The following was printed on the anniversary card we received from my Mom today:
A happy marriage
is what happens
when two people
decide that they
not only love each other
they really like each other.
Her note was awfully sweet too!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The (Sentimental) Geek That Is Me
Friday evening, the “Celebration of a Life” in honor of Ted Kennedy was broadcast on television. It was in the spirit of an Irish wake, but on a much larger scale. Held at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library in Boston, with Teddy’s flag draped casket right in front of the podium, there was singing, stories, laughter and tears. It truly was a celebration. And it was exactly the sort of thing that Teddy would have loved. All of the speakers did a good job of revealing additional facets of Senator Kennedy. It’s hard to say, but I think the funniest moments came from Senator John C. Culver. He and Teddy were on the Harvard football team together. Let’s just say the story of the salmon salad sandwiches coupled with a storm tossed sea was priceless. The singing was great, including the finale of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” which no one wanted to stop singing. But the most touching was when Nick Littlefield, an attorney and former senate chief of staff for Teddy, sang “Love Changes Everything” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Aspects of Love”. Mr. Littlefield explained that it was a favorite of Teddy’s and that Teddy sang it the last time they were together. We all could understand the relevance of the lyrics because of the way Ted’s life had been transformed by his wife Vicki.
Today, we went to iTunes to see if we could find a recording of “Love Changes Everything” that we liked. There were versions by Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford and myriad other artists. But none of them had the heart, the passion, nor the personal connection to Ted and Vicki which had captured our hearts. Then I remembered what I had done in a similar situation last January. So I began hunting for a video clip of Mr. Littlefield’s performance. Sure enough, it was already available on YouTube. I went back into the archives here on Pink Granite and found the post where I explained how I stripped a video down to just the audio for a song. (It’s a good thing I turned it into a post because I didn’t remember all the steps!) In just a few minutes I had Nick Littlefield singing “Love Changes Everything” playing from our iPod.
Here’s the video:
Thank you Mr. Littlefield.
Today, we went to iTunes to see if we could find a recording of “Love Changes Everything” that we liked. There were versions by Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford and myriad other artists. But none of them had the heart, the passion, nor the personal connection to Ted and Vicki which had captured our hearts. Then I remembered what I had done in a similar situation last January. So I began hunting for a video clip of Mr. Littlefield’s performance. Sure enough, it was already available on YouTube. I went back into the archives here on Pink Granite and found the post where I explained how I stripped a video down to just the audio for a song. (It’s a good thing I turned it into a post because I didn’t remember all the steps!) In just a few minutes I had Nick Littlefield singing “Love Changes Everything” playing from our iPod.
Here’s the video:
Thank you Mr. Littlefield.
Birthday Greetings!
These Phlox are a bit out of season, but their color is about right. Because Veronica (A.K.A. Purple Ronnie) is celebrating a birthday today!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Senator Kennedy
Senator Edward Moore Kennedy has been laid to rest. His family, friends and colleagues did a beautiful job of hitting absolutely all the right notes, as they celebrated Ted’s life and mourned his passing. Ever since the senator was diagnosed with brain cancer last May we have dreaded this time. Every milestone that Ted was able achieve - his speech at the Democratic Convention, the election of Barack Obama and then the inauguration - we felt gratitude. Seeing television footage of Ted and his wife Vicki, along with their dogs Splash and Sunny, off for a sail on their boat “Maya” we felt happy for them and for every post-diagnosis day they were given.
Now Ted rests at Arlington Cemetery, near to his brothers Bobby and Jack. Now we must join together to bring to fruition the work left undone. If we need guidance, Ted’s grandchildren and great nieces and nephews provided some during today’s funeral mass. The Prayer of the Faithful (part of the Liturgy of the Word within the Catholic mass, adjusted weekly to reflect the particular needs and concerns of a parish and the larger Church) became a call to service. Hearing Teddy’s own words and wisdom read by a younger generation provided inspiration and encouragement.
Now Ted rests at Arlington Cemetery, near to his brothers Bobby and Jack. Now we must join together to bring to fruition the work left undone. If we need guidance, Ted’s grandchildren and great nieces and nephews provided some during today’s funeral mass. The Prayer of the Faithful (part of the Liturgy of the Word within the Catholic mass, adjusted weekly to reflect the particular needs and concerns of a parish and the larger Church) became a call to service. Hearing Teddy’s own words and wisdom read by a younger generation provided inspiration and encouragement.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Senator Kennedy
There’s a lot happening all around the world today - good and bad, mundane and important. But here in our home in Central Massachusetts we are mourning the passing of one of our own: Senator Edward Moore Kennedy (February 22, 1932 – August 25, 2009). Ted Kennedy was the only one of the four sons of Joseph and Rose Kennedy to grow older and snowy haired before our eyes. His eldest brother Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr. was killed in action in World War II. His next eldest brother President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. His next eldest brother Senator Robert Francis Kennedy was assassinated in 1968.
