What’s on your mind?

[yaxomoxay]

I'm in the tenth grade and I took the trial exam yesterday. My result was announced today. My results in History, English, Geography and Biology were good. Math and other science classes suck. I am depressed

Why would you be depressed? Four subjects: good. Other subjects: you have an opportunity to improve and, more importantly, you have an opportunity to learn how to improve while facing a challenge. This will improve you much more than any school grade could.


To quote my favorite Emperor: The obstacle in the way becomes the way. (Actual quote: “The impediment to action advances action, what stands in the way becomes the way.”)

​

 

[AhmetRyzen]

Why would you be depressed? Four subjects: good. Other subjects: you have an opportunity to improve and, more importantly, you have an opportunity to learn how to improve while facing a challenge. This will improve you much more than any school grade could.


To quote my favorite Emperor: The obstacle in the way becomes the way. (Actual quote: “The impediment to action advances action, what stands in the way becomes the way.”)

​

I will take the university exams in 2 years. It is held as 2 separate exams. The first exam asks about ninth and tenth grade subjects, and the other exam asks about 11th and 12th grade subjects. They take the average of your scores from the two exams and you choose the university and department accordingly. And the high school curriculum is extremely heavy. But I have a 50% chance of studying abroad. I concentrated on English

 

[Macky-Mac]

... I can't have dual citizenship because of the status of Japan during World War II. ....

That's interesting....your post lead me to look for info saying you can't have dual citizenship simply because of WW2. I came across this article on "Dual Citizenship" posted by "U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan" that gives information and advice for US/Japanese dual citizens. Nowhere does it say it isn't possible to have dual US/Japanese citizenship....as far as the US is concerned anyway.

So where does the info that you can't because of WW2 come from? Can you provide a link that verifies you can't?

 

[KaliYoni]

Fascinating.

I am interested in the specific stories behind each country's decision not to have diplomatic relations - or, perhaps, a reason why the US does not maintain diplomatic relations with the US.

How up to date is that list? Or, rather, is that the complete list of countries with which the US does not enjoy current diplomatic relations?

No country in the world, (unlike the situation that existed in the 1990s, during their previous regime, when three countries, namely, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Pakistan, recognised them), recognises the current regime of the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

I feel comfortable saying the list is current and most likely complete, with the caveat that I am not a diplomat nor a government employee.

In any case, I think 75% of the list can be easily guessed by most people. The other 25% seem to be due to idiosyncratic factors.

Spoiler

(Lazy use of generative AI)

The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan, but the two countries maintain warm, informal relations. The absence of formal relations is not due to any specific conflict or disagreement, but rather because the informal interactions between the two countries have been deemed sufficient. Bhutan's foreign relations were historically managed by India, and its limited number of formal relations with other countries, including the U.S., is part of a deliberate policy to limit foreign influence. Additionally, Bhutan needs to seek approval from India before establishing diplomatic relations with another country, which may also contribute to the absence of formal ties with the United States.

Why doesn't the United States have diplomatic relations with Bhutan?

The United States does not have formal diplomatic relations with Bhutan, but the two countries maintain warm, informal relations. The absence of formal...

www.perplexity.ai

 

[Chuckeee]

Found out the other day from my ENT that I'm a prime candidate to have my deviated septum corrected. Her exact words while looking up my nose were "Oh my...damn...yep, that needs fixed".

The part that sucks: I've met ZERO percent of my $3200 deductible for my insurance for this year and they will only pick up 75% of the hospital bill after I've met it.

It's fine. I can live with sub-par breathing...

My ENT told me I was a good candidate for it but I know 2 other people who had the surgery. While is significantly improved breathing through their nose, both of them developed chronic post-nasal drip and regretted have had the surgery.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Found out the other day from my ENT that I'm a prime candidate to have my deviated septum corrected. Her exact words while looking up my nose were "Oh my...damn...yep, that needs fixed".

The part that sucks: I've met ZERO percent of my $3200 deductible for my insurance for this year and they will only pick up 75% of the hospital bill after I've met it.

It's fine. I can live with sub-par breathing...

I had an appointment - prior to Christmas (under our state funded healthcare system) - in ENT to examine my nose because I have become prone to nosebleeds.

