Losing John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Today, once again, I find myself jerked back into time. There is a lump in my throat as I remember that day in Dallas.

If you were alive fifty years ago, where were you when you learned that Pres. John Kennedy had been shot? 

I was at school, talking to my college counselor, a woman who was normally very composed. The news came over a small radio in her office that was playing softly. We were both stunned. I remember that I was standing and don't know what I said. My attention was focused on the professor who tipped back her chair, tears running down her face. 

John Kennedy's death was very personal. We cared about him, we adored his wife and we loved his children. Little John saluting at his father's grave broke our hearts.

An incredible window into the past -- Yousuf Karsh and his Photos

Tonight I stumbled across a YouTube of Estrellita Karsh, widow of the famous photographer, Yousuf Karsh. It has been at least forty years since I met them. It is a shock to be jerked back in time and remember an old friend.

As a feature writer for the Honolulu Star Bulletin in the seventies, my editor gave me an assignment. Peggy Bendet told me I was to interview Estrellita. A Hungarian, male reporter was to interview her husband.

Well, Estrellita and I hit it off. I thoroughly enjoyed her company and invited her and her husband to dinner at my house. She thought it was very funny that I was warming up Chinese take out in my stove when they arrived. I'm sure they were used to fancier fare. In any case, I had gone to the best Chinese restaurant in Honolulu and there is good reason to believe that it was better than anything I could have prepared.

From then on, whenever the Karshes were in town, they would call me and I'd have them to dinner. I remember Yousef telling us about  his famous photo of Winston Churchill -- how he snatched Churchill's cigar out of his mouth and got the famous grimace. There were endless stories. If only I could remember more of them.

It felt as if Estrellita was talking to me on her YouTube video tonight. She met Josef Albers and fell in love with one of his paintings...and with him. The result was that the artist gave it to her. Oddly enough, I am from Connecticut and I used to visit the Yale Art Museum very frequently. The Albers paintings happened to be my favorites.

I can still picture the wall in the front gallery close to Chapel Street where his paintings were lined up -- squares within squares that fascinated me. As they did to many others -- including Estrellita.

President Obama, Please don't be so nice!

Yesterday I had a conversation with my brother who lives in Hawaii. He hit the nail on the head. Pres. Obama is still the nice boy from the Islands who is polite to everyone.

It sickens me that he is being so very polite to insurance companies who could give a crap about whether someone lives or dies -- as long as they make their profits, CEOs get their huge bonuses and life in their corner is good. The long-standing modus operandi of only insuring people who would most likely never use their insurance and putting loopholes in fine print that would avoid all kinds of coverage is going to get an extension. How nice! How very, very nice!

I wish our president would stand up and tell it like it is -- Republicans blocked  universal coverage which would have avoided all this nonsense and made the system work. That's the way it is in every other first world country. Just by coincidence (???) their healthcare is far cheaper and superior to ours. Our mortality rates are much much worse. So, hang onto your insurance policies, vote for the Republicans who are protecting their sponsors and everything will go smoothly, right?

Pres. Obama, if you ever get wind of this -- my only complaint is that you are far too nice and far too polite. Taking the blame? Taking the blame for what? None of the the difficulty in getting the Affordable Healthcare Act in gear is your fault.

I would love to see you be RUDE to the people who deserve it.

Thank you.

The Justice System in the United States today has become a source of serious shame.

This is an email that just arrived in my inbox. I am posting it here in the hope that it will reach those who might not see it otherwise. It is beyond my comprehension that this is permitted in our country. People go to jail for much less.

• Clarence Thomas' unethical fundraiser‏

Rep. Louise Slaughter via CREDO Mobilize (act@credoaction.com)

The email below is from Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, a true progressive who has been a leading ethics advocate in the halls of Congress. Representative Slaughter started a petition on CREDO Mobilize, where activists can launch their own campaigns for progressive change. We strongly urge you to sign Representative Slaughter's petition to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to hold Justice Clarence Thomas accountable for defying the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges, and then share it with your friends and family.

Tell Chief Justice Roberts: Hold Justice Thomas accountable for defying the Code of Conduct for United States Judges.