The Bible verse: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) was quoted and paraphrased by the Kennedy’s and were words they lived by. Ted Kennedy made those words manifest in his service to the Commonwealth and to the entire United States during his nearly 47 years as a senator from Massachusetts. Ted served proudly as a Democrat, a progressive, and a liberal. He spoke for all of us, but most especially he spoke for those without power or privilege. He cared about equality, fairness and justice and kept those values in the forefront of all of his political work.
Senator Kennedy is survived by his sister Jean Kennedy Smith; his wife Victoria Reggie Kennedy; his children Kara Anne, Edward Jr. and Patrick Kennedy; his step-children Curran and Caroline Raclin; his grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; the citizens of the United States of America; and the citizens of the world.
“...the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives & the dream shall never die.”
- Senator Ted Kennedy at the 1980 Democratic Convention
“The work begins anew. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on.”
- Senator Ted Kennedy at the 2008 Democratic Convention
The Bible verse: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) was quoted and paraphrased by the Kennedy’s and were words they lived by. Ted Kennedy made those words manifest in his service to the Commonwealth and to the entire United States during his nearly 47 years as a senator from Massachusetts. Ted served proudly as a Democrat, a progressive, and a liberal. He spoke for all of us, but most especially he spoke for those without power or privilege. He cared about equality, fairness and justice and kept those values in the forefront of all of his political work.
Senator Kennedy is survived by his sister Jean Kennedy Smith; his wife Victoria Reggie Kennedy; his children Kara Anne, Edward Jr. and Patrick Kennedy; his step-children Curran and Caroline Raclin; his grandchildren; his nieces and nephews; the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; the citizens of the United States of America; and the citizens of the world.
“...the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives & the dream shall never die.”
- Senator Ted Kennedy at the 1980 Democratic Convention
“The work begins anew. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on.”
- Senator Ted Kennedy at the 2008 Democratic Convention
Monday, August 24, 2009
Quick Report
I’m not exactly sure where today went. It was all a bit of a blur. But I do want to report that the weather prophets are continuing to say that Thursday we will turn the corner on this hazy, hot and humid icky-stickiness we have been experiencing. Come on Thursday!
I also must report that Kate turned us on to fully cooked, grilled chicken strips from Trader Joe’s. She incorporated them into her Fajita Bar the other night and they were delicious. So tonight I made a quick reduction of some sherry, balsamic vinegar and orange juice. I added a drizzle of olive oil, some black pepper, a little crushed garlic and a splash of Frank’s hot sauce. When there was barely any liquid on the bottom of the pan I tossed in the TJ’s chicken strips, stirred them to coat, covered the pan and turned off the heat. Meanwhile, I made a couple of big tossed salads and topped them with the chicken strips. Chuck and I both loved it and the bonus was I barely added any heat from cooking to the kitchen. Yay!
I also must report that Kate turned us on to fully cooked, grilled chicken strips from Trader Joe’s. She incorporated them into her Fajita Bar the other night and they were delicious. So tonight I made a quick reduction of some sherry, balsamic vinegar and orange juice. I added a drizzle of olive oil, some black pepper, a little crushed garlic and a splash of Frank’s hot sauce. When there was barely any liquid on the bottom of the pan I tossed in the TJ’s chicken strips, stirred them to coat, covered the pan and turned off the heat. Meanwhile, I made a couple of big tossed salads and topped them with the chicken strips. Chuck and I both loved it and the bonus was I barely added any heat from cooking to the kitchen. Yay!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Sweat & Strawberries*
The heat and humidity continue to be overpowering. The dewpoint has been hovering around 70 which is officially “oppressive”. Neither Chuck nor I are cut out for this sort of miserably hot and soupy weather. Earlier in the week some of the weather prophets were predicting a welcome break beginning tomorrow. Now, not so much. The possibly mythical dry spell has been pushed off to later in the week.
Dayenu (Enough)
Last night we enjoyed generous hospitality and good food at our niece Kate and her husband Phil’s home. First Kate took us along on a photographic trip to Machu Picchu and the Amazon. I’m so happy that Kate had this once in a lifetime trip, but after seeing the zoom shots of the insects, it’s not at the top of my “Dream Travel” locations - at least not the Amazon part! Kate then prepared a chicken Fajita bar which was yummy. But she crowned the meal with her interpretation of an Ina Garten recipe. She scooped out creamy chocolate ice cream and then spooned on sliced fresh strawberries which she had tossed in balsamic vinegar. Heavenly!
* I know that’s a dreadful title for a post, but I blame the dewpoint! ;o)
Dayenu (Enough)
Last night we enjoyed generous hospitality and good food at our niece Kate and her husband Phil’s home. First Kate took us along on a photographic trip to Machu Picchu and the Amazon. I’m so happy that Kate had this once in a lifetime trip, but after seeing the zoom shots of the insects, it’s not at the top of my “Dream Travel” locations - at least not the Amazon part! Kate then prepared a chicken Fajita bar which was yummy. But she crowned the meal with her interpretation of an Ina Garten recipe. She scooped out creamy chocolate ice cream and then spooned on sliced fresh strawberries which she had tossed in balsamic vinegar. Heavenly!
