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Super Size Yard Sale

admin — Sun, 30 May 2010 13:54:21 +0000

A whole street gets involved to sell off its stuff. Terrace Avenue residents, in the historic old Fresno High neighborhood, put out their things, and bargain hunters flock to seize the opportunity. It’s quite an effective spring cleaning.

Go See “The Wedding Singer”

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:42:24 +0000

Central CA-Cyndi Lauper was there, along with Mr. T, Cher, and other notables. It was a night of stars in Clovis. A bolt back to the ’80s. If mullets don’t scare you, you should see “The Wedding Singer.”

It is another impressive song and dance sensation put on by Clovis West High School. Chances are you will walk away from this production muttering “plays sure weren’t like that when I was in high school.”

The performances are polished, the set changes smooth and creative, and you will even see water fall on stage. In some ways, it is better than the Broadway play because you actually know these stars on stage…and they put on a very credible show.

And hey, what about that music from the pit? The talent on stage is accompanied by an accomplished orchestra from start to finish. No karaoke musical here.

This production definitely falls in the “time well spent” category.

Buy Tickets Here

Here’s a sample as seen on the popular KSEE TV 24 morning show, an NBC affiliate.

Legendary Passing

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:46:39 +0000

Central CA-The “voice” of agriculture in the bread basket of the world has been silenced. Long-time broadcaster, Roy Isom, passed away at the age of 72 after a brief illness. Isom worked practically to the end.

A vibrant voice for news and agriculture for nearly 30 years on KMJ AM 580 radio. Isom put a lot of power in the powerhouse station with his ag news and breaking news coverage. If there was a fire, Isom was there, almost as quickly as the fire fighters.

Roy Isom reporting for Agriculture News Network February 2010

The picture is an example of Isom’s tireless efforts. The long-time reporter helped the Agriculture News Network launch its World Ag Expo television special in February 2010 while doing his KMJ radio reports at the global event.

The agriculture and broadcast industries have lost a true friend and ambassador with the passing of Roy Isom.

Courthouse Renovation Saga

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:01:43 +0000

Fresno CA-Last time a courthouse in Fresno County needed renovation for “earthquake safety” purposes, it vanished.

It was a beautiful building that divided the community in 1962 regarding saving the structure. Eventually, the courthouse got the wrecking ball because it was going to cost $844,000 to bring it up to code.

Fast forward to 2010. The current courthouse, the replacement for the domed beauty, needs an earthquake upgrade.

It will cost $111million dollars to make the concrete box safe; project approved. No drama, no dividing the community…just a financial decision to hold on to the past. For many, that logic is about five decades too late.

The box stays and will be better than new in 2015.

Prescription Man Saga

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:19:19 +0000

There’s a new superhero in the world of medicine. Read all about the adventures of “Prescription Man”. What makes him tick? What makes him mad? Who does he battle? Some of those answers will be obvious as you read on.

Your Life is Like a Comic Book

Jeffrey K. Shinoda, Pharm.D.

As a child, I read plenty of comic books, mainly action hero-type comics, such as Superman, Batman, Spiderman, and Iron Man. The other day, as I was speaking with my technician and patient care specialist, it occurred to me that as a pharmacist, I have much in common with these superheroes. That might be hard to believe, however, consider the situation of a comic book superhero.

First, the difference between a hero and a superhero is that a hero is acknowledged as the person who goes beyond the call of duty, someone of distinguished courage or ability. Society praises a hero for the good deeds, hence, why deemed a hero. If that same individual fails in some capacity, society is very forgiving, since the hero is human and will make errors. The hero can be identified with; therefore, the hero will be “cut some slack.” The hero will continue to be praised, even for his valiant efforts despite the outcome.

Now let us look into the character of the superhero. First, only the reader of the comic knows that he is a superhero. The superhero does his good deeds, or prevents huge mistakes or events from damaging the citizens in the story. Unlike the normal everyday hero, the good citizens are unaware of the interventions the superhero does to allow them to continue their daily existence. Why, you might ask? This is because in the comic book reality, the good citizens never know that the dangerous threat exists, nor do they know that our “superhero” intervenes to save the day. Now, does this storyline sound familiar?

Let us look at patients as the good citizens in a comic book story. Every day, a pharmacist is responsible for improving patients’ healthcare by intervening on the patients’ behalf, and possibly stops a life-threatening event from ever occurring, hence, protecting the “good” citizens in a “comic” book story. To improve patient outcomes and their quality of life, pharmacists prevent drug interactions and therapeutic duplications, as well as advise physicians on proper medication dosages, newer indications, current trends, and the latest studies. Patients are unaware of all that pharmacists do, akin to “Prescription Man” intervening to save the day. When the average hospital patient is at an outpatient pharmacy, the most-asked question for the pharmacist is, “What is taking so long? Can’t you guys hurry up?” The patient is unaware that a pharmacist is a part of their road to recovery.