Last night, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas headlined a fundraiser for the Federalist Society - a conservative think tank that is connected to the most powerful conservatives in Washington. By helping to raise funds for the Federalist Society, Justice Thomas is in clear violation of Canon 4C of the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges, which bars federal judges from using the prestige of their judicial office for fundraising purposes and specifically states that “a judge may not be a speaker, a guest of honor, or featured on the program” of a fundraising event. While the Supreme Court has exempted itself from the code, Chief Justice Roberts has said that the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges "plays the same role" for the Supreme Court as it does for other federal judges. That's why today I'm launching a campaign calling on Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts to hold Justice Thomas accountable: We respectfully urge you to issue a letter of reprimand for Justice Thomas and to publish an official court policy on the ethics issue concerning Justice Thomas' decision to agree to headline a political fundraising dinner. To increase transparency and accountability in the activities of the Supreme Court justices, we also urge the Supreme Court to adopt its own code of conduct that includes the five canons of the Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges. Tell Chief Justice Roberts: Hold Justice Thomas accountable for defying the Code Conduct for United States Judges. In recent years, some members of the Supreme Court have repeatedly engaged in ethically dubious conduct that endangers the neutrality and transparency of the court. In 2012, Justice Antonin Scalia accepted an all-expenses-paid trip to meet with the shadowy conservative group Friends of Abe, which has been described as “the most important source of underground political activism in Hollywood today.” Previously, Justices Scalia and Thomas have attended exclusive meetings organized by conservative billionaires Charles and David Koch, longtime financial supporters of conservative political causes. Finally, between 1997 and 2007, Justice Thomas repeatedly failed to disclose at least $1.6 million in income received by his wife from her employers - including some employers that have petitioned the Supreme Court. The binding Code of Conduct for U.S. Judges currently applies to all United States judges except the nine members of the Supreme Court. This code provides a clear explanation of proper judicial behavior and is used to ensure that judges are held accountable for any unethical action. For example, in 2009 the Code of Conduct was used to force the recusal of Judge Loren Smith from a case involving big oil companies after it was discovered that his wife owned shares of stock in one of the oil companies involved in the case. It is vital that Justice Thomas be held accountable for defying the Code of Conduct, and that Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts formally applies the Code of Conduct to the Supreme Court today. Together with the legal advocacy groups Alliance for Justice and Common Cause, I have sent a letter of complaint about Justice Thomas’ conduct to Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Trust in our courts is important - their decisions have the potential to affect every American, and for their rulings to be taken seriously, the American people must trust in the transparency and neutrality of our courts. Will you join me and add your name to my petition to Chief Justice Roberts urging him to hold Justice Thomas accountable? Thank you for your support. Representative Louise Slaughter

Stop Apologizing for a Good Deed!

I'm tired of hearing news people making it sound as if there is a need to APOLOGIZE for the affordable care act. People! We're finally going to get a fair shake in the insurance market. If you're sick and you need medical attention, they are making it possible for you to live! Wake up, America. Sure, it's a major, cumbersome ordeal to put it in place -- but that's just a temporary situation. If our Legislature, Insurance Commissioner and insincere Governor here in Georgia would only work to make it easier, we might be able to cure the sick. 

Why do I hate some people who really don't care about others? Personally, I think the Insurance Commissioner should be thrown out of office for not doing his job -- along with his buddies who are equally irresponsible.

Elizabeth Warren, Are You Listening?

I opened my mail today and was dumbfounded -- absolutely dumbfounded. Capital One Credit Card company found a way to charge me interest on a bill that had been paid in full!

Well, folks, I have canceled my Capital One Credit Card. It had been transferred over from another company and I had held onto the card as a safety net -- a just-in-case kind of thing. Then, I made the mistake of using it.

Today, they shuffled me off to three different people to justify charging interest on my account AFTER I had paid the balance in full BEFORE the due date. Some very clever footwork.  But I DON'T want to do business with them ever again! I'm writing this just to warn the innocents among you.

They have perfected the art of charging fees and interest with tactics that go beyond obscenity. I've noticed that they are advertising themselves as mortgage lenders. Buyer beware. Should you be tempted -- read all the fine print and then ask questions. And don't sign anything until you get a second opinion.

Sticker Shock -- and now it's about buying the news!

     The cost of news these days! I was shocked this week. As I made an effort to subscribe to a number of major newspapers online, I was amazed at how much it costs...on a par with getting health insurance, my friends. 

     There is, perhaps, a reason that our public is so ill-informed. Is it partly because they can't afford it?

     I know news outlets need to bring in money to keep their operations going -- but are they defeating themselves and hurting our society in the process? It appears that even getting news is a luxury. Okay, Fox
News is free on television. So are the stations that give you the murder of the day, a few car crashes
and very brief tag lines about what's happening at home and abroad. Is that the news? Hardly. Not
an intelligent run-down in any case. No time and with an ear to what their audience wants to hear the
news is "tailored." 

     Sad. Terribly sad for generations growing up without the information they need to function in an intelligent fashion.

Obamacare is NOT the problem

We're just so used to corporations manipulating congress and taking advantage of the consumer. It's not even being mentioned.

Obamacare is not the problem. Remember when democrats tried to get universal coverage and the insurance companies successfully lobbied that idea into extinction? Well, here we are. 

Thanks to corporate power over our congress, they have the power to cancel people's policies when they please. And the policies in the marketplace -- you guessed it -- prices manipulated by the same folks. It doesn't happen in Canada, doesn't happen in France, doesn't happen in Japan...on and on and on. 

Aren't we fortunate to have a "democracy"?? People are complaining about the computer system. That's a minor issue. It will get solved. This is bigger and it isn't going to go away.

I'm a bit disappointed by my friends in the press -- I consider them friends because they are on our side. They don't seem to be accenting the right syl-la'-ble. Old joke, but I think it fits.

Reforming Our Justice System Now!!

