Long Way Round

I don't recall ever renting a DVD from Blockbuster or Netflicks (I think their radio commercials are creepy) or RedBox.  On the other hand, lately I have watched a few FREE old B&W movies on the Internet (e.g.,  I particularly enjoyed "The Green Glove" at http://www.bnwmovies.com/).

Most of my movies I tend to borrow from the library.  I can usually find something of interest at the Library for FREE. That is good because I also have a tendancy to buy DVDs too (usually when I need a change of pace from the library or I want something specific).

By exploring the Library's collection, I have come across some very fascinating and entertaining films.  This usually occurs when I pick something up on  a whim.

I recently borrowed a 2-disc DVD set called Long Way Round (Two Friends, One Extraordinary Journey Around the World). It's copyright date is 2004 (so that is pretty new for my tastes).  I think it was on TV originally (is/was BRAVO a channel?).
  Here's the description from the box:


"London*Prague*Kiev*Vogograd*Almaty*Ulaanbaatar*Yakutsk*Magadan*Anchorage*Calgary*Chicago*New York"  "A  Full Throttle Adenture"  "With cameras on their helmets and advnture in their hearts,actors Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, The Island, Big Fish, Moulin Rouge, Trainspotting) and Charley Boorman (Serpent's Kiss, Emerald Forest, Excalibur) rode their motorcycles 29,000 miles from London to New York City...the Long Way Round.  Simultaneously awe-inspiring, harrowing, and hilarious, this exciting expedition follows two friends as they travel through a dozen countries and face the greatest challenges of theeir lives."



DVD box



I have had to renew it twice in order to see the entire 7 episodes. I think each episode is about 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the packaging does not list the length of each episode or the total time. Also unfortanate are the lack of subtitles and/or closed captions.  However, they deficiencies are offset by the charm of the two actors and the spectacular scenary and predicaments they find themselves in.

While I'm not a motorcycle enthusiast nor do I desire to wander the world, this set reminds me of our bicycling days when did TASSLE, TOSRV, Bike Across Ohio, Honeymoon across VT.

This is a hip travel film and the music is modern and offbeat (to my hears).  Be warned that since the language can bet graphic, this is not a video to put the kiddies in front of.

However, the actors are personable and human. I am enjoying sharing their travels and you might too.  More info can be found, starting at:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Way_Round 

I also enjoyed the review at a travel site:
http://www.abandonthecube.com/blog/long-way-round-review/

The "abondon the cube" web site looks interesting. Check out the "Travel Humor" page.

Colonoscopy-Procedure

I'm happy to report that I underwent my colonoscopy this morning and have lived to tell the tale!  As you may recall from yesterday's post, I was struggling with the preparation and feeling quite anxious.

Lynn's (Great) Aunt, Sr. Pat picked me up at 9 a.m. and drove me to the location: http://www.fcendocenter.com/  After I filled out more paperwork, they took my blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.  Then I had to take everything off and put on one of the hospital gowns (and footies). The nurse came back and put in the IV.  Finally, they walked me to the procedure room and got me "comfy." 

A colonoscopy is a procedure which is used to examine the entire colon (large intestine). It may help explain symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stools or change in bowel habits. It is primarily used to screen for colon cancer by looking for polyps which are often the precursors to cancer.


A colonoscope is a long flexible tube with a light at the end. It is inserted into the rectum and steered through the entire colon. The scope transmits an image so the physician can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope bends, so the physician can move it around the curves of your colon. The scope also blows air into your colon, which inflates the colon and helps the physician to visualize better.

My doctor, Ed Levine (see picture below), came in and briefed me on the findings: 3 polyps were found. Dr. Levin has performed all of my colonoscopies. Polyps are precancerous growths which have the potential to grow and become cancer. If these are seen, they are removed by polypectomy. This is performed by wrapping a wire snare around them and cauterizing (burning) them. Once removed they can no longer grow or become cancerous.  That tissue is then sent to the lab for evaluation. It will take 10 days for Pathology to determine if the polyps were cancerous.  They gave me a sheet of paper with pictures of the polyps and the location.  (Lynn didn't think anyone would want to see the inside of my intestine).

Dr. Ed Levine

Similar to all medical tests, colonoscopy is not a perfect test. Colon polyps and colon cancers can be missed less than 5% of the time. Colonoscopy and polypectomy are generally safe when performed by physicians who have been specifically trained and are experienced in these procedures. All medical procedures have risks attached. The overall complication rate for colonoscopy is 1 in 2000 patients.

Sr. Pat was waiting for me and returned me back home. Thank You!  On the way back, stopped and got a turkey & swiss sandwich.  Boy, did that taste good after not eating for over 24 hours.

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Updated Saturday 26 December 2015 for pictures that disappeared.