* I know that’s a dreadful title for a post, but I blame the dewpoint! ;o)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Redux
After reading this article in the New York Times entitled: “Florida Retirees Wary of Changes to Health Care”, I’ve come to a conclusion. Clearly it’s time for the “The Great Schlep” - Part Two!
Set For Success School Supply Drive
Claudia Snell is working hard to get the word out about Worcester’s “Fourth Annual Set For Success School Supplies and Backpack Program”.
In a recent post, Claudia explained the program and where you can drop off needed supplies. She also included this explanation of the program:
Kate Toomey and Friendly House are collecting school supplies for kids in Worcester whose families need a little extra help with “back to school” preparations. They are asking everyone who can to help out by purchasing some school supplies that they can distribute to homeless or disadvantaged children and teens.
If you prefer, you can certainly send a check made out to:
Friendly House — Set For Success
and mail it to:
Friendly House
Set For Success
36 Wall Street
Worcester, MA 01604
In a recent post, Claudia explained the program and where you can drop off needed supplies. She also included this explanation of the program:
Kate Toomey and Friendly House are collecting school supplies for kids in Worcester whose families need a little extra help with “back to school” preparations. They are asking everyone who can to help out by purchasing some school supplies that they can distribute to homeless or disadvantaged children and teens.
If you prefer, you can certainly send a check made out to:
Friendly House — Set For Success
and mail it to:
Friendly House
Set For Success
36 Wall Street
Worcester, MA 01604
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Fact From FRiction
Repeatedly, throughout this healthcare “debate” and Town Hall furor, I have been struck by the middle aged to elderly individuals declaring what they think the Congress and the President are trying to do by offering a “public option” is turning America Socialist/Marxist/fill-in-the-blank-ist. Then, in the same breath, they demand that their Medicare be left alone. Sigh...
Medicare is a Single Payer system. Most folks who have Medicare like it - actually, they really like it. The Veterans Health Administration, the part of the Department of Veterans Affairs which deals with all things medical, is also classified as a single payer system, but it is closer to the National Health Service in England, in that most services are provided by employees of the VA. Most veterans like the coverage - actually, they really like it.
There has been an overwhelming amount of disinformation and flat out lies spread by deep pocketed groups who have a significant investment (literally) in maintaining the status quo of healthcare and health insurance in the United States. So how do we stop the liars in their tracks? We spread the truth as zealously as they spread the lies.
We’ll start with an amusing, albeit impertinent, but abundantly clear differentiation between the Canadian Healthcare system and the National Health Service in England. Not to worry, it’s brief and there are lots of photographs! Recently, Republicans, pundits on the right and pro-private insurance corporations lobbyists have been tossing Canada and England into the same language blender, adding a dash of Socialism, a shot of “death panels” and a slug of fear to make every other country on Earth’s healthcare look barbaric. They have even gone so far as to write that Stephen Hawking’s life would be “essentially worthless” under England’s National Health Service. Apparently the folks at Investor’s Business Daily didn’t realize that Dr. Hawking was a proud beneficiary of England’s National Health Service, for nearly all of his sixty plus years.
So if we hear a rumor - wild eyed, other planetary or with just enough of a shred of credibility to make us wonder - we can check the White House’s webpage called Reality Check. Another source of clarification is the Organizing for America webpage called Setting the Record Straight.
Robert Reich has a fast read in Salon entitled “The Public Option's Last Stand”. I will be surprised if, after reading his essay, Professor Reich hasn’t inspired you to call your senators, congressperson and the White House to insist upon a public option - while we still can. You know I did!
Now, if what you long for is a dyed-in-the-wool-lefty-liberal-progressive-power-to-the-people sort of fellow, but you fear they are as extinct as the poor Passenger Pigeon, fear not. I have found one! His name is Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY). As far as I can tell he’s right up there with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Senator Sanders, while Mayor of Burlington, once complimented me on the work I was doing to educate and organize fellow workers, so I can personally vouch for his deep progressive credentials! But I digress. Congressman Weiner has made the television rounds lately with clear, logical arguments in favor a strong public option. You can watch his video clips and see for yourself.
Lastly, Rachel Maddow has once again managed to sum up the obstacle that is Congressional Republicans today. She calls it the “Parable of the Pizza”. Watch it below and then shout it from the rooftops that the Democrats, including President Obama, need to order the "pizza" the people voted for last November. The same “pizza” we have been waiting for since the Truman Administration!
Medicare is a Single Payer system. Most folks who have Medicare like it - actually, they really like it. The Veterans Health Administration, the part of the Department of Veterans Affairs which deals with all things medical, is also classified as a single payer system, but it is closer to the National Health Service in England, in that most services are provided by employees of the VA. Most veterans like the coverage - actually, they really like it.
There has been an overwhelming amount of disinformation and flat out lies spread by deep pocketed groups who have a significant investment (literally) in maintaining the status quo of healthcare and health insurance in the United States. So how do we stop the liars in their tracks? We spread the truth as zealously as they spread the lies.
