The Tempered Optimist

Motivation; Standing up for what you believe in

2010-04-13T08:35:00.000-04:00

On the news this morning, nationally, media outlets are reporting its official: the recession is over. Unfortunately, the jobless are and will continue to be the last to feel this impact. So what to do?

In between looking for jobs, I recommend using this time to get involved. There are lessons to be learned from Palin and the Tea Party advocates. They are vocal and organized in their efforts to keep the conservative premises alive and take down those who have worked hard to make needed change in this country like health care reform. Love it or hate it, it is needed. We should all have what the US Congress has for healthcare coverage. The question is: do you want what the Tea Party and GOP are advocating? Keep things the same; be obstructionist to progress; vote out those members of Congress who actually worked to make change?

We should learn from them to make an effort, as hard as it is emotionally, to keep those hard working representatives and Senators in Congress. Do you want what the GOP wants? Do you want to be part of a silent majority that lets the few over rule what is best for the majority and who uses fear tactics and lies to make it happen?

I think of Senator Reid who is a target of the Tea Party who did nothing wrong but work hard to compromise and bring change to the country. Health care is a liberty that each US citizen deserves. If you are looking to change places and people who do not do their jobs, I have some recommendations for you:

Veterans Administration: If you have ever dealt with them, this is the epitomy of turtle mentality....the slower the better; getting nothing accomplished in a timely manner; slough off to another employee who is overworked or just plain taking salaries for doing nothing. But this is a blog for a later time. That said, those of you who have ever dealt with the VA, know it needs change. Make it happen. Organize, Tweet, call and write everyone and anyone to make change. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper; tell your stories of the inadequate follow through in this Federal Agency created to help Veterans and spouses.

Stop the Tea Party: get the facts and tell the facts to all those around you. Stamp out lies. Don't let a vocal majority ruin the democracy of this nation.

Congress: research your representatives and senators. Let them know your thoughts. If you really believe they have not done a good job, research the opponent and make the right choice for your vote.

For me, I would like to add the Maryland State Legislature and nominate them for the "doing the least for their salaries" ever in the history of this State or any state in the US.

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

Reality shows revisited

2010-04-08T18:07:00.000-04:00

American Idol is dull except for last nite when big mike almost got voted off. Do you care? I love Ellen on the show but all the judges seem to beg Simon to agree with them...am over Simon. But the best news ever is that Top Chef Masters is BACK! Who knew? not me! when I had time today, I turned on my dvr to catch up with Criminal Minds and saw Top Chef Masters was taped as programed last year to tape only new episodes. Oh joy of joys, I got to watch a really good reality show.

And Project Runway and Biggest Loser are coming to the judgement day end of the season.

You probably think I am crazy and you are correct, I am. Too much time on my hands though the weather has been terrific so have been doing a lot of running around.. Face it, this is better than reading about te tea parties and obstructionist Republicans............watching reality shows is way less confrontational. Well some of them any way.

That's all for now folks, see ya

Health Care Reform Law Effect on Medicare Part D Donut Hole

2010-03-28T07:59:00.000-04:00

From Senator Reid's staff, information on Donut Hole under new healthcare reform bill. Please don't let Sarah Palin and the Tea Party and GOP destroy Senator Reid's exceptionally good career as the Senator from Nevada. If you do, it will be the start of a revolution that could destroy freedom (my opinion).

OVERVIEW

The much discussed ‘donut hole’ in the Medicare prescription drug program causes a significant amount of confusion and distress for seniors. When the Medicare prescription drug program (‘Part D’) was created in 2003, Congressional Republicans made a key decision to reduce the cost of the bill. Seniors are required to pay 100 percent of the cost of their prescription drugs, once they reach the initial coverage limit, and until they reach the point at which their spending hits what is known as the ‘catastrophic amount.’ This gap is referred to as the donut hole. The effect of this gap in coverage has been catastrophic for many seniors. According to one estimate, once seniors enter the donut hole, 15 percent stop taking their medication, and 57 percent of them remained off their medication. The health care reform law fixes this problem, providing seniors a $250 rebate check when they hit the donut hole this year, and starting in 2011, providing a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs purchased while seniors are in the donut hole in that year, phasing to close the donut hole completely by 2020.

WHAT IS THE ‘DONUT HOLE’?

• Seniors are required to pay 100 percent of the cost of their prescription drugs once they reach the initial coverage limit, and until they reach the point at which their spending hits the catastrophic limit.[1]

• For 2010 the Part D benefit coverage limit is $2,830. After which beneficiaries are expected to pay 100 percent of their drug costs until their spending hits $6,440, a coverage gap of $3,610.[2]

• Without health reform, the coverage gap could have exceeded $6,000 by 2019.[3]

• Over 31 percent of beneficiaries hit the initial coverage limit of their drug plans in 2007, only one year after the program started.[4]

CONSEQUENCES, PRICE INCREASES AND PROFITS

• 15 percent of seniors entering the donut hole stop taking their medications. Five percent switch to an alternative drug in the same class.[5]

• 57 percent of beneficiaries that stopped taking their medications in the donut hole did not resume taking their prescriptions once exiting. Only 36 percent resumed taking their medications.[6]

• Overall drug prices increased by over 8 percent between 2007 and 2008. Prices rose by over 10 percent between 2008 and 2009. According to Express Scripts Inc., one of the country's largest pharmacy-benefits managers, drug prices rose by more than 10 to 15 percent between the first quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009.[7]

• Pharmaceuticals are the third-most profitable industry in the United States, with profits at 19 percent of revenues.[8]

• The 2008 gains of the top 21 drugmakers amounted to $51.5 billion.[9]

IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH CARE REFORM

• In 2020 the Health Reform law completely closes the donut hole.[10]

• The Health Reform law provides a $250 rebate check for Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010.[11]

• Beginning in 2011, the law institutes a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs in the donut hole.[12]

• Over 70 percent of respondents to a recent survey said it was either extremely important or very important for a health care reform law to close the donut hole.[13]

NUMBER OF PART D BENEFICIARIES HEALTH REFORM PROTECTS FROM THE DONUT HOLE

STATE NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES[14]

Alabama 143,000

Alaska 10,600

Arizona 151,000

Arkansas 89,800

California 794,000

Colorado 102,000

Connecticut 97,100

Delaware 24,800

District of Columbia 13,300

Florida 565,000

Georgia 203,000

Hawaii 34,300

Idaho 37,700

Illinois 314,000

Indiana 170,000

Iowa 89,700

Kansas 73,900

Kentucky 129,000

Louisiana 116,000

Maine 44,800

Maryland 132,000

Massachusetts 180,000

Michigan 279,000

Minnesota 133,000

Mississippi 84,600

Missouri 171,000

Montana 28,400

Nebraska 48,000

Nevada 58,200

New Hampshire 36,200

New Jersey 227,000

New Mexico 51,900

New York 511,000

North Carolina 247,000

North Dakota 18,800

Ohio 325,000

Oklahoma 102,000

Oregon 103,000

Pennsylvania 393,000

Rhode Island 31,500

South Carolina 127,000

South Dakota 23,300

Tennessee 177,000

Texas 493,000

Utah 46,500

Vermont 18,600

Virginia 190,000

Washington 159,000

West Virginia 66,000

Wisconsin 155,000

Wyoming 13,500

[1] Kaiser Family Foundation, 2010 Primer

[2] Kaiser Family Foundation, 2010 Primer

[3] Kaiser Family Foundation, 11/2009

[4] CMS: Medicare Releases Part D Data For 2006 And 2007 At Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Symposium

[5] Kaiser Family Foundation, 8/2008

[6] Kaiser Family Foundation, 8/2008

[7] Testimony by Gerard Anderson before Senate Special Aging Committee, 3/17/10; Wall Street Journal, 4/15/09

[8] Boston Globe, 11/21/09

[9] Boston Globe, 11/21/09

[10] HR 3590, signed into law 3/23/10

[11] HR 3590, signed into law 3/23/10

[12] HR 3590, signed into law 3/23/10

[13] Kaiser Family Foundation, 2/2010

[14]HealthReform.gov, accessed 3/23/10

Health Care Reform and Health Care for Seniors

2010-03-24T19:26:00.000-04:00

This past year, I was fortunate to be one of 5 bloggers who got to communicate with Senator Reid's office staff on Healthcare Reform and health care coverage for seniors. Today I received the following videos which I hope helps all of us to understand more about the changes ahead.

Now that health care reform has passed, we just finalized a video that explains what the health care bill does for seniors:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJJrBbZJ5vA

For any information you might need on the bill and it's provisions that affect seniors, please go here:

Section by Section Analysis of the HCR: http://dpc.senate.gov/healthreformbill/healthbill63.pdf

There is more coming on the Donut Hole for Seniors.

I heard today from the Huffington Post that the Republicans are using an old tactic in the Senate: leaving at 2 PM daily as their means of obstructing progress. Are they kidding? they did not have to leave at 2 to obstruct progress; they did that daily!

I hope everyone is aware of who voted no and why they did it. Most of these people need to leave the Senate permanently not just at 2 PM. To read a brilliant blog on this and more, please go to see "Listen to Me!"

http://www.birdsonawireblog.com

More to come

CSPAN, Healthcare Reform Historical Vote, Twitter

2010-03-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

I watched CSPAN well into the wee hours and tweeted on the progress of the HCR bill along with thousands of others. The experience of connecting with others and watching history being made was incredible and exciting.

CSPAN lets the vote and discussion unfold in front of your eyes with no pundits or media dissertations. You see first hand the workings of our Constitution. You also see some incredible stupidity, childish behavior, and scare tactics, lies, and in my opinion, hatred and one sided views of an entire party: the Republicans who want people to live their individual lives according to THEIR will. It was unbelievable to watch. It spoke volumes about who we have in Congress and who needs to go.

Twitter was actually fun; connecting with people of all types all over the US in discussing what was occuring live in front of your eyes was unbelievable. There were so many lies being stated by Republicans that the Twitter group started a theme ""icanmakeupshittoo" in which people posted what would happen if health care reform bill passed to make fun of what the Republicans were saying. Some examples:

"If HCR passes, every American will be forced to watch American Idol"
If HCR passes, Republicans will join the biggestlosersclub"

It mimicked the mockery of the Republican party on the floor of the House and provided some levity.

I applaud the House for passing healthcare reform. Its far from perfect but it is a start. Now we need to make sure the Senate passes the House is Reconciliation Act with changes to the Senate bill that was passed by the House last night. The fight continues. I urge you to watch the Senate vote when it occurs. Republicans are already promising to challenge this vote. But then, they have challenged everything that makes sense to human beings.To describe their actions is a disservice to seeing this for yourselves....my children did not act like this in the worst days.

More to come....

Stupidity or Schmucks? You decide

2010-03-12T08:33:00.001-05:00

I know I haven't blogged alot lately but its the old saying....the world is too much with us...too much to try to organize into words. That said, sometimes things happen that spur me to speak out. Yes, I am sparked by emotion, injustice, and today, stupidity.

COBRA health plan administrator companies, ever heard of them? Usually in larger companies a health plan administration company is hired to manage the health benefits and more. They also handle COBRA for disengaged former employees. This is my opinion based on PURE FACTS. While I was on COBRA and this company handled my plan, I was struck by their lack on intercompany communication and their stupidity and inability to follow up. I cannot tell you the number of mistakes they made.Now they have susspended one of my former colleagues COBRA even though they admitted they have a trail of communication that dispute the suspension. Why? A supervisor needs to review this. How long has the supervisor had to review this: Try 6 months. It is NOT the former employee's fault, really, its not. This company has charged people for COBRA when they were not on it. They denied a health claim for me saying I wasn't on COBRA when I had proof I was and they still have not rectified it. I have now turned it over to an attorney and advised my former colleague to do the same and to report them to the Insurance Commissioner of Maryland. And even though the Schmuck's Forest is not yet up and running, I am creating a forest just for them. They are located in Hunt Valley, MD. They know who they are.....and, they should know, we have just begun the fight.

American Idol: people what were you thinking? Todrick, Lily and Lee? Are u nuts? this has been the worst American Idol ever. Boring with bright spots that are now gone. Judges who have literally driven the contestants crazy with their inconsistent comments. I think it will be their last season. I may have a section for them in the Schuck's Forest.

Thank goodness for Ruby, Project Runway, CSI and Criminal Minds for distractions.

So, what's on your mind?

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

Idol Worship? More like the biggest loser, pun intended

2010-03-03T06:54:00.001-05:00

American Idol, one of my flight from reality shows that keeps me going, has gone. Sad to report. I am thinking of sitting Shiva (a period of mourning following a death) for it. They have switched seats of the judges so many times, like that is going to make for a better show? I love Ellen but she has not hit her stride yet and looks very uncomfortable in the judges table. Simon had looked like he wanted to be anywhere but on Idol...last night he seemed better but not by much. What's with Kara looking at Simon everytime he speaks as though she "idolizes" him. I have to restrain myself from vomiting.

The men? puleze......not too many are good; none seem to be star quality. Some of the people they let go were better then what is there. The women are better but not by much though am hoping tonight they come through.

For the first time, I switched stations constantly during the show. I kept watching Biggest Loser (which is the name Idol should use this year). I love Biggest Loser, it keeps you attached emotionally. Idol used to but so far this year, it frankly sucks.

Thank goodness Ruby is back, and Project Runway is up to speed; even Amazing Race is back and always great.

Reality shows keep me from dealing with the reality of no job. Funny isn't it? reality shows keep me from reality....hmmmm maybe I should do a reality show on job hunting...any one interested? Of course, there's always the ForestofFools or the Schmuck's Forest (in progress watch this space). Shame they are not up yet, I would have planted Senator Bunning...more to come.

View from a townhouse: the 2nd blizzard, of this and that

2010-02-10T09:45:00.001-05:00

I hate to admit it but I am bored by this year's American Idol. Even Ellen couldn't save the show last night though it was good to see her add some light to the dull. Earlier episodes showed a really not with it Simon who seemed angry at everyone. It really apears that he barely tolerated Kara. Maybe he should have left this year.

On the other hand, Project Runway is back to its best. Love it.

Ok late yesterday we got some snow which seemed to stop for a few hours last night. Since 6AM EST its been snowing like crazy, our second blizzard in 4 days. This is the view from my front door: that's my Honda in the driveway and the snow is piled high to the left of it from shoveling 2 days ago combined with about 10 innches so far on top of it, taken early in am. Now cannot take pictures because the wind has kicked up and the snow is blowing so fast and furious, it seems like a blur of white everywhere. I am praying my power stays on. By the way, DC can't get it together to clear snow? This is our nation's capital. And the Federal Government is closed? Spare me. though it has been quiet with the Congress not in the news. And that is great!

Now from my kitchen looking out on the deck and trees in the background. Snow combined from other day that was impossible to move due to ice on the top.

the deck is abou 12 feet above the ground but it looks like one with the ground and trees which are about 100 feet tall.

Forest of Fools or Schmuck's Forest revisited

2010-01-22T07:33:00.000-05:00

Watch this blog for a new announcement on a new website coming soon. I am relaunching a site I had in the 1990's, the Schmucks' Forest, a virtual tree planting site for all the fools/schmucks in the world. It will be a place to plant a tree in the name of a person or entity that is beyond the realm of usual dorks.