I just got this email and I'd like to share it with everyone who has any kind of concience. It's a cause that we should all be sure to support. Our injustice system can strike any of us and/or anyone one we love:

	Dear Loretta --   Every week, I usually get to make at least one trip from FAMM's office in downtown Washington, D.C. up to the U.S. Capitol building, which we locals call "the Hill" (Why? Because the Capitol building really is on top of a hill!).   When I'm there, I meet with lawmakers and their staff members to talk about sentencing reform. Usually, I do these treks alone. But recently, I got to see this experience from the eyes of a bona fide Washington "outsider" -- Lisa Angelos, from Sandy, Utah. For this Washington "insider," it was an inspiring reminder of why I do this work.   It also reminded me that the real sentencing reform champions are you, our FAMM supporters.   Lisa is the sister of Weldon Angelos, who is serving 55 years without parole in federal prison for nonviolent marijuana sale and gun possession offenses. You can read about their story in this great piece from The Crime Report.   Lisa came to D.C. to meet with the staffs of Utah Senators Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee, and we were fortunate to get a face-to-face meeting with her congressman, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (pictured with Lisa above). Our job: to urge them to support and pass mandatory minimum sentencing reforms.   Lisa and I spent two days on "the Hill" together. Lisa was a champ through it all, excited to be there and yet also calm and collected. She did a wonderful job explaining her brother's case and why the Justice Safety Valve Act would spare other families from going through a similar nightmare. Those we met with listened closely and truly appreciated that she came.    Between meetings, we stopped for coffee in the Senate's coffee shop, and I learned more about Lisa and her family. We had a quick lunch one day at the Senate's cafeteria (Lisa had tacos; I went for the mac n' cheese), surrounded by legions of hungry, chatty, and busy congressional staffers. There's nothing superhuman about the people who work in Congress and make the decisions that affect us: they need their caffeine and sugar fixes just like the rest of us do.   Some of Lisa's comments about our meetings have really stuck with me. Our walks down long hallways of congressional offices reminded her that Congress has 535 members. To win sentencing reform, we've got to get at least 278 of them to vote our way.   Lisa noticed that members of Congress had a lot of people waiting in their lobbies (this is where the term "lobbyist" comes from!) to talk with them about a wide variety of issues and bills -- it's never "all sentencing, all the time" for a congressional staffer, like it is for us here at FAMM. We have to work hard to make our work stand out. And Lisa was particularly struck by how often we were asked what other members of Congress thought about mandatory minimum sentencing reform. In Congress, it's never enough to convince one representative or one senator. For better or worse, it's a team game, and we need as many people on our side as we can get.   That's where you come in. And your families. And your friends. And your churches and synagogues and mosques. And, while we're at it, your book clubs and co-workers and Facebook friends and Twitter followers. You can call, write to, and email your lawmakers and ask them to support mandatory minimum sentencing reforms like the Justice Safety Valve Act. Like Lisa, you can meet with your lawmakers and their staff members, right in their offices in your home state. You don't need to get on a plane to be an advocate with Congress. Still feeling tongue-tied about meeting with a congressional staff member? Start by educating others about the need for a better justice system.   My trip up to the Hill with Lisa reminded me why I do this work: someday, I don't want there to be any more Lisas or Weldons in this country. And I know that's true for the entire FAMM staff.   But I'm just one person, and I'm nowhere near as memorable or persuasive as Lisa Angelos is -- or as you are. I'm going to keep going up to the Hill and meeting with anyone and everyone in Congress who will meet with me. But I need some help.   For those of you who are already helping, thank you. For those who haven't made contact with Congress, please do!   Molly   Molly Gill Government Affairs Counsel, FAMM

Obamacare -- No Problem Really

Folks, I don't know why there is so much fuss and bother about the glitches on the official website for healthcare. Listen -- and listen good -- No matter when you sign up, it does NOT go into effect until Jan. 1, 2014. There is time for the IT people to get their act together. Get a hobby, watch a tv show, clean your house, pet your dog or cat, pet someone else's dog or cat -- give it a rest. It is going to be OKAY!

Should the worst happen -- should the gurus find it impossible to get the huge project together in time, it is a guaranteed, for sure thing -- they will extend the deadline. Take a deep breath, relax! We have healthcare in our country -- finally!!!

It's a good thing and we should all celebrate.

A Chance to Hear Andre Paraguassu and His Band, Book of Colors!!

     Andre and his band will be appearing in Roswell at Muse & Co., playing for an art opening. Greatest deal in the world: You can hear Andre sing his original songs -- no admission charge -- and there will be great art, free French cheese tasting and free French wine. Of course, there is also art that you might just have to take home with you.

