This is topic October 15, 2009 NEW Lyme Movie: Under the Eight Ball showing in W Hartford in forum Activism at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by nancyatlymesupportcom (Member # 5045) on :
 
NEW Lyme Movie: Under the Eight Ball showing in W Hartford, CT

Where: University of Hartford

When: October 15, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Overview from flyer and directions below. (The content below is from Andalusian Dogs.)

Andalusian Dogs Presents a FREE Film Showing of Under the Eight Ball

In 1951 at Fort Detrick, Maryland, construction

crews built a hollow metal sphere four stories

high. Inside germ weapons were to be exploded,

creating mists of infectious aerosols for testing

on animals....and people. Employees called it the

eight ball. (www.undertheeightball.com)


In the summer of 2006 my sister Lori was

afflicted with an illness that, ten months later,

has yet to be definitively diagnosed. Less than

one year ago she had full function of her body,

regularly riding bicycles, swimming and gardening

with her son Jackson. One day, while helping

Jackson onto his bicycle her leg gave way beneath

her and she collapsed. Although it felt no

different it just wouldn't respond. She quickly

sought treatment for what she thought was simply

a pinched nerve.


However, after seeing a specialist she was told

that due to the quickly lost muscle function

Guilian Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune

disease, could be the culprit. She was started on

a rigorous and extremely expensive course of

intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG, which boosts

antibodies to help the good guys fight the bad

guys. But why after a month of treatments, when

improvements should be seen in a few weeks, was

Lori not getting better but getting worse?


Countless hours and myriad visits to Munson

Medical Center in Traverse City, University of

Michigan in Ann Arbor and other traditional and

homeopathic specialists only fueled confusion and

frustration. Lori soon lost function in her other

leg and motion in her hands deteriorated.

Finally, after months of testing, poking,

scraping, and analyzing, the diagnoses began

arriving. They seemed forced and without tangible

evidence, some symptoms conflicting with others:

Guilian Barre Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis,

Lupus, Lyme disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, then

Lyme disease again, Lou Gehrig's disease again.


Once being told by her neurologist that ``Everyone

dies''.

During one visit to the doctor's we crossed paths

with a friend who had recently been diagnosed

with Multiple Sclerosis.


What were the odds that two people who knew each

other would contract similar disease in such a

short time? we began to dig a little deeper. Lori

realized that she knew of five people in her

neighborhood that had been diagnosed with MS,

ALS, fibromyalgia or a similar degenerative

disease. This could not be a coincidence.


Two diagnoses took rein: Lou Gehrig's disease or

ALS, incurable and fatal, and Lyme disease, an

easily treatable and often durable ailment. At

the time my knowledge of Lyme was the same as

others --What's Lyme? A disease -- How do you get

it? Ticks - What does it do? Makes you sick.


Right? - Well, Lyme disease can be hard to

diagnose with its vague flu-like symptoms.

However, when Lori described a bite she had that

was surrounded with Lyme's trademark round red

rash, commonly called a ``bulls-eye'', why didn't

doctors start her on a routine regimen of

antibiotics? If untreated Lyme's can cause

debilitating arthritis and joint swelling,

meningitis, blindness, fatigue, droopy eyes and

other serious conditions.


Why wouldn't doctors prescribe the harmless

antibiotics?


We were all very scared at what was happening to

Lori and we had discovered, but even more

frightening was the possibility that this was

something that could have been prevented.... or

worse that it was intentional in the name

science and National Security... I had

questions... many questions. And I'd be damned if

they went unanswered.


Where: University of Hartford When: October 15,

2009 at 7:00 p.m.


Wilde Auditorium Questions and Ansers after with


200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT

Producers:


Timothy Grey and Breanna Russell


Directions: Enter campus at Main Entrance

(traffic light) and continue straight ahead.

Follow main road which curves left around the

backside of campus -- BEWARE of two large speed

bumps.

There are signs designating each parking lot

section...


Turn Right into Parking Lot "D" at the second Lot

"D" sign on your right.


The signage across from Parking Lot "D" lists the

"Gray Center" and "Wilde Auditorium". If you pass

over a small bridge, you went too

far.

Standing in Parking Lot D, and facing the street,

cross the street and use the sidewalk between the

buildings. The Harry Jack Gray Center

is located behind the smaller building.

WILDE AUDITORIUM: As you reach the sidewalk

between buildings you'll see (straight ahead &

slightly to your right) the main entrance

for WILDE AUDITORIUM (large double-doors.) Enter

the building, and the auditorium entrance is

immediately to your left.

