Monthly Archives: August 2010

(Community Matters) I don’t often unfriend Facebook friends, but I have two in the last 2 days – people who promote hate against Muslims and those who participate in the birther movement.

I enjoy spirited conversations, often with people much more conservative than I am. However, I will not indulge folks: 1) intentionally stoking fires of hatred or …2) deliberately ignoring facts in order to promote fear

for the record, almost all my friends I know; the other 10% we share so many mutual friends, I assume we’ve met.  And a few, I’ve wanted to follow

(Community Matters) You gotta love Alexandar Skarsgard

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(Community Matters) no idea whether Georgia researchers preliminary findings are correct. Nevertheless, the days when we assumed chemicals were disposed of adequately just because they were sent down the drain or into the river, should be behind us.  I’d love to learn the chemical dispersants worked and the deep horizon well spill isn’t even more a problem than we’re currently aware. But, let’s research, understand what’s where and deal with it now.

(Community Matters)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) from HRC Pres Joe Solmonese: “if that [corp contribution to anti-LGBT candidates] was a slap in the face, Target has now delivered a punch in the gut. With your signatures in hand, HRC has been talking directly with Target for two weeks. In a shocking development, Target just told us that they won’t be takign ANY cor…rective action to repair the harm they’ve caused.”

Huffpost story

Hat Tip: Stud Muffin

(Community Matters) I was speaking with a friend a few days ago who mentioned their insurance didn’t cover many of their children’s medical expenses.  I asked why and they weren’t sure.  They’d simply paid the charges assessed them.

The conversation was timely as just the day or so prior, I’d received a bill from my physician’s office notifying me that my insurance had declined $233.03 in charges, ie., notifying me I owed them.  First, I’d been there before – no way I was going to not appeal Blue Cross, Blue Shield’s decision. Yes, it takes time, yes it pisses me off but I’ve never not been successful in having a charge eventually covered – though some lab last year wouldn’t resubmit for reimbursement & I refused to pay out of pocket.  Anyhow, I did get the last round of charges fixed. My physician’s office did cooperate with me and refiled.

I was pleased to note that my doctor’s office did not try billing me for more than what my insurance would allow.

(Community Matters) An example of why I support him.  From Mike Allen’s Politico Playbook:

A top official tells us the White House knew the polls were decisively against the mosque: “We had no illusions about this. He didn’t take this on as a political strategy. He took it on because it was a matter of fundamental principle. One of the reasons we work for him is that he doesn’t sit there with a political calculator on these big, tough issues that come along. There was never any hesitation about the decision, and he has absolutely no regrets about it. He understands the emotions swirling around it and the horrific events that occurred there. But he doesn’t believe shifting from our moorings as a country on questions like religious freedom — treating one faith differently than another — is the right answer. It would be a betrayal of who we are.”

(Community Matters) And we launch our morning

(Community Matters) Topher Brilee produced an arts extravaganza benefitting The Hope Farmers Market (every Sunday in East Austin)

Featured music, art, food & drink at the former Big Red Sun retail site on Cesar Chavez

Topher Brilee aka Brian Ruiz & Chris Chaney

Steven, Eli & Paulina

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(Community Matters) Turned in my opinion piece and pics for publication in the Austin American Statesman next weekend. Appreciate the opportunity to speak out about what saw and what conclusions drawn

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(Community Matters) It’s not that he wasn’t once a great man. And, there’s very few examples where absolute power hasn’t corrupted absolutely. If Ds don’t expel Charlie Rangel, they’ll lose a great deal of credibility

photo from Politico