"Un Petit Morceau De France" Join Muse & Co. Fine Art and transport yourself to France for an evening through special works by 2 of our artists, Isabelle Gautier, an artist from Normandy and Emily Ozier (EMYO), who created works inspired by her recent trip to Paris. We will also have live music by Book of Colors and will be sampling French wines and cheeses to celebrate magnifique France.    When: November 1st, 6-9 pm Where: Muse & Co. Fine Art at 23 and 27 Oak Street, Roswell, GA 30075 Hop on the Trolley provided by Premier Trolley to view exhibits at all 9 galleries in the Roswell Art District, including the Cultural Arts Center.  _____________________________________________________________________ Live Music by  | Book of colors   To hear their original song "Songbird" http://bookofcolors.com/project/songbird-in-the-static-live-529 _____________________________________________________________________ Isabelle Gautier l "Memories from Normandy"  As an expatriate, one always needs something that keeps you connected to your origins. I was born in Normandy and painting helps me grasp everything this region represents. This is the place where the green is greener, where the blue is bluer, where the wind is stronger and my feelings are deeper. Using brush or palette knife I try to keep the deep pigment in the acrylic paint intact to preserve the energy nature gives me. My quest is not to create the illusion of reality but to suggest with colors and composition the inherent nature of the aesthetic subject.                              "My Lady" | 36x60 | Acrylic on Canvas (sold)                                                                                                                                                                        EMYO l "Breathing New Life...Photos from Paris" While wandering in a French flea market, recently I found this pile of old and forgotten photos. As I turned through them, I began to see that they had stories to tell.  Each photo, a part of someone's life experience in beautiful Paris years ago.  This body of work is about breathing new life into something that was dead, old, and forgotten.  With paint, I infused color and life, where there was once a story that was only black and white.  Isn't that true of each of our lives, there might be something old, dead, and seemingly useless that can actually be a beautiful part of our story. . . "Paris Jazz" | 48x48  |  Mixed Media on Canvas Presales available! For more information or if you would like us to send you more images please contact us at the gallery or request more via e-mail.  All the best,  23 & 27 Oak Street Roswell, Ga. 30075 770-594-9511 Gallery www.musecofineart.com

 23 & 27 Oak Street
Roswell, Ga. 30075

770-594-9511 Gallery
www.musecofineart.com

Glitches, did you say?

Can you HEAR that conversation in the Oval Office? The PRESIDENT'S pet project and the software is giving him a black eye? I do expect that the best computer gurus in this world have been dragged into service and put to work. "You do whatever it takes" has to be the message.

For those of us who live at the mercy of our computers and computer links, we should all be able to understand that the computer does what the computer does. Microsoft? How rich is that company? Their new Windows 8 has people shuddering. Yeah, they've come out with 8.1 real quick, but not before people -- in unison -- said "I don't like it. I don't want it."

About Healthcare -- nothing wrong with that idea. It's only the software. Great idea to keep people from suffering and dying. Only "conservatives" are opposed to doing that. But we have already seen their dingbat behavior and lack of concern for the citizens of this country -- the ones who can't donate billions to their coffers. Even Gov. Rick Perry of Texas did a turn-around and accepted federal support for healthcare -- but who can explain what he does? Even when he does the right thing.

Another day in this very interesting world.

Leave the Bicycles Alone!

Full disclosure -- I'm not a bicycle rider, don't own a bicycle and never even learned to ride one really well. Also don't climb mountains, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Note to GA Legislators: Please leave bicycles alone! The word is out that they want to issue bicycle licenses for $15 each and fines of $100 for anyone who doesn't have one. Damn, this world is over-regulated. It won't be possible for a teenager to ride his bicycle to school without looking over his shoulder to see if there are blue lights flashing.

Another way to soak citizens. License, tickets, fines. Makes me sick to my stomach. Let something be free for God's sake! And free of red tape. The simplicity of a bicycle is one of its attractions. I say -- leave it that way! 

Our lawmakers are so into raising money from every possible corner. This is over-doing it. Stop!! Go back to looking at the crooks and corruption, the sex traffickers and the people who don't pay fair wages. There is a lot of work that needs to be done without milking bicycle riders.

And while you're at it, legislators -- put medicaid into play for all the poor people in Georgia who are being deprived of needed medical insurance because you can't get off the political soap box and recognize real need. The federal government will pick up the tab. The only problem is -- YOU!!!

Thank you.

California gets it right - and explains the Affordable Healthcare Law for all of us!

Some of this may not apply to you if you aren't lucky enough to live in California, but keep reading -- they explain what happens if you live in other places, too.

Here it is:

Starting Oct. 1, millions of Californians can start signing up for health insurance under the federal Affordable Care Act.
In addition to new coverage options, the healthcare law changes the rules of the insurance game for many consumers. It also requires most Americans to get health insurance or pay a penalty.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions. Please share your comments or ask questions athealthcare@latimes.com. Submissions must include names and phone numbers.

Do I need to do anything right now?
You have time to consider your options. You can start signing up for health insurance Tuesday through Covered California, the state's new marketplace.
The earliest policies take effect is Jan. 1. You'll need to buy a health plan no later than Dec. 15 if you want your benefits to kick in at the start of the year. Enrollment for the state exchange runs through March 31. Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, accepts applicants year round.

Where do I go to enroll?
In California, go to the Covered California website or call the health marketplace at (800) 300-1506. The state can also refer you to community groups, insurance agents and government offices that offer enrollment help in person.
Outside California, visit HealthCare.gov to find the link and other contact information for the marketplace in your state.

I get my insurance through work. Will that be affected next year because of all this?
Most people with health insurance through work won't be directly affected by the overhaul.
Employers will keep adjusting their health benefits as they have for years, but in most cases those changes in coverage or worker contributions have little to do with the Affordable Care Act. Changes are driven largely by employers' efforts to reduce their healthcare costs.