[ 09-27-2009, 05:22 PM: Message edited by: nancyatlymesupportcom ]
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
please edit your above post ..... click on pencil, 3rd box to right of your name to open up subject and text areas; big thanks [Smile] hugs


show date, time, and STATE for those not knowing which state this is occurring in....

please break up your long paragraphs into many SHORT ones and double space between each one as you did above.

by putting date in subject line, i'll keep it up to the top when it gets within days of the event ok.

then i'm looking forward to reading what was typed above; severe neuro of 40 yrs; can't comprehend or read as is...

good luck on attendance [Smile]
 
Posted by nancyatlymesupportcom (Member # 5045) on :
 
3 Minute Trailer for Under the Eight Ball:

http://www.undertheeightball.com/
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
i'll help keep this up to top when the date is closer [Smile] thx for editing it so i could read it. hugs
 
Posted by alliebridge (Member # 9103) on :
 
Sorry but I cannot support this movie.

I thought it was in very poor taste that a representative for this movie took time out of the testimonies at the MA state house last week during the Lyme Bill hearing (to protect Lyme doctors) to shamelessly plug this movie.

He spoke of what he said was his friend's movie, in front of our state committee on public health, then abruptly got up and left the table (while others hadn't finished their testimonies).

He couldn't be bothered to mention the actual bill before them, nor could he bother to sit and wait like the rest of the people testifying.

He was all about promoting the movie. And it was an embarrassment for the entire Lyme Disease community.
 
Posted by 22dreams (Member # 17846) on :
 
I concur. I was there as well and that was in VERY poor taste, took up time of the Committee--

not only was it Pointless, it detracted from our overall cause.
 
Posted by nancyatlymesupportcom (Member # 5045) on :
 
Thank-you both for your perspectives. I was not

there (but wish I was) and therefore can not

comment on the person who spoke about the movie.

Unfortunate as that was, I wouldn't be so quick

to throw the baby out with the bath water.


I want to judge the movie based on it's content,

not on some over-zealous person who disrupted a

hearing, though I feel your pain.


Maybe he was "self-appointed" and has no direct

connection to the Under the Eight Ball.

The movie director or writer's sister died from

failure to treat Lyme disease. That is something

to get stirred up about.


And that certainly isn't be the first time

someone has spoken at a hearing and caused

embarrassment to many others in the room for one

reason or another.


Dismiss the messenger but not the message-- the

movie itself. The movie promises to make some

very strong points about the Lyme dilemma I don't

want to miss. Try to get past that

unfortunate "first impression." I don't know who

that was, but I want to know if this film will

be a good teaching tool or not.


I won't know if I don't go see it myself. I hope

those who witnessed the occurance at the hearing

send their observations/criticisms of this

presenter to Under the Eight Ball. We need all

the help we can get, and perhaps whomever that

person was would benefit from the feedback.
 
Posted by Cold Feet (Member # 9882) on :
 
I spent some time composing a message on this, but the poor performance of this web site lost the message. I give up for now!

[bonk]
 
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
 
Allie and 22...

Oh no... PLEASE tell me that didn't happen!!!

[Eek!]

As the IDSA is pushing the "nuts" aspect in the health care community to make doctors not want to listen to us, but to them instead...

And may push this "nuts" aspect in its guidelines and through more studies....

We have someone, at a hearing no less, who promotes a movie about biowarfare THEORIES while we are trying to be credible and pass along solid scientific information?

UGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!

[Eek!]

Tell me it ain't so!!!

Does anyone know who would do something that is so NOT helpful?

And WHY would they do that?

People are suffering and dying... and we are fighting a HUGE war trying to be heard .... and THIS is what is presented to the legislators?

Deep breath.

[Eek!]

Cold feet.. what say you?

Sorry you lost the post. I hate when that happens!

[Big Grin]
 
Posted by Cold Feet (Member # 9882) on :
 
I think this is a tricky issue. For example, is the question to research historical records around the world to piece together where some of the more virulent bugs came from? Some intrepid authors have put together some of the facts to present some really cogent arguments - all of which are really troubling! A few of these books include:

- Japan's Secret Weapon (1944)

- Germs: Biological Weapons and America's Secret War (2001)

- A Higher Form of Killing (2002)

And the more recent Lyme-centric books:

- The Widening Circle (1996)

- Lab 257 (2004)

- Cure Unknown (2008)

There are many more of course. These are just the ones that come to mind.

