2008 Record: 13-4, 2008 TABRank: 3, Tentative 2009 AFC South Projection: 3rd
Critics’ doubts about the Titans’ 2008 season, their tenth in Nashville, quickly evaporated.  Even with the Vince Young drama occurring after the season’s first game, the Titans started the season 10-0, and there was an obvious team effort to the strong start.  The run game and the defense looked awesome, even though the Titans lacked a high number of elite players.  Kerry Collins stepped in for Young at quarterback and showed rather impressive experience.  Collins overcame his past demons and looked like a steady rock under center.  Meanwhile, his solid performance was boosted by a destructive duo at running back and a dominant defense, led by Albert Haynesworth.  In the playoffs, the passing game had come around in several aspects; however turnovers became a problem.  The problem was exposed for the whole world to see in the divisional round, when the Titans were upset at home by Baltimore, 13-10.  Three turnovers, as well as other missed opportunities in the second half, took down the Titans’ championship hopes.  Tennessee now needs another year of solid play from Collins while hoping the defense doesn’t step down a level after losing Haynesworth in free agency.  Tennessee will need Collins and the defense line to play at last year’s level for another division title to occur.

Tennessee’s strength on offense came from its running game.  Chris Johnson proved as a rookie that he was more than just a speedster at running back.  Johnson made an early impact and rushed for 1228 yards and nine touchdowns in his rookie year.  While his blazing speed is undeniable, his cutting ability adds a dangerous element to his game.  LenDale White adds the pound to the running game, and he has lost a lot of weight in the offseason.  Being in better shape, White could have his best season by far.  There’s promising depth besides the running back duo.  Much of the success came thanks to the offensive line doing a wonderful job of run blocking.  LT Michael Roos dominated and put the Tennessee line among the best in the league last year.  Roos did a great job in both run- and pass-blocking situations.  He’s quick enough to counter the speed rushers and strong enough to get push forward.  C Kevin Mawae is almost at the end of his career, but he’s a source of energy that keeps the line on its toes.  RG Jake Scott didn’t feel any down effects after joining the Titans last year.  He remains one of the better guards in the game.  RT David Stewart is a mauler that’s probably the best provider for Johnson and White in the run game.  While the running game looks very strong, the passing game needs to improve soon.  The line did a fantastic job protecting QB Kerry Collins, who was sacked just eight times in 15 starts (the Titans allowed just 12 sacks overall).  However, Collins was nothing more than a solid quarterback.  That came to bite the Titans back when they got themselves into a defensive showdown in their Divisional Round Game loss to Baltimore.  Ideally, Vince Young would step up and add a new element to the offense, but he’s not there yet.  Meanwhile, the Titans are relying on Nate Washington to be the go-to receiver.  Washington’s ability to stretch the field should make the passing game less predictable, but he’s simply not good enough to be a #1 receiver.  Justin Gage showed some flashes of being a primary receiver in Tennessee’s playoff loss, catching 10 passes for 135 yards.  Gage will be the most reliable receiver for the Titans, given good health.  Rookie Kenny Britt probably will need time, but he has the potential to be a true #1 receiver.  Bo Scaife is a solid receiving tight end, but Alge Crumpler doesn’t have much left in the tank.

The defense lost two major pieces in the offseason: DT Albert Haynesworth and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.  Chuck Cecil takes over coordinator duties.  Without Haynesworth, the Titans lose their primary cog inside.  Haynesworth opened things up for the rest of the defense, and the pressure will be on the starting defensive tackles to make the loss bearable.  Jason Jones is the best candidate to take over for Haynesworth, and he proved by having 3.5 sacks in his first game replacing Haynesworth (when Haynesworth was injured against the Steelers for the right to win home-field advantage in the playoffs).  Besides Jones, Sen’Derrick Marks has the best potential.  Otherwise, there aren’t major disruptors on the line, but there are many solid contributors.  Kyle Vanden Bosch brings the most at defensive end.  Tennessee has a great pair of outside linebackers in Keith Bulluck and David Thornton, but the backups need to step up to make this unit a major asset.  The Titans arguably have the toughest and most physical pair of starting cornerbacks in the AFC.  Cortland Finnegan can knock heads, but still effectively covers the receivers that can use finesse to get by the press.  However, Finnegan went from vastly underrated to a bit overrated last year.  Nick Harper probably works best tailing #2 receivers. The safety duo of Michael Griffin and Chris Hope are among the league’s best as well.  Griffin’s a great security blanket deep, and he can break on the route for a pick as well.

Kicker Rob Bironas has become an elite kicker, showing accuracy during field goals and enough power during kickoffs.  The kicking coverage and return teams did pretty good, but the punt units didn’t fare all too well.  Mark Jones will likely get the return duties on both punts and kicks.

To put it bluntly, this Titans team can just as easily miss the playoffs as contend for a Super Bowl.  The line could step up to the challenge without the big man inside, or collapse under the pressure without a major presence.  Collins could fall back into old habits, or add something new to his game as his experience starts to benefit him more.  Believe it or not, head coach Jeff Fisher has never had three consecutive winning seasons with the Titans, even when coming off two 12-plus win seasons (in 2000 and 2003).  This team looks like a sexy pick either way – to be a disappointment or a Super Bowl participant.

Burning Question: Can Jason Jones adequately replace Albert Haynesworth to keep the defense among the elite?
Don’t get me wrong, Jason Jones looks like a wonderful prospect, but it’s tough to think that the second-year player can do enough to replace not just the most outstanding defensive player over the past two seasons, but probably the most valuable player in that time.  At times, Haynesworth got triple-covered, which allowed the high motors of DT Tony Brown and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch to thrive.  Jones should be given the benefit of the doubt to be an asset as a starting defensive tackle, but it seems like the rest of the defensive line will take a step down because they won’t have the league’s best with them.  Nevertheless, Jones can be disruptive enough to make this defense to stay somewhere on the fringe of the top 10.  Bulluck’s one of the best defenders in the league, and the secondary belongs on the short list in the discussion for best defensive backfield in the league.  Jones should be good enough to help the Titans get three consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1991-93, but it’ll require Jones to make an immediate impact as a starter.

Get It Done, Old Man
Okay, Kerry Collins isn’t truly old, but he’s old for an NFL starting quarterback.  He’s even older for a quarterback looking to start in a Super Bowl.  If Kerry Collins starts in Super Bowl XLIV, he’ll become the fifth-oldest quarterback to start in the big game.  Then again, two of the four who played at an older age than Collins are one in the same (John Elway).  Only seven different quarterbacks have started in a Super Bowl at age 36 or older.  Here’s a list of the oldest quarterbacks to start in a Super Bowl:

*-left game in second quarter due to injury

A Galah perhaps? Our Australian correspondent, Kevin Joughin, filed this report recently:

Professor Philip Wilby and Dr Nick Childs conducted us (Kensington Norwood) at band practise last Monday night here in Adelaide. As you will probably know, they are here touring with Black Dyke. I paid $90 to hear them play in The Adelaide Festival Theatre but I was a little disappointed. They were brilliant, but whoever set up the hall did not cater for the acoustics. I was expecting to hear that famous ‘Dyke Sound’ but what emanated was a bit thin, and I couldn’t hear the basses, it was all cornet and trombone. I tried sitting in different places, but it didn’t make any difference. They should have used the sound-shell panelling that the orchestra uses. I think they will sound a lot better in the Sydney Opera House.

Anyway, I caught up with David Thornton and a few other Dyke players at The Hyatt afterwards. I must admit James Morrison, featuring on piccolo trumpet, Bb trumpet and trombone, did take the concert to another level. He was amazing. He must have been playing ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ for over 20 years now. I wish I had a dollar for each time our band has accompanied him on that one over the years.