We’ll start with an amusing, albeit impertinent, but abundantly clear differentiation between the Canadian Healthcare system and the National Health Service in England. Not to worry, it’s brief and there are lots of photographs! Recently, Republicans, pundits on the right and pro-private insurance corporations lobbyists have been tossing Canada and England into the same language blender, adding a dash of Socialism, a shot of “death panels” and a slug of fear to make every other country on Earth’s healthcare look barbaric. They have even gone so far as to write that Stephen Hawking’s life would be “essentially worthless” under England’s National Health Service. Apparently the folks at Investor’s Business Daily didn’t realize that Dr. Hawking was a proud beneficiary of England’s National Health Service, for nearly all of his sixty plus years.
So if we hear a rumor - wild eyed, other planetary or with just enough of a shred of credibility to make us wonder - we can check the White House’s webpage called Reality Check. Another source of clarification is the Organizing for America webpage called Setting the Record Straight.
Robert Reich has a fast read in Salon entitled “The Public Option's Last Stand”. I will be surprised if, after reading his essay, Professor Reich hasn’t inspired you to call your senators, congressperson and the White House to insist upon a public option - while we still can. You know I did!
Now, if what you long for is a dyed-in-the-wool-lefty-liberal-progressive-power-to-the-people sort of fellow, but you fear they are as extinct as the poor Passenger Pigeon, fear not. I have found one! His name is Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY). As far as I can tell he’s right up there with Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Senator Sanders, while Mayor of Burlington, once complimented me on the work I was doing to educate and organize fellow workers, so I can personally vouch for his deep progressive credentials! But I digress. Congressman Weiner has made the television rounds lately with clear, logical arguments in favor a strong public option. You can watch his video clips and see for yourself.
Lastly, Rachel Maddow has once again managed to sum up the obstacle that is Congressional Republicans today. She calls it the “Parable of the Pizza”. Watch it below and then shout it from the rooftops that the Democrats, including President Obama, need to order the "pizza" the people voted for last November. The same “pizza” we have been waiting for since the Truman Administration!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Monday, August 17, 2009
Texas
Starting with this 2009-2010 school year, Texas high schools will be required to offer elective courses in the Bible.
I ask the question: Why?
Required and elective is interesting.
Here’s a link to the text of Texas House Bill 1287 which was passed in 2007.
Sec. 28.011 “The Bible’s Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament” is interesting.
“Sec. (i) This section does not prohibit the board of trustees of a school district from offering an elective course based on the books of a religion other than Christianity. In determining whether to offer such a course, the board may consider various factors, including student and parent demand for such a course and the impact such books have had on history and culture.” is interesting.
Here’s a report from The Statesman, an Austin newspaper which will provide more local background.
A quote from The Statesman article: “Many school districts, including Austin and most other Central Texas districts, say their current high school curriculum already satisfies the requirement because it addresses world religions in history and geography courses.”
Which brings me back to my original question: Why? Why legislate required elective courses? Why legislate courses in “The Old Testament” and “The New Testament”, which simply by naming them that way focuses on Christianity?
Thinking about the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, I understand that this Texas law does not establish a state religion (Establishment Clause) nor does it limit or restrict a citizen’s right to practice any religion they choose (Free Exercise Clause). But I have to say it sure as heck feels to me like the phrase “slippery slope” was coined for just such an occasion as this.
And I would loved to have seen the reaction in the Texas Legislature had this same legislation been introduced with “Qur'an” or “Tao Te Ching” substituted for “Bible” throughout H.B. 1287.
I ask the question: Why?
Required and elective is interesting.
Here’s a link to the text of Texas House Bill 1287 which was passed in 2007.
Sec. 28.011 “The Bible’s Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament” is interesting.
“Sec. (i) This section does not prohibit the board of trustees of a school district from offering an elective course based on the books of a religion other than Christianity. In determining whether to offer such a course, the board may consider various factors, including student and parent demand for such a course and the impact such books have had on history and culture.” is interesting.
Here’s a report from The Statesman, an Austin newspaper which will provide more local background.
A quote from The Statesman article: “Many school districts, including Austin and most other Central Texas districts, say their current high school curriculum already satisfies the requirement because it addresses world religions in history and geography courses.”
Which brings me back to my original question: Why? Why legislate required elective courses? Why legislate courses in “The Old Testament” and “The New Testament”, which simply by naming them that way focuses on Christianity?
Thinking about the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, I understand that this Texas law does not establish a state religion (Establishment Clause) nor does it limit or restrict a citizen’s right to practice any religion they choose (Free Exercise Clause). But I have to say it sure as heck feels to me like the phrase “slippery slope” was coined for just such an occasion as this.
And I would loved to have seen the reaction in the Texas Legislature had this same legislation been introduced with “Qur'an” or “Tao Te Ching” substituted for “Bible” throughout H.B. 1287.
Very Cool!
I so wish I meant the weather.
But actually I was “BlogLogged” over at Daily Worcesteria.
Thanks for noticing Pink Granite!
