Nimble Books LLC

What would make this press release really useful is data about

1) the number and dollar value of prescriptions served by the Partnership for Prescription Assistance
2) the approximate dollar thresholds of income v. expenses under which PPA help may be available (if mortgage and student loan calculators can be readily available on-line, why not this sort of info?)
3) the percentage of Americans who are able to get the best recommended medicine for their treatment before and after PPA

2006 Physicians’ Desk Reference to Promote Partnership for Prescription Assistance

More than 500,000 Physicians to Receive First of Its Kind Insert

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ — More than 500,000 doctors will soon receive the 2006 Physicians’ Desk Reference including, for the first time, an informational insert about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). The PPA is a national program helping patients in need access prescription medicines for free or nearly free through public and private patient assistance programs. The insert is the latest in a multifaceted campaign to educate physicians and other health care providers on how they can improve the lives of uninsured patients through the PPA.

“We know that many patients struggle to afford their prescription medicines and are unaware that help is available. That is why the pharmaceutical research industry is leading an aggressive campaign to inform doctors and prepare them to educate patients about the Partnership for Prescription Assistance,” said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). “This new effort demonstrates our commitment to locate, inform and mobilize as many doctors as possible.”

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance provides a single point of access to more than 475 patient assistance programs through a toll-free number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) and user-friendly Web site (http://www.pparx.org/). Patients will also receive information on government programs for which they may qualify, such as the new Medicare drug benefit, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Programs.

“I know from my own practice that most patients are unaware of patient assistance programs or do not realize they qualify,” said Mary E. Frank, M.D., board chair of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). “That’s why this effort to reach and educate physicians across the country and across specialties through a resource they use on a daily basis is so critical. The ultimate goal is the right medication for the right patient at the right time and, thus, an improved health outcome.”

More than 60 national organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Easter Seals, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, United Way of America, as well as a fast-growing list of state and local organizations, are working with America’s pharmaceutical companies to spread the word about the program.

To find out if there are patient assistance programs that may meet their needs, patients should call toll-free 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained specialist or visit http://www.pparx.org/.

Lakewood Church:Lame Non-Apology by Victoria Osteen:I know that many of you have seen the recent news report on our trip to Colorado. Let me begin by saying that I have received so many of your emails and notes encouraging me and expressing your love and support. Each one of you means so much to me and I love you all dearly.

Regardless of how some have portrayed the situation, please know that it was truly a minor misunderstanding and did not escalate into what you saw or read in the news. Contrary to those reports it was my choice to remove myself from the situation. Nonetheless, it was a most unfortunate event and I truly regret that it happened.

The last thing I would ever want to do is let any of you down. And I promise you that I did not act in any way that would cast a bad light on you, my family, Lakewood Church or our Lord Jesus Christ. I value the position that God has placed me in and I can assure you that I will always walk in love and integrity. While I am not perfect, I will always seek to be a peacemaker and seek the high road.

As many of you have told me, I know that God has me in the palm of His hand. My confidence in God is stronger than ever—and I know that He is faithful to His promises.

Thank you for standing with me and, in spite of what you’ve heard, thank you for believing the best in me. I know that God causes all things to work together for our good— and I truly believe that when faced with adversities we all emerge better and stronger than when we were before.

During this season, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, Joel and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. May peace and happiness embrace all of us and may 2006 be your best year ever.

Where’s the apology to the 100+ people who were forced to wait for two hours on a crowded airplane while the Osteens’ luggage was removed?

At least some people aboard the Continental Airlines flight were less than pleased after waiting about two hours at Bush Intercontinental Airport while the Osteens left the plane and their luggage was removed, said a woman who witnessed the incident.

“She was just abusive,” said Sheila Steele, who said she was sitting behind Victoria Osteen. “She was just like one of those divas.”

For shame.

Here’s something really remarkable: see what your neighbors donated in the 2004 Presidential campaign.

Read more at www.cs.indiana.edu/~mar…

I had an illustration here, but removed it at the request of REDACTED. Good grief!

I’ve got to take my hat off to Kurt Eichenwald for his terrific front-page expose of a little known and profoundly evil subculture of webcam exploitation of minors.  Reading between the lines, it’s evident that Kurt made the whole thing happen by finding a witness who was willing to talk on the record and is going to put a lot of people deservedly in jail.

Read more at www.nytimes.com/2005/12…

The Sun Online – Life: Second coming of Mr T:

Off-screen, Mr T is lending a helping hand to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

The tragedy deeply affected the 53-year-old Christian star, who was so moved by what happened in New Orleans that it convinced him to give up his trademark gold chains.

He said: “I watched my people, the black people, screaming, begging and crying just for water.

“They didn’t want diamond rings or new houses, they just wanted water, and they couldn’t get any.

“I knew that soon I would be going around visiting these people in homeless shelters and it would be a sin against God and a sin against humanity to go around there wearing a million-dollars worth of gold chains, rings and diamonds.

“It would be wrong for me to say ‘it’s going to be alright buddy’ and then go about my business. That would be a lie.

“People need to see that Mr T has a heart of gold, not just the gold that drips around my neck.

“That’s my wardrobe, my uniform, but I will never wear it again.”

Right on.

What’s Wrong With This Outfit, Mom?:

Even famous people can be modest. They don’t have to be Britney Spears. Take Audrey Hepburn, who has no counterpart today. Part of her allure lay in the way she embodied humility and modesty. Yet she also conveyed spirit and originality and a strong sense of self.

Well said!