In any case, the specialist informed me that I have a deviated septum, that around 40% of the population (including herself) may suffer (to a greater or lesser degree) from this condition, and that it didn't require surgery.

You are in the US healthcare system, where professional participants appear have an incentive - a strong incentive - and are very strongly motivated - to recommend (expensive) surgery; therefore, prior to proceeding, I would strongly advise that you obtain a second, and, indeed, a third opinion on whether this is actually genuinely necessary.

Moreover, @bousozoku's cautionary tale is well wroth noting.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

My ENT told me I was a good candidate for it but I know 2 other people who had the surgery. While is significantly improved breathing through their nose, both of them developed chronic post-nasal drip and regretted have had the surgery.

That makes sense.

I honestly suspect that the individual who examined @jedimasterkyle comes from the - how shall I phrase this? - extraordinarily expensive US system, where, to cite - an ugly modern expression - they are extraordinarily "incentivised" to recommend expensive surgery options.

In state run healthcare systems, they will recommend surgery if it is necessary, not otherwise.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Do I really need my banking app to warm me on Valentine’s Day not to give people money who ask for it even if they say they love me?
I wish there was a tick box to turn off these rather stupid messages.

 

[Apple fanboy]

That makes sense.

I honestly suspect that the individual who examined @jedimasterkyle comes from the - how shall I phrase this? - extraordinarily expensive US system, where, to cite - an ugly modern expression - they are extraordinarily "incentivised" to recommend expensive surgery options.

In state run healthcare systems, they will recommend surgery if it is necessary, not otherwise.

Not wanting to get too political but with the post pandemic NHS, I think they are just as likely to NOT recommend surgery you need as the US equivalent private Dr’s are to recommend surgery you DON’T need.

Except @Doctor Q of course. He will just recommend pie.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Not wanting to get too political but with the post pandemic NHS,

I love the NHS.

I think they are just as likely to NOT recommend surgery you need as the US equivalent private Dr’s are to recommend surgery you DON’T need.

This is my point, and why I think that @jedimasterkyle should get a second, and third, opinion.

Given that I was seen by a specialist before Christmas, and surgery was emphatically not recommended, I think the haste with which surgery was recommended here - along with possible incentives on the part of medical professionals to wish to recommend surgery - would suggest to me to seek, at the very least, a second (and third) opinion.

Except @Doctor Q of course. He will just recommend pie.

Pie is a good catch-all cure for many maladies.

 

[bousozoku]

That's interesting....your post lead me to look for info saying you can't have dual citizenship simply because of WW2. I came across this article on "Dual Citizenship" posted by "U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan" that gives information and advice for US/Japanese dual citizens. Nowhere does it say it isn't possible to have dual US/Japanese citizenship....as far as the US is concerned anyway.

So where does the info that you can't because of WW2 come from? Can you provide a link that verifies you can't?

They might have changed it since 1963, but it wasn't possible when I was made a citizen.

 

[bousozoku]

I had an appointment - prior to Christmas (under our state funded healthcare system) - in ENT to examine my nose because I have become prone to nosebleeds.

In any case, the specialist informed me that I have a deviated septum, that around 40% of the population (including herself) may suffer (to a greater or lesser degree) from this condition, and that it didn't require surgery.

You are in the US healthcare system, where professional participants appear have an incentive - a strong incentive - be very strongly motivated - to recommend (expensive) surgery; therefore, prior to proceeding, I would strongly advise that you obtain a second, and, indeed, a third opinion on whether this is actually genuinely necessary.

Moreover, @bousozoku's cautionary tale is well wroth noting.

It's a country of epic proportions. If a doctor is convicted of malpractice, he could go to another state and practice medicine poorly. In the 2000s, Florida finally put an end to bad doctors moving to that state, but most states don't have any legislation to help citizens avoid bad medical professionals.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It's a country of epic proportions. If a doctor is convicted of malpractice, he could go to another state and practice medicine poorly. In the 2000s, Florida finally put an end to bad doctors moving to that state, but most states don't have any legislation to help citizens avoid bad medical professionals.

