bookofjoe

BehindTheMedspeak: whoissick.org — 'Your site for current and local sickness information'

What's this?

Earlier this afternoon the following email arrived:

Joe,

I recently found your website and thought I would drop you an email. I recently started a new website (we launched less than 3 weeks ago) — www.whoissick.org — that is focused on bringing health information to the public by tracking and monitoring current and local sicknesses. Essentially, it is Web2.0/User generated content meets Healthcare through a Google Maps interface.

We've gotten some really interesting press coverage recently on CNET TV and iHealthBeat.

I thought this might be an interesting topic for your readers. Take a look and if you like it, feel free to drop me a line. You may also want to take a look at the About Us section to read the true genesis of the idea.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

PT

....................

From the website:

Our Story

The genesis of the idea for Who Is Sick was actually from an acute need that our founder had when his wife started experiencing severe stomach pain while they were on vacation. With no way of knowing whether the pain was from appendicitis, food poisoning, or some other stomach illness, our vacationing couple went to the emergency room and waited for 4 hours (BTW — this was from 11pm until 3am) to be seen by a doctor... only to be told that there was a stomach flu going around and that if the pain didn't go away in 24 hours, to come back. Wow. 4 hours wait for that... in the middle of the night... (of course the doctor did check to see if it was appendicitis so they weren't all bad...).

Our founder thought, "If only there were a website that had current AND local sickness information, maybe we could have avoided the long wait." Needless to say, this started the wheels spinning and a couple of months later, Who Is Sick was born.

Our inspiration for the design of the site came from Craigslist and HousingMaps. One — a remarkably simple and intuitive user-generated content site that has bucked the trend of "slick and cool" for simple and easy. The other — the first truly groundbreaking mashup that also put simplicity over full-featured functionality and complexity. We've done our best to provide the same type of experience.


About Us

Who Is Sick was started in 2006 with a mission to provide current and local sickness information to the public — without the hassle of dealing with hospitals or doctors. With a strong belief in the power of people and a faith that user generated content can be extremely valuable, our team set out to create an entirely new system for tracking and monitoring sickness information.

Given the relatively slower adoption of internet and "web 2.0" technology by much of the healthcare industry, our team of healthcare professionals, technology entrepreneurs, mothers, fathers, and caregivers set out to create a simple, user-friendly, and valuable website for the average consumer. We are currently building out our team and expanding our technology breadth across new and exciting areas of healthcare with Who Is Sick as our first offering. Stay tuned for more!

Boost Seat — 21st Century Yellow Pages Iteration

From the website:

Boost

When Junior needs a little boost at the table, just reach for the Yellow Pages.

Our version is made from lightweight, soft, durable, form-fitting foam.

Kids from age 3 will happily rise to the occasion.

3.5"H x 12"W x 9.5"D.

....................

$22 (in kids & pets).

[via Marianne Rohrlich and the New York Times]

Got subs? Where submariners go to see what's going down

First, there's Molten Eagle, at aquilinefocus.blogspot.com.

It's run by Vigilis, "A former submariner, later an investigator.... Currently, in an entrepreneurial mode."

Then you'll want to bookmark thesubreport.com, "Your daily source for submarine news and events."

Dive.

What is it?

Answer here this time tomorrow.

The making of a dance: Behind the scenes with the New York City Ballet as it prepares for the May 1, 2007 world premiere of 'Romeo and Juliet'

So far three episodes of dancer Kristin Sloan's weekly videoblog are up here.

This is as close as you'll ever get to an "All Areas" backstage pass.

Fascinating even if — like me — you don't know First Position from first base.

Le Towelé Retractable Towel — 'Always by your side when you need it'

Finally.

From the website:

Le Towelé™ Retractable Towel

Q. Where is my towel when I need it?

A. Right by my side!

Features:

• Comes with Clip-on device and one-size-fits-all Velcro belt

• Pulls out when needed and retracts when not in use

• Washable microfiber — dry hands and spills quickly

$12.99.

mydarkcirclesblog.com — 'Cure dark circles under eyes'

Iry (above), the grand panjandrum of www.mydarkcirclesblog.com, emailed me as follows:

Hi,

If you wish to read everything about dark circles under eyes under one roof, then you got it. I created a web site called My Dark Circles Blog at www.mydarkcirclesblog.com. I blog about eye cream reviews, makeup tips, eye surgery, home remedies, natural healers, etc.

Iry

On her blog Iry writes, "Since I was young, I've always had dark circles under my eyes. You can always spot me in the photo: the one who always seems tired — even after a long night's sleep. I always get concerned looks from my family members, friends and colleagues, who ask me questions like 'Hey, you look quite tired, did you stay up late yesterday?' or 'Don't sleep well, do you?'"

Tricycle built for two

From the website:

Danish Tandem Tricycle

This durable tricycle is manufactured in Denmark by Winther, makers of children's tricycles since 1932, who specifically design them for nursery schools, day care centers and kindergartens.

The tricycle has two polypropylene seats that allow two children to ride together in tandem.

The rear seat has a footrest and a handhold, and the handlebars have rubber grips.

The steering bar has a steering limiter that prevents pinching or tipping, and the solid rubber tires have grooves for traction on gravel or sidewalks; strong nylon bearings provide a smooth ride.

No-slip pedals and a one-piece steel crank provide reliable footing.

The rust-resistant powder-coated all-steel frame supports up to 165 lbs., has no sharp edges, and will endure years of play.

The trike has been certified by TÜV of Cologne, Germany, world-renowned safety testers of industry materials since 1876.

38-1/2"L x 22-3/4"W x 24-1/2"H.

27-1/2 lbs.

Ages 3 to 6.

$299.95.