For more news on Kevin and Kensington Norwood, his band in South Australia, click here.

Just a quick post to note who serves as an NFLPA representative. We’ll be keeping a close eye on these guys to see how they think the process is going.  We already know that Muhsin Muhammad (Carolina Panthers rep) thinks a lockout is more likely than not. (Note: this is the list from the NFLPA’s page — it has not been updated since some offseason moves. I’ll try to update it as I can.)

The “Trophy Kids” of Generation Y Prove They Know How to Party!

New York, NY (Billboard Publicity Wire) July 3, 2009 — After several weeks of filming all over New York City, the talented cast of “Trophy Kids” is heading to NYC hotspot Kiss ‘n’ Fly at 8 pm on July 2, 2009 to celebrate their hard work with an official film

Pop Star Corey Golden

wrap party! The venue is fitting, as several scenes were actually filmed at the amazing Kiss ‘n’ Fly location. Guests will include cast members Ryan Eggold (90210), David Gallagher (7th Heaven), Tahyna Tozzi (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Nathan Lee Graham (Zoolander), David Thornton (The Notebook) and Tibor Feldman (The Devil Wears Prada), along with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Jessica Hart, who has a small cameo in the film. 

“Trophy Kids” is the first feature film from YaSu Media, including Josh Sugarman (writer/director), Brandon Yankowitz (writer/producer), and Marc Elliot Littman (co-producer). A story about the members of over-indulged Generation Y, “Trophy Kids” is loosely based on the writers’ personal experiences. The film depicts a self-righteous twenty something named Max (Ryan Eggold) in his search for wealth and fame. He decides the best way to achieve this is by documenting his own fortunate life. Max enlists the help of Reid (David Gallagher) to ghost write the script, and two embark on a bumpy journey of self-discovery that includes falling for the same girl, Quinn (Tahnya Tozzi).

Filming of “Trophy Kids” took place all over New York, from Long Island to Brooklyn to the heart of Manhattan. The cast and crew tirelessly worked long hours and late nights, pouring their hearts into this special film. The admirable effort of everyone involved paid off, as the smooth production promises to result in an outstanding film.

The wrap party is the culmination of the creators’ long-awaited dream and the cast and crew members unrelenting hard work. Other Gen Y stars in attendance included: Alex Bodnar (Guitarist Scott Stapp Project), Lucky and JUS (Making the Band/JUS Evolution), Corey Golden (Pop Star), Philly Chase (Steppin) , HOM (Skateboarder), Lacie Mangini (Model), Orlando Strozier (Actor), Rock Band Always Searching, Kumikazi (UK Rocker), and Ashley Hollister (American Idol). It is a well-deserved celebration that is not to be missed!

(Grubman PR) (Stars Confidential) www.starsconfidential.com

###

Directed By: Eric Schaeffer
Written By: Eric Schaeffer
Story By: Eric Schaeffer & Tony Spirdakis
Cinematography By: Ron Fortunato
Editor:  Susan Graef 

Cast: Eric Schaeffer, Sarah Jessica Parker, Ben Stiller, Elle McPherson, Bill Sage, Scarlett Johansson, James Rebhorn, Robert John Burke, David Thornton, Dominic Chianese

This film seems almost like a parody of romantic comedies rather then being one. It doesn’t feel real for one moment it feels false and like a bunch of ideas that were thrown together to make a crowd pleasing romantic comedy.

It’s like all the true moments there could have been were cut to just make a test audience swoon over the film like a 90 minute clip show shaped into a story you have the satire of the pretentious hip artist. The dog has it’s day by the shy roommate getting the girl of his dreams who is oddly attracted to him.

It seems like a studios attempt to make a romance and make it look Indie by having lesser name actors and a soundtrack by a up and coming Indie artist and with established stars look like they are slumming

Here Eric schaeffer again has his Woody Allen complex on full display this is his first film alone but again he is romancing a supermodel Elle Mcpherson playing the male lead when it might have been best to stay behind the camera and making himself the smartest and wittiest character in the whole film.

The plot has it’s moments but it feels more like a first draft then a finished film almost like we are missing the real film and are watching the outtakes. It really epitomizes what are some of the worst cliches of the quirky romantic comedy.

It’s a shame because the trailer made it look at least appealing. The story here is that two roommates and best friends decide that they need to honor a pact that if they were both single at the age of thirty they would commit suicide. So with there birthdays bearing down they start going out with any and everyone hoping to make a connection and be the one. Not realizing that they have the perfect one right next to them.

The film like most of Mr. Schaeffer’s early films are like a love letter and time capsule of the 90’s some of the fashions and trends would be hard to understand unless you lived through them. They are downright embarrassing and garish now but they were the height of fashion then. It’s also interesting to see many big name actors and modern character actors here in small roles at the beginning of there careers      

GRADE:  F

“David T. Thornton, Supervising Investigator II with the Discipline Coordination Unit of the Medical Board of California, writes, “The Board has no specific jurisdiction in regard to expert witnesses. The testimony of an expert witness stands on the basis of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the attorney who represents the opposing side to impeach the expert witness’s testimony if it is not accurate and to point out significant discrepancies.” Therefore, it becomes a battle of wits between counsel on opposing sides. Whether the defendant is innocent or liable is not the issue; the jury will believe whichever side is more convincing. And the licensing body, like Lady Justice herself, wears a blindfold.”

A band of international crooks has hidden a military computer chip inside a toy car, but an airport mix-up lands it in the hands of whiz-kid Alex Pruitt (Alex D. Linz) who’s home alone with the chicken pox in a quiet Chicago suburb. When the criminals zero in on Alex’s house with their high-tech gadgetry, madness and mayhem kick into high gear as the pint-sized hero defends himself against the bumbling bad guys -armed with an outrageous array of ambushes and booby traps!

Here’s a perfect movie for kids, who never seem to tire of John Hughes’s sure-fire slapstick formula. Working yet another variation on his mammoth 1990 hit, writer-producer Hughes (regarded by many as Hollywood’s antichrist) strands a youngster in his own home with the chicken pox in this 1997 retelling. While his parents go to work, he sees a team of burglars invading the neighborhood houses; in fact, they’re spies, looking for a toy containing a stolen microchip. The inevitability of the finale–one kid holding off four professionals with toys and garden tools–will do nothing to lessen the amusement of youngsters, who love to see the bad guys get creamed. Adults may pause at the sadistic nature of some of Hughes’s pranks, but kids will eat up the image of one of their own outwitting all the adults. –Marshall Fine

Home Alone 3 is available at Amazon for $10.49. To Order click here
Amazon Product Pages contain a lot of other details on this product as Customer Reviews, Sales Ranking, Special Offers, Alternate products that customers are going for and much more.Want to read these details? click here

Want to get some other Format / Binding / Version? You can search for them from here

Other Products of Interest

• Home Alone 2 – Lost in New York
• Home Alone
• Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House
• The Santa Clause (Full Screen Special Edition)
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Special Edition)

The Fed, Liquidity, and Credit Allocation, from the St. Louis Fed – Review by David Thornton. You may contact David at (314) 444-8582 or thornton@stls.frb.org

Abstract; You may download the paper here. Excellent summary article on liquidity.

