab for the players that retired with the older 'bad' pensions....and those that are trying to 'keep' rich. some may have felt duped in an honest manner but only 'they' can answer that question. The NFL may have withheld information and, if so, they're stupid for it. They should have just brought out the waiver and had players sign it. Again, I think most would have.

Greenberg's picks are notoriously bad, and he typically admits it. I can see your logic in that respect. I'll have my typical kickoff optimism but Im not terribly confident.

....and a very good one. http://www.google.com/imgres?q=lee+smith+baseball+hall+fame&hl=en&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1972&bih=1201&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnsuo&tbnid=Wu6Ii4aqzlSbmM:&imgrefurl=http://www.faniq.com/blog/Baseball-Hall-of-Fame-Case-Lee-Smith-Blog-5425&docid=-LGAbZYrDhLh5M&imgurl=http://cdn.faniq.com/images/blog/lee-smith.jpg&w=275&h=235&ei=9pX0TvK1CaXV0QHw6ezQDQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=211&vpy=171&dur=688&hovh=188&hovw=220&tx=90&ty=82&sig=105619949354845780069&page=1&tbnh=172&tbnw=201&start=0&ndsp=56&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0

well said....you NEVER know what is fully going on in a person's life. In this case, we have no clue as (likely) none of us know him personally. If he stated he was just blowing off his obligations, I'd say he was a jerk and I'd rip him as much as the next guy. In this case, you have to give the benefit of the doubt.

No apologies #8. That's a great post and good info. Thx.

awesome work. Hook, line and sinker.

Great post....excellent idea to put this type of info out there. It is an incredibly difficult time of year for many people... and you never know how something as simple as starting a discussion, or posting a phone number, may affect someone. Great advice in there. I want to echo the 'no type' thought: Suicide/depression is like so many other health problems. You will see a cross section of all parts of society. Lastly, the point about believing someone is critical. If someone 'jokes' about killing themselves you need to treat that seriously. In fact, many profoundly depressed patients will seem to 'be better' right before they commit suicide. It stems from a sense of peace that they have a plan and have made a decision. Again, no person necessarily follows a particular pattern but these are some thoughts to keep on your radar if you know a person who may be at risk. Always error on the side of caution/protecting the person. Happy to hear you worked through that and thanks for being willing to share it as well.

Sure does. There is (should be) no 'culture' more important than one's own family. There (family) you learn life practices, morality, attitudes, spirituality, 'right 'n wrong,' goals, critical thinking, and on and on. Unconditional parental love, accompanied with firm discipline, are the rate limiting factors in today's child rearing. We simply do not see enough of either component.

There has to be a 'knock it off' button that local authorities/judges can hit before crap like this rises to the trial level...and, yes, I realize that undermines the entire legal 'system.' Personally, I think there is a little bit too much 'liberty' in this realm. Glad tax dollars will be put to such good use.....

Comment above highlighted for emphasis. Educational framework, moral fiber, work ethic, character etc. are all components of life that HAVE to begin at home. The failure(s) of our education system are largely based on a 'home based' problem IMHO. J8's example of knowing someone who overcame a bad 'educational' environment is, perhaps, supportive of my point. I say perhaps as I don't know him obviously. For the sake of discussion.....This student was presumably in a less than ideal school (per description) yet was able to have tremendous success in life. I strongly suspect he had a great parent(s), sibling, grandparent or mentor that instilled in him the aforementioned personality traits before and during his formative years. His developed sense of work and effort would not be 'destroyed' by a less than ideal education system. I.e. you get out of the system what you put in to a certain degree....despite perceived and real obstacles. Likewise, a student who lives near 'hookers and crackheads' could be shipped anywhere and given the 'best' educational tools, yet would almost certainly fail if he had no 'home' education. This problem, like so many in our society, START at home. Teachers, facilities, funding and the like all can have big impact in certain situations. However, they cannot (typically) change a culture/mindset on a broad scale. Educators cannot 'follow' the kids home and do their homework with them; or read to them; or share life experiences with them, or spend time mentoring them to the degree that is needed on an individual basis. This HAS to come from home and any parent/guardian should know this and should want to be involved. Education is a grind. A battle if you will. These kids need basic training at home before and during their education. Without it.....only the 'few' will manage to overcome the inherent bad situations in our system and others will have money/programs thrown at them despite no realistic chance of success. This problem can be extrapolated to many different theoretical starting points. I just feel the best place, and the most obvious one, is at home.

