Happy Inspirational Memorial Day Week-end!!

The World of 100 by Toby Ng

I came across this young artist and I believe the "World of 100" is a truly inspiring idea. What do you think?

"If the world was a village of 100 people, how would the composition be? This set of 20 posters is built on statistics about the spread of population around the world under various classifications. The numbers are turned into graphics to give another sense a touch – Look, this is the world we are living in..." (click on pictures to enlarge)

red dot award: communication design 2009

GDC 09 Awards
International Design Awards 2009
HOW 2010 International Design Awards

If you want to know more... here is the link of his website: LINK

45 Seconds: Memoirs of an ER Doctor from May 22, 2011

Joplin
Emergency Department
after May 22 tornado


This is a very powerful and emotional story I want/need to share with you all (source: Mercy.net web site and Hanna Mayer Facebook Page via Mike O'Shea):


"My name is Dr. Kevin Kikta, and I was one of two emergency room doctors who were on duty at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin, MO on Sunday, May 22, 2011.

You never know that it will be the most important day of your life until the day is over. The day started like any other day for me: waking up, eating, going to the gym, showering, and going to my 4:00 pm ER shift. As I drove to the hospital I mentally prepared for my shift as I always do, but nothing could ever have prepared me for what was going to happen on this shift. Things were normal for the first hour and half. At approximately 5:30 pm we received a warning that a tornado had been spotted. Although I work in Joplin and went to medical school in Oklahoma, I live in New Jersey, and I have never seen or been in a tornado. I learned that a “code gray” was being called. We were to start bringing patients to safer spots within the ED and hospital.

At 5:42 pm a security guard yelled to everyone, “Take cover! We are about to get hit by a tornado!” I ran with a pregnant RN, Shilo Cook, while others scattered to various places, to the only place that I was familiar with in the hospital without windows, a small doctor’s office in the ED. Together, Shilo and I tremored and huddled under a desk. We heard a loud horrifying sound like a large locomotive ripping through the hospital. The whole hospital shook and vibrated as we heard glass shattering, light bulbs popping, walls collapsing, people screaming, the ceiling caving in above us, and water pipes breaking, showering water down on everything. We suffered this in complete darkness, unaware of anyone else’s status, worried, scared. We could feel a tight pressure in our heads as the tornado annihilated the hospital and the surrounding area. The whole process took about 45 seconds, but seemed like eternity. The hospital had just taken a direct hit from a category EF5 tornado.

Then it was over. Just 45 seconds. 45 long seconds. We looked at each other, terrified, and thanked God that we were alive. We didn’t know, but hoped that it was safe enough to go back out to the ED, find the rest of the staff and patients, and assess our losses.

“Like a bomb went off. ” That’s the only way that I can describe what we saw next. Patients were coming into the ED in droves. It was absolute, utter chaos. They were limping, bleeding, crying, terrified, with debris and glass sticking out of them, just thankful to be alive. The floor was covered with about 3 inches of water, there was no power, not even backup generators, rendering it completely dark and eerie in the ED. The frightening aroma of methane gas leaking from the broken gas lines permeated the air; we knew, but did not dare mention aloud, what that meant. I redoubled my pace.


We had to use flashlights to direct ourselves to the crying and wounded. Where did all the flashlights come from? I’ll never know, but immediately, and thankfully, my years of training in emergency procedures kicked in. There was no power, but our mental generators were up and running, and on high test adrenaline. We had no cell phone service in the first hour, so we were not even able to call for help and backup in the ED.