The current financial turmoil has generated considerable discussion of liquidity. Moreover, it has been widely reported that the Federal Reserve played a major role in supplying liquidity to financial markets during this distressed time. This article describes two ways in which the Fed has supplied liquidity since late 2007. The first is traditional: The Fed supplies liquidity by providing credit through open market operations and by lending to depository institutions at the so-called discount window. The second is by enhancing the liquidity of portfolios of some institutions by replacing their less-liquid assets with more-liquid assets. The Fed has used the second approach since late 2007. Unlike several previous occasions, however, it began supplying liquidity in the first, more traditional way only recently—in September 2008. This article notes that the Fed departed from its long-standing tradition of minimizing its effect on the allocation of credit by supplying liquidity to institutions that it believed to be most in need; at the same time, it neutralized the effects of these actions on the total supply of liquidity in the financial market. The article also discusses the Fed’s reasons for reallocating credit this time rather than simply increasing the total supply of financial market liquidity.

A band of international crooks has hidden a military computer chip inside a toy car, but an airport mix-up lands it in the hands of whiz-kid Alex Pruitt (Alex D. Linz) who’s home alone with the chicken pox in a quiet Chicago suburb. When the criminals zero in on Alex’s house with their high-tech gadgetry, madness and mayhem kick into high gear as the pint-sized hero defends himself against the bumbling bad guys -armed with an outrageous array of ambushes and booby traps!

Here’s a perfect movie for kids, who never seem to tire of John Hughes’s sure-fire slapstick formula. Working yet another variation on his mammoth 1990 hit, writer-producer Hughes (regarded by many as Hollywood’s antichrist) strands a youngster in his own home with the chicken pox in this 1997 retelling. While his parents go to work, he sees a team of burglars invading the neighborhood houses; in fact, they’re spies, looking for a toy containing a stolen microchip. The inevitability of the finale–one kid holding off four professionals with toys and garden tools–will do nothing to lessen the amusement of youngsters, who love to see the bad guys get creamed. Adults may pause at the sadistic nature of some of Hughes’s pranks, but kids will eat up the image of one of their own outwitting all the adults. –Marshall Fine

Home Alone 3 is available at Amazon for $9.99. To Order click here
Amazon Product Pages contain a lot of other details on this product as Customer Reviews, Sales Ranking, Special Offers, Alternate products that customers are going for and much more.Want to read these details? click here

Want to get some other Format / Binding / Version? You can search for them from here

Other Products of Interest

• Home Alone 2 – Lost in New York
• Home Alone
• Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House
• The Santa Clause (Full Screen Special Edition)
• The Santa Clause 3 – The Escape Clause

1.  Julie d’Angelo Fellmethwas appointed Enforcement Monitor of the Medical Board of California (MBC) on August 25, 2003 by Kathleen Hamilton, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) (1, p 10).  Ms. Fellmeth, Administrative Director of the Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL) at the University of San Diego(USD), was paid $237,466 for her two year appointment (2, p 2).  Immediately prior to this assignment, Ms. Fellmeth served as Enforcement Monitor of the Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) from April 5, 2001 to April 1, 2003 (3, p 21).  Coincidentally, Kathleen Hamilton of DCA was also the appointing authority.  The CSLB enforcement position was a direct extension of the 1999-2000 sunset review process Chaired by the Honorable Liz Figueroa (4, p 1).  On July 26, 2000, Ms. Fellmeth submitted a list of recommendations to Ms Figueroa’s committee including the need for an enforcement monitor (4, pp 3, 12).  Six months later, January 1, 2001, Ms. Figueroa’s SB 2029 became effective incorporating the enforcement monitor position, to which Ms. Fellmeth was immediately appointed (3, pp 20-21).  In May 2002, an MBC sunset review, remarkably similar to the CSLB review three years earlier, was published by another of Ms. Figueroa’s committees, again recommending an enforcement monitor (5, pp 1, 15). Ms. Figueroa carried SB 1950 creating the MBC enforcement monitor position in August of 2002, to which Ms. Fellmeth was, again, ultimately appointed (6, p 1).  A constant presence throughout this process was attorney Ed Howard, Special Counsel to Ms Figueroa (5, p1; 7, g iii; 8, p 198; 9, p 1; 10, p 12, 11, p 1).

            Julianne d’Angelo Fellmeth is a registered lobbyist with the State of California and has been since April 1, 2001 (12, p 1).  Her official registration date came four days before her initial enforcement monitor appointment of CSLB (3, p 21).  Throughout her tenures as monitor for both the CSLB and MBC, she has remained a registered lobbyist (12, pp 1-4).  Ms. Fellmeth is Administrative Director of CPIL and in such capacity employs herself as CPIL lobbyist (13, pp 1-4).  Ms. Fellmeth received her law degree from USD in 1983, progressing to supervising attorney of CPIL and eventually its Administrative Director in 1995 (14, p 1).  Ms. Fellmeth and CPIL have been antagonistic critics of the MBC and its Diversion program for decades (2, p 1; 14, p 1; 15, pp 1-4; 16, p 1). 

            Governor Schwarzenegger, I request you seriously investigate the circumstances of Ms. Fellmeth’s multiple richly rewarded State appointments as enforcement monitor of the CSLB and MBC (over $500,000 for four years work).  Her status as a lobbyist registered with the State of California would appear to disqualify her from either appointment.  Her claim of registering as a lobbyist “out of an abundance of caution,” (15, p 3) is difficult to believe.  With her profession as an attorney and being based at a respected law school, Ms. Fellmeth has ample opportunity to explore her legal and ethical obligations of State employment.  Additionally, given her avowed opposition to the MBC, her sun setting of the Diversion program was an obvious foregone conclusion (16, p 1).  There appears little “independence” in her monitoring.  California taxpayers deserve more transparency and accountability for their money spent, both in who is being paid and for what is being delivered.  Of all the California Boards which have had an enforcement monitor in the past 20 years, only one has not had Ms. Fellmeth or her husband Robert as said monitor (6, p 1).  Subsequent to Ms. Figueroa being termed out of office (17, pp 1-4), and you appropriately replacing Ms. Hamilton (18, pp 1-4), this urgent need for perpetual Fellmeth Board enforcement monitoring has apparently waned.  I urge you investigate if there ever was such a regulatory abyss.  It begs credulity that it was mere coincidence the same players were repeatedly involved with their cloned sunset reviews, senate bills and enforcement appointments in each and every case.      

2.  Today, Julianne Fellmeth remains at her positions with CPIL, lobbyist and director (13, p 4).  Ed Howard has returned to being a lobbyist with the State of California, having started Howard Advocacy, Inc (HAI) in 2005 (19, pp 1-5).  Examination of the most recent lobbyist disclosure forms reveals an interesting circle where CPIL contracts with only two firms HAI and KSR (13, p 4); KSR contracts with only CPIL and HAI (20, p 1); and HAI contracts with CPIL (19, p 5).  Again, this incredibly tight and narrow follow-on relationship appears suspect.  KSR is a public relations firm (21, p 1).  The loss of “enforcement monitor” employment has severely impacted CPIL’s income.  According to USD Honor Roll Reports, CPIL income declined from $700,740 in 2005-2006 (22, p 1) to $160,250 in 2006-2007 (22, p 2).  On USD IRS filing for 2005-2006, under schedule A, Part III and Part VIB, the cost of Ms. Fellmeth’s lobbying activity is expensed at $201,106 (23).  Statement 46 states, “FACULTY WITH THE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF LAW IN THE CENTER FOR PUBLIC INTEREST LAW AND CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY INSTITUTE OFFERED THEIR RESEARCH DATA AND LEGAL EXPERTISE IN AN ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE PENDING LEGISLATION CONCERNING CONSUMERS RIGHTS AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE.”  (Emphasis theirs).  I would most strongly encourage you to investigate this large disparity between Ms. Fellmeth’s declaration of cautionary lobbyist registration (15, p. 3) versus the independent tax report of USD (23).  Her veracity appears suspect.  Lying on official documents for personal and professional gain is illegal and inexcusable. She needs to be held accountable, and in her capacity, “zero tolerance” for errors of commission and omission.

