Judd's Blog

Countering Helath Reform Misinformation

2009-09-01T05:54:00.001-07:00

COUNTERING HEALTH REFORM MISINFORMATION

WHY HEALTH CARE REFORM WORKS FOR YOU

As the debate over health care reform continues, special interest groups
have begun spreading rumors and misinformation designed to make the
public doubt, or even fear, reform. Below are real facts about our
current system and proposed reforms.

Why Health Reform Works for You

-----------------------------
Our Current System - You currently have health insurance through your
employer, Medicare, Medicaid, VA, the military, or some other source.

Proposed Health Reform - You will be able to keep the health insurance
that you have.
-----------------------------

Our Current System - You may be, or may become, uninsured because: your
employer can change or end your health insurance coverage at any time;
you lose your job and are not eligible for or can't afford COBRA health
care continuation insurance; you do not have insurance through your work
place; you cannot afford private insurance or no private insurance
company will sell you a policy.

Proposed Health Reform - You will be able to purchase health insurance
through a Health Insurance Exchange: you will have a number of health
plans from which to choose; if you have limited income, you will receive
assistance with the cost of the premium.
-----------------------------

Our Current System - You have a pre-existing condition: health insurance
companies can refuse to sell you health insurance; If health insurance
companies sell you insurance, they may not cover services they decide
are related to the pre-existing condition.

Proposed Health Reform - You have a pre-existing condition: health
insurance plans will not be able to deny you insurance; health insurance
plans will not be able to deny coverage of claims based on pre-existing
conditions.
-----------------------------

Our Current System - Health insurance companies can charge you a higher
premium based on gender or health status.

Proposed Health Reform - Health insurance plans will NOT be able
to charge you higher premiums based on gender or health condition.
-----------------------------

Our Current System - Health insurance plans can charge exorbitant
out-of-pocket expenses: high deductibles; high co-pays; limits on how
much they will pay in a year and over a lifetime.

Proposed Health Reform - There will be limits on out-of-pocket costs: no
cost-sharing for preventive care; annual out-of-pocket caps; no annual
or lifetime limits on how much coverage your insurance will provide.
-----------------------------

Our Current System - Insurance premiums and health care costs are rising
rapidly.

Proposed Health Reform - Mechanisms will be in place to help contain
costs. A public health insurance option that competes with private
plans will keep costs low as it encourages innovation and efficiency in
health care. Other health system reforms, including a focus on
prevention and coordination of health care, will help reduce costs.
-----------------------------

Medicare IS Public Health Insurance

44 years ago Medicare was enacted into law. All of today's dire
warnings about a public health option - socialism and government barring
the doctor's door - were made in opposition to Medicare. Despite such
opposition from "conservative," leaders, Medicare passed because of some
courageous, principled law-makers.

Before Medicare, 50% of everyone 65 or older had NO health insurance.
Now, as a result of Medicare, almost all older people are insured.
Medicare, which is national, government-run health insurance, succeeded
in insuring older people where private insurance failed. Further, until
the Bush Administration privatized Medicare with huge subsidies to
private "Medicare Advantage" and Part D plans, Medicare was also
remarkably cost-effective. It's private Medicare, not the traditional,
public program, that's bleeding taxpayers of billions of dollars.

Medicare has been a success, fiscally and morally. It took on the job
of insuring health coverage and care to people that private insurance
had abandoned. Since 2003, on the other hand, private Medicare plans
have cost us all tens of billions of dollars that went to support the
private insurance industry, not to providing health care. In addition,
private Medicare plans have too often engaged in marketing abuses and
restrictive coverage practices.

As numerous studies have shown, people with Medicare love it. They do
not want government to fool around with the traditional program.
Ironically, some people with Medicare are arguing against a public
health care reform option ? while also telling the government "to keep
its hands-off their Medicare!" They, and their family members, (which
accounts for pretty much all of us), forget that the traditional
Medicare program is a public health insurance option.