My wife will have one under the tree this year....but I buffered that selection with a pair of 'knock-out' earrings.

Music City Miracle and the subsequent release of Reed, Smith and Thomas. Not saying the moves were unreasonable given the mileage the players had...... but their collective release (considering their historical status as Bills), in the shadow of a devastating loss, began this epic fail. I was on call during my residency when the forward pass occurred. That also contributes to my own personal suffering.

excellent post. THis is one of these posts where the internet dooms us all. This could be a crazy racial statement but I'm opting for dry, yet very effective, humor.....well played.

required....there's the problem. Even if "I" stink at what I do, you 'have' to hire me (at least some of the time)? Amen. Common sense should prevail...but if the employers are 'required' to hire certain groups any flexibility goes out the window.

cell phones?...still a luxury in my book. Especially if they are the smartphone variety. The paradox of a person talking on an iphone while buying candy with food stamps tends to agitate the taxpayer in me. Way of life?....see the thread on the folks living in Seattle. I jest a bit but there are mounds of abuse in this system (and I know that's stating the obvious). It is not just those who 'need a hand.' You are correct.....Living on those programs is sad and there are many folks who have needs and who can benefit. However, living on those programs and milking it repeatedly for items other than shelter, food, basic clothing and necessities is near criminal in my mind. Especially when lifestyle choices are made with the intent to gain more 'funding.' I.e. more kids; why work now when I qualify for 99 months? etc. This is sad on a fundamental human level. Re: the choice to 'support' them.... I say no. They can get a job. If they turn to crime then they should be punished. I'll 'support' them in a jail with only the basics required. No more country club jails....but that's a whole different issue. The problem (and the point) here is that we are not funding housing and basics as you suggested. We are supporting a lifestyle which, in many situations, has nothing to do with basic needs. I fully agree on your fourth point.

This. How sad.

"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat." Obamafy: "Shameful it is for those who dare to work for themselves, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure...... as these acts corrupt poor spirits who simply cannot enjoy nor suffer; because they live in the gray twilight of federal entitlement and the suppression of the 1%."

Good time to be 40 w four kids....and know that my wife and I have financed our own educations; worked our a@@es off; and will take care of our own retirement. The rest is just daydreaming. This country needs to get to work.

....and if the Bills had played with any sense of urgency on the drive before (when they scored) they would have had more time. I was screaming at the TV for the entire drive. They don't necessarily have to go full 2 min drill speed but with less then nine mins to go.... and needing two scores....they need to get it in gear a bit.

It is kind of shocking. Regardless of his interests there.....he is a 70 year old medically frail (per the article) Jewish man who essentially chose to live (even part time) in Pakistan. Given current world conditions (and understanding my limited knowledge of his purpose there), I shudder every time I think of him electing to expose himself to such potential harm. The guy is an easy target. Having said that... God bless him and I hope he is safe.

Nothing much to add (so I suppose I'm an idiot ) but this is a solid post. Our government is way too overreaching and the housing market is a great example. I suppose 'they' are all involved in the never ending game of seeking the 'next' re-election. Practical motivation for every politician.

seriously? who the hell thinks this guy has a legit argument? The fact that he was fed 'snacks' and watched movies does not dispute the fact that he burst into their home unwanted. The couple merely waited for him to crash and got out asap. Pretty smart really.

This is a good retrospective view. Based on my interactions with patients (never a smoker myself), and seeing my parents both quit and nearly killing one another in the process......I know it's a real challenge. At the point of quitting there are many methods of help (hypnosis, chantix, nicotine subs, zyban etc.) but the smoker really has to WANT to quit. Sounds simple...but very true and difficult.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/11/29/kidnapper-sues-former-hostages-says-broke-promise/

D&B. Very good one. Somewhat subtle to the casual fan but drop dead funny to a diehard. How can we forget.... "When it's too tough for them....it's just right for us!"