Ms. Fellmeth’s non-lobbying lobbying has continued.  On June 11, 2007 she spoke before the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development in an attempt to influence MBC legislation (16, pp 1-6).  She also appeared before the MBC Diversion Summit January 24, 2008 (24, pp 1-3) with a personal follow-up letter of 10 pages to Honorable Mark Ridley-Thomas, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development (25, pp 1-10).  Unfortunately, Ms. Fellmeth’s integrity continues to be found lacking.  Speaking before the Senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development March 10, 2008, she stated, “On November 1, 2004, I published an extensive critique of the Program-WHICH NOBODY CHALLENGED OR REFUTED (26, p 1).” (Emphasis mine).  In contradiction to her pronouncement, response to Ms. Fellmeth’s report was swift, deep, wide and strongly oppositional.  The California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) published an extensive and detailed rebuttal on January 21, 2005 (27, pp 1-16).  CSAM commented on Ms. Fellmeth and her collaborators, “Careful study of the report reveals that the writers had little knowledge or understanding of addiction, monitoring, or acceptable public standards… The lack of understanding of statistical analysis contributes to the misinformed opinions throughout.  In light of these facts, it is understandable that the report would be somewhat confused and biased.  However, there is no excuse for the sarcasm, latent hostility and venom that repeatedly colors the writer’s discourse. (27, p 8).”  Not only is Ms. Fellmeth’s ability to state the facts honestly in question, but also her deep seated character flaws are revealed that contribute to her integrity deficit.  The damage Ms. Fellmeth’s deceits have amassed is not only to the California Taxpayers, the Legislature and innumerable State Boards, but to the Target Physician and his family directly.  Due to this harm, a thorough investigation into the conduct, actions and statements, both verbally and in writing, of Julie d’Angelo Fellmeth is warranted and required.  Her disregard for the laws of California, the standards of moral conduct of a State contractor and the ethics of a State Bar certified attorney appear bottomless.    

3.  According to her November 2004 Monitor’s report, Ms. Fellmeth was given unfettered access to the confidential Diversion file of the Target Physician (1, pp 9-10).  Information she gained during her review was subsequently used by her to make fraudulent accusations against the Target Physician.  She made the Target Physician the “Fellmeth poster child” of Diversion’s problems (2, p 2):  Ms. Fellmeth states, “The case of Target Physician is, to me, a grim illustration of the failings of the diversion program (28, p 3); She also publicly opines, “This is really a horrible case, and it illustrates the shortcomings of the Diversion Program (29, p 1).”   Just as her claims of “unchallenged reports” have been refuted, so have her claims of “botched surgeries” by Diversion participants. Every patient she has paraded before the media and government committees has had her a) complaint dismissed by the MBC, b) lawsuit dismissed with prejudice by the Courts, or c) case lost at trial and on appeal.  Minasian, Mikulecky, et al have all been dismissed for lack of evidence of wrong doing or medical malpractice.  As Ms. Fellmeth’s story of MBC incompetence and dangerous physicians crumbled throughout 2007, she and media firm KSR (21, p 1) increased the pressure on the California Legislature by getting her “victim posse” and discredited monitor’s report on CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, FOX and other outlets (30, pp 1-15). But even Anderson Cooper and his acolyte Randi Kaye mused on air March 31, 2008, “…he’s never been found guilty of anything.  The State and the Courts have never actually connected his drinking to any of the problems that his patients are now seeing (31, p 12).”  Their summary is succinct and insightful.  There was no malpractice, no negligence, no impaired physician in any of these, or any other, cases.  As you read through these news stories, please remember, Governor Schwarzenegger, that in twenty years, Julie Fellmeth had been unable to find a single patient actually harmed by a Diversion physician.  So she made one up.  She has spent the last four years making the Target Physician the “straw man” for her political agenda, professional over reach and personal financial gain.  Ms. Fellmeth’s latest attempt to salvage her reputation and destroy the Target Physician was her sponsored article in the Spring 2008 USD journal “Advocate (32, pp 31-37),” ghost written by Sarah Severson.  Ms. Fellmeth is a talented and clever attorney.  She has had unprecedented access to the Target Physician’s history and files, yet she begins her article with another Fellmeth lie: “November 1987: Target Physician convicted of misdemeanor drunken driving…(32, p 34).”  There was NO 1987 DUI.  There was no moving violation or any other crime by the Target Physician in the decade surrounding 1987.  Ms. Fellmeth can only salvage her failing Diversion attack with the revocation of the Target Physician’s medical license, hence her chronic need to embellish and outright lie.  The rest of the article is just as twisted and untruthful as the opening line.  Again, I implore you to end this travesty of justice, this lynching of the Target Physician, a good man, skilled and honest physician.  Authorize an investigation into the chronic lapses of honesty and truth from which Ms. Fellmeth suffers.  The attempted destruction of the Target Physician and his family is criminal and immoral.  Ms. Fellmeth should never be allowed to assault society and any member ever again.  She must be exposed and stopped. 

4.  Julie d’Angelo Fellmeth’s appointment as enforcement monitor in 2003 was not met with dismay by the MBC.  In fact, Executive Director, David Thornton was quite enthusiastic with the development, “…we are especially thankful to Executive Director David Thornton…(7, p iii).”  As a 30 year employee from the Enforcement Division of the MBC, Thornton was thrilled to have an ally in the attempted dismantling of the Diversion program…..

10.  The horror the Target Physician and his family must endure at the hands of the MBC (California Medical Board) never ends.  According to _______, MBC probation officer, documents have repeatedly disappeared from the Target Physician’s current Probation file (I, p 1). They have been replaced, but the mystery and consequences of the derelict documents is unsettling. No investigation has been done into the file manipulation and attempt to manufacture a technical violation of the Target Physician’s probation.  Required documents began disappearing in December 2007 and continue to disappear through to the present time.  From 11/2005 through 12/2007 during the tenures of MBC officers Craig Leader and ________, all documents were present, current and file up to date.  The file deficiencies began at the same time the MBC accusations began to be dismissed by the OAH Judges. Officer ________ was so unnerved by the disappearing documents, he/she maintains a ghost file for back up. Additionally, in early 2008 a submitted fluid specimen was requisitely destroyed after it was discovered to have been tampered with at the Cerritos, California offices of MBC Enforcement.  The conspirators at the MBC, in their attempt to vilify the Target Physician, are adopting ever more desperate measures.  A thorough investigation into the actions of the Probation and Enforcement arms of the MBC is sorely needed. They illegally released the Target Physician’s original Diversion File. They have illegally released confidential and privileged documents from the Target Physician’s current Diversion file. Today, they are simply stealing the documents from his Probation file to manufacture a technical probation violation.    