Meet Medicare: Our 44 year-old public health insurance option that
provides care to all its enrollees everywhere in the country, and that
has provided health and economic security for millions of older people,
people with disabilities, and their families. For two generations, the
public Medicare program has shown what a true public insurance program
can offer: health insurance for the otherwise uninsured, at a price that
taxpayers can afford.

Now, for all generations, we need a public option in health reform!

For more information, contact executive director Judith Stein in the
Center for Medicare Advocacy's Connecticut office at (860) 456-7790.
______________________________________________

Learn from Medicare: Support real health reform; support a public plan!

That sums it up...

2009-08-25T06:07:00.001-07:00

AMAZING SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

1. IF YOU'RE CHOKING ON AN ICE CUBE, SIMPLY POUR A CUP OF BOILING WATER DOWN YOUR THROAT. PRESTO! THE BLOCKAGE WILL INSTANTLY REMOVE ITSELF.

2. AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.

3. AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK.

4. FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.

5. A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.

6. IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.

7. YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.

8. REMEMBER - EVERYONE SEEMS NORMAL UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THEM.

9. IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.

DAILY THOUGHT:
SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

'Trick r Treat' Blu-ray Detailed

2009-08-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

'Trick r Treat' Blu-ray Detailed: "Warner has released details for the horror film 'Trick r Treat,' which will begin ringing high-definition doorbells on October 6. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p/VC-1 (2.39:1) video, a Dolby Digital 5.1..."

Hoppípolla

2009-02-04T08:00:00.001-08:00

There's just something about this song...I can't explain it. It makes me feel so good. It's like the sun coming up. Or running through a field of flowers in the summer. I have no idea what they are saying in the song. I guess I could look up a translation. Regarless, its my new favorite thing!

Obituary

2008-11-25T05:14:00.000-08:00

SAD NEWS.......

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.

Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, and three children: John Dough, Jane Dough and Dosey Dough - plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

Some Tasty Recipes from our Department Potluck

2008-11-20T03:47:00.000-08:00

POTLUCK RECIPES – Nov. 2008

Appetizers

Spicy Bagel Dip – A. Hardesty

2 packs of cream cheese
2 cans of old English cheese
Dab of hot sauce
Blend
Tear apart bagel of choice

Meatballs – J. Jacobs

1 2 lb. bag of Italian style meatballs (I use the Kroger brand that you can find in the frozen section)
1 jar of chili sauce (found right next to the cocktail sauce at most stores)
1 can of sauerkraut
1 can of jellied cranberry sauce (with the whole berries)
Approx. ½ cup to ¾ cup of brown sugar (or more to taste)

Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook until hot. (I usually start mine on high until the cranberry sauce has reduced and the liquid starts to bubble – then turn to low and keep warm until ready to serve. As with most foods, the longer you let it slow cook, the more infused all the flavors become.)

Side Dishes/Entrees

African Sweet Potato, Garbanzo Bean and Spinach Stew – R. Estes

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 small sweet potatoes, diced into 1 inch squares
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground curry powder
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can garbanzo beans
3 cups vegetable broth
1 pound fresh spinach, washed and cut in strips salt and pepper to taste

Heat canola oil in large soup pot. Saute onion, ginger and garlic until fragrant and soft. Add sweet potatoes, cumin, curry, honey, Dijon mustard, tomatoes, garbanzo beans and stock. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Add spinach during last 3 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4.

White Chicken Chili Recipe – R. Marshall

1 packet of McCormick’s White Chicken Chili Season Mix
2 large cans of chicken OR 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 (15/16 oz) can of white beans
1 (15 oz) can of chicken broth OR 1 cup of water
Shredded cheese (optional for topping)

Mix everything but cheese in a crock pot, set on low for a few hours. Enjoy!

