I love how during my travels through our sites every day, I come across something that really makes me stop and think. Today’s post is found on Geeks, and it’s called What do You Treasure Most in Life. Not only did I have to stop and take time to think this through for myself, but I also am curious to see your answers. Reading through the thread, it’s heartening to see that many people place their family/kids/friends at the top of their lists. Too often, we let the material get in the way – or at least our quest for what’s tangible. Kat summed it up beautifully, reminding us:

Even with the economy in the toilet – we have much to be grateful for in life, and much to treasure. Don’t let a minute of life pass you by without remembering things like this.

We are seeing news articles daily about people taking their lives over losing their jobs, or falling far behind in their bills. Heck, we’re even reading about people who are taking the lives of others – including their own children. We hear of the layoffs, and many of you have been affected by them yourself. But when you take a moment to stop and really think – you are still blessed. You have family and friends who love you. You have your health (hopefully!) and mental well-being. You have your brain, and the ability to think, do and create. You have your freedom (in most countries). You have YOU.

While you’re thinking about your answer to the topic question, why not take a read through some of the other interesting things found today on Geeks and Lockergnome?

• The State of Texas has banned Microsoft Vista from government use!
• What are the best electronic kits to buy?
• Do we really want another Terminator?
• IBM has thrown in the towel, and is walking away from negotiations.
• Do you need a desktop camera tripod?
• YouTube has launched video ads – and the public isn’t happy.
• What are your favorite quotes or sayings?
• What do you use for a KVM switch?
• Walgreens is laying off employees and cutting benefits – but offering free health care to the unemployed.
• Are the expectations too high for Ubuntu 9.04 Beta?

• Can a Company Take Social Networking too Far?
• One Small Act of Kindness…
• Are YOU a Social Media Geek?
• How Have You Handled the “Big L”?
• When is Your Birthday?
• Windows 7 – Thumbs Up or Down?
• What Do You Read?
• Walk Loud and Carry a Soft Stick
• I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends
• Geeks can Dance!

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

http://live.pirillo.com/ – The gang joined me again for videos last night. Microsoft’s announcement that they are going to have an online “vault” for health care records was definitely a hot topic.

Four of my friends joined me for this discussion: Kat, SC_Thor, Wirelesspacket, and last but certainly not least… Datalore.

Microsoft is aiming to get consumers to store all of their health records online. It’s a laudable goal, but one fraught with challenges.

On Thursday the company outlined its vision, dubbed HealthVault, in which a person can view, from one place, their complete health records. Consumers will be able to view information from medical devices, myriad health care providers and insurance companies as well as share that information with health care providers of their choosing or search for information related to their health issues.

All of us agree that this may sound good, but no way do any of us want ANY one company to be in charge of storing our health records online. Microsoft has beaten Google to the punch with this one. However, we wouldn’t trust Google with this, either. Health records are highly personal, and there’s just too many ways this information can be hacked, stolen and used against our will.

What do you think? Will you trust your entire medical history to companies like Microsoft and Google? Leave me some feedback with your thoughts.

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I definitely don’t agree with all of Michael Moore’s views, but he’s done the right thing in producing his new movie, “Sicko” – going directly after America’s unhealthy health care industry.

At the press screening for “Sicko,” the Wall Street Journal reported that hardened reporters and critics wept. Even those who have been harsh to me in the past, or who have not agreed with my politics, were moved. Aside from my stated desire that “Sicko” ignite a fire for free, universal health care (and a larger wish that we, as Americans, do a better job of treating each other with a true sense of solidarity and respect), I continue to hope that I can make a contribution to the art of cinema and give people a good reason to get out of the house for a few hours.

Health is something we all take for granted – until something goes wrong. Since did your wallet become a vital organ?

• What do You Treasure Most in Life?
• My Parents are Recovering
• Microsoft, Google and the Health Care Industry