@bousozoku: I am not referring to malpractice, but to greed.

In other words, the arguments for recommending a surgical procedure might have been less enthusiastic were commercial considerations excluded.

 

[Macky-Mac]

They might have changed it since 1963, but it wasn't possible when I was made a citizen.

1963?

yes I suspect things might have been different back then.

 

[mtbdudex]

Found out the other day from my ENT that I'm a prime candidate to have my deviated septum corrected. Her exact words while looking up my nose were "Oh my...damn...yep, that needs fixed".

The part that sucks: I've met ZERO percent of my $3200 deductible for my insurance for this year and they will only pick up 75% of the hospital bill after I've met it.

It's fine. I can live with sub-par breathing...

I had similar surgery, deviated septum and bone spurs … 21 years ago when I was 40, for me I was prone to constant sinus infections. Was a huge huge difference in going from so many to near none. Made me a non snorer also, wife much happier.

What caused you to investigate?

 

[bousozoku]

@bousozoku: I am not referring to malpractice, but to greed.

In other words, the arguments for recommending a surgical procedure might have been less enthusiastic were commercial considerations excluded.

I understand. I was just highlighting that it's taken that long for anyone to do anything. For years, doctors and lawyers have been dictating what they want from us, not what we need from them.

 

[Chuckeee]

I understand. I was just highlighting that it's taken that long for anyone to do anything. For years, doctors and lawyers have been dictating what they want from us, not what we need from them.

At least in the United States, in addition to doctors and lawyers, one needs to add the insurance companies to the list of those that have been dictating what they want from us, not what we need from them.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I understand. I was just highlighting that it's taken that long for anyone to do anything. For years, doctors and lawyers have been dictating what they want from us, not what we need from them.

At least in the United States, in addition to doctors and lawyers, one needs to add the insurance companies to the list of those that have been dictating what they want from us, not what we need from them.

One doesn't wish to introduce what may be interpreted as a political dimension to this discussion, but this does not apply in the state funded healthcare systems that you find in the UK and Europe.

 

[jedimasterkyle]

I had similar surgery, deviated septum and bone spurs … 21 years ago when I was 40, for me I was prone to constant sinus infections. Was a huge huge difference in going from so many to near none. Made me a non snorer also, wife much happier.

What caused you to investigate?

Saw my sleep doctor a few months ago for a follow up and I had mentioned that when my sinuses are super congested, wearing my CPAP does basically nothing and I spend all night fighting my sinuses and trying to get to sleep in which case, I accomplish nothing and end up being awake all night.

From his basic observation, he noticed that I had a slight deviated septum but he referred me to an ENT. Saw the ENT the other day and here we are.

I'm not disagreeing with anyone who is saying I should get a second or third opinion. I just dont know if I CAN. For whatever reason, ENT appointments can take months to open up and I dont know if I want to deal with the hassle of "This ENT said I need surgery but this other ENT said I'm fine and this other ENT was indifferent to either option".

I'm going to continue to explore my options. I heard from a co-worker that when he had his done, the hospital was able to give him financial assistance and his out of pocket only ended up being around $1000 instead of the $7000 that insurance quoted him at. I might explore that option if it's available to me because I can't justify getting surgery done for that price tag when a box of Sudafed is $10 and it works.

 

[mtbdudex]

Saw my sleep doctor a few months ago for a follow up and I had mentioned that when my sinuses are super congested, wearing my CPAP does basically nothing and I spend all night fighting my sinuses and trying to get to sleep in which case, I accomplish nothing and end up being awake all night.

From his basic observation, he noticed that I had a slight deviated septum but he referred me to an ENT. Saw the ENT the other day and here we are.

I'm not disagreeing with anyone who is saying I should get a second or third opinion. I just dont know if I CAN. For whatever reason, ENT appointments can take months to open up and I dont know if I want to deal with the hassle of "This ENT said I need surgery but this other ENT said I'm fine and this other ENT was indifferent to either option".

I'm going to continue to explore my options. I heard from a co-worker that when he had his done, the hospital was able to give him financial assistance and his out of pocket only ended up being around $1000 instead of the $7000 that insurance quoted him at. I might explore that option if it's available to me because I can't justify getting surgery done for that price tag when a box of Sudafed is $10 and it works.