Why? Because the time is right to release stress and negative emotions in a clandestine manner (no one will know you planted the tree except for you). You will feel better and have a great laugh....I can hardly wait so I want to nominate some fools/schmucks now. These are MY OPINION as to whom I believe deserve trees:

Heidi Montague: why do we have to hear her name or hear her ridiculous escapades anymore?
The Supreme Court (I know I go for the big guns) for their ridiculous ruling that will allow elections to be bought by those with money.
Tiger Woods: if you have to ask why, perhaps you should consider a tree of your own.
John Edwards: ditto to the above

So many fools; so little time. I feel better already. Got a nominee? More to come....

Ravens, American Idol, Project Runway; the distractions from reality are back!

2010-01-12T13:11:00.001-05:00

Yeah, nothing like reality to shake up one's actual reality and put some fun back in a dull unemployed existance.

The Baltimore Ravens: who knew? they lost so many games this year due to penalties and frankly poor performance. I had no expectations when they played New England but wow what a turn around. Does good for the souls of the underdogs doesn't it? Now if they can bring it again to the thieves of the Colts name and history, life would really be good.

American Idol: it's back without Paula but with Ellen and I can't wait. Simon said no more after this year. Did he forget Idol made him rich and famous? He was doing very little prior to Britains Pop Idol when he came here with American Idol. Personally, I think he is making a big mistake and hope Idol will hire a major record executive to take his place. That said, I can hardly wait for this to start even if its on opposite Biggest Loser. Thank goodness for the DVR.

Project Runway is back in New York with Michael and Nina. HURRAY. This is the greatest distraction and who doesn't love fashion?

Yep, life is good. More to come.....................

Of this and that

2009-12-29T08:28:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, healthcare reform, yes I am still at it. (Two different views and I actually agree with both of them but then, I am a Gemini). You should read BOTH of them:

National Coalition on Healthcare statement on healthcare reform bill passed by Senate: click here

And, the Pittsburgh Trib on Democrats playing doctor: click here

Ok, moving on to lighter topics. I saw 2 great movies this year, total opposites (just like me). That's 2 more then I saw last year!

Precious: brutal truth, heart wrenching. A must see.

It's Complicated: Brilliantly hysterical yet poignant story of divorce. Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin are superb but so is John Krasinski who is absolutely HYSTERICAL. I would see this movie again. I never laughed so hard and that felt great. GO SEE IT.

David and Shaun Goldman reunion: does NBC have no shame since it provided the charter plane...do they have to report on this time when these two need time alone?

Ok, am done. Happy and healthy new year to all!

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Part 7??

2009-12-27T09:10:00.000-05:00

I have done so many posts with this title I can't remembe what number I am on. But here goes:

What makes me happy?

American Idol starts in 2 weeks as does Project Runway, back in New York, Hurray! Biggest loser starts their next season in 1 week and new cooking competition shows. Yeah, life is good. These are such great distractions from the incredible burden of trying to find a job.

My grandchildren and family. Over the holidays, we got together with family and friends. Here are some pictures which of course feature my grandkids as well as their cousins:

Lexi, 8 1/2 months delicious

Chloe almost 3 with cousins (and my cell phone!)

Family, Kids, Joy

I wish for all of us the happiest and healthiest new year with joy, peace, and love.

Scrooge and the Good in the Holidays

2009-12-23T07:48:00.000-05:00

The holidays are here. Yeah. But they are tempered by some scrooge visits already happening. So here are my nominations, my opinions, for Scrooge of the Year:

The entire Republican Party: they know nothing about compromise and constituents and pay more attention to PAC funds from Managed Care Insurers then the health and well being of their constituents.

Senator Lieberman: who cares more about getting his name in the press then about health care or common sense issues.

President Obama: this one pains me greatly as I supported him and believed in him; and to an extent, I still do. But he did not step up to health care and is happy about a bill that will take 4 years to implement (unneccessarily) while impacting the over 160,000 people who will die over those years. Keep it simple and make it happen should be the mantra here.

My former employer which also pains me greatly. While this company does good things for people who reside in their communities, public documents filed in their recent bankruptcy show they made sure to financially stuff the pockets of the chosen few executives just 4 days prior to the filing while not paying the accrued time off earned by employees who agreed to stay to the end as part of a signed agreement with those people. These are people like you and me; good workers with families who got no money; no payment for time earned and not used which is a policy of this company, no severance and are struggling to live and provide for their children. Chances are these individuals will become part of the uninsured, the foreclosed and more. While executives were enriched. I wonder how the leaders can sleep at night, especially this holiday season.

The good: the kindness of strangers, friends and family to help each other in good times and bad. I wish for these people the best life has to offer. I wish for peace and joy and justice in 2010 and I want to especially acknowledge the employees of Social Security who are kind and never recognized. They helped me to get Medicare health coverage for 2010 so I would not be one of the uninsured. Thank YOU!

So Happy Holidays to all and to all, thoughts and prayers for a healthy and happy 2010!

The Good Life

2009-12-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

So last night we went to my daughter and son in law's new home that they moved into during the snow, 1 week ago. Of course, all of us are sick with colds but it was Chanukah, festival of lights and chance for gifts and sharing time with those we love most: our children and grandchildren.

My Daughter's oldest daughter loved the bow on the gift most and proceeded to wear it through the night. My son's daughter was more interested in exploring and trying to get the two of them to take a picture was hysterical as you will see. Each doing their own thing. The baby was asleep and missed the festivities; the older kids more interested in toys and exploring then in picture taking.

But all in all, it was a great warm night on a very cold outside weather. Meet the stars of the evening that allow me to experience more joy then I ever thought possible:

Health Reform as we wished for has been pronounced dead

2009-12-10T13:42:00.000-05:00

According to the Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/10/pelosi-backs-off-public-o_n_387197.html}, Pelosi has thrown in the towel, and no one is standing up for the public option. So almost 50 million US citizens, will now not have the hope of life with health care coverage. Personally, I cannot stand Pelosis or the other power monger, partisan, imbeciles in Congress. Senator Reid: where the heck are you in this?

Almost 70% of the US citizens want a public option. The good news is that Medicare will have an option for 55+ now. Gee,.....duh...some of us have been saying just do Medicare for all to share the risk and lower health care costs and get it done quickly. But some of us actually work in health care. What makes us think we know what we are doing? We have people in Congress who know how to use anatomical parts of their bodies and take oodles of money from managed care companies....but are soooo clueless when it comes to actually providing legislation to protect, perserve the citizens of the United States. And they get their health care coverage paid for by you and me....that's good because I bet some of these congressional geniuses couldn't write a check for payment...but they know how to deposit those checks don't they......

So sick of this. Wish there was an election tomorrow to get rid of all of Congress and start over. Mr. President, I voted for you and am disappointed you did not stand up for this public option. Senator Ted Kennedy must be turning over in his grave.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly; Ramblings on a Monday

2009-12-07T07:35:00.001-05:00

I have been silent for awhile. Helping my daughter and her family move and recognizing that my body is way older then I thought it was and I work out! I have muscles hurting that I did not know I had. And they moved during the first snow in Maryland. Nice.

Coupled with the snow was the absolute unbelievable poor customer service of 2 companies who, in my opinion, represent companies who feel they are doing well enough not to have to care about customers. This represents my opinion, but Verizon is number one on my list of incompetent, stupid, and disdainful businesses in today's world. My daughter's family has NO phone or wireless connections because VERIZON, even though they confirmed that everything would be done the Friday before the move since they don't do new connections on weekends (must be nice), have neither. And when Verizon was called, they did NOTHING to correct the situation. It's a good thing my family all have cell phones (and not thru Verizon). Additionally, since Verizon did not have FIOS available in the area, direct TV was to be the provider of television services.

All of this was arranged well in advance of the move. Email confirmations were received. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. Nothing. And my daughter and her husband have spent hours on the phone with each and they frankly don't care and have done nothing to rectify situation saying they could come out in a week or so.

So they called Comcast and whoever does come out and install first, wins. Frankly, I would like to ask VERIZON: don't care about customers? Well, maybe its time, customers or potential customers leave you. I did. In my opinion, the best thing about Verizon, is that it made Comcast more customer friendly.

Amanda Knox: I have been following this Italian trial. What it showed me is no matter how imperfect the US court system is, it is enormously better then the Italian System. I can't even imagine what Amanda's family is going thru, not to mention what they are spending on this. What would you do? In my opinion, Amanda should have been acquitted. It really was a verdict against the US as Italian American relations are not great.

Tiger Woods: really a personal matter but very disappointing as this clean cut role model turns out to be a slime bucket. I actually would watch golf if Tiger was playing. I don't think I will ever be able to look at him with any respect at all. I don't care what he does on the golf course; he is a cheater, liar, plain and simple.

Congress: Several senators are urging Senator Reid to move Medicare under the auspices of Congress. What? Congress can't agree on what bathroom to use much less how health care should be governed. We are the only major country without health care for all. And now THEY want to manage Medicare. Spare me. They are not health care professionals and are frankly clueless in this realm. Instead, I would like to see ALL of them gone.

The GOOD? hmmmm...Amazing Race was great. Top Chef is coming to a close, sadly. About 6 more weeks till American Idol starts. And, I have great friends and family. Yep, that's the best!

The Great Divide: Republicans vs. Democrats,

2009-11-22T09:37:00.000-05:00

I have been silent for awhile. Still searching for that great job. Still sick of partisan politics and those who put their own interests above the interests of the citizens of the US. sorry to see Project Runway end and Top Chef soon to end. No distractions from the reality of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Finishing the reduced COBRA payments; thanks President Obama for 9 months of affordable health care coverage.

Yesterday, the Senate voted on moving the Senate's version of the Health Care reform act to discussion and hopefully, a final vote. While its not perfect, it does contain a public option, albeit with an opt out. Who in their right minds would opt out of providing affordable health care to every human being in the U.S.? But then, who in their right minds would vote no to bring this health reform to the front of Congress for discussion and compromise and vote? Guess who? EVERY SINGLE REPUBLICAN VOTED NO.

I can't say what I think of them here but think of an anatomical part you sit upon and that comes fairly close. I pray that all these self serving, money grubbing, PAC influenced senators get voted out in their next terms. They will do anything and everything to opose the President; even if its in the best interests of the citizens of the US. A conspiracy of sorts? Hello? Of course it is.

Almost all countries have some form of health care coverage. Not the US and our health care ranks very low in the world. A world leader? I think not. I was amused by a post by a woman opposed to health care reform who touted that we don't need this because her hospital never refuses treatment to anyone who comes in. HAHA! Clueless. Does she understand that the hospital loses a fortune on this care? does she not understand that ALL of us already pay for this in taxes. And doe she not understand that these people wait till they are really sick because they can't go to doctors to prevent illness? No she obviously is drinking the same KoolAid those republican senators are (I am not capitalizing those words on purpose).

Do you know the Congress has health care coverage you and I would die for (pun intended) and we pay for it. I wish I could introduce a bill into the senate that strips health care coverage from the "benefits" of those people.

Here is the full list of who voted: http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00353

Though I could say more, sometimes less is better. Let's get those naysayers out of Congress! Whew, feel much better now. More to come...

Happy Birthday Sesame Street

2009-11-10T19:30:00.000-05:00

My daughter was a fan of Sesame Street and now her daughter is a fan; my son loved Cookie Monster; my grandaughter loves Elmo. I took her and my other grandaughter to see Elmo in person. I thought I was at a rock concert with 2-5 year olds doing the screaming.

So the question around the web is which character are you?

Some days I am Oscar the grouch like when the Senate is stalling on the passage of the health care reform bill and the public option without triggers. These people have the best health insurance possible. We pay for it. Don't we deserve to have some of that coverage for ourselves and our children? I am also Oscar when the House passed HCR with a public option (thank you) but sold out women to the conservative right in prohibiting the public option from covering abortions. Uh, excuse me but when was Roe vs Wade overturned? and when does one group over-ride the freedom for all?

Somedays I am a cross between Snuffleupagus (however you spell it), Elmo, with a touch of Ernie. Then there are somedays I'm Bert. Ah if life could only be so simple.

So which character are you?

House Vote Aye on Health Care Reform with Public option

2009-11-08T08:48:00.000-05:00

Yeah its passed the house. Well done. Want to know who voted yes and no? Here is the link:http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll887.xml

Look it over carefully. Your calls and emails helped. There were 2 from my home state of MD who voted no. One is listed as Independent and that is how he ran but we all know he is a Republican.

Sad that only one Republican voted for the bill. Partisanship over constituent wishes. Enough said.

Don't Make More of it, than it is: what's "it"

2009-11-05T09:07:00.001-05:00

Ah, much ado about nothing or something, depending on your perspective. Example: the Yankees won the World Series, congrats but most of the news on the Internet is about the recent 2 state governor's loss to Republicans and the so-called impact on Obama and pending legislation. BS! Local politics is local not national yet the media seem constantly to be searching for garbage to promote...negativism, who needs this? not me.

When Hillary Clinton was running against Barack Obama for President during primaries and Md Governor O'Malley endorsed her, that was the kiss of death for her in MD. Marylanders are not enthralled with Governor O'Malley, and I believe if the former Republican Governor, Bob Ehrlich were to run against O'Malley today, Ehrlich would win. Does his mean we don't endorse health care reform? No, in fact MD Is ahead of the game with low cost and free health care in state and certain counties. Does this mean, people in MD hate Obama? Not. Yet on most of TV Talk and media outlets the pontification of the impact of 2 Republicans taking over formerly Democratic Governorships is the talk. And it occurred on the anniversary of Obama's election. Spare me. Local is local. Period end.

Obama took over with a lot of issues. He started working before he became President. Is it perfect? No. Do I think he is doing a good job? Yes. Look at him. He is grayer and skinnier than before. He has a lot on his plate. Do I wish he would be more emphatic in his pushing on health care reform and public option? you bet. But given what predeeded him, I think Obama is doing very well. The media picks on everything. And the ponitificating is getting so intense that I only watch the Today Show and no news on TV. I get the news from the Internet and read several different articles to try and get one non-biased, factual story.

Thank goodness for reality shows that are non taxing, non ponticating, non life/death (though I cannot figure out why Top Chef had the reunion show in the middle of their hotly contested series). The good news is Project Runway is on tonight. Life is good.

But I can't close without my asking you to call your congress representative to make your voice heard on health care refom and your senators. Tell them you want this vote before the end of this year. Senator Reid now says vote won't occur before 2010. Not acceptable...45000 more people will die from no health insurance...a fact. And our Congress seems to always make more of something; make things more complicated than they have to be....when Medicare came into being, it took only 10 months not 3 years as Congress is proposing for health care reform. Can you live with this? I cannot. So here is the number once again to call either the House or Senate: 202 225-3121

Health care is a freedom and liberty. We don't have to make it complicated. If every other country can provide BETTER health care to all their citizens at no or low cost, certainly we, the USA can do it. But then, that might just leave some politicians not getting millions of dollars to decide on how to vote. BS. Just do it.

