ArtSees Productions

Okay, so I start out this blog in keeping with the jargon associated with the diner.  I also use that old adage as an attempt to hook you the reader.  I want so much to go back to simpler times.  You know the time when you could quickly pick up the yellow pages and let your fingers do the walking and find that local establishment.  You could find phone numbers, addresses and it was all in one place.  I have found that the internet being the primary way to find out any information, daunting, frustrating and simply put, there are so many search site wanna be’s that it is “virtually” impossible to find anything! It is this type of thing that makes me wonder why in the world we rejoice over the “new school” methods, when clearly they have complicated our lives.  Just one more of the many lies that “new school” lauds over us.

Which brings me to the point, “new school” lies!  We are being inundated with them, daily as a result of the Presidential election.  I truly do not know why I bother to capitalize the P in presidential as there does not seem to be much in the way of honorific standing.  We live in a country where looks, finesse, age, supersede all else.  Where you can become an overnight celebrity because you come from a small town in Alaska and can write a gossipy email, circulate it and somehow that becomes truth.  Where you can use media manipulation to defraud a person’s persona and be glorified.  The lie is that we have digressed, not progressed.  We lack a high degree of social etiquette and class to the point of global embarassment.

We have not progressed, we have race division from all sides.  We suffer greatly from sexism, to the point that we are LAUGHABLE!  We pretend that we truly want Obama, but the truth is in most cases we are supporting him based on a color line.  That is sad, but it is true!  We are promoting someone who has yet to define what his “change method” is.  Can we honestly elect someone just because they say the right word?  CHANGE?

There are those who are voting for McCain simply because he is the white candidate.  Sad, but true!  I read a blog the other day that called the Grand Old Party, the Old White Party.  Sad, but true.  Why isn’t that a racist remark?  Why is it okay to condemn McCain because of age.  I am saddened that it will be a long time before we rid ourselves of the over twenty years of Bushian Bully tactics, so what, what will America do.  What will people of color in this country seriously do should Obama fail you, fail us?  Isn’t he a sexist?  He promotes his wife as “Suzy Homemaker” references the Vice President in a less than acceptable light, refuses to put a woman on the ticket with him, questions how she can handle five kids and the highest seat in Alaska?  Isn’t that sexist?  No matter how you slice it, his remark was inappropriate, but because he represents change it is okay? No, America, it is not okay.  The way I see it, no matter who you vote for at this time, we run the risk of losing. 

I propose a CHANGE, yes, everyone, gasp, now slowly exhale.  You see America, we are all waiting to exhale, but we fear, for if we do, there might not be anything of substance to inhale and revive our sad state of affairs. Here is my proposal in a simple WANT AD.

N O W Non-partisan Opportunity Wins, the Citizen Coalition wants a true non-partisan candidate.  The Board of Directors will accept applications.  The Board of Directors is made up of millions of voters over the age of 18.  They consist of men, women, all religions, ethnic origins and will attempt to fairly and without bias assess the qualifications that not only meet the Constitution of the United States of America, but qualifications that at least match what a leading corporation would expect in order to successfully, completely place America solidly back in a place of global respect, finally, and completely fulfilling the constitutionality of the United States for which it stands, One Nation under God!  Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.  It is not too late it is NOW or never.

Yes, it is true, McDonalds is test marketing a new double cheeseburger with half the cheese, or they might raise the price all in response to rising cost of food as a result of this quasi-non-recession and fuel cost.  The .99 menu is about to become a 1.20 menu, or a cheese-less double cheese burger.  Considering the waist-line of the average American that is probably not the worst thing in the world.

As far as Waffle House naming its new spokesman, it was reported today that in keeping with the times, Waffle House CEO announced that Junior, one time Senator Barack Obama has been asked to represent the chain known for its waffles and other greasy spoon delicacies.  The reason, well it is all in a name…who better to promote waffles then the leading “waffler” Senator Obama!  When asked how he felt about such an honor he said,  I am appalled, I mean I like applause, I mean “its time for a change…, yeah that’s the ticket, American people need a change!”

Move over Burger King, and Dairy Queen make room for the Waffle King!

