Make the Most Important Call of Your Life

Here is the main number for Congress – the Senate and House – in Washington, DC. 202 225-3121

Call this number and ask to speak to YOUR  representative in the House. The House will be voting on their version of the health care reform bill on Monday or Tuesday. CALL TO SUPPORT THE PUBLIC OPTION with NO TRIGGERS. It's a matter of life or death.....


Then CALL Your Senator using the same number listed above and tell them to support the PUBLIC OPTION WITHOUT TRIGGERS.


Don't know who your representative is? Find out here:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt

It takes 2 minutes. Do it now. Then watch the voting on CSPAN.

More to come....

Life Goes On..the Next Chapter

Unless you are a good chef on Top Chef and have the weekly risk of being let go (when it should have been someone else, Robin), and maybe even if you are a Top Chef contestant, life does go on, fortunately. In addition to my Top Chef addiction, I am also addicted to Project Runway, and the Ravens football team, though wish they were doing better. Rambling? Probably, but I have time to ramble...this is my 6th month of being unemployed, which in and of itself, is a full time job.

 I am not alone...and, I have one more addiction for survival: bi-weekly "Rif" meetings with my former colleagues.

There are about 90 of us still unemployed who worked for the same company, and are in the same region geographically, who are staying connected. We have our own special group on Linked In, set up by a former employee that allows us to vent, stay connected, share tips and even job postings. And the more local of us, meet in person every 2 weeks, rotating at various Panera stores for breakfast (Panera, if you are reading this, how about discounts for the unemployed?) ..a theme that started at our former workplace....when we meet, we eat.

I am addicted to these sessions where my former colleagues, now friends, talk, share, laugh, cry, vent and give hope to each other. I don't know how I would survive without them. There is a bond that will last a lifetime. I have learned so much from all of them.

Lesson one: move on. When you get "let go" from a company, you go through a grieving process, sometimes with anger and disappointment. Sometimes the company you so admired doesn't seem to meet the same expectations in layoffs that they had when you worked for them. But it's really about you, not them.

Lesson two: make the effort to stay connected and share information. The company I worked for had a mission that included "sharing our (their) gifts with others". That meant, even helping competitors. Why? For the greater good.  It is a message I carry with me today.

Lesson three: everything happens for a reason. Yes there are regrets but learn from them to get to lesson one.

My former company recently filed for Chapter 11. And some of the former employees have not let go. They don't remember how good the company was to work for and how much they took care of the employees. Instead, they post on blogs and on news stories the negative comments that only demonstrate how disgruntled they are. Sad. And not helpful to them or the situation.

No one is perfect and neither is any business entity. But the economic downturn was and is difficult. And, many businesses did not believe it would get so bad. My advice? If you hate what happened, don't blame yourself of your company, call George Bush. Let him know.

Lesson four: get involved in something to make you feel good. Even if its joining an online community about a show you love. Stay connected and find the fun in life.

And if you are lucky enough to have children or grandchildren, enjoy the moments this time off from work affords you. Nothing makes life as good as seeing it through a child's eyes..the innocence of youth is too delicious. So I wish you well if you are struggling to find a job, know you are not alone and feel free to post your experiences here. Fortunately, life goes on.

Baucus still leads in moneys from insurers and more, a must read

If you do nothing else today, you must read Time Goes By today: http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/2009/10/the-nonpublic-option.html to see the list of Senators taking money from pharma and insurance lobbyists. These are the same people who we elect to protect us. Hahahahaha.

If you do not read this blog today, at least go here to find out who in Congress is getting moneys from the insurers and pharma to control what kind of health insurance you and I get. Make note of those names. We can control this by not voting them in again if we do not get health insurance for all that is affordable. My own state of Maryland: Senator Mikulski accepted over $90,000 from healthcare and pharmaceutical product industry...not huge but why even bother? Senator Cardin accepted over $300,000 from health professionals, no insurers/pharma companies listed.