Make the Most Important Call of Your Life

2009-10-30T09:23:00.000-04:00

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

2009-10-29T10:18:00.000-04:00

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

2009-10-26T08:05:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-23T08:31:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-23T08:05:00.001-04:00

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?

2009-10-19T07:48:00.000-04:00

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

2009-10-16T08:01:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-15T08:56:00.000-04:00

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?

2009-10-13T10:20:00.000-04:00

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

2009-10-13T09:26:00.000-04:00

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?

2009-10-09T18:23:00.000-04:00

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

2009-10-08T07:06:00.000-04:00

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?

2009-10-01T21:26:00.000-04:00

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

2009-10-01T08:12:00.000-04:00

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.

The Days of Awe, Reflections of a Mad Woman...I think

2009-09-26T09:18:00.003-04:00

What are the days of awe? well, for some people, that may mean something else. For me, being Jewish, it means a period of introspection, reflection, forgiveness and much, much more.

In the Jewish faith, there are 40 Days of Awe that culminate in the most holy of our holidays, the last 10 Days of Awe, Rosh Hashonah (the Jewish New Year) up to and including Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement where Jews fast, and usually spend time in synagogue, praying for forgiveness for sins, bad deeds, remembering those who died, and reflecting on their lives and how they will live a better life going forward. It is written that between Rosh Hashonah and Yom Kippur, G-d keeps "books" on everyone and by the end of Yom Kippur, HE decides what one's fate will be for the next year. That is why you hear people say to one another..."may you be inscribed in the Book of Life".

Why do I not write out the name of G-d? I was always told that the name of G-d is not to be spoken or written. That is true in the writings of the Torah (book of prayers). In English, their is no real translation for this other then the word G-d. Some Jews say in English, you can write out HIS name. Frankly, I am sticking with the old way since I take no chances, especially at this time of year!

I am not an overly religious Jew though I love and respect my religion and the culture: strong family ties and relationships, charity, forgiveness. In my own way, I observe my Judiasm. It probably does not coincide with what the Man Above had in mind, but it serves me and my immediate family.

That said, I always become more emotional and reflective at this time. And now, that is even more so. I am very blessed. G-d has been good to me and my family. I truly believe HE is watching over us.

I am a passionate person. When I believe in something, I fight for it. I have also been told I am funny, not funny enough to perform comedy but enough to provide myself and my family and friends with comic relief when needed. I am also very sarcastic but if you have been reading this blog, you must have gotten that by now.

So I have taken a little break from the realities of life : no health care reform stuff as Repubs and Dems are duking it out with over 600 ammendments, stall tactics, etc.

Glen Beck and Rush Limbo (intended) are in their own world primed with instigation, hate mongering and more (IMHO). Sick of them.

Still looking for job....along with millions of others but am hanging in there.

Having fun with my grandkids and that is a good thing.

Am thrilled to have distractions like Project Runway (please bring back Michael Kors and Nina Garcia), Top Chef, Biggest Loser, Ellen, Dr. Oz, Oprah, and more.

I have become intolerant of right wing-nuts who promote hatred and lies.

But I am not worrying about the future. Though I will pray on Monday for forgiveness, and for my family, I have become more of a fatalist: what will be, will be. I have lived a good life so far. G-d has been good to me. I believe that what will be is HIS will. I trust in HIM.

I am very fortunate to have wonderful grandkids. 2 of the 6 whom are pictured here. The ever drooling Lexi at 5 months, and the spectacular Chloe whom I spent 2 hours with at grandparents day at her pre-school where she exhibits her "tude" . Could life be any better?

So, Happy New Year...May you all be inscribed in the Book of Life.

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

Updates to this morning HCR Call, and blog below

2009-09-22T14:58:00.001-04:00

Just when I was feeling so discouraged after our morning conference call (see blog below) change has already started to take place. Not because of our call this morning, though I hope that will have an impact but because of comments the public has been making to Congress.

I just found out from the team on the call this morning two things:
An ammendment has been addes that would improve beneficiary access to primary and preventive care by adding a modified version of the Medicare Fracture Prevention and Osteoporosis Testing Act (S.769). This policy would improve beneficiary access to bone density tests. This policy was submitted by Senator Lincoln as amendment D2.

And more ammendments are coming in to change the bill that addressed our concerns. Here are links to original Baucus Plan and updated plan for your viewing pleasure:
the original Chairman’s mark released last week in case you still need it: http://finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/LEG%202009/091609%20Americas_Healthy_Future_Act.pdf

Here are the modifications to the Chairman’s mark – proposed by Baucus – that the Committee will consider: http://finance.senate.gov/press/Bpress/2009press/prb092209a.pdf

This is why it is so important to contact Congress.

To see more from people who are talking, go here

Conference Call with Senator Reid Team; Health Care Reform

2009-09-22T11:14:00.001-04:00

Ronni Bennett of TimeGoesBy blog organized a bloggers outreach on Health Care Reform that motivated me to blog, ad nauseum to some, about my thoughts on this very important matter. As a result of that, Ronni spoke with Senator Reid's team yesterday and then today 4 other bloggers, myself included, we invited to speak this morning with a team from Senator Reid's office, health policy people and staff, related to Senator Baucas plan. Ronni will be blogging on more specifics on the Medicare aspects of reform; the actual process involved in getting this bill through, and more tomorrow at http://www.timegoesby.net/. My post is my view point on the general topic of getting health care reform bill passed. Some facts, a lot of opinion, and pure emotion.

I spent most of last night and this morning reading Senator Baucas plan that the team graciously supplied to all of us on the call. I am now officially brain dead. This bill is, in my opinion, awful. There is NO public option plan. It is a lesson in how politicians keep their jobs and give buraucracy a lousy name.

What I learned from the call that is positive:

Medicare will cover prevention testing free to subscribers

Medicare will cover free annual check ups(instead of just ONE when you sign up)

If you are in the donut hole on Medicare, you will get a 50% reduction discount on brand name drugs but get credit of 100% toward coming out of the donut hole

There will be a .5% increase in reimbursement to doctors and NOT the 21% reduction. This will keep doctors on the roll of providing medical care for seniors.

What is negative:

no public option plan

574 ammendments submitted as of yesterday

still no coverage of bone density scans as prevention for osteoporosis which has increased health care costs related to this disease to a whopping $19 billion!

No agreement between Repubs and Dems on bills and ammendments

What is hopeful:

House bill does have public option plan

HELP has public option plan (HELP is the anacronym for the Senate's Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Finance)

The call: the staff were very nice, helpful and listened to our concerns and explained the process. For me, someone who has been in health care in one way or another for more years than I care to count, I do not understand why Congress continues to make something so simple, so difficult.

My question: Medicare is in place. It is not perfect but provides good health care coverage for over 40 million seniors. You do pay a premium for Medicare that is managable to most. If you cannot afford it, and are eligible for Medicaid, Medicaid will pay for Medicare. This is called dual eligibility.

Medicare has an infrastucture in place. True it has some bureacracy but what health insurer doesn't? So, very simply, why not make Medicare the PUBLIC OPTION plan for the uninsured? tada! Simple. Easy, Fast.

Frustrating...some of congressional staff/members actually suggested this but its not going anywhere. Don't ask me why.

The good: Congress is getting calls, emails, phone calls on Health care reform. So if you have a view point, make it known. Or suffer the consequences of non action.

I know the President's bill and others make certain conditions a necessity in changing the managed care insurers but they forgot to eliminate the term MCO love: Medical necessity which is used to deny coverage for "anything" the plan deems too expensive.

I loved the staff today who were very helpful and honest. More than that, they were willing to listen. Tell everyone you know to call, email, blog about health care reform. Congress is listening. And that is the best news I can offer.

Frankly, I am drained from frustration related to what I perceive as the mind boggling reticence on the part of Congress to make a simple, easy to use health care system possible. Health care coverage is a liberty. I thought liberty for all was part of our US Consitution. Remember when Patrick Henry said: "give me liberty or give me death"? It is evident today that he was also including health care coverage.....pun intended.

More to come.....

Add Your Name; the Myth of 60

2009-09-18T14:55:00.000-04:00

The Senate only needs 50 senators and Vice-President Biden to pass -- by majority vote -- healthcare reform including a public option in a budget bill this year. there are 50 senators on record ready to vote for real reform.

The budget process can start as soon as October 15. Need to hit the critical mass of at least 250,000 signers by then to make sure our call to action has an impact on every member of Congress nationwide. If we work together, I think we can double it and gather 50,000 signatures by Monday.

As the President said in his speech to Congress last week, this is the season for action. The majority of Americans want the choice of a public option and majority votes in Congress will pass it. Join me in calling on Congress to get the job done this year.

ADD YOUR NAME RIGHT NOW http://americacantwait.com/dfaemail2

The myth of 60 is pushed by those who want to kill reform.

But the foundation of American democracy is based on majority votes and the United States Congress is no exception. While Senate rules allow a procedural tactic known as the filibuster to block most bills without the support of 60 senators, there are exceptions -- because Senate rules also ban the use of a filibuster to block budget reconciliation bills. That means, if the Senate can't pass healthcare reform including the choice of a public option with 60 votes, they can still pass it in the budget bill this year by majority vote.

The question is do they have the political will to fight back against right-wing fear mongering and misinformation to deliver real reform?

It's up to us to demand action. Let's work hard to get 50,000 signers by Monday.

ADD YOUR NAME -- THEN PASS IT ON
http://americacantwait.com/dfaemail2

I added my name. Will you add yours?

Referral to another blog, read it, facts

2009-09-11T09:22:00.000-04:00

Please see http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/2009/09/reflections-health-care.html

A factual and personal view of health reform. Not by me. I am drained. It is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Saul Friedman . Here is a brief point from the blog:

One of the several health care proposals before the Congress comes closest to Medicare for All. It was approved by the Democratic majority on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP) without a single Republican vote. It was Senator Edward Kennedy’s bill.

Why didn’t Barack Obama put his actions where his fine words were and tell the Democratic Congress to pass the Kennedy bill?

Ellen DeGeneres, New Judge on American Idol

2009-09-10T06:25:00.000-04:00

Yes, no healthcare reform post today. It is what it is. The President did his best, and so did I. The fact that the GOP sat like blubs and looked like spoiled children with several screaming liar to the President, says more for who they are and what they represent, then anything else I could say or do. So I am moving on....to good news: Ellen is the new 4th Judge on American idol.

It doesn't hurt that she is best buds with Ryan Seacrest, or that Simon loves her, more then that, we all love her. She says she represents the average potential buyer of music. I believe her. And she is not a teeny bopper. She will certainly revitalize the show which is badly needed. Shame the President didn't pick her as the health reform czar...that would have really ticked off the conservative right...hahahaha.

Thank goodness for Drop Dead Diva, Top Chef, and Project Runway...even Joan Rivers' show: How'd they get so rich, relief from the political pundits, news outlets and fox, no they're not a news network, at least in my mind.

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

HCR act now; repubs sit on their brains...cause that's where they are

2009-09-09T21:20:00.000-04:00

President Obama was brilliant. Called out the liars; spelled out the plan. Everything remains as is if that's the way you want it. NO DEATH SQUADS; will force no more pre-exising conditions; no more use of medially unncessary; insurers must pay for members health care.

Public option available to those who have NO OTHER OPTION FOR HEALTH CARE COVERAGE. YEAH. It will be non-profit

Will cut waste and fraud. Mediare and Medicaid remain: with better options.

Repubs sat like little children. Some did join in but most sat on that part of the anatomy not usually thought of to house brains, but in their case, it was where their brains are. I hope someone knows the names of the repub hecklers. I hope they all are replaced in Congress.

Time for change is NOW. Make your voice heard.

Time is Now; WSJ reports Prez endorse Public Option Plan

2009-09-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

Twitter alive and well with healthcare reform updates BUT conservative right wing-nuts are more prevalent; news reports they raised $20mm to destroy what they call: ObamaCare. They almost destroyed free speech by the President yesterday and actually blocked some schools from listening to a president who wanted to show and talk about the importance of school, commitment and responsibility. Is this who you want speaking for you? And, they are out to kill healthcare reform with such a vengence, it blows me away.

Contact the white house today and let the President know you want a public option health plan. this plan is NOT mandatory if you want to continue with the health plan you have. It is a CHOICE. 202-456-1414. FAX: 202-456-2461 are the White House numbers. I hope they are jammed with people letting the President know we support health care reform

Done.

A Matter of Life or Death: Are you ready to choose?

2009-09-08T07:15:00.000-04:00

I said I was taking a break from the political and media pundits giving voice to the minority who want to control the USA and destroy the Presidency. Those who know me, know that is difficult for me to step back. So, motivated by a true story that is recent, I had to post this:

A young woman, mother, wife, in her late 30's, suffered a cardiac event: ventricular fibrillation (this is not conducive with life). Rushed to the Emergency Room, the doctors there initiated immediate cardiac surgery to correct the problem. They were successful. She did very well after the surgery and has returned to living a fairly normal productive life.

2 Weeks after her surgery, she received the hospital and physician bill totaling almost 100,000 dollars because HER MANAGED CARE HEALTH INSURER DENIED THE CLAIM as UNECESSARY MEDICAL EXPENDITURE. She is fighting it. I hope she wins. And if I knew the name of the insurer, I would name them here. But I don't want to affect her case.

In the NEW health reform public option plan, there would be no such incident or denial. And I believe, once a public option is in, managed care insurers will have to compete and denials as ridiculous as this one, will go away.

So it's a matter of life or death. Which do you choose? If you are currently insured with one of the managed care health insurers, this story could be about you.

Make a difference. Make your voice heard. CALL your congressional representatives, senators, and tell them you support the public option health plan. Here is the phone number, just ask for your representative: Congressional Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

Taking a break from hate mongers: conserv right wing-nuts and fox news(Lies)

2009-09-06T18:33:00.000-04:00

Is there anyone else out there who sees that the Repbs, conservatives, bimbo limbaugh, fox news are having a field day organizing lies and media coverage not to be believed. In my lifetime, I can't believe at this stage of our country, we promote hatred and lies and make a President wanting to encourage school kids to stay in school be on the verge of a criminal act. Bush spoke to kids in school: where were this idiots then?

These are the people, in my opinion, who fought against civil rights, and who are really exceptional at taking people's fears and appealing to them. What's worse? The media coverage of this crap. Here is an example of distortion :http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/09/01/kevin-mccullough-obama-implode/; beyond the article are the comments from people who obviously never went to school.

Am retreating to relishing Project Runway, Top Chef, and more. Where are the sane people? No complaints on how these hate mongers are trying to take over our country? that is the part that saddens me most. The voice of reason is no where to be found.

Obama inherited this mess. He is doing his best to clean it up. We should all be praying he succeeds because we will succeed if he does.

Whatever, no one listens but if YOUR job was taken, if YOUR health care was denied, if your child wanted to hear a president speak and was denied it, what would you do?

Support those in Congress supporting a public option health plan, sign up now

2009-09-05T14:44:00.000-04:00

Sign your support of the health heroes who are backing a public option health plan.....do it now

From Democracy for America:
This week, we kicked off September reminding Congress that passing the choice of a public health insurance option is about people -- not politics.