So much has happened since I last logged on to here, I actually almost forgot my password!  It is amazing how much can change in such a short time.  Since I last logged on there have been a couple “firsts” in American history.  For the first time ever the staunch, male chauvinistic, male dominated, good ole boys club let a “lady” enter into the National political scene by nominating a woman for VP candidate.  Yes, the RNC nominated Sarah Palin as McCain’s running mate.  I am thrilled to beaming smiles that this has happened.  A relative nobody has emerged as a running mate.  It does not surprise me as McCain is not your run of the mill Republican.  Remember, this is not his first attempt at the ticket.  It is just that he has come into his own and is off and running, in part because the RNC needed a moderate enough conservative republican to hopefully (there hopes) maintain a place in the White House.  It does not surprise me that he chose a female running mate for a couple of reasons.  1) He could not possibly have another white haired puppet at his side, and 2) He understands that women can be strong, independent, powerful candidates.  He has watched Hillary for years, and his wife is an independently wealthy, dynamic individual herself.

The other first is of course, Senator Obama.  The first man of diversity and of an ethnic origin that does not reflect the Anglo, puritan image.  He is an American citizen.  Born of a woman of European descent and a father of Kenyan descent, Senator Barack Obama indeed represents people of color.   Having spent the majority of his developmental years in Indonesia, raised by his mother and Indonesian step-father, furthers the diversity.  I am curious though as to why if Senator Obama is so confident that we are ready for change, why he chose a running mate that represents a McCain look alike, one who good or bad represents the establishment, and why he was so afraid of choosing either a female, a Latino, or a 100% black man?  I really wish he would have.  Why not make a solid, complete change?

I will say nothing more on the topic at this time, except that I look forward to seeing some meat behind the promised “change” that both parties claim to represent.

What did happen to that being a primary concern in the upcoming presidential election?  Aside from the fact that Hillary is no longer in the running, why is no one pressing that issue?  I find it Very interesting indeed.

Recently, I heard an ad on the radio, one that addressed an old statistic, it ws stating 47 million uninsured.  Well people that statistic is from 2006.  The rate of unemployment has grown since then and with it so has the uninsured.  The ad was encouraging people to go to their web-site and utilize a fancy dancy matrix to find an affordable insurance option for you and your family. 

What the ad doesn’t tell you is the truth.  The Matrix cannot disclose the hidden information.  But, I will.  This is based on my experience, personally and on my research.

1) You or a loved one might have a pre-existing condition.  This means that you are a risk to them.  Much like auto insurance, the more accidents, tickets, etc.,  the higher the coverage.  The problem with health insurance is you don’t pay a higher premium, they just won’t cover anything associated with the medical problem.  Example: If you have allergies and chronic sinusitis that is clustered under asthma.  Even if you have never had asthma, you will be exempt from insurance with Golden Rule (for instance) if you take allergy medications.  So what does this mean?  Well, say you develop pneumonia and have to be treated by a doctor, hospital, etc.  Then anything associated with that malady might not be covered.  It becomes your expense.  Now, you will get a negotiated rate because the insurance company will ask for it, but you will still pay out of pocket.  Because it is not covered it will not apply to your deductible, you are out!  And that is just the tip of the iceberg!

2)  They will insure you, generally speaking, but not fully cover you. My medical expenses more than double in the past year as I attempted to be a self-employed insured person.  My premiums were close to $300 a month, and 2 of my much needed medications were not covered as they fell under “pre-existent!”  Then I had deductibles to meet.  So my medical cost went up.  Instead of just being the cost of medicine, doctor’s visits (they were not covered, there was always a reason) an ER visit, a ct-scan, my annual mammogram, I had that plus 9 months of premiums that were paid for by me.  Then I was only able to claim a percentage of that on income taxes. So literally my medical costs doubled!

The Insurance companies, the internet advertising that promotes them, not for profit organizations claiming to help the uninsured, and state level promotion of helping the uninsured are all justifications for their profit margins!  The people without insurance are still struggling. 

What needs to be done is to become an American Health care voter!  Let your congressional leaders know that you are ready for major healthcare reform! Become an American Health care Voter today!