I remember a patient in his early 20’s gasping for breath, telling me that he was going to die. After a quick exam, I removed the large shard of glass from his back, made the clinical diagnosis of a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and gathered supplies from wherever I could locate them to insert a thoracostomy tube in him. He was a trooper; I’ll never forget his courage. He allowed me to do this without any local anesthetic since none could be found. With his life threatening injuries I knew he was running out of time, and it had to be done. Quickly. Imagine my relief when I heard a big rush of air, and breath sounds again; fortunately, I was able to get him transported out. I immediately moved on to the next patient, an asthmatic in status asthmaticus. We didn’t even have the option of trying a nebulizer treatment or steroids, but I was able to get him intubated using a flashlight that I held in my mouth. A small child of approximately 3-4 years of age was crying; he had a large avulsion of skin to his neck and spine. The gaping wound revealed his cervical spine and upper thoracic spine bones. I could actually count his vertebrae with my fingers. This was a child, his whole life ahead of him, suffering life threatening wounds in front of me, his eyes pleading me to help him.. We could not find any pediatric C collars in the darkness, and water from the shattered main pipes was once again showering down upon all of us. Fortunately, we were able to get him immobilized with towels, and start an IV with fluids and pain meds before shipping him out. We felt paralyzed and helpless ourselves. I didn’t even know a lot of the RN’s I was working with. They were from departments scattered all over the hospital. It didn’t matter. We worked as a team, determined to save lives. There were no specialists available -- my orthopedist was trapped in the OR. We were it, and we knew we had to get patients out of the hospital as quickly as possible. As we were shuffling them out, the fire department showed up and helped us to evacuate. Together we worked furiously, motivated by the knowledge and fear that the methane leaks could cause the hospital could blow up at any minute.

Things were no better outside of the ED. I saw a man crushed under a large SUV, still alive, begging for help; another one was dead, impaled by a street sign through his chest. Wounded people were walking, staggering, all over, dazed and shocked. All around us was chaos, reminding me of scenes in a war movie, or newsreels from bombings in Bagdad. Except this was right in front of me and it had happened in just 45 seconds. My own car was blown away. Gone. Seemingly evaporated. We searched within a half mile radius later that night, but never found the car, only the littered, crumpled remains of former cars. And a John Deere tractor that had blown in from miles away.

Tragedy has a way of revealing human goodness. As I worked, surrounded by devastation and suffering, I realized I was not alone. The people of the community of Joplin were absolutely incredible. Within minutes of the horrific event, local residents showed up in pickups and sport utility vehicles, all offering to help transport the wounded to other facilities, including Freeman, the trauma center literally across the street. Ironically, it had sustained only minimal damage and was functioning (although I’m sure overwhelmed). I carried on, grateful for the help of the community.

Within hours I estimated that over 100 EMS units showed up from various towns, counties and four different states. Considering the circumstances, their response time was miraculous. Roads were blocked with downed utility lines, smashed up cars in piles, and they still made it through.

We continued to carry patients out of the hospital on anything that we could find: sheets, stretchers, broken doors, mattresses, wheelchairs—anything that could be used as a transport mechanism.

As I finished up what I could do at St John’s, I walked with two RN’s, Shilo Cook and Julie Vandorn, to a makeshift MASH center that was being set up miles away at Memorial Hall. We walked where flourishing neighborhoods once stood, astonished to see only the disastrous remains of flattened homes, body parts, and dead people everywhere. I saw a small dog just wimpering in circles over his master who was dead, unaware that his master would not ever play with him again. At one point we tended to a young woman who just stood crying over her dead mother who was crushed by her own home. The young woman covered her mother up with a blanket and then asked all of us, “What should I do?” We had no answer for her, but silence and tears.

By this time news crews and photographers were starting to swarm around, and we were able to get a ride to Memorial Hall from another RN. The chaos was slightly more controlled at Memorial Hall. I was relieved to see many of my colleagues, doctors from every specialty, helping out. It was amazing to be able to see life again. It was also amazing to see how fast workers mobilized to set up this MASH unit under the circumstances. Supplies, food, drink, generators, exam tables, all were there—except pharmaceutical pain meds. I sutured multiple lacerations, and splinted many fractures, including some open with bone exposed, and then intubated another patient with severe COPD, slightly better controlled conditions this time, but still less than optimal.

But we really needed pain meds. I managed to go back to the St John’s with another physician, pharmacist, and a sheriff’s officer. Luckily, security let us in to a highly guarded pharmacy to bring back a garbage bucket sized supply of pain meds.

At about midnight I walked around the parking lot of St. John’s with local law enforcement officers looking for anyone who might be alive or trapped in crushed cars. They spray-painted “X”s on the fortunate vehicles that had been searched without finding anyone inside. The unfortunate vehicles wore “X’s” and sprayed-on numerals, indicating the number of dead inside, crushed in their cars, cars which now resembled flattened recycled aluminum cans the tornado had crumpled in her iron hands, an EF5 tornado, one of the worst in history, whipping through this quiet town with demonic strength. I continued back to Memorial hall into the early morning hours until my ER colleagues told me it was time for me to go home. I was completely exhausted. I had seen enough of my first tornado.