Organized by our partners at MoveOn, DFA members joined in holding over 350 "Can't Afford To Wait" vigils nationwide. Local papers covered many of the events whether there were 15 people attending or several hundred. And members of Congress were reminded that real people have real stories and are depending on them to pass real reform.

Over 60,000 Americans have signed on to thank the House Healthcare Heroes for committing to not vote for a bill if it doesn't include a public option. We will deliver all the signatures next week. Can you help us get to 75,000 signatures by Tuesday night?

SIGN UP NOW TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE 64 Democrats who have stood up to draw a line in the sand (AND SUPPORT THE PUBLIC OPTION PLAN) need to know we have their backs. They need to know that no matter what happens we're depending on them to not back down. Here is the link:http://www.democracyforamerica.com/activities/181

Health Care Reform UPDATE

2009-09-03T16:25:00.000-04:00

Read this post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/why-health-insurance-refo_b_276202.html

Finally a rationale analysis of why a public plan and health reform must pass.

Health Care: Speak Out. Now is the hour

2009-09-03T10:21:00.000-04:00

My friend, Ronni Bennett of TimeGoesBy.net, has been doing a great job blogging on health care reform and the importance of the public option plan. President Obama is speaking to Congress on September 9th. Have you spoken to the President lately: go to http://www.healthreform.gov/ and make your voice heard.

Lots of lies out there. Ronni talks of a site to help you sort fact from fiction. I am putting information here:

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

It's the Truth Squad. Please check it out. Please contact your Congressional Representative. Karl Rowe is now speaking out on health reform: is this the man YOU want deciding what health care coverage you or your family has? Not me!

My Motivation for Life, health care for all

2009-09-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

Meet my grandchildren....the stars of my life who inspire me with their unconditional love, complete trust in those they love, and absolute innocence.

First is Chloe, the first grandchild who at 2 1/2 yrs has attitude, personality, loves to dance and has dance moves Dancing with the Stars would die for. A zest for life, loves her little baby sister though hates to share toys with her and is a little too enthusiatic about pushing the swing and tickling her. Some pictures are with her little sister Lexi.

Now meet Lexi, almost 5 months. A very smilely baby, excited by her parents and sister, and bubbie of course:

Now meet Cassidy, 15 months, who appears with her cousins and by herself...a much more laid back young lady who when push comes to shove, makes her views known.

Chloe is constantly moving and often it is hard to capture her incredible smile and attitude in pictures. But all of them are the joy of my life.....they deserve the best and that includes affordable health care.

Hate Mongers attempt to follow me on Twitter

2009-08-31T09:05:00.000-04:00

I have made it no secret I am for a public option and support President Obama's health care reform plan. I have blogged on it and used my Twitter (Twitter/nkbe) account to continuously promote this action, joining many others in this cause. I don't know why I am still amazed at the agression of the minority who espouse lies and fear mongering to get Obama's plan defeated; but I am still amazed. I almost wish those of us for the bill had more gumption and less apathy in this matter.

If you watched Senator Kennedy's memorial and burial service, you would have heard Republicans speeches on what they admired most about this Senator: His ability to reach across the isle and get things done. Yet less than 24 hours after Kennedy's burial, the Republican Congress was out in full force espousing lies about the health reform bill. They need to be removed from Congress because all they care about is their own personal gain (in my opinion). They seem to want to do and say anything to have the President fail. If the President fails, we all fail. President Obama inherited this mess. It will take more than 6 months to fix the crap President Bush got us into not to mention the greed of Wall Street and banks.

Where are you people? Do you not have a voice? You better speak now because we are in danger of losing help we desperately need for our citzenry. I contact Maryland Congress people yesterday to tell them to make health reform happen, particularly the public option. As I said in a previous blog: managed care insurers want their say; want to make millions and billions of dollars at our health needs. We need an option!

Today, the Christian Coalition wanted to follow me on Twitter. Their goal: defeat health care reform and more. Can they not read? do they not see I am for it or are they trying to defeat my voice? I blocked them but I fear their efforts will attempt to defeat my voice.

Now is the time: here is the link to all of Congressional emails: http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html

What are you waiting for? 57% of those polled want the entire Congress replaced. I want most of them replaced. We can make a difference here. Make your voice heard. do it NOW.

RIP Senator Ted Kennedy; Keep Hope Alive for Healthcare Reform

2009-08-26T06:58:00.003-04:00

Sad news this morning: Senator Edward Kennedy has lost his battle with the Glioma, cancer of the brain. A tragic end to a life filled with both tragedy and good. I choose to remember the good. Yes, the Chappaquiddick incident is still constantly brought to the forefront. But he paid his dues. He did good and he was a champion for people. Maybe the bad that happened brought out the best in him. Maybe his good and commitment to good came about as repentance. Whatever, he was the head of a family that felt more tragic events that any family should.

Now, with Eunice gone, there is no other leader to this family. Now, with health care reform being badgered by Senators who may not have had such public misdeeds, but as vile as anything you can imagine by taking money from health insurers and fighting with such vengeance and lies to stop healthcare reform. Now we are left with many Senators who will stop at nothing to get their own ways; to assassinate health reform; to kill a new President's goals that are needed for this county. Maybe as a tribute to Senator Kennedy, we ought to vote out those who choose their own personal goals ahead of the good of the country and its people.

Whatever you think of Senator Kennedy, you must see that for decades, he changed his life and improved ours. I fear health care reform in this year may be stalled by his loss. I hope not. But I urge you to please contact all congress leaders to promote healthcare reform. Not as a tribute to Senator Kennedy, though a tribute it would certainly be, but for all of us, all of us. Don't believe those people who push their own interests over ours.

Kennedy got between 300-500 bills that help each and every one of us. Have a child that needs more help in school? Think of Title 9; So much that is too much for this blog.

For the Kennedy family, I wish them peace. Keep hope alive; let the dream of health care coverage for all human beings live on.

A little more on healthcare reform; Baucus plus

2009-08-24T07:49:00.003-04:00

I read September issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. They have a great section on health care reform. A little bit of Trivia:Max Baucus (a so called right wing Democrat) who chairs the Senate Finance committee and is trying to stop the public option of healthcare reform, took almost $3 million from health insurers over the past year...and he knows health care? HAHAHAHA; he is owned by managed care companies.

Here is an emial I got from an organization trying to get health reform passed, the way it needs to be passed. I am including it to show that if we all work together, we can overcome the lobbyists and in fact we are lobbyists!

It's all because of you and the work we've done together.It started with 400,000 thousand signatures of Americans drawing a line in the sand, demanding that the inclusion of a public option in healthcare reform is non-negotiable. Then over 10,000 people delivered these petition signatures to every single member of Congress, sometimes to multiple offices. Governor Howard Dean capped it off with a public delivery event in Washington D.C. that drew over 10,000 supporters.Congress got the message. At least 64 House Democrats have pledged to vote against any bill without a public option. We need to thank our House Healthcare Heroes. Tell them to stand strong against pressure from insurance industry lobbyists.

ADD YOUR NAME NOW AND THANK OUR HOUSE HEALTHCARE HEROESWe're winning today because you've been driving the debate and delivering results.For the last two months, DFA members teamed up with OpenLeft-com and Healthcare for America Now to get every Senator on the record in support. The campaign is working. We are only four Senators away from the 50 we'll need to guarantee passage. We've been raising money all week to put extra staff and resources on the ground starting September 1st in as many as 10 states to pressure the remaining Senators. We will not stop until we win.DFA members also teamed up with FireDogLake-com to mobilize House Democrats. We made calls together.

We went to Town Halls and spoke up. And we offered House Democrats the chance of increased exposure if they shot a video to drive their position home. At least 64 House Democrats have stood up publicly, taken our challenge, and several of them backed it up with a video. Thanks to your work and these 64 Democrats, a Healthcare bill without a public option is D.O.A. in the House.Together with leaders like Jane Hamsher at FireDogLake and Chris Bowers at OpenLeft, we're delivering the results to get the job done. Let's make sure our House Healthcare Heroes know we have their back as long as they stand strong against insurance industry pressure.

THANK THE HEALTHCARE HEROES AND DEMAND THEY STAND STRONGWe're not holding anything back.We're continuing to pressure Roadblock Democrats like Senators Ben Nelson, Mary Landrieu and Max Baucus with hard-hitting ads and personal healthcare stories of real Americans calling for change. And, with our friends at the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, we're preparing to amp the pressure up for Republican Senators in Iowa and Maine just in time to send them back to Washington with a clear message to not block reform.More than 1,000 DFA members have offered to become a spokesperson in rapid-response ad campaigns pressuring their member of Congress. We're ready to hit back against any Republican or Democrat - in any state - at any time if they plan to stand against the choice of a public health insurance option.

We're organizing everywhere to make sure we pass reform with a real public option. And just as it is important for us to be able to fight back against our opponents, it's important for us to be able to thank our heroes.ADD YOUR NAME NOWWe're winning, but we can't sit back and hope it happens. We need to make it happen.Thank you for everything you do to make sure we win.-ArshadArshad Hasan, Executive Director Democracy for AmericaP.S. On Tuesday, Governor Dean challenged DFA members to fund a campaign to put organizers on the ground in states where we still have Roadblock Senators. We've almost hit our goal. After you add your name, please contribute. We can be on the ground in as many as 10 states if we have the funds by Monday.

Democracy for America relies on you and the people-power of more than one million members to fund the grassroots organizing and training that delivers progressive change on the issues that matter. Please Contribute Today and support our mission.

Paid for by Democracy for America, http://democracyforamerica.com/ and not authorized by any candidate. Contributions to Democracy for America are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Health Care Reform or Revolt? An insider's view

2009-08-19T16:42:00.011-04:00

First and foremost, I wanted to say how proud I am to be part of a blogging community that is taking action to provide accurate, truthful, factual information on health care reform as proposed under the Obama administration. Much has been written, printed, pontificated about already. Much of it wrong. This blog will attempt to offer opinions and views, facts that will dispel the horrendous propaganda being dispelled by people who have a mission to destroy health coverage for all. Others will report more facts and this blog has listed resource for you also. Today, I want to talk about polls, myths and my own experience working in the insurance industry...managed care (and it is managed).

First, let's talk about public opinion. How can you have an opinion if you don't know the facts?

Polls: the reports are polls are showing people are against healthcare reform. Well it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that when people are reporting that the new reform will kill elders and ration healthcare, people would fight back. BUT THIS IS NOT TRUE.

How polls are reported is up to selection of material by politician and media alike. They usually choose those aspects of polls that support their views. On the Health care Blog yesterday, the Chairman of Harris Interactive posted one of the most thoughtful, factual truths about the health care reform polls. I urge you to go and read it NOW: http://www.thehealthcareblog.com/the_health_care_blog/2009/08/health-care-reform-what-do-people-really-want.html

Humphrey Taylor, Chairman of The Harris Poll, Harris Interactive. reports on what do People Really Want? He lists the top 13 items people really want or feel about health care reform. He says its not about cherry picking polls as politicians do and choosing those aspects of polls that confirm and individuals opinion.

More on polls:http://polls.newsmax.com/results/obama_health.html is from a sight Newsmax that offers an immediate online poll on health care reform. Anyone can take it. I went to the site and the results listed are above. You have to sign up with your email so this is really a site, in my opinion, that really is soliciting information based on your email that they can perhaps sell or reveal. That is my opinion because when I went to the site for results: see url above, the poll was over 70% against health care reform and the same percent were people who voted for McCain. Factual and reliable poll? No. Be careful what polls you use or believe.

HMOs, Managed Care from the inside: I am a nurse. I worked in managed care for 7 years. I even worked in appeals and medical management where claims and issues with members were attempted to be resolved. People please understand that this affects YOU, your family, your health. Here are some examples of issues I found that made me sick:

A woman went to the hospital for surgical removal of a suspicious breast lump. When the surgeon went to remove it, it was obviously malignant and spread to lymph nodes. He removed the breast lump, the breast and some of the lymph nodes. The HMO denied coverage because the surgeon did not call the managed care organization for pre-authorization for a mastectomy instead of lump removal.

Mandates for hospital stays that were unreasonable and have changed but these included 1 day post op for mastectomy; 1 day hospitalization for postpartum care following vaginal delivery.

What happened? Cases such as the above caused more repeat hospitalizations for complications thus various states, and politicians, started a movement that finally resulted in certain conditions having to follow mandates for good health care. This was the first public mandate of health care. Whether you choose to believe this or not, this is true. So public, or government mandated care, actually saved lives, and money. And had it not been for the government and human outcry, this deplorable restriction on health care would be alive and well today.

Did you know: that most health insurance, including yours, has a cap on care? Did you know that your insurer has the right to deny coverage for care based on fine print including such terms as medical necessity?

Did you know that UNLESS you have group health coverage with an employer, the health insurance company can elect not to cover certain pre-exisitng conditions? These include asthma, diabetes, and more. So if you lost your job....which is entirely possible in this economy, and could not afford COBRA or ran out of COBRA and had to buy an individual health coverage plan, you would pay top dollar and still NOT be covered for pre-existing conditions.

And let's talk about individual purchase of health coverage. My son works. The company where he works is small and cannot afford to provide health coverage. Understandable. So my son purchased a HMO plan of one of the nation's largest HMOs. It started out at $150 per month. It went up every single year and hit $400 per month in 36 months. My son never was hospitalized, is in good health, went to a doctor once a year for a physical that was the extent of his claims. Health coverage for individuals and families who do not have access to employer covered health insurance is UNAFFORDABLE.

MYTH: the most widely spread myth out there is that the proposed government insurance will ration health coverage and kill off elders. Spare me. The stupidity of this is unbelievable. Public insurance will provide "end of life coverage". That is Hospice care. Hospice is offered for people of ALL ages who have a terminal illness. What it says is even though you have a terminal illness and may die within 6 months, you CAN STILL GET HEALTH COVERAGE to keep you pain free, and avoid complications that would hasten death. THIS HAS BEEN AROUND FOR YEARS. It is needed. Ask anyone who has experienced a catastrophic illness affecting a family member. Hospice has gotten the family and the patient through this difficult time. NO ONE KILLS ANYONE.

Where to go for more information:http://www.healthreform.gov/

I urge you to contact your congressional representatives TODAY to support health care coverage for all human beings. This blog has been touching on issues for the last week. YOU need to do your own sole searching based on solid facts and what you want and deserve for yourselves, your children, your families.

I urge you to visit Time Goes By, the site that started the movement among "elder"bloggers that spread to all ages blogging on health reform today. Here is the link to see the list of bloggers on health care reform: http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/

Also, a great blog with questions and answers to help people understand the health care reform movement:
http://darleneshodgepodge.blogspot.com/2009/08/questiona-and-answers-on-health-care.html

To your health, and for your health, please, please be vocal, make your voice heard. "One voice can change a room, and if one voice can change a room, then it can change a city, and if it can change a city, it can change a state, and if it change a state, it can change a nation, and if it can change a nation, it can change the world. Your voice can change the world." — Barack Obama

Show YOUR support: http://www.healthreform.gov/support.html

Big Night on TV tonight: Big Day Tomorrow for Healthcare reform

2009-08-19T16:11:00.005-04:00

Tonight is a night for relaxing and enjoying shows. Relaxing and getting away from the right wing lies on healthcare reform is just what I need. Top Chef Masters ends...(will miss it) but Top Chef begins!. And tomorrow night is Project Runway. HURRAY! And it's a double dose. First show is bringing back favorite designers who did not win to give them a second chance. 2nd show is the start of the new season....another Hurray!