But actually I was “BlogLogged” over at Daily Worcesteria.
Thanks for noticing Pink Granite!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Odds & Ends
: : Maria Shriver’s eulogy for her mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver was brilliant. It was warm, funny, inspiring, revealing (“I don’t want to hear one more yip out of you.”) and full of love.
: : Any alcohol based hand sanitizer you purchase must contain at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective, this according to the CDC. Why do I know this? I dislike the strong fragrance in commercial hand sanitizer products. I began investigating making my own unscented version after I got sticker shock over the price of an unscented commercial version.
: : Chuck brought home a perfectly lovely and petite cauliflower from the Farmers’ Market. Despite the heat, I made up a cheese sauce for it and it was very tasty. Why do I crave autumnal dishes during the dog days of summer? Why do I give in to those cravings? And how do you pronounce cauliflower?
: : What’s up with the inconsistencies with our Sunday newspaper delivery? I know you can’t answer that question, it’s just on my mind, it being Sunday and all.
: : Can the Boston Red Sox rebound from this lousy position of being 7.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East? In a similar vein: can anyone keep up with this season’s ever changing Red Sox roster?
: : Any alcohol based hand sanitizer you purchase must contain at least 60% alcohol in order to be effective, this according to the CDC. Why do I know this? I dislike the strong fragrance in commercial hand sanitizer products. I began investigating making my own unscented version after I got sticker shock over the price of an unscented commercial version.
: : Chuck brought home a perfectly lovely and petite cauliflower from the Farmers’ Market. Despite the heat, I made up a cheese sauce for it and it was very tasty. Why do I crave autumnal dishes during the dog days of summer? Why do I give in to those cravings? And how do you pronounce cauliflower?
: : What’s up with the inconsistencies with our Sunday newspaper delivery? I know you can’t answer that question, it’s just on my mind, it being Sunday and all.
: : Can the Boston Red Sox rebound from this lousy position of being 7.5 games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East? In a similar vein: can anyone keep up with this season’s ever changing Red Sox roster?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Remember Terri Schiavo?
All of the lying and deliberate spreading of misinformation about the fictional “death panels” (a term made infamous by Former Governor Sarah Palin, R-AK) has been designed to scare the daylights out of the elderly. The proposed language in one of the House bills, simply stated that if someone wanted to discuss living wills, health care proxies or other end of life care issues with their doctor, Medicare would pay for one such office visit, every five years.
With that, the Republicans were off and running. Declaring, in the most inflammatory terms, that the big, scary, intrusive Government-with-a-capital-G would be deciding who could live and who should die. The Government would be pulling the plug on grandma. From this verbal molotov cocktail, the conflagration grew. Repeatedly, Republicans spoke about how inappropriate it would be for the Government to intrude and insert itself in what should be a private family matter about end of life care.
Despite these outrageous lies and distractions, intelligent folks like 1995 Rhodes Scholar Rachel Maddow cast their memories back to 2005 and the case of Terri Schiavo. Very briefly, Terri Schiavo, age 41, was in a persistent vegetative state for a decade and a half. Her husband, Michael, wanted to remove her feeding tube and her parents, Robert and Mary Schindler, did not. After several years of legal battles, Republicans in the United States Congress inserted themselves into the family dispute. They did so by issuing a subpoena for Terri Schiavo to testify before Congress. This strategy gave Mrs. Schiavo federal protection as a prospective witness, essentially attempting to halt the removal of her feeding tube.
That short summary cannot do Ms. Schiavo’s case justice. What many of us felt watching Congress and then President George W. Bush insert themselves into a private end of life matter, albeit, at the behest of her parents, was horror. It also left many of us highly motivated to discuss issues associated with living wills, health care proxies and ordinary vs. extraordinary means with our extended family. But it took Rachel Maddow to draw the bright line from today’s Republican objections to healthcare and health insurance reform back to that same party’s role in the Terri Schiavo case and in doing so, spotlight their self serving hypocrisy.
With that, the Republicans were off and running. Declaring, in the most inflammatory terms, that the big, scary, intrusive Government-with-a-capital-G would be deciding who could live and who should die. The Government would be pulling the plug on grandma. From this verbal molotov cocktail, the conflagration grew. Repeatedly, Republicans spoke about how inappropriate it would be for the Government to intrude and insert itself in what should be a private family matter about end of life care.
Despite these outrageous lies and distractions, intelligent folks like 1995 Rhodes Scholar Rachel Maddow cast their memories back to 2005 and the case of Terri Schiavo. Very briefly, Terri Schiavo, age 41, was in a persistent vegetative state for a decade and a half. Her husband, Michael, wanted to remove her feeding tube and her parents, Robert and Mary Schindler, did not. After several years of legal battles, Republicans in the United States Congress inserted themselves into the family dispute. They did so by issuing a subpoena for Terri Schiavo to testify before Congress. This strategy gave Mrs. Schiavo federal protection as a prospective witness, essentially attempting to halt the removal of her feeding tube.