How can one describe these indescribable scenes of destruction? The next day I saw news coverage of this horrible, deadly tornado. It was excellent coverage, and Mike Bettes from the Weather Channel did a great job, but there is nothing that pictures and video can depict compared to seeing it in person. That video will play forever in my mind.

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone involved in helping during this nightmarish disaster. My fellow doctors, RN’s, techs, and all of the staff from St. John’s. I have worked at St John’s for approximately 2 years, and I have always been proud to say that I was a physician at St John’s in Joplin, MO. The smart, selfless and immediate response of the professionals and the community during this catastrophe proves to me that St John’s and the surrounding community are special. I am beyond proud.

To the members of this community, the health care workers from states away, and especially Freeman Medical Center, I commend everyone on unselfishly coming together and giving 110% the way that you all did, even in your own time of need. St John’s Regional Medical Center is gone, but her spirit and goodness lives on in each of you.

EMS, you should be proud of yourselves. You were all excellent, and did a great job despite incredible difficulties and against all odds

For all of the injured who I treated, although I do not remember your names (nor would I expect you to remember mine) I will never forget your faces. I’m glad that I was able to make a difference and help in the best way that I knew how, and hopefully give some of you a chance at rebuilding your lives again. For those whom I was not able to get to or treat, I apologize whole heartedly.

Last, but not least, thank you, and God bless you, Mercy/St John’s for providing incredible care in good times and even more so, in times of the unthinkable, and for all the training that enabled us to be a team and treat the people and save lives.

Sincerely,

Kevin J. Kikta, DO
Department of Emergency Medicine
Mercy/St John’s Regional Medical Center, Joplin, MO"

The tragic loss of Tom Miller's brother Tripp in Joplin, MO.

Tom Miller who lives in Warson Woods lost his brother Tripp - picture above - after the tornado hit Joplin, MO. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you, Patty, Riley, Molly, Madison and the rest of your family.

Tom, I am so so sorry for your loss of Tripp. God bless you all.

Obituary from the Joplin Globe:

Ray Donald "Tripp" Miller III

JOPLIN, MO — Tripp Miller passed away early Monday morning, May 23, 2011, after sustaining severe injuries from the tornado that hit Joplin on Sunday afternoon. Tripp was the son of Patricia Gray Miller and Ray Donald Miller, Jr. of Joplin and was born at St. John's Hospital in Joplin on July 20, 1961. He graduated from Collegeview State School in 1982. After graduating, Tripp began working at the Sheltered Workshop in Carthage for two years and then joined the work force at Joplin Workshop, Inc. and worked there for the last 27 years. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Joplin and attended regularly his God's Fellowship Sunday School class. Some of Tripp's many loves in his full life were living with his childhood friends, Rick Fox and Mark Farmer, at their home at 2302 Iowa; his special friends, Penny Morehouse, at Joplin Regional Center and James Newman, case worker of connections case management and Tripp's support staff of Community Support Services; bowling weekly with friends at 4th Street Bowl; meeting with friends at 1st Presbyterian Church; his title of "Number 1 Uncle" to his five nieces and four nephews; traveling to see his brother and sisters; going to Mizzou football games with his family where he was a very proud member of the University of Missouri Alumni Association; and rooting, as a life-long fan, for his St. Louis Cardinals and then calling his Dad to let him know the results of the game. Tripp loved sports. He was an enthusiastic fan of local high school sports teams, particularly the Parkwood Bears and Joplin Eagles. He was a participant in the Special Olympics since his school days. He excelled at bowling and in his early years, swimming. He won his last of many gold medals at the State Special Olympics in the fall of 2010 at 4th Street Bowl in Joplin by bowling the best game of his life. Tripp was a happy, gentle, kind, and loving man. He didn't know a stranger. He was your friend for life even if he just met you and was always so glad to see you. He touched the lives of so many people, and we were all better people having him in our life. His family will miss him terribly every moment of every day. Tripp is survived by his sisters, Melinda Miller Crowe and her husband, Lawrence Kerdolff Crowe, of Overland Park, Kan.; Rebecca Miller Gurley and her husband, Curtis Raymond Gurley, of Farmington, N.M., and Mary Elizabeth Williams of Galena, Kan.; brother, Thomas Gray Miller and his wife Patti O¹Sullivan Miller of St. Louis, Mo.; nephews, Lawrence Kerdolff (Kert) Crowe, Jr., Nathan Miller Crowe, Jackson Miller Gurley, Davis Cummins Gurley; nieces Laura Elizabeth Crowe, Elizabeth Leigh Williams, Riley Grace Miller, Molly Ann Miller and Madison Rose Miller; uncles William R. Gray and family of New Berlin, Wis., Thomas R. Gray and family of Columbia, Mo.; aunt Patricia Miller Righthouse, of Broken Arrow, Okla. and many additional cousins and relatives. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at the 1st Presbyterian Church located at 509 South Pearl, Joplin, at 2 p.m. Friday, May 27, with a visitation following in John Knox Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the 1st Presbyterian Church or the Joplin Sheltered Workshop.