Stall tactics that is what Congress is best at. Only Senator Reid is free from receiving moneys. In my book, he has been elevated to Sainthood. And he is listening to the public option. I found out from Ronni's blog listed above that President Obama took out the possibility of a public option coming under Medicare. So I ask President Obama why? Was is too simple to use an infrastructure that is already in place to provide health coverage? Medicare is not perfect but it works. And if we took the age factor out, it would work better. It seems so logical to spread risk in health insurance over 100 million people, rather then put 40 million in a separate pool. The risk factor would decrease; costs would decrease. And it's already in place. It could actually work. What a concept! Making something work simply, easily and at less cost. Who knew? Certainly not our Congress.  And sadly, not even President Obama. And that saddens me even more.

If you do not make your voice known, you will have no say in the health care destiny of you or members of your family. If you do not make your voice known to Congress to tell them how you feel about their taking money from industries who control the US health care system, then we all reap the consequences. I am not willing to sit back and do nothing. I hope you feel the same.

So here is the link to find out the phone/email of your Rep and Senators in Congress and even the President. The rest is up to you.

more to come..............

Contact these Senators, Medicare Recipients: tell them to support doctor reimbursement

Ok have not posted in a couple days and now doing 2 posts. Obviously, I have too much time on my hands and I believe people have power to change lives. In prior post I listed some Senators who have Medicare. They also have high option health insurance paid for by the US citizens they represent. That means their coverage is superb. Is yours?

Doctors who accept Medicare payment, receive less reimbursement than any other insurer. Why? Discrimination against those over 65? Saying to docs and world, these people do not deserve health coverage? I am just asking a question here.

The Senate defeated a bill designed to stop another cut in reimbursement to docs accepting Medicare. Not good. See http://www.timegoesby.net/ for today's blog on this subject.

Rep. Weiner posted members of Congress who are on Medicare: contact these Senators and ask them if they want their docs to refuse to accept Medicare . Here is the list. Do it now please. Power to the people. We have this power to make our voices heard:

Sen. Jim Bunning




Sen. Richard G. Lugar



Sen. Charles E. Grassley




Sen. Robert F. Bennett
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch




Sen. Richard C. Shelby

Sen. Pat Roberts




Sen. George V. Voinovich



Sen. John McCain


Sen. Thad Cochran



Sen. Christopher S. Bond


Sen. Lamar Alexander
Sen. Mitch McConnell


Sen. Jim Risch

Sen. Jon Kyl

Sen. Saxby Chambliss




Sen. Michael B. Enzi
House of Reps:

Addenudum: Call this number and ask to speak with your Representative: (202) 224-3121



We hear Democrats in the House are counting votes for a robust public option this morning. We need to flood their offices with calls. Please call your Representative now.

151 Congressional Members on Medicare: Oppose Public Option, Bravo Rep Weiner

Am quoting form Congressman Andrew Weiner website. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS:

10.22.09


NEWS: New Weiner Study Shows 151 Members of House and Senate Get the “Public Option” Now

Weiner Calls on GOP Opponents of the Public Option to Give Up Their Medicare

WaSHINGTON, DC—A new study by Representative Anthony Weiner (D – Queens & Brooklyn), member of the Health Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the Caucus on the Middle Class, revealed that 151 members of the House and Senate currently receive government-funded; government-administered single-payer health care - Medicare.


On the list of recipients are 55 Republicans who have steadfastly opposed other Americans getting the public option, like the one they have chosen.

