Disqus - Friends of Gingerken

Re: Democrats, Heads UP! The GOP is riding the Twitter train outa town

WebPixie — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:43:05 -0000

As usual, you've made your point very clearly. If only someone in the Democratic Party was listening. Well, maybe they are and not responding which is even worse. It must be behavior like having thousands of twitter-followers while following no one that further contributes to the idea of the Democratic Party being elitist, aloof, and arrogant. It saddens me that some of the loudest Democratic voices (but certainly not yours) are some of the least coherent.

Keep up the good fight, Karoli!

Re: No Offshore Drilling

WebPixie — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:08:44 -0000

My representative doesn't listen to his constituents, only to their money and that of generous lobbyists.

Re: John Edwards: All I have to say

WebPixie — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 01:37:58 -0000

It IS frustrating to have this "scandal" distract us fro the real immorality in government today, just as you have described it here. The atrocities committed in the name of the U.S. in recent years violate everything we've believed to define us as people.

So why is this such a topic right now? It makes me wonder what a Bill Clinton, or one of his political operatives, would do if he was denied a spot to speak at the Democratic Convention in favor of John Edwards.

There certainly ARE greater evils more deserving of our attention, as you say. Perhaps we can only hope they will get the attention they deserve and the days of politics as usual will soon be behind us.

Re: Dear lead-footed, testosterone-drunk SUV Driver

WebPixie — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:32:46 -0000

I wonder where police-type radar guns are sold:
http://www.insurancejournal...

St. Joseph MO is about 60 miles north of Kansas City

Re: Intersections: Twitter, Track, and CNN

WebPixie — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:00:25 -0000

Three letters: DVR

Re: Intersections: Twitter, Track, and CNN

WebPixie — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:02:17 -0000

Three letters: DVR

Re: The needle and the damage done…

WebPixie — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:57:44 -0000

Maybe I am a bit uninformed, or maybe misinformed. I thought the Congressional moratorium on drilling was something that stays there until Congress repeals it. I didn't think it was something they had to put into the budget each year. How can a moratorium be a budget item? It doesn't seem to be the kind of thing the government would have to provide funds for. Help?

Re: The needle and the damage done…

WebPixie — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:46:24 -0000

So does this mean that the moratorium WILL be lifted UNLESS a resolution is attached to the budget that calls for what amounts to a NEW moratorium?

Thanks. Your ability to direct readers to credible references is much appreciated. If it isn't by some, it should be. Keep up the great work!

Re: A Proper Obituary For My Father

WebPixie — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00:19 -0000

Prayers for your dad, Karoli, of thanks for the gifts he left to us, we who are still living on this earth.

Re: Tough times. Tough decisions.

WebPixie — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:29:49 -0000

Absolutely agree with you, Francine! She's a lady who knows what she's talking about, Loic. Your service is fabulous. Trolls are never satisfied. The BEST they can do for you is just give you a splitting headache. Rock on! You will be able to hire all your people back, plus more, probably much sooner than you think.

Re: Paging Chicken Little - The Sky Isn’t Falling

WebPixie — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:59:59 -0000

From one Pollyanna to another: It's not easy to see the downside, even when things are horribly tough and stressful. It seems that fear and worry only makes things worse because, ultimately, things always get better - somehow. We've seen some bad times and, most likely, there will always be more ahead. It helps to find ways to adapt and not expect things to always be the same through life.

Gee, why am I feeling so philosophical tonight? Hang in there, everybody ...As hardaway says, don't ignore realities but look for the good things around the corner.

Re: About

WebPixie — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:35:05 -0000

I've been trying to get Calliflower call set up since yesterday. I apparently need your email address for it to work. (At least I hope it will work.)

I hope you can join us! It will be called "Just One Conversation," assuming I get it to work.

Thanks,
WebPixie

Re: Music of Politics: The Birth of Cool

WebPixie — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:15:39 -0000

If only everyone who enjoys modal jazz could also embrace pragmatism in politics and economics.