Broccoli Salad - B. Toth
6 stalks of broccoli
1/2 large red onion, chopped
A large handful of craisins (dried cranberries)
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks
1.5 cup mayonnaise (use light or olive oil mayo)
3-4 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
A handful of sunflower seeds/kernels, which were salted
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste, but you should be able to see black pepper flakes in the dressing)
Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the onion, craisins, sunflower seeds, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and mix well. Add halved tomatoes and gently toss. It is better to not add tomatoes early on, or they will get smashed while adding the dressing.
Ro-Tel Chicken Casserole – D. Moreno
8 Chicken Breasts
2 Green peppers, diced
2 onions, diced
1-16 oz can peas (or frozen)
12 oz Vermicelli (pasta)
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes, diced
2lbs Velveeta, cubed
2 tblsp. Worcestershire sauce
Salt & Pepper to taste

Boil chicken in 2 qts water. Sauté green peppers and onions. Cook Vermicelli in broth from chicken. Dice chicken. Drain Vermicelli. Mix all ingredients. Pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Heirloom tomato salad – C. Leslie

4 Heirloom tomatoes (Any good tomato is okay, cherry, roma’s, what ev. Hothouse tomato’s are not recommended) – cut into whatever bite size chunks you like.
I big onion sliced into crescent shapes
1 big or 2 small cucumbers cut into bite size pieces. I like to leave the peel on and the seeds in
3-4 oz feta cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
Big handful of fresh Basil, cut the leaves into little tiny thin strips.
Put it all into a big bowl
Add ½ cup olive oil
¼ cup of balsamic or red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons of salt
2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
Toss lightly and stick it in the refrigerator for about an hour
Toss the salad again right before serving

The ingredients for this recipe are very forgiving. You can add a little here or there where ever you like. I never make it the same way twice.

Desserts

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge – S. Jordan

1 stick butter (do not substitute)
2¼ cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 cup whole milk (do not substitute)
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3½ cups powdered sugar

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk.
2. Turn up heat and bring to a full rolling boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Remove pan from heat. Quickly stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract.
4. Pour hot mixture over powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl.
5. Beat well with an electric mixer until smooth. (NOTE: Be sure to work quickly while mixture is still hot as it thickens significantly as it cools.)
6. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish. Smooth out and pat surface down lightly.
7. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours or until firm and completely cool. Cut into squares.

Nancy’s Ice Cream Pie – N. Richardson
(Really, this is what it was called—I got it out of a church cook book)

24 Oreos, crushed
4 squares semi-sweet chocolate
½ cup butter
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
¾ cup chopped nuts
½ gallon ice cream (your choice—mint chocolate chip is good)

Place crushed Oreos in 9 x 13 inch pan (save 1/3 cup for topping). Melt chocolate and butter. Add eggs. Cook and stir until thick. Mix in confectioners’ sugar and nuts. Pour over cookies and chill. Soften ice cream. Spread over chocolate. Sprinkle reserved cookie crumbs on top and freeze. Enjoy!

A Letter To The Red States

2008-10-30T05:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Red States:
We've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us. In case you aren't aware, that includes California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and all the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly: You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and the best beaches. We get the Statue of Liberty. You get Dollywood. We get Intel, Microsoft, and Apple. You get WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85 percent of America's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama. We get two-thirds of the tax revenue. You get to make the red states pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America's quality wines (you can serve French wines at state dinners), 90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools plus Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT. With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100 percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson and the University of Georgia. We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you.

Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty or gun laws, 44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11 and 61 percent of you believe you are people with higher morals then we lefties.

Finally, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico.

Peace out,
Blue States

Whatchamacallit - Hersheys Chocolate Bar | Commercial

2008-10-29T10:27:00.001-07:00

Anybody remember this commerical? I used to LOVE it and I still love the song. Too bad I've never had one before.

Colin Powell - My New Hero

2008-10-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State and 4-Star General, today announced his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for the President of the United States. His comments could not have been more eloquent. Please watch the video...

Twilight Preview

2008-10-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait to see this movie. Bill got me hooked on it so now I'm listening to the book on tape. It looks AWESOME!

Simplified........