The Diversion Program of California was hijacked by David Thornton, former Director of the California Medical Board. David Thornton appointed stealth Trial Lawyer Lobbyist Julie Fellmeth of CPIL as Diversion Monitor. Her 20 years of animosity towards Physicians and Diversion was legitimized and memorialized in her November 2004 biased audit. That is equivalent to hiring David Duke to audit the NAACP. Julie Fellmeth is a Lobbist for the Trial Lawyers, hiding behind the title of Consumer Advocate Lawyer. Fellmeth has a collaborator named Tina Minasian, who in turn has a victim posse she trots out to Hearings . Tina had a lower body lift. She was given written and verbal instructions not to resume smoking or put on weight. She did, then blamed and sued the MD for malpractice. It was as if she took her best pants in for alteration, put on enough weight to rip the seems, then wanted to hang the tailor. She lost the case. Her complaint to the Medical Board was investigated and thrown out. She set up a complaint soliciting web site regarding Target Physician, and would pressure and harangue callers to make false complaints to the California Medical Board, assuring them that filing false complaints carried no risk at all. The former Executive Director of the California Medical Board appointed Fellmeth as Enforcement Monitor. What Mrs Julie Fellmeth claims was the result of an “open and competitive” process was in fact done in secret w/out the knowledge of other more capable people. Please see the following websites which explains much of what has happened:

www.mbcconspiracy.blogspot.com Information on what happened to the California Diversion Program

www.standingup4truth.blogspot.com Information on the “Target Physician”

www.mbccorruption.blogspot.com Information about David Thornton, the former Director of the California Medical Board

This blog is dedicated to standing up for the truth about a wonderful Plastic Surgeon. For over seven years, Doctor Brian West has been a target and victim, suffering attack after unwarranted attack from those with neither shame nor conscience.  Dr. Brian West is a great man, a wonderful and talented doctor, father, husband and friend.  The stress and pressure he has endured and continues to withstand would crush most other men.

Doctor Brian West was sued for malpractice six years ago by patient Tina Minasian. Her attorney discovered that Dr. West had two DUIs, the most recent was in 2000, after the California Diversion Program illegally released Dr. Brian West’s “confidential” Diversion file to the public. Having no evidence of malpractice, Ms. Minasian and her attorney made their entire case about character assassination, attempting to portray Dr. West as a dangerous drunk doctor with a “dirty little secret.” Their goal was to embarrass and blackmail Dr. West into settling out of court. He refused, and at trial in 2005, judgment was found in favor of Dr. West. Winning the case did not end to the personal ad hominem attacks; it was only the beginning of a living in Hell. Subsequently, this sad, defeated, angry, depressed and bitter woman, in collaboration with her attorney, sought revenge against Dr. West. They have done everything in their power and control, legally and illegally, ethically and unethically, to harm and destroy Doctor Brian West professionally, personally, and financially for over 6 years. This spiteful patient, Tina Minasian, lost her appeal November 2007 as well as her second appeal petition on January 7, 2008. On March 12, 2008 the California Supreme Court denied Ms. Minasian’s petition for review. Justice has prevailed! July 2008, Tina Minasian’s sixth complaint to the California Medical Board was tossed out, as were the first five.

Ms. Minasian refuses to take responsibility for her poor lifestyle choices, her obesity and her nicotine addiction. She lied to Dr. West and smoked against doctors orders. She attempted to hide deception but the damage to her initial excellent surgical results was obvious. Her smoking led to poor incision healing and killed her belly button. Additionally, her ponderous weight gain (over 40 pounds) strained surgical closures and ruptured sutures. Imagine taking a pair of pants to the seamstress to be taken in. What happens when you gain a bunch of weight and force the pants back on? The seams rip open. Drop some hot ashes onto the strained material and observe the damage. Dr. West put neither the nicotine laced cancer sticks in Tina’s mouth nor the excessive calories around her waist. She now wants to blame her doctor for her choices to smoke, eat to excess, gain a bunch of weight, for not fixing her marital problems with her husband, Jeff Minasian, for not making her a super model, for not making her rich, and on and on.

For revenge and out of malice, Tina Minasian has spent over six years soliciting patients to file complaints with the medical board and sue Dr. West. Upon her disgrace of losing her lawsuit, Tina Minasian started a slanderous blog/website full of partial truths and falsehoods, and outright lies about this doctor. This lady knows no shame; her website medicalcomplaint.blogspot.com is riddled with outrageous and patently false allegations and accusations portraying him as a doctor who operates while drunk, and who butchers and kills people. Ms. Minasian sent mailers to every patient of Dr. West’s in Northern California portraying him as an impaired physician and soliciting them in her vendetta. She has violated and repeatedly invaded every patient’s privacy by contacting them at their homes. She had a sponsored link directing people to her blog of lies. In 2003, Tina attempted to put an illegal lien on Dr. West’s home. In a Sacramento Court Room in 2005, Tina even threatened to physically harm Dr. West’s wife. Tina and her posse have resorted to “anonymously” bad mouthing Mrs. West on the internet. Purely for misdirected rage and revenge Tina and those who have joined in her attacks will do anything, and say anything, in an attempt to hurt and destroy this fine doctor and his innocent family. Solicited complaint made by Laura Contreras to the California Medical Board was tossed out July 2008.

Several former patients of Dr. West have joined Tina Minasian in her attacks via the Medical Board, but only after being repeatedly contacted and harangued by Tina. Several also filed law suits against Dr. West. The cases have all been dismissed with prejudice for lack of evidence of harm, damage, or malpractice. The Courts, Boards, Monitors, etc have repeatedly and consistently determined Dr. West practiced excellent and appropriate medicine, and was NEVER impaired while treating any patient, ever. Every doctor, nurse, and colleague that ever worked with Dr. West at his office, the clinics and the many hospitals where he operated, testified that they never smelled alcohol and absolutely never suspected he was under the influence at any time. They all supported and respected Dr. Brian West, and all who were asked, freely testified on his behalf. Most of these patients had cancer and went to Dr. West for reconstructive surgery. One lady died of her cancer, yet her family claims it was the plastic surgeon’s fault. Simply not true! They claim that because Dr. West got two DUI citations, that must be why they had complications! Every patient does not heal perfectly, especially if one is obese, smokes, has additional cancers, has hepatitis, or doesn’t follow the doctor’s instructions and directions. It is easy to blame the doctor. All want money for their problems. Nothing is mentioned about how the instigating crazy lady lost her malpractice case against Dr. Brian West; nothing is mentioned about how she smoked against doctors orders (along with many of the other complainants); nothing was mentioned about how she unsuccessfully solicited Dr. Brian West’s staff to lie on her behalf in court; nothing is mentioned about the police report that proves Dr. West was NOT going to treat any patient when he got a DUI; nothing is mentioned about how there was appropriate consent for surgery on each and every patient and procedure; never mentioned is the name of the doctor who actually created the hernia, etc, etc, etc…… Dr. West’s medical license was NEVER suspended. Dr. West was never charged with Medi-Cal Fraud, nor did he have to pay back any money to Medi-Cal. Dr. West is NOT going to lose his medical license. There is NO MALPRACTICE with any patient! Dr. West regretfully settled the case with the lady with the hernia. After 5 years of successful practice, it was the first lawsuit ever filed against him and he didn’t realize that settling it would haunt him forever. He didn’t feel he was at fault for her outcome because she was almost healed when she left his care. Those patients denigrating Dr. Brian West are protected by the 1st Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech. Starting websites attacking doctors is the newest trend. A doctor’s ability to defend himself is limited due to patient confidentiality and HIPPA laws.

Linda Starr-Mills filed a suit against this doctor; it was dropped when the evidence showed NO MALPRACTICE. Ken Mikulecky and his wife filed a law suit against this doctor; it was dropped when the evidence showed NO MALPRACTICE. For the same reason, Ken Mikulecky’s complaint to the California Medical Board was tossed out in July 2008. Ken Mikulecky “claims” his wife told him she smelled alcohol on the doctors breath…..excuse me but if my loved one was about to have surgery, I would check for myself before I would let that doctor do surgery. Nobody else smelled alcohol on Dr. West. In his deposition, Mr. Mikulecky stated otherwise. Mr. Mikulecky is making it up! Sharon and Ken Mikulecky, Sharon’s sister Fern, Becky Anderson, Becky Anderson’s sister Sherry Bural, Tina Minasian, Jeffrey Minasian, Linda Starr, and Judy McDonald all testified at their depositions that they never smelled alcohol on Dr. West or suspected impairment. Funny how their stories repeatedly change. These patients had surgeries between 1998 and 2002. These patients will do and say anything now to attempt to destroy this good Doctor. This is their mission in life. If you read every story starting back to 2005, it’s coming from the same people and it’s the same story. They are like a pack of rabid dogs.

