Quote of the Day: "If all the rich and all of the church people should send their children to the public schools, they would feel bound to concentrate their money on improving these schools until they met the highest ideals." ~Susan B. Anthony
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Clip of The Day: Dumbest Millionaire Contestant
Just remember that College may provide you an education, but it doesn't necessarily make you smart. Young Chase Sampson from Nashville demonstrates that for us here: (1:25)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Employment Non-Discrimination Act: Overdue
In this economy, can you imagine losing your job not because of layoffs, not because of performance, but because of who you choose to love? Believe it or not, it is still legal in 29 states to fire someone simply because of their sexual orientation.My friend Cleve Jones is leading a petition drive, urging Speaker Pelosi to bring the Employment Non-Discrimination Act up for a vote. This important legislation is long overdue. Please join us by signing on to the petition. It takes about 30 seconds: Speaker Pelosi: Pass ENDA.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Jerry Brown: 6.6 Million Californians Say No
The San Jose Mercury News reported today, that California republican state senators are urging Attorney General Jerry Brown to join the lawsuit against the federal government over health care reform. The article notes that "Christine Gaparac, a spokeswoman for Brown, said the attorney general had not yet seen the letter sent Monday by state Sen. Tom Harman, a republican from Huntington Beach who says the overhaul violates the principle of federalism."
As discussed in my article "Railroad Reality: No Red Dogs" yesterday, the health care reform passed on Sunday is not perfect...but it is a start. Trying to circumvent it now may set us back another decade in reform progress. A better solution is to engage congress and the electorate in discussions for improving, and building upon, the legislation already passed.
According to the California Health Care Foundation, the state currently has 6.6 million citizens that are uninsured...the highest in the nation. Following is an excerpt from their December, 2009 report on California's Uninsured:
"Over the past 21 years, the percent of uninsured Californians under age 65 has continued to rise as employer-sponsored health insurance has declined. Between 1987 and 2008, employer-sponsored coverage declined 9%. Although Medicaid and individually purchased coverage partially offset this decline, more than 20% of Californians remain uninsured.
"Mr. Brown: On behalf of California's 6.6 million uninsured, I urge you not to join the lawsuit against the federal government over the recent health care reform victory. While not perfect, this legislation is a milestone in the long battle to secure health care for all Americans. Over the next few years, we can work hard to improve upon the bill that passed. But to scrap it entirely is a slap in the face to the most vulnerable among us. Please understand, that your decision will weigh heavily upon my vote for Governor."
As discussed in my article "Railroad Reality: No Red Dogs" yesterday, the health care reform passed on Sunday is not perfect...but it is a start. Trying to circumvent it now may set us back another decade in reform progress. A better solution is to engage congress and the electorate in discussions for improving, and building upon, the legislation already passed.
According to the California Health Care Foundation, the state currently has 6.6 million citizens that are uninsured...the highest in the nation. Following is an excerpt from their December, 2009 report on California's Uninsured:
"Over the past 21 years, the percent of uninsured Californians under age 65 has continued to rise as employer-sponsored health insurance has declined. Between 1987 and 2008, employer-sponsored coverage declined 9%. Although Medicaid and individually purchased coverage partially offset this decline, more than 20% of Californians remain uninsured.
The problem, though national, is more prominent in California, which has a lower percentage of individuals with employer-sponsored coverage and a higher proportion of uninsured. And because of California's large population, the number of people without insurance — 6.6 million — is the highest of any state."
"Mr. Brown: On behalf of California's 6.6 million uninsured, I urge you not to join the lawsuit against the federal government over the recent health care reform victory. While not perfect, this legislation is a milestone in the long battle to secure health care for all Americans. Over the next few years, we can work hard to improve upon the bill that passed. But to scrap it entirely is a slap in the face to the most vulnerable among us. Please understand, that your decision will weigh heavily upon my vote for Governor."