Weiner said, “Even in a town known for hypocrisy, this list of 55 Members of Congress deserve some sort of prize. They apparently think the public option is ok for them, but not anyone else.”
The list of congressional recipients of Medicare who also oppose the public option is below:
Rep. Ralph M. Hall

Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett

Rep. Sam Johnson

Rep. C.W. Bill Young

Rep. Howard Coble

Sen. Jim Bunning

Sen. Richard G. Lugar

Rep. Don Young

Sen. Charles E. Grassley

Sen. Robert F. Bennett

Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch

Sen. Richard C. Shelby

Rep. Jerry Lewis

Sen. James M. Inhofe

Rep. Ron Paul

Rep. Henry E. Brown

Sen. Pat Roberts

Sen. George V. Voinovich

Sen. John McCain

Rep. Judy Biggert

Sen. Thad Cochran

Rep. Harold Rogers

Rep. Dan Burton

Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon

Rep. Frank R. Wolf

Sen. Christopher S. Bond

Rep. Michael N. Castle

Rep. Joe Pitts

Rep. Tom Petri

Sen. Lamar Alexander

Rep. Doc Hastings

Rep. Cliff Stearns

Rep. Sue Myrick

Rep. John Carter

Sen. Mitch McConnell

Sen. Jon Kyl

Rep. Phil Gingrey

Rep. Nathan Deal

Rep. John Linder

Rep. Kay Granger

Rep. John L. Mica

Rep. Walter B. Jones

Sen. Jim Risch

Rep. Ed Whitfield

Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner

Rep. Virginia Foxx

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison

Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite

Sen. Saxby Chambliss

Sen. Michael B. Enzi

Rep. Elton Gallegly

Rep. Donald Manzullo

Rep. Peter T. King

Rep. Ander Crenshaw



###

Who Does Congress Really Represent?

While I heard some encouraging news from a conference call several bloggers and myself had on Friday with Senator Reid's staff, I am still left wondering: who does Congress really represent?

The good news? Staffers reported that Congress really is taking note of what their constituents are saying (let's hope they actually confirm a healthcare reform bill based on what their constituents want). So, that part is up to you and while I am sure you are sick of reading that here...if you truly care about the future of healthcare and how coverage plays out, you MUST make your voice heard. Here is link to contact information: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

The Baucus Bill has no public option even though recent polls showed over 67% of the US voters want it. This week and ongoing, the Congress will try to reconcile the Baucus bill with other bills that do have a Public Option. Ronni Bennett of Time Goes By does a much better job of describing this on her blog:http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/

What Ronni reminded me of last week was that it only took 11 months for Medicare to be implemented. And while not perfect, Medicare works. If it were revised and streamlined, its infrastucture could be used for the Public Option. More then that, this merging could finally remove the age factor in health care. Health coverage is a freedom...a liberty. We are the only large nation that does not have a public option for its citizens and our health care is viewed as one of the worst in the world. The Baucus Bill does not go into effect until 2012 or later. Really? More people will die...thousands...I find that appalling but then I find a family wanting publicity and willing to have their children lie..also appalliing (balloon boy)...what are we coming too? Did they learn that publicity is more about negatives, fear, possible death and negative outcomes? then doing good? I have my own thoughts on that and won't bore you with those.

The truth is, we cannot count on the Media to help push a public option through even though that is based on need and facts; we cannot count on the Senate to push a public option through based on current history; we could CHANGE outcomes if we believe and take 5 minutes out of our day to contact CONGRESS NOW and let your voice be heard. CLICK HERE

I could go on and on about the money factor: the greed and perceived buying of votes based on profits and huge salaries, rather then need (and it's more then my opinion). Frankly, it is exhausting to repeat this crap again. Right wing Democrats and Republicans have tried, and often succeeded, to rule the lives of all Americans. This country was based on the freedom for all principle; not just the few.

So my question to you today is do you want your health care coverage decided by a few? based on profits? or based on need?

more to come

Grey Day...Grey Me, Pun Intended

I have a full time job looking for a job. I have learned a lot in this process. It's a game....I hate games. I hate playing the game to get someone's attention but I do it because there is no other option.

Now you have to have "keywords" in your resume as most employer HR departments use technology to scan the over 100-200 resumes they get for each advertised job. I would be happy to review resumes for any company looking to fill a position. But I guess I would cost more then technology.

I have a different resume for each job applied for. Next week I am going to a job placement agency that offers retraining. Who knew? But it's all good.