After Tina Minasian lost her malpractice case, she found a Bottom Feeding Consumer Reporter from the lowest rated TV news station in her area and together they aired several news stories portraying Dr. West as a “drunk doctor” who butchers patients. The stores were sensationalized and full of falsehoods. This “Consumer Reporter,” who has been stalking and harassing Dr. West for several years, has never mentioned anything about Tina repeatedly losing at trial, on appeal and in complaint . The “Reporter” declined to speak to Dr. West’s representatives for the other side of the story before airing his first report. Nothing that could be considered to shine any positive light on Dr. Brian West has been mentioned by him or anyone else in the media. True investigative reporting is giving both sides of an issue, not airing a biased report. This is creating news, not reporting it.

These stories are the same, tired, slanted, manufactured story masquerading as news from the same dysfunctional, bitter, dishonest and resentful people that we’ve been hearing from for over five years. Give it up, you gluttons for punishment. Doctor West’s representatives have spoken to the media many times over the past several years, most recently January 2008. The media continues to only report “allegations” by those attacking Dr. West and ignore any and all evidence that proves these claims to be false. Because of this biased and repetitive coverage, it is a waste of time and money for Dr. West’s representatives to continue this ignored dialogue with the media. Hence, this blog was published to give voice to the truth!

Doctor West never treated a patient under the influence of any mind altering chemical. If he had, he would not have a medical license. The Medical Board would have yanked it in a heart beat! If Dr. West ever butchered, killed, or harmed anyone, the Medical Board would have immediately yanked his license. His life has been gone through with a fine tooth comb. NEVER has Dr. West been impaired while treating patients or while at work and he has never smelled of alcohol while at work or treating patients. Dr. West has NEVER butchered, killed, or harmed anyone! Dr. Brian West NEVER lost his license. His license was NEVER suspended preventing him from practicing. Dr. West’s office manager volunteered to sign two signatures on an AA card that wasn’t even for the Diversion Program- that’s it! We live in a sue-happy society and the actions of these crazy patients are proof of same. Dr. West NEVER lied about his credentials. Dr. West NEVER diluted any urine tests. It’s unbelievable the lies Tina Minasian and company continue to spew! Rather than being an innocent unbiased arbiter, the California Medical Board is actively holding Dr. Brian West down on the ground so Tina Minasian, Linda Starr-Mills, Julie Fellmeth, David Thornton, Judy McDonald, et al can rape him repeatedly. The Medical Board has repeatedly abused its authority by making Dr. Brian West their political football.

No doctor should have to go through what Dr. Brian West has endured! Dr. Brian West is a kind, talented, honest and generous man, doctor, husband, father and friend. Dr. Brian West is an outstanding Plastic Surgeon! Look into those attacking him and you will find EVIL and dishonesty. Their motives are to seek revenge, destruction and personal gain.

This blog is dedicated to standing up for the truth about a wonderful Plastic Surgeon. For over seven years, Doctor Brian West has been a target and victim, suffering attack after unwarranted attack from those with neither shame nor conscience.  Dr. Brian West is a great man, a wonderful and talented doctor, father, husband and friend.  The stress and pressure he has endured and continues to withstand would crush most other men.

Doctor Brian West was sued for malpractice six years ago by patient Tina Minasian. Her attorney discovered that Dr. West had two DUIs, the most recent was in 2000, after the California Diversion Program illegally released Dr. Brian West’s “confidential” Diversion file to the public. Having no evidence of malpractice, Ms. Minasian and her attorney made their entire case about character assassination, attempting to portray Dr. West as a dangerous drunk doctor with a “dirty little secret.” Their goal was to embarrass and blackmail Dr. West into settling out of court. He refused, and at trial in 2005, judgment was found in favor of Dr. West. Winning the case did not end to the personal ad hominem attacks; it was only the beginning of a living in Hell. Subsequently, this sad, defeated, angry, depressed and bitter woman, in collaboration with her attorney, sought revenge against Dr. West. They have done everything in their power and control, legally and illegally, ethically and unethically, to harm and destroy Doctor Brian West professionally, personally, and financially for over 6 years. This spiteful patient, Tina Minasian, lost her appeal November 2007 as well as her second appeal petition on January 7, 2008. On March 12, 2008 the California Supreme Court denied Ms. Minasian’s petition for review. Justice has prevailed! July 2008, Tina Minasian’s sixth complaint to the California Medical Board was tossed out, as were the first five.

Ms. Tina Minasian refuses to take responsibility for her poor lifestyle choices, her obesity and her nicotine addiction. She lied to Dr. West and smoked against doctors orders. She attempted to hide deception but the damage to her initial excellent surgical results was obvious. Her smoking led to poor incision healing and killed her belly button. Additionally, her ponderous weight gain (over 40 pounds) strained surgical closures and ruptured sutures. Imagine taking a pair of pants to the seamstress to be taken in. What happens when you gain a bunch of weight and force the pants back on? The seams rip open. Drop some hot ashes onto the strained material and observe the damage. Dr. West put neither the nicotine laced cancer sticks in Tina’s mouth nor the excessive calories around her waist. She now wants to blame her doctor for her choices to smoke, eat to excess, gain a bunch of weight, for not fixing her marital problems with her husband, Jeff Minasian (Case #99FL04431 under family law, filed on July 9, 1999 by her husband- Jeffrey Minasian), for not making her a super model, for not making her rich, and on and on.

For revenge and out of malice, Tina Minasian has spent over six years soliciting patients to file complaints with the medical board and sue Dr. West. Upon her disgrace of losing her lawsuit, Tina Minasian started a slanderous blog/website full of partial truths and falsehoods, and outright lies about this doctor. This lady knows no shame; her website/blog is riddled with outrageous and patently false allegations and accusations portraying him as a doctor who operates while drunk, and who butchers and kills people. Ms. Minasian made flyers that looked like “wanted posters” and Consumer Reporter Kurtis Ming paid for postage and sent these mailers to every patient of Dr. West’s in Northern California portraying him as an impaired physician and soliciting them in their vendetta. She has violated and repeatedly invaded every patient’s privacy by contacting them at their homes. She (I’m sure with the help of Kurtis Ming) had a sponsored link directing people to her blog of lies. In 2003, Tina attempted to put an illegal lien on Dr. West’s home. In a Sacramento Court Room in 2005, Tina even threatened to physically harm Dr. West’s wife. Tina and her posse have resorted to “anonymously” bad mouthing Mrs. West on the internet. Purely for misdirected rage and revenge Tina and those who have joined in her attacks will do anything, and say anything, in an attempt to hurt and destroy this fine doctor and his innocent family. Solicited complaint made by Laura Contreras to the California Medical Board was tossed out July 2008. T.M.’s (not Tina Minasian) solicited complaint to the Medical Board about the surgery she claimed Dr. West performed was thrown out because Dr. West was never her surgeon!