In the comic book world, superheroes live by a “line” which describes the life of a superhero. For example, in the Spiderman comics, every reader knows that “with great powers, comes great responsibilities.” Every pharmacist knows that with the privilege to practice the art of pharmacy “comes” great responsibilities. Countless patients entrust their lives every day upon pharmacists. We are one of the very few people authorized to handle dangerous medications. We have the ability to write for and handle scheduled II-V medications. We have the authority and are expected to intervene on the patient’s behalf to avoid potential poor outcomes, and improve the quality of life for each person we provide our services.

Pharmacists, or shall I say “Prescription Man,” have their share of adversary opponents. For years, pharmacists have been battling against poly pharmacy. The average patient, as well as other healthcare providers, still does not know of our growing problem with our patients. Many providers are guilty of aiding poly pharmacy due to the prescriber’s cascade effect. With hope, time and education will change this pattern. However, pharmacists must continue to intervene for now. A bigger problem that we face is the “villain” “Mr. PBM.” “Mr. PBM” has worked very closely with another entity, “Corporate Giant.” The two have collaborated to make it very difficult to interact and provide quality patient care. “Corporate Giant” has worked against the professional component of the pharmacist for years. “Corporate Giant” has catered to the fact that patients want convenience, and for prescriptions to be “ready” in a timely manner. They have allowed “fast” service to become the standard, hence, buying into the mentality that a product be pushed rather than provide a professional service. “Corporate Giant” has devalued our professional role, and found our “kryptonite” in the form of contracts. They have teamed up with “Mr. PBM,” who has started to control our patients in a stealth mode, and eventually lead them to mandatory mail order and specialty pharmacies. However, is this “Prescription Man’s” end? I guess you will have to continue to “read the comics,” or shall I say, continue to live the comic book life to know the full story. Until then, I urge you to continue to be the superhero that you are, put on your white coat, armed with your clinical knowledge, and continue to make a difference in the lives of the people that you touch. I can honestly say that one day, your patients, and fellow healthcare providers, will know your identity.

Your Life is Like a Comic Book

Jeffrey K. Shinoda, Pharm.D.

As a child, I read plenty of comic books, mainly action hero-type comics,such as Superman,Batman, Spider-man, and Iron Man.

The other day I was speaking with my technician and patient care specialist. During the conversation it occurred to me that pharmacists have a lot in common with superheroes.

That might be hard to believe but consider the situation of a comic book superhero versus a hero..

A “hero” is acknowledged as a person who goes beyond the call of duty, usually someone of distinguished courage or ability. Society praises a hero for good deeds.

If that hero fails in some capacity, society is generally forgiving. The hero can make errors, it’s human nature.

Now let us examine the superhero. First, only the comic book reader knows a character is a superhero. The superhero does good deeds, prevents huge mistakes from every happening, keeps the world safe.

Unlike the hero, citizens are usually unaware of “superhero” interventions.

In the comic book world, citizens never know dangers ever existed. And, they certainly don’t know our “superhero” intervened to save the day.

Sound familiar?

Every day, a pharmacist is responsible for improving patients’ healthcare by intervening on the patients’ behalf.

In some cases possibly stopping a life-threatening event from ever occurring, definitely protecting the citizens. Pharmacists are there to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Pharmacists prevent drug interactions and therapeutic duplications, as well as advise physicians on proper medication dosages, newer treatments, current trends, and the latest studies.

Patients are unaware of all that pharmacists do, and that “Prescription Man” intervened to save the day.

The average hospital patient is unaware that a pharmacist was ever involved in the recovery process. They were unaware that while in the hospital, a pharmacist was dosing medications, adjusting medications, and calculating specific regimens for them.

In the comic book world, superheroes live by a “creed”. For example, in Spider-man comics, every reader knows that “with great powers, comes great responsibilities.”

Every pharmacist knows that with the privilege to practice the art of pharmacy also “comes” great responsibilities.

Through the development of “Prescription Man,” the reality of his superhero status will become more clear. Battling poly pharmacy-”Prescription Man” can explain. There are the big “villains” “Mr. PBM.” “ and “Corporate Giant.” who work closely together. The two collaborate to make it very difficult to provide quality care for patients-”Prescription Man” is on the job. Stay tuned.

To any pharmacists reading this, I urge you to remain a superhero, put on your white coat, armed with your clinical knowledge, and continue to make a difference in the lives of the people you touch.

I can honestly say that one day, your patients, and fellow healthcare providers, will know your true identity. If nothing else “Prescription Man” will let them know.

Uncomfortable Idol

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:28:17 +0000

Hollywood CA-Has anyone seen Paula Abdul hanging around the American Idol sound stage? If so, please ask her to come in. No questions asked, accept our apologies, and get back on the panel.

As of now, American Idol’s 9th season is uncomfortable. On Wednesday night, February 24, it was like watching the boss deliver a tasteless joke at an uptight corporate party. The silence in the studio was deafening as the new panel of four dished out opinions on the Idol performances. Not even Hollywood editing could help this one.

Who would have guessed removing the friendly, sometimes scattered, Paula would make such a difference. It did. In the past, when performances were poor, Paula was the buffer.

