It’s a Hospital, Stupid

Yesterday, I had the unfortunate experience of hitching a ride to the ER in the front of an ambulance (don’t worry, aches and pains aside…everyone is OK). But on the way to the ER, we didn’t nedessarily know that things would be okay. There was only concern and a need to get in front of the ER doctor. *Insert unhappy rant*

The hospital we went to was St. Francis Medical Center, a new facility under Penrose-St. Francis (see pretty picture)

It’s a nice looking hospital no doubt; the fact that it’s brand new doesn’t hurt either. And the food is pretty decent for hospital food. The only question I have is: Who’s the idiot architect that designed the parking layout?? Ok two questions: And which moronic suit approved it??

*If you agree that it should be a straight shot from the road to the ambulance drop-off, raise your hand*

Now, the picture above was taken when the building and parking lots were completed but the layout from the main entrance to the parking lot was still in progress. Notice the distance? Yea, that’s not for fear of hospitals, that’s because between the main entrance and the hospital there is a long (out of the way) road that very slowly meanders towards the hospital before it leads you into 3, count ‘em 3(!) ridiculous round-abouts. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing a round-about, I’m sure you can empathize without me having to say anything. After the three, count ‘em 3(!) ridiculous round-abouts, you have a few more twists and sharp turns before you finally see the emergency entrance. Alas, there's one final sharp turn to get to the actual ambulance entrance.

Heh? Are you kidding me??!!?!

The layout is worse than the worst airport I’ve been to and yes, this is the only way to get in or out. The ambulance driver almost took the wrong exit on the second round-about during daylight and we did take a wrong exit on the very first round-about leaving at night. Imagine the poor patient strapped to a gurney in the back, having to endure all that crap. *Ouch* Imagine a patient bleeding to death or suffering a heart attack and it takes 20 minutes to get to the hospital and another 15 just to get from the main entrance to the ER.

Doctor: The patient died on the way?*

Driver: He would have been fine, but, we took a wrong turn on the second round-about, ended up by some apartment complex in who knows where before we could turn around, then exited on the third round-about in front of the wrong ER entrance. Btw: Where IS the ambulance entrance?? We never did find it....

Pffft. Morons.

Top 10 Favorite Movies of All Time

So after I posted the best action films of the last 30 years, someone asked me if any of those would qualify as my favorite movies of all time. My answer: some, yes but for the most part, not really.

Here's my list of my all-time favorite movies in no particular order because that would be TOO difficult I think. These all qualify as #1 depending on the day and my mood! There were only two criteria for this list:
1. Which movies do I tend to watch over and over again, and
2. Which movies, in my opinion, stand the test of time.

1. Aliens [best action flick and just such a fantastic movie! In all honesty, I've probably seen this movie 50+ times throughout the years....]

2. Frequency [I love movies that have a unique story line, surprising twists and turns, and in the end all the pieces seem to fit together perfectly. This is one of those movies. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it - it will quickly move up in your list of favorites - I promise!]

3. the Usual Suspects [This is another one of those nicely constructed movies with a unique story, great cast and a wow of a finish. Kevin Spacey is tops in this movie]

4. Gone With the Wind [A classic. How can this movie not be on my list. I adore Rhett Butler! And as selfish, pig-headed and spoiled as she may be, I also adore Scarlett O'hara. My grandmother introduced this movie to me when I was in 5th grade and I've never stopped loving it]

5. Eight Below [This is a relatively new movie released by Disney; and it is fantastic! Both heartbreaking and uplifting]

6. Star Wars: the second trilogy: IV, V, VI [No words necessary. I'll just say this: if you're not a Star Wars fan then I really just have no words... This is the ultimate fantasy, feel-good movie of all time.]

7. Back to the Future [You made a time machine....out of a DeLorean?!?!?!, Helloooo McFly!, I've never seen purple underwear before Calvin, You're my muh- my muh-...., Dad-da-daddio, now why don't you make like a tree and get outta here (i laugh every time I hear this because I'm pretty sure it's make like a tree and leave). All together great lines and memorable scenes. One of my favorites is the opener and the "mega amp" blowout]

8. Apollo 13 [I have a thing for movies that are based on true events and have a certain documentary type quality to them; and this is just a great one start to finish. Outstanding cast and great directing. It's just a good Sunday evening-type movie. The extended addition is also terrific]

9. Terminator ["I'll be back." Another movie that hit my list of top 10 action movies and it's one of my favorite movies to watch when I'm sick. In all honesty, I've probably seen this movie 100+ times over the years. I also had a crush a Michael Biehn too so that helps - although Arnie's naked tusche seemed to get a little more screen time.]

10. Miracle [another one of those Disney feel-good movies. I think this is one of Kurt's best performances. Personally, it doesn't hurt having to watch 2 hours of hot hockey players tussle on the ice either!]

Have any recommendations? Share 'em if you got 'em!