How much will this new health coverage cost?
That depends on your age, where you live, the level of coverage you want and whether you qualify for a federal subsidy based on your income.
Four basic levels of coverage are sold through Covered California: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Bronze plans are generally the least expensive, while Platinum plans are the priciest.
For example, a family of four in Los Angeles earning $65,000 a year could pay $384 a month for a mid-level Silver plan.
In general, more comprehensive plans have more expensive premiums but have lower out-of-pocket costs for medical care. For instance, a Bronze plan on average covers 60% of a person's total healthcare costs. At the high end, Platinum plans cover 90%.
People younger than 30 also have the option of a less expensive and more limited policy.
There are subsidies: Individuals earning less than $45,960 annually may qualify for federal tax credits that lower their monthly premium. Subsidies are available for a family of four making less than $94,200.
For a sense of what health insurance may cost you, check the state's calculator.

Can I wait until I get sick to enroll?
No. There is a six-month open enrollment period that runs from Tuesday to March 31.
If you fail to sign up during that period, you'll be on the hook for your medical bills. Unless you're eligible for Medi-Cal, you wouldn't be able to buy insurance in the exchange until the next enrollment period comes around in fall 2014.
There are exceptions. People who experience a "qualifying event" that affects their insurance coverage, such as losing a job, will be allowed to buy coverage outside of the open enrollment period.

What are the penalties if I don't buy health insurance?
The federal health law requires most Americans to buy health insurance. If you don't, you'll be charged a penalty in 2014 of $95 or 1% of your household income, whichever is greater. The penalties go up after that.

Will I pay more for being a smoker or having cancer in the past?
Although the federal law allows insurers to charge smokers as much as 50% more than nonsmokers, California decided not to levy that surcharge. Smokers and nonsmokers are treated the same.
Everyone is guaranteed coverage regardless of their medical history under the law. Also, insurers can't charge people more based on their health.

What kind of income is counted in determining whether I qualify for premium subsidies?
Salary or income from a job or business counts when it comes to calculating whether you qualify for Medicaid or federal subsidies toward the purchase of private insurance.
Other sources of income, such as unemployment insurance, pensions, Social Security, alimony and rental proceeds, all count. Your assets, like a home, are not included in the calculation.
For many taxpayers, line 37 on their most recent IRS Form 1040 provides an idea of what will be used.

Does my employer have to offer me coverage now?
Most large employers already provide benefits. But starting in 2015, firms with 50 or more full-time workers will be required to provide health coverage to employees who work more than 30 hours a week, on average.

What will it cost when I go to the ER or see the doctor?
That depends on the plan you select. All health plans sold to individuals and small businesses next year must help cover the cost of emergency services.
In a Bronze plan in California, for instance, you would owe a $300 co-payment for a visit to the emergency room. A primary-care appointment would cost $45 on a Silver plan. Lower-income patients would pay even less thanks to federal cost-sharing subsidies.

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal?
That is California's Medicaid program for the poor. Under the federal law, the state has expanded eligibility to people earning as much as $15,856 a year or families of four earning less than $32,500.

I have a small business with five employees. How does this affect me?
Firms with fewer than 50 full-time employees aren't required to provide health insurance. It remains optional under the health law.
Covered California offers a marketplace specifically for small businesses to shop for coverage apart from where individuals buy policies. Some small firms may also be eligible for tax credits.

I'm an undocumented resident in California. Can I get financial help with my premiums?
No, undocumented residents are not eligible for federal subsidies. There are other county and private programs that may assist people with their medical bills.

I have Medicare. Do I have to buy a new health plan through the marketplace?
No, anyone currently covered by Medicare or the U.S. Veterans Administration will remain with those government programs.

Explaining the healthcare law -- California does a bang up job of it!

California has embraced the Affordable Healthcare Act and has done a great job of explaining the law -- whether you're in California or not. Here it is:

Starting Oct. 1, millions of Californians can start signing up for health insurance under the federal Affordable Care Act.

In addition to new coverage options, the healthcare law changes the rules of the insurance game for many consumers. It also requires most Americans to get health insurance or pay a penalty.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions. Please share your comments or ask questions athealthcare@latimes.com. Submissions must include names and phone numbers.

Do I need to do anything right now?

You have time to consider your options. You can start signing up for health insurance Tuesday through Covered California, the state's new marketplace.

The earliest policies take effect is Jan. 1. You'll need to buy a health plan no later than Dec. 15 if you want your benefits to kick in at the start of the year. Enrollment for the state exchange runs through March 31. Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, accepts applicants year round.

Where do I go to enroll?

In California, go to the Covered California website or call the health marketplace at (800) 300-1506. The state can also refer you to community groups, insurance agents and government offices that offer enrollment help in person.

Outside California, visit HealthCare.gov to find the link and other contact information for the marketplace in your state.

I get my insurance through work. Will that be affected next year because of all this?

Most people with health insurance through work won't be directly affected by the overhaul.

Employers will keep adjusting their health benefits as they have for years, but in most cases those changes in coverage or worker contributions have little to do with the Affordable Care Act. Changes are driven largely by employers' efforts to reduce their healthcare costs.

How much will this new health coverage cost?

That depends on your age, where you live, the level of coverage you want and whether you qualify for a federal subsidy based on your income.