Most of Wednesday night’s performances were poor and there was no “Positive Paula” offering hope. Instead, it was one reality check after another from the judges, compounding the “uncomfort” level. In fact, Simon Cowell looked like the compassionate one in this new group.

Idol’s magic formula may be in trouble; time will tell. Good thing for the show’s producers that the Olympics distracted millions of viewers from 2010’s first week with the A.I. finalists, providing Idol some time to adjust the comfort level before millions of viewers return.

M. Brace Coines-RLTV.com Columinst

Ralph & Dave

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:36:38 +0000

Central CA-Those who watch TV may not know it but they were better off because of Ralph and Dave, Central California’s dynamic duo of television production.

Without production, you have no TV, really. You have a TV sitting there staring back at you with a blank screen. TV production provides TV entertainment.

Start the video below and keep reading.

Ralph and Dave, the key components of Pappas TeleProductions (PTP), put award-winning pictures, shows, and commercials on Central California TV screens for three decades. They were so good, the nation and the world called on their skills. Unfortunately though, like many in the television industry, change and the economy crashed down on PTP, particularly Ralph and Dave.

The production duo, the gifted guys with lights and cameras, had no place to practice their craft. PTP had to close up shop like so many other businesses in this evolving economy.

RealLocalTV.com just thought the world needed to know because the TV industry is changing so rapidly. The art of the past is disappearing along with talented artists. Ralph and Dave spent a whole career behind the scenes making the TV world look better with their precision and talent.

They deserve at the least our thanks for a job well done.

Good Call Coach

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:59:02 +0000

Central California-Pat Hill made a calculated, yet risky, decision on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The Fresno State head coach decided to go for two points and the win in Illinois. The clock had run dry and so had Hill’s defense, so the decision was simple for the coach.

It worked, even though it took a lineman catching the ball on a bounce to finish the win! The decision may have just reduced the heat on Hill for another year, and delivered an early Christmas miracle for the Bulldogs and fans.

Fresno State beat Illinois 53-52 to end the regular season. It was the bowl before the bowl for the Bulldogs. A win over the Big Ten opponent on the road is as big as it gets for Fresno State. What is bigger is the Bulldogs finally got away with a win in a close game. They were seconds away from greatness on the road in Wisconsin and Cincinnati; the third time earns the “W” charm for their ‘09 bracelet.

Coach Hill is getting his usual end-of-year static for another Boise-loss season, but the noise level may subside with the Miracle in Illinois. That, and one more win in the “New Mexico Bowl” against Wyoming, could quiet the negative waves for now.

A win to end ‘09 would give Hill 101 in his coaching career. Now, if Santa brings him a hard-nosed defense for next year, look out.

A Good Guy

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:24:16 +0000

Central CA – One of the good guys in broadcasting is planning to leave the Golden State for the Emerald City. Meteorologist Jim Guy, formerly with KSEE-TV in Fresno, could ride the jet stream north.

Guy was abandoned by the Central California NBC affiliate earlier this year; fired. Guy and his family left good jobs and lifestyle in the Twin Cities region to come out West. Lured away; then left out in the cold in sunny California.

Things finally warmed up for the capable weather forecaster. Guy plans to leave the heat of Central California in August 2009 to broadcast reports in weather-rich Seattle once a deal is finalized.

Evidence that good guys, or in this case, good Guy, can get a break even in these difficult economic times.

Cut Through the Static-What Is News?

admin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:33:56 +0000

If you are overloaded with information about a musical icon’s sudden death, don’t get mad at the media. It’s a consumer-driven business and we will attempt to explain the human condition known as real news appeal.

First, one must understand why bad news triumphs over good (this is practical experience and opinion, not science). It all revolves around the “me” factor. If it’s bad news, the viewer must subconsciously think, “Thank goodness it’s not me,” and gravitate to the information. Conversely, if it’s good news, the viewer subconsciously thinks, “Who cares? It’s not me.” Another’s goodness or good fortune is therefore not nearly as deeply, fundamentally appealing. So good news sounds good in theory, but is never the draw people think it might be. (That is more fact than theory. Name a successful all-good news show.)

How many times have you heard someone say they won’t watch the news because it is too negative? Yet, someone like Michael Jackson suddenly dies and the coverage is non-stop, with viewers around the world glued to every development. Which brings up another matter.

So-called experts are saying we’ve heard enough on all things MJ. Even if that’s the case, don’t expect the flow of information to stop anytime soon. News organizations from around the world are crippled by current economic conditions. The slightest developments in the Michael Jackson story will make headlines, sell papers, and draw viewers. News organizations may be using the current state of affairs to offset losses.

Of course, no self-respecting news professional will admit that. It’s always about furthering the story and not the bottom line. It’s a terrible way to make gains, but the current state of economic affairs has the whole news industry scrambling to find ways to stay in business. Even if Jackson developments weren’t in demand, news organizations would be hard pressed let it fade away.

M. Brace Coines-RLTV.com