I've devoted many brain cycles to this ``deep historical analysis issue'' and I've changed my mind about where I should spend my energies on Lyme disease. Like most of you, I have so much to say with anger and frustration. But I think the real question is how to frame the ``problem'' of Lyme disease then FIX it. While focusing on the past can be frightfully interesting, it may just lead to anger and divisiveness. I'd rather focus on the hopeful message of existing & future progress...

My recent research and interviews with researchers reveal a great deal of progress in the world of microbiological research that benefits Lyme patients. Just look at the work that Alan McDonald started - and is now continued by UNH (see the UOS blog). And other smart people not even involved in Lyme are now focusing (literally!) on some of the key mechanisms of bacterial disease (like biofilms) while also examining other nasty bugs that cause chronic pathologies (like Chlamydia species).

I believe we should look at the abundance of research we have available now, and work on collaboration and finding common ground. How else can we succeed?

So back to this movie: will I watch it?! Of course!

[Wink]
 
Posted by nancyatlymesupportcom (Member # 5045) on :
 
quote:
So back to this movie: will I watch it?! Of course!
I appreciate your open-minded perspective, Cold
Feet, as well as
the references.

A friend of mine previewed Under the Eight Ball

and said that the latter half of the movie is loaded with govt.

documentation. I will be interested to see that aspect of the film

perhaps moreso than the human interest part of it, not to minimize the

importance of that story.


The fight against Lyme disease should not be limited to finding a cure,

but should also address finding the cause, be it natural, man-made or both.

I want to know. I really want to know. I don't have time to dig out the

information so I'm glad others are looking.
 
Posted by alliebridge (Member # 9103) on :
 
The guy at the hearing said he was "a friend" of the filmaker and explained that the filmaker's sister had Lyme, but of course didn't mention the bill at all.

I don't know who he is but he did disrupt the hearing and did get up and leave while others at the table hadn't finished their testimony.

It was completely rude, self-serving and therefore you couldn't pay me to see that movie.

I will not give them one penny of my money.
 
Posted by alliebridge (Member # 9103) on :
 
I also want to add that this man's pitching of this film amidst others legitimate, serious testimony, really made our side look like a joke.
 
Posted by Munch (Member # 11323) on :
 
I am going to see this movie as soon as possible. Any book or movie that will enlighten the public about Lyme and co-infections is a good thing.


"Under Our Skin" was a great first start or an introduction to the problem of Lyme but 2 hours isn't a very long time to tell the complete story.


Some of us have an entire lifetime of misery because of this crummy unrecognized and poorly treated infection. Our stories can't be told in 2 hours.


It would be hard for me to smash my story into a 500 page book. When I multiply that by the number of people infected I get a lot of suffering.


There are so many different theories and problems in the Lyme wars. What needs to be done. Where do we need to go. How to fix this thing. Where did it come from. How do we treat it.


Until we are all certain of the answers to some basic questions there will never be complete agreement on how to proceed. The best we can do is to keep an open mind. See the movie. Read the book. Judge it for ourselves.
 
Posted by Bob_Simmerman (Member # 22704) on :
 
Hello All.



My name is Bob Simmerman and in August of 2008 I was hired as a researcher on the film ``Under the Eight Ball''.

I am posting here today in response to posts by alliebridge, and 22dreams, both of which state to the effect that the movie, Under the Eight Ball, had a representative show up at a MA state hearing and act unprofessionally during the hearing in front of the state committee on public health.



First, let me state that without doubt, Under the Eight Ball authorized no such action, we have no such person on staff, and whoever this person is--we still do not know--they were not speaking for this movie in any way, shape, or form.

Of the very few core people who just finished dedicating a year of their life to the production of this movie, I can assure you, all of them qualified to speak about this movie are currently in Michigan, and were also in Michigan at the time this person decided to `speak' for this movie, so, as you can imagine, we are at a loss as to what is going on here.



But worse than that, this person has, in effect, tainted this movie with their unauthorized actions and I can only offer a sincere apology--with a large dose of confusion--to this entire matter.

I would hope that you would make up your own mind regarding the movie after, well, seeing the movie!



I watched two of my dear friends tear their guts out for a solid year putting this movie together and it pains me a great deal to find that not only is there a false representative out there, but that this same representative is now having the effect of altering how others feel, others who have not seen the movie.

I don't expect to tell anyone how they should think or feel about the movie, I would only ask what is fair--at least see the movie and make your opinions based on facts as opposed to the childish actions of a stranger.



Thank you all for your time regarding this matter, and I look forward to spending more time on the forums now that I have finally made it here!



