Sicko: A Canadian Perspective

I just watched Michael Moore's film Sicko. I really enjoyed it, but when he was examining the Canadian medical system, I kept thinking "uh...no. Definitely not". It might be all peaches and cream in London and Windsor, but in Toronto? It's a mess. And I'm speaking from strictly personal experience.

The only time I've gone to an emergency room and gone straight in to see a doctor was when I almost lost my arm. I was sent to Sick Kids and got amazingly good care. Every other time I've gone to an emergency room has been, admittedly, less severe. I'd say my waiting time was on average 4.5 hours. Some people wait less, some more. When you've got a concussion, you're going to have to wait because someone else is having a heart attack or was shot.

Each province has a different healthcare system here. And some things that are covered in BC may not be covered in Quebec, or vice versa. In Ontario, the basics are covered. They recently stopped covering dental & eye care. They also don't pay for your medications. I don't have insurance and I pay about $250 for my medications. It's pretty damn steep.

We have universal healthcare, but you might be sitting overnight in a waiting room. And on a 9 month waiting list for surgery. Lots of Canadians go down to the US and pay for operations down there. Many Canadians have good insurance plans through their employers that cover the rest of their expenses. Some don't. If you don't, it's very expensive.

Although the situation in the US seems to be appalling, it's nowhere near perfect here. Although Sicko made me want to move to France.

TV to watch for.

I always mean to watch certain shows when they premiere in the fall, but forget until February. So I'm making myself a list of shows that look interesting. Some shows are returning - I just have to remind myself to watch them.

New

Mad Men - I alternate between wanting to slap and fuck Don Draper.

Chuck - Not as hyped about this one, but it's got Adam Baldwin in it, so I'm going to give it a shot.

Dirty Sexy Money - If this doesn't have guilty pleasure written all over it, then nothing does. Plus, I love my Sutherland boys.

Pushing Dasies - TV critics love it, so maybe I will too.

Viva Laughlin - Hugh Jackman. Vegas. Musical TV. guh. If Hugh Jackman is going to be singing and dancing every week, you bet I'm going to be watching.

Back to You - I miss Frasier. But this isn't the kind of show I'd watch regularly. If I flip to it, I'll watch it. Unless Hugh Jackman is shaking his ass in sequined pants. Then I'm changing the channel.

Mile High - A show about naughty flight attendants on OUTtv (I thought it was called Pride? Whatever. The gay channel). Yummy.

Returning

Blood Ties - It's not as good as Buffy, but it's a lovely supernatural romp through my home town, so I forgive the occasional cheese. Lifetime aired the first 12 episodes in the spring, but Citytv & Space will be airing the full 22 episode season. Bless them.

The Tudors - It's yummy. I've watched the first season, save for the final episode. Looking forward to the second.

Heroes - I was disappointed by the season finale. It was a bit of a cop-out. They'd best be knocking my shoes off.

Little Mosque on the Prairie - I've only seen a couple of episodes, but it's a damn good show.

The Mercer Report - Rick Mercer is the greatest.

Anthro doesn't care about black people.

This is a really awesome column at Jezebel about working retail. The poster talks about the ridiculous racism and homophobia (wear pants too much = lezzie = OMG DON'T GO NEAR THE FITTING ROOMS!!!) at Anthropologie, some American chain I've never heard of.

Chill out, Bridezillas.

This is an excellent piece on wedding planning and how to do it without the hysterics. From Jezebel.com.

You shrug and it's the worst/To truly stuck the knife in first

I thoroughly enjoyed the "Mad Men" premiere. It's delightful not only to see the ad world at such a pivotal time, but American society as well. I was so happy to see Christina Hendricks on the show. I haven't seen her in anything since "Firefly", and she's fantastic so far. I have to admit, I cringe every time Vincent Kartheiser is on screen. I hated his character on "Angel" and the whole fourth season arc that centred on him and his angst. But I find him insincere and smarmy, even when I suspect he is supposed to be sincere and endearing.

Here's copyranter's take on "Mad Men" from his Gawker column.

The Links of Love

+ There's this 'system' called Behance that apparently helps you organize your creativity. Hrmmm... I don't know whether it actually works or is just fluff and nonsense, but I wouldn't object to trying one out. My notepads are lovely with their crazy loopy writing and the arrows (oh the arrows) trying to link thoughts together. (link)

+ I thought this commercial from the UK was hilarious. You have to watch the whole thing to get the pay off. (link)

+ Finally, Aquafina (and later Dasani) are putting the fact that they are tap water on their label. My AD informed me that Aquafina is made from exotic Brampton tap water. Lovely. See, this is why, when I buy bottled water, I'll pay the extra to buy Evian or Volvic. I'm not paying to drink Brampton tap water. (link)

Fug It Out

Go Fug Yourself is one of my favourite websites.

This Bourne Supremacy fugging is a perfect example of why I love them.