It saddens me that some eloquent commenters on progressive blogs about economics may never see the correlation between their evolving tastes in music and the evolving nature of our economy. History may repeat itself in similarities but not necessarily in specifcs.

How sad it is that well-meaning, intelligent people who would truly enjoy this article and the accompanying music, may never see how they are part helping change progress or dragging it backwards. it IS an either/or proposition this time. This time, a protest vote just won't do.

Re: Appeal for NRBQ’s Steve Ferguson

WebPixie — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:42:38 -0000

"Steve Ferguson was the original guitar player with NRBQ (yup, before Big Al Anderson), was involved in Johnnie Johnson’s great album Johnnie B. Bad and has made great music for many years…"

And hence, Chuck Berry's legendary "Johnny B. Goode" (sp?) was launched literally into deep space. I'm sure it is no news to your readers that Johnny Johnson was the musician/songwriter/lyricist behind Chuck Berry's showmanship.

I would love to be able to contribute in a monetary way, Aron. I'm saddened by the fact that all I really do have of any value to offer his family, is information about how chemo and radiation may not mean "the end" and possible routes he and his family might be able to try to ameliorate the potential financial devastation. I don't claim to be an expert, by any means, but I can help answer their questions, help them ask questions, and guide them, hopefully, to some underutilized financial resources.

Please pass my contact info onto the Ferguson family, Aron. I would be happy to help in whatever way I can.
Thanks.

Re: Appeal for NRBQ’s Steve Ferguson

WebPixie — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:55:18 -0000

Another idea is this, Aron. The American Cancer Society, if it works the same way that its Children's counterpart does, coordiates donations from private donors to patients and families dealing with the challenges associated with battling cancer. Please encourage Steve's family to contact the American Cancer Society. That's why they exist. It's not only an agency that funds cancer research. It's also an agency that helps to fill in some of the gaps in the U.S, health care system.

Re: Batter my heart, three-person’d God

WebPixie — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:22:25 -0000

The same way as it is with any worthy art form, this segment from Dr. Atomic can be appreciated on many levels. The intent of the author is one, interpretations by the artists constitute another. The message of the director and treatment by the producers tie all of it together.

One's personal circumstances, and the circumstance of today's world - each is represented here and expressed in a way that seems to apply to only the one level of the viewer or listener. Production and direction make that possible, equal in every regard to the contribution of the artists, authors, and audience, the supporting staff, supervisors, and customers.

This piece serves almost as a prayerful way to begin one's day - with thanks, love, compassion in tragedy, and hope for rebirth and regeneration, followed by humbled thanks for love that permeates our world.

Thanks , Cliff. May the new week and the days to come be the start of something new and wonderful.

Re: I’m a Winner!

WebPixie — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:45:22 -0000

Congratulations!

Re: Health 2.0 Empowers You

WebPixie — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:59:55 -0000

The Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans are excellent. The monthly premiums are affordable because there are dozens and dozens of plans and insurance companies to choose from. The insurance companies COMPETE for your business.

There are various levels of coverage to choose from, so you can choose the plan that best suits your needs: Low deductibles for things like ER visits and low co-pays for everything else. Also, there are no waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. Integrative health (acupuncture, etc.) is covered by some plans.

I could go on and on, but the bottom line is that it's precisely the plan that Obama recommended (promised?) during the campaign. Let's hope he can make it happen!

Better yet...
Let's get together to HELP the new Administration and Congress MAKE it happen!

Re: Health 2.0 Empowers You

WebPixie — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 05:22:40 -0000

You are so right, Sue! What we all need is the kind of health insurance available to Federal Employees. Better yet, the kind that members of Congress have available to them and their families.

Re: Raised By Word-Eaters

WebPixie — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:44:26 -0000

Comtemplating what you write, Cliff, always elicits so many engaging ideas. From what I read of comments from other people, my comment here is nothing new. It just adds to and amplifies so many other voices. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the rest of us.