Tomorrow, many bloggers, me included will post blogs on health care reform: what's real and what's not. The movement was started by Ronni Bennett of Time Goes By. Here is the link to that post:http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/2009/08/elders-for-health-care-reform.html

Health care is personal. Almost 50 million Americans have no health insurance or are under insured. In this economy, anyone is at risk to be without health coverage. You included. Ask yourself what would you do? How would you care for a child? spouse? yourself?

Some people are saying this is healthcare rationing. Not true. Some people say it is a way to kill off seniors: not true or I would not be endorsing it nor would AARP. Some people say AARP is losing members because of their endorsement of health reform: NOT TRUE. The reform is not causing the problem; the conservative right wing Republicans who will do or say anything to assure this does not pass are the reason for the controversy. Make no mistake about it: health is a liberty....a freedom, the freedom to live YOUR best life and be able to pay for preventive, and interventive, medical care is every human being's right. Man, woman, child, old and young.

It is also a CIVIL RIGHT. I got an email from Dr. Howard Dean. Here is part of that email: The campaign for the choice of a public health insurance option will be over only if we quit or we've won. That decision is ours to make. Not the media's decision - Not the insurance industry's decision - It's our decision. We have the power and we're going to win.Make no mistake, victory won't happen overnight. Just like President Obama's campaign for President, this campaign is a long haul. Congress returns in September for the final stretch to pass reform by the end of the year. "

I urge you to get involved. Learn the facts not from the media, but from legitimate sources which I will post tomorrow. I will also post how to contact your congressional leaders, the White House and more. More to come...

Want health coverage? Get Informed

2009-08-17T08:27:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately, the majority of the population would qualify to be on Jay Leno's stupid answers section of the show when it comes to healthcare reform. Why is this? You work, you get health coverage, right? Do you know what your health insurance covers and does not cover? How much do you pay for this? If you lost your job tomorrow, what would health insurance cost you? If you could even get it.

Don't be stupid please. Be informed. More people, more uninsured. More unemployed, more uninsured. Make no mistake: YOU PAY FOR EVERY UNINSURED PERSON, in one way or another.

Make no mistake also: the Republican conservative right wingnuts are out to kill health care reform. In fact, under their fearless leader, Russ Dimbat, they are out to destroy the Obama Presidency. And they just might succeed if you, yes YOU, allow this to happen.

They are the ones that started the health rationing rumors and rumors the new health reform bill will kill elders. NOT TRUE PEOPLE. Read it yourself.

On August 20th, many bloggers will be speaking out with facts on the health care reform bill. Join us. But know of what you speak. You can also speak to the President and tell him your thoughts on this and more at usa.gov and whitehouse.gov. And you can look up your Congressional team online and tell them your thoughts. Rest assured, that "other" side is doing that now. Step up for you and your family!

Some Facts for You: On June 13, 2009 "President Barack Obama announced new Medicare and Medicaid savings proposals that will contribute more than $300 billion over 10 years to paying for health care reform, beyond the historic $635 billion down payment included in his FY 2010 Budget. The President stressed in the address that the health reform effort must be deficit neutral and that reform is a fundamental part of the solution to our long-term fiscal problems".

There is a website that lists reports, facts and the truth about healthcare reform under President Obama. You can also let your support be heard. I urge you to go to this website: http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/index.html

Here is a sample of info you will see at the site:

Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. A new report Hidden Costs of Health Care: Why Americans are Paying More but Getting Less details the rise in health care costs.
View Report

Don't be part of a diagnosis of disaster. Get the prescription for good health for all of us! Don't fear health insurance companies but be strong because the managed care groups DON'T want a public health insurance. the reasons are obvious; think about it: the CEO of BC/BS and Wellpoint got HUGE payoffs when they retired, in the tens of millions of dollars. You and I paid for that. What did it do for us?

Get involved now!

Flight from reality, with reality...shows that is

2009-08-16T07:38:00.004-04:00

Finally, Project Runway is coming back this week. May I just say: YEAH!!! I love that show. What's not to love? Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum, Michael Kors...I have been suffering from withdrawal. Aug. 20th yes!!

Top Chef Masters comes to a close this Wed. GREAT show. Great chefs can struggle with challenges also. Who knew? Then the regular Top Chefs returns after the Master final. YEAH! Love the show

Love Joan Rivers new show: How'd you get so rich? I have a new goal: come up with something so obvious I can make millions. Yep, that's the way to go.

America's Got Talent: Not the greatest but fun. No drama just real amateurs wanting to be successful. The American Dream.

These are my distractions. Still on RIF, still no job, unless I want to move and I don't. Love my kids and grandkids too much.

still.......maybe I could start a movement to be a guest judge on one or more of these shows??? Hmmm...now there's a job for me....more to come.

Health Care reform: Be informed

2009-08-14T09:24:00.002-04:00

In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberties.
– Henri Frederic Amiel

Are you insured? What's the cost? Know someone who is not on health insurance? I do.

Do you understand the health reform act? Do you believe the garbage conservative Republicans are promoting all over the Internet?

You owe it to yourself to get the facts.

And, if you are a blogger, blog the facts, the truth, the whole truth.

Get involved...It's your right to freedom

Health Care Reform, Activate yourself, part 2

2009-08-12T09:01:00.003-04:00

Not sure what is real and what is not in the health care reform movement? I urge you to go to Ronni Bennett's post on it NOW. This is real, this is truth, this if factual: http://www.timegoesby.net/weblog/2009/08/elders-for-health-care-reform.html

You owe it to yourself and your family and friends to be involved. But first, you need to understand this in real terms...no political pontification. Go to the link above....more to come!

Activate Yourself for Healthcare Reform

2009-08-07T08:32:00.003-04:00

See Dirty Laundry blog for great explanation of what you need to do for health care reform, today. Her blog can be found here: http://marcys.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/republicans-learning-to-hack/#comment-10983.

It is in response to potential hacking by ???Republicans?? (are they that smart?). At any rate, I signed up for the public action pledge and am urging you to do the same. See http://www.democracyforamerica.com/activities/179-public-option-action-pledge

Tell your friends

The good, the bad, the ugly, the irrelevant

2009-08-05T08:26:00.005-04:00

Good: Laura Ling and Euna Lee are home. Well done Al Gore and Bill Clinton! Diplomacy wins. We need to have dialogue with enemies. Haven't you heard of keeping your enemies close?

Bad: conservative pundits second guessing this (health care reform, gas guzzlers, and more). Does the media have nothing to report? Yes report, factual reporting not dissertations. What will the media do when the Jackson report comes out? Fear the TV then.

The Ugly:NY mom driving on wrong side and killing kids and herself in accident was drunk and under drug use . What went wrong? No history of alcohol or drug use prior to this. How awful for everyone affected.

Ugly continues: shoot out at gym in Pa. Many injured. Seems responsible person had blog that spoke of his doing this. no one picked it up?

The irrelevant to some but to me, the escape from reality: Food Network has a new cook and she looks like she will be an excellent resource for real people to cook great meals. Why not show on cooking for 1?

Irrelevant continues: top chef masters is great and getting to the top chef is soon. Can't wait for Top Chef!! AND Project Runway is finally only 2 weeks away!!!! Hurray for distractions!

Irrelevant again but sad: Paula Abdul is out of American Idol. Who knew? Yes she talks too much but so do I. Yes she is sometimes crazy but who isn't? But she has heart and seems to care about people, maybe that's a precursor for being fired?

Joan Rivers has a new show that I cannot wait to watch: How did they get so rich on wed on TV Land. Don't know time but will record if on opposite Top Chef Masters. She may be nasty but she is one smart woman who has outlasted many people and many of her own challenges.

America's Got Talent: actually has some talent especially a 75 year old comedianne who is hysterical. I like the show because all the talent are amateurs who are trying to seek their dreams and overcome life challenges. It's sappy but a feel good show.

I don't know about you, but I like to feel good....more to come.

Old is the New Young, truly, The Book

2009-07-30T08:37:00.005-04:00

I have never liked to be defined by a number. My age is only a number; so is yours. It has amazed me, as I have grown, that most of the population under 60 or even 55, are amazed when someone "of that age" seem competent, much less amazingly capable. Give me a break!

Tom Watson was turning 60 and all the commentators on TV and in print were amazed he almost won the British Open (came in second). They probably think it was amazing he could still walk and talk at the same time. But their day will come, if they are lucky.

It's a new world; people live longer, healthier, more active lives and have learned that life is living; it is NOT ABOUT A NUMBER. Ageism is alive and well here in the good "old" USA (pun intended).

The great Satchel Paige once asked:"How old would you be if you didn't know your age?" And that my friends, is the basis and start of an amazing book now out at book stores and online at Amazon, Old is the New Young, Erickson's Secrets to Healthy Living. This is NOT your typical self help book. Nor does it just tell you how to eat, though that is included. No, this book that took 4 professionals to research, compile and write in easy to read format, talks honestly about how anyone (though it is geared to the over 50 crowd) but how ANYONE can keep what they have; get back what you've lost; and tap into your "natural resiliency by compensating when necessary". It takes on the physical, mental, emotional and financial aspects of longevity and adding life to years.

If you expect to find the secret to living longer; if you want to get rid of wrinkles; don't read the book. If you want to live your best life every day of your life, read it and keep it, refer to it often. How do I know all this? I was fortunate to be a facilitator to get this book done. I am a believer. I know it is based on human beings who practice what they preach and who care and provide a lifestyle that is uncompromised in its approach to living life the best way possible.

Throughout the book are vignettes of REAL people who are examples of living life to its fullest. This is the book that needs to be on Oprah's book club; not fiction but fact. There are also assessment tests you can take alone, in the privacy of your home, for your own reality check. You are not stupid and this book is NOT condescending in its approach. It's real. The choice to follow the secrets is yours to make.

An eloquent forward by Horace Deets, the former head of AARP, starts off the fact filled, conversational, sometimes humorous book filled with information that will make you want to keep it close by as a referral and stock pile of information.

The authors? Matt Narrett, a Harvard AND Yale MD with over 20 years of experience; he actually practiced medicine not taught it though he teaches daily in his every day actions; Mark Erickson, a dynamic advocate for aging successfully and a MBA grad of the Wharton School; Jacquelyn Kung, with a PhD and experience in aging that belies youth; and lastly, Lisa Davila, a former nurse and Master's Degree Communications writer whose prose will not disappoint your reading time.

Trivial Pursuit: Facts from the book that may amaze you: 1 0f 5 people will be over 65 by2030, a mere 20+ years away. "Small changes lead to big improvements": means, you don't have to exert a large amount of effort to live better. Who knew? The authors did. And you will too once you read the book. My favorite is that the body is very forgiving: you can stop smoking and the body will respond immediately; you can eat better, and the body will respond and change almost immediately in terms of blood pressure and more.

In the back of the book is a list of resources that will astound you and be very helpful. I have read the book. I keep it close by. I am making change. I am living my best life ever. So will you.

Available online at Amazon.com. OLD IS THE NEW YOUNG....remember, living life is not based on a number; it is based on you!

more to come....

An Amazing Calm

2009-07-28T07:12:00.003-04:00

I don't know what's happened to me but I kind of like it. No job, too much competition, too many people out of work. But I seem to be going with the flow, finally.

I have let go of the past with my former company. I wish them well. They had yet another devastating layoff 2 weeks ago. Many more of my former colleagues are gone. I understand what they will go through,and have been emailing them to offer support because I have so much support from former colleagues, family and friends. But the company and their issues are no longer on the top of my list. Instead, I am taking what happened and trying to make something positive from it.

I worked for 5 days at a temporary job and reported it as one is required to do to unemployment. I got cut off but am allowed to re-apply which I did. And, it did not freak me out. Who knew?

Cobra costs suck but no alternative so am directing my energy to pushing for health care reform. It is needed and am sick and tired of media and political pontification on this. If you did not have health care coverage, what would you do?

Today I finally finish cleaning out and removing junk from my mother's apartment as she is in an assisted living complex now. It was hard to do but it was her choice and she is doing well.

The cleansing is more then my mom's apartment.I am getting rid of lots of stuff at home also. It feels great. I keep busy. Life is good mainly because of children, grand kids and friends. Onward and upward.....more to come.

Musings of a Mad Woman: Health Care, Republicans, Media

2009-07-22T07:55:00.004-04:00

I am a cut to the chase person. Forget the BS and get to the bottom line. As I grow older, the ability to listen to pontificators, people who enjoy listening to their own voice, is gone. I cannot tolerate hypocrites either. I also absolutely have no use for those who use other people to embellish or push their own ambitions. This listing is a disclaimer to those who choose to read this blog for what's to come.

Media and Health care reform: Obviously, to me at least, the media must be struggling for readers/viewers because they have pumped up the pontifications, the polls, the exclusives, and more to demonstrate only this anchor, this station, this whatever, knows anything and everything about health care, politics, the president, and anything else that hits the news.

Example: Larry King and Michael Jackson. Larry's show has been declining in viewers even though Larry was a pretty respected interviewer, though on the soft side. Michael Jackson dies; Larry King's show is alive and well and up in ratings. Why? because he has someone or something about MJ almost every night since MJ died. What does this have to do with healthcare?

Simple: this is the prime example of leeching media who grasp at anything to get their names in the news and in ratings. And it translates to the mainstream news. Remember Rush Bimbo? and how he stated and was widely reported in every media outlet that he hoped Obama failed? Got attention didn't it? Worse, it reflects our political arena well.

I believe that is why the Republicans are stalling on the Supreme Court nomination and now health care reform. Plus it gets their names on the news. And the media are already grasping at the fact that they believe this could be the downfall of the Obama Presidency. Really? Excuse me but Obama has worked harder in his 6 months than any of the prior presidents did. Remember please, these so called elected officials and media types make money, have jobs, and even more have healthcare coverage paid for by their companies and by us for our Congressional reps that most of us would love to have. Maybe we should strip Congress, especially Republicans, of their health coverage and see then how quickly they would vote on health care.

I don't know about you but I don't want my views analyzed by people who, in my opinion, have no clue about the realities of life. You want reality, let me tell you about reality:

Medicare: It's not free. Med A and B is needed by most people because A is for hospital coverage, B is for doctor coverage: the cost of each is over $98 and it covers 80%. You are then responsible for the 20%. No prescription coverage unless you buy Part D: average cost $57/month and it only covers to $2500 then you go into the hole, that deep hole that requires you pay full price for meds until you reach another $2500 then it picks up again but in the new year, this all starts over again. In order to get coverage for the 20% not covered by Medicare, you need a supplement or a med advantage plan: cost is anywhere from$ 150-200 per month. Do the math. If you are on a fixed income, this takes up almost $500 per month. Nice huh. Does not affect our Congressional reps whose health coverage you and I pay for. And, in my mind, its age discrimination. But that is a story for another time and place. The problem with Medicare, in my opinion, is that it is staffed by people who have never practiced health care or been in real life situations; get rid of them

Medical Assistance is coverage for people who have little or no income. You and I pay for it. And whether they admit it or not, most doctors and hospitals treat these people like scum.