That short summary cannot do Ms. Schiavo’s case justice. What many of us felt watching Congress and then President George W. Bush insert themselves into a private end of life matter, albeit, at the behest of her parents, was horror. It also left many of us highly motivated to discuss issues associated with living wills, health care proxies and ordinary vs. extraordinary means with our extended family. But it took Rachel Maddow to draw the bright line from today’s Republican objections to healthcare and health insurance reform back to that same party’s role in the Terri Schiavo case and in doing so, spotlight their self serving hypocrisy.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Hillary Was Right
Eleven years ago, back in early 1998, Hillary Rodham Clinton, then First Lady of the United States, first uttered the term: “vast right-wing conspiracy”. Unfortunately, it was said in the context of her husband, then President Bill Clinton’s scandal over his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky and his initial denial and lie. Because her husband did have an affair, Mrs. Clinton was ridiculed as being paranoid.
She wasn’t.
She wasn’t.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Let’s Take a Deep Breath
Now let’s imagine what we want our health care to be like.
I’ll start.
I want to immediately clone my all-time favorite and best doctor, who unfortunately has now retired. Here’s how I described this excellent physician back in 2007:
Once upon a time, I had as my primary care physician, a doctor of medicine who really was a prince. He always shook my hand and made eye contact. He would always sit down and chat for awhile with my husband and me about anything and everything that was happening in our lives. He believed in all that modern western medicine had to offer and was open to everything else that was well intentioned in this world. He knew and cared about our lives (work, pets, hobbies, extended families, politics, emotions...) and told us about his own. He believed the body was a temple and that it was important for him to treat it with respect. He saved me from at least one major surgery by proceeding with prudence, caution and riding herd over less experienced, less intuitive and less wise doctors. We were partners in my healthcare. Did I mention he had call hours at home every weekday morning for a half an hour? Or the fact that he made house calls to his elderly patients? A prince!
Yes, I want everyone to have a doctor who is one part Marcus Welby, one part Andrew Weil and 100% talented, knowledgeable and, above all, human.
Next, I want affordable health insurance for everyone - that includes prescription drug coverage. Heck, while we’re at it, throw in dental insurance too. Which if you think about it, it is pretty odd that one part of our body has to have separate insurance from all the other parts. Especially since we know that the best medicine treats the whole of the human being. And, yes, I want plenty of choices of insurance coverage too. That choice extends to employers, in particular small business owners, who want to offer health insurance coverage to their employees, but don’t want the premiums to suck up all their profit and stifle their growth.
After discussions with a family member who is a primary care physician, I know I also want state of the art, computerized medical records. I want the doctors (as described above) to be able to glance down at a laptop and pull up their patient’s prescription history, allergies, lab work - the whole nine yards. I want them all to have the ultrasounds, X-Rays, EEGs and any other test results and specialists’ reports accessible through that same laptop. That should cut down on repetitive and duplicative paperwork on the part of not only doctors but patients as well.
I want my 85 year old Mom and all her contemporaries to keep their current Medicare coverage. Streamlining it to improve it and provide higher quality, less cumbersome and less expensive care would be great. Thinking about elderly relatives, after having spent many hours with family members discussing ordinary versus extraordinary means and all aspects of end of life care, I know not all families are prepared for these conversations. So encouraging folks to have a conversation with their doctor about a living will and health care proxies and having that sort of office visit covered by insurance is a very good idea.
What I really want is a level playing field. I don’t want any negative implications of geography, previous health conditions, education or income to be impediments to affordable, accessible health care. Nor do I want the reverse of those circumstances to provide charmed access for a select few.
Lastly, I also want to clone the brilliant care givers who took care of Chuck’s Dad in his last year, so everyone could be so compassionately attended to in their final days. But I think even my imagination is beggared by that impossibly high standard.
What do you want?
I’ll start.
I want to immediately clone my all-time favorite and best doctor, who unfortunately has now retired. Here’s how I described this excellent physician back in 2007:
Once upon a time, I had as my primary care physician, a doctor of medicine who really was a prince. He always shook my hand and made eye contact. He would always sit down and chat for awhile with my husband and me about anything and everything that was happening in our lives. He believed in all that modern western medicine had to offer and was open to everything else that was well intentioned in this world. He knew and cared about our lives (work, pets, hobbies, extended families, politics, emotions...) and told us about his own. He believed the body was a temple and that it was important for him to treat it with respect. He saved me from at least one major surgery by proceeding with prudence, caution and riding herd over less experienced, less intuitive and less wise doctors. We were partners in my healthcare. Did I mention he had call hours at home every weekday morning for a half an hour? Or the fact that he made house calls to his elderly patients? A prince!
Yes, I want everyone to have a doctor who is one part Marcus Welby, one part Andrew Weil and 100% talented, knowledgeable and, above all, human.
Next, I want affordable health insurance for everyone - that includes prescription drug coverage. Heck, while we’re at it, throw in dental insurance too. Which if you think about it, it is pretty odd that one part of our body has to have separate insurance from all the other parts. Especially since we know that the best medicine treats the whole of the human being. And, yes, I want plenty of choices of insurance coverage too. That choice extends to employers, in particular small business owners, who want to offer health insurance coverage to their employees, but don’t want the premiums to suck up all their profit and stifle their growth.