Quote of the Day: John Kerry
"Fixing our healthcare system as a whole is our primary challenge, and to make it happen you need to get engaged - to pound the pavement, get your hands dirty, endure real sacrifice, take on antiquated thinking and help lead the public debate." ~John Kerry, U.S. Senator
Clip of The Day: Banned Condom Commercial
This is an old clip, but just in case you missed it. Funny.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Railroad Reality: No Red Dogs
Well folks, what can only be described as an exercise in mediocrity, finally passed through congress last night. If you listen to right-wing pundits, it sounded like a railroad. More realistically, I'd compare it to a '93 Chevy Malibu. Built to market for the masses, but sorely lacking in design integrity.
Frankly, I'd like to have seen more republican involvement in the process. But to say the democrats "railroaded" the package through? What other choice did they have? When, or how, was anything approaching reform going to pass if not now? This country is facing a crises of colossal proportion in health care delivery. And, the reconciliation process referred to as the railroad vehicle, has been utilized by republicans more often than by democrats. (Another misinformation campaign.)
Why is it that when we need centrist ideas and bipartisan effort to resolve an issue, we always see the Blue Dogs rise up. Where are the Red Dogs? Where are the truly centrist bipartisan republicans? I thought they existed. Now? Not so sure. Out the rich varied palette of communities across all 50 states, constituents are represented by no less than 178 republican congresspersons. How many of them voted for reform? Zero. Nada. Zilch. Now you tell me: that isn't lockstep obstructionism?
Don't get me wrong. I'm pleased that after decades of failed attempts, at least something resembling health care reform finally passed. Problem is, this legislation does little more than subsidize health care insurance corporations at taxpayer expense. They will be getting millions of new customers over the next five years. Think that's a mistake? Think the fat cats at WellPoint and Humana aren't tickled pink about this bill? That's because they had more of a voice in it's construction than you did.
So what's next? HealthReform 2.0 is what we need now. To address some of the core issues that were left out of this bill. Incentivizing preventative care would be first on the list. And yes, some form of tort reform. Standardized digital billing and records would drive down costs. But, the bottom line is we can't stop now. Don't stop engaging. Don't stop writing congress. Tell them real cost control is what we need next. And we need it now.
House of Representatives Contact Directory
U.S. Senate Contact Directory
Frankly, I'd like to have seen more republican involvement in the process. But to say the democrats "railroaded" the package through? What other choice did they have? When, or how, was anything approaching reform going to pass if not now? This country is facing a crises of colossal proportion in health care delivery. And, the reconciliation process referred to as the railroad vehicle, has been utilized by republicans more often than by democrats. (Another misinformation campaign.)
Why is it that when we need centrist ideas and bipartisan effort to resolve an issue, we always see the Blue Dogs rise up. Where are the Red Dogs? Where are the truly centrist bipartisan republicans? I thought they existed. Now? Not so sure. Out the rich varied palette of communities across all 50 states, constituents are represented by no less than 178 republican congresspersons. How many of them voted for reform? Zero. Nada. Zilch. Now you tell me: that isn't lockstep obstructionism?
Don't get me wrong. I'm pleased that after decades of failed attempts, at least something resembling health care reform finally passed. Problem is, this legislation does little more than subsidize health care insurance corporations at taxpayer expense. They will be getting millions of new customers over the next five years. Think that's a mistake? Think the fat cats at WellPoint and Humana aren't tickled pink about this bill? That's because they had more of a voice in it's construction than you did.
So what's next? HealthReform 2.0 is what we need now. To address some of the core issues that were left out of this bill. Incentivizing preventative care would be first on the list. And yes, some form of tort reform. Standardized digital billing and records would drive down costs. But, the bottom line is we can't stop now. Don't stop engaging. Don't stop writing congress. Tell them real cost control is what we need next. And we need it now.
House of Representatives Contact Directory
U.S. Senate Contact Directory
Quote of the Day: John McCain
"I fully recognize that Republicans have in the past engaged in using reconciliation to further the party's agenda. ~John McCain, U.S. Senator
Clip of the Day: Bullsh*t Breaking News
If you follow my blog, you know I harbor no love affair with the Media. The following clip from my favorite news source, "The Onion News Network", satirizes one of the reasons I'm disillusioned. WARNING: Highly Explicit Language (2:01)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Quote of the Day: Mahatma Gandhi
"It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver. ~Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Philosopher (1896-1948)
Recipe for Healing Tonic
If you're feeling bad, and need some healing potion, this beats anything you can buy in a bottle. I've given this recipe out many times, so I thought I'd put it up here. You will need:
Clove of Fresh Garlic
Stem of Fresh Ginger
Honey (Preferably Raw)
A Fresh Lemon
Tincture of Echinacea (Available at most pharmacies, or health food stores.)