Four basic levels of coverage are sold through Covered California: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Bronze plans are generally the least expensive, while Platinum plans are the priciest.

For example, a family of four in Los Angeles earning $65,000 a year could pay $384 a month for a mid-level Silver plan.

In general, more comprehensive plans have more expensive premiums but have lower out-of-pocket costs for medical care. For instance, a Bronze plan on average covers 60% of a person's total healthcare costs. At the high end, Platinum plans cover 90%.

People younger than 30 also have the option of a less expensive and more limited policy.

There are subsidies: Individuals earning less than $45,960 annually may qualify for federal tax credits that lower their monthly premium. Subsidies are available for a family of four making less than $94,200.

For a sense of what health insurance may cost you, check the state's calculator.

Can I wait until I get sick to enroll?

No. There is a six-month open enrollment period that runs from Tuesday to March 31.

If you fail to sign up during that period, you'll be on the hook for your medical bills. Unless you're eligible for Medi-Cal, you wouldn't be able to buy insurance in the exchange until the next enrollment period comes around in fall 2014.

There are exceptions. People who experience a "qualifying event" that affects their insurance coverage, such as losing a job, will be allowed to buy coverage outside of the open enrollment period.

What are the penalties if I don't buy health insurance?

The federal health law requires most Americans to buy health insurance. If you don't, you'll be charged a penalty in 2014 of $95 or 1% of your household income, whichever is greater. The penalties go up after that.

Will I pay more for being a smoker or having cancer in the past?

Although the federal law allows insurers to charge smokers as much as 50% more than nonsmokers, California decided not to levy that surcharge. Smokers and nonsmokers are treated the same.

Everyone is guaranteed coverage regardless of their medical history under the law. Also, insurers can't charge people more based on their health.

What kind of income is counted in determining whether I qualify for premium subsidies?

Salary or income from a job or business counts when it comes to calculating whether you qualify for Medicaid or federal subsidies toward the purchase of private insurance.

Other sources of income, such as unemployment insurance, pensions, Social Security, alimony and rental proceeds, all count. Your assets, like a home, are not included in the calculation.

For many taxpayers, line 37 on their most recent IRS Form 1040 provides an idea of what will be used.

Does my employer have to offer me coverage now?

Most large employers already provide benefits. But starting in 2015, firms with 50 or more full-time workers will be required to provide health coverage to employees who work more than 30 hours a week, on average.

What will it cost when I go to the ER or see the doctor?

That depends on the plan you select. All health plans sold to individuals and small businesses next year must help cover the cost of emergency services.

In a Bronze plan in California, for instance, you would owe a $300 co-payment for a visit to the emergency room. A primary-care appointment would cost $45 on a Silver plan. Lower-income patients would pay even less thanks to federal cost-sharing subsidies.

Who qualifies for Medi-Cal?

That is California's Medicaid program for the poor. Under the federal law, the state has expanded eligibility to people earning as much as $15,856 a year or families of four earning less than $32,500.

I have a small business with five employees. How does this affect me?

Firms with fewer than 50 full-time employees aren't required to provide health insurance. It remains optional under the health law.

Covered California offers a marketplace specifically for small businesses to shop for coverage apart from where individuals buy policies. Some small firms may also be eligible for tax credits.

I'm an undocumented resident in California. Can I get financial help with my premiums?

No, undocumented residents are not eligible for federal subsidies. There are other county and private programs that may assist people with their medical bills.

I have Medicare. Do I have to buy a new health plan through the marketplace?

No, anyone currently covered by Medicare or the U.S. Veterans Administration will remain with those government programs.

What we choose to tell...

     We all have our inner world -- the place that we feel and hurt and love -- and don't necessarily share with everyone.
     Recently, I met a woman whose stepfather had a heart-stopping story in his past that she had been totally unaware of -- and didn't discover until she found his memoirs when she was cleaning out his apartment after he died.
     This man, John D. Gilbert, a humble, quiet janitor and pastor, husband to her widowed mother never gave her a clue that he had spent almost a quarter century in the most violent prison in this country for a murder he did not commit.
     For more about this heart-wrenching, heart-warming story, look at Pastor with a Past in Kickstarter:
        
      http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/68635682/pastor-with-a-past 

     John Gilbert was the kind of guy who did all he could for those around him.

 

Are we all going to melt down?

    

As the craziness in Washington continues, there are sensible people in other places doing their BEST to cope with real problems. Japan is dealing with it's nuclear melt-down, an issue far more serious in its lasting effects.

When we stand back, it is clear that the problem is not this nuclear melt down. It's the issue of a burgeoning population with ongoing needs and demands. The best minds in the world created nuclear power. The best minds in the world are now trying to cope with what they created.

The Chinese were farsighted and when they mandated the chilling, life changing one family, one child policy. They couldn't feed the people they had and they stunned the world with their solution.

Now, our world is faced not only with the cry for food, but the demands for energy. Life has become more and more complicated. Simplicity could save us -- some people see it and try to go that way. Here I am, writing a message on my computer...

Yoo Hoo! Congress Where are You?

We have the most absurd characters running the United States of America. They compete with cartoons for exaggerated, farcical posturing. Maybe cartoons can't even get there!