Good luck on this , truly.

I despise the various tier system for health care in the USA.

If you’ve got this type insurance the initial billing is X, then insurance negotiates their pay price as Y. Then you look at your insurance benefits to see your part of cost etc.

If your non insured theirs a diff billing amount A, which seems weird for exact same procedure the fixed costs that are amortized into it ( building infrastructure , equipment, overhead of support staff) and the variable costs (pre work, surgery time, materials used, support X-rays / other) would be exactly same.

Why is it so broken??

 

[jedimasterkyle]

Why is it so broken??

It's broken for everyday people BUT it's working perfectly for those who came up with the scheme in the first place.

When my company offered benefits last year, my current plan was the cheapest option available to me ($30 a month taken out of my paycheck) with a $3200 deductible. If I wanted a lower deductible, I would have had to pay almost $500 a month for a deductible of $1000.

I was forced to choose between a roof over our heads OR my health. I chose the roof for the sake of my wife and our dog and I dont regret it but still...absolutely, excruciatingly infuriating that in a country as "developed" as ours, we have to make that choice.

 

[Mousse]

Good luck on this , truly.

I despise the various tier system for health care in the USA.

If you’ve got this type insurance the initial billing is X, then insurance negotiates their pay price as Y. Then you look at your insurance benefits to see your part of cost etc.

If your non insured theirs a diff billing amount A, which seems weird for exact same procedure the fixed costs that are amortized into it ( building infrastructure , equipment, overhead of support staff) and the variable costs (pre work, surgery time, materials used, support X-rays / other) would be exactly same.

Why is it so broken??

The system isn't broken; it works as designed.😣

It's broken for everyday people BUT it's working perfectly for those who came up with the scheme in the first place.

Exactly. The system is cruel.😠

 

[Chuckeee]

Good luck on this , truly.

I despise the various tier system for health care in the USA.

If you’ve got this type insurance the initial billing is X, then insurance negotiates their pay price as Y. Then you look at your insurance benefits to see your part of cost etc.

If your non insured theirs a diff billing amount A, which seems weird for exact same procedure the fixed costs that are amortized into it ( building infrastructure , equipment, overhead of support staff) and the variable costs (pre work, surgery time, materials used, support X-rays / other) would be exactly same.

Why is it so broken??

It would be easy to say that it’s broken because of greed, but I believe the answer is more complex than that. A big portion of the issue is that triage is no longer being performed, primarily based on medical necessity. The involvement of lots of third-party non-medical personnel (Marketeers, lawyers, and insurance companies) Has just played havoc with the cost and delivery of medical care in the United States.

 

[bousozoku]

It's broken for everyday people BUT it's working perfectly for those who came up with the scheme in the first place.

When my company offered benefits last year, my current plan was the cheapest option available to me ($30 a month taken out of my paycheck) with a $3200 deductible. If I wanted a lower deductible, I would have had to pay almost $500 a month for a deductible of $1000.

I was forced to choose between a roof over our heads OR my health. I chose the roof for the sake of my wife and our dog and I dont regret it but still...absolutely, excruciatingly infuriating that in a country as "developed" as ours, we have to make that choice.

I get that. When I was working for Target, it was either $51 every two weeks or $71 every two weeks for United Healthcare. That's a lot for a minimum wage worker, even with 30-37 hours per week.

 

[bousozoku]

It would be easy to say that it’s broken because of greed, but I believe the answer is more complex than that. A big portion of the issue is that triage is no longer being performed, primarily based on medical necessity. The involvement of lots of third-party non-medical personnel (Marketeers, lawyers, and insurance companies) Has just played havoc with the cost and delivery of medical care in the United States.

Back in December, I went to the county hospital because I was having a lot of trouble breathing. Their Emergency Department has a Trauma Center, so they also have another sub-department for non-life-threatening problems.

They were relatively attentive, even though they get a lot of hard-luck cases, and we full of caring individuals working for a patient's health.

I worked in healthcare for seven years. It's rare to see any healthcare facility care unless they see that you have plenty of money or insurance available.