I started signing up for online surveys. Mostly with Greenfield and Nielsen, two companies I trust that do not charge and do alot of online surveys. The surveys take from 3-20minutes. Sometimes you get paid a whopping $2 and sometimes you get your name placed in a sweepstakes to win up to $1000. I have never won anything so am not counting on this. But I did "make" $6 so far this week. And I also got rejected from about 100 surveys because of age or profession. Wow, a symbolic reflection of my life now?

I refuse to make more of this then it is but today is rainy and grey so rejection fits my mood and the color of my hair. But, like Scarlett O'Hara, there is always tomorrow...when I am getting my hair colored just in case....and tonight will play the Mega Millions....there is good news: Senator Reid's office is doing another conference call with some bloggers (me included) to discuss the outcome of the Senate Finance Committee's passing of a health reform bill. They may regret my participation as I am NOT happy about no public option inclusion in this bill.

And my Twittering has gotten me some contacts with media and more...and my grandkids give me more joy than anything else...so onward and upward..

more to come....................

Life, Liberty, the pursuit of Happiness, Part 5 I think

First, update on healthcare refom: Senate finance committee passed bill with No public options; taxing of those who do not get health insurance, etc. Not perfect, not even good frankly. We need public option. Am part of conference call (with several bloggers) with Senator Reid staff tomorrow. Will let you all know.

But it is very important that ALL human beings have the freedom of health care coverage. Please, please let your voice be heard and contact your Congressional reps and tell them you want PUBLIC OPTION.

Ok, moving on.....to the flight from reality to reality shows and more. Top Chef was great last night, as usual. Can't wait to see Project Runway tonight as Nina Garcia is BACK!!! Sorry Drop Dead Diva is finished for their season. Really enjoyed the show.

Noticed Today Show today (pun intended) has some feel good stories. One inspiring story about a kid with one leg who is a sports player with no use of prosthesis.
See this:



And they did some other feel good stories. Hurray for Today! I actually feel pumped after this. I think I will promote the good stuff that I see. We all need some great stuff to inspire us to move on in life and do good for others. When you give, you get.

Heard any feel good stories? Feel free to post them here. Oh, and did you visit Emma Wallace on youtube yet? See post I did on her recently.

More to come.................

A Must Read today; blog on HCR :Will it make us healthier?

Please visit, http://www.birdsonawireblog.com/ for important interview with
Howard K. Koh, M.D., assistant secretary for health in the US Department of Health and Human Services on the topic :will reform make us healthier as a nation.

No use my blogging on this when Birdsonawire has done a great job...please visit the blog and see for you self this very interesting topic...that deals with what we seemed to have lost site of: Are we going to be healthier with health reform?

Meet Emma Wallace

I have a "friend" who follows my blogs and occasionally comments. She is far younger than I. Yet there is a quality that belies her age. She is an artist, a songwriter and vocalist. I love to listed to her voice and think of all the young artists that use YouTube to get noticed.

So I am asking you all to look at the video and rate it in hopes more people will come and she will get noticed. Then, I, and you, can say we "knew her when".

Why Can't We All Be Proud and Say Congrats Mr. President?

President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize today based on what he promised and how he has succeeded thus far. He has reached out to all nations to bring the US into diplomatic relationships based on trying to maintain peace and respect for each. It is truly a noble beginning. His acceptance speech says it all.

As an American, I am extremely proud that our President achieved this honor. And terribly disappointed that our media and politicians have to analyze this prize. We don't have control over this prize. What right do we have to question this? Who are these people?

Frankly I am so sick of our politicians and media outlets who question everything and do NO objective, factual reporting to allow individuals to make their own views based on this info and fact. Instead the pontification is so great, it has reached the unbearable. There is no celebration of good. There is only destruction of any morsel of pride and good.

It reminds me of my Aunt when I was growing up. She LOVED to be the one to spread the bad news...it made her feel important and in fact, my mother was the same way.

So my question is: are all these politicians, pundits, media shows and outlets so damn insecure they have to make more drama than necessary???