Several former patients of Dr. West have joined Tina Minasian in her attacks via the Medical Board, but only after being repeatedly contacted and harangued by Tina. Several also filed law suits against Dr. West. The cases have all been dismissed with prejudice for lack of evidence of harm, damage, or malpractice. The Courts, Boards, Monitors, etc have repeatedly and consistently determined Dr. West practiced excellent and appropriate medicine, and was NEVER impaired while treating any patient, ever. Every doctor, nurse, and colleague that ever worked with Dr. West at his office, the clinics and the many hospitals where he operated, testified that they never smelled alcohol and absolutely never suspected he was under the influence at any time. They all supported and respected Dr. Brian West, and all who were asked, freely testified on his behalf. Most of these patients had cancer and went to Dr. West for reconstructive surgery. One lady died of her cancer, yet her family claims it was the plastic surgeon’s fault. Simply not true! They claim that because Dr. West got two DUI citations, that must be why they had complications! Every patient does not heal perfectly, especially if one is obese, smokes, has additional cancers, has hepatitis, or doesn’t follow the doctor’s instructions and directions. It is easy to blame the doctor. All want money for their problems. Nothing is mentioned about how the instigating crazy lady lost her malpractice case against Dr. Brian West; nothing is mentioned about how she smoked against doctors orders (along with many of the other complainants); nothing was mentioned about how she unsuccessfully solicited Dr. Brian West’s staff to lie on her behalf in court; nothing is mentioned about the police report that proves Dr. West was NOT going to treat any patient when he got a DUI; nothing is mentioned about how there was appropriate consent for surgery on each and every patient and procedure; never mentioned is the name of the doctor who actually created the hernia, etc, etc, etc…… Dr. West’s medical license was NEVER suspended. Dr. West was never charged with Medi-Cal Fraud, nor did he have to pay back any money to Medi-Cal. Dr. West is NOT going to lose his medical license. There is NO MALPRACTICE with any patient! Dr. West regretfully settled the case with the lady with the hernia. After 5 years of successful practice, it was the first lawsuit ever filed against him and he didn’t realize that settling it would haunt him forever. He didn’t feel he was at fault for her outcome because she was almost healed when she left his care. The grotesque hernia of this patient is the work of another surgeon, NOT Dr. West. Her surgeries were ALL appropriately consented. All cases that are settled by any Physician are reported to the Medical Board for review by Physicians to determine if there was negligence. This case was reviewed and closed many years ago because they determined there was NO NEGLIGENCE and NO MALPRACTICE! This case was included in the original accusation illegally, that is why the Judge threw it out. The AG broke the law. Those patients denigrating Dr. Brian West are protected by the 1st Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech. Starting websites attacking doctors is the newest trend. A doctor’s ability to defend himself is limited due to patient confidentiality and HIPPA laws.

Linda Starr-Mills, whose husband was a Malpractice Attorney, filed a suit against this doctor; it was dropped when the evidence showed NO MALPRACTICE. Her complaint to the Medical Board was also thrown out. Ken Mikulecky and his wife filed a law suit against this doctor; it was dropped when the evidence showed NO MALPRACTICE. For the same reason, Ken Mikulecky’s complaint to the California Medical Board was tossed out in July 2008. Ken Mikulecky “claims” his wife told him she smelled alcohol on the doctors breath…..excuse me but if my loved one was about to have surgery, I would check for myself before I would let that doctor do surgery. Nobody else smelled alcohol on Dr. West. In his deposition, Mr. Mikulecky stated otherwise. Mr. Mikulecky is making it up! Sharon and Ken Mikulecky, Sharon’s sister Fern, Becky Anderson, Becky Anderson’s sister Sherry Bural, Tina Minasian, Jeffrey Minasian, Linda Starr, and Judy McDonald all testified at their depositions that they never smelled alcohol on Dr. West or suspected impairment. Funny how their stories repeatedly change. These patients had surgeries between 1998 and 2002. These patients will do and say anything now to attempt to destroy this good Doctor. This is their mission in life. If you read every story starting back to 2005, it’s coming from the same people and it’s the same story. They are like a pack of rabid dogs.

After Tina Minasian lost her malpractice case, she found a Bottom Feeding Consumer Reporter from the lowest rated TV news station in her area and together they aired several news stories portraying Dr. West as a “drunk doctor” who butchers patients. The stores were sensationalized and full of falsehoods. This “Consumer Reporter,” who has been stalking and harassing Dr. West for several years, has never mentioned anything about Tina repeatedly losing at trial, on appeal and in complaint . The “Reporter” declined to speak to Dr. West’s representatives for the other side of the story before airing his first report. Nothing that could be considered to shine any positive light on Dr. Brian West has been mentioned by him or anyone else in the media. True investigative reporting is giving both sides of an issue, not airing a biased report. This is creating news, not reporting it.

These stories are the same, tired, slanted, manufactured story masquerading as news from the same dysfunctional, bitter, dishonest and resentful people that we’ve been hearing from for over five years. Give it up, you gluttons for punishment. Doctor West’s representatives have spoken to the media many times over the past several years, most recently January 2008. The media continues to only report “allegations” by those attacking Dr. West and ignore any and all evidence that proves these claims to be false. Because of this biased and repetitive coverage, it is a waste of time and money for Dr. West’s representatives to continue this ignored dialogue with the media. Hence, this blog was published to give voice to the truth!

Doctor West NEVER treated a patient under the influence of any mind altering chemical. If he had, he would not have a medical license. The Medical Board would have yanked it in a heart beat! If Dr. West ever butchered, killed, or harmed anyone, the Medical Board would have immediately yanked his license. His life has been gone through with a fine tooth comb. NEVER has Dr. West been impaired while treating patients or while at work and he has never smelled of alcohol while at work or treating patients. Dr. West has NEVER butchered, killed, or harmed anyone! Dr. Brian West NEVER lost his license. His license was NEVER suspended preventing him from practicing. Dr. West’s office manager volunteered to sign two signatures on an AA card that wasn’t even for the Diversion Program- that’s it! We live in a sue-happy society and the actions of these crazy patients are proof of same. Dr. West NEVER lied about his credentials. Dr. West NEVER diluted any urine tests. It’s unbelievable the lies Tina Minasian and company continue to spew! Rather than being an innocent unbiased arbiter, the California Medical Board is actively holding Dr. Brian West down on the ground so Tina Minasian, Linda Starr-Mills, Julie Fellmeth, David Thornton, Judy McDonald, Kurtis Ming, Daffodil Altan, Mara Faust, et al can rape him repeatedly. The Medical Board has repeatedly abused its authority by making Dr. Brian West their political football.

No doctor should have to go through what Dr. Brian West has endured! Dr. Brian West is a kind, talented, honest and generous man, doctor, husband, father and friend. Dr. Brian West is an outstanding Plastic Surgeon! Look into those attacking him and you will find EVIL and dishonesty. Their motives are to seek revenge, destruction and personal gain.

I was not prepared for what I saw in Germany during the 2006 World Cup outreach.  I have been to Olympic outreaches in Atlanta and Athens.  I have helped missionaries at Olympic outreaches in Salt Lake City, Sidney, Torino.  I have helped missionaries at major sporting events in the US and beyond.

I thought I had seen what these outreaches were all about.  I have seen big screen televisions projecting both sporting events and Christian ministry.  I have seen concerts in public plazas.  I have seen individual outreach going on throughout the cities where these events occurred.

So naturally, when David and I flew into Germany I thought I would see more of the same.  Don’t get me wrong; more of the same is quite impressive—and more important than that, these outreaches are extremely effective.  Local mission leaders help link up those who respond to the Gospel message and local churches who are prepared to disciple these folks.  This means that those who respond to the Gospel message are not left to find their own way.  They are given the opportunity to grow into mature Christians within a local Church community.

I was shocked when we arrived in the small German town of Altenkirchen of some 6,700 souls.  Altenkirchen is about thirty or forty minutes from Cologne.  You can walk from one end of town to the other in a little over fifteen minutes.  This was the headquarters for Kickoff 2006.  I thought this would be a place where no outreach occurred.