Shot of Brandy (Optional)
Peel 3-4 pieces of garlic...do not cut, crush or dice it. Remove the bark of the ginger with vegetable peeler or paring knife, in order to expose the "meat". Place the garlic and ginger in a small pot with about 3-4 cups of water. Bring to a gentle rolling boil for about 5 minutes. Pour the tea into a cup, and squeeze 1 or 2 wedges of lemon juice into it. Add a generous amount of honey, as the tea will be nasty without it. Add 1-2 droppers full of echinacea. The brandy is optional, but will help you sleep. Drink 3-4 cups a day (not with brandy in all of them! LOL) You will feel 100% better within 48 hours.
Clove of Fresh Garlic
Stem of Fresh Ginger
Honey (Preferably Raw)
A Fresh Lemon
Tincture of Echinacea (Available at most pharmacies, or health food stores.)
Shot of Brandy (Optional)
Peel 3-4 pieces of garlic...do not cut, crush or dice it. Remove the bark of the ginger with vegetable peeler or paring knife, in order to expose the "meat". Place the garlic and ginger in a small pot with about 3-4 cups of water. Bring to a gentle rolling boil for about 5 minutes. Pour the tea into a cup, and squeeze 1 or 2 wedges of lemon juice into it. Add a generous amount of honey, as the tea will be nasty without it. Add 1-2 droppers full of echinacea. The brandy is optional, but will help you sleep. Drink 3-4 cups a day (not with brandy in all of them! LOL) You will feel 100% better within 48 hours.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Quote of the Day: Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Philanthropy is commendable. But, it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which makes philanthropy necessary." ~Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil-Rights Leader (1929-1968)
Philanthropy for Everyone: Part Two
This is a continuation of the article I wrote yesterday, Philanthropy for Everyone: Part One. We each have the opportunity to actually participate in philanthropy. The pepsirefreshproject provides $1.3 million each month in grants to individuals, organizations and corporations who submit their ideas for funding. By voting for your favorite ideas (up to 10 votes each day), you have a voice in which projects get funded. Is that awesome or what?
Currently, there are more than 1,000 submissions competing for your vote. If your time is limited and you want some ideas on what projects to support, I can help. (Of course! The point of the article! LOL). I spent about three hours reading, ranking and eliminating projects to come up with a top ten list. These projects will each get one vote per day from me. Perhaps you can find an idea to support among them. Following are the second five on my list. Click on each title to visit their proposal page.
#6: talbert House Community Correctional Center
Proposal: Provide GED Preparation Materials to At Risk Youth
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: Butler, Warren & Clermont Counties, OH
talbert House Community Correctional Center is a non-profit agency that offers drug and alcohol rehabilitation to the community. The education department works hard to help students who were unsuccessful in previous exposure to school settings and dropped out. We offer a 2nd chance to them.
#7: Minga
Proposal: Educate Youth about the Child Sex Trade
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: Brookline, MA
My friends and I learned that in the U.S. the average age of entry into prostitution is just 13 years, and that more than 325,000 children are exploited each year. We decided to take action, and founded a nonprofit group called Minga. This year we want to produce PSAs to more directly reach youth.
#8: Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco
Proposal: Train disabled persons to become Yoga instructors.
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: San Francisco, CA
I've been leading Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco for ten years. I've also been teaching yoga to people with disabilities for 14 years. I found that many of my students with disabilities had overcome amazing obstacles and were ready to become yoga teachers themselves.
#9: The Tommy Foundation
Proposal: Educate & Support Autism Families across U.S.
Grant Amount: $50,000
Idea Location: Lancaster, PA
The Tommy Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the autism community and the family unit as a whole. From offering presentations on advocacy and communication, to direct one-on-one assistance and awareness events, we serve the entire community. Based in Pennsylvania, but we serve the entire U.S.