Re: The Fierce Urgency of Now Starts…NOW

WebPixie — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:04:52 -0000

The Federal Employees Health Care Benefits plans have no exclusions or waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. The TOTAL cost for a family of any size is $1027.95/month, of which the employee pays $356.59. The family deductible is $250/year. Co-pays are $20/visit, and not counted toward the deductible. The deductible only applies to ER visits, experimental treatments, etc. Acupuncture is covered at 60% if done with an out-of-network provider or 80% if your acupuncturist doesn't mind filling out the government paperwork.

That's one of the more expensive plans.

Sounds a little better than $1300/month, maybe. I heard Obama propose it last year. I heard a Republican Senator from my state propose it maybe 10 years ago. Karoli, I believe you have more experience than most when it comes to understanding how insurance works. Maybe you can shed some light on why this type of insurance isn't available to the rest of us?

Re: Bankruptcy Relief May Be On the Horizon

WebPixie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:59:22 -0000

This is indeed promising news, depending on when and how it's implemented. If I'm not mistaken, though, I think bankruptcy laws vary to some extent from state to state.

It would help more people in the US become productive, once again, after a long illness or disability. That can only be a GOOD thing for the overall economy. It sometimes takes awhile but, sooner or later, people unable to work find themselves buried in the debt that builds faster and faster through the miracle of compound interest.

Great for those who hold the debt!

Devasting for the person who owes it while trying to get back on their feet following an unexpected health crisis. It's all the worse when the health crisis involves a long time for recovery.

I, as I expect many others, will be watching this space for news on THIS topic!

Re: Beware the Predator

WebPixie — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:34:42 -0000

Gorgeous bird!

Re: mastering the 20 minute mile

WebPixie — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 02:03:21 -0000

Your friends and followers are glad you write about your recovery here, speaking at least for this one. Sorry the JOMC/Calliflower email got so out of control Sunday. For some it was Calliflower email that caused problems. For others it was my attempts to keep ppl informed. Thankfully, Calliflower has a pretty great PM that's really helping us with the Ajax glitches and I'm trying to get a handle on my own hyperness with keeping folks informed via email.

You were (silently) missed when we got to the music discussion of the 'cast, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who hopes you will decide to join us at some later date. You're always welcome and I believe you know where to find me if you ever decide that you do want a JOMC invite (assuming the show continues beyond next week, that is).

Whether you ever decide to join the JOMC conversation or not, I'll still be looking in on you here at Bitterman Circle. Yours is one podcast hubby-o-mine has ever taken an interest in listening to ...even beyond that! He's asked to hear more of them. That's SAYING something. I believe you have a few more here that will keep him happy enough. My guess is that when he asks and I expect to find none, you will have posted a new one.

Hope the sun is smiling on you when you get this!

Re: Dear Eldest

WebPixie — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 02:15:11 -0000

Karoli, I regret not seeing this post until now. What a day you must've had! I realize it's no consolation to hear that your experience this morning has been shared by almost every family or friend in this nation (if not the world). I know I will never understand why it happens. All I know is that it does and that trying to understand why is really no help to the innocent family member (you) or the person playing the role of victim (your eldest).

I'm not so sure that you're being fair to yourself to say that you made a choice to look the other way. Sometimes trained, objective professionals can be fooled. How could someone with the emotional ties a mother has be expected to be so detached as to make that sort of deliberate choice! You can't.

It's great that he has a loving girlfriend ...maybe. I hope she has the number for the local VA. If there's one area where the VA has a long history of knowledge and experience, it's understanding the complexities of a former soldier's relationship with alcohol and how it affects their loved ones. While the VA may not be adequately funded to have enough staff to meet this mission for every Vet (thank you Mr. Rumsfeld), there are many organizations of Veterans who volunteer to fill that gap.

Richard and I have both seen how they work their magic. It's subtle, very subtle, and all it takes is a phone call - but let her make the call if he doesn't. You've already laid a solid foundation for him. His fellow Vets can help him build a good, strong floor. Please, do call me if there's anything I can do to help.