Bob Simmerman

Traverse City Michigan

10-6-09

[ 10-07-2009, 03:34 PM: Message edited by: Bob_Simmerman ]
 
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
 
Welcome, Bob - I agree - the inappropriate behavior of one person should not interfere with the choices or purposes of others - I'm glad to read that you had nothing to do with it. People need to be appropriate to the task at hand.
 
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
 
welcome bob [Smile]

please break up your long paragraphs for us severe neuro lyme folks like me who can't comprehend or read as is. please double space between each one like you did below; that was good [Smile]

please use my guidelines below in how to edit your post; huge thanks [Smile] hugs


Welcome to Lymenet! I'm so glad you found us! You've come to the right place for education and support!

The following is some links that may be helpful to you:

Lyme Disease and Co-Infection Symptoms
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/81386


Dr. Burrascano's most recent "Diagnostic Hints and 2008 Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses" http://www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/treatment_guidelines.html


Pages 17-19 discuss Adult and Kids Treatments
http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/1/80440?#000006


Dr. B's Supplement List
http://www.lymepa.org/Nutritional_Supplements.pdf


``Making the most of your LLMD visit''
http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=020605#000005


New Member Learning links:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/29917


Link to Turn the Corner Foundation: Good info and contacts for finding a good LLMD. http://turnthecorner.org/lyme-disease-quick-facts.htm


People seeking doctors might be able to get help from their state online information and support group. Nearly 3,400 people belong to state groups. Some of the groups are small but more than 20 of them have 50 or more people and seven have over 100.

The groups are moderated and you have to apply. Most don't allow doctor names, but once on the group, you can ask for doctors in a certain area and ask people to email you privately.

To find your state group, go to
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/statenamelyme

Type your state name and lyme as one word, like this -
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/newyorklyme

South Carolina is the only state that needs a hyphen between the statename
and lyme, e.g. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/southcarolina-lyme

This explains the medical politics around Lyme, and why you need an ILADS-educated or ILADS-member LLMD (and there are also some ILADS-member LL NDs (naturopathic doctors):

www.clinicaladvisor.com/Controversy-continues-to-fuel-the-Lyme-War/article/117160/


You should also be evaluated for coinfections. Not all tests are great in that regard, either, but a good LLMD can evaluate you and then guide you in testing. www.igenex.com http://www.frylabs.com/; http://www.clongen.com/; http://focusdx.com


Dr C's Western Blot explanation is discussed here:
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=042077


ILADS
The International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) provides a forum for health science professionals to share their wealth of knowledge regarding the management of Lyme and associated diseases. www.ilads.org

Under Our Skin Lyme Disease documentary www.lymediseasefilm.com

Herxing Reactions: http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=041517

For the Igenex Western blot IgM and IgG blood test drawn on M, T, or W. Check current $$! Oct. 2008 Price List ... info only. Prices have increased on some! Call 1-800.832.3200 for current prices.
http://flash.lymenet.org/scripts/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/1/78648?#000003

They will also send you a ``test kit'' with their required form, all the test vials, & box to ship it in. Be sure to download Igenex's required form. MD, DO, ND, AC, DC are all fine** must sign, date, and show diagnosis code on there why he's ordering the test.


Optional tests include: co-infection panel for your area of country and PCR whole blood

Igenex is pre-pay/out of network for most insurances. If you are on medicare, Igenex will file the paperwork & it's free to you.

Get copies of all of your special bloodwork.

Overseas instructions for sending to Igenex/Fry Labs (2-23-08)
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=063751


Betty's suggested posting guidelines: Many of members have neuro lyme, and it is hard to read long solid block text and be able to comprehend.

For easier reading, please edit your post by clicking the ``paper pencil' icon to right of your user name, which opens up the subject line and body text.

You can break up your longer paragraphs into smaller paragraphs. Please hit ``enter'' key twice after each paragraph, also.

Go to left hand corner and mark box to receive `all replies', and click edit send.

Thank you for posting in a manner that makes it easier for all to read and help others.
 
Posted by Cold Feet (Member # 9882) on :
 
Bob, that was nice of you to post & explain. One mean comment from the peanut gallery: the the music on your trailer gave me a HERX!

[dizzy]
 
Posted by Bob_Simmerman (Member # 22704) on :
 
Sorry about that, Cold Feet, but a HERX is sort of a good thing isn't it?

Even though it is painful as heck!!
 
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
 
Interlochen AND Traverse ... interesting. Places where I've had too much fun in the past. And there IS such a thing as "too much fun".

[Big Grin]

Bob said... "First, let me state that without doubt, Under the Eight Ball authorized no such action, we have no such person on staff, and whoever this person is--we still do not know--they were not speaking for this movie in any way, shape, or form."