#10: Music National Service - MusicianCorps
Proposal: Fund musician corps teaching in public schools.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Chicago, New Orleans, Oakland, Seattle, San Francisco
Music National Service (MNS), creates music programs that reach, teach and heal. MNS is piloting a musical peace corps called MusicianCorps. MusicianCorps serves in public schools and other high-need settings. MNS was named a 2008 "Top-Ten Social Innovation to Strengthen U.S. Communities" by the Aspen Institute. MNS currently serves Chicago, New Orleans, Oakland, San Francisco and Seattle, with plans to expand.
Currently, there are more than 1,000 submissions competing for your vote. If your time is limited and you want some ideas on what projects to support, I can help. (Of course! The point of the article! LOL). I spent about three hours reading, ranking and eliminating projects to come up with a top ten list. These projects will each get one vote per day from me. Perhaps you can find an idea to support among them. Following are the second five on my list. Click on each title to visit their proposal page.
#6: talbert House Community Correctional Center
Proposal: Provide GED Preparation Materials to At Risk Youth
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: Butler, Warren & Clermont Counties, OH
talbert House Community Correctional Center is a non-profit agency that offers drug and alcohol rehabilitation to the community. The education department works hard to help students who were unsuccessful in previous exposure to school settings and dropped out. We offer a 2nd chance to them.
#7: Minga
Proposal: Educate Youth about the Child Sex Trade
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: Brookline, MA
My friends and I learned that in the U.S. the average age of entry into prostitution is just 13 years, and that more than 325,000 children are exploited each year. We decided to take action, and founded a nonprofit group called Minga. This year we want to produce PSAs to more directly reach youth.
#8: Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco
Proposal: Train disabled persons to become Yoga instructors.
Grant Amount: $25,000
Idea Location: San Francisco, CA
I've been leading Yoga teacher training programs in San Francisco for ten years. I've also been teaching yoga to people with disabilities for 14 years. I found that many of my students with disabilities had overcome amazing obstacles and were ready to become yoga teachers themselves.
#9: The Tommy Foundation
Proposal: Educate & Support Autism Families across U.S.
Grant Amount: $50,000
Idea Location: Lancaster, PA
The Tommy Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the autism community and the family unit as a whole. From offering presentations on advocacy and communication, to direct one-on-one assistance and awareness events, we serve the entire community. Based in Pennsylvania, but we serve the entire U.S.
#10: Music National Service - MusicianCorps
Proposal: Fund musician corps teaching in public schools.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Chicago, New Orleans, Oakland, Seattle, San Francisco
Music National Service (MNS), creates music programs that reach, teach and heal. MNS is piloting a musical peace corps called MusicianCorps. MusicianCorps serves in public schools and other high-need settings. MNS was named a 2008 "Top-Ten Social Innovation to Strengthen U.S. Communities" by the Aspen Institute. MNS currently serves Chicago, New Orleans, Oakland, San Francisco and Seattle, with plans to expand.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Quote of the Day: Bertrand Russell
"The qualities most needed are charity and tolerance, not some form of fanatical faith such as is offered to us by the various rampant isms." ~Bertrand Russell, English Logician and Philosopher (1872-1970)
Philanthropy for Everyone: Part One
Like many kids, when I was young I dreamed of one day becoming rich. Typical dreams of big houses, fancy cars and exotic vacations. When I matured into young adulthood however, those dreams changed. I realized that if I were rich I could have something far better than material comforts...I could have the power to impact change, to improve the plight of others. I dreamed of becoming a philanthropist. I know, it's crazy. But read on....
Now you and I both have the opportunity to actually participate in philanthropy. The pepsirefreshproject provides $1.3 million each month in grants to individuals, organizations and corporations who submit their ideas for funding. By voting for your favorite ideas (up to 10 votes each day), you have a voice in which projects get funded. Is that awesome or what?