This is why so many of us retreat to reality shows that are now our fantasies because the true reality is made unbearable. Give me Project Runway (even though I miss Nina Garcia), Top Chef, The Amazing Race,  and Iron Chef.

Of the media and so called news shows, who continue to sap up any and all positive energy in this country, and world, and treat us, their viewers as tho we have not a brain in our heads by telling us their opinions versus reporting facts,  may I say....et tu brute?

More to come..................

A Personal Story on Health Care

This is a personal story as to why healthcare reform must occur. Today, my friend Ronni Bennett, posted a video from Senator Kohl where we submitted questions related to health care reform and he answered. See it here: http://www.timegoesby.net/.

There is a new bill on the table and Senator Kohl has posted a fact sheet on health care related to aging issues here.

However, health care affects more then the aging. That said, no one should dispute the need for changes in Medicare also. You will be there one day if you are lucky.

My grand daughter is on the SCHIP program. She is 15 months old. My son has 4 children and he and his wife do not have access to a company provided health insurance program. To purchase an independent health insurance would cost them over $2000/month but my grand daughter would be exempted for a pre-existing condition. She was born with hyperinsulinism whereby her body produces too much insulin causing her blood sugar to drop. I wont get into details but when she was born, she was misdiagnosed by a large Baltimore hospital that put her on the wrong medicine for 15 months.  Now, thanks to SCHIP she was allowed to go to a huge center with a world reknowned Endocrinologist who diagnosed the correct issue and started her on a path to doing better.

There are still issues with SCHIP. They always question everything and may not cover a $200 a month medication. Still, she was able to get a great health care entity treat her. Thank you SCHIP. The problem now is if she ever has access to private health insurance that many of us have access to, she would be exempt from coverage for a pre-exisiting condition. Nice huh?

To those of you fighting change in health care reform: you should know that this change will be mandated in every single proposed bill. And it must be. No child, no human being should be without health coverage.

Those of you who are apathetic and still have not contacted your congressional representative to make your voice heard, shame on you. It takes only a minute to send an email to make your voice heard. This bill could affect you or your family one day. Just do it. Or face the consequences. Only a minority of Americans have made their voice heard. Do you want a few to dictate what the majority must face? Here is link to getting in touch with your Congressional representative.

And here is a link to finding out the truth about the proposed health reform bills. Click on picture.

http://www.ncpssm.org/truth_squad/

By the way, Top Chef was back last night...a good omen for things to come?

Stay tuned...................

I'm All A Twitter: who knew?

I use Twitter. You can follow me on twitter.com/nkbe. I use it to promote my blog; have some fun; tell others about the need for a public option plan and more. Yesterday on Access Hollywood, now AH Nation, they did a bit with Speidi: those overblown people, now married who have more then used their 10 minutes of fame. So I tweeted Billy Bush, the host, and told him what I thought, funny.

Guess what, I was watching the show tonight, and he used my tweet on the air. Who knew? I almost fell over. Of course no one knows who I am but I do....guess twitter and tweeting work. This means that others actually read tweets.

Social media, its fun. You should try it. I wish it would help me to find a job but it is yet another distraction from the reality of unemployment. Hurray!

more to come.........................

Oh NO, No Top Chef new show on Sept. 30, the world is coming to an end

I pre-schedule tapings of new Top Chef episodes to be sure and not miss any. Yesterday ONLY Repeats! I even taped the normal time for the show even though the TV guide said it was a repeat. And it was a repeat!

What happened?

Congress is missing the boat on public option health care for all. Paula is gone from American Idol. Ellen is coming to Idol.

Roman Polanski rapes and sodomizes a 13 year old and now people are trying to let him side step a crime because of who he is....excuse me, they even put Michael Jackson on trial....what is the world coming too?

Access Hollywood changes their name to AH Nation: really?  Michael Kors and Nina Garcia are missing from Project Runway.....and NO TOP CHEF. What is happening to this world?????

Is the world coming to an end? Is this yet another right wing conservative movement? I may not be able to deal with real reality now.................ah the misery of this.