After discussions with a family member who is a primary care physician, I know I also want state of the art, computerized medical records. I want the doctors (as described above) to be able to glance down at a laptop and pull up their patient’s prescription history, allergies, lab work - the whole nine yards. I want them all to have the ultrasounds, X-Rays, EEGs and any other test results and specialists’ reports accessible through that same laptop. That should cut down on repetitive and duplicative paperwork on the part of not only doctors but patients as well.
I want my 85 year old Mom and all her contemporaries to keep their current Medicare coverage. Streamlining it to improve it and provide higher quality, less cumbersome and less expensive care would be great. Thinking about elderly relatives, after having spent many hours with family members discussing ordinary versus extraordinary means and all aspects of end of life care, I know not all families are prepared for these conversations. So encouraging folks to have a conversation with their doctor about a living will and health care proxies and having that sort of office visit covered by insurance is a very good idea.
What I really want is a level playing field. I don’t want any negative implications of geography, previous health conditions, education or income to be impediments to affordable, accessible health care. Nor do I want the reverse of those circumstances to provide charmed access for a select few.
Lastly, I also want to clone the brilliant care givers who took care of Chuck’s Dad in his last year, so everyone could be so compassionately attended to in their final days. But I think even my imagination is beggared by that impossibly high standard.
What do you want?
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Puppets, Sheep & Big Money
The recent insanity over healthcare and health insurance reform has left me mute with anger and frustration. Unfortunately, I think that’s exactly what the lobbyists, health insurance companies and right-wing ideologues, mouthpieces, pundits and wingnuts want. The shouters are being manipulated like puppets and carted around like sheep to town hall style meetings, with the stated goal to disrupt. Disruption is not discourse. Disruption is a tactic. This disruption is being fomented by the same ilk who changed “estate tax” to “death tax”. They are taking the thinnest of threads and weaving fantasy fabrics designed to terrify. And they are outright lying - repeatedly, with malice and for their own aggrandizement.
A genuine town meeting is practically a sacred institution. It is a fundamental, hands on, democratic process which requires respect, courage and patience. (Here’s my recent take on our town meetings.) The occasions when congressional representatives come home to their districts and conduct town hall style meetings is a terrific opportunity for voters to speak directly to their senators or representatives and vice versa. So the fact that these sheep and puppets are being brought in to those meetings just to disrupt, dissolve and disintegrate them is deeply offensive to me.
There was a recent article in Mother Jones which addresses the matter and highlights the grave risks if the puppet masters/sheepherders prevail. (Thanks to Jim of Notes to Leicester for the heads up.)
And here is a recent video report from Rachel Maddow showing some of the deep pocketed groups behind all of the lies and disruption. (Or you can view it below.)
A genuine town meeting is practically a sacred institution. It is a fundamental, hands on, democratic process which requires respect, courage and patience. (Here’s my recent take on our town meetings.) The occasions when congressional representatives come home to their districts and conduct town hall style meetings is a terrific opportunity for voters to speak directly to their senators or representatives and vice versa. So the fact that these sheep and puppets are being brought in to those meetings just to disrupt, dissolve and disintegrate them is deeply offensive to me.
There was a recent article in Mother Jones which addresses the matter and highlights the grave risks if the puppet masters/sheepherders prevail. (Thanks to Jim of Notes to Leicester for the heads up.)
And here is a recent video report from Rachel Maddow showing some of the deep pocketed groups behind all of the lies and disruption. (Or you can view it below.)
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
I Don’t Have Words...
But it's in a good way - I think.
It’s very strange - but worth a look.
Oh, and I hope I never end up there!
Ready?
O.K. here you go...
P.S. Remember to click on “Older Entries” at the bottom of the screen.
It’s very strange - but worth a look.
Oh, and I hope I never end up there!
Ready?
O.K. here you go...
P.S. Remember to click on “Older Entries” at the bottom of the screen.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Quality
A brief rant:
One should not use the word quality alone when one wishes to praise someone or something. In such instances the word quality requires a modifier, such as high or good or excellent.
Thank you.
One should not use the word quality alone when one wishes to praise someone or something. In such instances the word quality requires a modifier, such as high or good or excellent.
Thank you.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Hold The Lemons Please!
Things have gotten a little busy around here. All is well, but I am feeling distracted and somewhat off track. My To-Do list grows longer despite a respectable number of cross outs and tomorrow looks to be more of the same. Mostly it’s life’s hiccups intervening. For example, overnight the freezer partially defrosted. We somehow managed to leave the freezer door slightly ajar. Because it had to have happened just before we walked out of the kitchen for the last time and headed off to bed (upstairs at the opposite end of the house), we never heard the beeping alarm. We were very fortunate in that not too much was a total loss, even though the compost pile did get a sizable donation. And when we found the frozen fruit had defrosted but was still crunchy cold, I made smoothies for breakfast. Boy, that sounds a lot like “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, but it is what happened!