Some 50 million people have no coverage. But it still costs us when they go to hospitals and they go because they aren't able to go to doctors so they get sick and sicker. We pay for those costs also.

Excuse me but wouldn't it be better to roll all of this into one health plan that would share risk over some 100 million people? Got money? Buy what you want in health insurance. no money? you are still a human being who brings value to this earth. You deserve to get health care.

Obama took this on because good health care coverage means LESS cost. Do the math. It's simple. Even the American Med Assoc. and American Nurse Assoc get it.

I have a great idea. Take all the Republicans who are stalling to get health care reform done, and take away their health care coverage. Let them pay out of pocket. Betcha they would pass health care reform then.

I haven't even dealt with COBRA that affects 10% of the population now without jobs or benefits.

I urge you to contact your media outlets and your Congressional reps and push healthcare coverage NOW. Stop the BS! Let's get it done.

I'm Back: Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness Again

2009-07-20T06:50:00.003-04:00

Last week a friend got me a stint overseeing clinical nursing practice among nursing assistant students. They were great. I felt good about the crop of people going into health care. What I learned is that I do NOT want to stand on my feet for 8 hours a day for 5 straight days ever again for any job. The old legs held up but the fatigue that set in at end of the week was cumulative and over bearing. The good news is I have eliminated the type of job I want.

Last week, my former company cut more people, more layoffs of good people who did nothing wrong who are joining me out of a job. I guess what gets to me is why some of this is done over the phone as it was tried with me but I insisted on coming in. This is devastating news to anyone. It needs to be face to face; respect is important to all human beings even in difficult times. I feel badly for my former co workers. I know what they will face: the grieving, the anger, questioning themselves and others. I still have difficulty facing this. The good news is we have a group of really wonderful former colleagues who formed both an online and offline community to help each other survive, and we will do just that.

Walter Cronkite died. I grew up watching him. An honorable man; lived a long life and was actually on RLTV a couple years ago doing commentary in his 90's. His death brought to the forefront how we miss honorable, trusted, factual, no pontificating news anchors. But that's the way it is.................

The good news: Top Chef Masters is a great program that is coming to an end soon. Do you watch it? Love it and can't wait for Top Chef and Project Runway to return. Yes, reality shows, at least some of them, provide a great diversion with little thinking.

My plan: if no job by Sept. 1st, am taking a course to change my focus and get a new job in new area; not as much "fun" but pays good and has good benefits. Cobra finally kicked in and the shock of the monthly payments is killing me. But at least I have a plan. Right?

And lastly, the most awful news: Paula Abdul not returning to American Idol? What will we do? Who will we discuss? I actually like Paula; just wish she would keep her mouth shut sometimes but then, some people say that about me also.

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

Healthcare Reform NOW, Make some noise

2009-07-10T07:55:00.004-04:00

Please read Ronni Bennett's post on healthcare reform today, Friday, July 10th at http://www.timegoesby.net.

Time for change? Yes it is time for change. Isn't that what we voted for? If you believe in change, read the blog, contact your congressional leaders. Make your voice heard.

No need to rehash what was said so eloquently. Read the blog. Do it now!

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

2009-07-08T07:26:00.005-04:00

This is yet another is a long list of my blog rambles....I love to ramble.

The GOOD: Had a great weekend with my grand-daughter Cassidy. Here she is next to the fake butler I have had for years. She loves this thing and calls it man. She has to go to it constantly to touch him and kiss him.

More good: I have great friends. One of my longtime friends, Jan, got me a temporary job for 5 days doing some clinical supervision of Geriatric Nursing Assistant students. Listen, 5 days of work is better then none. And I am so looking forward to this. And I will need the money as I expect a COBRA bill any day. I have not yet been told if I am eligible for the Recovery Act Cobra relief which would only charge me one third of the payment. So I am expecting the worst. This work will definitely help.

The good: Had a job interview with a local hospital. No matter what happens, I met the most wonderful people and thoroughly enjoyed my interview. Nice to meet people who care about what they do.

The Bad: the media reporting on Micheal Jackson's death and life is overwhelming. The focus is always on the what ifs, and pontificating cause of death, financial woes, child custody, rehashing the past. Let it go and just celebrate the life, the good, the music and frankly his donation of millions of dollars to charities.

The Ugly: even after the incredible memorial, the headlines on today's news is about the custody of the children. Doesn't anyone care about these kids? Leave them ALONE. The daughter of MJ spoke at the end of the memorial. She alone made it human, made it real. The simplicity and sadness of a child's loss was overwhelming and pure innocence.

The constant bringing up of the child molestation trial. MJ was acquitted. I try not to judge people though sometimes I slip up. I believe MJ was asexual and while others call his behavior strange, I believe the man never had a childhood and lived to be a child. But who knows....maybe the Shadow knows. If you don't get this statement, you are entirely too young to read this.

At any rate, MJ life is over. He leaves 3 children. This man was their father. LEAVE IT ALONE. Be considerate of the children.

Going to my Mom's with my brother today to finish cleaning out her apartment. She is in a great assisted living facility and doing very well. This is good. Always good to finish on something positive.

Inspired by a former colleague

2009-07-03T09:06:00.002-04:00

One of my former colleagues has also started a blog that I just found out about. It's really good and it has inspired me to do a better job of this blog.

Her site is very helpful, especially to those of us searching for a new tomorrow. The blog is at http://www.kcvzblog.blogspot.com. Go there and say hi.

Happy July 4th, independence day. Great meaning, great time to be with family and friends. I am awaiting my almost 3 month old grand daughter who will spend a couple hours with me today and tomorrow, my 15 month grand daughter will spend the night with me. It's spoil time. YEAH!

I am getting out the toys and may stop to get a few more...you can never have enough toys.

Very grey out today; more showers. But its all good. Celebrate life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness this weekend and stay safe.

Leeches

2009-06-30T08:34:00.003-04:00

Leeches: a hanger on who seeks gain....definition by Webster. Leeches are my subject of choice today on my blog. Why? I am overdosing on info on Micheal Jackson and his family, children, money, wills, drugs, you name it.

The constant and overbearing media pontification that started before Micheal's body was cold, on his children, his money, his eccentricity and talent are more than I can stand. CNN was reported by Nielson to have gained over 50% in viewership since its coverage of Micheal Jackson's death. Enough is enough. Most of this news is none of anyone's business. Let the man die in peace.

Is there nothing else going on? what about health care reform? the economy? Iranian election and subsequent protests?

There, I feel better now....

Of life, liberty, pursuit of happiness: ramblings

2009-06-27T07:15:00.003-04:00

Bailey (my son's dog) goes home today. I have to say that Bailey has endeared himself to me, especially after I had him groomed and the massive hair sheds stopped. I remember how much I loved dogs now. I will actually miss him.

So much going on in the world. Today is just a ramble, no rhyme or reason. Farrah is gone. Knew it would happen, yet sad. She became a symbol of fighting a rare form of cancer with no defined cure or remission treatment. Her documented struggle was both inspiring and sad. Yet she could fly across a continent because she had money to do this. Health care coverage would not cover this in our country. For most of us, the catastrophic coverage clause would have kicked in and been maxed out. We need health care coverage NOW. And, if the government does implement a public plan as an option, Medicare as we know it should stop and be combined in the public plan.

In a country where age discrimination is not endorsed, why do we have separate health coverage for those over 65? There should just be a health coverage plan for those who do not have access to employee or group health coverage. The risk could be shared among the 42 million Medicare recipients and the 40 million uninsured. 80+ million subscribers/members of a health coverage plan would be the largest group in the US. Private plans should be allowed to offer coverage to this group also. And all health plans should be staffed by health professionals who actually have experience in health care. No bureaucrats should be allowed!

Moving on to Michael Jackson...I said this was my rambling. I remember the Jackson 5 and Micheal. Yes, I loved their music. Yes I thought Michael was a genius but his loss of childhood, his eccentricity, his obvious psychos0cial needs were unmet and not supported. No child in a normal family would have been allowed to do or participate in what he did. The enormous unstructured purchases, the lavish spending and the desire to be with children were symptoms that were allowed to go unchecked because he surrounded himself with leeches who never helped him but enabled him. A very tragic figure....a musical genius and by some accounts, a great strategist with business acumen that was contradicted by his insatiable needs. And, probably killed by a narcotic overdose administered by a physician who sadistically enjoyed being a personal doc to a very needy human being. Obviously these are all my opinions. Time will tell. I hope the media backs off and especially leaves his kids alone. They are already pontificating about doing DNA to see if these kids are really Michael's. Who cares. Let's just listen to the music and forget the rest.

Iran: too much to fathom. I feel for the Iranian people who are struggling to make their voices heard. So much going on..........

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

It's a dog's life

2009-06-25T06:02:00.005-04:00

This is Bailey who is visiting me this week. more on Bailey to come.

I have been remiss about blogging. So much going on in the world, in the US and here in MD. The problem is nothing much is going on in the job search world. I did get to go out with colleagues and friends last night celebrating one of our group that got a new job, in another state. It was so good to see these wonderfully bright and funny women.

Nothing much going on in the job search world and I am reflecting upon what I really want to do in life. Still not sure but that's a discussion for another time. Now, I am distracted by Bailey. My son and daughter in law are out of town so I am babysitting their white lab, Bailey. Bailey is 2 and acts like it. He is massive in girth and has no clue how big he is. He is lovable but needy. And I am exhausted!

I always had dogs but almost 2 years ago, my dog Shelby died after almost 13 years with me. She was the best dog ever and I miss her even today. I had thought about getting another dog so when the opportunity came to babysit Bailey, I jumped at it.

After only 24 hours, I am cured of wanting another dog. Bailey has her own schedule of eating and walking and it does not meet mine. Lovable as he is, I am exhausted. Bailey is very social and loves to walk me. He takes his time finding just the right spot to deposit his waste products. He listens really well and bothers no one, no other dogs or people unless I tell him its OK.

He is shedding and though I have taken up out to brush him, my house has a white dusting of fur EVERYWHERE! Bailey loves to play and has no regard for my needs to attempt to find work! Today I am taking him to get groomed. I am doing it for my salvation mostly. And tomorrow evening, hopefully, he will be back home. Bailey is a great distraction though a constant one.

Ain't Dead Yet: Joining the Voices for Freedom

2009-06-18T08:17:00.003-04:00

When I was in college, I was very involved in the civil rights movement. I was at University of Maryland when the then Governor of Alabama, George Wallace came to speak. I was one of the hundreds who marched in a candlelight service for freedom and support of the Bill of Rights for all.

I marched in Washington during the first Bush administration for women's' rights and their right to decide their destiny in Roe vs. Wade.

Some people referred to us as ultra liberals. I refuse to be labeled anything more than a human being who cares for people. Along the way, I stopped marching and became a complacent American citizen though became more active again during the last election; not marching, but donating and ultimately voting. I am happy to say I think I have voted in all elections since the time I could vote.

I have been watching the elections in Tehran. I am on Twitter.com/nkbe. I cannot believe the use of Twitter in a way no one could imagine. It is the only way for Iranians to show/talk about the election there.

The scenes of violence as people struggle for their freedom and right to choose is unbelievably compelling to watch. For that reason, I joined a site that would add my picture from Twitter to a green wall of freedom for Iranians. To find out more, visit http://www.greenthumbnails.com/.

Support of freedom, people to people, not government telling other governments what to do, is important. It shows our support of our fellow citizens of this earth. I hope you will join me.

You see, by my writing this, and your reading this, is the purest form of our freedom. In Tehran, the government is trying to block the Internet...Iranian citizens are using Twitter to get the word out...so, here's to freedom, yours, mine, and theirs.

Freedom: take nothing for granted

2009-06-14T14:23:00.006-04:00

It's a beautiful day in Maryland. A day to celebrate freedom: the ability to be free to love and enjoy life; to vote, to say anything; to protest. We should not take it for granted.

The sun is shining but much and many are still waging their personal battles for freedom. Remember Laura Ling and Eula Lee still behind bars in "hard labor" in North Korea. Remember the brave men and women in Iran who voted in masses and lost....and are protesting and being arrested as you read this. Remember freedom and what we have...celebrate the days.

What got me started on this? Being with family yesterday at a wonderful celebration of college graduation with friends and family, and seeing the joy on 2 of my grandchildren's faces as they played with complete freedom....remember freedom....the innocence of children but don't forget those who are without.

Why Can't we all just get along??

2009-06-11T06:03:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, the killing at the Holocaust Memorial in DC was a terrible reminder of the hate that is still prevalent in our country. Watching the news, I learned that hate groups have actually grown in numbers in the US. Look, I respect individualism and recognize ours is not a perfect world and not everyone believes in the same things. But hate is a terrible motivator of living.

Times are tough but that is no excuse to kill innocent people who happen to work or believe in something or someone that is not in a person's belief system.

The killing of a guard who did nothing more but protect visitors and happened to be African American, in a memorial museum is unfathomable. And doing it in a place that depicts the horror of mass killings of innocent men, women, and children who did nothing more in life than being born into families who believe in the religion of Judaism, is not only sac religious but also, too awful for words.

The same can be said for killing a doctor who believed he was helping others by providing an alternative to their situations in a clinic that happened to perform abortions.

Why can't we all get along? Even if we disagree with other people's beliefs, religions, or practices, as long as these are all legal, why do these idiots have to murder others????? I did not elect them to be sole punisher of what they perceive are wrong. Who are they to say what is right or wrong. And killing......isn't that against what is preached? Don't we live in a free country?

It just blows me away. This are such emotional events that they provoke even more emotional responses.
Respect.....that's what is missing...respect. You can speak about anything in this country and espouse your views....but if someone disagrees, who the heck are you to kill the person???

These are just too awful to even be planted in the Forest of Fools!!!!

Signs of the Times

2009-06-08T05:27:00.004-04:00

Sign of the times: my recession deck garden is growing! The first sunny day in weeks yesterday and I took some pictures to show off veggies, fruits, herbs. I actually used some cilantro in cooking this weekend. Not a great photographer (yet), I tried to show the actual veggies or fruit buds growth.

Another sign of the times: I have obviously stuck a cord as many of you post your comments encouraging me. That's the first sign of the times: I am not alone in being laid off and the incredible support from cyber friends and others buoys my spirits. Thank you all!

Yet another sign of the times: Health care. Sadly another item in the news that demonstrates the loss of a dream. Erickson Living had wanted to expand their health services beyond their communities; reaching out to seniors in Howard County Maryland. Alas, it was not to be. The revenues generated by Medicare reimbursement were not enough to provide the quality level of care that is their mission. The primary doctor there has come up with an ingenious idea to have patients buy into the medical center. If this does not happen, the center will close. It was enormously successful in the numbers of people served demonstrating the need for good medical care for those over 65. What most of the public does not understand is that Medicare is not free. Seniors have to pay for it and must supplement it to get the standard health care coverage most people take for granted. In addition, they must pay for Medicare D to cover drugs. Calling this health insurance entitlement is not correct. You can read the entire story here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/howard/bal-ho.erickson07jun07,0,6304428.story

President Obama returns from his successful trip abroad to begin the push for health care coverage for all. I hope he doesn't forget the seniors. Actually, I believe there should be no age distinction in health care coverage. Let's have the same coverage for all human beings!