Could the following group or one of it's members know who promoted the movie during the legislative hearing?

They are involved in an upcoming showing.

````````````````````````````````````````````````

October 14

The Greater Hartford Lyme Disease Support and Action Group

Farmington/Unionville Senior Community Center, 321 New Britian Ave

Unionville, CT

Information: Randy at 860-***-****

``````````````````````````````````````````````````

[Big Grin]
 
Posted by Bob_Simmerman (Member # 22704) on :
 
Tincup, are there any minutes available from the meeting? A transcript?

How about some video?
 
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
 
Tin...

How DARE you point fingers at ANYONE OR Group.

You should have done your "inquiring" by PM.

I am insulted since I go to that group.

You've lost my respect and any credibity I thought you had.

Just because a group is having a showing doesn't make them or anyone in that group a culprit.

What about the showing in Cambridge, MA? HUH?That's before CT's
 
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
 
dmc - it doesn't seem to me that TC is accusing the group of anything - just wants to know who the person was who came to the hearing and promoted the new film. Relax, please, and they'll get it straightened out.
 
Posted by hfd (Member # 22764) on :
 
thanks you dmc for making your statement - I too am a member of the Greater Hartford and would also like to see some video or transcript of the MA hearing. At any of our meetings there has never been any discussion of anyone in our group attending that hearing in MA - I know it wasn't Randy, he is way to sick to have traveled to MA for this hearing.

So Tincup, please produce some transcripts or video of the MA hearing to identify who you think was the rude culprit at this hearing. I can assue you, it was not someone in the Hartford Group, and if it was, we would not hide this fact.

If anyone knows Randy, he usually doens't hide from confrontation or his opinions on issues.
 
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
 
I may have mis-read Tincup's post but she should have inquired by PM.

Her posting the October 14th info sure appears she was insinuating Randy or anyone from our group was the disrupter.

I am pleased that Bob S. posted it wasn't anyone from the movie.

Massachusetts members sure had a reason to be upset.

That said, it is now "water under the bridge".
 
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
 
Woah nelly!

[lol]

Let's get this straightened out.

People here asked who it was at the hearing that was disruptive.

Bob suddenly showed up saying he was from the movie and posted he didn't know who it was.. and was sure they were not connected with the movie.

Sooooooooooo....

I simply asked if anyone in the CT group might know who it was that was there that day.

And listen up please...

I asked the CT group members because they were the ONLY ones I saw actively promoting the movie online and also promoting it privately to doctors and others behind the scenes at the time.

I said... and please READ what I wrote next time before you rock and roll on my head....

"Could the following group or one of it's members know who promoted the movie during the legislative hearing?"

Then I copied the CT groups advertisement (promotion) of the movie to let others know what group I was asking about... so someone from that group, if they were a member here, might respond if they knew.

dmc... you said... a lot of harsh stuff... but I'll focus on this for now....

"Tin... How DARE you point fingers at ANYONE OR Group. You should have done your "inquiring" by PM."

First of all, I don't PM. And this is exactly why. A perfect example.

I don't want to engage in gossip about others by PM... and I don't want to hear that garbage from others either.

If I have something to say about anything on LymeNet... or a question to ask.... it WILL be something that I can post openly or I won't say it.

And since I didn't know who the members are in that CT group that might also be members here ... who in the heck was I suppose to PM?

Sooooooooooooooo....

A simple response like, "TC, I belong to that group and I don't know who was there"... would have been an appropriate response.

And if I thought for a minute it was Randy, I could have just emailed him and asked.

``````````````````````````````````````````````

hfd.. Welcome to LymeNet. 1st time post... wow.

You said.. "So Tincup, please produce some transcripts or video of the MA hearing to identify who you think was the rude culprit at this hearing."

You and Bob may want to reread my post and pay attention next time.

I wasn't at the hearing, never claimed to be and therefore, I have no video or transcript.

If you or Bob want that stuff to find out who it was, you need to contact someone in that state for it.

And...

If I did have a video or transcript, I would KNOW who it was and wouldn't have asked members in that group to respond.

I also never indicated who I thought it could be ... cause I have absolutely no clue. Just like everyone else here.

NatCap, Bob, Allie and 22 didn't know. Munch, BG and Robin 23649375 also didn't know. Me neither.

So once again, since the ONLY ads I saw promoting the movie were out of CT and were from that one group ... if anyone in the CT groups knows who is was... you might want to share that info for those who are deeply concerned and disturbed by it.

In my opinion, what they did was shameful and not at all appropriate.

[Big Grin]
 


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