Lacrosse in Warson Woods by Coach Gio

A message from my good friend and WW. Resident Gio Najarro:

Youth lacrosse programs are now available in Warson Woods! Little Knights is offered to all preschool - second grade girls and boys! Sign-up for our sessions at Dreher Park on Wednesdays, beginning June 8 - July 27, 2011 online at www.kirkwoodyouthlax.com

Guaranteed fun time!

Have you signed up for Swordman Lacrosse Camp? Registration forms are posted online at www.kirkwoodyouthlax.com! Check us out - July 11 - 15, 2011! Calling all 3rd-8th grade girls and boys to join in on the fun! Friend us on Facebook too!

Coach Gio
Kirkwood Youth Lacrosse
314.537.1695
coachgio@kirkwoodyouthlax.com

WW Resident launches a Meat Delivery Service to your door

I want to share with you a concept that I love. My friend Brian Middendorf, a WW Resident, started a business selling high quality steaks. Check his latest newsletter and hit his website to order: www.steakhousedirect.net

Good Evening from Steakhouse Direct,


We've got a couple of grilling holidays on the calendar in the coming weeks - Memorial Day weekend (May 28-30) and Father's Day weekend (June 19). I'd like to suggest a couple of items for these upcoming grilling events . . .

Waygu Kobe Beef Brisket

We've got a totally unique item you won't find anywhere else in St. Louis - Waygu Kobe Beef Brisket. This is the best of the best for serious grillers! Our brisket comes as one whole piece, and it averages about 12-14 pounds. Upscale restaurants charge extreme prices for Kobe beef ($20/ounce or more). The good news is that we only charge $10/per pound, delivered (St. Louis area only).


Last month Steakhouse Direct supplied this exact Waygu Kobe Beef to 4 Smokn' Butts, and that piece of meat was the WINNER of the Brisket portion of the Kansas City BBQ Society Competition! See the results here: http://www.kcbs.us/events.php?year=0&month=0&id=2799. Next up, 4 Smokn' Butts is taking our Brisket to Las Vegas for the World Championship BBQ competition! I've got limited inventory on hand that will be ready for Memorial Day/Father's Day. If you want one of these, please let me know asap.

New York Strip

This is the most popular steak in America. The better news is that it's super easy to cut into steaks, and it is hard to mess it up. I've got some aged strips right now that will be ready in time for both Memorial Day and Father's Day. Again, the timing here is key. If you'd like one for either of these grilling holidays, please get me your order as soon as possible. Price is $9/lb, and they average 11-12 pounds. You should be able to get 12 aged steaks out of the striploin.

Cutlery/Tools

I've been in a few kitchens lately with this business venture, and what I've seen has been shocking. It's not the wallpaper or the dirty dishes . . . it's the lack of a good quality knife! Cutting your own steaks requires a serious blade, and fortunately we've got them. I'd personally recommend our 12" Swiss Army Granton Slicer ($50). Made in Switzerland, this thing is a 12" razor blade with a handle on it. While you're at it you may want to consider the kevlar cutting glove to keep your fingers intact ($20).

Feel free to contact me to get our updated brochure with all of our items. Happy grilling!

Brian Middendorf - Grillmaster, Steakhouse Direct
314-422-0387
www.steakhousedirect.net

Top 25 Swimming Pools in the World

It should help you going to sleep tonight....

Which one if your favorite? or top 5? The one with the guy swimming on the top of the hotel in Singapore in unreal! Click on each to enlarge and sweet dreams...