Let's take it from another angle: If this were a family -- it is as if mother and father abandoned the children -- without any resources and without taking any responsibility. In such a case, social services would step in and take those children into custody to protect them. 

We don't have a safety net with our government. Should the Supreme Court be able to step in and take charge? Should the President be able to make decisions when Congress virtually abdicates? We have three arms to our government and one of them is not functioning. If this were a third world country -- no question -- the army would stage a coup. End of story.

Perhaps we are being given a chance to understand coup mentality -- and maybe even begin to sympathize. We have a bunch of losers running loose and causing inexcusable harm.

His stepdaughter never knew!

"Pastor with a Past" is about a man who was sentenced to 393 years in prison at the age of 17. This shy teenager -- guilty of nothing except listening to his cousins and hanging around with them -- turned his prison life into an incredible success story. A poor, almost illiterate black kid with a good heart and a strong work ethic took a Bible study class and became the first prisoner in history to become an Ordained Pastor. No small feat. And, yes, he was eventually able to get released.

Anyway, I am determined to make a movie out of his story and have just posted a Kickstarter project. If you are curious about it, this is the link:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/68635682/pastor-with-a-past

 I'd love to know what you think about the story -- the project -- the way I put together the Kickstarter submission. It's my first venture into this world and it's intimidating -- that's all I can say. Other submissions just look so slick! Ask me to write something -- no problem. Ask me to put together a Kickstarter deal -- wow, that was a challenge.

 Thanking you in advance if you do take a look -- please at least leave a message and a comment.

 Loretta

For the love of guns...

The truth is sad. As a country, we get failing grades on simple self preservation. So, the people with guns, are they pleased with themselves? Are they pleased that their stubbornness makes these tragedies possible? Even worse, there is the certainty that we have no seen the end of it. If there is a war, it is understandable -- there is an enemy to blame. In this case -- an echo of an old cartoon strip -- we have seen the enemy and it is us.

The Saga of Syria and it's Poor People

Syria! I hear the news -- arguments for punishing the GOVERNMENT of Syria. That's the big flaw in the argument. The GOVERNMENT is not going to suffer. It is PEOPLE in Syria who will be dead and wounded. The thought makes me ill, that we would do this to innocent people. The guilty will be in shelters, I'm sure. I can't buy into this.

When I say "poor'" as in to be pitied, not necessarily poor in wealth. But what is wealth if your life in its entirety is at risk?

To the people of Syria, no matter side, let this be a message of sympathy for your plight. Nothing is good about the situation. So many refugees fleeing a situation they did not create. My heart goes out to all of you.

Politics and power -- great when they work, but the world's worst nightmare when they turn against you. I am 100% sure that President Barack Obama wants to do the right thing -- but what is it? What can be done that will help? We would like to be the heroes, but it doesn't seem possible. Heroes to some, not to others? That's not a big act of heroism.

 

Review: Blue Jasmine, Woody Allen's latest movie

     Sorry, folks. I wouldn't urge anyone to drop everything they're doing -- even if it is darning socks -- to run out and see "Blue Jasmine."

     I saw Woody Allen's new movie, Blue Jasmine, this afternoon -- the after effect is leaving me down in the dumps. It is a movie about a woman who is so selfish and mean she hurts everyone who gets near her. 

      It was a jumpy back and forth exercise in flashbacks that was disturbing in itself. I really wish I had done something else with my afternoon. Overall? Predictable and unsatisfying in spite of really good performances by all the actors. It was the theme and editing that failed. Sure, it tells the story of a shallow woman -- but beating a dead horse is not the making of greatness.

How can we blame our children for what we do?

I couldn't believe what I was hearing this morning. A PRESCHOOLER is going to be disciplined for bringing a gun to school. What kind of ignorance flourishes here in Georgia? It is beyond belief. NPR had the story. Nothing mentioned about whoever made that gun available. No one sold a gun to a preschooler. He couldn't have filled out a gun license form. Give me a break. My head hurts just thinking about this. Oh, yes, and they are going to throw the book at -- what is it -- an 8th grader who brought a gun to school. Where are the grownups? Who is taking responsibility here?

Instead of passing reasonable gun control laws, we will put preschoolers behind bars? Or, are we talking time out? With grownups not taking charge, how will our children ever grow up to understand they world they live in?

Fulton County Proposes Cutting Arts Funding 100% -- Bad Timing!

ARTS ALERT:

I just wrote the following email message to my Fulton county commissioner (relating to the Fulton County Commission Manager's recommendation that we cut the arts budget by 100%!) Feel free to "borrow" any or all of my text:

Dear Commissioner Hausmann,

I am sure you appreciate the value of the arts to our community and economy,
and would hope that you agree slashing the arts budget 100% is counter-productive.

I am a member of several arts organizations including Georgia Production Partnerships,
Atlanta Film Festival and Women's Caucus for Arts of Georgia.  I am also a financial advisor
and former business columnist for the Los Angeles times.

Putting all the pieces in logical fashion, one of the most attractive pieces in Georgia's
economy, and certainly a piece we would be wise to nourish, is the film and television
industry that is currently embracing our state and investing heavily here. It is
bringing BILLIONS of dollars in revenue into Georgia.