Rain, rain go away....it stimulates a down mood

2009-06-06T10:12:00.003-04:00

Today I am struggling...rain has stopped after 3 days but very cloudy and may rain again today. COBRA is finally activated and got my meds. Keep applying for the minimal jobs in the marketplace. Finally got my unemployment check after the debacle with my prior company telling unemployment I was a voluntary quit!

The good: my kids and grandchild came for dinner last night and I used the cilantro from my "recession garden". I got to cook a full dinner without fatigue from working all day.

The good: I reserved the domain forestoffools.com to hopefully create a fun site where people can plant virtual trees for the fools they know. And will offer this free and sell advertising. Who knows?

The good: have health insurance finally.

The good: everyone in family is healthy this week.

The good: I have wonderful friends and colleagues who call me, see me, try to find me jobs.

The bad news: I am struggling today with feelings of uncertainty and sadness. My mood matches the weather and I know that is not unusual for lots of folks. I read an article in USA today yesterday about how seniors are the ones who are struggling the most with foreclosures. Scary. At a time when life should be great, the plans for retirement are not what was supposed to be. And that is very scary. Some people believe that older folks are just that: "they had their time". I wonder how many people realize that people work all their lives and save, plan for a time when they can enjoy life but still contribute and be part of life. The mockery that is prevalent in this society about growing older stinks.

For me, I struggle with fear and uncertainty...but then, hopefully, the sun will come up tomorrow and things will be better....ah, maybe I should sing that song....the good news: no one can hear me!

#COBRA and Pink Slips Revisited. Are you sick of this yet?

2009-06-03T09:42:00.003-04:00

Here it is June 3rd and no COBRA. I am sick of it, pun intended. I called the company last night purposely to see if it would make a difference if I called at night...would someone review calls in the morning? Would I be the first call? NO . But I found their website and found an email so sent a scathing email to them reviewing for the thousandth time what has occurred or not occurred. Lo and behold, I got a call from them at 9:30 AM.

Guess what? They have NOT even processed my COBRA yet. 7 weeks and not processed and they are the ones that turned off my health insurance and you are not going to believe it. They told me I need to pay upfront. Did they send me a bill? An amount? A letter? NO. Of course once they heard I was severenced and it was to be deducted from my check they said oh ok.....but they had no record from my prior company that I was severenced. Sounds like unemployment all over again. They told unemployment I was a voluntary quit.

This has been such a disaster. I left with sadness and felt badly for my company (I still do and still worry about my colleagues). But the bad taste in my mouth is really sour.

I told them they had till the end of today to activate my card as I need my medicine. I sent yet another email to HR to ask them to please get this done today.

Ah, the forest of fools is growing by leaps and bounds....more to come. Do you have horror stories about COBRA?

Forest of Fools Alive and Well in Health Coverage

2009-06-02T09:55:00.005-04:00

I feel like I am losing my mind here. It's 7 weeks since layoff and still no COBRA. This is outsourced by my former company. When I call I get a voice mail. I have left voice mails every single day for the last 3 weeks after completing all that I was told to do. Still nothing. They never call back. And my former company cancelled my health insurance even though I committed to COBRA and was willing to pay in advance so I have no health insurance.

I have allergies and asthma. This is my worst season for grass and trees. To refill meds would cost me over $600 not to mention going to doctor which I did and cost was over $100. The HR dept response: pay for it and it will be reimbursed. Ha! Have you ever dealt with bureaucracies? I have. It's a nightmare for reimbursements. Who cares? Obviously no one in the health administration company with whom my company affiliated.

So today, I added their names to the Forest of Fools where I plant a tree (all in my mind) and I actually visualized a huge group of ferocious dogs urinating on the trees. I feel much better now though I still don't have health insurance.

The Forest of Fools is a place to let anger go.....I am considering launching a website for this. I know there are thousands, if not millions of people who know fools. It will be my donation to the world to let go of anger and to put these inconsiderate, non-customer service oriented people where they belong.

The good news is that my "recession garden" filled with herbs, vegetables and fruits are growing!! Of course, these are not trees, and I'm no fool.

Life is good...weekend is here

2009-05-29T08:07:00.003-04:00

Though its the 2nd day of rain, life is good. My version of a recession garden is blooming though I am still waiting for my strawberry and blueberry bushes.

I am going to be guest blogging on my friend Ronni Bennett's blog, Time Goes (http://www.timegoesby.net/) By on June 14th. I found a new blog I love called Pink Slip: http://pinkslipblog.blogspot.com/. This blog keeps things in perspective if you have a skewed take on life, which I definitely fit. This is from the blog today when a friend of the blogger put his Haiku up (he was recently laid off). I love it, succinct and says it all (not at all like me):

Out of work, this sucks
"It's an opportunity"
Says those with a job.

Yep, life is good. More to come

What I learned since the RIF

2009-05-27T08:38:00.003-04:00

RIF= reduction in force. I hear more are on the way and worry about my colleagues. Sad times. But I have learned a lot since leaving on tax day.

What I learned:

I have friends I never realized I had

People are so good and share info on jobs

There are a lot of us out there

I can survive

There are also some negatives (unfortunately), some people don't keep promises and don't care about you once you are gone.

COBRA and health insurance are a disaster, at least in this instance. I could say more but am thinking twice.

There are a lot of people who should be planted in the forest of fools so I am thinking I will create a virtual place to plant them. More to come.

Rainy day here but looking forward to meeting friends for dinner...good things will come. There is always something to be thankful for. Here's just some of mine:

Healthy family and friends
Wonderful kids and grand kids
Exceptional friends who don't forget me
A nice home with nice neighbors
I am alive

What's yours?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T08:43:00.001-04:00

A time to reflect and a time for family and friends......have a happy and safe holiday!

American Idol: Who Lost? The Judges

2009-05-20T22:11:00.002-04:00

Well, Kris Allen won. Nice guy but Adam Lambert is the best contestant ever on Idol and he deserved to win. Who made the difference: not song choice. Each year, the judges pick their favorites and push that person
adnauseum. This was a judges backlash pure and simple. Maybe next year they will judge and not push a person they want. David Cook won but Simon said he lost the finale and backlash, David won (and rightly so). Hope they learn their lesson.

No Boundaries: Worst Song Ever

2009-05-20T08:03:00.003-04:00

The Idol finale may go down in history as having the worst Idol song ever in their history. What was Kara thinking? The pressure to create a song while being a judge must have been tough but this song is horrible.

I think both finalists did what they could with this song. Not sure Elmo could do a better job.

I had so much trouble getting through last night on phone lines. Only voted once. Today I read its too close to call. I also read about the so-called Christian vote. I thought we were past all that. I thought we reached the point where people were judged on their merits. Or is this just a media thing?

If Adam does not win, it will be more about a judges backlash. They were so pro Adam, right or wrong, that they generally made viewers feel why vote?

For me, right now, all I want is another good reality show: PROJECT RUNWAY where are you????

Amercan Idol, before the finale

2009-05-19T07:33:00.003-04:00

American Idol may be extraordinarily popular this season but at least one journalist sees much more to this season's talent than is apparent to most.

Ann Powers of the Los Angeles Times writes on : Idol's Bigger Message. See http://www.latimesblog.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2009/05/american-idols-bigger-message.html.

She speaks of the friendship between 2 finalists who appear to be on different spectrums of our cultural society and given the conservative right so-called influence on who or what is right and appropriate, this friendship may be a mark of who we have become as a society.

Adam and Kris are friends yet they are 2 very different types of performers, and people. There is a message here far greater then who is titled season 8 winner. Read the article.

I can't wait for tonight. They are both winners in my book! Just need Project Runway to start soon.

A Tree is Planted in MD; Views from the deck

2009-05-16T08:38:00.007-04:00

It's a good weekend in Md. The Preakness is today.....I would love the long shot to win yet again and he may since it is going to rain, yet again, here. Lots to do and am excited about planting herbs, veggies, maybe even fruits on my deck. My friend, Ronni Bennett of http://www.timegoesby.net/, inspired me on her blog: The Recession Garden. I call mine, the RIF or Disclocator Garden.

So far I have 1 tomato plant, cucumber bush (still in seedling pot), chives, cilantro, oregano, dill, basil, hot banana peppers, squash. I just ordered a strawberry and blueberry bush (thanks to Ronni). Not finished setting this up but working on it. See pictures below:

The grass is soooo green from the rain. The view is filled with trees (squirrels) and the comings and goings into this small suburban neighborhood. I cannot wait for these to bloom and eat truly fresh veggies, herbs and more!

This wonderful, inspiring little garden has dispelled the anger on yet another debacle in the trials and tribulations of starting over after a RIF(reduction in force). Some idiot in HR at my former company told unemployment I quit and was not laid off. The ramifications of this? I am not eligible for unemployment until this is corrected. Unemployment is working on this. Hopefully, it will be rectified. So, in my mind, this person is now a tree....perhaps a birch? The good news: a new tree is planted in my mind, a virtual forest of jerks. My way of letting go.....more to come.

American Idol, almost unbearable to watch

2009-05-13T22:09:00.002-04:00

Could not wait for the semi final tonight. Don't know why....the show was excruciatingly drawn out. Katy Perry sounded awful; Jordan Sparks not much better. The results announced in literally the last 5 minutes of the show. This was the worst semi final ever but Kris and Adam made it to next week. Good for them. Bad for Danny who has a tremendous voice and will probably do very well.

All in all a very talented season though the judges really were petty and childish. Ok, come on Project Runway.

Biggest Loser? Maybe you. Reality Shows vs. Medicare

2009-05-13T07:05:00.000-04:00

I wanted to personally thank American Idol and Biggest Loser for helping me to maintain my sanity. I can't believe I am saying that. But it's true. Yesterday I found out I may not be eligible for COBRA assistance under President Obama recovery plan because I could be eligible for Medicare.

This makes no sense. On the day it was announced that Medicare is in financial trouble, and with my layoff being eligible for full health coverage under COBRA for 18 months, why would they force me to go to Medicare. In fact, I am truly eligible for Medicare NEXT YEAR. By choosing to go on it now, I have to pay double the premiums for Medicare A and B, a whopping $182 monthly for a 20-80 coverage (I pay 20%) AND no prescription coverage unless I pick up part D for close to $50 per month. If I want to add a supplemental coverage to cover those things not covered by Medicare, I have to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan for close to $150 per month or a supplemental for close to $200 per month. If I got the Recovery Act Cobra, my FULL health coverage would only be $150 per month for EVERYTHING!!! Without it the assistance, my COBRA is $538 per month vs. $482 for Medicare.

Most people think Medicare is free: it is NOT free nor does it cover health needs for the average person. In fact it penalizes aged people by not covering most preventive tests. So here is what you get when you get older: coverage that lets you get sick, or die and you pay for it. Nice huh? For those of you not yet of Medicare age, get ready. This is your great so called entitlement program. I was so angry I decide to plant all those who created this wonderful option that I never asked for (got laid off), I decided to put these programs and people in my schmuck's forest: a forest filled with trees I plant (in my mind) by giving names for them. Then I let them go and move on. This doesn't mean I won't fight for what is right! Feel free to join me.

Not winding up in my forest are American Idol and Biggest Loser. Thank goodness for this distraction, though will have to wait till next season for more Biggest Loser. And only one more week for Idol. Where is Project Runway when you need them????????????? The copy cat show on Bravo called Fashion Show is TERRIBLE. Watched it once and no more. Hmmmmm, maybe they belong in my forest.

So on to the gym to work out the stress. Still looking for a job...........or a great new reality show, which ever comes first!

Oprah: Your Audience wants you, the over 60 crowd

2009-05-09T08:29:00.000-04:00

Recently, my friend, Ronni Bennett of Time Goes By (http://www.timegoesby.net/) posted a video done by Dr. Bill Thomas appealing to Oprah to do more stories on growing older (not how to stay young) but the reality of getting older, not so bad friends.

Here is the video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rXsqwesaU_A

Bill Thomas is a noted and respected geriatrician who changed the world of nursing homes for the better and who is passionate about aging and elders. He believes that its not the age but the person and we put too much emphasis on growing old negativity.

I agree with him and hope he gets on Oprah! In fact I am posting this on my Twitter account to also get her attention.

Rain, rain go away

2009-05-08T06:52:00.000-04:00

It's been raining here in Baltimore for what seems teh entire week. But I think the sun is up this morning. Yeah! Today my PTO (vacation time) paycheck is supposed to arrive. Hurray! Next week severance checks, all 3 of them start. Hurray! Today seems like Saturday to me but then what do I know. Not working, not paying attention to days.

But am getting my hair cut today and paying bills....a true cleansing of the mind. Yesterday was tough as I got a letter from Social Security saying I have to pay $180.00 for Medicare A and B monthly. What? Medicare hardly covers anything. Usually its $96.40 a month but they got my last year's taxes and say I made too much. Excuse me, that was last year. I am unemployed people. I went to the office in my area and got it fixed sort of. I just refused it and delaying part B. Part B covers doctors visits. I have COBRA (I think still have not gotten anything in the mail yet). I am amazed by how people who are supposed to help you through these times, just don't seem to care. Not the Social Security people, they are just doing their jobs and are always very pleasant. But the administrator of our health plan and COBRA are really short tempered and unpleasant to deal with.

I think I will make them trees.....I had this thing that if someone is nasty, I should not be fueled by their stupidness and behavior. I should not expend energy on them. So I make them a tree...oak, maple, whatever. Then they are part of the enviroment but not up to me to care for them...its up to the powers above. But, in the initial bad time when I make them a tree, just before I let go of them, I envision a dog urinating on them. I laugh, and they are gone from my mind.

And so it goes, the list of trees gets longer, but I let go more easily. And the sun will be out!
Have a great day and great Mom's day everyone! More to come.........................

Letting go.....learning to let go

2009-05-05T18:32:00.000-04:00

Letting go....so what exactly does that mean? To me it means giving up control or giving up something you can no longer be responsible for or should not be responsible for. Being laid off should be synonomous with letting go. You, or me, need to let go of the duties and responsibilities once held in the job. But for me, letting go is not always easy...in fact it's never easy.

I am a product of a single mom upbringing (my father died when I was 10) and I always felt I was the mother of the family. It was my job to get the food, prepare the dinner, wash the dishes, keep the house in order, keep peace among and between my siblings and mom.

When I got married, it was still my job to be the leader in the home, the primary breadwinner, the mother, the dutiful wife, and still the dutiful daughter, sister, friend, yaydayayayada.

To be truthful, I felt as long as I was in control, nothing could go wrong. I could keep the peace; prevent bad things from happening, etc. None of this was ever true but it is how I felt.

At work, I always felt I had to be on top of everything so I could help others. As I got older, I realized I did not have to be in control, that giving up control meant others could grow. So this was the way it was at my last job.