Yet, as we were getting over our jetlag David and I walked through town.  In the center square of the city we found a pavilion that had been set up to house outreach during the entire month long World Cup Soccer Tournament.  This pavilion had an area where missionaries could purchase t-shirts and caps and other tools for outreach.  The far right corner of the pavilion had a small grill and drink area where people coming in to watch the games on the huge screen television could purchase snacks, sausages and drinks to unknowingly support the outreach they were partaking in.  While all this was going on the soccer games were being broadcast live on the largest television screen in the city.

During halftime, instead of running the secular halftime show, a national Christian station had lent its studio to produce a live Christian halftime program complete with an accounting of what we believe.  I watched as hundreds of people in this village in Germany were ministered to at a time when they were more than willing to sit and listen.

What a remarkable moment this was!

That is not the end of the story, however.  The outreach at the pavilion was only the beginning.  As we walked through town over the next week David and I found outreach going on in the public park just down from the pavilion.  In a separate area of Altenkirchen the outreach team had set up a small portable enclosed soccer field.  Here they were having a three on three soccer tournament.  This outreach was so dynamic that the local schools had a field day where the local school children were brought during school hours to participate in the festivities. 

During the soccer tournament there was a parade of Christian missionaries who played Christian music and danced and waved flags celebrating Christianity.  At the same time there was a clown who was making animal balloons.  There was a kicking contest and a variety of other events going on simultaneously around this square.

It was a remarkable outreach in this small town.

I began asking questions and learned that these types of outreaches were going on all around Germany.  Outreaches were being set up and participated in that would reach the people who were coming from around the world to attend the world’s largest soccer tournament. 

I had the chance to see further outreaches in cities like Stuttgart and Cologne.  In these larger cities the outreach was broader.  People were distributing literature on the streets, they were preaching to those in public places around these cities.  Literally thousands of people were being ministered to by missionaries who were so passionate about their opportunity to reach the world while the world was in Germany.

We were there because a part of what we do is monitor these events to make sure that missionaries were able to present the Gospel without threat of arrest. 

I am happy to say that because of the great work of groups that prepare the missionaries and our work to educate the organizers of the event as to the rights of Christians to share their faith in public places.

These types of outreach inspire me.  The creativity that goes into putting together outreach that can attract the attention of people who are coming to an incredibly dynamic sporting event is more than I can imagine.

I admire the workers and the work that goes into making these outreaches successful.  For one thing, the expense is greater because hotels and local restaurants often jack up their prices in anticipation of the huge crowds of tourists that will come to the event.  And many of the people who come to share at these events are taking their vacation time to come share their faith.  They are not going to the beach.  They are not headed to the mountains.  They are vacationing with purpose.

We will take the expertise we continue to gain at these events and refine our abilities.  We are committed to standing with these men and women who are giving everything to minister to those who are lost and dying in this world.

We will be there for them—after all, they are there for us and they are there for Him.

Diário de uma Paixão (The Notebook). 2004. EUA. Direção: Nick Cassavetes. Elenco: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Gardner, Gena Rowlands, James Marsden, San Shepard, David Thornton, Joan Allen. Gênero: Drama, Romance. Duração: 115 minutos.

Após assistir esse filme fiquei com vontade de deixar uma impressão, mas mais por uma escolha que a protagonista fez – escolher entre dois amores – do que por toda a história. O filme conta uma história de amor (O título em português já evidencia isso.)! Como tantas outras. Traz até um contexto previsível, mas que não desmerece a quem se propõe assisti-lo. O diferencial nessa escolha foi que em ambos, um lado dela se completaria. Daí, ficando na escolha o peso de qual deles seria para ficarem juntos para sempre.

Quem nos conta essa história é um senhor. Ao ler, pacientemente, para uma senhora internada numa Clínica, por conta de estar com Alzheimer. Ela fica encantada, ouvindo, perguntando… Ele, segue as páginas daquele Diário. São 50 anos de história contidas naquelas páginas. Quer compartilhar com aquela mulher, essas memórias…

Aqueles que não gostam desse gênero de filme nem deve assisti-lo. Para quem gosta, além das lindas paisagens – uma logo ao iniciar o filme é deslumbrante: um solitário remador e um nascente – aliado a uma belíssima trilha sonora (Clássicos; Jazz…), terá uma boa companhia nas duas horas de filme.

É um filme citado em fóruns tipo: Filmes que te fazem chorar. Confesso que sou chorona; choro em filmes da Disney (Bambi; Dumbo…). Já chorei em muitos filmes onde retratam uma história de amor. Porém nesse não.

A escolha! Para mim, ela fez a escolha certa. Há uma frase que ele diz a ela nessa hora, que traduz isso. Melhor, que a traz para o real em um relacionamento a dois . Mesmo a história começando em 1940, é nessa decisão que a torna atemporal. Nessa hora, lembrei daquele “Ok!” dito pelo personagem do Jim Carrey no finalzinho do filme “Brilho eterno de uma mente sem lembranças” (Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind). É o amor, a relação sendo construída no dia-a-dia.

Enfim, não é um filme marcante. O classificaria como um bom sessão-da-tarde. Nota: 08.

Por: Valéria Miguez.

In trying to kill time until the BC game on Thursday, and since this blog still has that “new blog” smell, I thought it would be good to list some Born and Bred Ed Tar Heel favorites. Feel free to add your own.

Favorite Tar Heel Basketball Player(s):

I have to go with Numbers 34 here. George Lynch and David Noel.

As much as I love to see guys who fill up the basket or streak down the court, I love these guys because of their leadership and willingness to do everything to help the team, even the stuff that doesn’t get readily noticed. PsychoT will likely surpass Lynch on the career scoring list during our next game, and I sincerely hope we get to hear something from Eric Montross on the THSN broadcast about him.

Favorite Tar Heel Football Player(s):

If you didn’t think I was a sentimentalist already, this will seal it.

Ronald Curry and David Thornton.

I have to admit, this was tougher. Pep was close, as were LT, Natrone, Durant and several others (I was LC Stevens RA, and he was cool, so he’s also got a special spot in my heart).

The way Ronald Curry could do so much with NO help just astounded me. I also think that the achilles injury robbed us of some spectacular games. I also love the way he has adapted to receiver for the Raiders (though I’d love to see him on a better team). David Thornton’s story of walk-on to scholarship to starter to NFL starter is just an outstanding example of the power of hard work.

Favorite Roy Williams Quote:

This is from this month’s Tar Heel Monthly. I still laugh when I read it, in light of my original post on this blog:

“My secretary gave me an e-mail last week, and she shouldn’t have done it, because it was negative. I don’t want to read that crap. We know what the hell we’re doing; I don’t need anybody else to tell me what we’re doing right or wrong. But I got this e-mail and my secretary handed it to me, she said, ‘You’ve got to see this.’ It was sent to Dick Baddour and he was supposed to pass it along to me. It said, ‘Dear Coach, Tyler gets that basketball inside and he dribbles and he holds it. He loses it 3-4 times a game and he doesn’t make the shot. That’s costing us 6-8 points a game. That’s cost us already, but it’s going to cost us big-time down the line. I hope that Coach Williams would address this situation and get him to change that.’ So I’m thinking… he’s a pretty good player and he’s doing pretty well again this year. I’ve always wanted to do this, so I realized one of my dreams. I got Jennifer, and I wrote it out, said ‘E-mail this back: Dear so-and-so, some idiot is using your name and sending an e-mail to the office criticizing our coaching of Tyler Hansbrough. Please tell that idiot, if you happen to see him, that we have forgotten more basketball than he will ever know. Thank you very much for your interest in our program.‘ I’ve always wanted to do that, and it was a great thrill.”

I’m sure I’ll have more favorites to add later. I look forward to reading yours.