As someone who is involved has been involved in the film and television industry in
California and currently here in Georgia, I am very aware of the integrated nature
of all the arts and the film industry. It pulls talents from all the arts. They use dancers,
artists, animators, actors, light designers and a hoard of other individuals with talents
that relate to the arts in every way imaginable. It would be the most short-sighted
management of our budget to cut funding for the arts at this moment in time.

Cutting arts funding? When the arts feed a major industry that we are trying to
romance and entice into our backyard?  Please convey this message to those who
have not thought all of this through. I have friends in Hollywood who are painfully
aware of business moving to Georgia. Is everyone on the Fulton County Commission
getting the message?

If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you very much,

Loretta Andre Paraguassu

What is he thinking?

     Last night I was part of the captive audience -- watching the Tonight Show and listening to Barack Obama pitch his positions on various issues. Much as I admire the man, I couldn't help wishing he had a little more of the Bill Clinton talent for entertaining an audience.

     No, that isn't what is bothering me this morning. What has me upset is that he wants to dump Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and reward our oh-so-admirable private sector with the whole kit and caboodle of mortgage loans. Who was responsible for the mortgage meltdown? It wasn't the government agencies. It was Bank of America and its compatriot private enterprises. They are too big to fail and too big to control.

    So, the banks are to be rewarded with the entire mortgage business? Tell me, if they couldn't be controlled before, how are we going to control them in the future? They must be high fiving and toasting each other like there is no tomorrow. I, personally, am sickened by the possibility.

    What I want to know is which member of the GOP sold this idea to Obama and what is being bargained in return? This, as far as I'm concerned, really stinks. Sure, one of the cornerstones of the middle class is home ownership. Obama put that in his outline for the conventional American dream. Oh, yeah, this is AFTER the great transfer of wealth and bargain basement sales that have thrilled "investors," AKA, the people who can write a check to buy a house, the people who don't have to worry about taking out a mortgage. And, as those houses go on the rental market for inflated prices to the very people who lost their homes, what is going to change?

    I don't get it!

Drama in the Sky

The women in the Alpharetta Community Pool with me this morning were staring at a tall pole off to the side. A red tailed hawk, a huge bird was circling the pole and several small birds were diving at that hawk. The women were riveted by the scene and I found I couldn't take my eyes away either. There was nothing we could do but watch. What happened was playing out so far from our reach.

One of the women told me that the hawk had a bird in its mouth. The smaller birds around the hawk were relentless in their attacks. The hawk didn't seem to be phased as they dove at it. He -- and I will say "he" although it could have been a female -- settled on the flat top of the post. What he had could have been a baby bird. We couldn't know. There were three birds that kept diving at the hawk. It went on for what seemed like -- maybe ten minutes -- maybe less. It seemed like forever. The attackers were so focused,
so fierce, I could only think that they might have been the parents of a baby bird. But, then, it seemed that there were three who were most involved in the attacks.

With my companions in the pool, I felt the tragedy of what was happening above us. Finally, the hawk
flew away and the small birds were no longer to be seen.

The clouds moved in, the rains came and my neighbor and I stood under the shelter of the walkway,
hoping that the weather would clear and that we could go back in the pool. I looked up at the sky,
pleased to see patches of blue between the clouds. It was clearing and bright again.

Then, I saw it -- the hawk flew by overhead. Behind it a flock of the small birds, clearly in pusuit.

"I wish I hadn't seen that," I said.

My neighbor nodded.

I was left with the thought that the master plan for life has so many devastating realities. Above us was a breathtakingly beautiful sky -- and a tragedy in progress.

Boycott of Target Is in Order!

What follow is  a disturbing response from Target regarding poisonous COCO MULCH that can be deadly to cats and dogs (verified on snopes.com): Here is my response and their message today:

Dear Cathy,

I regret that you consider a poisonous substance merely matter of "taste." Killing domestic animals is not acceptable. Until I hear that Target has stopped selling coco mulch, I will contact every organization that may have an interest in this and urge them to boycott Target.

Again, this is with deep regret that Target is not taking this matter more seriously.

Your former customer,

Loretta Paraguassu
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 09:35:40 -0500
From: guest.relations@target.com
Subject: Your Comments About our Merchandise
To: eyelandone@hotmail.com

Dear Loretta Paraguassu,

I’m sorry to hear you’ve been offended by us selling the Coco Mulch at Target®.

Target welcomes everyone to shop in our stores and has a long history of offering a large assortment of merchandise to a wide variety of guests. Though we serve a significant number of families across the country, we also serve many guests with diverse tastes and interests. Occasionally, we carry merchandise that some guests may find objectionable, as was your experience.

I apologize that you’ve been disappointed by our mulch selection. Your feedback is a big help to us, so I’ll be sure to share your comments with our buyers.

Have questions or want more information about our stores, products or service? Give us a call at (800)440-0680. You can also drop by the Guest Service Desk at any store, or visit us on Target.com. Either way, we’re here to help!

Thanks for shopping with us. We look forward to your next visit to Target.

Sincerely,
Cathy
Target Guest Relations
www.target.com
(800) 440-0680