I felt our team flourished, grew strong, and small as our team was, we never missed a deadline, and we usually exceeded all goals. It wasn't all on me....even though I felt I needed to be there to make sure it happened this way.

Then I got laid off....no need to belabor this. Whoops I meant I got dislocated, you know like a hip gets dislocated. Except with a hip, you can usually put it back. Dislocated at work, means you are permantly dislocated at least from this job. Both the hip and the job dislocation cause pain but neither are terminal.

So the first week, even though I did a brain dump at work, it was still difficult to let go....give it up, forget about it. It's gotten better. I do have a life after this job. I don't worry about things that should be going on at work anymore.....except for one little, itsey bitsey thing....the book.

I worked on a project to get a book published nationally. Our team did it. It's a wonderful book but I am not sure those remaining(except for 2 women) will publicize it as it should be. So I sent an email reminding everyone of what needs to be done and asking that I receive updates so I can publicize this incredible book about growing older, yet adding life to years. I can give up the workplan to those still there but I want to do my part. It's just that simple....so I can say I let go of 99.5% of the past job. I just need to let this little/big thing go....but tonight is American Idol and Biggest Loser.....so for tonight at least, I will let the book go also.

Moving On

2009-05-04T19:17:00.000-04:00

So today I got back to work, homework that is. I followed the guidelines given us at the outplacement sessions last week. I did my CAR: challenges, achievements and results for each of three jobs I had over the last 10 years. I dropped off the other jobs because at my age, I need to remember, this resume is my brochure, a teaser to get through the door. The more work I add to my resume, the older I will appear. So, even though I twitched from writing job withdrawl, I got my resume to 2 pages at a decent font: 12. It looks clean, neat and hopefully says enough. So off it went to the outplacement service to review, edit and format. Whew....done.

Then I went online and looked at jobs. Felt sick but applied for a couple. One is for a huge ad agency for executive account manager for a major beer company. The description says you work from home with 20% travel and the travel is local. So off my resume went (yes the unedited one except for my edits). And applied to 2 other jobs also. The truth is I don't think I qualify for any of them but will try.

Next week am going to one of the career centers to see what is available for jobs and assistance. I am still considering all options. I am a former nurse who, while working in an allied health position, has not given patient care in years. I can't do patient care in this day of techical and strong assessment skills. But I could do utilization review. There is a 3 day certification course for this and may do that. It will be boring but I will get paid and benefits.

Got my approval for unemployment which I will have to stop once my Social Security comes through as I am income restricted on this, at least till next year. I am hoping I get a job and can suspend this till next year.

And, drum roll please, today I got my Medicare card. A major benchmark in one's life. I earned it. I am still awaiting COBRA information but if that doesn't work out, will apply for a medigap or Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare does not cover everything, no matter what you hear. Not to mention, it does not cover prescriptions. I will have to get Medicare D at least for that.

Please read one of the comments from my prior post. Lisa posted a great article for us older folk who are looking for jobs. Thanks Lisa!

More to come, stay tuned....tomorrow: letting go, trials and tribulations.

The dislocated, outplacement part 2: what I learned

2009-05-02T08:14:00.000-04:00

The second outplacement session was also very productive. We learned more about resumes; creating concise brochures to reflect your skills and accomplishment; and talking points you need to have to back up those points. CAR: the talking points: C, the challenge; A, the accomplishment; R: the results.

We learned about more places online to find jobs, recruiters, and more. But the most effective way to find a job is to network. I will tell you more about this next week.

What I really learned is that a great bunch of people, talented, skilled, loyal, smart, funny, kind, and more, are out there looking for jobs. Many if not most of them, are in their forties, fifties, and yes sixties. Too many to equal the number of available jobs; the challenge for most of us will be the white elephant in the interview room: our age. This is a blog in and of itself.

This weekend is filled with wedding, family and rain. So much to say; so little time....more to come...stay tuned.

Outplacement: Training for the dislocated

2009-04-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

Today I attended the first of two sessions to help me find a job. I learned so much it was overwhelming. Today we talked about our commercials (who we are, what we do), writing resumes, and the importance of networking. We also talked about the new buzz word for those of us laid off, riffed, unemployed: we are now officially called, the dislocated. Who knew?

Resumes: View these as your marketing brochures. These should not be detailed but concise, using the terms that the prospective employer uses in their job descriptions. You have about 15 seconds to sell yourself as a viable candidate for this job in a competitive environment.

Interestingly the facilitator did agree that even though companies won't admit it, there is ageism in the work place. He suggested no more then 10 years of employment listed. School dates should not have dates graduated. Get your foot in the door.

When in the door, be passionate about what you do; be energetic and confident. Believe in yourself.

I felt energized when I left because the best part was being with former colleagues and realizing that the feelings I have experience are not unique. I hope to join with them in sharing information and helping each other. These are mostly people I did not get to work with directly but knew of. Now I know them and they are terrific! Good people lose jobs. It's the world we live in.

It is time to move on. I got my approval for unemployment today. A whopping $380 per week paid bi-weekly. Hey, its something and I can collect it until I get my Social Security then I will be restricted on income. Both Social Security and unemployment are taxable.

My brother is coming in from Florida tomorrow for my other brother's son's wedding on Saturday. Busy weekend (great!). Next week I buckle down and get my resume done and start networking to look for jobs!

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

Yeah, American Idol is on Tonight; refuge

2009-04-28T06:55:00.000-04:00

I go back home late today. I want to stay at my daughter's today to help as there is no air conditioning and the temperature is in the 90's. We made due last night and it is cooler this morning but will be hot again today. What happened to Spring? The air conditioner man is coming today.

Starting to feel myself more and more. The number of people who have stopped by my blog and left wonderful comments has made me feel like I am not alone. I can't thank all of you enough.

And, tonight is American Idol and Biggest Loser. I will tape one and watch the other though since I don't have to get up early tomorrow, I can watch both! They are helpful in not having to deal with my reality....even though they are known as reality shows. Who knew?

Tomorrow, food shopping, house cleaning, redoing my resume and talking to the 401K people. I have to decide whether to start drawing on this pittance in my retirement fund and what the ramifications are.

Nice to know its there even though its small.

Whoops, my granddaughter is up calling for me...more to come.

Life and Death

2009-04-27T08:58:00.001-04:00

It was a beautiful weekend in Baltimore. The sun was shining. We had a great weekend. I got to see all my grandchildren because I also went to Hanover PA to visit my son, daughter in law and my granddaughter, Cassidy. She just turned 1 yr old and is walking while holding on. Playing, laughing and a real joy.

Then came back to my daughter's with her 2 bundles of joy. Their dog Jake is dying a very slow death. That is the worst part of the weekend.

It's hard to let go if a dog that has been part of the family for over 17 years. But he can't walk anymore, can't hear, can't eat or drink and is having respiratory problems. Today we are taking him to the vet to help him by letting him go. Very sad. My daughter is struggling with the decision but the dog has no life and is in pain and moans constantly.

I realized that letting go for the dog is like letting go of a portion of one's life. Being laid off is like a death of sorts also. I don't mean to be dramatic but it is letting go of a significant portion of one's life; a profession by which one is known to a certain group of people. For me, it's something that has defined a portion of my life.

Yet, I know that by giving the dog an end, we bring him peace and solitude. We need to let go and move on. Isn't that true of all aspects of life and living?

And so, we all must move on....even me.

Blackberry only works if you get email

2009-04-25T08:27:00.000-04:00

One of the nice things the company I used to work for did was to allow those of us provided work cell phones with Blackberry components, was to keep them though we had to transfer them to personal use. I did. I love my little phone/blackberry whatever. However, I just realized that when you don't work, you don't get as many emails. And, I was addicted to my email.

I am a Type A personality: always doing, going, finding things to do, people to meet, places to go. The quiet (if you can call staying at your daughters with a baby and a 2 year old quiet) is getting to me. I cannot find a place to call me own and feel very, very....I don't know what I feel to be honest.

I wear no make up and sometimes scare myself when I see myself in the mirror. Who is this person? Not me, that's for sure.

Trying to deal and sort out all the issues related to unemployment sucks. I feel my motivation for doing things has left me. I need to get myself together. Next week I go back home and hope to start exercising again to push me to the point where I can take care of me.

Today it's supposed to be in the 80's. I am going to visit my son in Hanover Pa and looking forward to it. Other then this, not sure what I will do. But maybe I expect too much of myself now. Maybe I need to just chill out and stop over thinking things. Should I be defined by my work side? Gosh I hope not. I am hope I am more then a marketing, communications, branding, health care former nurse person.

I am a mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and??? Not sure what the question marks mean. But maybe they mean everything happens for a reason and maybe this is the time to reflect on me to find out who I am and what I want to be......I do know I want to have fun again. So I have to strive for that....more to come.

Reality is setting in....getting laid off, new start

2009-04-21T21:20:00.001-04:00

Here's what strikes me as I head into the end of the first week of being laid off: there aren't as many emails or anything work related to do. Too damn quiet. Except, that is, for my 2 grandchildren. I am staying at my daughter's since she just delivered a new baby girl, a real sweetie. And, her big sister, 2 plus yrs old and a complete singer, dancer and actress. She is a real comedienne. They, and my children, fill the days with complete joy. But I have certain things I must take care of.....all work or unemployment related.

So all toll I have 9 weeks of severance and accrued vacation to come. Have not started looking for work yet, will leave that for next week. Now, its about looking at expenses and starting to think about the future.

Today, I switched my phone and Internet to Comcast, the triple deal special though I already have them for my cable provider. Fios is in my area and is really giving Comcast a run for their money. I used that in my negotiation with Comcast. I asked them what they were going to do to keep me as a customer and it worked. They beat Fios. Best part: I am saving $70 per month for the first 6 months and $50 per month thereafter. Just basic cable, no frills. But I love my cable shows: HGTV, Food Network, Project Runway is coming back on Lifetime...gotta have my cable.

But for those of us in the unemployment with no choice mode, rule number 1 should be negotiate to get the best deals and look at what you absolutely must have/keep. It's a buyer's market and no one should be afraid to try to get the best deal possible.

Before LO (layoff), I had already made changes in the house to cut costs: energy efficient windows, those funny looking light bulbs, unplugging everything that is not in use as energy is still drained even if you don't use an appliance and am happy to report that I have saved over $100 per month!

But I also have to think about income. So I called social security and surprise of surprises, they were wonderful! They were easy to talk to, helpful and fast. Who knew??? What I learned was a little disappointing. I am not really of retirement age (66 for women) though I turn 65 at the end of May. Therefore, I can collect social security with restrictions on income. I will only be able to earn $1000 per month. How do they expect people to live on that? They do it to defer the age people will sign up for these benefits. I signed up anyway because I can suspend my benefits at anytime. I wonder if winning the mega millions counts? No, I have not won but did buy a ticket for tonight.

COBRA: its not bad. That is if you are not turning 65. If you are 65 and have no health insurance through work and do not get Medicare, you are penalized when you do sign up for Medicare. COBRA is not considered health insurance through work so even though it would cost me less to do COBRA then Medicare plus a Medi-Gap program, if I don't sign up for Medicare now, the penalty is hefty when I do sign up. So I signed up. But I can use COBRA till my Medicare kicks in. My health insurance is paid till the end of April so guess what I did? I made all my medical appointments for next week. HA! At least I can get everything I need done before any other insurance kicks in. Not all doctors accept Medicare for payment. My own doctor does not. Not fun. More on this in upcoming blog.

Not seeing the people you worked with is really tough. Today I had lunch with 2 dear friends I made at work and that really lifted my spirits.

I find myself going through periods of sadness and anger. And as one who had the "personification of procrastination" written under her name in the college yearbook, I always looked for ways to put off what I didn't care to do, until tomorrow (ah, Scarlett O'Hara). Since the LO, I struggle to deal with the issues at hand even more so. Particularly the job market and income. I know the job market is not good; and at my age, its a disaster. That's when the anger sets in. A 401K that sucks and the thought that I would work for 3 more years at the company that set me free is almost too much to think about.

And, I think about me and how I really never felt quite comfortable that I would make it to retirement at this company. You know, I actually had 2 cell phones: 1 was the company cell and 1 was my personal cell. I never merged them. Interesting huh? I guess rule number two is listen to your gut. Your instincts are always better guides to what you should or should not do.

My former company did provide outplacement service and next Thursday and Friday I will be there. That's a good service to have where they look at your resume and help you update it; work on cover letters, review the job market and interviewing. I am looking forward to it and will be happy to share what I learn here. Hopefully, I will find some motivation there also since that is what is missing the most right now.

I guess this blog is not the most optimistic, tempered or not but it will get better....it will...maybe tomorrow.

The first blog...starting over

2009-04-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

Today, with the help of my online friend, Ronni Bennett of Time Goes By, I begin a new blogging life. On income tax day I was laid off of work, one of 100 good people who tried their best to help a company be the best it could be. Unfortunately, none of us could predict what the last 8 years of the Bush administration would create: a horrific economy. Many companies, such as the one I worked for, were forced to lay off good people. And, if the truth be told, I knew it was coming.

Last December/January, there was a restructuring of the organization advertising department. I never really considered myself an advertiser but a marketer, a strategic thinker and doer, and communications. I was no longer leading an exceptional team of professionals. Instead I was to report to the head of brand management. Part of me was very excited at the prospect of doing what I was hired to do initially. Part of me knew this was the beginning of the end. How did I know? Easy, I worked in health care marketing, an aspect not easily accepted or understood by most. For years our team struggled with gaining internal acceptance of what our health programs were or did to promote the lifestyle of active, independent older adults. Perhaps it was my failure. Perhaps it was others' inability to see health as something more then doctors, or any medical intervention. Whatever the issue, the point was from this point on, I felt as though I could not make an impact on what I believed was the single most important factor that differentiated this company from other wanna be companies.

This was the 3rd layoff of 2009 for this organization. This one was quieter, though the rumors were alive and well. As I reflect now, I wonder what the leadership was thinking? surely they must have known employees heard the rumblings. Then it came. I got called to come in since I was to be at a conference. Though I had expected this, when I got the call, I really was stunned. I made it easy for my boss and others. After all the bottom line is that the company has to do what needs to be done to survive in this economy as it serves many lives and does a damn good job of serving others. I will pray for them and my coworkers.

What I miss the most is the people with whom I worked. I know each of us has our own lives and keeping in touch will be difficult for some. For me, I begin a new at an interesting point in my life. I had thought I would retire in at least 3 years so I could get the maximum benefit from Social Security since my 401K is so down from what it was. But I got a small severance and some accrued vacation time. And there is always unemployment! Though it will be difficult, I have decided to take some time for me and think things over. You know the old saying: I don't know what I want to be when I grow up? I think this is true at any age. Maybe there is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.

Over the next few blogs, I will write of my experiences, my plan, and my outlook. I title the blog the tempered optimist because that is who I am. I like to think that I look at things from the best side, not the worst; yet I am tempered by life's experiences so that I do not always see only the rosy side of life. I choose to be realistic but with a positive twist. Does that make sense? Who knows? But this is the start of a new journey. I hope you will contribute thoughts, suggestions, and opinions along the way.