Currently, there are more than 1,000 submissions competing for your vote. If your time is limited and you want some ideas on what projects to support, I can help. (Of course! The point of the article! LOL). I spent about three hours reading, ranking and eliminating projects to come up with a top ten list. These projects will each get one vote per day from me. Perhaps you can find an idea to support among them. Following are the first five on my list. I will publish Part Two tomorrow. Click on each title to visit their proposal page.
#1: WaggleForce Job Clubs
Proposal: Get 10,000 people back to work.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: New York, NY
WaggleForce is led by Tory Johnson, CEO of Women for Hire, Workplace Contributor on ABC's Good Morning America, and New York Times best-selling author. She is joined in this grassroots effort by a team of experienced career club leaders, trainers and multimedia gurus dedicated to job search success.
#2: DonorsChoose.org
Proposal: Refresh libraries in public schools across America.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: New York, NY
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Started in a Bronx high school, we improved public education by enabling every teacher to be a change-maker and any citizen to be a philanthropist. Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn.
#3: EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof)
Proposal: Distribute mobile homeless shelters.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Los Angeles, CA
EDAR is a nonprofit organization that provides mobile shelters to the homeless. Based on a cart design, the EDAR unit allows for storage and mobility during the day. At night, the EDAR unfolds into a one-person bed, providing shelter and an alternative to a cardboard box or cold concrete.
#4: Sav-A-Vet.org
Proposal: Provide more housing to disabled veterans and law enforcement.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Lindenhurst, IL
Sav-A-Vet.org is a nonprofit organization that provides free housing to disabled veterans and law enforcement personnel in exchange for taking care of retired military working dogs that would otherwise be euthanized after service.
#5: One World Youth Project
Proposal: Expand to 3 U.S. Universities in 2010
Grant Amount: $50,000
Idea Location: Washington, D.C.
One World Youth Project facilitates high quality partnerships between schools for cultural exchange and collaborative service-learning toward the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. OWYP is preparing the next generation for a globally-integrated world.
Now you and I both have the opportunity to actually participate in philanthropy. The pepsirefreshproject provides $1.3 million each month in grants to individuals, organizations and corporations who submit their ideas for funding. By voting for your favorite ideas (up to 10 votes each day), you have a voice in which projects get funded. Is that awesome or what?
Currently, there are more than 1,000 submissions competing for your vote. If your time is limited and you want some ideas on what projects to support, I can help. (Of course! The point of the article! LOL). I spent about three hours reading, ranking and eliminating projects to come up with a top ten list. These projects will each get one vote per day from me. Perhaps you can find an idea to support among them. Following are the first five on my list. I will publish Part Two tomorrow. Click on each title to visit their proposal page.
#1: WaggleForce Job Clubs
Proposal: Get 10,000 people back to work.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: New York, NY
WaggleForce is led by Tory Johnson, CEO of Women for Hire, Workplace Contributor on ABC's Good Morning America, and New York Times best-selling author. She is joined in this grassroots effort by a team of experienced career club leaders, trainers and multimedia gurus dedicated to job search success.
#2: DonorsChoose.org
Proposal: Refresh libraries in public schools across America.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: New York, NY
DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Started in a Bronx high school, we improved public education by enabling every teacher to be a change-maker and any citizen to be a philanthropist. Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn.
#3: EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof)
Proposal: Distribute mobile homeless shelters.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Los Angeles, CA
EDAR is a nonprofit organization that provides mobile shelters to the homeless. Based on a cart design, the EDAR unit allows for storage and mobility during the day. At night, the EDAR unfolds into a one-person bed, providing shelter and an alternative to a cardboard box or cold concrete.
#4: Sav-A-Vet.org
Proposal: Provide more housing to disabled veterans and law enforcement.
Grant Amount: $250,000
Idea Location: Lindenhurst, IL
Sav-A-Vet.org is a nonprofit organization that provides free housing to disabled veterans and law enforcement personnel in exchange for taking care of retired military working dogs that would otherwise be euthanized after service.
#5: One World Youth Project
Proposal: Expand to 3 U.S. Universities in 2010
Grant Amount: $50,000
Idea Location: Washington, D.C.
One World Youth Project facilitates high quality partnerships between schools for cultural exchange and collaborative service-learning toward the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. OWYP is preparing the next generation for a globally-integrated world.
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