ArtSees Productions › Create New Post — WordPress

“Of all the inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” Reverend Martin Luther King (1929-1968) It amazes me that this quote was born out of the apparent disparity that was evident at the rise of M.L. King.  The era of injustice and inequality has not passed us by.  We cannot stand proudly as a nation and say, “that was then, and it passed, Praise God…we are free at last and this is now!”Instead we stand ashamed, that as one of the leading nations in the world we are embarrassed at the reality that we do not tend to the least of our brethren.  Rather we just say “well there are always going to be those with less!” Look around you, especially at this time of year.  We think nothing of dropping hundreds, thousands all in the name of Christmas gifts.  I am not saying that we should not treat those that we love with representations of our appreciation of them, that we should not give joy in the way of gifting.  I am just focusing on how easy it is for the haves to share with the have not’s.  I am not even suggesting that you give money to the have not’s.  How about giving your time, your brain, your ability to stand up and say, “Well I am fortunate, I have access to medical treatment with ease, I have insurance! Yes, I pay for it, but I have it!” What about asking the simple questions, like how can we make sure that all have access?  Do I care that the person delivering my plate of gourmet food has insurance?  Do I realize that the person waiting on me and serving me has access to health care? Do I wonder why some hospitals are making such huge profits, yet there are more people now uninsured than in 2000? Is it realistic to expect the government that is failing now to be my insurance provider?  I believe all people should be able to choose the doctor, the hospital, advocate for quality testing, for fair outcomes.  We cannot boast that that is a reality for all people.  Over 15% of our entire population does not have access to health care, insurance, protection. There are many things that hinder the ability for all people to have ready access.  The uninsured pay a higher price not only financially, but with their lives!  Today it was reported by Mike Stobbe of the Associated Press that “uninsured cancer patients are nearly twice as likely to die within five years as those with private coverage.” It is nothing new that people with no insurance are refused treatment.  Yes, there is a law that is suppose to protect, but many hospitals actually run the risk of a slap on the hand and a fine, should they actually falter in their responsible delivery of treatment.  There is a reality of patient dumping, of a refusal to treat, to order testing, a reality that releases patients too soon.  Corporate greed has no place in health care.  The uninsured do not always receive the same standard of care as the insured.  People are dying because they do not have insurance.  All of us have the ability and power to make long term impacting changes in health care. Ask, why did M.L. King find the “injustice in health care the most shocking and inhumane?”  I agree with Reverend King, injustice in health care is vile, it is wrong.  To hold back the ability to cure, to lessen suffering physically, mentally, and financially is immoral and unethical, and all of us a players, contributors in this game.  Contribute your brains, your abilities, stand up and ask questions, seek answers.  Maybe, we should not tolerate another presidential election go by where there is lip service, and no delivery.  Talk without meaningful dialogue, dialogue without action.  If a person stands by and watches someone being physically assaulted and does nothing about it, they can be brought up on charges, yet we do that daily…apathy can no longer be the American Way. 

If you or someone you know is uninsured, has faced the inability to pay for their hospital bills, received less than standard care, was turned away from a hospital, or was forced to pay prior to treatment, I want to know their story.  There is an unfortunate amount of disparity in treatment, and billing please share your story with us

Many of you have asked, so here it is.  I give credit where credit is due.  Robert says it best!

Tune into Justine Carter, Sweet Peach Wine and The Steve and Mary Show all on podcast.  More added daily!

Pineapple dump cake! Specially prepared for you!

1- box, Pillsbury Moist Supreme white pudding cake mix

1 1/2 cans (20oz size cans) of crushed pineapple in pineapple juice (so in other words 30 oz. of crushed pineapple)

2- large eggs

1/2 stick of butter, not margarine, but butter

1- cup of fat free plain yogurt

Instructions: In a large mixing bowl dump the pineapple (juice and all), cake mix, eggs, and yogurt.  Mix it with a spoon with as much velocity as your limbs can handle.  Jump up and down at least ten times doing it.  Be certain to do ten leg lifts on each leg, (I suggest cranking a little Luther Vandross and shaking your shimmy as well).

Next, in a regular size cake pan…(here you get to determine whether you go bunt, sheet, cake, etc) Now, place the 1/2 stick of butter into the pan, place the pan under the broiler for 2 minutes melting the buttah baby. (watch closely so as to not burn your butt….uh um, butter)

Distribute the butter evenly, now pour the batter into the pan and gently swirl the butter that will ooze up the sides, this will give the top and sides a nice ooolala taste.  (plan on a long walk, aerobic work out, or dance to an entire Luther C.D.!)

Place the pan on a middle shelf and bake until golden brown on the top at 350 degrees.  If you have others in the house they will slowly make their way to kitchen to find out “what’s cookin’?”

From there you can give any little ditties you want and you might get them coming back for more.  Now, if you live alone, be certain to strategically place the fan blowing out the window in the direction that you want to lure in visitors who will ask, “hey baby, whatcha got cookin’?” Use this as the perfect opportunity to convince all that you are a baking goddess, or god…Ciao!