2008-10-10T08:22:00.001-07:00

Funny Cartoon

2008-10-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

The Kitchen Sink

2008-10-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

You know, I've never really been one to say that I "hate" or very strongly "dislike" members of the Republican party but after hearing some of these things that have been said at some of the recent McCain/Palin rallys - I honestly don't know what to think anymore. I could not imagine in my wildest dreams hearing someone yell out "kill him" regarding John McCain at a Barak Obama rally. I just can't. And the fact that someone truly did say that during a Sarah Palin rally scares the hell out of me. See for yourself...

SNL Mocks the Biden/Palin Debate

2008-10-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Halloween Is Going to Suck This Year!

2008-10-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

You know this is how you feel...

2008-10-01T05:23:00.001-07:00

You can't honestly tell me you heard this response that Sarah Palin gave Katie Couric and didn't feel exactly the same way!

Real Time with Bill Maher

2008-09-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

Please do us all a favor and watch the ENTIRE clip. It's worth it!

Silly Republicans. When will you learn?

2008-09-08T18:16:00.001-07:00

Shoes!!!

2008-09-08T05:02:00.001-07:00

MIA

2008-08-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

I know I've been slacking at updating my Blog. Sorry about that. I'm still trying to figure out how to get all the different website and social networking sites intertwined so that you can see all that I have from any link of mine. It's so hard to keep on top of it all. Where's my drink...

The Never Ending Story , Limahl

2008-08-15T19:33:00.001-07:00

Remember this???

Jason mraz- I'm yours acoustic

2008-08-15T18:16:00.001-07:00

More than just a juggler

2008-08-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

So, I came across this juggler while checking out the news at ABC.com today and decided to try to find him on YouTube. I did, and below is the video the news site referenced to the music of Fatboy Slim. It's pretty amazing. Apparently, he's considered the greatest juggler in the world - and he's only 20! Please, he ain't to hard on the eys, if you know what I'm sayin'...

Paris for Prez!

2008-08-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

LOVES IT!

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Adfunny videosFunnyOrDie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Something else to make me happy...

2008-07-24T07:01:00.001-07:00

I found this video while searching for the Jason Mraz video from the previous post. It makes me so happy to watch! Check it out...
Jump-ish from andre 3000 on Vimeo.

Jason Mraz - my new obsession.

2008-07-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

I have recently been just a tad obsessed with Jason Mraz. This video for "I'm Yours" is so fun!

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours from Twisted-Twiddler on Vimeo.

My First Podcast!

2008-07-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I've updated the blog. Hopefully this will work. I've created my first "podcast." I use the quotes because I haven't actually "published" in iTunes but I am thinking about it. Try it out. I hope it works.

'Til Next Time,
Judd

[Click the play button just below here (it's the little gray triangular button).]

Where the Hell is Matt?

2008-07-02T11:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Emily shared this video link with a bunch of us at work. I have no idea how she found out about it. Apparently, Stride Gum (according to Chad) paid for everything so that this guy could make this video. I'm so jealous. They could have at least used a guy who was HOT!
Enjoy!

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Funny YouTube Video

2008-06-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

This video was sent to me today at work from a friend of mine named Caroline. We have fun political discussions all the time. Take a look - it's pretty funny.

Welcome to my Blog

2008-06-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

My first blog post ever. It's very exciting - the idea of finally getting to share what's going on in my life with family and friends. I've never done anything of this sort before and I'm bursting at the seams to start posting updates to keep you all current on both mine and Jason's goings-on. I have an online account with Flickr - to which I will be posting most of my photos. If you click "View My Complete Profile" and then the "My Web Page" link, it'll take you directly to my photo-stream. I have also added my photostream as a link to the right under "My Favorite Blogs." Of course, I'll also try my best to add a few pics here too.

For those of you who are a little more tech savvy, please add my my blog and Flikr URLs to your RSS feed readers so that you can get immediate updates any time I create a new post on either site.

Until I get a little more accustomed to how I would prefer the overall feel of this page, it'll probably be a little bland. I've added a few of my favorite blogs in the right hand column and will add more as I find them. But I promise to try to make it worth your while to check out what's going on in my little family's life.

'til the next post,

Judd