While there would be no shame in choosing either, I believe the obvious choice is Gulbis. And that's a horrible pic of Coughlin.

But Coughlin can hold her breath longer...

Why do you not consider the subtleties?

David Blaine holds the record for holding his breath. Are you choosing him over Gulbis, 'mommish?

which natalie would you prefer?

Portman



Imbruglia

Umbruglia. Only because I've seen Portman look pretty rough.

Quote: Originally Posted By MikeT23 on 11/19/2009David Blaine holds the record for holding his breath. Are you choosing him over Gulbis, 'mommish

Why are you bringing a sexually ambiguous pseudo-magician into it?

I was commenting that between two reasonably attractive women, certain qualities might tip the scales (holding her breath a long time, flexibility, moral ambiguity, suggestiveness, etc.)

Because I know your type. You like "mysterious" dudes who can hold their breath.

Is James K. Polk our most under-appreciated president?

I'm not in the President-rating business.

With every other developed nation in the world having a form of national healthcare, would it really be destroying our country to have some form of healthcare insurance for those that could otherwise not afford it?

"Destroying our country"? No. But, if you think national healthcare works, take a lot at Canada. And, if you want something a little closer to home, look at VA care. Veterans wait forever to receive shoddy care. It's going to be a nightmare. Not much will change. Those who can afford it will get top care. Those who can't will be on a nice, long waiting list. Those deemed too sick will just be allowed to die.

I can't say that I am completely familiar with canadian healthcare, but I am a paramedic and see healthcare from different perspective than most. I see what its like when people can't afford health insurance and so they use EMS and emergency rooms for treatment since we have to treat regardless of ability to pay. Not to mention the people that die everyday or diseases that go untreated and worsen because of it. My wife is an italian citizen and I do have pretty good knowledge of the healthcare system over there and it works very well. And for those that refer to "death panels" or those too sick being allowed to die...that system is already in place. Most insurances require pre-authorization and authorization is not always granted eventhough it could save a life. Horseshit reasons like "experimental treatment" or "pre-existing condition" are used to justify denial of claims. Being a veteran myself, the problem isn't that government run healthcare is a bad thing, it's that the people in charge of running things are idiots.

Here's the question:

Is the problem with national healthcare or with the way that national healthcare is run/administered?

What do you feel is the problem with Canadian healthcare?

Why do all Americans feel like they are experts on it?

Iain, like I said, I know nothing of canadian healthcare and I don't think all americans feel they are experts on it. Most of the "american experts" I have heard speak on the matter are not experts at all and are wishing to engage in fear mongering and lying in an attempt to shoot down any kind of national healthcare.

Doesn't the "health insurance" form of healthcare seem absurd to canadians like it does to my wife and her family back home?

We don't have national healthcare. Yet. But, based on our experiences of the way our government runs things(including the VA), it will not go well and will cost plenty. For instance, I will assume that 10% more people will now go to the doctor. Some who are actually ill, others who are hypocondriacts(sp?) who hope to get some "feel good" medicine. Are we suddenly going to get 10% more doctors? From where? If you've been to a doctor lately, or know someone who works for one, you have to wait. And, if you've been to a doctor lately, you know the first thing they ask is "Who is your healthcare provider?" Some get turned away. Will doctors be able to turn away national healthcare recipients? If not, and they're overworked, are they really going to be on the "top of their game"? Too many questions, not enough answers.

As I understand it, canucks have a nice waiting list. Depends on who you ask, I suppose. But, if a moose bites you on the *** for stealing his maple syrup, you need attention now.

I'm not an expert on anything Canadian. Maybe I just hear the horror stories. But, as I understand, we have the best healthcare in the world. For those who have insurance.