John Masters, Author at Deep Something

Broken Wrist a Pre-existing Condition

November 29, 2009September 29, 2018 B. John 393 Views 0 Comments Harvard, CNN, Economics, Healthcare Reform, Health Insurance, Health care reform, Public Health Insurance, Health Care Insurance Reform, United Healthcare, David Brooks, Greg Mankiw

Today’s stupid health insurance company tricks includes one lady’s experience of having her insurance company deny paying for the treatment of her broken wrist because it was a “pre-existing condition,” my experience with having denial codes that even the insurance company can’t explain, and the writings of some conservatives who say we can’t reform heath care insurance because it would make a more decent society and let us enjoy more leisure time.

Culture Holidays Music

George Winston’s Thanksgiving

November 28, 2009August 10, 2015 B. John 289 Views 0 Comments thanksgiving, George Winston, December

Here is a live performance by George Winston of his song Thanksgiving. Another of the beautiful pieces from his December Album. These are always a joy to pull out and listen to during this time of year. I can see the bright red, gold and brown of leaves raining down, and blowing along beside a road. I can hear this and smell a fire burning in a fireplace somewhere as I walk outside in the brisk air. The photos in the video are outstanding.

Culture Holidays Music

George Winston's Thanksgiving

November 28, 2009 B. John 326 Views 0 Comments thanksgiving, George Winston, December

Fun Stuff Humor Culture Holidays Entertainment Food

Johnny and Doc Discuss Thanksgiving

November 27, 2009September 29, 2018 B. John 350 Views 0 Comments thanksgiving, Johnny Carson, Doc Severinson

Circa 1979. This spontaneous dialogue between Johnny and Doc is perhaps one of the funniest television moments ever. This clip was recorded from the 18th Anniversary Show, which turned out to be the only time this exchange was featured in it’s entirety.

Culture Holidays Music

We Gather Together

November 26, 2009August 10, 2015 B. John 317 Views 0 Comments We Gather Together, thanksgiving, YouTube, Bells, Carillon

I didn’t make it home to North Carolina this year for Thanksgiving, so I am feeling a little down as I think about not “gathering together” with the family. However, this is still a beautiful hymn, and I can just imagine how it would sound on a crisp Thanksgiving morning ringing out from the carillon. This 16th century Dutch melody is played by David Christensen on the carillon at the University of California, Riverside.

Culture Movies Entertainment Humor

The Goods – A Movie Review

November 25, 2009September 29, 2018 B. John 418 Views 0 Comments Comedy, Jeremy Piven, The Goods, Ving Rhames, David Koechner, Tony Hale, Neal Brennan

In a desperate attempt to save his rapidly failing used car dealership, Ben Selleck hires a crack team of “car mercenaries” to ramp up sales during the Fourth of July weekend. Led by the fast-talking, foul-mouthed, self-assured Don “The Goods” Ready, the group has three days to sell over 200 cars. There were a few laugh out loud moments, and lots of mild humor throughout. The characters played their parts well. It’s worth renting.

Culture Music

Thankful People Come

November 24, 2009 B. John 333 Views 0 Comments thanksgiving, Come ye Thankful People Come, Presbyterian College

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied; come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

Culture Featured Media Radio

A Good Friend Who Doesn't Know He's a Good Friend

November 24, 2009 B. John 478 Views 2 Comments Carl Kassel, Friends, news, national public radio, NPR, life, Carl Kasell

Carl Kasell is retiring from NPR as the Morning Edition news anchor after holding the job for 30 years since the inception of the program. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Carl Kasell, and I don’t think I’d ever seen a picture of him until his retirement was announced this week, but I knew that voice as well as that of my best friends.

Culture Music

Lord of the Dance

November 14, 2009 B. John 316 Views 0 Comments Jim McCan, Dubliner, Lord of The Dance

Jim Mccan with the Dubliners performing Lord of the dance. This will get your feet tapping.

Culture Movies Fun Stuff

Men Who Stare at Goats, The – A Movie Review

November 13, 2009 B. John 463 Views 0 Comments Thriller, Comedy, Kevin Spacey, Iraq, War, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Grant Heslov, Ewan McGregor

Reporter Bob Wilton is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady, a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental U.S. military unit. According to Cassady, the New Earth Army is changing the way wars are fought. A legion of “Warrior Monks” with unparalleled psychic powers can read the enemy’s thoughts, pass through solid walls, and even kill a goat simply by staring at it. Not a terrible movie, but I was expecting more.

Music Entertainment Culture

What Should Have Been

November 4, 2009August 10, 2015 B. John 337 Views 0 Comments america, America the Beautiful, Iowa All State Orchestra and Chorus

Recently I complained about the overall demeanor and conduct of a Naturalization Ceremony I attended. I commented about the fact that with all the beautiful American Anthems available, they had chosen to play, “Proud to Be An American.” I know some people like it, but it’s a bit too country and smarmy for my tastes.