P.S. I know I’ve been remiss in responding to comments. I love being part of the conversation, so I look forward to catching up soon!
P.S. I know I’ve been remiss in responding to comments. I love being part of the conversation, so I look forward to catching up soon!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The New G.I. Bill
The first G.I. Bill was approved in 1944 and contained benefits for returning veterans including education, unemployment and loans for homes and small businesses.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that the new G.I. Bill (sometimes referred to as the “Post 9/11” G.I. Bill) is now up and running. You can go directly to the V.A. site here.
As an adjunct, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has put together The New G.I. Bill.org, a website designed to help folks figure out the smoothest path to access the new benefits.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that the new G.I. Bill (sometimes referred to as the “Post 9/11” G.I. Bill) is now up and running. You can go directly to the V.A. site here.
As an adjunct, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has put together The New G.I. Bill.org, a website designed to help folks figure out the smoothest path to access the new benefits.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Do You Journal?
I used to. I kept a gratitude journal which truly was transformative. Focusing on the positive, every single day, no matter how infinitesimal that good thing was, helped me haul myself out of deep blue funk. I also wrote a poem a day for several years, which really was a journal in verse form. But since I began blogging back in November of 2006, my pen and paper journal has turned into bits and bytes. I miss the tactile, tangibility of my notebooks. Being prone to “all or nothing” thinking though, I’ve been reluctant to dive back into daily journaling. Enter two nifty, “low impact” ideas from Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project and The Happiness Project Toolbox.
: : First: The One-Sentence Journal. Simply jot down one sentence each day. You can even pick a theme: gratitude, dreams, books, things your kids say - whatever - it’s your journal.
: : Second: A Calendar Date Journal. In a fresh, fat, lined notebook, dedicate each page to a day of the year. Your entries on a given day will be by year. Example:
September 1
2009 - Celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary at Legal Seafoods.
2010 - Celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary at Legal Seafoods. Are we in a rut?
2016 - Today is our 25th Wedding Anniversary - How did we get so darn lucky?
Get it? It’s a long term project, but how neat it will be to look back on any given day to see the ups and downs, ins and outs across the decades.
For all the Do-It-Yourself-ers reading this, check out this idea for a handmade journal.
Digitally inclined? It isn’t the same as pen and paper, but if you’re an Apple user checkout Circus Ponies' software called NoteBook.
: : First: The One-Sentence Journal. Simply jot down one sentence each day. You can even pick a theme: gratitude, dreams, books, things your kids say - whatever - it’s your journal.
: : Second: A Calendar Date Journal. In a fresh, fat, lined notebook, dedicate each page to a day of the year. Your entries on a given day will be by year. Example:
September 1
2009 - Celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary at Legal Seafoods.
2010 - Celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary at Legal Seafoods. Are we in a rut?
2016 - Today is our 25th Wedding Anniversary - How did we get so darn lucky?
Get it? It’s a long term project, but how neat it will be to look back on any given day to see the ups and downs, ins and outs across the decades.
For all the Do-It-Yourself-ers reading this, check out this idea for a handmade journal.
Digitally inclined? It isn’t the same as pen and paper, but if you’re an Apple user checkout Circus Ponies' software called NoteBook.
$20.09
Worcester Restaurant Week has begun! You can have a three course dinner at any of more than 40 participating restaurants for $20.09 per person. The special menus are available from August 3rd to the 14th. Click here to see which restaurants are involved and follow the individual links for each establishment. Some places have included links to their special $20.09 dinner menu items. And some restaurants will also be running lunch specials during the same period.
Thanks to Destination Worcester for their Twitter Alert.
Thanks to Destination Worcester for their Twitter Alert.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Calico & Creme & Pizza
I just checked and was quite surprised to find that I have never posted about Calico and Creme. It’s a sweet, family run, seasonal restaurant on Williamsville Road in Hubbardston. Donald and Elaine McKay, proprietors for more than a quarter century, are perhaps best known for their homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt. But their pizza is scrumptious too. Occasionally, if you load it up with toppings, the very center of the handmade crust can be a bit soft, but the “pizza bones” (outer crust) are always crisp and chewy. What really makes the pizza memorable though is the red sauce. It has a deep, tangy, tomato flavor and is rich with garlic. During their off season, on a cold winter’s night, we have been known to be nearly overcome by cravings for a Calico and Creme pizza.
We thought you should know that.
: : Update: Calico & Creme will be closing for the season very early this year. Get your fill before the end of Labor Day weekend, because it is going to be a long winter.
We thought you should know that.
: : Update: Calico & Creme will be closing for the season very early this year. Get your fill before the end of Labor Day weekend, because it is going to be a long winter.
Bon Voyage!
Our niece Kate is off to Peru! It’s an amazing trip which will include a visit to Machu Picchu and then the Amazon River. Her Nana is storming the heavens to insure a safe journey and we are all wishing her well. Sure hope she has a very large capacity memory card for her camera!
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